Leo Dorscher, 84

On Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, Leo Dorscher passed away peacefully in his sleep at LaCrosse Health and Rehabilitation Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, at the age of 84. His final days were spent talking with his son almost daily and being visited by his immediate family.

A beloved brother, father, grandfather and friend to many, he was born on June 8, 1936, to John Dorscher and Mary Ann Dorscher (Schneider) in Rosenfield, N.D. He grew up on the family farm with his parents and 12 brothers and sisters, just outside of Drake, N.D. He attended school in Drake and graduated from Drake High School in 1954. He later attended Minot State College in Minot, N.D., for a few semesters.

Leo married Delores Pfau on Sept. 2, 1957, and their only child, Timothy Alan, was born on March 2, 1958. Later in life, he enjoyed spending time with his neighbor and close friend, Eiko Albi.

He held numerous jobs before working for General Telephone Electric (GTE), where he worked for more than 24 years. The first 19 years were in Libby, Mont., and Coeur d’Alene, and then he transferred to Moscow, Idaho, and retired five years later as the GTE Northwest regional sales manager.

Leo built his dream home on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene near Carlin Bay, and lived there until 2000 when he moved back into town. He thoroughly enjoyed living on the lake, going boating, riding his motorcycle, going for walks, dancing, and having his son and three grandsons out for a day of boating and tubing on the lake. He had great love for and took great pride in his triplet grandsons.

He was a member of the Coeur d’Alene Eagles for years and took part in many of their events and dances. He was always one to enjoy family get-togethers, BBQing and visiting with friends and he had a special love for a good poker game.

He played the accordion from the time he was about 13 years old. He was often the music for many town gatherings and occasions like weddings, anniversaries, dances, etc. He loved the social gatherings and to see people having fun and enjoying his music. He was often coaxed into staying and playing late or the party was over.

He took great pride in his accomplishments from his hard work. He worked hard, played harder and would always spend some extra money to get some of the nicer things that would last because of their quality. He had many hobbies, like playing accordion and guitar, boating, motorcycle riding and some woodworking. He built many things from wood and metal and could make about anything - cabinets, sheds, furniture and he built the entire inside of his lake house except the cabinets.

He was very mechanically inclined and worked on all of his cars until his retirement years. He could fix almost anything mechanical and built many things through his persistence. However, with that persistence and determination came that little bit of German stubbornness that everyone knew him for. He was a proud man with a very strong will and those were also traits everyone knew. Being the youngest boy of the 13 children, he was known to most of his family as “Sonny.”

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, all of his brothers and sisters, except one, Edward Dorscher of Cusik, Wash. He is survived by his friend, Eiko Albi; brother, Edward Dorscher; son, Tim Dorscher (wife, Heidi); grandsons, Kevin Dorscher, Nicholas Dorscher and Isaac Dorscher (wife Brittany); great-granddaughter, Gianna Dorscher; and several nieces and nephews.

He will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew him. We thank the Lord for having shared him with us and enriching our lives for as long as his mind and body could stand. We hope and pray that he may now rest in peace in the presence and house of the Lord.

A service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at Yates Funeral Home, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. It will be preceded by an open casket viewing at 2 p.m. and followed by a luncheon at 4 p.m. All are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that memorials be directed to Hospice of North Idaho, The Schneidmiller House, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID. 83815, www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org.

Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. On-line registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.