Lars Alrik Leffler

LEFFLER, Lars Alrik (Age 93) – Of Colbert, WA passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 30, 2017. Lars was born in Gavle, Sweden on May 21, 1924. His story is one of a true immigrant; arriving in Spokane, Washington in 1950 he spoke no English and didn’t know a soul, and yet, with hard work and perseverance was able to co-found the masonry company Albert and Leffler Masonry in 1955. This later became L. Leffler Masonry. Lars’ brickwork can be seen throughout the Spokane area, Eastern Washington, and Idaho in the many schools, shopping centers, and churches he built. Even in retirement his love of bricklaying continued as he built fireplaces, barbeques and pillars for his friends and loved ones. He was never happier than at his cabin in Spirit Lake where he will be laid to rest. Lars was an incredibly kind and gentle man, welcoming to all and always happy to learn something new. He loved history, books, maps and geography, gardening and sharing his bounty with friends. He spent his last night surrounded by family, joyously celebrating 65 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Mariann. Lars is preceded in death by his son-in-law, Tom Erpenbach and survived by his wife, Mariann; daughters, Lynn Olsen (Rion Groves), and Lori Erpenbach; grandchildren, Andrea Erpenbach, Lars Erpenbach (Ariel), Alex Olsen, and Philip Olsen as well as great granddaughters, Elouise Erpenbach and Lily Olsen. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 4305 N. DIVISION, SPOKANE, WA. The burial will be held in Spirit Lake, Idaho at a later date.