Mentzer, Lloyd A. Lloyd Mentzer 1921 ~ 2011 Lloyd Alfred Mentzer, 89, passed away on August 19 at home with his loving wife by his side. He was born on September 27, 1921 in Honeybrook Pennsylvania to Eugene and Ella Mentzer. He graduated from Coatesville Pennsylvania High School in 1939 and enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1941. He was stationed at Gowen field and it was while working (some may say girl-watching) during flooding in Parma, that a pretty local girl named Norma caught his eye. That romance was put on hold, however, as his unit was dispatched to support the war efforts in England, France and Germany. Lloyd went to work for Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Company in 1949 and became a top notch telephone repair man. Over the years, he learned all the streets in Boise and could tell you how to find any address in town. If he saw you out and about while driving his repair truck, he'd always honk and wave. Lloyd retired from "Ma" Bell in 1982. Seven years after they first met, Lloyd convinced Norma to marry him. They were married on May 23, 1950 in Los Angeles and moved to Boise to make their home. On Feb 23, 1957 their daughter, Donna Lee, was born. It was that year that Lloyd and Norma bought a ski boat. Summer weekends after that were spent up at the lake skiing, picnicking and enjoying family and friend from dawn to dusk. Lloyd and Norma were devoted parents and enjoyed being involved in all of their daughter's activities. While Donna was playing softball, they became loyal fans, rarely missing a game. They were known as "Mom and Dad" by the whole team. In 1977 Lloyd joined the Elks Lodge where he and Norma formed life long friendships and found a loving and supportive second family. Lloyd was persuaded to go through the chairs by Ken Downend. Although he was a little reluctant at first, he stepped up to the challenge and attained the position of Exalted Ruler in 1994, which was one of his proudest moments. He also enjoyed fellowship and activities as a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. He and Norma enjoyed dancing, playing cards, going out to dinner, Saturday breakfasts and getting together with many well-loved friends and family. Another proud moment came on September 29, 1993 when Lloyd became a grandpa. He loved sharing birthday celebrations with his grandson, Justin. The two quickly formed an alliance to ensure that birthday dinners (as well as any other special occasion real or contrived) involved dinner out at their favorite restaurant, Casa Mexico. Lloyd loved life and lived it to the fullest. He will be greatly missed. Lloyd is survived by his wife, Norma, daughter Donna Meier (Dennis) and grandson Justin, sister-in-law, Kay Young, nephews, Jerry Young (Carla) and Dan Young and niece Clara Anderson (Rodger), six grand-nieces/nephews and three great-grand nieces/nephews. Lloyd's family would like to thank all the wonderful folks at St. Luke's Hospice for their compassionate and professional care, especially Wanda Jo and Kylie. A celebration of Lloyd's life will take place at 10:30am on Thursday, August 25 at Cloverdale Funeral Home followed by a brief graveside service at Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens and reception at the Boise Elks Lodge (6608 W Fairview) at 12:30p. A viewing will be held at Cloverdale Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 24 from 5:00p - 7:00p. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boise Elks Lodge BPOE #310 or St. Luke's Hospice. Published in Idaho Statesman on August 23, 2011