Dorothy Eleanor Peak, 100

Dorothy Eleanor Peak, 100, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, passed away at The Schneidmiller Hospice house on June 14, 2022. Dorothy was the daughter of Edward and Emma Lenz of Altoona, Wis. Dorothy was delivered by her father at home on Oct. 4, 1921, as the doctor had two flat tires on the way to their house.

Dorothy was proceeded in death by her husband, Kenneth Earl Peak, who died Dec. 12, 1994, a daughter, Susan Goad, two grandsons Vince Goad and David Peak, and great-great-granddaughter Madison Goad.

Dorothy passed away on June 14 after several months of battling heart and kidney problems. After high school, in Altoona, Wis., she attended Eau Claire State Teachers College of Wisconsin where she received her teaching degree, and she then became a rural schoolteacher. Dorothy taught first through eighth grade in a one-room schoolhouse in Washington County of Eau Claire, Wis. Dorothy quit her job as a one-room schoolteacher to marry the love of her life, Kenneth Peak, on June 26, 1942. Dorothy enjoyed, along with her daughters Judith and Susan, making pillows, blankets, and other crafts and won many ribbons at the North Idaho fair. She enjoyed attending North Country Chapel and was a charter member as she started attending North County when the first service was held at the Koinonia House in 1994. When she was no longer able to attend church in person, she would watch on the internet at home. Dorothy loved the Lord and would pray for her family daily. She enjoyed being with family at her home and when attending birthday parties or other family gatherings.

We were very blessed that our mother at 100 years old, still had a very sharp mind, and she loved to tell stories of when she was young, even up to her last day. Dorothy was so pleased on her last day having family around her and was able to share stories with them. She told the story of her father, who was a very caring man who always wanted to help others in need. Her father was in Seattle as he was helping to build the Northern Pacific Railroad from Chicago to Seattle at the turn of the century. While in Seattle, after just getting paid, he bought a man who was hungry a meal. After the meal, once outside, the man slit her father’s throat and took all his money. Her father survived and lived to tell the story of how the people in Seattle were so sorry that this had happened to him, that they would come and visit with him every day until he was able to return to work again on the railroad.

Dorothy is survived by one daughter, Judith Learned, of Kyle, Texas, and three sons, Thomas Peak of Coeur d’Alene, Michael Peak of Post Falls and Steven Peak of Coeur d’Alene. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren, who are living in various parts of the country.

She was very loved by all her family and friends, and she will be sorely missed by all. Thank you to all the family, friends and caregivers who gave their time and loving attention in caring for Dorothy in her time of need.

We have scheduled Dorothy’s memorial service for Saturday, Aug. 20 at 2 p.m. at North Country Chapel in Post Falls, Idaho.