Gerald Stern, 93

Gerald Gerhardt “Jerry” Stern, 93, passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2021, in Spokane, Wash. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Steve Heinsen officiating.

Jerry was born on July 9, 1928, in Hortonville, Wis., to Gerhardt and Dora Stern. He grew up and attended schools in Hortonville. He attended River Falls College in Wisconsin and the University of Montana, where he earned a degree in forestry.

Jerry married Frances Sexton on August 18, 1951, in Hortonville. He served his country in the United States Navy, serving on the USS Topeka.

Jerry worked for the Soil Conservation service, as a forester for the State of Montana, and for the United States Forest Service in Montana, Idaho and Washington. He was a District Ranger in five districts. He also worked as a Class I Fire Boss.

Jerry was a charter member and Elder at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He loved his wife, family, the Lord, church, friends, gardening, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Green Bay Packers, watching his grandkids and great grandkids play sports, cribbage and pinochle games, taking care of other people.

He is survived by his wife Fran “Toots”; two sons Scott (Carol) Stern of Livingston, Mont., and Greg (Leah) Stern of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; two daughters Jackie (John) Houchin of Meridian, Idaho and Tonya (Jim) Walls of Boise, Idaho; 10 grandchildren; 11 greatgrandchildren; brother Keith Stern and sister Jean Yost both from Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters Mickey and Glenna.

Memorial donations may be made to Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1900 Pine St., Sandpoint, Idaho 83864.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangement. Please visit Jerry’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.