William Roy Lepetic

William “Bill” Roy Lepetic, 89, of Idaho Falls, passed away October 23, 2026, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center following a sudden cardiac event.

Bill was born April 29, 1937, in Anaconda, Montana, to Roy Lepetic and Rose Boskovich Lepetic. He grew up and attended schools in Montana and graduated from Butte High School in 1955. He attended Montana School of Mines in Butte, Montana, 1955-1957, and transferred to Montana State University in 1958, where he earned his bachelor’s of science in Mechanical Engineering in 1962.

He left behind a proud athletic legacy rooted in his hometown of Butte where he was a celebrated star for both football and baseball. As the starting quarterback for the Butte High Bulldogs, Bill led his team to victory in the historic 1954 cross-town rivalry against Butte Central. Lepetic scored on a 2-yard quarterback sneak to secure a 13-6 victory. He lettered in varsity football.

Beyond football, Bill was a prominent shortstop for the Butte American Legion junior baseball team. In the summer of 1953, the Billings Gazette detailed his performance in the state tournament, including a key multi RBI single that drove in future coaching legend, Bob Petrino Sr.

Honoring his lasting impact and athletic excellence, Bill was later inducted into the Butte High Silver B’s organization as part of a selective class of Platinum B inductees – a fitting tribute to a true hometown sports legend whose competitive spirit and shining moments on the field remain a cherished part of Butte’s history.

Bill served for two years in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in February of 1965 at Fort Lewis, Washington.

Bill began his engineering career in California, and then made his home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, in 1974 where he worked as a mechanical engineer for Westinghouse Electric, and later Lockheed Martin and EG&G. He retired in 1995.

In 1979, Bill met Lea Foote, and as one of his nieces put it “that is when his life began.” They shared the next 30 years together playing golf, skiing, traveling, creating a beautiful home, and sharing in the upbringing of grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were there for every sporting event, school event, and holiday. Bill never mentioned his own great sports career, but was the number one fan of those children he loved. He always took great interest in their education and encouraged them to follow their dreams. His love of reading created an extensive library which he was glad to share.

He was also an avid fly fisherman and tied his own flies. He, grandson, Rob Meikle, and great grandson, Connor Maloney, shared great memories with Bill on the areas beautiful streams.

Bill’s athleticism continued in his senior years, as a regular golfer at the Idaho Falls Country club and the city courses and as part of a senior group of golf buddies. He also could be found walking outside, or at the mall, or at Gold’s Gym.

At the end of Lea’s life, as she suffered from complications of a brain injury and dementia, Bill served lovingly as her primary caregiver. Bill cared for her every need and enabled her to stay in her home until her passing in 2010. It was but one of many ways he demonstrated his love and devotion to Lea.

Bill is survived by Lea’s daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Ric Howell of Idaho Falls, ID; nieces, Kori Peterson (John Risher) of Salt Lake City, Suzette Simonich and Shavonne Simonich (Tony Simons) of Fort Collins, CO, Karen Dunfee (Stevie) of Lakeside, MT; nephews, Billy (Megan) Peterson of Butte, MT and Bob Peterson of Butte, MT; grandchildren, Gretchen Maloney (Doug McCarty), Rob Meikle (Jamie), Jessica Meikle (Tom Newman); and great grandchildren, Madison Maloney (Danny Peterson), Connor Maloney, Desa Bennett (Cody), Tassie Meikle, Andrew Newman, and Eliza Newman.

He was preceded in death by his forever love, Lea Foote; parents, Roy and Rose Lepetic; sister, Marilynn Simonich; brother-in-law, Eddy Simonich; sister, Lila Peterson; and brother-in-law, Bob Peterson.

A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 2026, at the Idaho Falls Country Club, 11611 S. Country Club Drive.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to educational or athletic organizations serving children.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.