Willard D. Piehl, 88
Willard D. Piehl, 88, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Sandpoint, Idaho.
He was born on April 14, 1931, in Scranton, North Dakota, and moved to Sandpoint with his family when he was 6 years old. He was raised on a farm north of Sandpoint on Piehl Road. After graduating from Sandpoint High School, Willard served in the Army as a radio operator during the Korean War.
He returned to Sandpoint in 1954 and married Jean Peterson. Willard and Jean purchased a home on Ruth Avenue and raised their four children. Willard was employed by the city of Sand-point for 37 years, first as a police officer and then for the Public Works Depart-ment, retiring in 1992.
He was an active member of the Bonner County Sportsmen’s Association. Willard was happiest when he was spending time outdoors. He had a vast knowledge of all of the mountains, lakes, rivers and creeks of North Idaho and spent endless hours hunting, fishing and hiking with family and friends. He and Jean took several camping trips to Alaska and spent many weekends fishing on Lake Koocanusa. His passion for the outdoors continues in his children and grandchildren. Willard was a “Jack of all trades” and his grandchildren would often say, “Grandpa can fix anything in his backyard shop.”
Willard is survived by Jean, his wife of 64 years; his children, Lonnie (Norma) Piehl, Darcy (Ted) Diehl, Brent (Cheryl) Piehl and Brenda (Dave) Steinbach; five grandsons, Tim, Nick, Rob, Ryan and Spencer; and four granddaughters, Francie, Jamie, Wendy and Lisa. He has 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Willard is also survived by his sister, Elinor Dunning in Enumclaw, Washington. Willard was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Raynelle Piehl; and a sister, Jean Way.
Willard’s family would like to thank the amazing staff at Valley Vista Care Center for taking such good care of him for the last several months. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you put some gas in your truck or boat and have some fun with your family in the outdoors. A family celebration will be held at a later date.
Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service is handling the arrangements. Please visit Willard’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.