John Lee Harrah, 82

John Lee Harrah, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully June 28, 2024, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, surrounded by his beloved family. He was 82 years old.

Born on Jan. 14, 1942, in Kellogg, Idaho, to Thomas and Erma Harrah, John was raised in Kellogg, on Vergobbi Street, aka “Little Italy,” during his early years. John attended Kellogg High School, where you may still find his name on a football trophy! John then worked at the Sunshine Mine before a quest for knowledge took him to NJIC, then on to the School of Dentistry at OHSU. John then went to California, where he had a successful career in dental equipment sales which eventually included territories spanning North Idaho to Southern California. John demonstrated a tireless work ethic with which he credited all his success, along with “knowing your product.”

John welcomed his first son, Brad Lee, in 1961. John was never prouder than when he became a father. One of his fondest memories was being at Tony’s Supper Club celebrating Brad’s birth. He’d always remind us on subsequent visits of the happiness he felt at that moment. John then welcomed Thomas Michael in 1965 and Jason “Jay” Allen in 1969. John was blessed with daughters next, Angela Dawn in 1977 and Jennifer Lee in 1979. John welcomed even more children when he met the love of his life, Geralyn, in 1987. She brought three more sons, Marcus, Morgan and Chase as well as his oldest daughter, Desiree “Dede,” whom he officially adopted in 1990.

John’s pride and joy was his family. He raised his nine children with unconditional love, wise guidance, a clever sense of humor and plenty of strong embraces. His children went on to raise their families with the same ideals. John’s nine children have blessed him with 14 grandchildren: Pavin, Hayli, Hayden, Holden, Kenze, Deedric, Brando, Danielle, Brolin, Dallas, Giabella, Taylor, Brooke, Cayden and Aden. His grandchildren have blessed him with three great-grandchildren: Isla, Cash and Thrasher.

John’s happiest moments were seeing his kids together. He loved nothing more than making people laugh and was the King of Dad Jokes. Laughter was always prevalent among the household as if it were an additional sibling. John provided love, safety and care to his family in any way he could. John retired in beautiful Coeur d’Alene near his hometown of Kellogg, to which he made visits regularly. He also enjoyed visits to Lake Elsie, Higgens Point and his secret spot, Stevens Lake. John Lee Harrah will be missed dearly and remembered with nothing but fondness, respect and gratitude.

John’s celebration of life is being held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, at Yates Funeral Home — Coeur d’Alene Chapel, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene with an urn committal to follow at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens. Please visit John’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.