Steffani Carole Lippert, 76

Steffani Carole Lippert passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, at Life Care Assisted Living Center due to complications from rheumatoid arthritis.

Steffani was born Sept. 27, 1946, to Ruben and Harriet Garcia in Whittier, Calif. After graduating from Grants Pass High School, she met and married Norman E. Lippert and they started their construction business, Lippert Heavy Equipment. During this time, they had their daughter, Carolyn (Mitch), and their son, Larry.

They moved to Sandpoint in 1973 and continued to run Lippert Heavy Equipment here. They had twin boys, Harvey, and Harley, but their son, Larry, tragically died Feb. 10, 1984, from a very rare and incurable blood condition. In 1998, they divorced and Steffani continued running their business with the help of their children.

In later years, she started showing her draft mules, participated in shows, parades, plowing, and driving. Steffani always had time to help others and loved her flowers and gardening.

Steffani was seriously involved in many clubs and boards. She served as the co-chair on the public works board, she was a 4-H leader for over 35 years, she was co-chair of the Bonner County Livestock Committee, she was an active member on the Bonner County Fair Board, she was a chairman of the Junior Livestock Show of Spokane, she was an active supporter of the 4-H Livestock Sale, and she was an active member in the North Idaho Draft Horse and Mule Association. Much of her time was devoted to her grandkids and their livestock activities and shows.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruben and Harriet Garcia; her brother, Grant Garcia; and her son, Larry Lippert. She is survived by her children, Mitch, Harvey (Leslie), and Harley (Kim) Lippert; and her grandchildren, Taylor Widgren, and Larissa, Karli, and Mason Lippert.

Steffani was an over-35-year survivor of breast cancer. She was always cheery and worked hard, but never let things get her down. She will be greatly missed by all.

She was laid to rest with her son, Larry, at Pinecrest Cemetery in Sandpoint. A celebration of life will be held at 2515 Hickey Road, Sandpoint, Idaho, on June 17, 2023, from noon to 2 p.m. Please contact Mitch at 208-290-7802 if you have any questions.

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

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.