Verland G. Woempner, 81

Verland G. Woempner was born Aug. 12, 1941, to Arnold and Mabel (Stowe) Woempner in Coeur d'Alene. He left us most unexpectedly May 23, 2023, with his wife, Carla, at his side.

Verland lived most of his 81+ years on his beloved Diamond W Ranch overlooking Squaw Bay on Lake Coeur d'Alene. He was the third generation to live on this property which was intended to be a dairy and cheese factory. He attended grades 1-8 in a one-room school about a mile from the house. He graduated from Cd'A High School in 1961 and attended the Junior College (NIC) studying Auto Mechanics. From there he went to Idaho State University in Pocatello where he received a "Doctor of Diesel Mechanics" degree. Over the years he worked in different capacities in local businesses. He worked as a young man in the Springston Sawmill.

In his early life, he also helped his father with a custom haying business, logging and ranch work. After graduating from ISU he went to work for Tony Moen, Morgan & Morgan & Wheeler equipment dealers as a mechanic. He worked on farm equipment all over the Pacific NW & into Canada. In the mid '70s, he owned his own electric shop in Cd'A for a few years. After selling the business he went to work for the East Side Hwy Dist., first in the Cd'A shop and then the Harrison shop where he was a working foreman. He retired from the shop in 2004 as a result of medical issues. Verland was a member of the Kootenai County Mounted Posse for 20 years where he served in various positions including twice as Captain. He was also a member of the Kootenai Search & Rescue, served as a 4H leader, and Youth Hunting Program instructor and belonged to the local Saddle Club. In recent years, he was a member of Medimont River of Life Church, was on the Kootenai/Shoshone Farm Bureau board of directors, was a member of the local cattlemen's group, Panhandle Antique Tractor & Engine Club and a member of Silver Valley Sam's camping group. In his lifetime, he was many things to many people. His incredible mechanical knowledge, which he readily shared, as well as local East Lake Cd'A history, will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife, Carla, and children, Kenneth (Kate), Dale (Andrea) and Cassandra (Jim), seven grandchildren, Felicia, Bryce, Alyssa, Jade, Michaela, Owen, Tavis and Baylee, great-granddaughter Laela, five step-children, Shannon, Mark, Dwayne, Becky and Carin, his sister, Shirley Marsan (Mike), and several nieces and nephews.

Verland liked things simple, so there will be no formal funeral service, but instead a simple celebration of his life at 1:30 p.m. June 11 at The Willows Event Center, 6850 S. Wolf Lodge Creek Road, Coeur d'Alene. Please join Verland's family to share memories and refreshments. A private graveside service was held on an earlier date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Kootenai County Mounted Sheriff's Posse, Search & Rescue, the Eastside Volunteer Fire Dept., or a charity of your choice.