Marlene H Kreid

Marlene H. Kreid, 72, longtime Potlatch resident, passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2016 at the Hospice House of North Idaho.  A graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at the Rock Creek Cemetery near Potlatch, with Pastor Kathy Lee Kramer officiating.

Marlene was born on May 18, 1944 to Stacy & Gladys (Kennedy) Bearhills in Rosebud, South Dakota.  She grew up in South Dakota, graduating from Belvedere High School. 

After high school, she moved to Denver to attend trade school, focusing her studies on business and administration.  It was in Denver that she met Fred G. Kreid and the couple married on September 10, 1966.  They moved back to Potlatch and made their home in the Rock Creek area.  Marlene worked as an office administrator for WSU for twelve years, both in the business/finance office at the college of agriculture and later at the Native American Student Center.  She very much enjoyed the friendships she made with both staff and students while working at WSU.

Marlene contracted polio at the age of two and, despite her physical challenges, she taught herself to play the guitar at a very young age.  She also enjoyed beadwork, leather crafting, and gardening when her health allowed for it.  She enjoyed going to the Coeur d’ Alene Casino and also spending time with her grandkids.

Marlene is survived by her daughter, Angela (Tom) Biltonen of Potlatch; sister Jerlyn Means and brother Leland Bearhills, both of South Dakota; grandchildren Chris, Josh & Jessica as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, in 2014 and son Kary this spring.  Memorial contributions in Marlene’s honor are suggested to the Potlatch Ambulance Fund, PO Box 63, Potlatch, ID 83855 or to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

Kramer Funeral Home of Palouse is caring for the family.

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