Chet Neal Kirkpatrick

As we travel through life, we encounter many challenges. Today is definitely one of our greatest challenges.

Chet Neal Kirkpatrick was born to Blake and Lisa Kirkpatrick on May 3, 1994. Chet, brother Wes and little sister Saige became the family’s 3 musketeers.

Even before Chet’s birth his anticipated arrival was celebrated. Chet was the first child & grandchild. And from that moment he had all our hearts wrapped around his tiny little finger. Children and Grandchildren are truly Gods gift from heaven.

Chet lived his life with an open heart full of love and mischief. Mischief you say. There was plenty. Chet and Wes were a team in everything they did. Whether it was Chasing girls or giving Blake a hard time.

As most kids Chet was a lover of animals. With cats and dogs, horses, cows, chickens, pigs, goats and even a turtle. Each animal had a story behind it and a named. The cows even had names.

As youngsters Chet and Wes once talked Gramma into letting them float Camas creek during high water. Stepping off the bridge onto the tubes. Telling her -Oh Ya- mom and dad let us do this all the time. Trouble, trouble!! But like most things a trip to the dollar store and packs of Big Red gum fixed everything with Gramma.

While still youngsters, Chet and Wes were helping Blake tag calves. One cow was on the fight. Blake jerked the calf onto the flatbed, the cow followed. He then jerked it onto the roof of the pickup, the cow followed. Blake jumped off the pickup running around to get in the door. Scared to death the cow was after them- Chet and Wes had locked the doors so Blake couldn’t get in.

Over the years the mischief turned kindness & respect for others.

Chet once brought a brand-new corvette to Elle’s grandpas shop (who Chet always addressed as Sir) with his big cowboy hat, he leaned over the counter and said come on Gramps let’s ride. And what a ride it was. Even Grandpa showed his inner kid.

Always the lover of the underdog – Chet saw a homeless man walking in front of his house. He ran in the house, grabbing a sack, filling it and running back out to give the man the food.

If there was a stray animal, Chet would pack it home. There was always a place for those in need.

Chet excelled in everything he tried. If it was something he wanted to do. And in high school anything Athletic happened to be just the thing. Football, basketball and wrestling held his love Joining the wrestling team as a senior, Chet ended up placing 3rd at state. Fishing with Blake and Wes in Alaska held a special place. Ranching, roping and learning a work ethic that was hardcore was the foundation of Chet’s life. Chet learned to ride well before he learned to walk. Long cattle drives and time with family made the boy, grown to become an amazing man. Chet never backed down from a job. It didn’t matter how hard the job was.

Life isn’t easy and Chet had his share of bumps in the road, as we all do. The Loss of Wes hit him so very hard. But his love for his family was his bond and he fought on.

While working in Twin Falls, Chet met the love of his life. Elle loved Chet from the moment she met him. Their love for each other was beyond measure. Elle became Chet’s silent warrior & supporter with her soft-spoken encouragement of kindness and faith and her unending love. Chet was immediately blessed with Cotton and Layne and later with precious little Jess to complete this loving home. His love for this little family became his sole purpose in life. Elle’s love for Chet will be never ending!

Chet is survived by his partner Elle Blick, three sons: Jess Weston Kirkpatrick, Cotton Wanstrom, and Laynie Wanstrom, Parents, Blake and Lisa Kirkpatrick, a sister Saige Kirkpatrick, grandparents Jan and Sid Brown and Betty Kirkpatrick. He was preceded in death by his brother Weston and grandfather Neal Kirkpatrick.

The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Baptist Church with Funeral services on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 11:00 a,m. in the Dubois Community Center. Burial will be in the Dubois Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Funeral Home, Rigby, Idaho. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com.