Leslie L. 'Swede' Hanson, 83

Leslie L. "Swede" Hanson, 83, passed away in Dover, Idaho, on Monday, Nov. 15, 2004.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 19, 2004, in the Sandpoint First Lutheran Church. Pastor Dave Olson and Pastor Bob Nale will officiate with interment to follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Friends are invited to pay their respects at Coffelt's Moon Chapel on Thursday from noon until 6 p.m.

Swede was born in Priest River, Idaho, on Sept. 17, 1921, the son of Swedish immigrants Eric and Emma Hanson. He attended school in Priest River, graduating from Priest River High School in 1939. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, working in camps in this area.

He married Marge Koepplin on Oct. 12, 1943, in Superior, Mont.

He worked as a motorman in the Silver Summit Mine in Osburn, Idaho, from 1943 until 1952. In 1953, he moved to Dover, Idaho, and went to work for the Pack River Lumber Co. as a kiln operator, retiring in 1983.

Swede was an active member of the Sandpoint First Lutheran Church, and was the church custodian from 1989 until this year.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing in the area.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marge Hanson of Dover; a daughter, Cindy Salfeld of Sandpoint, Idaho; three grandchildren, Kami Tomlinson, Nikki Salfeld and Sara Salfeld, all of Sandpoint; three brothers, Paul Hanson of Dover, Wallace Hanson of Seattle, Wash., and Aleck of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; a sister, Vera Fowler of Denver, Colo.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, four brothers and three sisters.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.