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Pastor William James Hohenstreet
Pastor Bill Hohenstreet unexpectedly went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, at his home in Post Falls, Idaho. He was born March 5, 1948, in Republic, Wash., to William Louis Hohenstreet and Viola Jean Evans. Growing up in Grangeville, Idaho, and Chattaroy, Wash., Bill was very active in 4-H and Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout; as well as helping run the family farm. Following high school, Bill attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, N.Y. He began a career with Crowley Maritime upon graduation.
On July 12, 1970, Bill married Gail Cannon, the love of his life. Crowley moved them from Seattle, Wash., to Brundall, England, and then to Jacksonville, Fla. Bill and Gail had seven children — five boys and two girls.
While in Jacksonville, Bill’s life changed forever on July 21, 1979, when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Bill had already been active at First Baptist Church of Bayard, but upon his salvation everything changed. He soon surrendered to God’s will for him to go into the ministry full time. He resigned from Crowley and poured everything into God’s call to preach the Gospel. During this time, Bill earned a master of divinity from Luther Rice Seminary. In 1991, Bill became the pastor of Post Falls Baptist Church in north Idaho. Pastor Bill served faithfully as their pastor for 27½ years, until the day he went home with his Lord.
The number of people who have been impacted by Pastor Bill is known only to Heaven. In Jacksonville, he led a bus ministry to help bring children and families to church. In Post Falls, his leadership as a pastor saw many accept Christ as their personal Savior. In more recent years, his messages on Sunday mornings were broadcast via radio, reaching many more. Bill will be remembered for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, love for the mountains, cowboy hats and boots.
Anyone who spent more than a few minutes around Pastor Bill knows the words, “Has anyone told you today that they love you?” He will more importantly be remembered for his love for Jesus, strong Bible convictions and a deep passion for preaching the Gospel. Our family wasn’t ready for him to go so soon, but we are trusting in God and thankful for the years we had with him. His grandchildren are heartbroken that their Grandpa (“Papa”) is gone. He had a very special place in his heart for each one of them. We believe Jesus greeted him in Heaven with, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
Pastor Bill is survived by his wife of 48 years, Gail Hohenstreet; his children, Lance (Christine) Hohenstreet of Puyallup, Wash.; Matt Hohenstreet and Ruben Rostro of Concord, Calif.; Seth (Beth) Hohenstreet of Post Falls; Nathan (Molly) Hohenstreet of Spokane, Wash.; Kara Flores of Ontario, Ore.; Luke (Britny) Hohenstreet of Coeur d’Alene and Abigail (David) Carreon of Palo Alto, Calif.; and his sisters, Susie Dodd and Mary Mayo. Bill is also survived by 16 grandchildren, Allyson, Leanne, James, Stephen, Grace, Anna, Kaitlyn, Liliana, Rebekah, Justin, Gabriel, Gabriella, Thomas, William, Lilah and Titus. He also is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, friends and church family. We were, without doubt, blessed to have known and loved him.
The viewing will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, at English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. (doors will open at 10 a.m.) on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018, at Post Falls Baptist Church, and it will be an open casket service. Pastor Eddie Bumpers, a longtime family friend from Springfield, Mo., will officiate. Arrangements are being handled by English Funeral Chapel. Please feel welcome to leave comments and memories for the family at Pastor Bill’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.
Pastor Bill was loved and admired by many and will be sorely missed. But those that have accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior will see him again in Glory, for as he often said, “Look for me at Jesus’ feet!”
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved
Acts 16:31