LaVerne M. Sperle, 85

LaVerne M. Sperle, 85, passed away Dec. 19, 2014, surrounded by his wife and children, at their home in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

LaVerne was born in Chaulk Butte, S.D., on May 7, 1929, to John and Jenny (Reinoehl) Sperle. The second of nine children, LaVerne spent his childhood years in South Dakota. While visiting the family of co-workers (and subsequent brothers-in-law) LaVerne was introduced to Lou Hannah. A short time later, the two began a courtship. Two years later, on June 29, 1952, they married.

In 1956, LaVerne and Lou left the Dakotas. With word of plentiful employment opportunities, to provide for their growing family, they made their way farther west. The family settled in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, their home for the past 58 years.

LaVerne pursued various jobs after the family's arrival in Coeur d'Alene. Ultimately, he spent the majority of his working years employed by Lakes Highway District. In 1992, after 21 years with the highway district, he decided to retire and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Retirement was an easy transition, as LaVerne had a love of nature and the outdoors. He enjoyed road trips, hunting and camping. He and Lou made numerous trips to the coastal areas of Washington and Oregon, where they loved to go clam digging. It need not be lavish, for his enjoyment ... he loved to play cards, read, spend time in his garden and outside enjoying the squirrels and birds that so happily made their homes in his beautifully manicured yard.

LaVerne was also a handyman of the highest order, and you would often find him in his shop repairing something or just tinkering on something to make it better. In his later years, LaVerne found great entertainment hanging out at the coffee shop, swapping stories with friends. He also had a love for his pet dogs throughout the years - especially Mitzie, who after 17 years with him had a special place in his heart.

LaVerne enjoyed spending time with his family, and his storytelling will be missed by all. A hard-working man of integrity; he was honest, loyal and a friend for life to those he felt shared common character.

LaVerne was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jenny (Reinoehl) Sperle; siblings Raymond Sperle, Orville Sperle, Karen Peterson, Norman Sperle and Laura Reardon; and granddaughter Melanie Ferguson.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Lou Sperle; children Tom (Elaine) Sperle of Coeur d'Alene, Floyd (Fran) Sperle of Lebanon, Ore., Pam (Dan) Ferguson of Hayden, and Gary (Dore) Sperle of Bailey, Colo.; grandchildren John (Jenny) McDougall-Sperle, Angie (Dave) Morrison, Jim (Lindsey) McDougall-Sperle, Tyler Ferguson, Blake Ferguson, Amanda Froman, David Sperle, Amber (Eric) Worthington, and Adam Sperle: great-grandchildren Taylor, Wyatt, Mattison, Bailey, Shelby, Miley, Sarah, Aliana and Emma.

At LaVerne's request there will be no services. The family would like to extend a heartfelt, "Thank-you" to his extraordinary hospice nurses, Monica and Lori.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in LaVerne's name to Hospice of North Idaho or Shriners Hospital for Children.

Please visit LaVerne's memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.