Lowell Dale Spletstoser, 88

Nov. 20, 1934 – Aug. 30, 2023

Lowell Dale Spletstoser, 88, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, with family by his side.

Lowell was born in Wabek, N.D., to Otto and Irene Spletstoser. He had three brothers. The family worked the homestead farm until Otto retired and moved to Montana.

Lowell graduated from Hamilton High School. After a couple summers working for the Forest Service fighting wildfires, he attended trade school to learn telegraphy in Spokane, Wash., and on completion went to work for the Great Northern Railroad. Early in his railroad career, Lowell worked the extra board, filling in for vacations and openings at train depots in eastern Washington, western Montana and Idaho.

It was while working in Bonners Ferry that he met Helen Mularczyk, the love of his life. They were married in 1960 and had three children: Steven, Linda and Michael.

Lowell was drafted into the U.S. Army twice. This service, along with the transient nature of his early career, had the family moving 11 times in the first 12 years of marriage. Eventually, Lowell took over the depot agency in Priest River, Idaho, working there until the station was closed. Lowell then went to work at the depot in Sandpoint until his retirement from a 38-year career with the railroad.

Lowell loved the outdoors, especially fishing. He and Helen fished all of the local lakes as well as the Pacific waters of Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Alaska, and even a trip or two to Mexico.

Lowell also played the accordion and often played for the folks in memory care at Luther Park in Sandpoint, Idaho. Lowell and Helen moved to Luther Park in 2011 and lived there until their passing.

Lowell is survived by his son, Steven (Christy); a grandson, Kevin (Sherry); a granddaughter, Casey (Ron); and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, his wife, Helen, his son, Michael, and his daughter, Linda.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Sandpoint, with interment to follow at the Priest River Cemetery.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at shermancampell.com.