Donald Duane Oeleis, 78

Donald Duane Oeleis, 78, of Osburn, Idaho, passed away Jan. 17, 2025, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Don was born Oct. 3, 1946, in Caldwell, Idaho, a son of the late Dewey and Hazel (Hawkins) Oeleis. 

Don moved to the Silver Valley in 1968 and was employed at the Bunker Hill zinc plant followed by stint as a miner at the Crescent Mine until the mine closed. He later went to the Post Academy becoming first an officer and later the chief of police for the City of Osburn until his retirement in the early 2000s.  He stayed busy during retirement with several seasonal jobs. Don married Kathryn (Ackerman) Oeleis in early 1968. Kathy later passed away May 15, 2015. 

Don enjoyed foremost his family and their times together.  He was also an avid gardener, gladly sharing his harvests with family, friends and neighbors, and took great pride in his yard and flowers. Don was kind and generous, quick with a joke or laugh and a ready helping hand.

In addition to his beloved wife, Kathy, and his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his five siblings, Dewey, Tom, Alma, Mary and Amy. 

Survivors include his two children, Shonna (Dan) Howe and Michelle (Dave) Tryon; grandchildren Terri (Matt) McCoy, Gary (Cassie) Howe, Dani (Taylor) Placencio, Jada (Austin Ament) Tryon and Kyle (Katelyn) Tryon; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Shoshone Funeral Services Chapel, 106 S. Main St., Kellogg. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Kellogg. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home for a period of visitation prior to the funeral services, beginning at 10 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. 

Memories of Don and messages of condolence may be shared with his family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the family with arrangements.