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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 7, 2021)
Thursday, January 7, 2021 RECORDS East Oregonian A5 OBITUARIES John Daniel ‘JD’ Lambert Michael Gray ‘Mick’ Tolar Joel Makelin Florenzen Pendleton May 25, 1983 — December 27, 2020 Hermiston September 8, 1938 — January 1, 2021 Hermiston May 8, 1937 — December 17, 2020 John Daniel sports and regu- “JD” Lambert was larly volunteered born on May 25, his time coach- ing youth sports, 1983, to Allen and particularly foot- Kathy Orr-Lam- bert. JD grew ball and baseball. up in Pendleton, JD was a natu- ral teacher and where he attended enjoyed sharing Pendleton schools, his knowledge of graduating from sports with local Pendleton High youth. JD coached School (PHS) in youth from ele- 2001. JD was an out- mentary age to standing athlete high school. He for PHS, excelling was an assistant Lambert in football, wres- coach for Pendle- tling and baseball. ton High School In 2018 he was inducted into and Weston McEwen High PHS Sports Hall of Fame School in baseball and foot- for his athletic contribu- ball at various times over the tions during his high school years. career. JD touched many lives After high school JD and was a genuinely car- chose to serve his country ing person. He had the abil- and enlisted in the United ity to talk to and relate to States Army in 2003. He people across all sectors. It served in the 25th Infantry was often said that when JD Division, 1st Battalion, 27th spoke to people he always Infantry Regiment “Wolf- made them feel appreciated. hounds,” where he was sta- JD had an infectious laugh tioned at Schofield Barracks and smile that is cherished to in Hawaii. JD was a com- all that knew him. bat veteran of operation Iraqi JD is survived by his wife Freedom/Second Gulf War Lindsey and their two chil- dren Payton and Tatum; his where he deployed in 2004. It was after high school parents Allen and Kathy that he also met the love Orr-Lambert of Pendle- of his life and future wife ton; brothers Jason of Rich- Lindsey, marrying in 2003 land, Washington, Shawn before he joined the army. and Jaime Orr and Timmy In 2005 their son Payton and Megan of Kennewick, was born, followed by their Washington; and several daughter Tatum in 2008. JD nieces and nephews. Service will be held in an absolutely adored his chil- dren and, to anyone who outside rural setting (dress knew him, it was obvious accordingly) at 10 a.m. on they were his pride and joy. January 9, 2021, at 78889 JD enjoyed being a father Gerking Flat Road, Athena, more than anything else. OR 97813. Due to COVID You could always find JD in restrictions we ask that a gym or field watching his you wear a mask, and fol- low CDC guidelines. There two kids play. In 2008, after serving his will be a live feed for those country honorably, JD, Lind- for those wanting to attend sey and kids returned home virtually on JD’s Facebook to Pendleton. Once home JD page (J.d. Lambert). continued his public service In lieu of flowers, please where he worked for Home- make a donation to Pend- stead Youth Lodge, before leton Linebackers Club or joining the Pendleton Police Rollin Schimmel Memorial Department as a police offi- Fund in JD’s honor. cer in 2013. In 2018 JD joined Burns Mortuary of Pend- Umatilla County Commu- leton is in charge of arrange- nity Corrections as a parole ments. Sign the online guest- book at www.burnsmortary. and probation officer. JD had a passion for com. Michael Gray “Mick stretched into 31 years as the Tolar of Hermiston, long- principal at ACH before he time principal of A.C. retired in 1994. Houghton Elementary After retirement he spent School in Irrigon, Oregon, some time supervising stu- dent teachers for died on January Eastern Oregon 1, 2021, in Ken- newick, Washing- and Portland State ton, at the age of universities. He 82 years. especially enjoyed Mick was born some time in the in Echo, Oregon, classroom when on September 8, called upon to be a 1938, to Empie substitute teacher. Ray and Bennie In 1966 Mick Lee Middleton married Carol Tolar Tolar. He consid- Byerly; they had ered himself for- three children: tunate to have grown up in Patrick Gray, Megan Lynn such a loving family and and Aaron Jon. In Decem- in such a wonderful small ber 1983, he married Susan Lynn Lightbown. town. Mick was active in He was quite involved in athletics as a young man. He numerous professionals and played on Echo’s undefeated civic organizations over 1953 state championship the years, including char- basketball team and the 1955 ter membership in North state championship baseball Morrow Vector Control, team. He was captain of the Columbia View Commu- 1956 basketball team, which nity