Patrick Allan Broehl, 73, beloved husband, father and friend known as Papa Pat to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, passed away peacefully on March 21,2026 in Post Falls, Idaho, surrounded by his loved ones. 

He was born June 18th, 1952 in Newman Lake, Washington to Robert Dale Broehl and Evelyn May Broehl, the youngest of 5 siblings. Growing up, he lived in various cities across northern Idaho and Washington. 

He graduated from Marysville High School in 1970 and began his career at the Powell Ranger Station along the Lochsa River. He went on to spend many years working in the timber and milling industry, including time at Pack River Lumber, Dover Mill, Colburn Mill, and Lignetics. 

He eventually made his living as a large construction welder with the Pile drivers Union contributing to some of the projects in Sandpoint, Idaho, including the bypass, footbridge at city beach and train bridge. His work took him all around the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and Montana. 

Soon after high school he married his first wife, Debra Knowles (Elder), together they had two sons. In 1995, he married Benet Broehl (Ball), with whom he shared the rest of his years, together they raised two stepdaughters. 

He was a devoted family man who found his greatest joy in time spent with those he loved. Whether gathered around the table sharing a meal, telling stories, or reminiscing about years gone by, he cherished every moment of togetherness with family and friends.  

He had a deep love for the great outdoors and was always eager for his next adventure. Fishing, hunting, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, huckleberry picking or simply soaking in the beauty of nature was a source of peace and contentment. He loved history and researching family roots, exploring museums, road trips and flying a plane whenever the opportunity arose.

In his later years, he discovered a passion for geocaching and became a prominent figure within the community. Known as “GramPapa” or “Rebel Grampa,” he was often joined by “Nanna” or “GrampasKid,” a nickname lovingly given collectively to the grandchildren he so enjoyed bringing along on his treasure hunts. Over the years, he placed more than 100 geocaches and found over 5,000 others across Idaho, Washington, Nevada and California. He leaves behind a legacy of adventure, curiosity, and connection for which he will be fondly remembered. 

Pat is survived by his wife Benet Broehl, his two sons Wayne (Chrissy) Broehl and Russ (Michele) Broehl, his daughters Desirae Roberts and Nicole Solorzano, his sister Dalyn (Allan) Marley, and his many grandchildren and great grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Dale Broehl, his mother, Evelyn May Broehl, his siblings Mary Margaret (Peggy) Schuerman, Robert John (Buzz) Broehl, and Diane Elizabeth (Beth) Needs. 

A memorial service and celebration of a life well lived will be held at Coffelt Funeral Chapel in Sandpoint at 11am on May 2nd, 2026, followed immediately by a potluck gathering at the VFW Hall across the street from Coffelt. 

Please bring a favorite photo for the photo board and/or story/memory to share. If you would like to bring a dish for the potluck it can be dropped at the VFW before the service. 

Family and friends are invited to sign Pat’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.