Paul Felter

Paul Felter passed away peacefully on June 9, 2017, after long struggles with diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.

Paul was born on the 4th of July in Dobbs Ferry, New York, to Clarence and Catherine (Batten) Felter. He was an only child.

Paul attended many schools: Lardsley High School in New York, Marietta College in Ohio, University of North Dakota, Montana State University, University of Alaska, and University of Idaho. He received master’s degrees in history and education, and a doctorate in education.

He served as a history instructor and high school teacher and chiefly as either a principal or superintendent in Pryor, Lodge Grass, Wyola, and Jordan high schools in Montana, in Green River in Wyoming, and in Bering Strait School District, Yukon Flats, and Alakanuk school districts in Alaska. His last teaching position was at North Idaho College.

Paul was married twice, first to Christine Utts in 1965, with whom he had a son, Andrew, and to Donna Van Luchene in 1975. Both marriages ended in divorce.

Paul was a voracious reader, especially of military and Native American history. His great passion was photography, especially wildlife in Yellowstone and cultural documentaries of native people in Montana and Alaska.

Paul was baptized in August 2004 in Lake Pend Oreille and was a member of Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sandpoint, Idaho, until he died.

He is survived by his son Drew and his wife Anik; and numerous friends, including Teri Gerritz and Bill Buckmaster.

To students and colleagues: “While we didn’t always see eye to eye, I learned something of value from each of you! Thank you for sharing that with me.”

On my faith: “The Lord saved me from a very dark place in my life by his mercy and intervention in Jesus Christ. First he saved me spiritually and then from physical addiction. He brought my son back into my life by His forgiveness. I feel totally safe in God’s powerful and gentle hands.”

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12 at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sandpoint. Lunch will follow. Memorials are to go to Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.