Daniel L. Harpole

Daniel L. Harpole (70), lifelong woodsman and proud resident of St. Maries, Idaho, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House.

Dan was born on June 21, 1955, in Veneta, Oregon, to Roy and Barbara Harpole. He spent his early years in Veneta before moving with his family to St. Maries when his father began working for Henry Sindt Logging. Dan attended St. Maries High School but, true to his nature, he chose hard work over the classroom, leaving after his sophomore year to head straight for the woods - where he felt most at home.

In 1974, fate stepped in at a local gas station when someone backed into Sherry Norton's car and Dan offered to help. That simple act sparked a lifelong love story. They began dating in January, were engaged by Valentine's Day, and married that November at the Hitching Post in Coeur d'Alene. From the very beginning, they knew they had found their forever.

Dan and Sherry built their life in St. Maries and were later blessed with their son, Kenny. Dan made his living running heavy equipment for Henry Sindt, Mike Russell, Potlatch, Benewah County, and Terry Waddell. He was proud of his work and the life it provided. After five years with Terry Waddell, Dan retired, often saying Terry was the best boss he had ever had.

Dan was a man who didn't need much - just the outdoors and the people he loved. He found joy in fishing (specifically taking Kenny and Hayden), hunting, huckleberry picking, and riding his four-wheeler. He loved long road bike trips through Idaho, Oregon, and Montana, exploring the Pacific Northwest he cherished. He and Sherry enjoyed road trips together, and in later years, those adventures included their grandchildren.

A true handyman, Dan could build just about anything. He built raised flower beds for Sherry, took pride in a well-manicured lawn, and passed down simple joys to his grandkids - riding along on the mower or being pulled behind it in a wagon. Those small moments will be remembered the most.

When he wasn't outside, Dan could be found watching old westerns, the Oregon Ducks or tuning in to the Outdoor Channel - he likely saw every fishing show ever made. And for one very special granddaughter, he made room for Hannah Montana.

Dan was steady, hardworking, and fiercely devoted to his family. He was the kind of man who showed love through action - through long days of work, quiet strength, and always being there when it mattered most.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sherry, at their home in St. Maries; his son Kenny Harpole (Rillie Mathre) of Warrenton, Oregon; grandchildren Danyiel Ham (Mark Tomlinson) of Lewiston, Idaho, and Hayden Harpole of Warrenton, Oregon; great-grandchildren Riley, Tate, and Aubrey; mother Barbara Harpole of Coeur d' Alene, ID; brothers Michael Harpole of St. Maries and Rocky (Barb) Harpole of Oregon; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Roy Harpole.

A Memorial Service to honor Dan's life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11:00 am at the St. Maries Assembly of God Church.