Church and the OESPA (state elementary principals’ finished second in state. Mick enjoyed stopping to organization). He enjoyed interact with any babies he family, gardening and fish- might see. His love of chil- ing. He especially enjoyed dren directed him toward traveling and meeting new a career in education. He people, and was fortunate received BS and MS degrees to have visited 54 coun- in education at Eastern tries with his wife, Susan, Oregon College (now Uni- before Parkinson’s disease versity) before continuing brought an end to traveling graduate work at the Uni- adventures. versity of Oregon, where Tolar is survived by his he received his educational wife of 37 years; sons Patrick administrative credential. Gray Tolar (Tera) and Aaron Although jobs were plen- Jon Tolar; daughter Megan tiful throughout the state in Lynn Bryan; six grandchil- 1960, Mick wanted to remain dren: Breena Renae Tolar close to home because his Beck (Travis), Brooke Renee father was ill. Thus began Tolar, Katelyn Marie Tolar, his long association with the Zack Loyal Bryan, Cade Morrow County School Dis- Gray Bryan and Mya Lan trict, where he served for 34 Bryan; and brothers Joseph years. He accepted a con- Ray Tolar (Kathy) and Rob- tract to teach sixth grade ert Lynn Tolar (Maria). Mick was preceded in at A.C. Houghton School in Irrigon for the sum of death by his parents, and his $4,500, the highest base sal- sisters Vera Louise Gurtler ary of all Eastern Oregon and Mary Ruth Colburn. College education grads in Due to COVID, a brief that year. He received an public graveside service fol- additional $200 to coach a lowing state guidelines will total of four sports: junior be held on Friday, January high football, basketball, 8, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. at the baseball and track. (Was this Echo Cemetery, Echo, Ore- the beginning of merit pay?) gon. A celebration of life After teaching for three gathering will be held when years, his principal left. restrictions are lifted. In lieu of flowers, dona- He was encouraged by the local advisory committee, as tions may be sent to the well as the Morrow County International Rescue Com- School Board, to apply for mittee, 122 East 42nd St., the position. Refusing to do New York, NY 10168-1289 so at first, he finally suc- (rescue.org) or a charity of cumbed to encouragement your choice. from others, and signed a Please share memories one-year contract at the age of Mick with his family at of 24. He grave credit to burnsmortuaryhermiston. Joyce Smith, a longtime staff com. member, for mothering him Burns Mortuary of through the hot spots of that Hermiston, Oregon, is in first year. The one-year trial care of arrangements. Elmer Charles Ringering Pendleton August 14, 1935 — December 31, 2020 Elmer Charles Ringering cutting and polishing his was born August 14, 1935, own rocks. He had a love for in Brainerd, Minnesota, to gardening and always had LeRoy and Evelyn Barrett a large garden with lots of Ringering and died Decem- beautiful flowers. He loved ber 31, 2020, at his backpacking and home in Pendle- hiked hundreds of ton, Oregon. miles in the Wal- Elmer moved lowa Mountains from Brainerd, with his sons. Minnesota, with Elmer was pre- ceded in death his parents and by his parents, siblings to Ore- gon City, Oregon, brother Dale Rin- gering, sister-in- when he was 7 law Lil, and sons years old. Elmer Ringering Steven and Gary. attended Auburn He is survived by Adventist Acad- emy his senior year where his wife Marilyn; daugh- he met his future wife, Mar- ter-in-law Cheryl Ringer- ilyn Morris. They were mar- ing of Hamilton, Oregon; ried June 30, 1955, in Pasco, son Jeff Ringering (Lori) Washington. of Walla Walla, Washing- The couple moved to ton; son Brent Ringering Pendleton, Oregon, where (Anita) of Lewiston, Idaho; he worked at Harris Pine and daughter Brenda Sals- Mills. Their first son, Ste- bery (Scott) of Brush Prai- ven, was born in Pendle- rie, Washington. He is also ton, Oregon, and died at 10 survived by his sister Elma months old of pneumonia. Trodell of Walla Walla, Their son Gary was also Washington; brother Floyd born in Pendleton. Ringering (Violet) of Oral, The family moved to South Dakota; sister Viola Hillsboro, Oregon, where Pflugrad (Edvern) of Ham- Elmer gained an apprentice- ilton, Oregon; brother Don ship in cartography. After Ringering (Carol) of Forrest three years, they moved Grove, Oregon; sister Irene back to Pendleton and wel- Aldred (Frank) of Beaver- comed sons Jeff and Brent creek, Oregon; brother-in- law Bob Morris (Donna) and daughter Brenda. Elmer worked as a car- of Lake Havasu City, Ari- tographer in the county zona; 10 grandchildren; great-grandchildren; assessor’s office