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Eugene ‘Lee’ Deitz, 84

Eugene “Lee” Deitz of Hayden, Idaho, entered into Heaven on Jan. 5, 2019, due to complications of cancer and dementia. This after he survived a horrific motorcycle wreck at age 80 while riding his beloved Honda Goldwing motorcycle at speeds up to 100 mph on the Coeur d’Alene River Road.

Lee was born Jan. 28, 1934, in Belfield, N.D., to David and Eva Deitz. Lee attended school in Green Acres, Wash., and Coeur d’Alene High School. He met the love of his life, Shirley Clemetson, at the Coeur d’Alene Roller Rink and they were married Oct. 2, 1953, at Willow Acres Wedding Chapel in Coeur d’Alene.

Lee enjoyed the outdoors, especially riding snowmobiles and motorcycles. He traveled all over Idaho and went on long road trips with his wife Shirley on their Goldwing motorcycle. Lee loved driving fast. He raced stock cars from 1956 to 1958 at the Sunset Speedway and had the opportunity to help break in the Coeur d’Alene Speedway when it was built. His team was sponsored by Bennion Oil Company and Don Lavoie. He enjoyed taking his family to see the hydroplane races on Lake Coeur d’Alene and they made many memories taking family trips in the summer.

He liked to putter around his garage and work on his many projects. Lee loved to fish, boat, hunt and camp, which he enjoyed doing with his daughters and grandchildren. He loved to rise early at camp and ride his bike 5 miles (one way) to Avery Creek while scouting for wildlife and firewood. He is dearly loved by his grandkids who looked up to him as a mentor and role model.

Lee worked at Kaiser Aluminum Trentwood plant for 42 years and retired in 1995. After retirement, Lee and Shirley enjoyed traveling, which included a trip to Norway. They also became snowbirds, driving their motorhome to Yuma, Ariz., for many years, and finally decided to buy a place on a lot that included a fifth-wheel trailer so they could enjoy more company.

Lee is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 65 years; daughters, Cheryl Boni (Bob Cameron), Leeann (Brett) Kimball and Jan Deitz; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and sisters, Bonnie Olson of Townsend, Mont., Charmaine (Don) Kolb of Spokane, Wash., Becky Ellis of Anaconda, Mont.; and brother, David Deitz of Coeur d’Alene. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerry; and daughter, Teresa Chariton.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at the Dalton Gardens Church of Christ, 6439 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, with graveside services at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens and a reception to follow at the Church of Christ.

The family wishes to thank Rose Terrace Cottages and Schneidmiller Hospice House of North Idaho for their loving care, and also Yates Funeral Homes.

Please visit Lee’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.