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About Columbia Gorge news. (The Dalles, OR) 2020-current | View Entire Issue (June 23, 2021)
Wednesday, June 23, 2021 Columbia Gorge News www.columbiagorgenews.com 7 OBITUARIES PA I D N O T I C E S Gordon Mee bear seeing everybody having all the fun without him. He was born to John and Gloria Wheble of Kingston, Mass., and was predeceased by his son, Sean Haley Wheble, his brother, Jim Wheble, and is survived by his daughter, Cassie Charles “Chuck” Peterson Colleen Haley, his partner, Annette Tara Peyralans and her children, Okoree and Gabrienne Peyralans, his brother from Charles “Chuck” Nels Peterson was born another mother, Mike Nelson and family, the entire Wheble Aug. 31, 1946, in Eads, Colo., to Verna Carol family, and all of the people who had the pleasure of enjoying (Briley) Immer and Evertt Immer. (Everett raised Chuck, as he did not have a relationship his free spirit. In lieu of flowers, get a colonoscopy and please with his biological father.) Chuck passed away enjoy yourself in the name of Bob. Go see a live show and on June 11, 2021, at OHSU from health compli- dance the night away, he would love that. Private Gorge family celebration at a later date. cations related to his service as a Marine. At the age of 17, Chuck enlisted with the United States Marine Corp, where he served Charles Shirley Ekker four years active duty, two of those years in “Chuck” Vietnam, and then spent another two years Shirley Aileen Ekker was born on Jan. 5, Peterson John Lundell as a reserve. Chuck obtained rank of Corporal 1928, in Pine Grove, Ore. She was the young- “Life is a team sport played in many differ- and was an expert rifleman and a machine gunner. Chuck est of five and she was born to Tom and Pearl was very proud of his service to the United States of America, Eby Lee. ent arenas.” It involves tremendous support as he should be. Shirley lived in Hood River all her life and from, and to, family, friends, church and After his discharge from the military, Chuck met the love married Ted S. Ekker on Dec. 19, 1948. They community. of his life, Vicki Shertzer. Chuck and Vicki married July 29, had two children, Patricia Lee and Jerry John Harold Lundell was a life-long resi- 1967, and enjoyed 54 years of marriage. Chuck and Vicki lived Martin, who were both born at Hood River dent of The Dalles and he invested his time in Seal Beach, Calif., until they moved to Hood River, Ore., and talents in those many different arenas, Shirley Ekker Memorial Hospital. They were married for in 1980. Chuck and Vicki moved back to California, then to almost 60 years before Ted’s passing on July which included the plumbing contractor John Lundell business he built with his father, service to the Beaverton, Ore., for a short while before finding themselves 27, 2008. Shirley attended Oregon State University (OSU) and loved City of The Dalles as councilman and mayor, back in the Hood River Valley. Family was very important to sharing stories from her time living in a fraternity when the and his passions for music and local history. He exemplified Chuck. Being closer to his kids, grandkids and siblings was the driving force in Chuck and Vicki returning “home” to the men on campus were shipped off to war. Shirley valued edu- kindness and service above self. He loved his wife, Donna, Hood River Valley, where Chuck resided until his death. who passed away unexpectedly in 2008, his children Kim cation and felt very proud of her time at OSU. Chuck began a lifelong career in the concrete industry (Dan Boldt) and Chris (Charlie Houmard), granddaugh- Shirley was a dedicated volunteer to the Hood River after his service time. Chuck worked in the trade in Southern community, helping with the annual American Red Cross ters Elise (Nat Woodsmith) and Alexa (Garrett Schmidt), great-granddaughter Fern Woodsmith, sister Marilyn Urness, California until he and his family moved to Hood River, where blood drive for more than 25 years and was a volunteer at the he started his company, “Chuck Peterson Concrete.” Chuck’s Hood River Memorial Hospital. Shirley took great pride in the Oregon Ducks, fried chicken with mashed potatoes and sons both worked for the company, learning from their dad. her volunteer work over the years; she was on the Hood River gravy, Twinkies, and anything by Ludwig van Beethoven. Chuck passed on his work ethic and his concrete expertise county planning commission and then elected to be a county He felt blessed in so many ways! And he was very modest to the boys, who both went on to become