Robert Liepold, 90

Robert Duane Liepold, son of Herman and Marjorie Liepold, passed away peacefully May 25, 2024, in Spokane, Wash., at the age of 90 after battling dementia. He was born Jan. 8, 1934, in Spokane, Wash., and grew up in the Silver Valley, living life to its fullest. After graduating from Kellogg (Idaho) High School in 1952, Bob joined the Army. He was stationed at Fort Ord, Calif., and served at Fort Monmouth, N.J. and Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. After serving three years, he returned to the Pacific Northwest, where he studied at North Idaho College, then Eastern Washington State College, earning a bachelor's and then a master's in elementary education. Bob taught in Sweet Home, Ore., for one year before returning to Spokane to teach in the Central Valley School District, starting in 1963 and retiring in 1995. Bob taught at McDonald, South Pines, Chester and Ponderosa elementary schools.

Bob married Fonda Jane Flanigan on June 26, 1961, and were married for 60 years before Fonda’s passing in 2021. They enjoyed going for leisurely drives and camping with Fonda’s brother and family along the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River.  

In addition to family and teaching, Bob also loved history and riding his motorcycle. His last bike was finally sold when he was 85. There isn’t a two-lane road within 50 miles that he hadn’t explored. He also had a vast knowledge of local logging and mining history as well as all aspects of WWII. Friends and family knew him as the one with the stories. 

Bob was a man who was beloved by his family and friends. His quick wit and kind heart will be missed by all who knew him.

Bob is survived by his sister, Gail Johnson of Sequim, Wash.; daughter Teri (Kevin) Switzer of Hayden, Idaho; son Tim (Jamie) Liepold of Spokane Valley, Wash., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Marjorie Liepold, and his wife, Fonda Liepold.  

We would be remiss in not acknowledging the excellent care given to him by the wonderful caregivers and staff at Orchard Crest Memory Care Facility. We thank them.