RECORDS
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022
Marshalls named grand marshals
Shelley and Tim
Marshall to be
grand marshals
of 2022 Chief
Joseph Days
Wallowa County Chieftain
JOSEPH — Longtime
Chief Joseph Days volun-
teers Tim and Shelley Mar-
shall have been named
this year’s grand marshals
for the 76th Annual Chief
Joseph Days.
Tim was raised as a
city boy and Shelley was
a country girl when they
made their home in Joseph
40 years ago. They raised
two daughters, Abby Sutfi n
of Homedale, Idaho, and
Heather Marshall of Valdez,
Alaska. Both daughters
graduated from Joseph
High School and served
on the Chief Joseph Days
court.
Shelley started volun-
teering for Chief Joseph
Days in 1990, helping
with the queen coronation
dinner.
“Tim has been a vol-
unteer for 30 years, but he
has never actually ‘volun-
teered,’” Shelley joked.
In 1998 Shelley turned
Ellen Morris Bishop/Contributed Photo
Longtime Chief Joseph Days volunteers Tim and Shelley Marshall
have been named the 2022 grand marshals for the 76th annual Chief
Joseph Days.
over the reins from the cor-
onation dinner to help in the
hospitality room. Shelley and
Tim spent the next 23 years
dedicating their time, energy
and service there. In that
time, the hospitality room
grew from a simple tent that
served cold cuts and soft
drinks to a large building.
The Chief Joseph Days hos-
pitality room is known by
cowboys and cowgirls as one
the best in the Northwest,
serving hungry contestants
breakfast, lunch and dinner.
On average, more than 400
contestants and sponsors are
served dinner nightly.
Shelley and Tim were
there from sunup to sun-
down. Shelley kept everyone
on their toes, and her energy
and dedication meant volun-
teers better be ready to get
to work.
Tim was the master of the
grill. He had his own ded-
icated barbecue area right
out back. Whether he liked
it or not, he continually had
a steady stream of visitors
stopping in to compliment
his cooking, have an ice-cold
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
beer, and steal a small bite
of amazing food straight off
the grill.
Everyone learned Tim’s
rule: “You do not rush the
meat! The meat is ready
when it’s ready!”
This was a lesson many
learned the hard way.
But they also learned that
although Tim could not be
persuaded to rush the meat,
his bark was bigger than his
bite.
Tim and Shelley were
both awarded the coveted
Justin Boot Committeeman
of the Year Award. This
award is part of the John
Justin Standard of the West
program. Each year, only
125 individuals across the
country are presented with
this award.
After serving on the
Chief Joseph Days Rodeo
Committee in an offi cial
capacity for 19 years, Shelley
decided it was time to move
on. The Marshalls offi cially
hung up their hats in 2020.
“We are excited to honor
Tim and Shelley as our
grand marshals,” Chief
Joseph Days Rodeo Presi-
dent Terry Jones said. “It is
a very well-deserved honor,
and we appreciate the
many years and countless
hours they devoted to Chief
Joseph Days.”
DEATH NOTICES
FRIDAY, JULY 8
Carl A. Compitello
12 a.m. — A caller reported a disturbance at Pioneer Park, La Grande. Police
responded, found people having a party and told them to turn down the music
7:57 a.m. — Union County sheriff ’s deputies responded to the 70200 area of Sum-
merville Road, Summerville, on a call about a burglary. The sheriff ’s offi ce took a
report.
11:28 a.m. — La Grande police received a report of a possible sex crime. A detec-
tive made contact and took a report.
12:27 p.m. — A resident on the 600 block of G Avenue, La Grande, reported a dog
bit a person. An offi cer responded and took a report.
7:25 p.m. — A caller reported animal cruelty at Adams and Island avenues, La
Grande.
10:36 p.m. — La Grande police received a complaint about noise on the 300
block of Benton Avenue. An offi cer responded and counseled the subject.
La Grande
Carl A. Compitello, 86, of La Grande, died July 10,
2022, at Grande Ronde Hospital. Arrangements are by
Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande.
Linda M. Pratt
La Grande
Linda M. Pratt, 77, of La Grande, died July 10, 2022,
at a local care facility. Arrangements are by Loveland
Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande.
SATURDAY, JULY 9
Duane L. Zander
2:21 a.m. — Union County Sheriff ’s Offi ce during a traffi c stop on Palmer Junction
Road, Elgin, arrested Christopher Norman Hanson, 21, for driving under the infl u-
ence of intoxicants.
9:55 a.m. — La Grande police responded to the 1000 block of Jackson Avenue on
a call about a disturbance and arrested Shawntell Marie Seulean, 39, of La Grande,
for fourth-degree assault and second-degree criminal trespass.
