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Gerald (Jerry) Edward Sorbel, 88

Gerald (Jerry) E. Sorbel passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2020, at the age of 88. He was born to Alvin and Kay Sorbel in Devils Lake, N.D. on March 1, 1931. He is survived by his brother, Randall Sorbel; his daughter, Deborah K. Sorbel; his son, Michael G. Sorbel; and grandchildren: Sheridan, Ty, and Autumn. He also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Gregory Sorbel; former wife, Shirley Sorbel; wife, Patricia Sorbel; and brother, Delane Sorbel.

Jerry attended Coeur d’Alene High School and loved to go to his reunions. He started his working career as a tallyman at Northwest Timber in Coeur d’Alene. Over the years, he worked his way up through various job titles at the lumber mills and retired as Superintendent with WI Forest Products.

He was an accomplished dancer and loved to go dancing every weekend. Jerry also had a love for gardening flowers and, much like his mother, Kay, had several articles in The Press about his flowers over the years. He enjoyed fishing and boating on Lake Coeur d’Alene and spent many a summer on Sanders Beach. He loved working with wood and built many bird houses and whirligigs for family and friends.

The family would like to express their loving gratitude to Hospice of North Idaho for their gracious and loving care during his last week. Burial will be at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens and a memorial will be held later in March. Please contact family members for further information on the memorial.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Jerry’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com