Renald Poelstra

Rennie passed away peacefully in his sleep, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Sandpoint. He is now at peace with his wife Helen.

Rennie was born Sept. 23, 1923, in New Holland, South Dak., to Elmer and Lena Poelstra.  He was the third oldest of seven children.

At an early age he went to work to help support the family, only completing his education through the 8^th grade. The family moved west to Montana and eventually settled in Sandpoint.

Rennie enlisted in the Army during WWII and became an MP, spending his tour in the Philippines. Upon returning home, he moved back in with his parents to help support the family, always there for his brothers and sisters.

In his spare time, he enjoying hunting and fishing.

Rennie started dating Helen May Schmidt after they met at a Sandpoint horse show.  Rennie would volunteer to help Helen and veterinarian “Doc” Eakin whenever a strong hand was needed.

On, June 1, 1962, at the age of 38, Rennie happily married Helen in a simple ceremony, witnessed by Ernie and Opal Bartelson. The newlyweds moved to their farm in Sagle immediately afterward.

Their daughter Marian Lynn Poelstra was born May 25, 1963. From that time on, the family went everywhere together, with Lynn never having a babysitter.

Rennie eventually took a job working closer to home for manager Sam Wormington at Schweitzer Ski Basin (as it was known then).  His duties included splicing cable for chair lifts and operating heavy equipment in the summers, clearing the runs in preparation for ski season.

During the winters, he maintained the road from the bottom of the mountain up to the lodge.

After many years at Schweitzer, Rennie went back to working in the woods, running heavy equipment to build roads. He continued this until his retirement.

The Poelstra’s loved their farm.  Rennie had his cows, and Helen had her horses.  Together, they raised many animals and cared for various animals that needed a home. Up until five years ago, he milked a cow twice a day.  It was a sad day when the last cow, Swiss, left the farm.

Many people enjoyed spending time with Rennie, listening to his stories and down-to-earth advice.

Rennie was a simple, hard-working man with a gentle soul.  He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife Helen, his parents, Elmer and Lena; his brothers John, Cornelias “Cornie” and Arie; sisters Antony Tiffany and Edna Lindstrom.

He leaves behind his daughter Lynn Poelstra and son-in-law Rik Johnson.

Per his wishes, no services will be held