Longtime resident of Rathdrum, Gail Hazel Wiemers, 74, passed away Feb. 9, 2011, in Coeur d'Alene.

She was born to Palmer and Hazel Hoiland on July 23, 1936, in Minnesota.

Following her marriage to Lloyd Wiemers in 1953, they moved to Rathdrum in 1954 where they raised their family. Gail was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Although she only had an eighth-grade education she attended North Idaho College, earned an AAS in nursing and worked as an LPN, until her retirement. She enjoyed traveling, gardening and her parakeets. She loved museums, books, history and her family. Most of all she loved her spiritual brothers and sisters in the congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses which had grown from one congregation in the Coeur d'Alene area to nine congregations, including the Lakeland congregation she attended when she died. She was known for the big, heartfelt hugs which she gave freely. She will be truly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Lloyd; five children, Russ and Debbie Wiemers, Joel Wiemers, Tim Wiemers, all of Rathdrum, Rebekah and Blayne Terril of Post Falls, and Peter and Jennifer Wiemers of Coeur d'Alene. She had six grandchildren, Adam, Mandy, Amber, Cori, Alex and Tylee. Gail also had four great-grandchildren, Sadie, Carson, Cole and Jace.

She was preceded in death by two infant brothers, Owen and John Hoiland; a son, Wesley and a granddaughter, Jessica Haller.

She is also survived by five siblings; Dean Hoiland of Grangeville, Iris Hoiland, Linda Smith, Betty Steiner and Donna Ward, (all from Rathdrum) and several nephews, nieces, cousins and in-laws.

A memorial will be held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2011, at the Rathdrum Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness, 8162 W. Nagle Road.