John Poelstra, 91

John Poelstra, 91, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, in Coffelt's Funeral Chapel. Pastor Jon Pomeroy, Sandpoint Church of God will officiate with interment in Pinecrest Memorial Park. Visitation hours will from 4-6 p.m.  on Thursday afternoon at Coffelt Funeral Service.

John was born in Corisca, S.D., on Nov. 19, 1917, to Elmer and Lena Poelstra. He attended schools in New Holland, Aurora Center, and Farmingdale, S.D. He lived in Manhattan and Totson, Mont., before moving to Sandpoint in 1952.

John operated the Cream Station which later became the Creamery and made butter for 10 years. In later years he worked, as a construction foreman, for the Idaho State Department of Parks. He retired, after 15 years with the department, in 1984. He married Annie A. Kalar on July 28, 1992, in Townsend, Mont.

John was a member of the First Christian Church and was an active rock hound. He enjoyed collecting, polishing, and faceting rocks for jewelry and belt buckles.

He is survived by his wife Annie A. Poelstra of Cocolalla; a son Terry M. Poelstra of Edna Bay, AK; one daughter Julie V. Seitz of Vancouver, Wash.; nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers, Cornie Poelstra of Sandpoint, Renald Poelstra of Algoma, Idaho, and Arie Poelstra of Sandpoint; three sisters, Antonie Tiffany of Sandpoint, Edna Linstrum of Lewiston, Idaho, and Ellena Brown of Sandpoint. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Edna Poelstra and Annie B Poelstra; his parents, and his son Ronald.

Family and friends are invited to sign John's online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com. Funeral arrangements are under to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.