Lawrence "Larry" Donnerberg

A boy grew up in Portland, Oregon a child of the depression. He became a pilot in the Great War. He was a respected friend and colleague, treasured husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Another of “The Greatest Generation” is gone. On February 13th, 2012 Larry Donnerberg left the constant care and spiritual support of his daughter Joan to enter the loving arms of his wife and son at Heaven’s gate. The circle of the boy’s wonderful life –started 89 years ago- is now complete. Larry built his first saw mill on Larch Mountain near Portland after the war. He married Edith Close, the love of his life, in 1946. They moved their young family to Sandpoint in 1956 where they built and operated Arrow Tie Mill. Larry and Edith spent the balance of their lives in and around Sandpoint. He was preceded in death by Edith and their son Larry Jr. (Jay). Thankful for the lifetime of shared experiences are daughters Cecilia (Roger) Schwarz and Joan (Vernon “Ray”) Spencer; grandchildren Vernon Spencer Jr., Christina Merten, Larry Spencer, Janet Richardson and Zachary Merten and ten great-grandchildren. Those twinkling eyes, that dry wit and sweet smile; the nostalgic fresh smell of sawn timber; the countless trips to Little Blacktail to marvel at your decades of work and vision; and –oh yes- those x-tra special martinis…thanks for these memories, Dad, and so much more. The family wishes to thank Bonner General Hospice for the invaluable guidance and support. A private family celebration of that wonderful life will take place in the future. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the home.