RECORDS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021
DEATH & SERVICE NOTICES
THE OBSERVER — A3
OBITUARIES
Margaret M. Rimbey
Maryann K. Stahl
Marilyn L. (Powell) Rachau
La Grande
Margaret M. Rimbey, 100, of La Grande, died Dec. 2,
2021, at her home. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral
Chapel & Crematory, La Grande.
1957-2021
La Grande
1932-2021
La Grande
Vernon F. Valiant
Union
Vernon F. Valiant, 91, of Union, died Nov. 24, 2021. A
funeral service will be held Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. in the former
Union Methodist Church. Arrangements are by Loveland
Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande.
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 1
9:56 a.m. — La Grande police received a complaint about van-
dalism at Pioneer Park. An offi cer responded and took a report.
1:06 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 100 block of
Jackson Avenue on a report of a disturbance and resolved the sit-
uation — for now.
3:03 p.m. — La Grande police received a report about a sus-
picious subject at Cove Avenue and Albany Street. An offi cer
responded and trespassed one person.
3:19 p.m. — La Grande police received a report of a sex crime.
4:34 p.m. — La Grande police received a complaint about tran-
sients loitering at Max Square. An offi cer responded, and the sub-
jects agreed to move their belongings.
5:16 p.m. — A caller reported a disturbance involving a juvenile
on the 2100 block of Leo Lane, La Grande. An offi cer made contact
and explained options.
11:14 p.m. — La Grande police responded to U Avenue and Fir
Street on a report of a domestic disturbance. Police cited a 15-year-
old girl for minor in possession of alcohol and assaulting a public
safety offi cer.
THURSDAY, DEC. 2
2:21 a.m. — La Grande police received a report of two 911
hangup calls from the 2900 block of Third Street. An offi cer
responded and resolved the situation.
10:31 a.m. — La Grande police responded to the 2100 block of
Leo Lane on a report of a domestic disturbance. Offi cers found this
was an argument.
12:08 p.m. — A caller on the 3100 block of May Lane, La Grande,
reported the theft of a vehicle. An made contact and took a report.
3:15 p.m. — A resident on the 2500 block of May Lane, La Grande,
reported fraud. An offi cer made contact and took information.
4:51 p.m. — La Grande police assisted medics at a traffi c crash
involving injuries on the 700 block of H Avenue.
7:06 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff ’s Offi ce received a report
of a possible intoxicated driver at Walmart, 11619 Island Ave, Island
City. A deputy responded and arrested John Conrad Keller Jr., 21, of
La Grande, for driving under the infl uence of intoxicants and reck-
less driving.
7:54 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the Royal Motor
Inn, 1510 Adams Ave., on a report of a disturbance and resolved
the situation.
8:14 p.m. — La Grande police received a 911 call with a child
saying profanities. An offi cer responded and along with a parent
counseled the child.
Maryann Katherine
spending time with her
Stahl, 64, of La Grande,
family and friends, espe-
died Nov. 16, 2021. A cel-
cially during knit night,
ebration of her life will
trips to card-making
be held Dec. 11 at 1 p.m.
and crafting events, the
at the La Grande Naza-
beach and the zoo. She
rene Church, offi ciated by
has friends and family
Pastor Kevin
across the
Goss. Masks are
states who will
required. The
miss playing
service also will
Pokemon Go
be livestreamed
with her.
through social
Survivors
media. Arrange-
include her
ments are by
children, Amy
Bowman Funeral
Gordin, Greg
Parlor, Garden
Minor and Ryan
City, Idaho.
Minor; three
Stahl
Maryann was
grandchildren;
born Feb. 10,
and siblings,
1957, in San Bruno, Cal-
Fred Stahl, Jude Holmes,
ifornia. She was a retired
Peggy Dixon, Michael
customer service represen- Dixon, Judy Mattson and
tative for the IRS. During
John Dixon.
retirement she enjoyed
She was preceded in
part-time work as a
death by her parents, Cora
Stampin Up! demonstrator. Wilkie and Jude Stahl;
Maryann was an active
brother, Mike Stahl;
member of the Church of
and grandson, Cameron
the Nazarene in both New- Burton.
berg and La Grande. She
Memorial donations
was also actively involved
may be made to the Shel-
in Celebrate Recovery and drick Wildlife Trust’s
a member of the Happy
Orphans’ Project, which
Hookers crochet group.
rescues and rehabili-
Maryann was a devoted tates orphaned elephants,
mother, grandmother
at www.sheldrickwild-
and friend. She enjoyed
lifetrust.org/donate.
The Observer
ELGIN — Joe Garlitz, a
longtime community leader,
and his wife, Irene Garlitz,
a retired award-winning
teacher, will be recognized
Sunday, Dec. 5, in Elgin.
The couple will be
saluted at a farewell potluck
lunch at St. Mary’s Cath-
olic Church, 93 S. 12th St.,
Elgin. The potluck is open
to the public and is expected
to start following Sunday
Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic
Church, around 1:30 p.m.
