Lenard Gale Wiklund, 81

Lenard Gale Wiklund, 81, became an angel on Sept. 29, 2016, in Sandpoint, Idaho, after a long battle with dementia. He will be laid to rest at the Forest Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, next to his mother.

Lenard was born to mother Doris Elaine Laabs Wiklund and father Oscar Wiklund, as well as older brother to his twin, Lloyd Wiklund on Dec. 12, 1934, in Coeur d’Alene. Just two short years into his life he become orphaned by his mother in 1936. At that time, the family then moved in with Grandma Laabs on the family farm in Dalton Gardens, Idaho. Lenard remained in Dalton Gardens attending school until the 10th grade while working on the family farm and with varying companies in the community.

At the age of 17, he voluntarily enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his service, he was stationed abroad in both Charroux, France and Casablanca, Morocco, as well as stateside in Air Force bases Maxwell, Kirtland and ending at Fairchild where he was married and started his family. After serving two consecutive terms and earning three stripes, he was honorably discharged. He soon after became divorced and relocated to Denver, Col., where he remained for a majority of his life. He was proudly employed by Coors’ for more than 25 years until semi-retirement where he then worked for Hancock’s for an additional seven years. After finally retiring, he then relocated back to his birthplace of Coeur d’Alene to be near his remaining family members.

Lenard was an active and proud member of the Republican Party, NRA and Lutheran church. He had a strong passion for photography, sewing and his beloved cats. He was well-known as a ladies man and was married a total of three times during his lifetime. He also enjoyed a good conversation, loved making others laugh and smile, and was proud to be an American.

He is survived by his four biological children, Patricia, Charles, Samuel and Charity Wiklund; seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; loving cousin, Sharon Huppert and many other cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to sign Lenard’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Final arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.