The Columbian (Vancouver, WA)
September 26, 1997R. Joe Rust, 70, retired finance director for the city of Washougal and a community leader, died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 1997, in Camas.
Mr. Rust was born Nov. 9, 1926, in Chattanooga, Tenn. He lived in the Camas-Washougal area since 1962.
He conceived and founded the North County Social Service Center in Washougal. He was a founding director of Washington State Bank and the Washougal Historical Museum. He was chairman of the Washougal School Board for one term. He helped establish rose gardens for the City of Washougal and the Port of Camas-Washougal.
In 1980, Mr. Rust led a delegation from the city of Camas to establish a sister city with Hosoe-Cho, Japan. The program has since united communities through student exchanges and international visits.
A Navy veteran of World War II, he received the Navy Cross while serving in the Pacific. He was a graduate of Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore.
He was the controller for J. Henry Helser in Portland and San Francisco, Tidland Corp. in Camas, and Newell Corp. in Portland and Los Angeles. He was finance director for the city of Washougal in the 1980s.
Survivors include his son, R. Christopher of Battle Ground; his daughter, Elizabeth Rust of Gold Run, Calif.; a brother, James of Eugene; and three grandchildren.
75060. Frederick Samuel Vesser
The Seattle Times
February 17, 2003Frederick Samuel VESSER 87, passed away Friday, February 14th, 2003 in his Puyallup Valley home. Born November 18, 1915 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho,
Frederick grew up in the logging camps of North Idaho. After leaving Coeur d'Alene, he followed the construction industry for several years. Fred watched the construction of Grand Coulee Dam and the Hanford Project. He worked in a gold mine in British Columbia. During World War II, Fred was a welder in the Tacoma shipyards and he fell in love with the Puget Sound area. In the fall of 1952, he moved his family to Seattle and started working as a mechanic/welder in area truck shops. In 1964 he was elected Secretary Treasurer of the Automotive Machinist's Union 289 where he held office until he retired in 1978.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years Neila, his sister Irene Miller of Kansas City, his three children and their spouses, Frederick and Susan Vesser, Neila Kaye and Terry Bohn and Edwin and Kathleen Vesser, four grandchildren and spouses, Laura Bohn, Irene and Brian Batty, Eddie and Sarah Vesser and Amy Vesser, three great-grandchildren, Breana Batty and Samuel and Hannah Vesser, and assorted wonderful family and friends.
Find-a-Grave
Irene Marion (Vesser) Miller, 96, Shawnee, Ks, died Feb. 25, 2017. Born Oct. 8, 1920 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, the year women got the vote, she was preceded in death by her parents Edwin Crockett Vesser and Irene Harper Vesser; brothers Ed(Agnes) and Fred (Neila); her husband Lee and daughter Daryl Davey and her dogs, Bendi and Jasmine .
Survived by daughter Candace Scott(Loren), grandchildren Samantha Le (Viet), John Davey IV (Masha), Devon Davey(Brian), and great-granddaughters Vivian Rose Le and Cassandra Daryl Davey.
Irene lived in 8 states and visited many countries, but her favorite place was San Francisco. When Lee was overseas in Africa/Sicily (WWII), she worked as a secretary there. Lee and Irene returned to Kansas City and his family after the war. When he died, she moved back to SF. She rejoined Candace's family in Shawnee for 26 years.
Irene was a modest, honest person who was a liberal. She worked as a legal and medical secretary as well as gave clarinet lessons for Bob Luyben. She played the clarinet for several local orchestras. She also created and sold intricate Barbie doll clothes for craft fairs. She lived in her own home until the end. She watched birds, the Royals (Patek, Butler, Perez) and Jayhawk BB (Morris twins, Mason, Graham). A sweet woman, she loved her family.
San Luis Obispo County Tribune
June 21, 2015On June 14, 2015, Doris Anita Mello passed away peacefully after 94 years of a full and highly productive life. Doris was born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, in October of 1920 to Ben and Jessie Erley and had a loving childhood there along with her three brothers.
Her father was an avid outdoorsman and instilled his love for the lakes and mountains to Doris, which she passed on to her children. Doris was not a tomboy however, she loved to attend the local dances with her girlfriends where the famous big bands of the era often played.
It was at one of these dances that she met the love of her life and future husband John M. Mello, who was attending the University of Idaho in Moscow pursuing a Masters degree in Education. It was indeed love at first sight for both of them, for they were happily married for 71 years. Doris's husband John graduated with a degree in chemistry and got his first job teaching that subject in Athol, Idaho. From there they lived in Yreka and Tule Lake, California, before moving their young family to Taft, California, where John taught chemistry and headed the Science Department at Taft Union High School for 30 years.
