William Norman Armbruster, 83

William Norman "Bill" Armbruster, 83, of Careywood, Idaho, passed away Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.  

He was born Aug. 21, 1942 in London, Ontario, Canada, to William Armbruster and Florence Schaffer. He lived in Saskatchewan, Canada until age 9 when his family moved to Santa Monica, Calif. Bill joined the Marines at age 20 and was honorably discharged in 1967. Before his enlistment, he married Ravenna and had daughter, Debbie. He and Ravenna would later divorce. After the military, Bill became a machinist at Royal Industries and met his soulmate, Donna Sanborn in 1969.  They were married on Sept. 22, 1970, and would go on to be married two days shy of 55 years. In 1981, while living in Buena Park, Calif., they welcomed daughter Kristine. During this time, Bill was involved in drag racing and helped start a four-wheel drive club, the members of which they continued to be friends with long after the club was gone.  

Since visiting Bill’s best friend, Bob, in Idaho in the 1970s, Bill and Donna dreamed of a slower pace of life in North Idaho. In 1992, they moved their family to Post Falls where Bill continued working as a machinist at Tapmatic Corporation. After retiring from Tapmatic, he worked as a door shop supervisor at Coeur d’Alene Builders Supply. Their daughter, Kristine, fell in love with horses and so did Bill and Donna, eventually having three to call their own. In 2002, they decided to spread out on land in Careywood and make retired life permanent. Bill absolutely loved the property and life they built.

Bill enjoyed tinkering with computers and electronics. He would always talk about his military, drag racing and four-wheel drive club days. He loved going on side-by-side rides with Kristine, her kids, husband Doug and his family. As Kristine was growing up, he loved supporting her and her love for horses and competing in horse shows. He was always there encouraging and cheering her on. His love and pride for his daughter and grandkids was very apparent. He would take any opportunity he could get to brag a little about them and show off pictures. When his grandson, Tyler, was diagnosed with cancer in 2008, Bill showed up at the hospital constantly for almost two years during Tyler’s treatment. He was always there for him and loved him deeply. His devotion was strong.

Bill is preceded in death by his father, mother and grandson, Tyler Cordle. He is survived by his loving wife; daughters Kristine Gunter (Doug) and Debbie McCune (Dave); sister Linda Armbruster; stepdaughter Kelly Garcia (Joe); stepson Doug Stinson; granddaughter Jameson; grandsons James, Easton and Colter; multiple step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many cousins in Canada and his best friend of 66 years, Bob Wilson. 

Bill did not wish for a memorial service. Instead, we will celebrate his life every day and rejoice that he is now living in eternity with his beloved grandson, Tyler. 

Family and friends are invited to sign Bill’s online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.