Gene Lilienkamp

Gene Lilienkamp (age 75) peacefully went home to be with Jesus Aug. 29, 2014 at Hospice of Spokane (South) after many days of being surrounded by his family following complications from outpatient cancer surgery.

He was born Jan. 29, 1939 in Spokane. He grew up in the Silver Valley and graduated from Wallace High School in 1957. He attended the University of Idaho for two years where he also played football before joining the U. S. Air Force.

During Gene's lifetime he had a plethora of occupations, including owning Pioneer Realty and the Silver Lantern Drive-In Restaurant in Wallace, where he employed his family and friends. Gene also sold insurance, was a certified appraiser, invested in real estate, owned and operated a power wash business, worked in mining and many other entrepreneurial enterprises over the years. Most recently, Gene sold Aflac Insurance.

He liked to spend his time woodworking, being outdoors and going to the Oregon Coast. In Gene's earlier years he enjoyed golfing, years of skiing, fly fishing, hunting and camping. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. Gene had a good sense of humor and a quick wit. He loved his family very much and he will be missed.

In 1990 Gene married Sandy, his wife of 24 years. They have lived in Cheney where he was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Gene enjoyed attending mass daily.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Mary Lilienkamp, his birth mother Louise Knowles. He is survived by his brother, Dick Lilienkamp (Marsha), sister Sherry Woody (Gary) and his stepsisters Mary and Darlene.

He is survived by his wife Sandy, daughters Tracey Staggs, Julie Lilienkamp, Jodie Roletto (Jim), Kelly Lee (Stuart), Jenna Gove (Dave), stepdaughter Wendy Wendt and stepson Steven Powell.

Gene has 13 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Grandchildren: Tony Brickner (Lisa), Randi Marie Kyle (Brandon), Jake Roletto, Meghan Roletto, Joe Roletto, Zac Staggs, Cpl. Lucas Staggs, Derek Gove, Madison Gove, Garrett Schlimmer, Carson Schlimmer, Emma Wendt and Shelley Wiskirken (and three sons). Great grandchildren: Anthony Roletto, Rilee Kyle and Berklee Kyle.

A rosary and vigil will be held Friday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church 460 N. Fifth St. in Cheney. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. at the same location. A reception lunch will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur St., P.O. Box 2215, Spokane, WA. 99210-2215. Phone (509) 456-0438, or website: http://www.hospiceofspokane.org.