Bernard H. Schauer (Bern), 93

Bernard H. Schauer (Bern) passed away March 18, 2011, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston following complications from an injury. He was 93. Many family members were with Bernard during his brief illness.

Bern was born in Cutbank, Mont., May 4, 1917, to parents Charles and Mary Schauer. In Bonners Ferry, he played football for Bonners Ferry High school. In 1941, he married his sweetheart from Naples - Eleanor Thompson. Bern and Eleanor were married for 33 years and raised four grateful children at their homes in Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint and Hayden.

During World War II, Bern served with the Sea Bees in the South Pacific where he was awarded a commendation for bravery for saving another man's life. After the war, Bern returned to his cherished home - country of North Idaho, where he worked for the next 30 years for the State of Idaho Department of Highways. He was very instrumental in the completion of the interstate highway system in North Idaho, working as a surveyor and highway designer in the Sandpoint and Coeur d'Alene offices.

Bern loved hunting and fishing in the beauty of North Idaho's forests and lakes. Having served in a Forest Service lookout tower for three summers as a young man, Bern had many stories about the mountains, summer storms and wildlife around Bonners Ferry and Naples.

For the past 14 years Bern lived in Lewiston with his daughter, Sandra and son-in-law, Lynn Jones. In Lewiston Bern enjoyed the company of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a visit from his new great-great-granddaughter during his final days.

He is survived by his daughters, Sandra Jones and Teresa Trichak; and his sons, Marcus and Brian. Bern was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor, in 1974.

A private family service will be held at a later date.