Dwight Dulane Wilson, 83

Dwight Dulane Wilson passed away peacefully on May 17, 2022 surrounded by his family. On May 12, 1939, he became the first-born son of Irvin and Isabelle Wilson in Plentywood, Mont. Irvin was a farmer and Isabelle (Peg) was a school teacher. Dwight attended grade school at a country school in Raymond, Mont., after which his parents moved to Plentywood where his mother taught for nearly 40 years. His dad continued to farm.

Dwight graduated from high school in 1957 and went to basic training in the Army Reserve Components program and continued for almost 30 years, retiring as Master Sergeant. After initial training was completed, he enrolled at Montana State University in Bozeman, Mont., and graduated in 1962 with a degree in physical education, health, and biology. It was during his college years that he developed into one of the premier fast pitch pitchers in the state of Montana winning two back-to-back state championships. He also pitched in the professional fast pitch league in Canada. He continued softball and pitched in the 1976 world tournament.

On Nov. 7, 1970, he married his soulmate Elizabeth Laqua in Havre, Mont. A few years later, they moved to Coeur d’Alene where they raised their three daughters. Idaho became their permanent home. Dwight also had four children from a previous marriage, two of whom lived with him and graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School.

His teaching career of 36 years included North Dakota, Montana, and Coeur d’Alene where he taught for 25 years. In addition to teaching, he coached football, basketball, softball, and track. He retired from teaching in 1998. Dwight and Liz then purchased Lakers Inn Tavern in Coeur d’Alene, which they owned and operated until March 2021 when it was sold to a family member.

He loved hunting all types of game but concentrated on birds later in life. Dwight made an annual trek to his hometown where he hunted with his two best friends from high school. They also traveled up to Canada for goose hunting. The last few years he enjoyed big game hunting and visiting his children in Montana.

Dwight had many friends and a great sense of humor. There wasn’t a joke he didn’t like or tell. He impacted many lives through teaching, coaching, and bartending. He was quick witted, an avid reader, loved watching sports, and enjoyed beer and making deals over handshakes.

Dwight is survived by the love-of-his-life, Liz Wilson (Coeur d’Alene) and daughters: Julie (Bryan Church), Christi (Doug Weber), and Jennifer (David Tijerina); sons, Jim, Jeff, and Mike; and daughter, Marci Wilson; grandchildren: Bryan and Steven Wilson, Cole Wilson, Danny, Nick, and Alex Wilson, Parker Auld, Kody Stevens (Amanda), Kelsey, Paxton, and Hailey Stevens, Miles and Harrison Weber, and Evan and William Tijerina; and five great-grandchildren: Aiden and Madison Wilson, Hap Wilson, Hayden Stevens, and Jace Stevens. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry Wilson (Priscilla) of Bismarck; sisters-in-law: Myrt (Tracy) Scott, Mary (Jim) Sott, Jan Macklin; and brother-in-law, Vince (Gail) Laqua and numerous nephews and nieces. Dwight was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the charity of your choice. A celebration of life, with a reception following, will be held Monday, June 27 at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

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