Norman Eugene Spidell

“Stormin’” Norman Spidell was born in the spring of 1937 to Vern and Helen, beginning a life-long journey of reinvention and kindness, humility, love, integrity, wry humor and service to others until he passed peacefully in the company of his loving family on March 2, 2025.  Naturally gifted, Norman was an athlete for the Mountain Home Tigers, having several scholarship offers before entering service with the US Navy in 1955 to help support his family.  He excelled in the service as well, rising through the enlisted ranks as a radioman and athlete, making several notable contributions in the realm of fleet communications before retiring (for the first time!) in 1974 as a Senior Chief Radioman.

Never one to back down from a new adventure, Norm soon began assisting Lennette’s parents and brother with their custom harvesting business even though he had zero farming or agricultural experience.  Before long he was running his ownJohn Deere combines throughout the greater Treasure Valley. These years were filled with long days, pheasant hunting in the corn, hard work, Lennette’s one-of-a-kind chili, and home-made lunches in Igloo coolers.

Norman and Lennette moved to Washington State in 1987.  With a desk, a phone and a single room, they started LaConner Insurance. The agency eventually grew to a size unusual for an independent agency, gaining recognition from companies large and small for his integrity-based work.  Norm and Lennette sold the insurance company in 2000 and moved to the Sawtooth mountains of Elmore County, Idaho, where he soon became a real estate agent, then broker of record, enjoying 20 years in Featherville before retiring for the final time in 2024.

Norm’s love of communications would continue throughout his life, including amateur radio at the highest levels. This included joining the Elmore County Search and Rescue team in 2005 as callsign SAR12, coordinating rescue efforts across Elmore and neighboring counties with multiple agencies. For this service he received a state-level award of distinction in 2015. Norm’s time in both real estate and search and rescue allowed him to care for the mountains of his youth, as well as care for their people, so many of whom called him friend.

“Coach” was a term of endearment on and off the field for players across the years on little league teams, men’s baseball and fastpitch softball teams, one of which qualified for the World Fastpitch Softball tournament. “What would you do if the ball comes to you?” is a familiar refrain for anyone who was coached by Norm.  He always found a way to give advice in the moment that resonated elsewhere throughout life.

Norm is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lennette; their children Laurie Spidell, daughter Gabriela; Sandra Spidell Krause (Rick) children Robyn, Carson and Logan; Jim Schell (Debbie) children Chrissy and Ericka; Brad Schell (Quinn) children Gracyn and Jackson; Ellen Dennis, children Gaia and Daven; Daniel Spidell (Cherilyn) children Reid, Ezri, Audrey and Ian, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild in addition to sisters Sheryl Spidell, Andrea (Ronald) Fisher,  Holly Lucas, Donna Brito and a myriad cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Norm is preceded in death by his father Vern Spidell, mother Helen Tarwater, granddaughter Branda Snow, step-mother Peggy Spidell, brother Leon Spidell, and sister Judi Gossett.

Norm’s enduring legacy will be one of service, empathy, love, humor and a dry wit.  He cared deeply for the land and people of Idaho, spreading small, anonymous kindnesses everywhere he went.  His mantras of integrity and attitude (“Kindness is contagious.”) are an example to all who knew him.  A loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, brother and friend, Norm will be sorely missed.

Graveside service will be held March 15th at 12:00 pm at Mountain View Cemetery in Mountain Home, with a celebration of life to follow at the Elk’s Club.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Elmore County Sheriff Officer Association

2255 E 8th N

Mount Home, ID  83647