Death Notice: Pastor Gladen “Stan” Rosengren, 90, The Dalles

Pastor Gladen “Stan” Rosengren passed away on March 6th, 2025 at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge in The Dalles, Oregon. Stan was born October 9th, 1934, and was 90 years of age at the time of passing.

A memorial service for Stan will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church (101 W 10th St, The Dalles, OR 97058) on Friday, March 14th, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Memorial Service: Steven “Steve” Barnes, 77, Stevenson

Steven “Steve” Barnes passed away November 15th, 2024, in Stevenson, Washington. Steven was born June 4th, 1947, and was 77 years of age at the time of passing. 

A Memorial Service is planned for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at Hegewald Center, 710 SW Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson, Washigton (no potluck to follow).   Pastor Matt Califf of Skamania Community Church will officiate Steve’s service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home (156 NE Church Avenue, White Salmon, Washington). 

Visit www.GardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for the family.

Death Notice: Steven “Steve” Barnes, 77, Stevenson

Steven “Steve” Barnes passed away on November 15th, 2024, in Stevenson, Washington. Steven was born June 4th, 1947, and was 77 years of age at the time of passing. 

A Memorial Service is planned for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at Hegewald Center, 710 SW Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson, Washington (no potluck to follow).   Pastor Matt Califf of Skamania Community Church will officiate Steve’s service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home (156 NE Church Avenue, White Salmon, Washington). 

Visit www.GardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for the family.    

Celebration of Life for Don Arthur set for March 22 in Rufus

Don Arthur

Dec. 14, 1955 - Feb. 10, 2025

A Celebration of Life is planned for Don Arthur, 69 of Rufus on March 22 at 1 pm, at the Rufus Baptist Church Basement.

Don moved to Rufus in 1969 with his Parents, Ed and Genevieve, and his siblings, Gena, Pat, and Ron).

Don worked all his life as a heavy equipment operator all over Washington and Oregon.

He bought his home in Rufus when he was 21 years old.

Don served on the Rufus City Council for the last 6 years, as well as for a short time on the Board of Directors for North Sherman County Rural Fire Protection District.

Don is survived by his wife Carol, and the folks he has called friends for many, many years.

Arrangements are under the direction of Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel • 300 W. Broadway Street (Post Office Box 134), Goldendale, Washington 98620 • (509) 772-2636. 

Death Notice: Wayne Douglas Lease, 78, Underwood

Wayne Douglas Lease passed away on February 16th, 2025, at his home in Underwood, Washington with family by his side. Wayne was born February 14th, 1947 in The Dalles, Oregon, and was 78 years of age at the time of passing.

Celebration of Life & Reception is planned for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 15th, 2025 at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon).

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home (156 NE Church Avenue, White Salmon, Washington). 

Obituary: Karen Joelle Louiselle, “Bubbie,” Parkdale

Karen Joelle Louiselle, “Bubbie”

Karen Joelle Louiselle, “Bubbie,” passed away on January 11, 2025, in her home in Parkdale, Oregon. 

Karen was born in Yakima, Wash., on October 1, 1946, to parents Joseph (Joe) and Elaine Modlin. The oldest of three girls, her sisters Bobbe and Luanne were welcomed in the years to follow. Their family lived in Sunnyside, Wash., where Karen started primary school. In 1955, they moved as a family to Goldendale, Wash., where she continued the rest of her education. 

Karen married Thomas (Butch) Lee Carratt of Centerville, Wash., in 1965, with whom she had two sons, Jeffrey and Jason Carratt. Karen and Butch purchased The Town Tavern in Goldendale, Wash., in 1975 and ran the tavern for the following two years. Karen began working for the Fort Vancouver Library in Goldendale and eventually ran a mobile library called “The Book Mobile.” Karen’s librarian work opened opportunities for her to move to White Salmon, Wash. From there, life and relationships took them to California, Northern Idaho, and back again to Mt. Hood, Oregon. 

Karen met the love of her life, David Louiselle, in 1984, and they married on February 14, 1988, in Pine Grove, Oregon. That same year, they purchased The Mt. Hood Country Store and continued to be the face of the store for the following 19 years. Together, with Karen’s eye for design and David’s excellent craftsmanship, they transformed the store to become the beloved landmark and meeting place that it was. Karen and David sold the store in 2007. 

