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Gisela E. Dreyer, 83

Gisela Erwine Dreyer passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Aug. 29, 2018, at North Idaho Hospice Schneidmiller House.

Gisela was preceded in death by her parents, Erwine and Johannes Jeschke; son-in-law, Mark W. Middleton; and granddaughter, Tawna Leih Bluth. She is survived by her former husband and lifelong friend, Ludwig Dreyer; her brothers, Hans Peter and Joachim Jeschke; her five children, Kerstin (Mark) Daly of Rathdrum, Idaho, Johann Dreyer of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Angela Middleton (Dave Duncan) of Worley, Idaho; Susan (Martin) Bluth of Mesa, Ariz. and Peter Dreyer of Mesa; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Gisela was born in Hamburg, Germany, on Jan. 3, 1935. Gisela and her former husband left Germany in 1956 with their 2-year-old daughter to seek a better life for their family. In 1973, Gisela settled in Coeur d’Alene with her children and instantly fell in love with its majestic beauty — a beauty that reminded her of the Black Forest near where she grew up.

Gisela had a fiery, hard-working spirit. With sparkling eyes and a beautiful smile, she was a driven and determined entrepreneur. Gisela opened and operated The Black Forest Restaurant, presently known as Jimmy’s Down the Street, in downtown Coeur d’Alene. There she created a special menu of German cuisine and an atmosphere that reflected her tireless hours and dedication to her patrons that kept them returning frequently.

Gisela’s business adventures never took her away from her most loved and enjoyed passion in life: spending time adventuring with her children and their growing families. She was an active woman who loved the beauty of being outdoors, but was completely content enjoying the many beauties found indoors as well. In her younger years, Gisela was an avid skier, hiker, camper, fisherman and gardener, and she adored trips to the ocean, which reminded her of the years that she was settled in Malibu, Calif., with her young family. As the years passed her by (as they do) she found an appreciation for music and the arts, and greatly loved sitting on her porch while sipping a cup of coffee with a family member or a friend, and enjoying a quick game of cribbage or admiring her many flowers.

Gisela especially loved animals and made many contributions to the Humane Society and Guiding Eyes for the Blind. She was a very generous woman who sought out those in need so she could help. She always saw the best in people and believed in second chances.

Gisela’s affections were stern yet loving. Her conscience was the strongest element of her nature. She was a great role model and an example of someone with true character. Character which never wavered when faced with the ups and downs of life.

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.”

Gisela’s family is planning a celebration of life for next summer. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of North Idaho’s Schneidmiller House, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815, or at www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org/donate.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements.