Wayne Francis Couture, 82

Wayne Francis Couture, 82, died Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at his home at Dog (Rainbow) Lake, Montana.

Wayne was born Feb. 12, 1935, in St. Ignatius to Alexander and Madeline Ruth (Philips) Couture. He was the third born of six children.

Wayne married the love of his life, Barbara Louise Noble, on Dec. 20, 1957. He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged on March 30, 1962. Wayne and Barbara returned home and lived in Polson for a short period of time with their children Marla and Craige. The family moved to St. Maries, Idaho, in 1965 and added three more children Casey, Traci and Mark. Wayne worked for Potlach Corporation until he retired as a heavy equipment operator in June of 1995.

Wayne loved time with his family, spoiling his grandchildren, picking huckleberries, hunting, fishing, sitting by his fire at Dog Lake with a cup of coffee with whoever was lucky enough to be present.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alex Couture and Madeline Couture; sisters, Agnes Caye and Mary Lefthand; brother, Ignace Couture; and infant sister, Madeline.

He is survived by his brother, Raymond “Eddie” Couture (Earline), of Elmo; aunt, Helen Charlo, of Elmo; the love of his life, Barbara, of Dog Lake; children, Marla (Robert) Cowan of Dog Lake, Craige (Brenda) Couture of Polson, Casey (Danielle) Couture of Ronan, Traci Couture and Willie Birthmark of Polson, and Mark (Tana) Couture of St. Ignatius; 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. July 8, at the Lighthouse Christian Fellowship in Ronan with a meal to follow.

Messages of condolence may be shared with the family online at www.thelakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. Arrangements are under the care of the Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.