Blake Nuffer

Blake Gordon Nuffer passed away suddenly on October 3rd, 2025, doing what he loved, working cows. Though his time was far too short, he leaves behind a legacy that touched countless lives and reached across many miles.

Born on February 14, 1958, in Soda Springs, Idaho, Blake was the beloved son of Jack and Gem Nuffer and the younger brother of Rob Nuffer—his lifelong best friend and role model.

Blake graduated from Bear Lake High School in 1976. Even though the doctors told his parents he might not learn to talk because of his cleft palate, Blake attended auctioneering school in Billings, Montana and became an auctioneer, proving them wrong. His natural charisma and voice made him an exceptional auctioneer, and he shared his talent generously — not only through his professional work but also by volunteering at countless community fundraisers and benefits throughout his life.

Blake started working for the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the Bear Lake refuge in Bear Lake, Idaho in 1976. It was during this time that he met Sandy and they were married on November 21, 1980 and built a beautiful life together, raising three children: Lacey Gem, Meggie Mae, and Cooper Jack. Blake was a supportive husband and a proud father — his family was truly his world. He never missed a chance to cheer on his kids and was always their biggest fan. He loved his grandkids so deeply and he drove many miles to attend anything they were involved in. He never missed an opportunity to brag about them.

His career with the Fish and Wildlife Service spanned three states. He also worked on the Minidoka National Wildlife refuge in Rupert Idaho, the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Burns, Oregon, and the National Bison Range in Charlo, Montana. After 16 years with the Fish and Wildlife he decided to leave the government and become partners with Terry Warneke in the Worland Livestock Auction in 1992. The family moved to Worland, Wyoming, where they spent 12 wonderful years. During this time, Blake also became a regional manager for Superior Livestock Auction and managed the northwest region of representatives that worked for Superior Livestock and he later became a rep for Superior Livestock Auction.

In 2009, Blake partnered with Ted Odle to purchase the Montana Livestock Auction, a venture he poured his heart into. In 2020, Blake and Sandy became the sole owners of Montana Livestock Auction, a milestone that reflected years of dedication, hard work, and faith in the business they helped build together. Blake was so proud of the team at Montana Livestock Auction that surrounded him and always gave them the credit for the sale barn’s success. Blake loved getting out into the country, visiting with ranchers, and talking shop about the cattle industry he cared so deeply about. No matter what Blake was doing, representing cattle for Superior Livestock, running the sale barn or running cattle, Blake loved having Cooper right by his side teaching him everything he knew.

Blake was a true cattleman and cowboy! He loved the livestock business, the land, and the people who make up the agricultural community. He was a strong advocate for producers, the cattle industry, and rural life, always championing those who worked hard to make a living from the land. Blake was also a dreamer, a risk-taker, and a businessman— unafraid to chase new ideas or embark on the next big adventure. He lived life with passion and purpose, giving back to every community he called home. A strong supporter of youth programs and agriculture, he was deeply involved in 4-H and countless other organizations that helped young people learn, grow, and succeed. His support for communities, youth, and really anyone or anything in need was unmatched, even if it often went unnoticed.

Blake loved and rode good horses —and he had some of the best. In his youth, he was a talented calf roper and team roper and loved to rodeo. Blake always talked about how proud he was to attend a Roy Cooper calf roping school in Twin Falls, Idaho. He passed that passion down to his son, teaching Cooper to rope and supporting him in every step of that dream. Blake also loved to compete in ranch rodeos and never missed an opportunity to attend a branding. His passion for the western way of life ran deep, and his love for the cattle industry is now carried on through generations of his family.

Blake was a big man who lived a big life. He did so many cool and meaningful things —always lending his time, energy, and heart to others.

Blake is survived by his wife Sandy; his children Lacey (Hank) Higley, Meggie (Rett) Cameron, Cooper (Laurie) Nuffer; and his eight wonderful grandchildren, Zane, Max, Jase, Remie, Harley, Pendleton, Truman and Quaylo, his brothers Rob (Delia) Nuffer, Tod (Brenda) Nuffer, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Nuffer, Gem Dahlen, and his oldest brother, Doug Nuffer and youngest brother Quinn Nuffer.

Dad, you will be deeply missed in our lives and in the agriculture community —your generosity, kindness, and spirit set a standard for us all. We hope you’re up there riding, roping and sorting cattle in heaven.

And as Blake would always say, we’ll see you down the trail!

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to your local 4-H Club Leaders, FFA Chapter Advisors or Rodeo Clubs