Robert 'Bob' Keith Jutila, 57

On Feb. 7, 2025, surrounded by family, Robert “Bob” Jutila went to be with the Lord after a long and very stubborn battle with cancer.

Bob was born in Kellogg and was a very proud “Mullanite” growing up. He loved the deep snow, was a skier in his younger years and played football for the Mullan Tigers. He graduated from Mullan in 1986 and then went to school for auto body.

He met his wife, Amy Hartsock, in 1988, and they were quickly married. The early years of their marriage were filled with ups and downs. Thankfully, though, he eventually taught her the proper way to make toast, and it was mostly smooth sailing from then on. Together, they welcomed four daughters into the world.

He owned and operated Perfection Auto Body in Pinehurst for 30 years. He worked tirelessly to bring broken vehicles up to his impeccable standards. There were just a few temper tantrums along the way. One of which being the murder of a rebellious fax machine in the parking lot in 2004.

He was an avid “Jeeper,” being a member of the North Idaho Trailblazers for many years. He enjoyed competing and rock crawling all over the western half of the U.S. Many people might remember seeing him drive said Jeep around the valley, as well as his big truck. Both painted his bright, signature “Bob red.”

He never said no to lending a helping hand; whether it was pulling someone out of a ditch, going to rescue a broken-down rig in the mountains or unlocking an unfortunate shopper’s car in the grocery store parking lot. He lived to serve.

He attended the Worship Center in Smelterville for 26 years, where he loved and was loved by many. He was so humbled and grateful for the number of people who remembered him in their prayers each day.

Over the course of his life, he amassed many titles: son, brother, husband, father, uncle, friend, church elder, business owner, club president and mayor. But his most cherished title of all was “Papa.” He loved being a grandfather and was determined to fulfill that role to perfection, which he did.

He was preceded in death by his brother, David Jutila, and numerous family members. 

He is survived by his parents, Deb Strope, and Keith and Diane Jutila, his beloved wife, Amy, his children, 12 grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was the ultimate pillar of strength, loved by many and his absence will be felt deeply. But we know we will see him again.

If you desire to show support, the Jutila family requests that donations be made to Hospice of North Idaho.

Memorial services will be held at the Worship Center in Smelterville on Feb. 22 at 11 a.m.

Memories of Bob and messages of condolence may be shared with his family online at www.shoshonefuneraslervice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the Jutila family with arrangements.