John L. Spellman, 81
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 2 years, 8 months AGO
Spellman
John L. Spellman (81) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away Aug. 28, 2023, surrounded by his family.
John, fondly known as “Moose”, “Big John” and “Papa Smurf,” was born to Norman and Marlis Spellman on March 18, 1942, in Coeur d’Alene. John loved to hunt, fish and spend time with his family and friends. He was especially fond of his grandchildren and loved being with them. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.
John graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1960 and enlisted in the Navy where he served for four years before being honorably discharged. After serving in the Navy, he moved to his parent’s farm in Lemon, S.D. After a severe winter, he asked, “What is an Idaho boy doing here?” He packed up all his belongings and came home to Coeur d’Alene in 1966. That same year John met his soon-to-be wife Kathy and they were married in August of 1967. They had two children Don and David Spellman of Coeur d’Alene. John worked at U.S. West for 33 years as a lineman before retiring in 1997. He cherished the close friends that he had over the years. The family would always joke that he should run for Mayor of Coeur d’Alene because you could not go to any store without being stopped by friends who knew him.
In the spring and summer, John loved fishing and all outdoor activities. When fall arrived, he was always excited to elk and deer hunt with lifelong friends. The mountains were his “happy place.”
John was preceded in death by his mother (Marlis) and father (Norman). John is survived by his wife of 56 years Kathy, sons Don & wife Petrina, David and his wife Shauna, brother Ray and his grandchildren Chris, Kaitlyn, Kelsie, Emily, and Nathan and five great-grandchildren.
Per John’s wishes, there will be a celebration of life at the ELKS Lodge, 1170 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814, on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with John’s arrangements. Visit John’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.