Peter Charles Erbland, 73

Peter “Pete” Charles Erbland, 73, passed away Aug. 2, 2026, with his devoted wife by his side.

Pete was born the fourth of eight children on Nov. 20, 1952, in Canandaigua, N.Y., to Robert Merritt and Mary Frances (Carroll) Erbland. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University and earned his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law.  

Pete’s early legal career included serving as Chief Deputy Prosecutor for Kootenai County and Chief of the Criminal Justice Division for the Office of the Idaho Attorney General. The duration of his career was in private practice in Coeur d’Alene, handling complex civil litigation, personal injury, and insurance defense, among many other matters. He served as a mediator and arbitrator whose extensive knowledge, experience, and intuitive and respectful manner enabled the settlement of thousands of disputes. Pete was a superb courtroom advocate and had a statewide reputation as a man of the highest character with the respect of colleagues, clients, staff and opposing counsel. Pete’s decency and professionalism defined his legal career, resulting in the Idaho State Bar’s 2016 Professionalism Award and the 2018 Distinguished Lawyer Award. He was also honored to be a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

More recently, he was a founding member of the North Idaho Republicans as he was passionate about restoring civility, honesty and integrity to local politics. As a highly respected Republican Precinct Committeeman, his leadership, demeanor and wisdom provided a model to which many aspired.

Among his personal passions and endeavors, Pete was an excellent snow skier, having learned while living in Italy with his family during his teen years. In his mid-life, he became an accomplished mountaineer, training with the Spokane Mountaineers and summiting many of the regional mountains in addition to some of the world’s tallest: Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro and Denali. His attempt at Mt. Everest was halted by the tragic events of the 2014 climbing season. Coeur d’Alene’s Canfield Mountain held a special place in his heart, which he likely hiked thousands of times. 

With all of Pete’s success in his career and personal pursuits, it was in his role as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle where he found his greatest joy as he spent time with family. He especially enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors with his wife, children and grandchildren, and spent many happy weekends on the ski slopes with them. “Papa Pete” adored and was dedicated to spending time with his grandchildren, who will always cherish their time together, including their “Explorer’s Club” and his playing any game they asked of him. Their home was often filled with dear friends and family, especially during football season to cheer on his favorite Green Bay Packers. His 2026 trips to Italy and learning to speak Italian with his instructor and new Italian friends were recent bright spots for Pete. His loyal devotion to his wife was steadfast and unparalleled.

Pete made everyone around him feel important, valued and loved. He loved to laugh, delighted in telling a good joke, could be spontaneously fun, and had a warm, infectious smile that put people at ease. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the good fortune of crossing his path. Pete was a member of St. Pius X Catholic church and took great comfort in his faith and the promise that he would one day be reunited with his family.

Pete is survived by his wife, Tiffany Erbland; his children, Sarah Stuart (William) and Robert Erbland (Meagin); his grandchildren, Wyatt, Daniel and Avery Erbland; his step-children, Kayla Womeldorff (Matthew) and their children, Henry and Ella, Lauren Smith (William) and their children, Thomas and Bennett, and Mitchell Leitzke; his siblings, Christopher Erbland (Linda), Catherine Harris, John Erbland (Debra), Janet Carpenter, Mary Elizabeth Tegtmeier (Mark), Daniel Erbland (Margaret) and Teresa Roenigk; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins; and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Erbland.

Memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, with a reception to follow.

Pete’s services will be livestreamed, and the livestream link will be available on his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com. Please visit Pete’s memorial to learn more about his life and to sign his online guestbook.