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Inventor of Lightweight Backpack Vacuum Passes Away

Per an obituary on Legacy.com, cleaning industry veteran Larry Shideler passed away on August 31, 2023, at the age of 79.

A resident of Boise, Idaho, Shideler was born on July 25, 1944. He founded Boise Janitorial and Bonneville Cleaning in Idaho Falls, Idaho, during the 1960s and later founded Western Building Maintenance in Boise.

According to an article by cleaning equipment company ProTeam Inc., Shideler, best remembered for his innovations, created the modern-day lightweight backpack vacuum in his garage in 1983. Shideler went on to lead ProTeam for 20 years, including time as its chairman of the board.

“We will miss him, always love him, and do our best to continue the legacy of living well he began so many years ago,” the article stated.

Shideler spent his free time enjoying his family, motorcycle touring with friends, collecting classic cars, following auto racing, and traveling the world with his wife of 58 years, Sharon.

Shideler is survived by his wife; his daughter, Jennifer Vining; his two sons, Steven and Michael; his grandchildren, Hunter Smith, Ally Smith, and Cody Shideler; his sister, Joan Bitzer; and his brother, Dale.

About ProTeam
Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, ProTeam Inc. manufactures ergonomic, high-filtration commercial backpack, canister, and HEPA vacuums designed to clean more area in less time. For more information, visit www.Pro-Team.com.