|
In Memory
|
Donald A. Lederhos |
|
|
1928 ~ 2006
There are unique people who come into our lives. They bring
humor, strength, caring, teaching, color and fun. One of
those people we will always cherish was Don Lederhos. Donald
Anthony Lederhos, age 78, died peacefully at home on Friday,
August 18, 2006.
A Vigil Service and Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday,
August 24, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Bonners Ferry. Mass of
Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 25, at
St. Ann's Catholic Church, with internment following in the
Grandview Cemetery.
Donald Anthony Lederhos was born May 7, 1928, in Vincent,
Kansas, to Margaret (Wittman) and Joseph Lederhos. He was
the fifth of 11 children. Don grew up on farms in Kansas
until the family moved to Denver, Colorado, in 1940 after hard
times during the Great Depression. Don spoke German until he
entered the first grade, where classmates taught him to speak
English. In Denver, Don’s father worked at Fitzimins Army
Hospital. His mother was resourceful in keeping the family
fed and cared for. Don attended Cathedral School, Morey
Junior High and East High School. The Lederhos family were
devout Catholics (Volga-German).
Don entered the U.S. Marine Corps. in 1946 at age 18. While
in the service, he met and married Juanita Frances Johnson on
June 5, 1948 in El Cerrito, California. Following his
marriage, Don returned to Colorado where he worked in a floor
covering business for his brother Damien. He later worked at
Gates Rubber in Denver. Don returned to California and
attended engineering school at Northrup Aviation on the GI Bill.
For a time, he worked two jobs at once at Duschak Helicopter
Service and Douglas Aircraft building metal fixtures and
jigs. He eventually worked full time at Duschak rebuilding
rotor blades and he learned to fly. From then on, Don
piloted helicopters stringing power cables on high-tension power
lines in the Western States. He sprayed weeds on Railway tracks
and he flew for Fish and Game in Augusta, Montana. Don spent
time in Guatemala and Panama working and flying helicopters.
Don and his family moved to Bonners Ferry in 1971 where he
continued his construction piloting career. In 1978, he
started a helicopter logging business. Later, Don started a
helicopter repair and rebuild shop. He and his wife Frances
ran the local airport for many years.
Don’s wife Frances died May 9, 1998, following a heart
attack. He married Fredericka Florea February 22,
2002. Don enjoyed flying, watching Gunsmoke, radio
controlled modeling, inventing, woodworking, and farming, but his
greatest joy of all was spending time with his children,
grandchildren and the rest of his family.
Don is survived by his wife Fredericka and his eight children:
Toni (Doug) Chandler, Cindy (Jeff) Lederhos, Trinka Wilson, Don
(Karen) Lederhos, Gretchen (Michael) Coats, Eric (Linda)
Lederhos, Kevin (Monica) Lederhos, and Monique (Gary)
Worley. Don had 29 grandchildren and 29 great
grandchildren. He is also survived by 10 brothers and
sisters: Damian Lederhos, Juanita (Bob) Kersteins, Josepha Smith,
Ester (Bill) Burge, Lela Neidig, Gilbert (Thelma) Lederhos,
Jeanette (Wayne) Svenson, Jimmy (Maureen) Lederhos, Clarence
(Louise) Lederhos, Joe (Paula) Lederhos. Don was preceded
in death by his wife Frances, his grandson Brent Worley, and his
son-in-law Kip Wilson.
The family suggests memorials for the St. Ann’s Catholic
Church building fund 6712 El Paso, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.
|
|
|
About Us 
