Ellsworth (Al) Holm, 88

Al Holm was born 88 years ago to Florestine Brien Holm and Floyd Holm in Little Sunburst, Mont. The family moved to a farm in Hayden Lake, Idaho in 1943. Al attended the one-room schoolhouse on the Rimrock.

Al enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1953. His duties took him to Guam, the Marshall Islands, Japan, Samoa and Hawaii, as well as the Patos Islands and Turn Point Lighthouses on the San Juan Islands. Al then began his law enforcement career as a maritime law enforcement officer while in the Coast Guard. He also served as a Federal Correctional Officer with the U.S. Department of Justice. He was a special deputy for the Spokane County Sheriff's Department and served as Chaplin for the cities of Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Al was a certified chaplain for the International Conference of Police Chaplains.

Al was a substance abuse counselor and suicide prevention specialist. He was the pastor of United Living Ministries and performed many weddings in the area, even drive-thru, which received national attention. Al was a proud member of the Turtle Mt. Chippewa Tribe, the CdA Parkinson's Support Group, and the DAV. He loved country music and played bass for several bands. Al enjoyed reading, especially Christian history. He volunteered for many organizations including Hospice, CASA and MADD.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, sister, four brothers and nephews. Survivors are his wife, Karen; sons Stuart, Aaron and Patrick (Becca); daughters Karine and Ellen (Dean); niece Connie (Tom); six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Military honors will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23. A celebration of life will follow at Peace Lutheran Church, corner of Meyer and Prairie in Post Falls. Please view and sign Al's online guestbook at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.