Earl Laurence Schulke

Earl Laurence Schulke, 89, died Jan. 13, 2010 at St. John's Lutheran Hospital in Libby.

He was born March 17, 1920 at Elk River, Minn., the son of John Paul and Minnie (Ott) Schulke. He was raised at Elk River and started farming there with his dad.

In Elk River, Mr. Schulke served on the town board as well as the St. John's Lutheran Church. He came to Libby in 1974, purchased a house and remodeled it.

He married Bonnie Shuck on May 15, 1998 at Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wives, Avis and Evelyn.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Schulke of Libby; daughters, Nancy Schulke; and Susan Eklenfelt and husband Jerry; son, Jerry Schulke; sisters, Lucille Schulke and Lillian Olson; brother-in-law, H. Ben Patzer and wife Leone of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; sister-in-law, Lila Jaeger of Washington; two grandchildren, John Schulke and wife Mary; and Jacob Schulke; three great-grandchildren; and eight stepchildren.

Services are scheduled to take place this coming summer. Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby handled arrangements.