Obituary: Gerhauser, Lester Lewis
Age 88
GERHAUSER, Lester Lewis
( Age 88)
Passed away July 28, 2012.
He was born February 25, 1924 in Fairfield, WA.
He grew up on the family farm, graduating from Fairfield High School in 1942.
He farmed until World War II, and then joined the Merchant Marines serving in the South Pacific.
In 1948 Les married Emmalyn King and continued to live in Fairfield as they raised their three children.
Shortly after marrying, he started his own construction company and built many homes and commercial buildings in Fairfield and the surrounding communities.
Les was also interested in demolition and he worked on several projects in Spokane.
The family enjoyed spending summers at their cabin on lake Coeur d’ Alene.
Les enjoyed being with family and friends and was always ready for a game of cards.
His children and grandchildren have fond memories of game time with their Dad and Grandpa and he will be missed very much.
After retiring Les and Em enjoyed traveling and circled the U.S. several times vacationing in all lower 48 states.
Their vacation in Australia and New Zealand was one of his favorite trips.
Les became an avid fisherman, joining his son in Alaska for several fishing trips on the Kenai and Seuki Rivers as well as Cook Inlet.
He also enjoyed hunting with family and friends in Alaska, Canada and locally.
In later years Les and Em spent time in Arizona as Snowbirds.
When driving became difficult in 2006 they moved to a retirement community in Spokane Valley.
In June of this year, they celebrated their 64th Anniversary.
Lester is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Louise Gerhauser, his brother, James Gerhauser and sister, Roseline Rodgers.
He is survived by his wife and three children, Stephen (Charlene); Stanley (Denise), Cindy (Guy) Williams.
A younger sister.
Eight grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
Memorials can be sent to Fairfield Cemetery, PO Box 334, Fairfield, WA 99012.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 1, at the Fairfield Presbyterian Church.
Private family interment at the Fairfield Cemetery.
SCHANZENBACH FUNERAL HOME, Fairfield, WA.