Glen "Gary" Potratz, 78, of Dalton Gardens, Idaho, passed away surrounded by family and close friends on March 3, 2015, after a several-years-long, courageous battle with cancer.

Gary was third born on Oct. 19, 1936, in South Dakota to Walter and Violet Potratz. His family moved to North Idaho in 1940 to reside at Three Forks at Hauser Lake. He graduated from Rathdrum High in 1955.

After a three-week courtship Gary married his soulmate, Rosalie D. Potratz, in 1955. They moved to Coeur d'Alene where they had two children, daughter Gloria and son Roger. Gary spent most of his young life logging, first with his parents and brother, and then with many other outfits until he started his own logging operation in 1974 up until the late 1980s.

Along with the logging, Gary started a pressure washer equipment and repair business in 1979 named Inland Empire Distributors. He added used auto sales to the business in 1983, and was awarded with Quality Dealer of Dist. 1 for the Idaho State Independent Auto Dealers Association in 1991.

Gary was a man described as industrious, hardworking, quick-witted, and not afraid to speak his mind, with a gift of gab. He loved people and sharing stories. He enjoyed his work, fishing, trips, and planting and harvesting his garden - but left the weeding to someone else. He loved all his animals throughout life and treated them like they were his children.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Walter Potratz; brother Kurt Potratz and sister Joann Carlson.

He is survived by his mother, Violet Potratz; his wife, Rosalie D. Potratz; daughter and son-in-law Gloria and Ken Fong of Coeur d'Alene, and son and daughter-in-law Roger and Rayleen Potratz of Mullan, Idaho; grandson Robert Potratz of Spokane, Wash.; great-grandchildren Mayghen, Jody, Jaden and Kaydence; and extended family.

Gary will always remain forever in our hearts.

At his request, no services will be held. A private family and friends gathering and celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Donations can be made to Hospice House of North Idaho, in Hayden, which the family thanks for his care, or to American Cancer Society.

English Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Gary's online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.