During that period Doris worked at home raising their three children. She was an active member of the Delta Theta Tau Sorority, served on the Westside Recreation District Board of Directors, and worked various jobs to supplement the family income. She was a loving mother who always looked out for her children's welfare while at the same time encouraging them to follow their dreams even if took them off the beaten path. Doris was also an astute follower of current affairs and government and how it affected society. Doris and John loved to golf, fish, and visit with family and friends. For many years they had a cabin on beautiful Coeur d'Alene Lake, Idaho, which was a special place for family visits. In later years they rented a cabin at Lake Tahoe where they hosted many summertime family reunions.
Their home in Daisy Hill Mobile Home Park was the meeting place for many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. All family members were invited and their friends were welcome too. Their home got filled up with happy people (and dogs!) on these occasions and will be remembered by us all. Doris and John made many long-lasting friendships in their 22-years at Daisy Hill and as members of the Morro Bay Seniors Golf Club.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Jessie Erley; her brothers: James, Benjamin, and Donald, and by her husband John.
Doris is survived by her daughters, Sunny Judy Mello and Barbara Jean Jones (Larry Vincent); son, John Joseph Mello (Marsha); grandchildren: Hilary Boudreaux (Scott), Chris Gaines (Anna), Jennifer Biagioni, and Stephanie Odom (Garry); great- grandchildren: Henry and Isabelle Boudreaux, William and Cameron Gaines, Amanda, Mark, Joshua, Nicole, Alison and Juliana Biagioni, and Emma and Niall Stanley; six great- great-grandchildren, and Doris's adoring dog, Meg. Doris is also survived by her nephew, Clyde Erley and his wife Pompei, whose friendship and support meant very much to Doris and John.
San Luis Obispo County Tribune
November 24, 2009On Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, John M. Mello passed away peacefully after 96 years of a full and highly productive life.
Born in 1913 to Joseph and Mary Mello near what is now Tank Farm Road in San Luis Obispo, John was raised at the Mello family ranch in Los Osos Valley. Having an aptitude for science, John left the ranch to get a bachelor''s degree in chemistry at San Jose State. He then went to Moscow, Idaho, to pursue his master''s degree in education at the University of Idaho.
It was in Idaho that he met the love of his life, Doris Anita Erley. It was indeed ''love at first sight'' for both of them. This last June, they celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. John''s first teaching job was in Athol, Idaho, then in 1937, they moved to Yreka, Calif. After that he became principal at Tulelake High School in California. His teaching career was interrupted by World War II when he served stateside with the U.S. Navy. In 1946, John and Doris moved their family to Taft, Calif., where John taught chemistry and headed the Science Department at Taft Union High School for 30 years. He was a gifted teacher and inspired many students to pursue an education in science. Throughout his teaching career John furthered his own education and received National Science Foundation scholarships to attend summer school sessions at U.C. Berkeley, Washington State, Stanford, and University of Idaho and Gonzaga University. When he wasn''t teaching, he loved to golf, fish and visit with family and friends. All of these passions he shared with his wife, Doris. For many years they had a cabin on beautiful Coeur d''Alene Lake, Idaho, which was a special place for family visits. In later years, they rented a cabin at Lake Tahoe, where they hosted many summertime family reunions. Up until suffering a stroke in 2007, John was an active man often seen walking around Daisy Hill Mobile Home Park. Amazingly, he was 93 when he had his last golf game! Although he was slowed down physically by his stroke, his mind remained sharp. He was known for his tremendous sense of humor, which he used to cheer up his family during the last days of his life.
John is survived by his wife, Doris Anita; daughters Sunny Judy Mello and Barbara Jean (Larry Vincent) Jones; son, John Joseph (Marsha) Mello; grandchildren Hilary (Scott) Boudreaux, Chris (Anna) Gaines, Jennifer Biagioni and Stephanie (Garry) Odom; great-grandchildren Henry and Isabelle Boudreaux, William Gaines, Amanda, Mark, Joshua, Nicole, Alison and Juliana Biagioni, and EmmaLee and Niall Stanley; great-great grandson, Morrison Espinoza; sister, Edith McCoy; many loving nieces and nephews; and his adoring dog, Meg.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Mello; siblings Mary Mello, George Mello, Joseph Mello, Isabelle Majewski, Louie Mello, Margaret Farias and Lorraine Cabral.
The San Diego Union-Tribune (CA)
October 7, 2011SMITH JR., WILLARD - March 31, 1925 to October 1, 2011
Willard Smith Jr., known only as Smitty, was born in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, on March 31, 1925.
