Michiel Lee Bell Sr., 76

Michiel Lee Bell Sr., 76, of Post Falls, Idaho, passed away Oct. 28, 2015, at his home. Michiel was born April 1, 1939, in Chatsworth, Calif., to Francis Henry and Blanche Irene (Engle) Bell. Michiel attended Simi Valley High School in Simi Valley, Calif.

Michiel had worked as electrical contractor and eventually owned and operated his own electrical contracting business in California.

Michiel met Colleen Crawford and they were later married Nov. 22, 1960, in Newhall, Calif. They eventually moved to North Idaho settling in Post Falls.

Michiel was passionate about race cars. He owned and built several throughout the years. He was very involved at the State Line Speedway and was inducted into the State Line Hall of Fame. Besides race cars, Michiel enjoyed dry stacking rocks on his property and flower gardening.

He is survived by his loving wife, Colleen, of the family home in Post Falls; four sons Michiel Lee (Michelle) Bell Jr. of Post Falls, Richard Evan Bell of Post Falls, Roger Alan (Christine) Bell of Hopkinsville, Ky., and Francis Henry (Jessica) Bell of Post Falls; one brother, Charles Bell of Louisiana; two sisters, Irene Carey of Simi Valley and Polly Johnson of Torrance, Calif.; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; niece Denise Shirkey of Colbert, Wash.; and several other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Tommy, Donny and Frank.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, at Bell Tower Funeral Home, 3398 E. Jenalan Ave., Post Falls.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the State Line Speedway, P.O. Box 2368, Post Falls, ID 83877.

You may view his online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.