contractors. Chuck commissioner. She was also appointed to the LCDC commis- about his accomplishments — among them: In the 1953 worked with Jason until two months prior to his passing. On Oregon High School Basketball Tournament he was named sion where she was focused on preserving Oregon’s farmland, to the First Team All-State and had the most points scored in “pour days,” you would find Chuck running the chute and protecting our forests, and maintaining the livability of all the tournament; he was instrumental in the preservation and yelling at the “kids.” Chuck loved to pass along his knowledge Oregonians. transportation of the Anderson homestead to the Fort Dalles to anybody that wanted to learn. Shirley was honored in 2001 with a Woman of Distinction Chuck never met a child that he did not like. He had a Museum complex; he was awarded The Dalles’ Community award by Soroptimist. She was honored for her service to the way with kids that was remarkable. Chuck loved children. Service award; he served the Oregon Mayors Association as community over the years. Shirley was chosen for the award You could find him entertaining all the kids at any function. president; he was appointed to the Historic Columbia River for her work in economic and social development and for her Chuck was known for shenanigans, such as the train robber- “long list of accomplishments” ranging from politics to agri- Highway Advisory Committee; he was the Cherry Festival Grand Marshall with his Cherry Sweetheart granddaughter ies with the Mount Hood Railroad, wearing tinfoil hat and culture. Shirley was the first woman to serve as a Hood River Alexa; he was chosen as Wasco County Pioneer Man of the cape while running down the road during hunting season, or County Commissioner and was admired for her vision in the Year; and he had three published books on local history. just making noises and faces to get kids to laugh. Chuck made development of the Hood River Valley. John was born Oct. 23, 1935, to Harold and Beulah (Davis) phenomenal spaghetti! He would cook it by the gallons for Shirley and Ted purchased her parent’s pear and cherry Lundell in The Dalles, where he graduated from high school the wrestling team fundraiser, selling any extra in take-home orchard in 1957 when Tom and Pearl wanted to retire to the in 1953. He graduated from the University of Oregon, where containers. If you never tried his spaghetti, you missed some- coast. Over time, four of the adjacent neighbors asked him to he was a member of Phi Delta Theta, in 1957. Married his thing amazing. Good thing he passed his recipe on to his son lease or buy their acreage. They farmed for many years. childhood sweetheart, Donna Lee, in 1955. They were mar- Shirley enjoyed doing many activities with Ted and their Jason! Very seldom did you ever see Chuck without his trusty friends and family. They also enjoyed traveling to Alaska to sidekicks of Opie and Ebert. His two dogs went everywhere ried 53 wonderful years! Passed away in his sleep June 13, spend time with her sister and family in Juneau and Gustavus, with him. 2021. Alaska, and loved fishing for salmon and halibut when her When Chuck was not working, you could usually find At this time, due to COVID, there are no plans for a public son and daughter-in-law lived there for seven years. him in the mountains hunting, camping or mining for gold memorial service. The family will have a private burial ser- Shirley loved her family and took immense pride in her vice, and thanks the staff at The Springs at Mill Creek memory or along the river fishing. While living in California, Chuck children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, nieces, and and Vicki spent most weekends on the dunes, dune dug- care unit and Heart of Hospice for their kindness and care. nephews. She skied, bowled, golfed, camped and helped her If you would like to honor John’s memory, donations to the gying. Chuck and his sons went on several hunts in British children with various projects, especially helping her son Zion Lutheran Trust Fund, the Discovery Center, or Fort Columbia, Canada, and in true “Chuckers” fashion, made and daughter-in-law build their “real log” home. Shirley was Dalles Museum would be lovingly appreciated. lifelong friends with the guides. Those were very treasured beloved by so many people and was an important part of the We will always cherish his memory in our hearts. Please memories and friendships for Chuck. Hood River Community. remember John, with a smile, whenever you hear something Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Verna