Louis 'Lou' F. Vermeer, 81

Louis “Lou” F. Vermeer passed away peacefully at his long time, beloved home on Baldy Mountain Road on June 8, 2017, with family around him.

He started his life journey on Dec. 3, 1935 in Sioux Center, Iowa. He was born at home to Ted and Janet Vermeer and was the fourth born child of five.

Lou always said he had the perfect childhood. Lots of freedom spending time with his friends riding bikes all over town if they wanted. Also, swimming, fishing and sports. His mom was a very well respected math and Latin teacher and Lou said she played no favoritism with him when he had her as a teacher. His dad was a barber whose business was in their home. When RCA TVs first came out his Dad sold them on the side. As the Vermeers had the first TV in Sioux Center they had lots of company come to their house to watch that fuzzy black-and-white TV.

From an early age Lou was quite the entrepreneur, starting out as a paper boy with his faithful dog, Bruno. People always knew when their paper was coming as they would see Bruno leading the way. Lou and Bruno had lots of adventures together and they even made it into the newspaper. A story of a paper boy and his dog! Lou had other ventures such as raising and selling rabbits, selling things door to door or doing chores for people who needed help. He worked hard and did whatever job he did to the fullest. This work ethic followed Lou all through his life

After high school, Lou went to Central College and then on to the University of Iowa, first obtaining a bachelor’s degree in geology. Once done with that degree he realized that there were not a lot of good jobs in this field at the time so he went back to school and earned his second bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. While in college, he met his future wife Jaclyn (Jackie) Ray. Once Lou finished his second degree, they moved to San Francisco, where he worked for the California State Highway Department. After a couple of years at the highway department, he was offered a job in Concord, Calif., working for a Soils Engineering firm where he remained until coming to Sandpoint.

While working in California, Lou and Jackie were blessed with their first child David and shortly after their second child, Kristin. As the children got older, Lou wanted to get out of the hustle, bustle of California and in 1974 Lou accepted a job in Sandpoint as the first Bonner County engineer. He worked for the county until 1986 and then went out on his own with Vermeer Engineering. Later, he also became city engineer for Ponderay. Lou was very proud of being an engineer, it was his dream job. One of the things he enjoyed about having his own engineering firm was being able to help people and organizations donating engineering and time.

Besides donating engineering to whom ever needed it, Lou joined the Lions Club and the Elks. He served as president for the Lions for a period of time. Again, being members of these organizations gave him an opportunity to help others.

Lou had a lot of other activities he was involved in and enjoyed. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, loved being involved in land investment and development, fishing and hunting. He enjoyed snowmobile riding in the winter and boating and watercraft riding in the summer. The faster, the better. He loved spending time with all of his friends and family. He was a long time member of the Sandpoint United Methodist Church and always had a strong faith in God.

In 1987, Lou and Jackie divorced. Lou was then living the bachelor’s life until late 1997 when he started dating his soul mate, Stephanie Morton. The two had known each other since 1974 as Stephanie was his secretary for the first few years of Lou being county engineer. The time was right for them to be together and they married in September 2004. They traveled, laughed, lots of outdoor fun, home projects and family time.

Lou loved and was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie; his son, David (Jolene) Vermeer; his daughter, Kris Vermeer; grandchildren Ryan (Jessie) Vermeer, Hannah Vermeer, and Ian Hanson; great-grandchildren Jason Bennett and Isaac Vermeer; stepchildren Windy (Chris) Smith and Eric (Katie) Pemberton; and step-grandchildren Ashley, Brandon, Caleb and Dallin Smith, and Ellie Pemberton. His is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Janet Vermeer; sisters Theo Klimstra and Jan Beals; and his brothers Robert (Bob) and Jim Vermeer.

Thank you for being my soul mate and loving me so much, for travel, fun, laughing, and life lessons learned together. I miss you already but know you are in heaven with no pain or sadness. So no goodbyes because I know I will see you again someday in heaven. My love forever, Steph.

All of Lou’s friends and family are invited to his memorial service at Lou and Steph’s home, 11647 Baldy Mountain Road, Sandpoint, on July 1, 2017, at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a celebration of life at the same address. In lieu of flowers or any other donations please donate to the Lions Club or Salvation Army.

Please visit Lou’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.