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