Lyle Dean Hosterman, 97

Lyle Dean Hosterman, 97, passed away Friday, April 13, 2007, in Sandpoint, Idaho. Memorial services will be held at a later date with interment in the Polson Cemetery.

Lyle was born Aug. 25, 1909, in Cormorant, Minn., to Henry and Pearl Hosterman. He grew up in Pelican Rapids, Minn.

Lyle became a lineman and went to work for Otter Tail Power Company in North Dakota. In 1928. he moved to Hot Springs with the Rural Electric Association. They brought power to the Bitterroot Valley and Western Montana.

Lyle married Blanch Hollingsworth on Dec. 11, 1938, in Asotin, Wash. They made their home in Seattle while Lyle worked in the shipyards during World War II. They then moved to Kalispell to raise their family, and Lyle worked at the Hungry Horse Dam.

In his later years, Lyle became a snowbird, summering in Hot Springs, and wintering in Arizona. In 2003, Lyle moved to Sandpoint to be closer to family.

Lyle was an inventor of sorts, a jack of all trades, and a hard worker. He was honored as one of the oldest members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union, and in 2005 he received his 75-year pin. He also belonged to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Old Time Fiddlers.

He loved music, and played several string instruments and the harmonica. He also enjoyed gardening, raising fruit trees, panning for gold, and fishing.

He is survived by a son, Larry, and Sachiko Hosterman, of Moyie Springs, Idaho; and daughter, Mary Jo, and Larry Knutson, of Priest River, Idaho; four grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Lloyd and Penn; sister, Leone; and two great-grandchildren, Walter VanHouten and Isaac Branscome.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Lyle's memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his online guest book.