Victor K. Bachmeier, 86

Victor K. Bachmeier was born February 9, 1929 in Linton, North Dakota, to Kasper and Letitia (Braun) Bachmeier. He was the youngest of 11 children, 6 girls and 5 boys, all of whom spoke German. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and all his siblings.

Vic came to Idaho with 3 of his brothers - Otto, Johnny, and Benny, and worked at the Bunker Hill Zinc Plant as an electrician for 24 years. After leaving the Bunker, he went into business for himself as an electrical contractor where he kept working until about age 74.

Vic married Imogene "Jean" Smith on April 23, 1952. Vic and Jean had 4 wonderful children: Jeri (Barry) DeLange of Hayden, Jim (Sue) Bachmeier of Spokane Valley, Jack (Sara) Bachmeier of Colville, and Jill (Dave) Spiker of Rathdrum. They have 11 grandchildren: Dave, Dan, and Leah Pierce; Jared and Ashely Bachmeier; Joy and Jesse Bachmeier; Brook Silver; Nicole Walker; and Talon and Taylor Lunsford; as well as 7 great-grandchildren.

Vic and Jean raised their family in the Silver Valley (Pinehurst). They were active in St. Rita's Catholic Church. Vic was also a charter member of the Kellogg Elks Club and a member of the Bunker Hill 20 Year Club. Jean was an elementary school teacher at Elk Creek, Sunnyside, and Pinehurst.

In 2009, their daughter Jill Spiker sold their Pinehurst family home and they moved into Golden Spike Estates 55+ Community in Rathdrum. Vic was so excited to finally have a garage for their car, a heated driveway, and no steps. He lived there until May of 2013 when he was admitted to Hayden Valley Assisted Living, now Maplewood. He received excellent care there, as well as from Hospice. Vic suffered from Alzheimer's and passed on Friday, February 13, with his daughter and son-in-law, Jeri and Barry DeLange, by his side.

A 'Celebration of Life' for Victor will be held on Friday, February 20th at noon, at the Golden Spike Estates Clubhouse, 8580 W. Yosemite St., Rathdrum. All friends and family are invited to attend and share a short service and luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Victor's name to Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Vic's online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.