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

Ronnie D. Aiken, 63

GRANGEVILLE: Ronnie D. Aiken, 63, of Grangeville passed away Friday, March 17, 2006 at Syringa General Hospital in Grangeville.

Ronnie was born on April 5, 1942 in Helena, Montana to Ronald and Ethel Aiken. After graduating from Grangeville High School, Ronnie entered the US Army and served for three years until his discharge in 1964.

After the army, he started work for the Nez Perce National Forest as a forestry technician and continued this up until his retirement on May 3, 1997. During this time he married Linda Mattox on July 1, 1966 at Grangeville and they had two children, David and Sheila.

Ronnie enjoyed camping, fishing, riding 4-wheelers and especially loved spending time with his family.

Ronnie is survived by his wife Linda at their Grangeville home; two children, David and Sheila Aiken both of Lewiston; five brothers, Robert and Vera Aiken of Council, Idaho; Richard and Marie Aiken of Clarkston, Washington; Darrell and June Aiken of Grangeville; Darwin and Camile Aiken of White Bird, Idaho and Edward and Sandra Aiken of Grangeville; and one sister, Elizabeth and Rod Proctor of Bouse, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, William and David B. Aiken.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grangeville Gospel Tabernacle Church with Pastors Billy and Melvin Wikoff officiating.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Condolences may be sent to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Anna Jane (Heron) Kissinger , 71

GRANGEVILLE: Anna Jane (Heron) Kissinger was born in Calder, Idaho on January 5, 1935. She died on March 19, 2006, after an extended battle with ovarian cancer. Several of her early years were spent at the Northwest Children’s Home in Lewiston, Idaho. She was adopted by Bert and Lillian Heron in 1941. Early schooling was in Grangeville, graduating as class Salutatorian in 1953.
She married Donald Kissinger on November 7, 1953. They attended Washington State University from 1953 - 1958 during which time their four children were born. She held a B.A. in English (with honors) from WSU and later earned an M.Ed. degree from the University of Idaho in 1968. Except for a few years in California, she spent her entire life in Grangeville. She taught fourth and first grades in Grangeville Elementary School from 1963 - 1993 when she retired. She also taught numerous public speaking classes for Lewis Clark State College. She was a lifetime member of the Idaho Education Association and the National Education Association.
She was a lifetime member of International Training in Communication, (International Toastmistress Clubs) serving on the International Board of Directors for six years and as the World President in 1985-1986, during which time she traveled extensively throughout the world giving communication training. She was a member of the following scholastic honoraries: Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Lambda Theta, Delta Kappa Gamma. She received many awards during her lifetime: “Young Woman of the Year,” “Outstanding Teacher,” “Career Excellence Award” from Western Women’s Career Management Forum. An outstanding public speaker, she won first place in the International Speech Contest in Auckland, New Zealand in 1990. She often spoke for area organizations and was the featured commencement speaker for Grangeville High School in 1978 and 1993 and for Kamiah High School in 1983. She was featured speaker for the Soroptimist’s Elks Scholastic Banquet in 1990 and 1994. During her life she was co-author of two communication manuals, “Communication Dynamics” and “ITC Master Training Manual. She was a member of the Camas Credit Union Board for 20 years, serving as President for 12 years. Active in community affairs, she was elected sixteen years to the Grangeville City Council from 1988-2006.
She served on the Centennial Library Board for many years and as a Syringa General Hospital volunteer. She served three terms as state president of the Idaho Association of Parliamentarians in 1994-96. She became a Professional Registered Parliamentarian and assisted at many national conventions.
Among her friends she was noted for her quick wit and her good cooking. Every Christmas since 1965 she cut out, baked, frosted and decorated 12 dozen sugar cookies as gifts to friends.
She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school for many years. She also spoke at many community church events and presented Christian retreats for area women.
Jane believed that Jesus Christ was her Lord and Savior. Her life was dedicated to her faith, and she never feared or failed to express her faith in God. Her last words were: “Oh Jesus, come and take my hand, take me home.”
Survivors include her dearly beloved husband and care-giver, Donald Edward Kissinger; her children, Scott Kissinger of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Anne Waite of Marysville, Washington; Robert Kissinger of Cincinnati, Ohio; David Kissinger of Seattle, Washington; and 8 grandchildren.
It was Jane’s wish that instead of flowers or plants, memorials be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, Grangeville, or the Northwest Children’s Home, Lewiston. A memorial service will be held at Grangeville Elementary School at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, 2006 followed by a reception at the same location.

