Gayle Schenkenberger, 69

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

Gayle was born on July 28, 1955, in Kellogg, Idaho to William and Sarah Hietala. She was the 3rd of 4 children: Cary, Carol, Gayle, and Brian. Bill and Sarah moved their family to Coeur d'Alene in 1963.

On August 11, 1973, she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Gary Schenkenberger. They had 5 children: Carl, Amy, Beth, Ben, and Eric.

In 1980, they moved to Davenport, Washington, then to Libby, Montana in 1987. Gary & Gayle returned to Coeur d'Alene in 2000 to live closer to their aging parents.

Gayle was a wonderful homemaker & mother to her 5 children while they were growing up. She was a constant presence at her children’s extra curricular 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 her peaceful, reassuring presence.

If the measure of greatness in God's Kingdom is being the servant of all, there are few who surpassed her.

She is sorely missed here; greatly rejoiced in heaven.

Gayle was preceded in death by her father, 3 siblings, and granddaughter Theresa Louise. She is survived by her mother Sarah, her husband Gary, their 5 children, 22 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held:

Saturday, November 30th

11:30 a.m.

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 projectlinus.org