Michael Thomas Criswell, 70

Aug. 13, 1945 — Oct. 14, 2015

Michael Thomas Criswell, 70, died Oct. 14, 2015, at Kootenai Health after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded by two of the women he loved — his daughter, Kareen Link and his wife Jeannie. He was born on Aug. 13, 1945, in San Diego, Calif., to Gloria and Bert Criswell.

Soon after his dad was discharged from the service, they settled in Fresno, Calif. Bert married Frances Criswell when Mike was 5, who became Mike’s mom for 65 years. Mike graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1963 then joined the Navy. He spent two years in Vietnam, with an additional one year serving in Alaska. He then went on to work in the car business for nearly 30 years and ended up in the construction business toward the end of his life.

Mike was blessed with two children from a previous marriage, Kareen Link and Paul Criswell. He hit the jackpot when he married Jeannie Criswell in 1988. Soon thereafter they had Nathan. But when his grandkids came, he realized how truly wonderful being a grandparent was. Samantha Link, Gregory Link and Brogan Link, gave Mike some of his greatest joy.

Mike enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, the great outdoors, four-wheeling, and doing much of what North Idaho has to offer. He also loved his Fox News and “The Price Is Right” — one or the other was always on in his house. Mike enjoyed his church’s home group and learned so much from these friends that surrounded him. We will miss his dry sense of humor and the wisdom he imparted to his family and friends, even if it was with only a few words. But most of all we will miss him being here.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Bert and Frances Criswell; birth mother Gloria Minnion; uncle Jack and aunt Marie Francis; cousin Jimmy Francis; and grandparents Jack and Mattie Goodrich. Mike leaves behind his wife of 27 years, Jeannie Criswell; daughter Kareen Link and son-in-law Greg Link of Coeur d’Alene; son Paul Criswell of Coeur d’Alene and son Nathan Criswell of Coeur d’Alene. Grandchildren Samantha Link, Gregory Link and Brogan Link; cousin Kathy (Gary) Anderson of Browns Valley, Calif.; brother Sandy (Barb) Bean; brother David Bean and sister Susan Owen — all of Salem, Ore.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 2015, at Real Life Ministries in Post Falls.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Please sign the online memorial guest book at www.yatesfuneralhome.com. Donations in his honor can be made to the cystic fibrosis foundation at cff.org.