Karen’s talents, job titles, passions, and achievements are endless. She waitressed at the China Gorge, drove a school bus, and ran her own mobile homemade soup business. She was often referred to as “The Mt. Hood version of Martha Stewart.” Her talents in the garden knew no limits. She was an avid gardener and made it on the Master Gardener Tour not only once but twice with two different homes. Her talents in the garden overflowed into the kitchen, where she could cook and bake anything. She created her own recipes and elevated any she would follow.

She loved to repurpose old pieces of furniture and sew dresses and nightgowns for her granddaughter. She was the ultimate do-it-yourself type of woman, and she did it all the very best. Karen had a deep love for all creatures, big and small, and a love for her family and friends that knew no bounds. 

Karen is survived by her husband David, her two sisters, Barbara Anderson (Bobbe) of The Dalles, Oregon, and Luanne and Doug Mason of Naches, Wash.; sons Jeffrey and Jason (Candi); grandchildren Travis (Hillary), Toby (Luke), and Alex; great-grandsons Lincoln, Jackson, and Turner; and her animals Tilly and Tucker. 

She was predeceased by her mother Elaine, father Joe, and her beloved animals Alfie, Niche, Scooter, Bob, Roxy, Seamus, Bella, Henry, Rosy, and Daisy. 

Karen requested no memorial but rather a celebration of life that will take place at Mt. Hood Organic Farms on May 17, 2025. If you wish, please honor Karen by donating to the Alzheimer's Association for dementia and Alzheimer's research.

Obituary: Lawrence E. Wilber, 90, The Dalles

Lawrence E. Wilber passed away on January 31, 2025, at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, OR. He was born on June 11, 1934, in Laona, WI to Gert & Skinny Wilber. They moved to Goldendale, WA in 1950. After graduating High School in 1952, he enlisted in the Air Force. Several months later, he was diagnosed with diabetes and received a medical discharge. Afterward, he returned to Goldendale and married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Layman, on June 11, 1955 and they enjoyed 69 wonderful years together. They had one son, Phillip James.

In 1958 they moved to The Dalles, OR where Larry worked for Bill Maxfield selling automotive parts, then later drove a Richfield gas truck for Herb Miller delivering gas and diesel all over Wasco County. In 1970, he opened Larry's Ninth Street Shell Station. He retired in 1995 and then moved to Dallesport, WA. Larry was a friend to all and enjoyed his family and friends, especially his two grandsons. He also enjoyed bowling, woodworking, and sports, especially the Seattle Mariners, his church, and was a proud member of The Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight from 1969 to 1971.

He is survived by his loving family, including his wife Ruth, son Phillip and his wife Kim of Milwaukie, OR, grandsons Zachary of Milwaukie, OR, Jackson and his wife Miranda of Vancouver WA, his brother Lyle and his wife Cindy Wilber of Ellensburg WA, sister in law Alice Wilber, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Leonard Wilber.

There will be a Rosary held at 10:30 am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter's Catholic Church at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, with Father Rene Labrador officiating. The interment will be at St. Peter's Parish Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation or to St. Peter's Catholic Church.

Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.

Obituary: Kathleen Maude (Schreiber) Olson, 80, The Dalles

Kathleen Maude (Schreiber) Olson, 80, passed away at her home on March 10, 2024. Katie was born on May 4, 1943, to Lawrence Joseph Schreiber and Waive Mildred (Martin) Schreiber in The Dalles, OR. She grew up on her family’s farm on Juniper Flat and attended school in Maupin. She was very active in 4H–raising steers, cooking, sewing, and entering her projects in the Wasco Co. and OR State Fairs.

In 1961 she graduated from Maupin High School, then attended Western Business University in Portland, moving on to various jobs in Portland and Salem. After a few years she moved back home, got a job as the Secretary at Dufur School, and married Ronald Ratcliff in 1964. They were married for ten years and lived in Friend, OR.

