J. Michael 'Mike' Elfsten, 81

Jean Michael “Mike” Elfsten of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, at the age of 81. He was surrounded by his family at Kootenai Health following a short illness.

Mike was born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Jan. 19, 1945, to Donald and Annalee Cobb Elfsten. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Kellogg, Idaho, where his parents pursued a business opportunity.

Mike had a love of music from an early age. While in high school, he started a band called The Nomads, which performed at school events and traveled throughout the surrounding area and into Canada. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father and grandfather, Cobb. During the winter months, he loved skiing and served on the ski patrol at Jackass Mountain.

Mike married his high school sweetheart, Sybil Ann Wozow, and the couple moved to Southern California. They welcomed their daughter, Shannon. Sadly, Sybil became ill with multiple sclerosis, and Mike’s mother brought Shannon back to Kellogg, where she was raised by her grandparents. Sybil passed away a short time later.

Mike spent 38 years working for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft, later Boeing, in Long Beach, Calif., where he also served as a union steward. Several years after Sybil’s passing, Mike married Suzanna Day. They made their home in La Mirada, Calif., where Mike acquired four stepchildren: Kevin of Long Beach, Calif., Stephen of Thousand Oaks, Calif., Leanne of Long Beach, Calif., and Ryan Breece of Athol, Idaho.

Stephen (Gina) their children, Colby (Naomi), his children Stephen and Christopher Breece, and Jaimie (Ryan Johnson), their children, Sonny and Jeffrey Johnson, and Sterling Breece; mother of Colby and Jaimie, Kelly Oswalt. Leanne (Jeff Jones) had Jason (Mica), his children Jaxson and Cora Jones, Christopher (Nicole), their children, Kayla, Avalon and Declan Jones, and Garrett (Taylor), their child, Jett Jones. Leanne later married Nelson Nagai. Shannon Elfsten (Loy Pleas) had Brandon Pleas. After the passing of Loy, Shannon married Ryan Breece, their child, Ryan Michael Breece. They have three grandchildren, Gage, Kaysen and Beckham Pleas.

Mike was deeply involved in the lives of his stepchildren, child and their families. He enjoyed supporting them as they grew and raised families of their own. He was active in Little League, high school football, and the college booster club, always proud to encourage the children and grandchildren in their activities and accomplishments.

Mike and Suzanna eventually returned to Idaho and made their home in Dalton Gardens, where they lived for 27 years. Idaho remained close to Mike’s heart, and returning home allowed him to once again enjoy the people, places, and outdoor activities he loved.

Mike is survived by his wife, Suzanna; daughter, Shannon (Ryan) of Athol, Idaho; sister, Jule Swanson (John) of Bellevue, Wash.; nephew, Terry Bridges (Shannon) of Oregon; niece, Jami Bridges of Bellevue, Wash.; brother, Patrick Elfsten and wife, Cindy of Kellogg, Idaho; six grandsons; one granddaughter; and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Annalee Elfsten; his grandfather, Wilmer Delmer Cobb; and several aunts and uncles.

Mike will be remembered for his love of family, music, the outdoors, and his unwavering support of the children and grandchildren whose lives he touched. You would frequently find him at the motorcross races, football and baseball fields and basketball court supporting his grandchildren. His presence, encouragement, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The Rosary will begin at 10:15 a.m., followed by Funeral Mass at 11 a.m., with a reception following the service.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Mike’s online guestbook is at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.