Vanner Michael Hegbloom, 70

Vanner Michael Hegbloom, 70, longtime resident of Mullan, Idaho, died Oct. 16, 2015 in Coeur d’Alene. He was born Sept. 1, 1945, in Superior, Wis., to Vanner Joseph Hegbloom and Georgia (Poland) Hegbloom.

He attended public schools in Saxon, Wis., and Mullan, Idaho, graduating in 1963. He attended the University of Idaho. In 1965 he was married to the former Karen Lindberg at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Wallace, Idaho. They have eight children.

Mr. Hegbloom was employed for most of his career by Hecla Mining Company as a miner at the Lucky Friday Mine in Mullan. He concluded his career as an employee of Stillwater Mining Company in Columbus, Mont.

Vanner loved the community of Mullan and his many friends. He was involved with and served his community in many ways. He was a committed member of United Steel Workers, serving as president and negotiator at various times. He also was a longtime member of the Mullan Volunteer Fire Department, serving for several years as fire chief and EMT trainer. He was a volunteer on the Lookout Pass Ski Patrol and for a time was a member of the Lucky Friday Mine Rescue Team.

Vanner was interested in the welfare of young people. He served on the football and junior ski racing teams. Vanner was devoted to his family: the needs of his children were his first concern. He supported children’s sports, and enjoyed time bowling, skiing, hunting, fishing and camping.

He leaves his wife Karen; his son Vanner and wife Karla (Krulitz) of Hauser Lake; daughter Anna of Spokane, Wash.; son Joseph of Rathdrum; daughter Maria Hegbloom and her husband Mike James of Bridgewater, Mass.; daughter Amanda Lindstrom and husband Alex of Missoula, Mont.; son Jean Paul of Coeur d’Alene; a son James and wife Callie (Stevens) of Pinehurst; a daughter Elizabeth Pehan and husband Cory of Mullan. Vanner leaves 18 grandchildren: Deon, Haile, and Anton Watson; Kate, Vanner, Arthur and Hutton Hegbloom; Gabriel, Jackson and Hayden Hegbloom; Max and Olive James; Anders and Claire Lindstrom, Emmett and Emrie Hegbloom; and Penny and Atz Pehan. He also leaves a brother Mark and wife Etta of West Covina, Calif., and a sister Anne of Rathdrum. He was preceded in death by a brother, Kirk.

A Memorial Mass will be held 10 a.m. on Saturday Oct. 24, 2015 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene with Father Roger LaChance presiding.

A celebration of Vanner’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Oct. 24, 2015 at the Wallace Elks Lodge, Wallace, Idaho.

Memorial gifts in Mr. Hegbloom’s memory can be made to the Mullan Volunteer Fire Department, St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Hospice of North Idaho, or The Garden at Orchard Ridge in Coeur d’Alene.

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