Delmar Gittel, 88

Delmar John Gittel was born Feb. 24, 1932, in Blue Grass, N.D., to John and Emma Gittel. During the Depression his family headed to Oregon for a better life, with little 3-year-old Delmar in the rumble seat.

A flat tire stalled them at the Wolf Lodge area of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. When John and Emma saw the lake they knew they’d found home and settled in Coeur d’Alene. His father worked in the mill and his mother cleaned buildings. He had a great childhood — running wild around town, swimming all summer and doing anything to earn a dime. He also acquired the nickname “Wimpy” which stuck with him till the end.

Del joined the National Guard and was activated in May, 1951. He was sent to Fort Carson, Colo., and later sent to Germany. He was discharged on Dec. 1, 1952. When he returned he went to barber school and married the love of his life, June Emehiser, in 1953. He worked in a couple of barber shops before getting his own, Plaza Barber Shop, where he cut hair until his retirement.

He and June had four children, Sandra Husby, Terry, Ron and Scott Gittel. Family was always everything for him. He loved his daughters-in-law, Debbie and Sherri, like his own, and adored his grandkids, Jeremy, Adam, Josh and Tim Gittel; Kristi Granier; Tyler Robb and Emma Campbell. His 10 great-grandbabies lit up his life at the end.

He always loved the lake. In 1960 they bought the lake lot, which he worked on tirelessly. He designed and built the cabins, cleared the beach endlessly and heaved a LOT of rocks. He loved to fish and would spend hours trolling the lake and bringing in fish, which he cleaned and refused to eat. He shared his fishing secrets with his kids and grandkids. As the kids grew, he was the grill master and fry master, cooking for whoever showed up for dinner; challenging anyone to horseshoes and making the place a beautiful family refuge. After retirement he enjoyed playing poker with the guys, going on trips to Reno, going to the casinos and puttering around the house and in the yard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Emma (Bickel) Gittel and his siblings, Elton, Gerald, Lloyd, Hertha (Lux) and Hilma (Elberling). He is survived by his wife of 65 years, June Gittel; sons, Terry (Debbie) Gittel, Ron (Sherri) Gittel, Scott Gittel- all of Coeur d’Alene; daughter, Sandie Husby of Franklin, Mass.; 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Idaho or Trinity Lutheran Church. Yates Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements and you may visit Delmar’s online memorial and leave condolences at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.