William 'Bill' Robert Hummel, 87

William “Bill” Robert Hummel passed away peacefully Dec. 19, 2025. He was laid to rest at Pinecrest Cemetery in Sandpoint, Idaho.

A well-deserved rest for a man who was constantly on the go. His love for his family, the outdoors, wildlife conservation, the ZAGS, the racetrack, Casino, scratch tickets, the Coeur d’ Alene Press and his garden were second only to his love for his wife, Cookie. 

Born May 30, 1938, in Hanford, Calif., to Patricia and Chester Hummel, he spent much of his youth working in the Central Valley fields. Picking cotton, melons and other seasonal crops to help support his family. This is where he developed his incredible work ethic. 

His interest in commercial printing started as a student at Hanford High School, where the “Cool Cat” graduated in 1956. He worked for the Hemet News and various other publications, and at the age of 24 moved to Coeur d’Alene with his wife, Teresa, to take a job at Leader Printing and raise a family. Through his hard work and dedication, he was offered a job at Ross Printing in Spokane, where he worked as their Lead Pressman for over 30 years, retiring in 2003 as a Lifetime member of the Graphics Communications International Union.

After retirement, he continued to pursue his passion for the outdoors and conservation as a volunteer for Idaho Fish and Game, Ducks Unlimited, Bible Study and Avon delivery shuttle driver, among many other things. One of his proudest projects was the Smith Creek Restoration project. https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/-dOnCKrN7ghDA2O9hMfRI5SCP3?domain=ducks.org

While raising his three children, Chris, Cindy and Craig, he spent much of his free time immersed in the beautiful outdoors of North Idaho. From the prairies to the mountains, lakes, rivers and streams, he knew private landowners by name and they knew him. He knew every campsite, road, trail, draw and slew like the back of his hand. He knew where the deer and ducks would be and what the fish were biting on and made sure that his children shared in the love and joy these adventures brought him. 

He was also very active, supporting his children in their sports, interests and activities, each achieving local, regional and even national acclaim. A testament to the hard work ethic he instilled in them.

He married his wife Cookie in 1983 and became the loving stepfather to Debbie, Daniel and Michelle. Over the next 40 years, he and Cookie became well-known as the “adopted” parents/grandparents to many families and children in their neighborhood. 

He was a consummate storyteller whose stories are still unproven and are lore among family, friends and anyone who was blessed enough to meet him. Whether you were a lifelong friend or a stranger, a conversation with him came easily, and laughter usually followed. We will miss his warm smile, quick wit, and the hunting, fishing, gardening and cooking advice, as well as the myriad memes he sent at all hours of the day and night that only he could decipher.

He was predeceased by his son, Christopher Hummel, his parents, Patricia Smith and Chester Hummel, brothers Thomas and Robert and his sister, Donna. He is survived by his wife, Cookie Hummel; daughter Cindy Edwards; son Craig Hummel; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sisters Patty Ragland and Elaine Myall; several nieces and nephews whom he adored; and his stepchildren, Debbie Lomboy, Daniel Deem and Michelle Guido; and their children and grandchildren.

Please join us for a celebration of life May 30, 2026. For more information, please contact [email protected].