until his 14 retirement in 1994, win- and numerous nieces and ning an award for 33 years nephews. of outstanding service to the No service will be held Umatilla County Assessor’s at this time. A celebration of office. life will be held next spring Elmer was an avid rock- or summer. hound and hiked many Burns Mortuary of Pend- miles in the hills searching leton is in charge of arrange- for all kinds of rock. Petri- ments. Sign the online fied wood was his favorite. guestbook at www.burns- He spent countless hours mortuary.com. PUBLIC SAFETY CAN BE FOUND ON THE WEB AT: www.EastOregonian.com Scott Allen Jacobson Pendleton April 18, 1964 — December 30, 2020 Scott Allen Jacobson throughout Umatilla County, passed away on Decem- including volunteering at ber 30, 2020. He was born community senior centers April 18, 1964 in Kodiac, and providing medical trans- Alaska, to Robert and Nancy portation and financial ser- vices to those in Jacobson. need. After Scott Scott is sur- vived by his wife, left RSVP, he of 27 years, Clare continued to set Jacobson of Pend- up programs to leton, Oregon; provide medical his brother Kevin transportation and Jacobson of Asto- other services to ria, Oregon; his those in need. son Christopher Scott was a Ely and wife Marie member of the Jacobson of Pendleton, Ore- Oregon State gon; his daugh- Grange and Pend- ter Kimberly Boone and leton Lions Club. For the husband Devin of Eugene, Oregon State Grange, Scott Oregon; his son Timothy served many offices includ- Jacobson of Kennewick, ing junior director, youth Washington; his daugh- director and gatekeeper. ter Jacquie Galvez and hus- Scott was a devoted Chris- band Brian of Meridian, tian, a member of the First Idaho; his daughter Sarah Christian Church of Pend- Bowen and husband Damian leton, Oregon, for over 30 of Pendleton, Oregon; his years. He had a love for sons Nathan, Ryan and Aus- camping and enjoyed God’s tin Tate of Pendleton, Ore- country. gon; his grandchildren Scott had many talents Joshua, Cameron, Zachery, including, a phenomenal Bailey and Oliver; and his voice, quick wit, a knack great-granddaughter Amara for words, and that sense of Kipp-Jacobson. Scott is pre- humor we all loved. Well ceded in death by all his done, good and faithful grandparents. servant. Scott’s passion was serv- Donations to assist Scott’s ing others, both in his career family may be made to Pend- and in his community. His leton Pioneer Chapel, 131 career centered around man- S.E. Byers Ave., Pendleton, aging volunteers for the OR 97801 or Banner Bank. Retired Senior Volunteer Share online condolences Program (RSVP). RSVP with the family at www.pio- volunteers provide services neerchapel.com. Joel Make- lin Florenzen, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Hermis- ton, Oregon, on December 17, 2020. He was with his loving wife of 56 years, Patricia “Trish” Flo- renzen, daughters Heidi Flo- renzen and Jennifer (Floren- zen) Gilbert, and son-in-law Jonathon “Jon” Gilbert. Joel was born May 8, 1937, in Fort Bragg, Califor- nia, to parents Manuel Flo- renzen and Josephine “Josie” (Gollnick) Florenzen. He was later joined by siblings Sha- ron Rhea and Darryl Dean. He grew up in Fort Bragg, California, and graduated from Fort Bragg Unified High School in 1955. He worked at the lumber mill with his dad during summers and after high school, saving money for college. Joel enlisted in the United States Air Force in May 1957 and was on active duty until May 1962. He was in the Air Force Reserves through 1963 and was honorably dis- charged. He completed his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He became a radar operator and was stationed in Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi, the Othello Radar Station in Othello, Washington, and then a radar site in Germany. During his time in the U.S. Air Force he enjoyed traveling, meeting new peo- ple, and experiencing new cultures. He visited Paris, France, rode a motorcycle on the Autobahn in Germany, and learned to ski in Switzer- land. As a radar operator he tracked Santa Claus’ journey around the globe each Christ- mas Eve. After the Air Force he attended Oregon Technical Institute in Klamath Falls, Oregon, in 1963 where he met his future wife Trish. They married on Octo- ber 3, 1964, in Carson City, Nevada. In 1966 Joel gradu- ated on the Dean’s List with an Associate in Engineering in survey technology and an Associate in Engineering in highway technology. Joel and Trish moved to Vale, Oregon, in 1966 where they made their home for 51 years and where they raised their two daughters, Heidi and Jennifer. Joel worked for the Soil Conservation Service as an engineering technician in Ontario, Oregon, from 1967 until he retired