and Shirley is survived by her son Jerry Martin Ekker and his by Beethoven! Evertt Immer, and his brother “Mick” Peterson. Chuck is wife Jannine Tveidt Ekker of Hood River; granddaughters survived by his wife Vicki (Shertzer) Peterson; sons; Chuck Jr. (Trisha) Peterson and Jason (Tiffany) Peterson; grandchil- Kristin Williams, husband Brian and son Silas of Southern Carl Shinkle California and Tifanie Lumm of Lake Oswego; and many dren Billie (Robert) Frasier, Chas Peterson, Nikole (Hans) wonderful nieces and nephews. Peterson, Brie Peterson, and Juan Hernandez-Peterson; Carl Russell Shinkle passed away on June In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death 8, 2021, at the age of 75. He was born in Hood and great-granddaughter Kella “Dink” Frasier. Chuck is by her husband Ted S. Ekker; her sisters Virginia “Deed” also survived by his sister Beverly Immer and brother Vince River, Ore., on Feb. 23, 1946. Immer, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family Vierthaler and Peggy Mulligan of Juneau, and Ely Nolan of Carl grew up and went to high school in members. Chuck had many “family” members that were not Tillamook, Ore.; brother Tommy Lee of Hood River; and her Hood River for three years, and then when blood relatives but that never mattered to Chuck. If you were daughter Patricia Lumm. his family moved to The Dalles, Ore., he Shirley loved living in Hood River and watching Mount a friend, you were family! completed his senior year there. His college Hood change every season throughout the years. At her A service to celebrate Chuck’s life and mourn his passing career began and ended at Western Oregon request, no funeral services will be held. In lieu of flowers, is planned for 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 26 at the Hood River Cark Russell University, which was then O.C.E. please donate to American Red Cross. Contributions can be He focused his studies in the area of litera- County Fairgrounds, 3020 Wy’east Road, Hood River. A pot- Shinkle sent to Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood luck reception will immediately follow. ture, and becoming a teacher of high school River, OR 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to Memorial contributions can be made to Hood River English was a goal he easily achieved. leave a note of condolence for the family. Carl began his teaching career at North Salem High School. Elks or American Legion, c/o Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031. Visit www. He was an amazing teacher. His students enjoyed him and Obituaries continued Page 9 AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence they knew how much he cared for them. Many connected for the family. with him even after his retirement to let him know how much he had affected their lives. He taught everything from Senior Specials his first year to Advanced Placement, College Bob Wheble Writing, Film as Lit, Sophomore English, etc. Through all 30 years of his teaching he was a loyal Viking and that strong His death, a one on one hockey match with connection never left him. cancer, ended with a score of 3-2 on May 26, He was inducted into the North High Hall of Fame in the 2021. Bob lived in the Gorge for 17 years and area of service with regard to sports. He timed football games never once bought a breeze-by pass and that (in all kinds of weather), announced basketball games, and tells you something about Bob. He lived in WHEN I DIE, I WANT MY BODY TO BE... was especially passionate about announcing baseball games. the present, welcoming the spontaneity of He was the PA for baseball man since 2000. He didn't just life. He was a master craftsman and artist with ❑ CREMATED announce games, but also printed a roster and a feature story wood, he never wore pants. In the winter it ❑ BURIED for every home game. Carl traveled to away games and kept was shorts and uggs, in the summer he wore ❑ TRANSPORTED BACK Bob Wheble score meticulously so that he was often known as "the official a Utilikilt and flip flops. Sources say he was TO THE STARSHIP book." The only games he missed occurred during a spring the only guy they ever saw build a house in a skirt. He loved WHATEVER YOUR WISHES WE CAN HELP. break trip to Florida to catch up on his Detroit Tigers. He is the ocean and water of any kind, his favorite hobby was wind Your local crematory & funeral home serving the Columbia River Gorge since 1921 known by umpires, fans, opponents et al., as part of the fabric surfing with Mike, and you could find them down at Doug’s of North Salem Baseball. He won the