Bernie Gail Schutte, 78, of Kimberly, Idaho, passed away on August 22, 2026. Bernie was a kind and gentle man with a big heart, a gift for fixing nearly anything, and an even greater gift for making people feel welcome. Recently described as a “gentle giant,” it was a fitting description for a man who was always willing to lend a hand, share a story, or simply sit and visit awhile.

Bernie was born October 29, 1947, and raised in Eden, Idaho, the fifth of six children born to Vern and Lillian Schutte. He grew up surrounded by siblings, cousins, and extended family, helping on the family farm and worshipping the Lord at the Lutheran Church in Eden. Even as a young boy, Bernie could often be found in the family shop working on cars. What began as a childhood interest became a lifelong talent and career.

After graduating from high school, Bernie attended the College of Southern Idaho, where he studied mechanics. He then spent many years working alongside his family at Vern Schutte & Sons, constructing steel buildings throughout Idaho. He later went on to become an exceptional mechanic and owned and operated his own repair shop in Hazelton for many years.

Bernie was one of those rare people who could fix just about anything—and closing his mechanic shop certainly didn't mean he stopped fixing things. He also established a small business selling and repairing highly efficient fuel oil stoves, which he continued after closing the shop. Whether it was a car, a stove, or something else that wasn't working quite right, chances were Bernie could figure it out.

Shortly after high school, Bernie married Dawn Wolf. They were married for 42 years and together raised their two children, Todd and Brandi. Bernie was an active and involved father who filled their childhood with camping adventures, motorcycle rides, sporting events, and time spent together. He was also a patient and gifted teacher, taking the time to show Todd and Brandi how to work with their hands, solve problems, and tackle the practical tasks of everyday life.

Later in life, Bernie connected with Connie Heidemann through church. What began as a friendship soon became something more, and the two would spend the next 17 years as loving partners. Together they shared a love of family, the outdoors, and simply spending time together. Connie's sons, Greg, Lucas, and Curtis, became an important part of Bernie's life, and he loved them and their families as his own.

Bernie was a loving and involved grandpa to all of the grandchildren in his life, whether they came to him through Todd and Brandi or through Connie's boys. He enjoyed watching them grow, spending time with them, and being part of their lives. To Bernie, family was family, and he loved them all wholeheartedly.

Bernie loved the outdoors, especially fishing, hunting, and camping. He and Connie spent countless hours taking drives through the South Hills, exploring familiar roads and simply enjoying being together. Connie often says she knows the South Hills very well after all those drives with Bernie.

But as much as Bernie enjoyed the places he went, he enjoyed the people along the way even more. Bernie loved to talk and visit. He might get in his vehicle and make the rounds, stopping at the homes of friends simply to see them and catch up. He genuinely enjoyed people, particularly those who shared his interests, and a quick conversation with Bernie could easily turn into a long visit.

Above all, Bernie had an enormous heart. If someone needed help, he would drop what he was doing and be there. He gave generously of his time, his talents, and himself, never expecting anything in return.

Bernie's faith remained important throughout his life, and he passed that faith along in quiet and meaningful ways. His grandchildren may especially remember sleepovers with Grandpa and saying the bedtime prayer, “Now I lay me down to sleep.” It was a simple tradition, but one that reflected the faith, love, and gentleness that were so much a part of Bernie.

Bernie is survived by his loving partner of 17 years, Connie Heidemann; his children, Todd Schutte and Brandi Schutte; Connie's sons, Greg Heidemann, Lucas Heidemann, and Curtis Heidemann; his grandchildren, Bailey, Payton, Piper, London, and Storie; eight great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Cannon, Scarlett, Georgia, Rory, Riggs, Harlow, and Archie; his sisters, Juanita (Tony) Burgemeister and Bev (Kirk) Claiborn; his former wife, Dawn Wolf-Schutte and many extended family members and friends who were fortunate to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Lillian Schutte, and his brothers, Burton, Everett, and Jim.

Bernie spent a lifetime building and fixing things, helping people, telling stories, exploring the outdoors, and making time for the people he cared about. His family will remember the mechanic who could fix almost anything, the outdoorsman who never tired of another drive through the South Hills, the grandpa who shared his bedtime prayer, and, most of all, the gentle giant with the biggest heart.

A memorial service celebrating Bernie's life will be held Friday, September 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Twin Falls. The service will also be available by livestream for those unable to attend in person. A family inurnment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park.

Services are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church or to a charity of the donor's choice.