Kermit Kenneth Yochum, 68

Kermit Kenneth Yochum, 68, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, passed away Oct. 14, 2014, at the Hospice House in Hayden, Idaho.

Kermit was born Feb. 8, 1946, in Lewiston, Idaho, to Leonard Yochum and Christine Funnemark Yochum. He attended Lapwai High School, graduating in 1964. Kermit then went on to the University of Idaho, playing football on a full ride scholarship until he broke his ankle and returned home to help on the family farm.

Kermit worked for Bruneel Tire Service before opening his own tire store, Alpine Tire Service, in Spokane, Wash. They expanded the business to several stores until he retired the business and moved to Idaho in 2013.

Kermit met Joyce Beattie, and they were later married on Aug. 10, 1991, in Chattaroy, Wash. They were married for 23 years.

A member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Kermit was a devoted Catholic and served as an altar boy in his younger years. He enjoyed the outdoors, which included hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, RVing, and spending time at Priest Lake. He was also once a pilot and had owned his own plane.

Kermit was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Berditta Grant.

Kermit is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Yochum, of the family home in Coeur d'Alene; children Ryan Yochum of Richland, Wash., Scott (Marie) Yochum of Sierra Vista, Ariz., Shannon (Dan) Daughtry of Berryville, Va., and Heather (Jon) Jahns of Auburn, Wash.; step-children Annette (Kevin) Chandler of Chattaroy, Wash., and Brian Parmentier of Portland, Ore.; siblings Juanita Kudronowicz of Lewiston, Caroline Blakeley of Show Low, Ariz., and Lionel (Mary Lou) Yochum of Apple Valley, Calif.; eight grandchildren: Sophia, Iain, Christian, Sarah, Josh, Heath, Nicholas, and Mitchell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He had a great love for his family and his friends.

A viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at Bell Tower Funeral Home, 3398 E. Jenalan Ave., Post Falls, Idaho, with a Rosary to follow. Funeral Mass will be at noon on Saturday, Oct. 18, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d'Alene. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls.

Bell Tower Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements, and you may view Kermit's online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.