Growing up he split his time between his mother's house in town and his grandparents' nearby farm. Smitty served in World War II As a rifleman in the Ninth Infantry Division he took part in the Normandy invasion and was wounded in action months later in France. Smitty was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge. He spent a year in the hospital in England before shipping home in 1945.
In 1946, as an apprentice electrician in Pocatello, Idaho, Smitty started a lifelong membership in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. While taking his apprenticeship classes at Idaho State College he met Nadine Shirley, a member of the cheerleading squad.
On a sub-zero night in December 1946, Smitty and Nadine were married in Libby, Montana. In the next few years, as Smitty finished his training, two sons were born, Ed and Scott. A third son, David, was born in 1953, two years after the Smiths moved to San Diego, California.
Smitty worked many years as a union electrician and for a time ran his own contracting business. Smitty also loved teaching young electricians and many local electricians remember the courses he taught for I.B.E.W. Local 569 at City College. Until the last year of his life, at eighty five years of age, he worked at the union training center and remained to the end a hard-core "union man". Smitty was known for his community service. He took special pride in the fact that he and many other young ex-G.I.s moving into the newly built suburb of AlIied Gardens, built the Little League field and made sure that everyone had a chance to play ball. Smitty was legendary for his generosity and the Smith house was a well-known hangout for a generation of local kids, as well as friends and relatives from across the country and even the British Isles. More than a few kids lived for extended periods with Smitty and Nadine. Smitty was active in Alcoholics Anonymous and helped an untold number of people to turn their lives around. He passed away with fifty-two years sober.
Smitty lost his eldest son, Ed, to service in the military in 1967 and is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Nadine, two sons, Scott and David, adopted son Mark, four grandchildren, Joe, Mackenzie, Ed, and Erick, four great-grandchildren Zachary, Charlie, Gracie and Mason as well as untold others who considered him their dad as well.
Standard-Journal (Rexburg, ID)
September 10, 2019With Heartfelt love and gratitude for the life of our mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend, we sadly announce the passing of Ossie Nadine Smith on August 31, 2019. She peacefully finished her journey of life surrounded and wrapped in the loving arms of her family in Felt, Idaho.
Nadine was born in Rexburg, Idaho, on May 22, 1928, to Clyde Ernest Shirley and Ossie Bowers Shirley. Her grandfather brought the family west from Bowersville, Georgia. They came to Idaho with The Mormon missionaries. She had one brother Ben.
Excerpt from Nadine's Memoir: "I was born when my brother Ben was eight years old. I was a typical kid sister, teasing and tormenting him. But, he spoiled me rotten as the youngest of the family. My best friend was Joann Harris, and her brother Byron was Ben's best friend, so Joann and I were double trouble. I had a perfect childhood. I didn't realize we were poor, because I got most of what I wanted from my dad. Daddy worked for Railway Express Co., We had a two- story house, which was a block and a half from Washington Elementary School and good old Madison High School. My brother Ben was a cheerleader in school, so, of course, I wanted to be one too. My junior and senior year I was one of the three. We had cute little outfits, if I say so myself. We had a lot of pep and kept the kids shouting for victory for Madison High. My relatives spoiled me, but I don't think I turned out too bad."
She graduated from Madison High School. She loved nature and her beautiful Grand Teton Mountains.
Nadine met the love of her life Willard Smith Jr., "Smitty" while attending Southern Branch College, in Pocatello, Idaho. They were married December 30, 1946 in Libby, Montana. They lived in Pocatello, Idaho for several years. They later moved to Allied Gardens in San Diego, California, where they raised their sons Eddie, Scott, and David. Their house looked like a dormitory for boys, all were welcome. The neighborhood was the best. It grew from sagebrush and jackrabbits to a community of loving friends who worked to help build libraries, a recreational center, a park, a pool and a Little League field.
In thinking about mom's life, her interest, her legacy, I realized that mom's interests weren't in the common books, flowers, clubs or puzzles. Her true passion was people, her family and her friends. Her interests laid in the lives of those she loved and cared for. She was the kindest person we've ever known. She was the best grandma and mother-in-law ever. She had a great sense of humor (KISS) keep it simple, stupid!!! I love you, I love you more!!! Well, you don't know much!!, Love you Sweetheart.
She loved unconditionally and each of us felt deeply loved by her. What a wonderful and unique soul, there are angels amongst us. She is one of the best. We are blessed beyond words. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. We are honored to call her our mom, Mimi (grandmother), Aunt Deenie (even if you didn't have green onions and buttermilk!!) cousin and friend.
