Horst Bruehl, 84

Horst Bruehl, 84, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 26, 2014.

Horst was born on Jan. 21, 1930, in Cologne, Germany, to Wilhelm and Anna Bruehl. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Horst and Helen left Germany after being married in 1954 to start their family in Canada, later moving to California. They lived in Coeur d'Alene for the past 22 years.

Horst was the patriarch and the compass of the Bruehl family, helping guide his family through their lives. He always led by example, giving everyone the foundation for their many successes. It brought him joy to be with his family as much as possible, and he touched many lives during his lifetime.

A cabinet maker by trade, Horst learned this highly skilled trade from his father. He retired from the airline industry after working at the Los Angeles airport for more than 35 years. He was a major contributor and was at the forefront of implementing many ecological and cost savings solutions at the Los Angeles airport long before it was required.

Horst was married to Helen Bruehl for 60 years, and is survived by Helen, his brother Wolfgang, his son Udo, daughter Peggy, daughter-in-law Marci, son-in-law Michael, grandchildren Krissy (Ethan), Justin, Diana (Matt), Alexis, and Eric; and great-grandchildren Hunter and Madeline. Horst's constant companion was his little dog, Charlie. To his family, he was always known as Opa.

Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. today, Dec. 30, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 626 E. Haycraft Ave., in Coeur d'Alene.

English Funeral Chapel of Coeur d'Alene has been entrusted to handle final arrangements. Please visit Horst's online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.