Eric Walter Loer Sr.

Eric Walter Loer, Sr., 68, left this world on February 3, 2017 and entered Heaven as he wanted . . . surrounded by his loving family at his home in Spokane, Washington. While those who were lucky enough to have known him are poorer for his parting, we are all infinitely richer for having known him and been a part of his life on this Earth.

Eric was born in Concord, North Carolina on December 5, 1948 to Helen Louise (Miller) and James Billy Loer, and was the eldest of two children. Eric’s father was a minister in the Church of God; and Eric enjoyed an adventurous childhood living in various cities in the northwest where his father pastored: Stites, Idaho; Longview, Washington; Sandpoint, Idaho; and Chattaroy, Washington. Eric treasured his North Carolinian heritage, and enjoyed the occasional visits the family made to reunite with loved ones who lived there (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends).

While living in Chattaroy, Washington, Eric attended Riverside High School where he walked the halls with his beautiful girlfriend, Cheryl Kay Rickey, who he would later ask to become his wife. However, at the age of 17 Eric made the decision to enlist in the U.S. Army in December 1966. He served one tour in Vietnam, and completed his enlistment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. While on leave, after returning from Vietnam and before moving to his next location assignment, he married his sweetheart, Cheryl on May 25, 1968, in Spokane, Washington. They have been married for 48 years.

After completing his commitment to the U.S. Army, Eric, along with his wife, Cheryl, returned to Spokane, Washington, where Eric worked at various types of employment. Eric and Cheryl were blessed with the first of three children on March 15, 1971, when their son, Eric Walter Loer, Junior was born in Spokane, Washington. When Eric’s parents and sister moved to Niceville, Florida; Eric, Cheryl and their new son decided to check it out also - and spent some time there in 1972.

Eric and his family returned to the Spokane area after living in several states including Virginia and North Carolina in time for his second son, Jereme James Loer, to be born on May 15, 1976. He was also happy that his parents and sister decided to move to Sandpoint, Idaho around that same time; Eric loved being around his family and spending time enjoying meals and conversation together. One of the favorite family memories was Eric’s love for tacos - which were best enjoyed with Cheerwine (a soda pop from North Carolina).

Eric enjoyed a brief career in store management in North Carolina, then returned to Spokane in time for his third child, a daughter named Rebecca Anne Loer, to be born on January 4, 1979. With their family complete, Eric and Cheryl considered several options of locations to settle down in before moving north to Chewelah area where they built a log home. The family remembers many fun times there that involved outdoor living, their horses, and making wonderful friends in the area. After selling the log home, they moved further north to Usk area then later to Inchelium, where they would live for a number of years. While living in Inchelium, Eric was blessed to enjoy his extended family engaging with him daily and through special events such as PowWows and other community events.

Eric moved back to Spokane as his health declined so that he could be closer to medical services. Eric has been blessed to enjoy strong relationships with his parents, sister, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren.

Eric passed away peacefully at the home in Spokane, Washington surrounded by his family, following a decline in health due to complications from cancer. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cheryl Loer, children (Eric Jr., Jereme, and Rebecca (Becky), his grandchildren (Nathen Loer, Joshua Loer, Jessy Loer, Tarah (Loer) Pagaling, Tristin Loer, Meghan Loer, Meadow Loer, Ryan Richart and Melissa Richart), and his great-grandchildren (Jayden Pagaling, Roman Pagaling); father, James Loer, sister, Kandi Johnson and family members Theresa Loer, Francis Carson, Boyd Johnson. He is preceded in death by his mother Helen Loer, and one granddaughter Rhonda Loer.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thank-you to the amazing team of Horizon Hospice as they assisted Eric and the family in his last days and to help them honor his wish to remain in the home until the end of his life. You have made the most difficult of times a bit easier to bear.

Ball & Dodd Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements. There will be a Wake on Thursday, February 9th from 5pm - 9pm at Ball & Dodd Funeral Home located at 5100 W. Wellesley Ave, Spokane, Washington. The funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, February 10th, at the same location. Burial with a Military Honor Service will follow at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, 21702 West Espanola Rd, Medical Lake, Washington at 1:30pm.

A reception will follow immediately after the burial at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church, 808 East Sitka, Spokane, Washington. The meal will be potluck, Family and Friends are welcome.

Arrangements under the direction of Ball & Dodd Funeral Home, Spokane, WA.