Steven Michael Whipple

Steven Michael Whipple, 64, a longtime resident of Laclede, Idaho passed away at home on September 18, 2012 from cancer. Steve grew up in Deer Park, WA. He married Betty J. Glazier of Laclede, Idaho and they were married for 45 years. They raised the two daughters, Robin Dawn (Doug) Zipse, of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and Michelle Allison (Dave) Schuman of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The family experienced the meaning of a family and the love of Laclede. They were blessed to be able to raise their daughters in a small community, with many members of extended family present and the beautiful outdoors. Steve was proud of and loved his girls. Steve was very active with his grandchildren. He made sure he attended and supported all the grandchildren’s events, from sports to plays, to weddings. He was thrilled to see the birth of his first great granddaughter. He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching the animals. He enjoyed the outdoor experience, which he shared by tales of hunting with his friends and family. Steve retired in 2008, after working in local lumber mills for 41 years. He received awards throughout the years for his outstanding ability to grade lumber, turning down promotions to remain on the line doing his job. The knack of grading caught sellers by surprise when he was purchasing lumber for home projects. Steve was a conversable person with a rare sense of humor. He was opinionated and you knew where you stood with him, but people respected him for what he had to say. Up to the very end, Steve still enjoyed the mini vacations and the beauty of the area. Steve served his country in the US Army and was a Viet Nam veteran. He was preceded in death by his parents Milton and W. Elaine Whipple and a brother Gary in the town of Deer Park, WA where Steve spent his childhood. He is survived by his wife, Betty, daughters Robin and Michelle, a brother Don and sister Sharon, granddaughters Courtney, Sarah, Brandy, Tiffany and Jessica, and one great granddaughter, Abigail. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kootenai Cancer Center, 520 Third Avenue, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864. A graveside service will be held at Seneacquoteen Cemetery on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 11 am. A potluck at the Laclede Community Center will follow the service.