John E. Gortsema, 89

LEWISTON: John E. Gortsema, beloved husband, father, grandfather and highly respected, successful Idaho businessman, passed away at his home in Lewiston on March 29, 2006.

John was born November 6, 1916 in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Kryn and Sadie Rose Gortsema. In 1918, the Dutch family moved to Grangeville, Idaho to farm on the Camas Prairie. John helped on the farm and attended school through the eighth grade. In 1934, he was hired as a sweeper and mechanic at Brown Motors in Grangeville. John bought his first car in 1935, commencing a lifelong passion for cars. In 1938, he opened Grangeville Auto Wreckers, which was also the salvage business in which he bought wool, horse hides, scrap iron and wrecked cars. Five years later, he became a Pontiac dealer, subsequently adding Cadillac, Buick, Jeep, GMC, Chevrolet and Oldsmobile. In 1955, the dealership that still bears his name, Gortsema Motors, was officially incorporated. Throughout John’s years in the automotive business, he was well-known for his generous “deals,” which often included trading meat, produce, furniture or other goods for a vehicle.

John was a vigilant leader in sparking the growth and enhancement of Grangeville. He was co-founder of Bank of Central Idaho (now Sterling Savings Bank), a partner in establishing Park Hill Manor (now Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center) and a city councilman for seven years. He was also president of the Camp Fire Girls Council and helped develop the Camp at Fish Creek. He was president of Grangeville Chamber of Commerce and also vice president of North Idaho Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Grangeville Lions Club and Grangeville Elks Lodge.

After selling Gortsema Motors in 1974, he owned and operated Gortsema Homes and RV Center in Grangeville and, later in Lewiston. In 1980, he and his wife, Dawn, moved to Lewiston. He officially retired five years later.

Although cars were his love, he was an adventuresome man of many talents and interests. He was a pilot and flew several medical mercy missions for local people. He loved boats, whether on the river, lake or ocean. In recent years, John’s greatest interest was collecting and restoring old gas engines. He enjoyed many hours working with wood or metal in his shop, but was never too busy to enjoy conversation with friends. He was a member of the Crankers Club of Lewiston, the Model “A” Club of Lewiston, the “Loose Rovers” (a former Good Sam’s club), and the
L-C Antique Power Club. He was also a member of the Lewiston First United Methodist Church where he often contributed his woodworking skills.

John is survived by his wife, Dawn, daughters; Ruth & Steve Hopkins of Fairview, North Carolina and Laurie Lester of Clarkston, Washington; sons; J. Craig Lester of Pullman, Washington and Wes Lester of Grangeville, Idaho. Also surviving are grandchildren Shannon & Rick Thompson, Rock Hill, South Carolina; Matthew & Kendra Hopkins of Bloomington, Indiana; Brooke Lester of Boise, Idaho; Julian Lester of Pullman, Washington and five great-grandchildren.
Additional surviving family members include brother, Andy & Dorothy of Fairfield, Washington; sisters Ann Bos of Grangeville, Idaho and Rosella & Frank DeHaas of Greencreek, Idaho; sisters-in-law Anna Marie, Jo and Rosie Gortsema and Janice & Roger Inghram of Grangeville, Idaho, Tena Gortsema of Spokane, Washington and Grace Gortsema of Sunnyside, Washigton. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife; Myrtle Likkel Gortsema, brothers; Charley, Jake, Neal, Raymond and Wilbur; brother-in-law Ralph Bos and sister-in-law Lavonne Gortsema. “He was a special uncle to many nieces and nephews.”

Funeral services will be held at the Grangeville First Christian Church at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, April 4, 2006. Burial will follow at the Prairie View Cemetery, Grangeville. Please join the family for refreshments at the Grangeville Christian Church following the graveside. Friends may call, Monday, April 3, 2006 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and April 4, 2006 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Those wishing to honor John’s memory may make contributions to the Building Fund of the Grangeville First Christian Church, 402 W South 1st St., Grangeville, Idaho 83530 or to the charity of their choice in John’s name in care of the Blackmer Funeral Home, 305 North Mill St., Grangeville, Idaho Please send condolences to the family at: Blackmerfuneralhome.com