Gayle Schenkenberger, 69

Gayle Susan Schenkenberger, 69, passed away quietly and unexpectedly Nov. 6, 2024, while doing one of the things she loved best: spending time with family.

Gayle was born to William and Sarah Hietala on July 28, 1955, in Kellogg, Idaho. She was the third of four children: Cary, Carol, Gayle and Brian. Bill and Sarah moved their family to Coeur d'Alene in 1963.

On Aug. 11, 1973, she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Gary Schenkenberger. They had five children: Carl, Amy, Beth, Ben and Eric. In 1980, they moved to Davenport, Wash., then to Libby, Mont., in 1987. Gary and Gayle returned to Coeur d'Alene in 2000 to live closer to their aging parents. Gayle was a wonderful homemaker and mother to her five children while they were growing up. She was a constant presence at her children’s extracurricular activities, both in and out of town, and was blessed to be able to travel to many of her grandchildren’s activities in more recent years. She was our family’s greatest cheerleader. Gayle lovingly, faithfully and joyfully devoted herself to serving her family, friends and church with all her heart.

Family and friends experienced her servant's heart through family get-togethers, camping and beach trips, coffee dates and book clubs; in the gifts of her homemade quilts, jams and dried fruit; in her patient, attentive listening, thoughtful conversation and peaceful, reassuring presence.

If the measure of greatness in God's Kingdom is being the servant of all, few surpass her. She is sorely missed here but greatly rejoices in heaven.

Gayle was preceded in death by her father, three siblings and granddaughter Theresa Louise. She is survived by her mother, Sarah, her husband, Gary, their five children, 22 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, Nov. 30, at 11:30 a.m., at Kootenai County Fairgrounds, Building 1, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815.

Because of her love of quilting, children and service to others, we've chosen a charity to remember her by, which combines all three. Project Linus provides handmade blankets to children 0-18 in the United States who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need. Please consider a donation in Gayle’s memory at www.projectlinus.org.