Harry T. Graeber, 86

Harry T. Graeber, 86, passed into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, March 10, 2004, in Sandpoint.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 27, 2004, at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Steve Nickodemus officiating. Interment will be at Noxon Cemetery in Noxon, Mont.

Friends may call at Coffelt's Moon Chapel on Friday, March 26, from 3-6 p.m. and on Saturday, March 27, until noon.

Harry was born on April 1, 1917, in Cascade, British Columbia, Canada, the son of Jacob and Dora (Hondel) Graeber. Harry's elementary schooling was in a one-room country school near Laurier, Wash. He graduated from high school at Orient, Wash., in 1934.

Harry worked in a lumbering partnership with his older brother and father from 1934 to 1942. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and was honorably discharged as an aviation machinist mate, first class, in January 1946. During that time, he spent time in the Kula Gulf aboard an escort aircraft carrier.

Harry married Norma Bauer in December 1945 and two sons were born to this union, Richard Harry and Jacob John. Norma preceded Harry in death in 1977 after a long illness. He married his second wife, Sheila Karp in October 1980. She preceded him in death in 1998 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

He completed his working career as an electrician technician in major power stations owned by Washington Water Power in 1980. He was a resident of the Clark Fork Valley for more than 40 years, living in Noxon, Mont., Clark Fork and Sandpoint.

Harry received a 55-year service award as a member of the IBEW Union and was a lifetime member of the Sanders County Veterans of Foreign Wars post.

Harry was a member of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, his entire life, serving Christ in several congregations. He was most lately a member at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sandpoint, serving as an inspiration and caring friend to everyone who entered the doors. He also will be remembered as the "unofficial welcoming committee" at Alpine Vista, where he resided. We will miss his kindness, the loving twinkle in his eyes, his hugs, and his readiness to thank God in all circumstances. He was a man with a truly loving heart and listening ear.

Harry is survived by his two sons, Richard H. "Dick" Graeber of Endicott, Wash., and Jacob J. "Jack" and Mary Graeber of Lakeport, Calif.; two grandchildren, Nicole and Keith; and numerous other relatives and many, many friends.

Memorials may be made in Harry's name to Christ Our Redeemer Church, Altar Fund, 1900 W. Pine St., Sandpoint, Idaho, 83864.

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