Daniel Edward Mehrens, 93

Daniel E Mehrens left us June 8, 2024, at the age of 93, in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada. Dan was born to Dooley and Bina Mehrens in Butte, Mont. He is survived by his partner, Ginette Bilodeau of Sylvan Lake, Alberta; his daughter, Pamela Alden, son Russell Mehrens and wife Kelly; daughter Tanya Salmon and husband John; Dan’s grandchildren, Sarah Hudson and husband Josh; Jake Mehrens and wife Natalie; great-grandchildren Asher, Oliver and Skylar Hudson, Ginette’s children, Alain Bilodeau and wife Holly, Martine Striemer and partner Robb Gregg, and Gary Bilodeau and wife Danielle. Dan had many cousins, nieces and nephews that he loved very much and made an impact on their lives; Dan is predeceased by his loving wife of 50 plus years, Donna M. Mehrens, his parents, Dooley and Bina, and his siblings, Alice Forhan, Mary Jo Michaud, Betty Patch, William Mehrens, Chloe Gillman and Cleda Austin. 

Dan joined the Air Force after high school and was stationed in Bangor, Maine, where he met and married Donna. They eventually moved to Spokane, Wash., where they raised their family. The summers were spent at the family cabin at Twin Lakes, Idaho, waterskiing and enjoying lake life. Winters involved snow skiing and snowmobiling. They both loved to travel and enjoyed many trips with friends and family, including trips to New Zealand and Mexico, driving the Alcan Highway to Alaska, and a road trip around the country. They loved traveling in their trailer, and every trip started out with Dan singing “On the Road Again.” He was always known for his singing and whistling wherever he went. 

Dan worked in the elevator industry for 30 years, retiring at age 60. He loved to say, “I’ve been retired more years than I worked.” During retirement, Dan and Donna lived at the lake in the summer and spent the winters in Desert Hot Springs, Calif., at Wagner RV park. He called it “the wrinkle ranch.” They met so many lifelong friends there. Donna suffered from Alzheimer's during this time, and he devoted his life to caring for her in the most loving way until she passed in 2006.

He continued “heading south for the winter’ where he met Ginette. Their friendship grew into a relationship, and they spent the last 15 years living in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada, during the summers and wintering in California. Dan had a wonderful relationship with all of Ginette’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were both healthy enough to travel with friends and enjoy their condo together in Sylvan Lake until he was 93.

Dan was a fantastic father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved all of his family so much, including cousins, nieces and nephews. He was a great friend to so, so many. We can all cherish our wonderful memories of Dan, Uncle Dan, Dad and Pops.

To celebrate Dan’s remarkable life, we gather July 13, 2024, at the English Funeral Chapel, 1700 N. Spokane St., Post Falls, Idaho, at 11. Please join us for a celebration of life to honor Dan. In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to hospice.