1:58 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 400 block of First Street on a
report of suspicious circumstances and counseled one person.
2:04 p.m. — A caller reported a disturbance on the 1000 block of Jackson Avenue,
La Grande. Offi cers responded; the parties separated before police arrived.
5:30 p.m. — A resident in the area of 63600 Buchanan Lane, La Grande, reported
the fraudulent use of a debit card. A Union County sheriff ’s deputy made contact
and took information.
11:54 p.m. — La Grande police arrested Evita Lopez, 42, of La Grande, for DUII.
La Grande
Duane Lowell Zander, 80, of La Grande, died July 7,
2022, at his residence. A graveside service will be held
July 16 at 10 a.m. at Cove Cemetery. The family prefers
casual dress. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral
Chapel & Crematory, La Grande.
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SUNDAY, JULY 10
1:34 a.m. — A caller reported a fi ght on the 50 block of North Eighth Avenue,
Elgin. Union County sheriff ’s deputies responded and separated the parties.
7:38 a.m. — A caller reported fi nding a mailbox on the 2300 block of Pine Street,
La Grande. An offi cer returned the mailbox to its owner.
12:04 p.m. — La Grande police arrested Leonel Orlando Martinez, 33, for failure to
report as a sex off ender.
4:57 p.m. — A caller reporting fi nding drug paraphernalia on the 300 block of
Fourth Street, La Grande. An offi cer responded to dispose of the items.
8:56 p.m. — Union County sheriff ’s offi ce responded to North Bellwood and East
Delta streets, Union, on a report of disorderly conduct. A deputy cited a 16-year-old
female for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and minor in possession.
10:52 p.m. — A caller on the 2700 block of Third Street, La Grande, reported
fi nding children’s eyeglasses. Police placed the item in its lost and found.
La GRANDE AUTO REPAIR
975-2000
COMMUNITY
BULLETIN BOARD
www.lagrandeautorepair.com
MEETINGS
• COVE — A special meeting of the Cove City Council
begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, at Cove City Hall, 504
Alder St. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the
hiring of a part-time Public Works employee. The public
may attend and make comments. Attendance also will
be available virtually via meet.goto.com/CityofCove. Or
listen in by dialing 1-877-309-2073 and using access code
566-891-733.
• LA GRANDE — The Union Soil and Water Con-
servation District’s monthly board meeting will be held
Wednesday, July 13, at 7 p.m. in the OSU Extension
Offi ce’s conference room, 10507 N. McAlister Road. The
meeting may also be accessed online or by phone. Links
and access instructions are provided at www.unionswcd.
org/about-us.html. Principal subjects to be discussed are
monthly fi nancial statements, staff reports and partner
agency reports. Contact the Union SWCD staff at 541-963-
1313 for more information.
• UNION — The Union School Board will meet on
Wednesday, July 13, beginning at 6 p.m. at the high school
athletic complex. Seismic upgrade and bond-funded proj-
ects will be among the subjects discussed at the meeting.
• LA GRANDE — The Board of Directors of the La
Grande School District will convene at 7 p.m. Wednesday,
July 13, for a regular board meeting in the District Offi ce
Board Room at 1305 N. Willow. The meeting will be avail-
able in person, online, and via phone. See the agenda at
www.lagrandesd.org for meeting access information.
MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
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Joe Horst
ACDelcoTSS
Nancy Ellen Thompson
June 11, 1945 – June 29, 2022
Nancy Ellen Thompson, 77, of Summerville,
passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at her
residence. At her request, there will not be a service.
Nancy was born on June 11, 1945, in Los
Angeles, California, to Wallace and Doris (Oswald)
Thompson. She resided in Los Angeles, California,
and in La Grande and Summerville, Oregon. Nancy
graduated from Imbler High School. She married
Jack Johnson and they later divorced.
Nancy was employed with the La Grande
Observer and the Union County Courthouse.
Nancy is survived by her brother, Wally (Janet)
of Sequim, Washington, and her niece and nephews,
Kimberly of Camas, Washington, Steve of Sequim,
Washington, and Jeff of Albany, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may
be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Association,
3212 Hwy 30, La Grande, OR 97850.
Online condolences may be made to the family
at www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.
— The Observer
THE OBSERVER — A5
UPCOMING
LOCAL
SERVICES
July 12 — SANDY MATHSON: 6:30 p.m. celebra-
tion of life, Denny’s Lounge.
July 14 & July 15 — TOM KOHR: Thursday,
6-7 p.m. viewing, Loveland Funeral Chapel, La
Grande; Friday, 2 p.m. funeral, La Grande Nazarene
Church (casual dress preferred).