in 1993. He received numerous Merits of Performance awards from the United States Depart- ment of Agriculture until his retirement. Joel enjoyed being a hus- band and father. He was hands-on and loved par- ticipating in his daughters’ activities. As young children, he would read to them every night when he got home from work. He went to every swim meet, concert, play and parent-teacher conference. When they joined the Girl Scouts, he joined as a mem- ber too. He was a humorous and fun dad. If the first big snow of the season occurred after bedtime, he would wake them up to go outside and play, even on a school night. One Christmas Eve, he climbed up on the roof to leave hay for the reindeer to eat, as his young daughters were con- cerned they would be hungry. Joel kept busy with his many hobbies and volunteer work throughout the years and into retirement. He vol- unteered for the AARP Tax Assistance program and the Vale Public Library. He was on the Public Works Com- mittee for the city of Vale and served on the board for the Vale Food Pantry. He loved to travel with Trish and had been to such places as Madeira Island in Portugal, Denali National Park in Alaska, Washington, D.C., and a cross-country trip to New York City, New York. He took numerous fun trips to the Oregon coast to meet up with friends. He enjoyed meeting up with family and friends in Boise, Idaho. He would sometimes take the girls for trips to Les Bois Horse Racing Park. After Jennifer’s 21st birthday they took a family trip to Jackpot, Nevada. His last special trip was with his wife Trish and his daughter Heidi to see the monarch butterfly migration in Pacific Grove, California. Joel was a loyal Boise State Broncos football fan and loved to listen to the games on the radio. He was an avid reader (the Stephanie Plum novels were his favor- ite), and enjoyed photography and woodworking. He shared a love of pheasant, chukar and duck hunting with his son-in-law Jon and special friend Ron Hellman. Occa- sionally he chose his photog- raphy skills over his hunting skills and would come home from a hunting trip with only photographs. Growing up on the Cali- fornia coast he developed a great love of fishing he shared with his dad. As a little boy, he was known to occasion- ally skip school and take his dad’s boat out fishing. He shared his love of fishing with his daughters and took them frequently to Bully Creek, Brownlee, and Owyhee res- ervoirs. His daughters some- times preferred swimming over fishing on these trips. He learned to accept he may not come home with a catch because of the splashing they created by disturbing the fish. Joel had a love for garden- ing and would spend each summer growing two abun- dant gardens. He especially enjoyed growing tomatoes and corn, which he gener- ously shared with friends, family and neighbors. He loved bright colorful flowers and planted zinnias yearly. He had a soft spot for ani- mals, and especially loved cats and his daughters’ grandkitties. Joel and Trish moved to Hermiston, Oregon, in 2017 to be closer to their kids in his later years. He had a special nostalgia for the redwoods and enjoyed visiting his child- hood home on the Northern California coast, but his heart always remained in Vale and the Treasure Valley. He is survived by his spouse, Patricia “Trish” Ann Florenzen (Hermiston, Ore- gon); daughters Heidi Floren- zen (Hermiston, Oregon) and Jennifer (Jonathon) Gilbert (Selah, Washington); brother Darryl (Cynthia) Florenzen (Healdsburg, California); special friends Bill Reynolds, Jim Paoli, Kate Danks and Kip Yasumiishi; and numer- ous brothers-in-law, sisters- in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mom, Josephine “Josie” Florenzen; his dad Manuel Florenzen; his sister Sharon Handelin Edwards; and parents-in-law Wayne and Mildred Percifield. A Celebration of Life will be determined at a later date and is tentatively planned for Fall 2021 in Idaho. Donations in his memory can be made to the Vale Ore- gon Food Pantry in care of City of Vale, 150 Longfellow St. North, Vale, OR 97918. Burns Mortuary in Herm- iston, Oregon, is in care of arrangements. OBITUARY POLICY The East Oregonian publishes paid obituaries. The obituary can include small photos and, for veterans, a flag symbol at no charge.Obituaries may be edited for spelling, proper punctuation and style. Expanded death notices will be published at no charge. These include information about services. Obituaries and notices can be submitted online at EastOregonian. com/obituaryform, by email to obits@eastoregonian.com, by fax to 541-276-8314, placed via the funeral home or in person at the East Oregonian office. For more information, call 541-966-0818 or 1-800-522-0255, ext. 221.