Larry Dee Wisely

Larry Dee Wisely, 88, of Boise, Idaho, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Meridian. His passing came shortly after the loss of the love of his life, Marilyn Wisely, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.

Larry was born on April 2, 1937, in Fort Collins, Colorado, to William and Utha (Hall) Wisely. He spent his early years in Colorado before his family moved to Idaho, where he graduated from Nampa High School. Following graduation, Larry served in the Army Guard and began what would become a lifelong career with JUB Engineers.

While working at JUB, Larry met Marilyn Marchbanks, the woman who would become his wife and partner in all things. In true Larry fashion, he first approached her at the Nampa Water Company—where Marilyn worked—asking for the phone bill. She promptly redirected him to the “right” department, but Larry didn’t give up. After some determined (and playful) investigation, he asked her out. Their first date was at the Idaho Stampede in July of 1959, and they were married on February 26, 1960.

Larry took great pride in their 65-year marriage and always smiled when asked how long they had been together. He said the secret to such a long-lasting relationship was that, “we never went to bed arguing and always said good night with a kiss.” Together, Larry and Marilyn raised two daughters, LaRae and Vicki, and built a home filled with love and a deep devotion to family in both Nampa and Boise, Idaho.

During his service with the Army Guard, Larry was briefly deployed to Fort Lewis, Washington. Marilyn and LaRae joined him for approximately six months before returning to Idaho and settling in Boise. Larry later continued his military service with the Army National Reserves, retiring with the rank of Captain.

Larry dedicated 50 years of service to JUB Engineers, beginning on August 8, 1955, as a young field surveyor. He progressed through drafting—often working directly in the field—to eventually become Chief of Drafting Operations, overseeing many employees as the company grew. Larry embraced every stage of his career, from long hours at the drafting table to mastering computerized drafting systems. His work was a source of great pride, and he formed many lasting friendships through JUB. He retired on August 8, 2005, exactly 50 years to the day after he began. Larry remained close with his colleagues and was an active member of the “Old Time JUB’rs,” who gathered monthly for dinner.

After retirement, Larry and Marilyn enjoyed traveling in their RV, though Marilyn’s love for family soon drew them back home. As her health declined, Larry devoted himself to caring for her with unwavering love and patience through both good days and difficult ones, remaining by her side until her passing.

Larry was known by all as the fun guy. He always had a quick response—appropriate or not—and never failed to bring laughter to every gathering. He loved surprising his sister with “gooseys,” delighting in her startled reactions. Marilyn often joked that she could never tell when Larry was serious or joking, though their daughters somehow always knew. Despite his many commitments with JUB and the Army Reserves, Larry was always present for his family. He faithfully supported Marilyn during her years of teaching piano. He would sit in the back, trying to keep children quiet, behaved, and out of the cookies. He was equally supportive of his daughters in all of their activities.

Larry delighted in teasing his nieces, nephews, and granddaughters with games like “smacky mouth” and “swabbing tonsils,” always catching someone off guard. Even in his final days, he continued to make those around him laugh. When his granddaughter Nikki asked if he planned to “swab tonsils” with Grandma when he saw her again, Larry replied that he didn’t think so—still sharing humor to the very end.

Larry is survived by his daughters, LaRae Wisely Nuxoll and Vicki Weckwerth (Barry); his granddaughters, Kylie Nuxoll (Mitch Bourner), Stephanie Woods (Matthew), Nicole Schank (Jeff), and Kristi Weckwerth; and his three cherished great-grandsons, Gabe Bourner, Cooper Schank, and Rhett Schank. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn Wisely; his parents, William and Utha (Hall) Wisely; his sister, Betty Johnson (Sumner); his brother, Don Wisely; and Marilyn’s parents, Marion and Velma Marchbanks, as well as her brother, Norman Marchbanks (Shirley).

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at St. Luke’s Meridian Hospital, from the Emergency Department to the 4th Floor ICU and Telemetry Care, for their compassion and dedication.

With the Christmas season upon us, the family has chosen to hold a private burial service at Kohlerlawn Cemetery, where Larry will be laid to rest beside Marilyn. A Celebration of Life will be planned for the spring, with a date to be announced.

Larry will be remembered for his fun-loving, gentle, and cheeky spirit, and as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and Ggpa (great-grandfather) whose laughter, kindness, and love touched everyone who knew him.