Donald W. Klotz, 86

Donald W. Klotz passed away unto his Lord and Savior, Jan. 23, 2015. Born Oct. 19, 1928, in Sandpoint. He was a lifelong resident of North Idaho. After graduation from Priest River High School, he was a logger in the Priest Lake area until he was drafted into the Korean War where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart. With an interest in science and business he used the GI Bill to attend Idaho State University and became a registered pharmacist, for a career spanning more than 40 years.

Don loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman his entire life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with his close friends and son, Rich. He found relaxation and rejuvenation in the mountains cutting firewood, driving along the old logging roads, picking huckleberries and hours in his yard at home. He enjoyed family leisure at the family cabin on Priest Lake.

He opened his initial drug store, White Pine Drug in Potlatch, Idaho, in the early 1960s. Seeing an opportunity in the new Coeur d'Alene mall, he moved north and opened Klotz Drug in 1966 with his partner, Gary Clizer.

In the early '70s he took a break from pharmacy and took on a new adventure. He went cattle ranching in Oregon. He was a real cowboy. He had cattle, cattle dogs, horses and ranch hands and worked from sun-up to sundown. He and his family had many memorable experiences they continued to reflect on throughout his life.

In 1976 he left ranching and returned to pharmacy by buying Economart Drug in Post Falls, which he operated until he sold his pharmacy to Tidyman's and retired. During his entire career as a business owner he loved serving the public and appreciated his customers.

Don is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gloria Badraun and their three children, Mary Angelosante (Jim), Carolyn Stovall (Dan) and Rich Klotz (Kara). He is also survived by seven grandchildren and two great-grandsons Jessica, Jennifer, Dawn Marie, Kalynn, Annie, Will, Kayla, Devon and Blake.

Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church in Coeur d'Alene. Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Don's online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.