Edward C. Kritzeck, 59

Edward C. Kritzeck, 59, passed away at home on Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, in Sandpoint, Idaho. A celebration of Ed’s life will be held from 5-7 p.m. today, Nov. 18, 2015, at The Old Hope Litehouse, 46242 Hwy 200, Hope, Idaho.

Ed was born on Sept. 20, 1956, in Buffalo, Minn., to L.V. “Brownie” and Cecilia Kritzeck. He grew up in St. Augusta, Minn., and graduated from St. Cloud Tech High School in 1975. He then attended St. Cloud Vo-Tech and earned his municipal engineering degree. He moved to Sandpoint in 1977 and worked as a land surveyor for Alan Kiebert at SEA Land Surveying.

Ed married Ann Eitzman on Feb. 21, 1981, celebrating their marriage by skiing down Schweitzer Mountain. Ed worked as an engineer for GTE, retiring in 2007 from Verizon. He was an inspiration and mentor to so many people. He was a charter member of Les Voyageurs, a youth outdoor leadership program founded by Ed’s friend and mentor Fred Rupp.

Ed was charismatic with a great sense of humor. He carried a large Swiss Army Knife and was known to ask, “Have I ever shown you my knife?” He was also a good neighbor and always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially the mountains and the lakes. Ed and Ann loved to travel including an extensive trip in Italy and skied the European Alps.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Kritzeck of Sandpoint; four children Leah Evans (Rick Caven) of Sagle, Idaho, Tonia (Jeremy) Kay of Lynnwood, Wash., Lacey (Chris) Olson of Sandpoint and Cody (Mahlea) Kritzeck of Palouse, Wash.; five grandchildren: Jordan, Camille, Xander, Emma and Skyler; five brothers: Tom (Sue) Kritzeck of Panacea, Fla., Jack (Carol) Kritzeck of Clearwater, Minn., Larry (Jackie) Kritzeck of Fridley, Minn., Paul (Jodi) Kritzeck of Minneapolis, Minn., and Terry (Robin) Kritzeck of Sauk Rapids, Minn.; one sister Donna (Greg) Greer of Marietta, Ga.; sister-in-law Pat Kritzeck of Cambridge, Minn.; and numerous nieces and nephews, whom he dearly loved.

Memorial donations may be made in Ed’s name to Les Voyageurs Inc., 3724 Pine Point Road, Sartell, MN 56377.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Ed’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.