Merit Award from the any time it was blowing like stink. He loved a good adventure Oregon High School's Baseball Coaches Association. and never passed on a good time. As a lover of music, he and Carl was also an avid fan of Oregon State Women's bas- his partner, Annette Tara Peyralans, would take advantage of HOOD RIVER (541) 386-1000 THE DALLES (541) 296-2600 the plethora of live music the Gorge has to offer and travel the ketball. He had season tickets and enjoyed following their Northwest for festivals; he never missed a Sunday show. He pursuits after graduation and on into the WNBA. www. AndersonsTributeCenter .com was gregarious and fun-loving, and you felt like the funniest Carl loved being the driver who could take his friends on human in the world around Bob. He always said you only sallies, as they were called. Sallying forth was such fun. He need to know how to cook one dish; well, he had two. Caesar especially loved the mountains, and the photos from those salad and King crab cakes were his specialties. He played sallies are amazing. The beauty of the Pacific Northwest delighted him and he spread his love for it to others. He loved hockey and would get together with his brothers every winter the Gorge and Hood River where he could revive old memo- for a pond hockey tournament on the East Coast. He came to the Gorge for the wind, but stayed for the company. Above all, ries with his brother Dale. Bob loved life and enjoyed himself while living it. Even when Carl loved to tease and be teased and was the master of the cancer was up 3-2, he kept a positive attitude. He couldn’t sarcasm. His family and friends will remember him for his kindness, generosity, sense of humor and so much more. He will be sorely missed. EVOLUTION: BIOLOGICALLY IMPOSSIBLE #30 He was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell Shinkle and Zelda Spencer-Shinkle. Survivors include his brother The Emperor Penguin is an animal living in a place of instant death if it Dale Shinkle, sister-in-law Sarah Shinkle, nephew Alan was not fully complete in all its biological systems the very first winter. Shinkle (wife, Heidi), and nieces Marcella Brooks and No animal could evolve over millions of years to live in this inhospitable Meredith Shinkle. place. It would need to have all the systems up and functioning the very There will be a celebration of life at 5:30 p.m. on June 24 at first winter or it would have died. Continuing with the life of the male the North High football field. Donations can be sent to the penguin. As stated the temps hover at 80 below zero. A temperature the human mind can not understand. Thousands of these male penguins with one egg balanced on its feet come together in a very large group Quality vitamins and supplements. to withstand the winds. The group of males has some how figured out that it is best to take turns standing on the outer limits of the group then move in towards the “warm” middle. All this is going on and one fact remains constant. There is no food. The male is not eating one single piece of food all these months. Its feet, its hair, its skin, its digestive system, its circulatory system all finely tuned to withstand this monster place all working and functioning from the first day winter struck. It could not have evolved over time to develop this very specific physical body so it could live in this harsh environment. Finally the egg hatches and the male and chick wait for the females to return and give them food. If she is late both could die. Her “knowing” exactly when to arrive was not one regular priced item. a hit and miss evolutionary process. It had to be perfect the first time. In loving memory of Gordon Edward Mee, who passed away June 14, 2021, at Mid- Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles, Ore. Gordon was born Feb. 15, 1937, and was 84 years of age at the time of his passing. He is survived by son Gordan J. Mee; sisters Donna Hackler, Marry Battey, and Doris Mee; and his companion Dorine Nuttman. Gordon Mee In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Home at Last in The Dalles, c/o Anderson’s Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel, 204 E. Fourth St., The Dalles, OR 97058. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. North Salem baseball program. Assisting the family is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service. 1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River DANIELS health & nutrition 10% off 918 12th St | Hood River, OR | 541-386-7328 g.d. fischer | zionman@netcnct.net | 541-296-8578 204 East 4th St, The Dalles