Wayne Francis Couture
PLAINS — Wayne Francis Couture, age 82, passed away 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, before 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, and 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, Mary Lefthand; brother, Ignace Couture; and infant sister, Madeline.
He is survived by his brother, Raymond (Eddie) Couture (Earline) of Elmo; his aunt, Helen Charlo of Elmo; the love of his life, Barbara of Dog Lake; his children, Marla (Robert) Cowan of Dog Lake; Craige (Brenda) Couture of Polson; Casey (Danielle) Couture of Ronan; Traci Couture and Willie Birthmark of Polson; Mark (Tana) Couture of St. Ignatius; 20 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A memorial service will be held on July 8, at the Lighthouse Christian Fellowship in Ronan at 1 p.m. with a meal to follow. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at: www.thelakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.