Robert Leroy "Bob" Krum

Robert L. "Bob" Krum passed away on November 27, 2015, at his home in Sandpoint, Idaho, after a short illness, surrounded by his family. Bob was born in Fresno, CA, on May 18, 1926, the only child of John and Rose (Engelman) Krum. He grew up in the San Joaquin Valley, part of a close-knit, gregarious German family of immigrants, most of whom were grape farmers. At an early age he began farm work, delivered newspapers and worked at a bakery. He graduated early in January of 1944 from Roosevelt High School in order to join the war effort, enlisting in the U.S. Navy. During WWII he was stationed on the USS Shadwell (LSD 15) and served with the Amphibious Forces in the Pacific and was also part of the occupation forces in Japan in 1945 and 1946. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Bob started work for PG&E in October, 1946, in Kettleman City, CA. During this time Bob met the love of his life, Wanda George, and after a brief courtship, Bob and Wanda were married on January 7, 1950, in Fresno. In 1961 he and his family were transferred to Sandpoint with the PG&E subsidiary, Pacific Gas Transmission (PGT), which was responsible for bringing the gas pipeline into the U.S. from Canada. He was the district foreman at the Samuels compressor station. Bob worked for the company for a total of 41 years, before retiring in October, 1987. After spending many of their years in Sandpoint in their home on S. Second Ave., Bob and Wanda built a home at Ponder Point. After retiring Bob and Wanda did some traveling, especially to see family members. They never missed a wedding or graduation. A couple of trips they really enjoyed included a three-week bus tour to Branson, MO, and a vacation to Mexico. Besides his family Bob's true passion, however, was sports, especially baseball. He was an active player in his younger years. He umpired Little League in CA and also coached Babe Ruth League in Sandpoint. In addition, he bowled on leagues for years and was an avid golfer and part of the Thursday night golf league, playing the sport well into his 80's. He was a devoted fan of the Seattle Mariners, Seahawks and the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Any chance to watch a John Wayne movie or western put a smile on his face. Bob was also a member of the BPOE, Lodge 1376, in Sandpoint for 46 years. Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Not having the opportunity to attend college himself, he was determined to put all five of his daughters through college. Bob was a man of integrity, never having an unkind word to say about others, always desiring to treat people fairly and honestly. Many people enjoyed his quick wit and kind nature, which caused him to make friends easily. What a solid rock to his family he was. Bob was a man of routine: What would a morning be like without his cup of coffee with one of Wanda's blueberry bran muffins and his crossword puzzles! He will be greatly missed. Bob is survived by his wife of 65+ years, Wanda (George) Krum of Sandpoint; his five daughters: Gloria (Stan) Sawhill of Spokane; Patty (Ted) Hadley of Twin Falls; Lee (Brownie) Balison of Princeton; Robin (Brent) Hricziscse of Klamath Falls, OR; and Johna (Flint) Hall of Idaho Falls. His 12 grandchildren: Amanda Sawhill (Mitch) Beltran; Abby Sawhill (Josh) Arritola; Nate (Kay) Sawhill; Matthew Sawhill; Emily Hadley (Jeff) Newberry; Katie Hadley (Steve) Morgan; Jesse Hadley; John (Janice) Balison; Angela Balison (Chris) Rush; Nick (Marcie) Hricziscse; Connor Hall; Caden Hall; and 15 great-grandchildren. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Monday, December 21, at 11 a.m. at Coffelt Funeral Home. Pastor Ken Smith of the First Baptist Church will be officiating. A luncheon will be provided after the service at the First Baptist Church on Division Street in Sandpoint. The family would like to thank the ICU caregivers at Kootenai Memorial Hospital in Coeur d'Alene, the North Idaho Advanced Care Hospital (NIACH) staff, and River City Hospice and Nurse John, for providing such compassionate care. In memory of Bob donations may be made to River City Hospice.