Harley Quitmeyer entered the Kingdom of Heaven on May 14, 2012, in Coeur d’Alene after an 11-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 66 years old.

Harley was born Feb. 12, 1946, in Parkers Prairie, Minn. Soon thereafter, his family relocated to Conrad, Mont., where he grew up until he entered the United States Army. While in the Army, he served in Vietnam until he sustained an injury to his eye and returned to Montana after being honorably discharged.

Harley married his wife and soul mate of 43 years, Toni Quitmeyer, on June 1, 1968, in Conrad. Harley and his family moved to Great Falls, Mont., a few years later where they raised their two daughters Brenda and Jolene. Harley was an Auto Estimatics Inspector for State Farm Insurance and loved his job until his cancer diagnosis forced him to retire in 2000.

Harley and Toni moved to Coeur d’Alene in 2002 and enjoyed spending time with their daughter Brenda and her family, taking trips to Washington to see their daughter Jolene and her family, spending time at the lake and being part of Lake City Community Church. He also enjoyed biking when he could and watching his granddaughters participate in their various activities. Harley also had a chance to meet and share his story of hope with many others while part of the Cancer Support Group at the North Idaho Cancer Center.

Harley is survived by his wife, Toni; daughter Brenda Goetz and her husband Brian of Coeur d’Alene; daughter Jolene Sand and her husband Kevin of Puyallup, Wash.; and brother Jim Quitmeyer and his wife Mollie of Great Falls. He loved his beautiful, precious granddaughters, Victoria, Natalie and Kaleigh Goetz (Brenda), and Raegan Sand (Jolene) very much, and especially enjoyed root beer floats with them and making smores around the backyard fire pit.

Harley and Toni are so grateful for the many doctors and nurses that have worked with him over the years. They would like to especially thank Dr. Iacoboni, Dr. Chester, Dr. Magnuson and the incredible staff at their practices for being a part of his life. Harley, Toni and his family are forever grateful for your compassion and care.

A memorial gathering and celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, May 21, 2012, at Lake City Community Church in Coeur d’Alene. Graveside services at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens Cemetery will follow immediately. A reception back at Lake City Community Church will give everyone the opportunity to share and reflect on Harley’s life. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit Harley’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.