John Albee

1939 - 2025

John Albee, 86

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of John Raymond Albee, of Post Falls, Idaho on Friday, July 11, 2025 at the age of 86 after a courageous battle with cancer.



John is lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Phyllis (Kison); six children and their spouses, Roger and Kathy Kison, Mark and Angie Kison, Amy Kison, Katherine and Eric Paavola, Don and Wendy Albee and James (Andy) and Laura Albee; his first wife, Norma (Alton) Walton; eleven grandchildren, Aaron, Eric, Jamie, Hannah, Eva, Nora, Nicholas, Jordan, Emily (and Michael Roberts), Ben and Lillian; a sister, Ann Levine; a brother and sister-in-law, Earl and Kathy Albee; and many loving extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Harold and Dorthy (Janssen) Albee; sister-in-law LeAnn Albee, and brother-in-law, Robert Levine.



John was born on July 7, 1939 in Twin Falls, Idaho and grew up in a tight knit extended family in the farmlands of Emmett, Idaho. He attended the University of Idaho where he met Norma and graduated in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in agriculture. John and Norma married after graduation and welcomed three children into their lives, Katherine, Don and Andy. Though this relationship wasn't permanent and both went on to remarry, they caringly coparented and remained friends throughout their lives.



After University, John was hired by the Farmers Home Administration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, providing financial assistance to rural communities for housing, utilities, business and community development initiatives. Throughout his lifelong career with the USDA, he rose to District Director for the northern 10 counties of Idaho and retired in 1994 at the age of 55.



On April 26, 1980, with all their children standing at their sides, John married Phyllis at St. Luke's Episcopal Church and welcomed her three children, Roger, Mark and Amy into his family. John and Phyllis stayed in the Coeur d'Alene area, building their home in Post Falls with a bountiful garden and room for family to visit.



Throughout his life, John was an avid outdoorsman with many passions. He loved steelhead fishing and hunting with his best friend from childhood Mike Sullivan, and college buddies Bert Henriksen and Lee Holmer. He served his community through multiple organizations including the Idaho Commission on Aging, spent time with his grandchildren and kept up with Gonzaga Basketball. John found great joy in his garden and graciously shared both his knowledge and abundant berry and vegetable harvest. He shared his talents and time with his beloved Church and the Riverside Harbor Homeowners Association, where he served as Treasurer for nearly 30 years. A farm boy turned finance man, he lived simply and frugally – he could spot a spent shotgun shell on the road at 50 feet and had no problem screeching his car to a halt to pick it up.



For over 50 years, John was an active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Coeur d'Alene. He volunteered extensively, touching the lives of many in the process. In 2024, sitting on the edge of his hospital bed, he met with committee members to organize the annual chili supper fundraiser, ensuring it went off without a hitch despite not being well enough to attend himself. The parishioners at St. Luke's were close to his heart; his dedication to the community there was something he took extremely seriously and it brought him great joy. He especially reveled in decorating the church for Christmas celebrations, using live greens for everyone to enjoy throughout the season.



John was caring and compassionate, welcoming every person who crossed his path, smiling easily, and leaving behind a trail of kindness and love. He was a cherished friend to many. Upon admission to a familiar nursing facility, only a week before his passing, several nurses stopped in his doorway to welcome him back with smiles, saying knew exactly who it was when they heard his voice. Though he will be greatly missed, his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched.



John, while we mourn your loss, we also celebrate the incredible life you lived. We love you, we miss you and we will strive to make you proud. Rest in peace.



A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 11:00am at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 501 East Wallace Avenue, Coeur d'Alene. A zoom link to the funeral service can be obtained ahead of time by contacting the Church office at (208) 664-5533. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.



Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. On-line registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com