Elmer Sidney Tillotson, 90

Elmer Sidney Tillotson, 90, of Post Falls, Idaho, passed away Dec. 5, 2016, at his home. Elmer was born Oct. 5, 1926, in Everson, Wash., to Sidney and Jessie (Thallheimer) Tillotson.

At the age of 17, Elmer joined the United States Navy, and proudly served his country from 1943-1946 during World War II. Elmer first married Patricia Isaacson. They were later divorced. After his discharge, Elmer lived in Redding, Calif. There he met Charline Feucht, and they were later married on Oct. 28, 1978. They were married 38 years when Elmer passed.

Elmer worked in the lumber industry most of his life, as a truck driver, and eventually as a sawmill manager. He took a management job in Missoula, Mont., and eventually Libby where he retired from Champion International. During his lifetime, he also lived in Fernwood, Idaho, for 30-plus years, Old Town, Idaho, and Superior, Mont. He finally moved to North Idaho settling first in Coeur d’Alene, and later Post Falls, in the early ’90s.

Elmer enjoyed being a snowbird, spending the winters in Yuma, Ariz. He was a member of the Elks, and the American Legion. He also enjoyed hunting deer and elk, fishing for salmon and camping with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Charline of the family home in Post Falls; three children Jim Tillotson of Minneapolis, Minn., Geraldine Riffel of Hayden, Idaho, and Carla Robinson of Gresham, Ore.; two step-children, Timothy Ward of Lousiville, Ky., and Dean Ward of Albuquerque, N.M.; one brother, Charley Tillotson of Auburn, Wash.; two sisters, Loretta Maiers of Maple Valley, Wash., and Margaret Ann Chissus of Palm Springs, Calif.; eight grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ross Tillotson; and two granddaughters, Erica Tillotson and Thea Perry.

A celebration of Elmer’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at Bell Tower Funeral Home, 3398 E. Jenalan Ave., Post Falls. Inurnment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Children’s Village, 1350 W. Hanley Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.