Erika Johanna Ohlschmidt, 92
Erika Johanna Ohlschmidt, 92, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, passed away surrounded by her son and daughter-in-law Feb. 2, 2023, after nearly a year-and-a-half of recuperation in assisted living homes, following a fall and injury at home.
Erika was born in Nuernberg, Germany, on March 21, 1930. After her schooling and a difficult time in Germany after World War II, she married Heinrich Drexler in May of 1946. The marriage was short-lived due to her husband’s death in January of 1954. Kurt Ohlschmidt was always a close friend of the family who later took on the role of husband and father of Erika’s son Horst (AKA Ray).
Erika with her family moved to Los Angeles, Calif., in October of 1962, establishing a new life in America. In the 1970s, it was time for a new adventure, at which time Erika and Kurt moved to Spirit Lake and build a mobile home park with their partner. This was also short-lived as partnerships sometimes do not work out. The next move was the purchase of the 3 Mile Truck Stop in Bonners Ferry. This was probably the best move made, as it provided a community that the two of them became a part of, a community they were proud to be part of.
After retiring from the 3 Mile Truck Stop, Erika joined the Mount Hall Volunteer Fire Department and shortly after became the secretary for the Copeland Cemetery, a position she held until her passing.
Erika and Kurt had a home build in Copeland. It was her dream home with a wonderful garden, fruit and a wonderful view. Canning was a new experience which she mastered quickly. She was very proud of her home.
Kurt Ohlschmidt passed in July of 1999 which left Erika to take on the responsibility of taking on the home and acreage on her own. This was not a problem for this strong headed, self-reliant and determined lady.
Erika was fortunate enough to have so many close friends and neighbors. A celebration of life will be held March 25, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Mount Hall Elementary School, in remembrance of the time spent with Erika in our lives.