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Douglas A. Elli, 72

With great sadness we lost our husband, father, grandfather, “Opa”, great-grandfather and friend, Douglas A. Elli on Sept. 22, 2017 at Schneidmiller Hospice House. He was born on Feb. 26, 1945 in Sandpoint, Idaho, to Alfred and Marie Elli (Davis).

Doug served in the Army, and while stationed in Pforzheim, Germany, he met his future wife Christa. They were married on July 13, 1969, in Coeur d’Alene. In marrying Christa, Doug got a package deal with her daughter, Gabriele. Seven years later their son Mark completed the family.

Doug worked for Idaho Veneer for 37 years, retiring in 2009. He was a talented lumberman. In his off time he enjoyed fishing, and once retired he spent many happy days with friends and family fishing on most of the beautiful lakes of North Idaho, but his favorite was Lake Pend Oreille.

He was also an expert gardener of both flowers and vegetables. It was not uncommon for someone taking a walk to stop and compliment him on his beautiful flowers. He took great pride in his yard, but particularly his dahlias. He most always had a bountiful crop of tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini, which he shared with family and neighbors. If you were lucky you also received green beans and raspberries.

For Christmas of 2006, Doug received a labradoodle puppy which he named Holly. She became his furry best friend and little love. When he lost Holly in 2016 he was devastated, but we are happy to know they are together again.

Doug is survived by his wife, Christa; daughter, Gabriele Grover (Rick); son, Mark Elli (Ellie); granddaughters, Brandi Granger (Tim), Julie Brown (Nathan), twins Madeline and Olivia Elli; and great-grandchildren, Sam and Sophia Granger.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Schneidmiller Hospice House for the care they gave to Doug and also to the family, and Pastor Jon Muhly for the prayers and comfort he provided.

Per Doug’s wishes, there will be no service. The family will gather in the spring to enjoy a barbecue and toast a beer to Doug on Lake Pend Oreille, where we will spread his ashes in his favorite fishing spot. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Schneidmiller Hospice House, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’ Alene, ID 83815. Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Doug’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.