Leslie D. Alspach, 88

Leslie D. Alspach, 88, passed away in his sleep after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He died on April 1, 2004, in his home near Sandpoint.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, April 5, 2004, in Coffelt's Moon Chapel. Dale Coffelt will officiate with interment to follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Les was born in Ray, N.D., on April 30, 1915. Following graduation from high school, he served an apprenticeship as a plumber in Minot, N.D.

He joined the U.S. Army in Wolf Point, Mont., in 1940, and served in the artillery. He was stationed in Alaska in the Aleutians on Adak and Attu. While in the Army, he purchased property on the Colburn Culver Road near Sandpoint.

In 1945, he moved to Sandpoint and went to work for Burn's Plumbing Business.

He married Nathel Dietzel on Sept. 1, 1951, in Sandpoint.

In the 1980s, he established and operated his own plumbing business until he retired.

He was an avid bowler, starting at the Eagles Bowling Alley and then bowling at the Sandpoint bowl. He bowled on three leagues at the same time.

Les loved to farm, fish with cut bait and play cards.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nathel Alspach of Sandpoint; two daughters, Lougene (Gene) Murray of Coeur d'Alene and Charlene (Jerry) Fitzpatrick of Sandpoint; eight grandchildren, Lynn Fitzpatrick of Coeur d'Alene, George Fitzpatrick of Elma, Wash., Tim Fitzpatrick of Sandpoint, Cherry Lane of Sandpoint, Pat (Pam) Murray of Bremerton, Wash., Mike (Deniel) Murray of Renton, Diane Murray of Spokane, and Rick (Diane) Murray of Coeur d'Alene; 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Ernie Alspach of New Zealand; and two sisters, Donna of California and Myrtle of North Dakota.

Memorials may be made to the Sandpoint Senior Center Building Fund, 820 Main St., Sandpoint, ID, 83864.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.