Laurence Joseph Ducharme

Laurence Joseph Ducharme, 96

          On August 27th 2018, Laurence Joseph Ducharme of Rathdrum, Idaho passed away peacefully at Coeur d’Alene Life Care Center at the age of 96. Larry was born at the family home to Joseph and Lillian Ducharme in New Canada, Minnesota, October 28th 1921.  He was the oldest of four children and the only son. He graduated from Cretin High School, St. Paul, Minnesota in 1939 and enlisted in the army where he served for four years.  After serving his enlistment, he was hired on with the railroad.  His railroad career spanned 42 years until his retirement in 1982.   After his retirement he went on to build a miniature scale railroad line as a hobby.   He also enjoyed older model cars and collected many of them over the years.  Another love of Larry’s was square dancing. He could often be found on a Friday or Saturday evening on the dance floor at Mount Spokane’s Mitchum’s barn or Western Dance Center on Sullivan Rd. Larry served faithfully in the Catholic Church for decades in various capacities most recently at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, on 4th St, Spokane Valley, WA. He was married to his first wife, Marvella for 20 years, and had 3 children, Lynn, Laurence Jr, and Gregory Ducharme.   Later on he married his high-school sweetheart, Geraldine, and they enjoyed 4 years together before her death from cancer.   His 3rd wife, Lucille, also passed away after a few years of marriage.  He married his 4th wife Betty A. Terry in 1993.  They were married for 20 years before she passed away of cancer. Larry was also preceded in death by his daughter, Lynn, and son Laurence. Jr.  He is survived by son, Gregory (wife Debra); grandson, Nicholas Ducharme; grandson, Daniel Gates; grand-daughter, Desiree Rowe and several great-grandchildren. Also, his step-children:  Douglas Terry (and children), Lorraine Lindsey (husband Jeff, and son), Michel Terry Sr (wife Viki, and children), Gregory Terry (and children). Memorial service will be held at Hennessey Valley Funeral Home, 1315 N. Pines Rd, Spokane Valley, Washington Friday, October 19th 2018 at 1 pm.The family would like to thank the caregivers at Life Care Center, Coeur d’Alene for their kindness and compassion to Larry in his final 2 months.  Many of you went above and beyond to make his last days comfortable.