Russell Dwyer Donohoe, 76

Russell Dwyer Donohoe, 76, resident of Cave Lake, Idaho, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Feb. 7, 2016, at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Russ was born March 27, 1939, to Ray and Thelma (Swanson) Donohoe in Coeur d’Alene. The family home was in Dudley, Idaho. In 1944, the family moved to the Robinson Creek Ranch near Lane, Idaho, where Russ grew up. Russ attended schools at Lane and Rose Lake. In 1957, Russ was a member of the first graduating class of Kootenai High School.

Following graduation, Russ enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was involved in driving personnel carriers. He was discharged in 1964 and returned to work in the woods. Russ met his future wife, Bonnie Ellis, at the Saddle Sore Saloon in State Line, Idaho. They were marred on Dec. 11, 1965, in Coeur d’Alene. Following their marriage, they immediately left for Baniff, Canada, for a one-night honeymoon. The next day, they returned home so Russ could leave for 10 days to work at a logging camp. Russ and Bonnie made their home in Cave Lake in 1974 and reside there today.

Russ was a member of the Pinehurst Community Bible Church and the N.R.A. Russ enjoyed hunting, fishing, and cranberry and huckleberry picking. He had a special relationship with his Savior. Russ loved spending time with his family and friends and especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports. One of his favorite pastimes during the summer was to pull kids behind his water skiing boat on Medicine and Cave lakes. Russ also enjoyed playing cribbage, going horseback riding and watching rodeos. Bonnie used to coach and Russ would umpire the farm league at Rose Lake. From 2004-2005, they were custodians at Kootenai High School.

Russ is survived by his wife, Bonnie, at the family home. Sons and daughters-in-law Jeff and Julie Donohoe of Coeur d’Alene, Darby and Meloni Donohoe and son Scott Donohoe, all of Cave Lake. Also surviving are his daughter, Traci Donohoe of Post Falls; brother and sister-in-law Larry and Dorothy Donohoe of Medimont; and sister and brother-in-law Patsy and John DiLuciano of San Antonio, Fla. Russ is also survived by grandchildren Sydney, Coleman, DarbyAnne and Madsen Donohoe of Cave Lake; and several nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sister Carol Joki, grandson Jackson Donohoe and nephew Stewart Donohoe.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, at the Kootenai High School Gymnasium. A potluck gathering of family and friends will follow at the Kootenai High School Cafeteria. The family suggests memorials to the Pinehurst Community Bible Church, 608 Wyoming St., Pinehurst, ID 83850. Visit his online memorial and sign his guest book at www.hodgefuneralhome.com.