Lonny Duane Jelinek, 77

Lonny Duane Jelinek of Naples, Idaho, passed away the morning of Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at the age of 77. He was in the presence of his loving family. Lonny fought a courageous battle with cancer for a second time and passed away suddenly due to complications.

He was born June 17, 1943, to Duane and Maxine Jelinek in Portland, Ore. After losing his mother at the age of 6, he was primarily raised in North Idaho by his father Duane and stepmother Eileen. He spent his school years between Grandview, Wash., and Bonners Ferry, Idaho, as his father worked between the two. From high school, he directly entered the National Guard, where he received his diploma in 1961.

After completing boot camp, he moved to the Yakima Valley, where he met the love of his life, Lynda, in 1963. Lonny and Lynda married on Feb. 15, 1964. They then started a family and welcomed children Anna and Reneé. He remained in the Army Reserves for eight years and worked in the construction industry as a laborer. Following the birth of daughter Reneé, the family made their home in McArthur, Idaho, where Lonny worked as a logger. During this time, they welcomed their son, Troy. Lonny and Lynda raised their family in the Naples area.

Lonny started his own construction business in 1971. Some of the landmark construction projects Lonny was a part of include building the Restorium in Bonners Ferry, the LP Mill in Moyie Springs, and the construction and development of the Laclede Mill — Brand S at the time.

As the economy slowed in the 1980s, Lonny went to work in the carpenter’s union and joined a company, Sletten, where they constructed the railroad bridge across the Kootenai River in town. Once this job was completed in 1985, Lonny, Lynda, and Troy moved to Phoenix, Ariz., where he continued as a carpenter. Completing his employment with Sletten, they moved to the Seattle area where Lonny worked and retired out of the Carpenter’s Union. He had the privilege of working alongside his son, Troy, and son-in-law, Kent.

During this time in his life, Lonny enjoyed having his children and grandchildren all living close by. Many memories were made with his children and grandchildren at their home in Bonney Lake, Wash.

Lonny was well known for his pranks and great sense of humor. He would say the things that most thought but maybe wouldn’t say aloud — something he will be remembered for. He was an avid trap shooter, skilled carpenter, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, community volunteer, and friend to many.

He enjoyed reading the weekly paper, journaling, watching golf, the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Seattle Seahawks, his fellowship with the Shriners and Masons, and especially watching his Claybusters learn to grow over the years of coaching trap — his passion. Post-retirement, he enjoyed operating his backhoe and was always quick to help neighbors plow snow during winters in Naples.

Lonny had such a soft side that he didn’t always wear on his sleeve. He was diligent in feeding the birds and animals around their property and homed a couple of stray cats over the years. Lonny loved to travel and attend trap shoots alongside his biggest supporter, Lynda. During the last several years of his life, you could find Lonny at the Bonners Ferry Gun Club, where he was president and coached and mentored the Claybusters with great pride. Lonny truly lived life through simple pleasures. He loved to spend time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lynda; his daughters, Anna (Kent) Stockton and Reneé Juntini; his son, Troy (Jenna) Jelinek; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; his brothers, Lynn and Les Jelinek; sisters, Linda and Lori; aunts, Maxine and Marvalene; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by parents, Duane and Maxine Jelinek; stepmother, Eileen; paternal grandparents, Bill and Alma Jelinek; and his brother, Leland Jelinek.

A celebration of life will be held from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, July 31, 2021, at the Bonners Ferry Gun Club, 67175 Highway 2, Bonners Ferry. Friends and family are welcome to join us in celebrating the life of Lonny.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the “Duke’s Claybusters” as the high school team was his passion. Send donations to Bonners Ferry Gun Club, P.O. Box 1155, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 and write Claybusters on the memo of your check.