Imogene 'Jean' Gail Bachmeier, 91

April 9, 1932 — Jan. 23, 2024

Imogene (Jean) Bachmeier was born April 9, 1932, in Ekalaka, Mont., to Edgar and Mildred (Major) Smith. She was the oldest girl, with six siblings. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; husband Victor; brother and sister-in-law Jim and Lowan Smith; sister and brother-in-law Maxine and Corky Alloway; sister Nola Jenicek; nephew Darrick Smith; and granddaughter Ashley Bachmeier. 

Jean grew up in the Silver Valley and graduated from Kingston High in 1949. They were a very close-knit loving family. Jean was known to have a stubborn streak but was also thought of as the family diplomat, trying to keep the peace within their small home. Siblings still with us are Larry (Carlette) Smith of Rose Lake, Terry (Donna) Smith of Garwood, and Zella (Leroy) Burt of Pinehurst. Over the last several years, Jean enjoyed Bible studies and lunch with her siblings and children weekly at the “Hayden House.”

After graduating from high school Jean began waitressing. Vic Bachmeier was a frequent customer and caught Jean’s eye quickly. He was never in work clothes, always clean with pressed pants and a shirt, he looked like a great catch! He was a little hard to understand with a heavy German accent, but that lightened over the years. Vic and Jean were married April 23, 1952, and celebrated 62 years together before Vic passed in 2015.

Vic and Jean had four children: Jeri (Barry) DeLange of Hayden, Jim (Sue) Bachmeier of Spokane Valley, Jack (Sara) Bachmeier of Colville and Jill (Dave) Spiker of Cd'A. They have 11 grandchildren: Dave, Dan and Leah Pierce, Jared and Ashley Bachmeier, Joy Ross, Brook Weber, Jesse Bachmeier, Nicole Walker, Talon and Taylor Lunsford. There are 21 great-grandchildren.

Jean was a stay-at-home mother until her youngest began school. She attended classes through NIC and University of Idaho and completed a bachelor’s degree in three years in elementary education. It was a proud moment when daughter Jill and three grandchildren, Dave, Dan and Nicole followed her lead to graduate from U of I; and three other granddaughters: Leah, Brook and Joy were college graduates from other colleges. Jean was immensely proud of her family, all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a well-loved teacher for 23 years and taught grades two through five at Elk Creek, Sunnyside and Pinehurst.

Some of Jean’s memberships included: St Rita’s Catholic Church in Kellogg, Catholic Daughters, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Kellogg Ladies Elks, Retired Educators and Red Hatters. One of her favorite treats was to go to the Cd’A Casino, where, up until a few months ago, she drove herself. She always said she felt close to Vic there, as that was a fun pastime they did together and with many of their friends: McPeaks, Koeples, Breedens and Bergs. Jean and Vic also took several motor home and flying trips with this group and sister, Nola (Charles) Jenicek after the kids had left home to Cape Canaveral, Branson, Elko, Reno, Disney World, Mexico and more.

In 2009. Jean and Vic sold their family home in Pinehurst and moved to Golden Spike Estates in Rathdrum, where it was all one level and had an attached garage, something they did without till then. After Vic passed in 2015, Jill and Dave Spiker facilitated putting Jean and Dave’s mom, Carlyn, together for companionship in a home on Hayden Avenue, later coined the “Hayden House.” This was a 5-acre property with lots of parking and a big yard. It became the family party house and made it easy for all the family to come and visit. Major holidays, baby showers, birthdays, bible study, weddings and much more were held here so everyone could be with their beloved “Jeanie.” The grandkids and great-grandkids would use it as their hub when coming home to visit and always had a place to sleep. Jean never wanted to miss out on any of the action or family events and was not ready to go be with the Lord till three days before her passing. Her friendship and roommate setup with Carlyn was a blessing to both of them and they did most things together for the last eight-and-a-half years.

All that knew Jean loved her because of her sweet disposition, she always looked at the best in people. Not a bad or bitter bone in her body and thankful for everything and everyone, and generous beyond measure. She was God’s light and people loved to be around her. This is what made her such a special teacher, wife, mother and friend. A huge blessing to the family was that Jean was still sharp as a tack up till the end.

The family would like to thank all her caregivers with Kootenai Health at the Heart Clinic, where she received a triple bypass, 10 stents and an aortic valve, the Cancer Center where she received monthly care to manage ITP, a rare blood disorder, her primary, Dr. Linford and staff, with a special thanks to nurse Lynn Kinson, who was on top of watching her vitals daily and implementing quick action when needed. In the end, her kidneys gave out and she passed peacefully at home, where she wanted to be. About 40 family members were able to come to say their final goodbye in the last couple of days before she passed.

A celebration of life and reception will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at The Altar Church, 901 Best Ave. in Cd’A. The family would appreciate that any thoughts or stories to possibly share be left at: www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.

Memorials can be made in her honor at: www.kootenaihealthfoundation.org/donate-online/.