Daniel J. Waldher

Daniel Joseph “Dan” Waldher, 82, of Asotin, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston.

Dan was born on July 19, 1943, in Pomeroy, to Leo Waldher and Dorathea Taylor-Waldher. He was raised on the family wheat farm outside of Pomeroy, which was originally homesteaded by his grandfather and remains in the family today. In the early years on the farm, there was no electricity and no indoor bathroom. During his childhood, the farm was full of life with hogs, chickens and cattle, along with the daily responsibilities that came with farm life. The experience helped shape Dan’s strong work ethic and sense of responsibility from a young age.

Dan developed a deep love for the outdoors, especially fishing. As a boy, his mother would often drop him off in the mountains, and he would spend the entire day fishing his way back toward Pomeroy. His connection to the outdoors stayed with him throughout his life and became one of the simple joys he cherished most.

Dan attended Catholic school through eighth grade before attending Pomeroy High School, where he graduated in 1961. He was an exceptional athlete and lettered in all sports beginning his freshman year, a reflection of both his natural ability and strong competitive spirit. He was also a strong swimmer and served as a lifeguard during his high school years. During that time, Dan also drove tractor for several area farmers, something he greatly enjoyed and took pride in.

Dan shared a special bond with his sister, Barbara, who loved caring for him from the time he was a young boy growing up on the farm. Their close relationship remained meaningful throughout their lives. Dan lost his father at the age of 14, a deeply difficult time that helped shape the close bond he shared with his brothers throughout his life.

Dan was also known around Pomeroy for his fast car, which became somewhat legendary in his high school years even to the Washington State Patrol. Working alongside a local mechanic, he helped build the car himself and spent many miles “burning up the road” between Pomeroy and Clarkston to see his sweetheart, Sharon, whom he had met on a blind date.

On June 10, 1961, he married the love of his life, Sharon May Lockwood, in Clarkston. Together, they built a life centered around family, loyalty and enduring love.

Newlyweds Dan and Sharon moved to Spokane, where he worked briefly for his cousin at a mortuary. Before long, they decided to move back to the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley to be closer to family, where Dan later obtained employment at Potlatch Forests Inc.

Dan went to work for PFI on the wood side of the mill and later transferred to the pulp and paper division to work in maintenance. Dedicated to advancing his skills and career, he attended night classes at Lewis-Clark State College and earned his degree as an instrument mechanic, which was required for his position at the mill.

Dan was exceptional at his work in maintenance at the mill. His troubleshooting abilities were widely respected, and he knew the mill inside and out. During the mill’s modernization, he was selected to attend specialized training and spent countless hours of his own time studying the materials so he could fully understand the job being asked of him. Dan had the ability to fix problems that others could not. It was not uncommon for the family phone to ring with someone from the mill asking, “Is Dan home? The mill is down — we need your dad quick.” Over nearly four decades at the mill, Dan built many valued friendships and earned the respect of those he worked alongside.

Dan had a lifelong passion for learning and was always researching or studying something new. He had an incredible curiosity about the world, human biology, nutrition and health. Long before it became common, Dan was researching wellness, fitness, supplements and healthy living. His grandchildren still laugh and talk about the “crazy green concoctions” and smoothies he made in the name of health, though his knowledge and dedication were genuinely impressive.

He was remarkably tech-savvy and even built his own computers, continuing to embrace technology well into his 80s, including using ChatGPT. Dan also remained deeply committed to fitness throughout his life. For many years, he rode his bicycle countless miles to and from work in all kinds of weather, simply because he valued discipline, health and staying active. Dan was a beautifully complex and multi-talented man whose curiosity, intelligence, discipline, humility and determination left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

To provide for his family, Dan worked a second job insulating houses while attending classes and working at the mill. His family was everything to him, and he devoted his life to supporting and caring for those he loved. He took great pride in his work and the life he built through years of hard work, sacrifice and commitment. Dan was especially proud that he never called in sick to work, even when he probably should have. His work ethic was without question and was something those around him deeply respected.

Dan loved his brothers, Jack and Steve, and they shared an exceptional bond. “The Three Amigos,” as they were often known, spent many memorable times together traveling, heading to the mountains to gather wood to heat their homes, huckleberry picking and hunting mushrooms. The adventures and friendship they shared created lifelong memories for all of them and their respective families.

Dan also loved spending time with his family outdoors and especially enjoyed taking them on camping trips throughout the years. Many cherished memories were made around campfires, in the mountains and beside rivers and lakes with those he loved most.

Dan and Sharon also quietly helped many people throughout their lives. Their home was always open to friends of their children, extended family members or anyone going through a difficult time. If someone needed a safe place to stay, support or simply a meal and kindness, Dan and Sharon welcomed them in without hesitation.

Family gatherings were especially important to Dan. Whether it was nieces, nephews, cousins or extended family, he always made the effort to show up. It did not matter how far the drive was or whether he had just finished a 12-hour shift at work Dan was going to be there. He required very little sleep, and spending time with family was always worth the trip to him.

Dan and Sharon were excellent dancers and enjoyed many evenings together at the Moose Lodge, where they spent time with friends, danced often and created many happy memories together over the years. Dan also loved driving and taking road trips with Sharon. Together they traveled countless miles across the United States, often driving long distances simply for the enjoyment of the journey and time spent together. Dan had an incredible sense of direction and geography family members often joked that he had a GPS in his head. No matter where they traveled, he always seemed to know exactly where he was and how to get where he was going. The adventures and memories they shared on the road became some of the many joys of their life together.

Dan was an active member of the Catholic Church throughout his life, and his faith was deeply important to him. His beliefs helped guide the way he lived, cared for others, and devoted himself to his family and community.

Those who knew him will remember his dependability, kindness and willingness to help others when needed.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Waldher; his brother Steve (Shaleen) Waldher, his children, Candy Lynch, Penny (Gary) Hutchins, Wendy (Dale) Bonfield and Andrew (Anna) Waldher; along with 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, who miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Waldher and Dorathea Taylor-Waldher, his son, Daniel “Patrick” Waldher, his brother Jackson Waldher and his sister Barbara Stradley.

In January 2026, Dan was diagnosed with glioblastoma. He faced his illness with strength, determination and dignity throughout his battle. Dan made sure his family knew they were what mattered most to him and how deeply he loved each of them.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 28, at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Pomeroy.

Dan will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.