James J. Frei, 67

GRANGEVILLE: James John Frei, 67, left this life to be with his heavenly Father on March 17, 2006 after a courageous battle with Cancer.
Jim was born on August 7, 1938, in Greencreek, Idaho, to Alphons and Caroline Frei. Jim graduated from Saint Gertrude’s Academy in 1956. That same year he joined the U.S. Army and served until 1958 at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.
Jim worked at International Harvester for 22 yrs. He started his own business “Jim’s Sales and Service “, in 1977 selling and servicing electronic scales. His business took him through Idaho and Montana where he met many wonderful people and created a lifetime of friendships.
Jim married the love of his life Barbara Vogel on September 3, 1960 at Holy Trinity Church in Nezperce, Idaho. They were blessed with 6 “great kids”.
In 1990 he built his own shop in Grangeville, where he continued his business up until the time of his death.
He was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his wife Barb of 45 years at the family home; son Andy and Michelle Frei of Klamath Falls, Oregon; five daughters; Brenda Wilson of Federal Way, Washington; Vickie and Kevin Rouse of Post Falls, Idaho; Laurie and Rod Hall of Kimberly, Idaho; Jodi Frei of Auburn, Washington and Teresa and Lance Durham of Lewiston, Idaho. Eleven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by; his mother Caroline Frei of Grangeville, Idaho., brothers; Ron and Glenda, Gerald and Jan, Mike and Jana all of Grangeville. David and Ann of Weiser, Idaho., and Rick and Deb of Riggins, Idaho.
Sisters; Kathy and Terry Lacey of Dublin, California, and Helen and John Scrivner of Spokane, Washington. He was preceded in death by his Father Alphons and brother Leroy Frei.
Friends may call from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. The vigil service will be Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 7:00p.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Grangeville. The funeral mass will be celebrated by Father Brad Neely at 10:30a.m. Thursday, March 23, 2006 at the church. Burial will follow at Prairie View Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Saints Peter and Paul Parish or Syringa General Hospital Hospice.
Dad will be missed by so very many people, he was always there for you at the drop of a wrench … he always said, “I can fix anything, even a broken heart”….WE LOVE YOU DAD!!!

Wilma M. Ferguson, 90

GRANGEVILLE: Wilma M. Ferguson, 90 of Grangeville formerly of Riggins passed away Monday, March 13, 2006 at Syringa General Hospital in Grangeville.

Wilma was born August 15, 1915 in Cornell, Iowa, her parents were Elder and Sylvia Ross Leehy Mortenson.. She grew up in Iowa and lived in Royal, Iowa and Oildale, California a suburb of Bakersfield, California for several years with stops in Minnesota and Iowa only to return to California where she decided to move to Riggins, Idaho and Grangeville meeting new people and loving the living style of Idaho. She was a resident of Meadow Lark Homes in Grangeville, her care exceeded all expectations while living at the Meadow Lark Homes, she loved the staff with Manager Sherrie Northrop heading up the first class services rendered at Meadowlark Home #2. Wilma left this earth with her great sense of humor and laughter in tack and we’re sure St. Peter has already gotten a couple of stories shared before going on to meeting our heavenly father Jesus Christ.

Although Wilma had no children, her many nieces and nephews were her “Children”

Wilma is survived by a sister, Alice (Katie) Knight of Riggins, Idaho, a brother Marvin Mortenson of New Meadows, Idaho and her many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 6 brothers and sisters.

Memorial services will be held Friday, March 17, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Private graveside services will be held at a later date. Family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Walk, c/o Blackmer Funeral Home, 305 No. Mill St., Grangeville, ID 83530.

Anthony William "Tony" Haener, 24

GRANGEVILLE: Anthony William "Tony" Haener, 24 of Grangeville passed away as a result of an industrial accident in Renton, WA on March 1, 2006.

Anthony was born January 9, 1982 in Spokane, Washington to Dick and Diane Litchfield Haener.

Anthony lived life to the fullest each and every day. He knew no strangers and valued each and every friend and acquaintance. His family meant everything to him and he always made sure he took care of them. He made everyone smile and laugh.

Hunting, fishing with his dad and working in the woods were his favorite activities. When he was 12 years old he bagged his first moose with his dad and good friend Jim.

His education started at Sts. Peter and Paul grade school. He then attended Grangeville High School graduating in 2001. After his graduation Anthony worked for the Forest Service in timber and fire. The woods held a special place in Tony’s heart and after working for the Forest Service for 2 seasons, he went to work for Elk Mountain Logging operating logging equipment and learning the trade. In January of 2003 he attended Northwest Lineman College in Meridian, Idaho. Upon graduation he worked traveling with electrical line contractors in Texas and the Northwest. In 2004 he was interviewed and selected for the lineman apprenticeship program with the Northwest Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. He had completed a little more than half of the required hours and schooling to obtain his journeyman card.

Anthony was very active in sports at Grangeville High School. He played football and was in the track program. As a senior he won 2nd place in the state pole vault event with the help and training of his friends and coaches, Doug Carver and Jeff Adams. He always put forth a 110% effort.

Anthony is survived by his parents, Dick and Diane Haener of Grangeville, his sister Amanda Crosby her husband, Chad and nephew Kaden and brother Benjamin all of Boise, and the love of his life Kari Duclos of Cottonwood, his grandmothers, Lois Litchfield and Aggie Haener of Grangeville, several aunts, uncles and cousins. His grandfathers, Earl Haener and Bill Litchfield preceded him in death.

We need to keep in mind Anthony’s three favorite sayings; “Keep on Keepin' On”, “Get’er Done” and “You win some and you lose some”

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 7, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Grangeville. Burial will follow at Prairie View Cemetery, Grangeville. A Vigil service will be held Monday, March 6, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Friends may call Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Sts. Peter and Paul Sacristy Restoration Fund or to Sts. Peter and Paul School in care of Blackmer Funeral Home, 305 No. Mill St., Grangeville, ID 83530