Gudrun Hertha Guelich, 88

Gudrun Hertha Guelich passed away Nov. 20, 2024, at the age of 88. 

She was born Sept. 3, 1936, to Kurt and Hertha Panicke in Treugebohla, Germany. She had two brothers, Gottfried and Johannes. Gudrun was a child during World War II and she escaped from East Germany at the age of 17. She immigrated to the United States and met Robert Guelich, also a German immigrant to the U.S., who she later married Feb. 8, 1958. Robert and Gudrun were elated to become U.S. citizens and live in the land of the free, full of opportunity. They immediately applied their amazing work ethic to building a dairy farm in Riverside, Wash. They also started a family and then later became orchardists eventually moving up to the Omak flats. 

Gudrun was a master of cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and many other skills that she employed enthusiastically at home. She was also a great helper on the dairy and the orchard. Gudrun later enjoyed hiking and skiing in retirement with husband Robert and friends in Sandpoint, Idaho. Many will remember her as the most selfless person they ever knew; her sweet spirit will be greatly missed. 

She is survived by her husband, Robert; daughter Angela and husband Tom; son Kurt and wife Kelley; and daughter Doris Renae and daughter Sue and husband Don. 

Gudrun was the most loving mother and grandmother, family meant everything to her, and her legacy includes eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. 

A celebration of her life will be held Dec. 6, 2024, at the North Summit Church (South Building) in Sandpoint, Idaho, at 11 a.m. with a lunch reception following. 

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

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.