Nadine is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Smitty, brother Ben, her son Eddie, and 2 nephews. She is survived by her sons: Scott (Ellen) Smith, Pittsburgh, David Smith, Calif.; four grandchildren: Joe, Mackenzie, Eddie, Eric; five great grandchildren: Mason, Zachary, Charlie, Henry and Julian. Nephews: Kerry, Val and Delwin.
Wickipedia
John Martin Vesser (October 1, 1900 � March 20, 1996) was an American football player, coach of football and basketball, and college athletics administrator. He served as the head football coach at Idaho State University for nine seasons during 1941 1951.
Biography
Vesser was born in 1900 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He played college football for Idaho, and was on the West squad for the inaugural East West Shrine Game in December 1925. Vesser then played professionally for the Los Angeles Wildcats and the Chicago Cardinals.Following his playing career, Vesser became a coach, first at the high school level, then joined the Idaho Southern Branch Bengals football team as an assistant coach in 1937. In 1941, Vesser succeeded Guy Wicks as head coach; the school was renamed as Idaho State College in 1947. Vesser spent 11 years as head coach, during which the team competed in nine football seasons, as no teams were fielded in 1943 or 1945 due to World War II, compiling an overall record of 41 27 6 (.595).
Vesser also served as head coach of the Idaho State Bengals men's basketball team for several seasons, and was athletic director at the college from 1952 to 1965. He was inducted to the North Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame in 1974, and the athletics hall of fame at Idaho State in 1979.[7] Vesser died in 1996 in Pocatello, Idaho.
Idaho State Journal (Pocatello, ID)
April 30, 2010CHUBBUCK - Carolyn Hansen Vesser, beloved companion, mom, grandma and sister, passed into the spirit realm while sleeping on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, following a rally from an extended illness.
Blessed with many gifts, she put the Lord first as she was able along with her family.
Survivors include her husband, Bob; and children, David, Helen, John, Joe and their families; mother, Elmoyne Hanks (102 years); brothers, George and Dean Hansen and their families; and the children and families of her stepfather, the late Ted V. Hanks.
A gifted R.N., New York published novelist (young adult science fiction), gospel song and prose writer, along with assorted church callings from the Cub Scouts, Primary, Mutual, Relief Society - even a general class radio operator (N7WYH now called a "Silent-Key") in the churches short-wave program - all while managing an oft-times difficult husband whose employment kept him out of town the better part of more than 20 years.
Always learning, she was salutatorian of her class at Driggs High School and had three years additional academics after completing R.N. training and thousands of hours of writing studies, which in fruition helped her provide total support of her four children on missions for the Church of Jesus Christ.
75072. William Crockett Vesser
The Oregonian (Portland, OR)
July 31, 2003William C. Vesser died July 27, 2003, at age 75.
Mr. Vesser was born June 18, 1928, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. An electrical engineer for Tektronix, he served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific. He received a bachelor's degree from Oregon State University and an MBA from the University of Portland. He moved to Portland in 1971. In 1963, he married Audrey Kemp.
Survivors include his wife; daughter, Teree Thurston; step-daughter, Lisa Earp; sisters, Pat Perry and Vicki Bloomfield; and four grandchildren.
The Oregonian (Portland, OR)
October 20, 2013Audrey Kemp Vesser, age 87, of Beaverton, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, in Beaverton.
She was born Jan. 5, 1926, in Hector, Minn., to her parents, Percy and Edna Kemp. Audrey was the first child of four, including Addie, Mahala and Bill. They grew up in Grove City, Minn., under their mother, Edna, in a loving family and community. She graduated from Grove City High School in 1943. She moved to Los Angeles in 1945 and found wonderful work, additional friends and loved ones.
She married Alfred Jaeger in Los Angeles in 1951. They had one child, Lisa.
She later married William Vesser in 1963. Audrey, William and Lisa moved to Oregon in 1971. Audrey will be remembered by her loving daughter, Lisa Earp; son-in-law, Stephen; granddaughter, Barbara; great-grandsons, Stephen and P.J.; sister, Mahala; sister-in-law, Marlene; nieces and nephews, Linda, Bruce, Bob, JoLynn, Jim and their loved ones.
The Washington Post
January 8, 2008PATRICIA PERRY - On Tuesday, December 25, 2007, resident of Silver Spring, MD.
Beloved wife of Walter D. Perry; loving mother of Kevin D. Perry, Colin (Gail) M. Perry, Lois I. Perry, Patricia J. (Greg) Perry-Burgess. She is also survived by one sister, Vickie Bloomfield; and two grandchildren, Harmonie A. Perry and Evan M. Perry.
