Cleo Birch, 84

Cleo Birch, 84, passed away on Saturday, April 7, 2007, at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, following a prolonged illness.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, at Coffelt's Funeral Chapel, 109 N. Division Ave., in Sandpoint, Idaho.

A private family graveside service will be held. Cleo will be buried at Pinecrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Cleo was born Sept. 28, 1922, in Hoytsville, Utah, to Robert and Ellen (Williams) Birch.

Cleo served with the U.S. Army in World War II and following the war was employed by the Union Pacific and Spokane International railroad companies. He retired as Engineer of Track in 1988.

Cleo moved from Echo, Utah to the Coeur d'Alene area in 1976 and following retirement resided in Spirit Lake, Idaho. He loved the earth and all its creations. He thoroughly enjoyed the solitude and nature that abounds in Northern Idaho.

He was preceded in death by his wife Helen in 1981.

He is survived by his four children, Carol, Donald, Pearl and Cleo; 12 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

In memory of Cleo the family suggests that a tree be planted.

Family and friends are invited to sign Cleo's online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.