Anthony Walter Saputski, 96

Anthony Walter Saputski, 96, left this earth on May 23, 2014, to join his wife, daughter, son and grandson.

Anthony was born March 15, 1918, in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Boni (Sapoki) Saputski from Finland, and Catherine Saputski of Russia.

In September of 1942 Anthony joined the Army and was off to WW II for four years. During that time he found himself in New Guinea, Leyte Island, and Luzon. He flew a C-47 supply plane, Piper Cub for artillery observation and did mechanical work with the 32nd Red Arrow Division. Sergeant Saputski was awarded the Philippine Liberation medal, was decorated with the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, and Two Battle Stars on his Asiatic Pacific Ribbon.

After returning from the Army, Anthony farmed in Middlesex, Pa. He met Ethal Mae Gilliland in 1947, and they married and began their life of 55 years together. During this time, Anthony and Ethal traveled back and forth from the east coast to the west coast until finally settling in north Idaho - first Post Falls, then Hayden, and finally Rathdrum in 1979.

Over the years Anthony owned and operated his own gunsmithing business, Import Auto Repair, and finally the restoration and dealership of tractors.

Until February of this year, Anthony was still actively living on his own. He enjoyed riding his tractors, snow blowing and mowing his place, and going out to eat at a couple favorite cafes.

Anthony was preceded in death by his wife, Ethal Mae; daughter, Mary Catherine; son, David Hal; grandson, Eugene; parents, Boni and Catherine; two brothers, Harry and Joe; and a sister who passed away at the age of 13.

Anthony is survived by Donna and Ron Timmons, of Post Falls, Idaho; Dale and April Saputski, of Rathdrum, Idaho; and Ron and Barb Gilliland, of South Carolina; 13 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 29, at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Rathdrum. English Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. Please visit Anthony’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.