William "Bill" Lesmeister

William “Bill” Lesmeister (89)

At the age of 89, William “Bill” Lesmeister passed away at his home in Orofino, ID, on October 8, 2015.  Bill was preceded in death by his Dad and Mom, Water and Frances Lesmeister, his wife Vi, brother Leo and sister Annabelle.  He is survived by his sister Elaine Guthrie, stepson Mike Fensdorf, daughter-in-law Sonya and Grand daughter Matea, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In 1934, at the age of 8 years old, Bill moved with his family from Carrington, North Dakota, to Bonners Ferry, ID.  He is a graduate of Bonners Ferry High School and received his college education at Gonzaga University, where he received a boxing scholarship.  He served in the United States Army as a paratrooper.  He spent all of his working life as an electrical lineman for Washington Water Power/Avista, where he received multiple awards for his exemplary knowledge and work.  Bill was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman and chopped his own firewood up until the day he passed.  Bill would delight his nephews and nieces with his “one-arm” push-ups and generally delighted in teasing anyone he could.  He will be remembered and always loved by many.