Charles Ernest Neuhauser
Charles Ernest Neuhauser was born September 28, 1934, in Midland, South Dakota, to John Clarence and Dorothy Mae (Huling) Neuhauser. He died after suffering two massive heart attacks on Friday, December 16, 2016.
At the age of three, the family relocated to Grand Coulee, Washington. In school, he excelled in all subjects, but his favorite was math and Mechanical Drafting. He graduated at the age of 17 from Coulee Dam High School May 1952 with a job offer from the Corps of Engineers because of his excellence in drafting blue- prints. His parents would not allow him to take the job because he was under age. He decided to join the Navy, and served his country on the USS Zellars for 3-1/2 years as a Quarter Master.
He returned to Coulee Dam in the fall of 1955 with the intention of completing his education at Washington State. This was superceded when he met the love of his life, Doris Jean Pietz of Dairyland, Wisconsin. They were married March 16, 1957, and made their home in Spokane, Washington, where he built the house they raised their family in and where he remained until his death.
Upon his marriage, Charles joined the Laborer’s International Union of North America Local 238 and remained a faithful member for over 60 years. He was also a 32nd degree Mason with the Concordia Lodge for over 30 years. Charles’ hobbies were camping, fishing, hunting, baseball, and building things with wood. His children and grandchildren spent many wonderful days enjoying these hobbies with him.
His wife, Doris, died in August 1994, and he never remarried, saying “They don’t make ’em like your mom anymore.” His father died in December 1971, and his mother in April 1997. His sister, Mary Ann, died in January 1997.
He is survived by his brother, William, of Detroit Lakes, Michigan; his daughters: Rhonda (Paul) Sims, of Spokane Valley, Washington, Connie (Gerry) Rachel, of Lethbridge, Alberta Canada, and his son John (Kim) of Oak Harbor, Washington; his five grandchildren: Jenny, Charlie, Jason, Michael, Helen and their respective spouses; and his eight great-grandchildren, Harley, Austin, Matthew, Caleb, Samuel, Adan, Ethan and Ava, also survive him.
The family would like to thank Dr. Coons and the staff of Holy Family Hospital 4th floor for the superior care they gave our dad. Also special thanks to Susan, Dorothy, Cindy, and Mary for their support and friendship to Rhonda during this extremely difficult time.
A memorial service will be held Friday, December 23, 2016, at 10 a.m., at Riplinger Funeral Home, 4305 N. Division, Spokane. A lunch will follow at Denny’s Restaurant, 2022 N Argonne, Spokane Valley at 1 p.m.
Susan Lee Eyer
Obituary
Susan Lee Eyer, 70, of Missoula, Montana, passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2016, at her home after losing her battle with cancer.
She was born on May 4, 1946, in Coulee Dam, Washington, to Wilbur and Mary Lou Boydston. As a young girl she attended school in Coulee Dam public schools. In high school Sue participated in band, varsity tennis, and was a majorette. She then went on to attend Washington State University and received a B.A. in Home Economic Education.
On July 20, 1968, she married Charles Leonard Eyer in Coulee Dam. The couple lived in Pullman, Washington, until Chuck was deployed to West Germany. There, the couple had their first child, Steven. After Germany, the couple returned to Pullman and had their second child, Craig. The family then moved to Missoula in 1974. She worked for many years at Congden Law offices and later for the state Mental Health services.
In her life, Sue enjoyed quilting, cross-country skiing, camping, cooking, hiking and gardening. She visited several countries, including Austria, Italy, Canada, Germany, and stood high upon the Great Wall of China. After retirement in 2005, Chuck and Sue floated and fly-fished the Elk, Madison, Yellowstone, and Big Horn rivers.
She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as friend to many. She especially enjoyed her weekly walking group and the lunch conversations that followed.
“Nai Nai” is survived by her husband, Charles (Missoula); her brother, Ted (Sacramento); her sister, Linda (Grand Coulee, WA); her two sons, Steve (Nampa, ID) and Craig (Missoula); and her four grandchildren: Donovan, Melissa, Teslyn, and Collin.
A Celebration of life is planned for Saturday, September 3, time and place yet to be determined. The family would like donations to Spectrum Discovery Area, 32 Campus Drive ED 113, Missoula, MT 59812, in lieu of flowers
