George Prentice Kalb

George Prentice Kalb

George Prentice Kalb passed away on Nov. 17, 2017 at Boundary Community Hospital. He was 85 years old.

George was born Feb. 11, 1932 in Sandpoint, Idaho, to Wm. Slater Kalb and L. Margaret Kalb.

His early education was in Bonner County. He attended first grade at a school in Priest Lake because his mother was able to get a teaching job there, bringing George and his sister as students. This increased the school’s attendance numbers to allow it to stay open. After first grade he completed elementary and high school in Sandpoint, Idaho. George graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1950.

George attended North Idaho College of Education in Lewiston for 1 year until the school was closed by the State Legislature. He then transferred to Eastern Washington College of Education (now Eastern Washington University), graduating in 1954.

After graduating from college George became a teacher and coach at Bonners Ferry High School. After one year he left teaching to join the Army. George spent two years in the field artillery. After fulfilling his military commitment, George returned to Bonners Ferry High School to teach social studies and coach football, basketball, and track. George also served as the Athletic/Activities Director. George retired from teaching after 20 years.

During his teaching career George was very involved with the Idaho Education Association, serving on different committees and in offices at the local and state levels including Region I President.

George spent many summers working for the U.S. Forest Service while he was a teacher. After retiring from teaching he went to work for the Forest Service in Bonners Ferry. He enjoyed his work in Fire Control and spent many years as a Dispatcher. His experience in dispatch resulted in opportunities to work in that field throughout the United States. He retired from the Forest Service in 1993.

George was a member of Boundary Post No. 55 of the American Legion. He served as Post Adjutant for more than 20 years.

George was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving in several church positions. He sang in the church choir for 56 years and for more than 40 years in the Community Choir.

In 1958 George met Charlene Hatula, who was teaching at Bonners Ferry High School. They were married on Aug. 7, 1959 in Lakota, N.D. They bought a house in Bonners Ferry and continued to live there until his death.

George is survived by Charlene, his wife of 58 years; daughters Anne (Raymond Vezeau) of Richland, Wash., Georgia Gaye of Spokane, Wash., Lynn Stone of Bonners Ferry; and sons John (Tammy) of Roanoke, Va., and Paul (Dianne) of Star, Idaho; seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. George was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Edward Kalb, and his sister Evelyn Scott.

A Memorial Service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bonners Ferry.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church or an organization of your choice.