Leonard D. Bertram, 96, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2011, at Kootenai Medical Center. On Feb. 11, 1915, he was born to George and Elizabeth Bertram in Noonan, N.D.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Florence, at their family home.

Len spent his childhood growing up on Blackwell Island in Coeur d'Alene while his dad worked at the lumber mill. While working for the Forest Service he met the love of his life, Florence Baker, on a park bench in Coeur d'Alene and they got married Dec. 4, 1938.

Working as a station manager for Shell Oil Co., Florence and Len lived in Clarkston, Walla Walla, Kennewick and settled in Coeur d'Alene for their retirement years. They were "Snowbirds" for numerous years heading for Arizona each year to golf but always came back to where they loved.

Len served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a bazooka operator in a regiment which received a Presidential Citation. He was wounded in action during the D-Day invasion, in the hedgerow country of France. He returned to the U.S. to recover from his wounds and was honorable discharged in 1945. He returned back to work for Shell Oil Co. where he retired in 1970.

An avid golfer, bowler and knitter, Len loved to work with his hands and could build anything. He built their retirement home on Hayden Lake and a boat that provided hours of enjoyment to their large extended family. Lakeside campfires, pancakes and an abundance of love and laughter were always on hand at Florence and Len's. His smile and keen sense of humor will be etched in our hearts forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Norman Bertram.

He is survived by his wife, Florence; nieces, Janet Boynton (Jim) of Pasco, Wash., Johanna Tanner (Rodger), California; nephew Rob Burroughs, Pasco; cousin Shirley Stone, Spokane; and numerous great-nephews.

A celebration of life memorial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept 30, 2011, at Oak Crest Mobile Park Clubhouse with a meal to follow.