On Dec. 16, 2022, the Lord welcomed a new Angel, Rodney “Rod” C. Freligh. Rod was born in Spokane, Wash., on Nov. 22, 1948, to John and Ethel Freligh.

In high school, Rod moved to Anchorage, Alaska, to be with his Uncle Albert Pistorius, and later started his own plumbing business in Alaska. Rod was a serial entrepreneur, owning many businesses and becoming a master plumber and an established inventor. After retiring from the business world, Rod began working for the state of Idaho Department of Building as a plumbing inspector and sector chief.

Anybody who knew Rod recognized his passion for classic Ford Mustangs: driving, admiring and restoring multiple project cars to their original glory. There wasn’t any mechanical problem Rod couldn’t resolve, given time. He was a master tinkerer and fierce protector of his family. Everyone came to love, admire and respect him for his compassion, integrity and good humor. When Rod retired from the state, he continued spending much of his time restoring Mustangs, traveling and exploring with his wife, Marge, of 28 years, many mutual and individual passions; also participating in his dedication to the church as a deacon and head of security, as well as watching his grandchildren grow in their many activities.

He is survived by his wife, Marge Freligh; mother Ethel (Pistorius) Freligh; his two brothers, Mike and Dan Freligh; sister Marilyn Masterson; his three sons: Erick, Jeff and Shawn Freligh; his stepdaughter, Shelley McCarrey; along with nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, that he was very proud of. Rod touched so many lives and will truly be missed by all.

A public visitation/viewing will be Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Yates Funeral Homes — Coeur d’Alene Chapel, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 8134 N. Meyer Road, Post Falls, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Peace Lutheran Church.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Rod’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com