Robert Otto 'Bob' Lindemann
Robert Otto "Bob" Lindemann passed away at home on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 3, 2004, at Coffelt Funeral Home's Moon Chapel with Paul Graves officiating.
Bob was born on June 19, 1926.
After high school, Bob enlisted in the Naval Air Corps and, following that service, he entered San Jose State University, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in fine arts and later a master's degree in art education.
Bob was dedicated to his family, including his wife of 35 years, Sally, and daughters, Gretchen Lindemann Tobin and son-in-law, Pat of Folsom, Calif.; and Ilse Coffman, and son-in-law, Jim of Portland, Ore.; and two adored grandchildren, Nic and Haydn Coffman.
Bob was passionate about all aspects of art, music and nature, a superb craftsman and educator. He taught at junior and senior high schools as well as at the college level, and was art supervisor for the San Jose school district. He loved sharing his passion for the arts through teaching and inspiring students of all ages.
In 1984, Bob and Sally retired and moved to Sandpoint to build their dream home, and immediately became involved in the community. Bob and Sally bought the Cottage Craftsman and added the Reflections Fine Arts Gallery in Sandpoint and managed it for several years before retiring for a second time.
Bob was a member of the Sandpoint Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the board of the Pend Oreille Arts Council for 18 years, and completed two years as president and assisted with the development of Artwalk. He was recognized as "member of the year" in 1994 and, upon his retirement from the board, POAC initiated a Bob and Sally Lindemann Fine Arts Scholarship. He was instrumental in starting and selecting the curriculum for the Kaleidoscope art program in Bonner County elementary schools as well as conducting workshops to train volunteer teachers.
Bob was chosen to create a poster for the Festival at Sandpoint in 1998 and his beautiful contemporary watercolor of shapes, colors and textures expressed his desire to "sing to the viewer and alter consciousness about the beauty around us … and the beauty within us."
Also surviving him are his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Julie Lindemann of Post Falls; and a sister, Elsie Sullivan of Rancho Bernardo, Calif.
He will be remembered as a kind, generous and gentle man, a true artist and patron of the arts with a compassionate soul, and he will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, students and friends.
Memorials in Bob's honor may be made to the Pend Oreille Arts Council Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1694, Sandpoint, Idaho; or to Bonner County Hospice, P.O. Box 1448.
Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint, Idaho.