Donald 'Don' W. Sausser, 88

Donald “Don” W. Sausser, 88, of Coeur d’Alene, died July 23, 2023. Don was born Oct. 15, 1934, to Gilbert Arthur and Dura Davis (Stanton) Sausser in Long Beach, Calif. He was raised and attended schools in Compton, Calif. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged.

Don married Arlene “Sue” Louise Gibbs of Long Beach on June 25, 1960. They had two sons and resided in Garden Grove and Running Springs, Calif. The family moved to Kennewick, Wash., in 1972 and then Coeur d’Alene in 1973, where Don continued employment with General Telephone for 33 years.

Don and Sue “pioneered” and resided on 60 acres in Mica Flats for 30 years. He was instrumental in forming the Mica Kidd Island Fire District, serving as volunteer chief for 20 years. He taught the 4H Photography project for 13 years and was active in the Mica Flats Grange playing piano and organ in the dance band. Don served on the board of trustees of North Idaho College and was active in foundation philanthropy and the Booster Club. He videoed and built a video library for the NIC Symphony Orchestra, later becoming the independent Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra. He also served on the Coeur d’Alene Youth Orchestra board and judged photography in county fairs. Don’s lifelong hobbies included photography, ice skating and piano music composition. Later hobbies included video production, computers and classic car restoration. Don and Sue moved to the Lake Tower Apartments in 2003.

Don was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Sue. He is survived by his two sons, Brad of Rathdrum and Gregg of Post Falls; five granddaughters, Cara, Elisa, Kali, Brooke and Megan; and six great-granddaughters.

At Don’s request, no services are scheduled. Any desired contributions may be made to North Idaho College Foundation. Online condolences at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.