In 1975 Katie met Robert W. Olson while fishing in Blaine, WA, and they were married in Oak Harbor, WA soon after. They moved to Whidbey Island, WA where they fished, sold herring, milled logs, remodeled an old hotel, and started their family–Thomas L. Olson and twins Martin P. Olson and RoseAnna L. (Olson) Hertel. Katie would take her young children fishing in the Puget Sound nearly every morning, catching everything from salmon to bottom fish to red snapper and cod. She was a master fisherman and line detangler.

After five years Bob and Katie returned to Dufur, purchased a farm, and had their 4th child, Albert K. Olson. While raising their children and helping Bob farm, Katie loved growing a huge garden from which she harvested and canned all kinds of fruits and vegetables. They even kept a milk cow and she would make butter, yogurt, ice cream, and everything in between. 

After her children were older, Katie worked as a bus driver for Dufur School for many years in the 1990s. When her husband Bob of 28 years died in 2003, Katie became active in a plethora of activities and clubs including quilting, and porcelain painting, the Butterfly Chairman and Treasurer of the OR State Garden Club, as well as President and member of the Dufur Valley Garden Club. She took classes to become an official flower and vegetable judge at the county fairs, was a lifelong member of the Ramsey Park Grange, and was Secretary and member of the White River Christian Fellowship Church in Tygh Valley. 

Katie loved her flower and vegetable garden up until the day she died, and she became known to some as the ‘Tomato Lady’. She would involve herself in all the community fundraisers–selling pie and ice cream to benefit the Dufur Fire and Ambulance, making jam and cooking at the Ramsey Grange Hunter’s Breakfasts and Threshing Bee Breakfasts, setting up and organizing the Dufur Hometown Christmas Bazaars, and making countless amounts of pies for the Jam Sessions at the Ramsey Grange Hall. To many, she was known as the ‘Pie Lady’. True to her German origins, she was also very well known for her amazing homemade sauerkraut. Katie had so many talents and hobbies and was constantly researching ways to make what she did better–for herself, others, and all the living creatures that she loved–birds, bees, butterflies, bats, and flowers. In her later years, Katie slowed down a bit but continued to enjoy cooking, gardening, painting, quilting, and playing cards. 

But most of all Katie loved and lived for her children and grandchildren, teaching them all she knew, to work hard, to love others, and to be patient and kind to all living things. She had a kind word and a loving heart for all and could find something special or some hidden talent in everyone.  Preceding her in death were her husband Robert W. Olson and her brother David L. Schreiber. 

She is survived by her sons Thomas L. Olson and wife Sydney, Martin P. Olson and wife Moryah, Albert K. Olson and wife Shilah, and daughter RoseAnna L. (Olson) Hertel and husband Travis, all of Dufur, and her five grandchildren: Caleb B. Olson, Morgan M. Olson, Nolan J. Olson, Lucinda R. Hertel, and Catherine (Kitti) W. Hertel, all of Dufur. Katie's Celebration of Life was held at the Dufur City Park on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Obituary: Ruth Anne Welle, 77, The Dalles

Ruth Anne Welle passed away peacefully December 21st, 2024. Born in The Dalles in 1947, to Dude & Dora Bailey, Ruth is survived by her son Ray of Castle Rock, CO, siblings Jim & Sharon Bailey of The Dalles, Carol & David Yakish of The Dalles, Mike & Joey Bailey of Albany, OR and Bob & Laurie Bailey of Bend, OR, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She also leaves behind her treasured dog Ruby, her constant companion for many years.  Graduating from the Dalles High School in 1965, Ruth went on to receive her RN degree from Emanuel School of Nursing in Portland, OR and later a BSN degree in Colorado. Ruth went on to work in New York, and Denver, CO with a nursing career lasting 34 yrs. 

Ruth met and married her husband Bill in Colorado in 1983.  Son Ray was born in 1985.  They enjoyed many years of camping, hunting and fishing with their good friends Joanie & Barry Eylar of Colorado who introduced Ruth & Bill to each other.   

Ruth was a skilled quilter and spent many hours with her quilting buddies.  Ruth moved back to The Dalles in 2021 and resided at The Springs Assisted Living at the time of her passing. She will be missed by many friends, both in The Dalles and Colorado. At her request, no service will be held. Family will place her remains in the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon coast, a favorite destination of Ruth’s. 

Remembrance donations can be made to Columbia Gorge Humane Society, to honor Ruth & Ruby. 

