Gerald William Spreen

Gerald William Spreen (aka "Jerry," aka "Marvelous") was born in Clinton, Iowa, on July 2, 1929, to William Carl and Wilma Broyles Spreen and was the eldest of five children.

During Jerry's teen years, his family owned a farm. He developed skills at fixing everything that could break down on a farm, and his love of working the land afforded him ample opportunities to hone his talents for growing things, fixing things, and learning. He never lost his love and excitement of a good crop, be it a small plot of potatoes or a huge yield of apples on a young and spindly tree.

On Jan. 10, 1951, Jerry joined the U.S. Air Force where he served four years during the Korean conflict. Being a military policeman, he helped guard one of our country's nuclear bases and taught "small arms" classes, a precursor to his future education and teaching aspirations.

Jerry had many occupations, one of which was working in a sign shop. But the one of longest duration was as a sheet metal worker from 1955 until he retired in 1995. Some folks may remember the "sailing ship" 3-D sign that graced the bowling alley at the east end of Sherman Avenue for many years, and the "dancing Indian" sign that marked the location of the Iron Horse restaurant. Jerry built those. He could, and did, build many interesting things during his career. He always loved a challenge!

A little before Jerry retired, he decided to continue his education and obtain a degree in education to have the credentials to teach - even though he had been a teacher forever. In May-June 1997, Jerry obtained his B.A. in Education from North Idaho College, his B.S. in Education (vocational) from the University of Idaho, and was certified as an instructor of the Sheet Metal Apprentice Program from courses at Ohio State University.

But it was volunteering that brought Jerry the most joy. Noting the lack of a strong mentoring program in the schools, Jerry volunteered to set up a program, solicit mentoring volunteers, and train them. In the process he produced a Mentoring Handbook, and made speeches to various organizations and businesses to win folks over to the cause. Nothing was more important to Jerry than helping provide children who were not doing well at school a caring adult to form a friendship with - who would be an encourager and a constant in their lives when nothing else seemed to be predictable.

Following that, Jerry became a Post Falls Police Department volunteer. Fueled by his training in the Air Force as a military policeman and his desire to serve, Jerry spent about 10 years with the P.D. and made many wonderful friends in the process. Jerry was also very appreciated at Sky Prairie Church, which he helped establish in Post Falls.

Jerry married the love of his life, Susan, in 1981. He is survived by his brothers, Ray of Clinton, Iowa, and Elliott of Spokane, Wash.; sister Dottie Ingram of Spokane; daughter Charlene (Ron) Barney of Greenacres, Wash., son Andy Spreen of Spokane, Wash., and daughter Sara (Brent) Gardner of Eagle River, Ark.; stepson Rick (Melodie) Patton of Boise, Idaho, and stepdaughter Julie Faust of Coeur d'Alene; and numerous grandchildren whom he dearly loved.

A celebration of Jerry's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Post Falls Senior Center, 1215 E. Third Ave., Post Falls, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of North Idaho. Please visit Jerry's memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.