Obituary of Mildred Ann Musselman

Mildred Ann Musselman, 84, of Post Falls passed away unexpectedly July 6, 2016 surrounded by her family following the sudden onset of vascular complications. She was the youngest of three sisters born August 21, 1931 to Robert and Esther Dinnison of Weippe, ID. Raised on a cattle ranch, she was assigned many outside chores instilling a strong work ethic and commitment to doing things the right way each and every time. She attended Weippe schools, played high school basketball, and skipped a grade graduating at the age of 16 as class valedictorian. She married Leo Musselman in 1948 and together they raised two sons, Dan and Jerry. The family lived in Idaho and Montana chasing entrepreneurial dreams while being the owners of several different types of businesses. In 1974 they started Musselman Construction in Orofino, ID which specialized in forest road construction. After laying the foundation, their sons took over the business in 1984 and successfully built upon it. Upon divorce in 1988, Mildred moved to Lewiston. During this time she built and enjoyed a small cabin in her favorite neck of the woods on a portion of her parent’s ranch across the highway from her sister Jeanette’s home. In 2013 she moved to a retirement community in Post Falls to be closer to her sons and enjoyed a simpler life, without yard work. Mildred continued to remain very active in the retirement community, her kitchen, and with her family up until her final day. Mildred’s true love was her family. She was the commander and chief of the family always making sure everyone was connected, cared for, and of course well fed. Her infamous Sunday morning breakfasts, dinners, jams, cookies (especially the Christmas platters), mustard, and canned fruit were savored by many. Mildred enjoyed traveling, gardening, cards, and the many dachshund companions she had during her life. As an avid sports fan she cheered on her grandchildren, the Gonzaga Bulldogs, and Seattle Mariners. She was selfless in her devotion to friends and family always checking in to see how they were and how she could help. We will be forever grateful for this wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who raised us all to have the strength and wits to be our best possible selves. From her we learned to work hard and either do things the right way or not at all. She is survived by her sons Dan Musselman (Shelly), Jerry Musselman; grandchildren Patrick Musselman (Crystal), Mary Jo Musselman, Julie Kent (Zeek), Janel Medley (Ryan); great grandchildren Madelynn Knight, Leo Knight, and Hannah Medley; brother-in-law Bob Allen; niece Claudia Schrempp Decker; nephew Robert Schrempp (Anne); and several great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Roberta and husband Francis Gibbar; sister Jeanette Allen; nephew Richard and wife Connie Gibbar; and daughter-in-law Patricia Musselman, who passed one day prior. Per Mildred’s request, cremation has taken place and a service will not be held. Her ashes are to be buried in the Weippe Cemetery by her family at a later date. You may view her online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Hospice House of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835 or the Lewis Clark Animal Shelter, 6 Shelter Road, Lewiston, ID 83501.