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Stephen Wayne Wiltse (Lehmker), 72

Stephen Wayne Wiltse (Lehmker) 72, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side after battling multiple health issues and finally dementia, on Jan. 29, 2020, at Schneidmiller Hospice House of Coeur d’Alene. He was born May 21, 1947, in Bremerton, Wash., to Eva and Jack Lehmker.

Steve served in the Air Force for eight years and is a Vietnam War veteran. After he was honorably discharged from the military, Steve worked as a Nevada State Trooper before becoming police chief of Brier, Wash., and later starting a private investigation company. Years later he moved to Idaho to build boats. He was reunited with his old business partner and moved to San Diego to work for the gaming commission at the Viejas Casino. Due to health issues, he moved back to Idaho, where his daughter-in-law donated a kidney to him, and because of her, he was given 16 more years of life. I think it’s safe to say he was a jack-of-all trades. Steve was a fun-loving, crazy man who loved life and his family above all else and will be missed so much.

Steve is survived by Barbara Wiltse, his high school sweetheart and wife of 53 years; his three children: Scott Wiltse, Greg (Lori) Wiltse and Kristine (Lawrence) Kraus; his father, Jack Lehmker; sister, Nancy McElhoe; brother, Gary (Molina) Wiltse, his seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his mother, Eva Wiltse and step-father, Melvin Wiltse.

A full military honors service will be held at the Washington Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash., and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Yates funeral home has been entrusted with final arrangements.