Obituary: Larry Edward Kaseberg, 89, Wasco

Larry Edward Kaseberg

Larry Edward Kaseberg

Aug. 25, 1935 — Dec. 15, 2024

A fourth-generation wheat and cattle rancher in Sherman County, Larry Edward Kaseberg, died on December 15, 2024, in The Dalles, Oregon. He was born on August 25, 1935, in The Dalles, to Lawrence and Marguerite (Foss) Kaseberg.

Larry grew up on the family ranch near Wasco, Oregon, attended Wasco Grade School and Moro High School, and was active in athletics, 4-H and Boy Scouts. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Oregon State College, and joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He later served in the National Guard and Reserve. He graduated from OSC (now Oregon State University) in 1957 with a B.S. in Agriculture. In 1958, he married Sheryl Jane “Sherry” Woods, and together they raised four sons.

In 1970, Larry founded Wheatacres Irrigation, supported by the younger generations in the family. His passions included flying his plane, managing a 30-year cattle lease on Miller Island, and hosting OSU crop trials and soils classes. He volunteered for scouting, 4-H, Little League and the Sherman County Historical Museum.

He served on the boards of Wasco Electric Cooperative, Oregon Wheat Growers League, Agri-Business Council, and Ag Research Foundation. He accompanied OSU scientists to seminars in Argentina, Tunisia, the Baltic States and Mexico. He and Sherry were inducted into the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences Hall of Fame, and in 2012, OSU named a soft white wheat variety for the family.

Larry is survived by his wife Sherry, and their children: Collin (Michelle), Kevin, Cameron (Jon), and Christopher (Carrie); grandchildren: Wade, Hannah (Travis Feigner), Evan (Cassie), Walker, Jeff Duncan-Sherman (Darren), Danny Sherman (Morgan), Nicole, Eliot (Whitney), Jessica (Josh Ball), and Karolyn (Brandon Wenschlag); great-grandchildren: Jase, Kinsley, and Maren Feigner; Joshua James Jr. and Virginia Ball; Reagan and Adley Kaseberg; Olivia Lemo Kaseberg-Riley; and niece and nephew, Susan (Ralph Fisher) and Shawn Skiles (Peggy). He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia (Kaseberg) Skiles.

The family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date. Memorials may be sent to the OSU Agricultural Research Foundation at https://agresearchfoundation.oregonstate.edu/donate-now or the Sherman County Historical Society, https://www.shermanmuseum.org.

Obituary: English Teacher Walter Earl Smith, 95, The Dalles

"Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher."

- Japanese Proverb

Walter Earl Smith

Walter Earl Smith, 95, a resident of The Dalles, passed away on December 6th, 2024.  

Walt was born to Walter and Francis Smith in Myrtle Point, OR in 1929.  He was the youngest of 10 children.  Walt was an excellent student and served as president of the student body.  He graduated from Myrtle Point High School before enrolling at Oregon State University. After two years of studies, Walt transferred to the University of Oregon to enroll in their education program.  There he met his future bride, Beth, in 1950.  

Walt was active in ROTC and while working on his master’s degree, he was called to service following the outbreak of the Korean War.  While in training at Fort Benning, GA, his bride defied her parents and hopped there on a train from California.  Walt and Beth were wed in 1951 and soon after, traveled back to California for more military training.  Walt served in the Army honorably in the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star for his acts of bravery.  

After returning home, Walt and Beth immediately returned to the University of Oregon to complete Walt’s graduate program in 1953.  That summer, while working on a dairy farm with his brother, Walt received a call from the superintendent of schools in The Dalles, OR offering him a job.  The young couple packed up and headed to their new home for what they intended to be a five-year stay.  In 1954, Walt and Beth welcomed their first child, and later, three more children.  During this time, Walt’s passion for teaching grew and the family decided to make The Dalles their permanent home.  

Walt went on to teach English at The Dalles High School for 36 years.  He was a quiet man at home and outside of the classroom, but once he stepped foot in that classroom, he came alive.  He was full of charisma, told the best stories, and had an amazing sense of humor.  He and Les Jensen, a fellow English teacher, were always pal-ing around and joking with the students.  While all his children attended The Dalles High School, none of them opted or dared to attend his class.

