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| June 6, 2018 1:00 AM

Leslie ‘Les’ Donald Schmehl, 74

Les passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 1, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was born in Reading, Pa., but lived his life in Post Falls, Idaho.

Les was a very proud Vietnam veteran. He served our country in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1964. After returning home he begin his life as a machinist. One of his greatest loves was flying. He received his pilot license and said there was nothing better than being all alone, up above everything.

Les loved all things outdoors. He was an avid hunter for most of his life and enjoyed taking his 4-wheeler to his “secret spot” and checking his cameras and salt lick. Les loved to tell stories from his past and was an amazing story teller. He had a light about him that you were drawn to; some would say he was grumpy, but he was testing the waters to make sure you were a genuine person. Les was always good for a laugh. He had a true green thumb and could make anything he planted grow. Les loved to garden and spend most of his time outside. He was a master of fixing all things, as his grandchildren would say, “if Papa can’t fix it, nobody can.”

He is preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Anna Schmehl. Les has lived alongside his wife, Penni Schmehl, for 33 years. He was a loving father to seven children, and a proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He is survived by his wife, Penni; son, Jason (Serenity) Darwood; daughter, Kasey Darwood (David Bertsch); son, Corbin Schmehl; daughter, Lesli (Chris) Mortellaro; daughter, Jennifer Schmehl (Jeremy West); daughter, Sarah Wilhelm (Mike) Strate; son, Jesse (Jodi) Carey; and 15 grandchildren and one great-grandson.

His family would like you to join them for a celebration of life and potluck from 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, June 8, 2018, at the Post Falls American Legion Post 143, 1138 E. Poleline Ave, Post Falls.

Les’ favorite quote, “Make America great again!”

Please visit Les’ online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.