Kurt Gomer

When you think of Kurt, the first words are “What a great guy!” Calm, steady, easy going, smart, personable, athletic, golfer and most importantly, great spouse and father. Kurt lost his valiant battle with esophageal cancer just after midnight on Jan. 2, 2017. He died surrounded by love.

Kurt was born on Jan. 17, 1962, to Alvin and Beverly Gomer in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. He graduated from Galesburg High School (with a C in Cadet Band) and obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science from Luther College, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1987 and met Mary Elizabeth Dobson in Coeur d’Alene and they were married on Aug. 6, 1988. They loved each other and their lives revolved around their children: Nate, a junior at Boise State University, and Brooklyn, a senior at Post Falls High School. Kurt coached little league and youth sports teams in baseball, softball, soccer and basketball, and was his children’s most enthusiastic fan. His kid’s teams went to state playoffs and regional tournaments in California and Arizona.

Kurt’s career was with the food industry. He managed restaurants and owned two Sizzler restaurants before going to work for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe as the Food & Beverage Director at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort and Hotel. He loved his work and his work family and his customers. He was dedicated, professional and diligent: he worked until 10 days before his death.

Kurt loved sports, but especially golf and the Seattle Seahawks. He loved to golf and loved having people golf with him. He particularly loved playing at Prairie Falls and his ashes will be buried near the course.

Kurt is survived by his loving wife, Mary; son Nathan and daughter Brooklyn; his brother, Scott (Susa); aunts Dorothy Roderick and Virginia Gomer; uncles Ken (Opal) Gomer and Richard (Gail) Gomer; sisters-in-law Amy (Bruce) Murrin and Tanya Ryan; mother-in-law Susan (Jack) Mitchell; father-in-law Joe (Cindy) Dobson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Coeur d’Alene, followed by a reception at the Post Falls Senior Center, 1215 E. Third Ave., Post Falls. Please dress casually and wear Seahawks colors if you wish.

Kurt’s family is so touched and grateful for the outpouring of prayers, support and food during this difficult time. They have asked that in lieu of flowers at the services, that donations be made in Kurt’s memory to the Manual & Gladys Schneidmiller Hospice House, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.