Robert "Bob" Allyn Riplinger, 64, of Idaho Falls passed from this life to his Heavenly Father on April, 3, 2010, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center of complications from Polycystic Kidney, heart and Crohn's diseases, after years of "fighting the good fight." Bob was born November 28, 1945 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He was adopted shortly after birth by John (Jack) G. Riplinger and Kathleen D. Hobson Riplinger. He attended St. Thomas Grade School and then graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy both in Coeur d'Alene. He attended North Idaho College, University of Washington, Oregon Health Sciences University, and graduated from Mt. Hood School of Mortuary Science. Among Bob's vast and diversified work history, he worked for Pacific Finance in Spokane, Washington, Borg-Warner Acceptance Corporation in Spokane and in Billings, Montana. He worked for Sunshine Mining in Kellogg, Idaho. His mortician experience began with apprenticeship at English Funeral Home in Coeur d'Alene, continuing at Downard's Funeral Home in Pocatello, and Pegg, Paxson and Springer Funeral Home in Beaverton, Oregon, where he obtained his Mortuary Science degree from Mt. Hood College. He worked as a licensed Mortician and Funeral Director for Hennessey Funeral Home in Spokane, Washington' Buck-Sullivan Funeral Home in Idaho Falls. Bob's father had his first job as a mortician at Downard's in the 1940s.Bob's parents began the Riplinger Funeral Home in Spokane, but six months later John died from a massive stroke. Although the funeral home was sold out of the family soon thereafter, it retains the Riplinger name. Bob retired due to health problems but continued to work in his chosen profession part time at Coltrin Mortuary in Idaho Falls until he was no longer able to do so. His compassion, competence and dedication will be remembered by the many families he served. Bob was in the U.S. Army, Idaho National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserves from 1964 until 1972, serving his country during the Viet Nam crisis until his honorable discharge in 1972 Bob married Kathy Burke, later divorcing in 1978. They had one adopted daughter, Barbara. In 1986, Bob married the love of his life and caregiver Marlene. Bob was a member of the National Kidney Foundation, Kiwanis, Rotary, Coeur d'Alene Jaycees, holding various positions there; Gem State Dialysis Patient Association President, and Chasewood Homeowners Association President. He had exceptional expertise with computers because of his patience, acumen for technology, voracious reading and keen ability to process information. He derived great pleasure in sharing that knowledge with family, friends and with the Idaho Falls Senior Citizen's Center computer classes. Bob was active in competitive water skiing (winning many trophies), snowmobiling, boating, golfing, camping, fishing, hunting, and becoming involved with the high tech computer industry. He enjoyed the many friends made at 7N Ranch and Heise. Bob loved his family, especially his daughter, Barbara, his wife, Marlene; a sister, Jill; step-sons, and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Marlene of Idaho Falls; daughter, Barbara of Post Falls, Idaho; a sister, Jill (Terry) Best of Leesburg, Indiana; step-sons: David Covert of Anchorage, Alaska and Darrell (Janine) Covert of Pocatello, Idaho; four grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, one great step-granddaughter, many nieces and nephews; a birth aunt, Lillian in Thompson Falls, Montana; a half-sister, Vivian in Seattle, Washington; and a half-brother, Dallas in Priest River, Idaho. Maybelle, his birth mother, died of Polycystic Kidney and Crohn's diseases at age 55. His half-brother, Danny, died of Polycystic Kidney Disease also. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John and Kay; a brother, Bill; and grandparents. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2010, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. Idaho Falls, Idaho. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the services. Military rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team and the Idaho Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation at PDK Foundation; 8330 Ward Parkway, Suite 510; Kansas City, MO 64114-2000, 1-800-753-2873, or to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607, 1-800-241-Gift. As family, we extend our sincere thanks to the doctors and staff of ICU-A at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for their compassion and dedication. Also, we extend our thanks and appreciation to the Drs. Rahim and staff for their years of caring for Bob at Idaho Kidney Center. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com