Lew Allen Mulligan, 78

Lew Allen Mulligan, 78, passed away at his home in Kootenai, Idaho, on Monday, April 27, 2009.

Lew was born the second child to George and Florence Mulligan on Feb 5, 1931, in Table Grove, Ill. His parents then had nine more children, making him the second of 11 children. His parents traveled out west to Grass Valley, Calif.

Lew joined the U.S. Navy in 1948 and served 2 years. He then traveled across the country for a while. He made it back to Grass Valley.

In 1964, he met and married Marcella Winchell. Lew and Marcella decided to travel north in 1972. So with a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old they set out in a self-built motor home. They reached Bonner County and decided to stay a few years. In 1974 their third daughter was born and, in 1977, Lew became a father for the fourth and final time. However, he began taking care of his great-grandson, Matthew, in 2004.

In 1976 he was elected to the Kootenai City Council and served as the city mayor from 1984 to 1988. He was a jack of all trades, he worked as a logger and built roads. He worked security and winterized homes then just maintenance for Bonner Mall. He received training in locksmithing and writing.

Since his retirement he had enjoyed woodworking, gardening, hunting and had published two books with a third to be out soon.

Lew is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and a sister.

He is survived by his wife, Marcella; daughters, Angela (Curt)Ryckman of Alaska, Sarah of Arizona, Marvella (Dale Larson) Bjorkquist and Dusteena (Paul Yelton) Mulligan of Kootenai; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; a brother, Pat Mulligan of Grass Valey, Calif.; sisters, Judy of Grass Valley, Bonnie of Grass Valley, Mel of Salem, Ore., and Minnie of Grass Valley.

Family memorial services will be held later. He wishes for everyone to forget him and just be happy. Everyone, I’m sure will be happy thinking of all the good times spent with Lew, which no one will forget.

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

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.