Stephen Warren Spealman, 71, resident of Post Falls, entered into eternity with his Lord Jesus on March 14, 2013, surrounded by his family while at the Hospice House in Coeur d'Alene. Stephen was born July 11, 1941, in Ontario, Ore., to Charles W. and Edna (Bliss) Spealman.

Except for the short period of time when Steve was employed in Washington and Montana, Idaho has been home for Steve and his family. After graduating in 1959 from Sandpoint High School, he went on to attend Idaho State University and the University of Montana; later in life he attended Lewis and Clark State College.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Carol (Caldwell) Spealman; mother Edna (Bliss) (Spealman) Johnson of Sandpoint; son Stephen E. (Betty) Spealman of Wasilla, Alaska; daughter Stephanie (Neil) Oliver of Rathdrum; stepsons, Mitchell (Susan) Waritz of Lolo, Mont., and Steven Waritz of Saratoga, Calif.; stepdaughter Suzanne (Buddy) Alton of Lemarque, Texas; sister Sandra (Nels) Pitotti of Sandpoint; brother Joel (Jennifer) Spealman of Phoenix, Ariz.; along with numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Steve started his working career as a newspaper boy for the Spokane Daily Chronicle at age 10. He then progressed to working for Johnny and Bill's Exxon station in Sandpoint. Steve was a forest tech for the United States Forest Service in the Kaniksa National Forest, and then became a forester for the Wenatchee National Forest in Leavenworth, Wash. Steve was married to his late wife Lillian (Fox) in 1966, and twins Stephen and Stephanie were born in 1967. He was fond of talking about the twin bear cubs that he raised with the twins. He moved and worked as a forester at Kootenai National Forest Raven Ranger Station out of Libby, Mont., until 1974.

In 1974, he moved to Post Falls and started working as a forester for Louisiana Pacific. He attended and was an active member of the Post Falls Presbyterian Church. He later moved to Twin Lakes, and was employed in a variety of occupations until he retired. Some of the positions he filled were Nordstrom Logging, Camp Spalding Resident Caretaker, and Coeur d'Alene Press Deliveries. He married Carol (Caldwell) in 2003 in Havre, Mont. They then attended Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Spirit Lake Presbyterian Church and are now active members of His Place Church.

Steve had numerous hobbies and activities through the years. He was a Master Counselor for Sandpoint Chapter DeMolay, and was also an Idaho State Junior Counselor. He enjoyed bowling, golf, hunting and fishing along with other outdoor activities. He was involved in the Boy Scouts of America both as a youth and adult leader. He is a past president of the Idaho Tree Farm Association. He also loved music especially jazz. He loved to praise the Lord through singing in several local church choirs over the years: Post Falls Presbyterian, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Spirit Lake Presbyterian Church and His Place Church.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lillian (Fox) Spealman; father Charles W. Spealman and stepfather Charles “Lewis” Johnson.

The family suggests memorials to His Place Church Building Fund, Camp Easton Boy Scouts of America and Hospice of North Idaho.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2013, at His Place Church, 3079 E. 16th Ave., Post Falls.

English Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign Stephen's guest registry and view the online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.