Walt worked the ticket booths for all three sports seasons at the high school, where he got acquainted in a different setting with his students and their parents.  He was known as the “man at the booth.”  He spent most summers working at Stadelman Fruit processing cherries and making ends meet to support his family.  Walt retired from teaching in 1989.

In his long retirement years, Walt loved traveling with Beth to Reno, making stops at every casino along the way.  He also enjoyed playing golf, although he was never very good at it.  Many locals would also remember his daily morning walks around the neighborhood from his home on Jordan Street.  Walt was also a lifelong Ducks sports fan; you could find him in his recliner watching every game possible.  

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and extended family, as well as his grandson, Andy Nelson. 

Walt is survived by his devoted wife of 73 years, Beth; children Debbie, Laurie, Kathy, and Gary; grandchildren Melissa and Kayla; and great-grandchildren Trynity, Orion, Jaxson, and Charlotte.  

At Walt’s request, the family will not be holding a service.  

In lieu of flowers, Walt’s family requests memorials be made in his name to the North Wasco County School District Education Foundation.

Death Notice: Lillian Clara Brewster, 86, The Dalles

Lillian Clara Brewster, age 86, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 3, 2024.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Rita Jane Clinton, 93, The Dalles

Rita Jane Clinton, age 93, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 2, 2024.

Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Robert De Lee Rolen, 97, The Dalles

Robert De Lee Rolen, age 97, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on November 28, 2024. The Funeral service will be on December 10, 2024, 11 am at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Marie Sperber, 94, Hood River

Marie Sperber passed away on November 23, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. Marie was born November 24, 1929, and was 94 years of age at the time of passing.   Committal Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 at Willamette National Cemetery of Portland, Oregon. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: John William Shearer, 98, The Dalles

John William Shearer, of The Dalles, peacefully passed away on November 9, 2024, at the age of 98. He was born May 5, 1926, in The Dalles, OR to Marcus and Matilda (Davis) Shearer.

John grew up in Maupin where he attended school and helped at his family’s hotel and restaurant. After graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force during WWII. During his service, he studied flight engineering, worked on a B17 engine change crew, trained as a drill instructor, and was accepted into a liaison pilot training program.

After an honorable discharge, John returned to Maupin where he reconnected with a high school friend, Barbara Crabtree. They were married on June 12, 1946, at the age of 20, and were married for 77 years. John and Barbara eventually settled in The Dalles to raise their four children.

John has always been interested in airplanes, starting with building model planes as a young boy. He earned a commercial and private pilot’s license and was hired as a crop duster. Despite setbacks, including a crash resulting in a broken neck, John built the business he owned and operated starting in 1950. John's impressive work ethic has made Shearer Sprayers become a multigenerational business serving the Gorge for over 70 years. Even after retiring from flying, John was always involved in the happenings of his business and its success.

John had a love for cars, airplanes, guns, cats, traveling, and spending time with his family. He was also an excellent writer with a great sense of humor, and his family and friends always enjoyed John's poems. John was the center of his family, the Patriarch, and who everyone looked to for inspiration and guidance on how to live life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his generosity, wit, determination, and fearlessness.

He is survived by son John Richard Shearer and wife Kathy; son Gary Shearer and wife Dixie; daughter Mary Johnson and husband Terry; Grandchildren Cory Erickson and wife Paula; Mandi Coats and husband John; Kevin Shearer; Marcus Shearer; John Robert Shearer and wife Jennifer; Meggan Erland and husband Alec; as well as 10 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Shearer, daughter Linda Erickson, brother C.R. "Dick" Shearer, and brother Jack Shearer who died in infancy.

Being a humble and private man, it was John's request that no formal service is to be held. Those wishing to honor his life may make a donation in his name to the Western Antique Airplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, OR.

Death Notice: Violet Evans, 99, Hood River

Violet Evans passed away on November 18, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. Violet was born on August 16, 1925, and was 99 years of age at the time of passing.   A graveside committal for Violet will be at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Mosier Cemetery (600 State Rd, Mosier, Oregon 97040).