The couple have lived
in Elgin since 1973 after
moving there from Colo-
rado. They will be moving
to Eagle, Idaho, in the
upcoming week to be closer
to medical facilities in the
Treasure Valley and to be
with their daughters, Alena
and Serena. The Garlitzes
also have two sons, John,
who lives in La Grande, and
Paul, who lives in Amarillo,
Texas.
Irene Garlitz is well
known in the commu-
nity, partly due to to 20
years of work as a teacher
Shannon Garlitz/Contributed Photo
A farewell gathering for Joe and
Irene Garlitz is planned for Sun-
day, Dec. 5, 2021, in Elgin.
at Stella Mayfi eld Elemen-
tary School, where she was
recognized for her teaching
excellence.
It is fi tting that the Dec. 5
potluck will be at St. Mary’s
Catholic Church because
the Joe and Irene Garlitz
have been members of its
parish since 1973, and Joe
Garlitz has been a deacon
with the church since 1987,
when he was ordained.
His public service record
also includes four years
as a member of the Union
County Board of Commis-
sioners, 1978-1982, and
• ENTERPRISE — A
meeting for Eagle Cap
Extreme Sled Dog Race
volunteers begins at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 7, at Toma’s
Conference Room, 309 S.
River St., Enterprise. call
541-263-1838 for more
information.
• LA GRANDE — The
Union Soil and Water Con-
servation District’s monthly
The most valuable and
respected source of
local news, advertising
and information for
our communities.
eomediagroup.com
board meeting will be held
Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m.
in the OSU Extension Offi ce
Conference Room, 10507 N.
McAlister Road, Island City.
Principal subjects to be dis-
Please follow guidelines
regarding face coverings
and social distancing at all
gatherings.
Dec. 4 — LEE
INSKO: 10 a.m. celebra-
tion of life, Quinn Col-
iseum, Eastern Oregon
University, La Grande.
Dec. 4 — JULIA
LUSE: 11 a.m. celebra-
tion of life, Christian Life
GRANDE RONDE HOSPITAL
Center, Elgin.
Dec. 11 —
MARYANN STAHL:
1 p.m. celebration of life,
La Grande Nazarene
Church.
Dec. 13 — VERNON
VALIANT: 11 a.m.
funeral, former Union
Methodist Church.
Dec. 19 — MARY
REEDER: 1 p.m. cele-
bration of life, La Grande
Nazarene Church.
— calendar courtesy of
Loveland Funeral Chapel
COMBE: Axel Henry Combe, born Nov. 6, 2021, to Emma
Stockhoff Combe and Kyle Combe, of Summerville. Grandpar-
ents are Joe and Laura Combe and Hank and Val Stockhoff .
MEIER: Rowdy Meier, born Nov. 9, 2021, to Marlee Meier
and Josh Meier, of La Grande. Grandparents are Lisa and Jeff
Nice, Bob and Donna Kennon, Ramona Meier and Tom Meier.
RASMUSSEN: Ryder Thomas Rasmussen, born Nov. 15,
2021, to Gina Vermillion and Ian Rasmussen, of La Grande.
ROBERTSON: Hannah Robertson, born Nov. 16, 2021, to
Crystina Dawn Fellows and Cody Lee Robertson, of La Grande.
VanARSDALE: Kaden Charles Dean VanArsdale, born Nov.
1, 2021, to Hailey VanArsdale, of La Grande.
WRIGHT: Ivy Rose Wright, born Nov. 8, 2021, to Haley Marie
Wright and Chad Matthew Wright, of La Grande. Grandparents
are Sherri Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Jill Macy and Sean Macy.
about 20 years as Elgin’s
city administrator.
While city adminis-
trator, Garlitz played roles
in helping the city create
its Hu-Na-Ha RV Park and
the Clarence Witty Park.
He also was instrumental in
helping create a health dis-
trict, which has a tax base,
and in updating the city’s
sewer system so it could
better meet Department
of Environmental Quality
standards.
“It was the community
which made everything
happen,” he said.
Garlitz retired as city
administrator in 2009 but
has continued to have an
active role in his church as a
deacon.
“It was a wonderful
chance to serve,” he said.
Garlitz said one of the
roles he enjoyed most as
deacon was offi ciating at
weddings.
Whether at church or
in the community, he said
that Elgin’s people are what
make it special.
“Whenever people here
see a neighbor in need, they
step forward,” Garlitz said.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
MEETINGS
enjoyed riding trail bikes,
snowmobiles, and four-
wheelers. She loved
getting fi rewood and
traveling.
Survivors include her
husband, William Rachau
of La Grande; son and
daughter-in-law. Troy
and Bobbi Rachau of Los
Lunas, New Mexico; three
grandchildren and seven
great-grandchildren; and
fi ve nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in
death by her parents, Earl
and Lucille Powell, and
son, Todd Rachau.
