Eldon Haux, 82

Eldon Haux, 82, of Coeur d’Alene, lost his courageous battle to cancer on Saturday, April 8, 2017. He was born in Dickey County, N.D., on May 1, 1934, to Gottleib and Ida (Heuple) Haux. He grew up in North and South Dakota before heading out west to Kellogg, Idaho, Spokane Wash., and settling in Coeur d’Alene Idaho.

During his lifetime, Eldon worked as a farmer in the Dakotas, a miner at the Homestake Gold Mine in Deadwood, S.D., and various mines throughout the Silver Valley. Eldon left mining to pursue his calling in construction. He was truly a master of his trade, whether it was a simple remodel, a spec home or beautiful custom home, he was one of the best in the Northwest; he was particularly known for his keen eye for detail and his reputation for finish work.

He retired in 1998 at which time he followed his passion for fishing. Anytime he had the opportunity he would be out on the water telling “tall fish tales” (all true of course), then, when the freezer was full, it was time to smoke the catch. He had the best smoked fish EVER! His love of fishing went beyond the catch, for many it was a learning experience and the time spent together was filled with laughter (well, most of the time) and long lasting memories.

In his earlier years, he loved to hunt, camp and had a general love of the outdoors. He also loved to sing, especially in the church choir, old time country music and country gospel were some of his favorites. He also participated with his sons in the Boy Scouts where he was a cub master. He enjoyed working with his hands creating heirloom toys and furniture for his grandchildren to cherish. Eldon often reminisced about life events and world history. He had a sharp mind and was able to challenge your knowledge in those areas. A family favorite pastime was playing a good game of cards, cribbage or dominos, of which he was hard to beat. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and his morning coffee with friends at a local restaurant, which he fondly referred to as the “liars club.”

Eldon was a husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa (g pa), brother and friend.

He is survived by sons Rodney of Coeur d’Alene, Russell (May) of Post Falls, Idaho, Dwane of Spokane and Fred of Spirit Lake, Idaho; daughters Crystal McCollum (Jerry Lindenburger) of Kennewick, Wash., Paula (Dale) Hille of Quincy, Wash., and Kim (Bryan) Palmer of Post Falls; brothers Robert (Betty) of Laurinburg, N.C., Eugene (Marie) of Mina, S.D.; and sisters Violet Maier of Forbes, N.D., Caroline Kronberg of Forbes, Janette (Darrell) Yost of Leola, S.D., Norma Rohrbach of Yakima, Wash., Nancy (Elden) Belden of Elk, Wash., Linda (Dennis) Fogel of Aberdeen, S.D., and Gladys McOwen of Phoenix, Ariz. He was blessed with 30 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews who he adored.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; son Keith; great-granddaughter Abigale Noble; his parents, Gottlieb and Ida Haux; brothers Harold (Red) and James Haux; and sister Virginia Hunt.

An open house memorial service will be held at Eldon’s home at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 15, 2017, 1802 Nettleton Gulch, Coeur d’Alene. Please visit and sign Eldon’s memorial and online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.

It’s hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember. Thanks for the memories dad, we’ll love you forever.