Long time Colfax resident, Lars Sjostrand, passed away peacefully on March 8 ^th , 2023. He was born in Sweden on July 31, 1943 to parents Anna and Goran Sjostrand. Seventeen members of his family were sponsored by the Mormon church to move to the United States when Lars was 5 years old. They settled near Salt Lake City, Utah. As skilled carpenters, they quickly became part of the workforce and had an impact on transforming the area into what it is today.

In his early 20's, Lars became a United States citizen and served his new country by joining the Marines during the Vietnam War. After concluding his military service, he returned to his family's carpentry business working with his father. He also spent summers in Canada as a fishing guide. During this time, he also welcomed the birth of his son Lars Sjostrand Jr.

In 1986, Lars moved to the Colfax area. He joined the construction trade doing cement work, flooring, and roofing. In his later years, he became known as a local handyman often seen at neighbor's houses helping with various projects. Whether a garage addition, bench painting, flower watering, lawn mowing and/or animal feeding, Lars was always willing to help. Especially if a cup of coffee and a few cookies were available during the project.

In retirement, Lars spent time painting. He was an accomplished artist, and his oil paintings were often featured at the Palouse Empire Fair where they earned high marks. He also found joy in spending time with his favorite dogs Shiloh, and then Harvey.

Lars is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his son Lars Sjostrand Jr. There will be a memorial service for Lars Sjostrand on at 10:00AM, March 25, 2023 at the Corbeill Funeral Home in Colfax.