Ehrmantrout Sr, William - GMGM
William P. Ehrmantrout, age 73,
of Coeur d’Alene, passed away Friday, April 16, 2004 at Kootenai Medical Center
in Coeur d’Alene. He was born June 3, 1930 in Bowman, North Dakota to Tony and
Luella Ehrmantrout. As an infant the family moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho where
he spent a lot of time with his brothers and sister playing and swimming in the
Kootenai River. Bill went to school until the 8th grade, quitting going to work
on an Uncle’s farm.
At the age of 17 he lied about his age to go into the Navy from 1947 until 1978,
moving up through the ranks and retiring as a Master Chief Gunnersmate. He
served during WWII, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam, proudly putting many ships
into commission and getting plenty of military honors. In 1950 he married the
love of his life, Grace Landenburg. Together they had 5 children, whom he was
very proud of.
Upon his retirement they moved to Coeur d’Alene to be closer to family. In 1968
he became the first Chief Marine Deputy and diver for the Kootenai County
Sheriffs Department. Bill patrolled all the lakes in the North Idaho area and
knew them like the back of his hand. Upon leaving the Sheriffs Dept. he went to
work driving school bus for the Coeur d’Alene School District. Until his
retirement in 1988, Bill had an ability to draw people to him with his sense of
humor and great stories. He will always be remembered for his unconditional love
for his family.
Bill loved the outdoors and being able to hunt, fish, camp and sitting in his
flower garden with his wife. In the past few years one of his favorite things to
do was go on “treasure hunts” at St. Vincent DePaul and flea markets.
Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years, Grace, at home; his children and
spouses Vivian Horn and E.T. Manix of Austin TX, Marla Villegas of Omak, WA,
William Jr. and Julie Ehrmantrout of Rathdrum, ID, Cheryl Ehrmantrout of Coeur
d’Alene, and Tammy and Tim Selander of Hayden, ID; brothers Gene of Bonners
Ferry, ID, Dale and Milo, both of Spokane; sister Donna of Pennsylvania; 13
grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill’s
uncanny way of telling stories will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
A funeral service will be on Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 11:00 AM at Yates
Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, who is in charge of arrangements.