Joseph Smidt, 90

Man of faith, family and country, Joseph Smidt of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, peacefully passed away surrounded by his wife, Barbara of 70 years, and his loving family Oct. 9, 2023.

Born in Flomaton, Ala., on Feb. 6, 1933, Joe, the son of an Army coastal artillery officer, grew up in San Diego, Calif. Joe served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 until 1954. He went on to attend and play football at UC Berkeley, playing in the Rose Bowl against the University of Iowa. He graduated from San Diego State University. Joe was a career educator. He worked as a high school teacher, football and baseball coach, counselor, vice principal and principal in various San Diego County schools. He served in positions of responsibility in organizations from Little League baseball and Pop Warner football to Bishop and missionary with wife Barbara for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Solomon Islands.

Joseph is survived by wife Barbara, sons Michael, James, Timothy and Mark and their spouses, Sandra, Sherene, Janet and Michelle; 18 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. at the Fourth Street Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joe will be interred at the Medical Lake Veterans Cemetery.