Robert Dale Hostetler, 83

Robert Dale Hostetler, 83, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was born Sept. 21, 1932, in Klamath Falls, Ore., to Fern E. and Edith (Mehl) Lowell.

Robert moved to Bend, Ore., from Klamath Falls in 1936 and moved to Redmond, Ore., in 1944. He attended Oregon State University and served in the U.S. Army Security Agency from 1954 to 1957.

He married Marjory Louise Simmons in 1957 and had two sons: Steven Dale Hostetler and Todd Alan Hostetler. Robert enjoyed hunting and fishing in central Oregon with his family. He worked as a sales manager for Mid-Oregon Motors in Bend until he moved to Kennewick, Wash., in 1970 when he purchased Tri-City Datsun.

Robert married Judith K. Murray in 1976 and retired in 1981, moving to Hayden Lake, Idaho, where he enjoyed 13 years of fishing at the family cabin in Spirit Lake, Idaho. Bob graduated from Central Washington University in 1984 with a major in business and finance. Bob or “Grandpa Bob” is best remembered by treating visiting family with his scrumptious breakfast fry-up of eggs fried in bacon grease, bacon cooked to perfection, pancakes, waffles and French toast cooked in butter. Bob loved to take his children and grandchildren water skiing and many remember their first time up on water skis with Bob “dad/grandpa” at the helm. Bob spent many summers at the cabin on the lake (Spirit Lake) fishing, relaxing and boating.

Bob loved animals too — his two Westies, two cats and the family horse. He enjoyed talking to all animals and would be found in the yard talking to any bird including ducks and deer.

He was preceded in death by his biological parents, Fern and Edith (Mehl) Lowell; adopted parents George and Dorothy Hostetler; and his wife, Marjory L. Simmons. Survivors include: his wife of 39 years, Judith Kay Hostetler; his sons, Steven Hostetler and Todd (Cindy) Hostetler; two grandchildren, Sierra Hostetler and Alex Hostetler; three stepchildren, Doug (Ronna) Murray, Darren (Kathy) Murray and Diane (Tod) Nybo; nine step grandchildren, Matt Murray, Kristen Murray, Shae (Erin) Murray, Taylor (Caleb) Christal, Kyle Nybo, Zach Nybo and Madison Nybo; and two step great-grandchildren; Nevaeh and Adaya also survive.

The family would like to thank Ivy Court and staff for the wonderful care Robert received during his extended stay. Also thanks to Hospice House for their caring support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions made to the Kootenai Humane Society. For online donations: http://www.kootenaihumanesociety.com/donate/ways-to-give or by mail: P.O. Box 1005, Hayden, ID 83835.

Private services will be held. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Robert’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.