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Michael Schorr, 76, Goldendale

Michael Schorr passed away on October 28th, 2024 at home in Goldendale, Washington.  Michael was born on February 7th, 1948, and was 76 years of age at the time of passing. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel • 300 W. Broadway Street (Post Office Box 134), Goldendale, Washington 98620 • (509) 772-2636

Obituary: Norman Andrew "Doggie" Nelson, 39, Mooresville, NC

Norman Andrew Nelson, known as “Andy” or “Doggie”, 39, passed away peacefully at his home in Mooresville, NC on October 13th, 2024.

Andy was born to Norman and Laurie Nelson on April 12, 1985 in Portland, OR at Emmanuel Hospital.  Andy was born very prematurely and required multiple open-heart surgeries as a baby.  He was not expected to reach adulthood. Andy lived his life to fullest and proved the doctors wrong.

As a kid, Andy was a natural on the racetrack.  He began his racing career at the tender age of 6, behind the wheel of a quarter midget as part of the Portland Quarter Midget Racing Association.  He went on to race a junior dragster, go-carts, cage carts, sprint cars, dwarf cars, and a few different drag cars… all before the age of 18.  He won multiple championships and traveled up and down the west coast, including Canada.  Andy grew up and graduated from high school in The Dalles, OR.

Andy’s dream was to be a lifelong racer, a dream that he fulfilled after relocating to North Carolina in 2009.   He arrived in Mooresville with basically the clothes on his back ready to start his new life. He stocked shelves at Walmart, sold meat door-to-door, took a job at Napa… all while trying to break on to the scene.  David Stremme generously welcomed him into his shop to start getting his hands dirty. 

Doggie went on to have a long career with several incredible NASCAR organizations and drivers.  He worked as an interior mechanic and tire specialist and traveled several years with the ARCA Series. He won championships with Brandon Jones, Justin Haley, Ty Gibbs, Sammy Smith, and most recently with a talented young man named William Sawalich. He loved every minute of his work, his team members became his family, and every moment of his career kept a smile on his face.

Andy was the life of every party, and the glue to every friendship and group he was a part of.   You could find him at a variety of local watering holes throughout the week in Mooresville, or really any hole around the United States on the weekend when he traveled with his race team.  He included everyone, cared about everyone, and never met a stranger.  Andy regularly visited his family in Oregon to tackle projects around the house and reconnect with his childhood circle. For some reason, he was always asking what time it was… He would say “getting a call from sissy so you know what time that is?” Kayla would proceed to connect on Facetime and she would have her Jaeger and he would have Jameson along with any friend that he was with to “stay safe.” He loved his sister and especially his niece, Charlotte. He dolled up a Ride-On car for her this past Christmas and the joy of both is still going!

Andy was preceded in death by his father, Norman D Nelson, Aunt Carrie Nelson, and Uncle Mark Nelson;  Grandparents Norm Nelson and Mary Kathryn Chavis.

Andy is survived by his mother Laurie Nelson (The Dalles, OR), sister Kayla Zeigler (husband Dylan, The Dalles, OR), nephew Jaxson Zeigler, and niece Charlotte Zeigler, and grandparents Walt and Beth Smith (The Dalles, OR); Cousins Melissa Gaither (wife Jeri, Portland, OR), Beige Nelson-Cokely (husband Matt, Hood River, OR), and Heather Nelson (Portland, OR).  Aunts Debbie Jones (Portland, OR), Kathy Smith (Portland, OR), Connie Krummrich (The Dalles, OR) and uncle Gary Smith (The Dalles, OR);  Long time roommate Jeff Neuendorf (Mooresville, NC), chosen brother Andrew Holloway, and close friend Cynthia Cantor (Los Angeles, CA).  Andy had a very large chosen family in North Carolina, with simply too many names to list. 

A final safety meeting will be held in Andy’s honor in Mooresville, NC on November 16th, 2024.  Details will follow.

In lieu of flowers, Andy’s family requests memorials to two organizations: the Cajun Army to help victims of the recent hurricanes or Randall Children’s Hospital at Emmanuel, which gifted us 39 years with Andy.  

It was just time for a scenery change, Doggie.  We’ll talk later!

Death Notice: Gerald Walter Burgener, 83, Wamic

Gerald Walter Burgener, age 83, a resident of Wamic, OR, passed away October 14, 2024.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.