Online condolences
may be made to the
family at www.loveland-
funeralchapel.com.
UPCOMING LOCAL SERVICES
BIRTHS
Longtime community leaders leaving area
By DICK MASON
Marilyn Lucille
Rachau, 89, of La Grande,
died Nov. 30, 2021, at
Grande Ronde Hospital. A
service will be held in the
spring.
Marilyn was born
Oct. 27, 1932, in Baker
City, to Earl Powell and
Lucille (Giles) Powell.
She resided in Union and
La Grande and graduated
from Union High School.
She married William
“Bill” Rachau on Jan. 10,
1953.
Marilyn was employed
by First Interstate Bank
as a bank teller. Some
of her favorite moments
were spent with her
family at the cabin. She
cussed are monthly fi nan-
cial statements, staff reports
and partner agency reports.
Call 541-963-1313 for more
information.
— The Observer
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THIS PAPER
James Clark Lundy, Sr.
April 26, 1935 - November 24, 2021
James Clark Lundy, Sr.,
a fifty-two year resident in
the Grande Ronde Valley,
died at his home in Coeur
d’Alene, Idaho on Wednes-
day, November 24, 2021.
Jim Lundy was born on
April 26, 1935, in Cald-
well, Idaho, to Glen W. and
Bernice (Mayes) Lundy. He
grew up in Idaho, Oregon,
and California as his father
moved from farming to
preaching. Jim was one of
four children, with two
older sisters and a younger
brother.
Jim served in the United States Army
during 1954-55, stationed in Korea before
returning to use his GI benefits to attend
Oregon State University. He earned a de-
gree in Business Administration and Food
Science, graduating in June 1958.
While attending OSU he met Judy Alt-
miller, whose family had moved to Oregon
from Oklahoma. They married on Septem-
ber 12, 1958, and would share 63 years and
raise five children together.
Jim began his career with the Oregon
State System of Higher Education in the
OSU business office the month he graduat-
ed. Except for an 18 month detour through
Boeing in Federal Way, Washington,
during 1962-63, he worked as an Oregon
State higher education administrator
until his retirement from Eastern Oregon
University in 1992. He returned to OSU for
several years following his work at Boeing,
moving to Eastern Oregon College in 1967.
During his time at Eastern he progressed
from Business Manager to Vice President
of Business Affairs, gathering various
additional tasks over the years. He taught
Accounting, oversaw numerous building
projects and Physical Plant Operations at
Eastern Oregon. After retiring Jim contin-
ued his service to Eastern Oregon Uni-
versity as EOU Foundation treasurer and
board member.
One of his most meaningful extracur-
ricular activities was as Rodeo Coach. Jim
and Judy made this a family experience
and he learned from the student team
members as well as providing guidance.
(Side benefit, cowboy hat and boots add
height!) This is when he began his life-long
side-gig officiating at wedding ceremonies
for student couples and others, including
all his children. Jim served in a ministe-
rial capacity for colleagues, community,
friends, and family throughout his adult
life.
Jim Lundy was active
in church and civic orga-
nizations from his youth
onward. He was an elder
at the Church of Christ in
La Grande, a member of
Rotary, Lions, 4-H leader,
and Mayor and city council
member for Cove. He was
reliably available for church,
school, and community ac-
tivities that needed his time
and energetic support.
Jim’s time away from
work was spent golfing, gar-
dening, camping, beekeeping, and fishing.
He enjoyed all these activities more if they
were shared with friends and family. He
directed youth camps for Irondyke Chris-
tian Camp, where he introduced years of
campers to the joy of fishing. Many friends
shared the produce from his gardens (espe-
cially the pumpkin patch), and he shared
the critical task of beekeeping with his
grandsons.
Jim and Judy had five children and were
closely connected to both extended fam-
ilies. Family reunions were regular yearly
events and new additions were always wel-
come. Jim and Judy have 17 grandchildren,
5 great-grandchildren (and counting!)
Jim Lundy’s many interests and activ-
ities were all directed by his belief in God
and his faith in the promise brought by His
son, Jesus. Jim followed the example set
by his own father in continuing to study,
learn, and share the truth that guided his
life.
Jim is survived by his wife, Judy, and
their five children (James Lundy, Jr., Lori
Stadler, Mary Lundy, Braden Lundy, and
Brenda Harlan) as well as his two sisters;
Mary Biszmeier and Carolyn York.
A memorial service will be held at 2
PM on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at the
Dalton Gardens Church of Christ in Coeur
d’Alene, Idaho. A memorial service in La
Grande, Oregon, will be held at 2 PM on
Saturday, January 15, 2022, at the Gilbert
Center on EOU campus.
Contributions in memory of Jim Lundy
may be made to the Jim Lundy Civic
Scholarship at Eastern Oregon Universi-
ty Foundation One University Blvd., La
Grande, OR, 97850 or Great Northwest
Christian Camps@GNWCC.org.
Online condolences may be made to
the family at www.lovelandfuneralchapel.
com.