Merle Arthur DeHaas

On Thursday, February 2, 2023, Merle Arthur DeHaas of Council, ID, loving husband and father of three children, passed away at the age of 88. Merle was born on December 27, 1934, in the former Van Wyck, ID, located under where Lake Cascade now exists, to Harry Elmer and Laura Etta (Evans) DeHaas. He married his high school sweetheart, Helen Edna (Sheldon) DeHaas, on October 27, 1955, and together, they raised three sons, Merle Jr. (Pat), Terry, & Timothy. Merle worked for the Boise Cascade Corporation for over 39 years. Beginning by pulling “green chain”, he was soon mentored by a seasoned mechanic who admired Merle’s work ethic and saw potential in him. He was soon working full time as a mechanic for Boise Cascade and ultimately became the sole mechanic at the sawmill in Council, ID. It was here that he had the opportunity to mentor several other up-and-coming mechanics in whom he saw potential and a strong work ethic. It was also here that he and Helen would spend their remaining years. The quintessential family man, his most treasured moments came from spending time with Helen and raising his three sons. He took great effort to teach his sons the meaning of a good work ethic, the value of giving your word, and loyalty ... much of which through his example. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in spending time in nature. Always ready for a “drive”, he loved cruising through the woods and sharing stories of his youth. Whether it was his time playing basketball against remote teams like Stibnite or running his hot-rod down dirt roads with his life-long friend Jack Hull, he was most at home when traveling the secluded regions of Idaho with good friends and family. Merle was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Helen; father, Harry, and his mother, Laura. He is survived by his three children, Pat, Terry, & Tim; his brother-in-law Terry; his sister-in-law Judy; his 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and countless friends. A graveside service will be held for family and friends at the Emmett Cemetery in Emmett, ID Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Merle’s memory to the Council Valley Ambulance District at P.O. Box 390, Council, ID 83612. Services are in the care of the Potter Funeral Chapel.

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