July 16 — DUANE ZANDER: 10 a.m. graveside
service, Cove Cemetery (casual dress preferred).
July 23 — RICHARD CARLSON: 10 a.m. cele-
bration of life, Wallowa Lake State Park picnic area.
July 30 — CLARENCE WILSON: 2 p.m. cele-
bration of life, Lighthouse Pentecostal Church, Island
City (casual dress preferred).
Sept. 3 — NYLE ROLLINS: 1 p.m. celebration of
life, Fred Beeman Park, Island City.
Sept. 4 — JEFF BOND: 1 p.m. celebration of life,
Lone Hawk Ranch, 57899 Hwy 237, Union.
— Calendar courtesy of Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande
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Thomas “Tom” Evans Kohr
November 28, 1935 - July 4, 2022
Thomas “Tom” Evans Kohr,
86, of La Grande, passed away
peacefully on Monday, July 4,
2022, at a local care home after
years of battling Alzheimer’s.
A viewing will be held at
Loveland Funeral Chapel on
Thursday, July 14, 2022, from
6-7 p.m. A funeral service will
be held at the La Grande Church
of the Nazarene on Friday, July
15, 2022, at 2 p.m. Burial will
be at Grandview Cemetery, La Grande.
Tom was born Nov. 28, 1935, in Grace City, North
Dakota, to Harry and Anna (Urich) Kohr. He resided in
Boulder, Colorado; The Dalles, Oregon; and La Grande,
Oregon, since 1967. He attended school in Grace City,
North Dakota, through the ninth grade, where he played
on the basketball team. Shortly after his mother’s death,
he went to work as a farm hand until he could join the
Army. He was in the United States Army from 1954-
1956 and was stationed in Japan.
After leaving the Army, Tom moved around doing
farm work and learned the autobody and painting trade,
before settling in Boulder, Colorado. While in Boulder,
he met Janice Bowman before moving to The Dalles to
begin working for Sunset Motor Co. He went back to
Boulder, and on Feb. 19, 1965, he married Janice. They
were happily married for 57 years. They made their
home in The Dalles and while there, their daughter,
Rhonda, was born in 1966. In 1967, they moved to La
Grande to work for MJ Goss Co. Their son, Kevin, was
born in La Grande in 1969.
In 1969, Tom and Jan opened Kohr’s Body Shop,
Inc., which they operated for 37 years. During that time,
he bought one of the first wreckers in the area to tow 18
wheelers. They sold Aljo Travel Trailers for a while and
had Kohr’s Fire Service-wildfire suppression. He and
Jan with partners bought Blue Mt. Motors, which later
closed. In 1981, he purchased Lynch Motor Co., until
selling it to MJ Goss Co. in 2004. After closing the body
shop in 2006, they eventually built R&K Mini Storage
in the same location in 2011.
Tom enjoyed farming and he eventually bought some
farm ground in 1993, where he raised alfalfa and he
later added ground that was leased to other farmers. He
enjoyed getting out on the tractors until his Alzheimer’s
would not allow him to operate the farm equipment
safely. He also loved to drive around the valley. He was
a hard worker and didn’t have a lot of time for hobbies.
He liked to go gold mining in the Elkhorn Mountains,
and was a member of a bowling league. Tom did go
on a few trips, to the Caribbean and Puerto Vallarta
and Disneyland with family and friends. He especially
loved going fishing in Cabo with his friends. He and
Jan enjoyed a trip to Rio de Janeiro and other NADA.
Conventions, but he was always ready to head back
home.
Tom always attended his children’s and
grandchildren’s sporting events. He watched Kevin
play ball as well as watching him coach softball. He
watched his grandchildren play sports at home or away,
including a trip to England to watch his grandson play
soccer. He was even able to attend a few of his great-
grandchildren’s games.
Tom is survived by his wife, Janice; daughter,
Rhonda Nay (Greg Williams) of Union, Oregon; son,
Kevin Kohr of La Grande, Oregon; three grandchildren,
Chris (Jamie) Nay of La Grande, Oregon, Delanie Kohr
of Pendleton, Oregon, and Brianna Kohr of Union,
Oregon; three great-grandchildren, Alexa, Braylin and
Ben Nay of La Grande, Oregon; and numerous nieces
and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents,
Harry and Anna; sister and brother-in-law, Ginny and
Halley Kemmer; sister, Marie Bot; granddaughter,
Mackenzie Kohr; and nephew, Kent Kemmer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be
made to the Bobcat Foundation Scholarship Program,
P.O. Box 91, Union, OR 97883.
Online condolences may be made to the family at
www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.
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