She was preceded in death by her son William H. Perry; her sister Catherine Etheridge; and her brother William C. Vesser.
Whidbey News-Times (WA)
December 25, 2005Anne Kobryn Vesser, 89, of Burlington, died peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 25, 2005. She was surrounded by family throughout her life and during her final days.
Born Sept. 12, 1916 in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, Anne was the oldest of four children. She grew up in Clarkston, Wash., where she was graduated from high school at the age of 16 and enrolled in business college. Although she worked as an operator for Bell Telephone, as a cook for the United States Forest Service, as a travel agent, and as owner-operator of a restaurant, her 65-year career as a wife and mother brought her the greatest satisfaction.
Anne loved travel and adventure, and in the 1950's she was delighted to accompany her husband, Thad, and their three children as the first teacher's exchange family to England. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, Anne enjoyed telling others about the blessings of God's Kingdom and the hope of a resurrection to an earthly paradise for all of those now sleeping in God's memory. She will long be remembered by her friends and family for her hospitality, generosity and her fun, colorful and lively personality.
Preceded in death by her husband, Thad, in 1993, she is survived by her son Jack Vincent, her daughters, Carole Anne and Merrilee Christine, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom dearly love her and cherish many wonderful memories.
Idaho Spokesman-Review (Coeur d'Alene, ID)
September 25, 2003Lorraine Richardson Vesser, 88
Mrs. Vesser, who was born in Pullman, died Monday.She moved to Coeur d'Alene from Pullman in 1918 and married David Vesser. He died in 1985.
Mrs. Vesser worked as a clerk at J.C. Penney and then in production at General Instruments until her retirement.
She enjoyed her dog, Molly, yard work and crocheting.
Survivors include a son, David Vesser of Dalton Gardens, Idaho; two daughters, Shirley Shibley and Sharon Whittington, a brother, Cleallen Richardson, and a twin sister, Aleene Kiger, all of Coeur d'Alene; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
The Daily News
Ocober 22, 2012James Douglas Casey, 85, of Longview passed away Oct. 17, 2012, at St. John Medical Center.
Doug was comforted by the presence of his children and wife of 61 years, Margret Casey. He recited Psalms 23 just before he left this earth. While we are comforted that he doesn't have to battle pain anymore, we are saddened because Doug was so engaging and impactful in his relationships as a husband, father, brother, grandpa, uncle, teacher, and friend to countless people. Our hope rests in our Lord Jesus and that Doug is worshipping Him with the other saints in Heaven.
Doug Casey was born July 19, 1927, in Coeur d'Alene Idaho, to James and Vera Casey. Doug was raised in the Coeur d'Alene area with his two sisters, Morva and Meeka. He lost his left arm in a machinery accident when he was five years old. While this physical trait was an easy way to describe him to others, one only had to know him for a short while before you forgot that he only had one hand. He never counted it as a handicap and he never let it slow him down. Doug earned his degree in education from Eastern Washington University.
While at college he married his wife of 61 years, Margret Alice VanHardenberg and together they raised four children, James, Robert, Michele and Michael.
Doug enjoyed learning and people, which made him a passionate teacher for many years starting in Coeur d'Alene, then moving to Klickitat, Wash., Hunters, Wash., Carrolls and then spending most of his time at Ridgefield elementary. Usually known as the "strict" teacher, his care for his students shone through with his active teaching and praise for kids. Doug taught and reflected the values of respecting others and using your talents, whatever they may be, to their fullest. His teaching wasn't limited to the classroom. He spent a lot of his time taking his grandkids on "fieldtrips" from climbing Mount Adams to camping at the Cispus River. There were some who experienced his "Double-reversing Bean Squeeze." Surely there are hundreds of people who were positively impacted for having Doug as a teacher and/or coach.
Doug's summer job with the Forest Service allowed the family to return to Coeur d'Alene each summer. Retirement left Doug time to pursue his hobbies. Some of his favorites were creating sawdust in his shop and tending to his vegetable garden. Known for his ability to talk, anyone who met him came away hearing at least one of his stories peppered with his Irish gift of embellishment. We will all miss his offerings of carrots and corn and hearing one of his many stories, jokes, or insights to history.
News Tribune (Tacoma) on Feb. 17, 2016
February 17, 2016Meeka Janet Bruenn Meeka was born December 18, 1928 in Coeur d'Alene, ID and passed away peacefully on February 14, 2016.
Meeka was a loving mother of 8 children and an amazingly talented and creative woman throughout her lifetime. Meeka enjoyed painting, gardening, bargain shopping, and spending time with her family. Meeka attended EWU in Cheney and continually took courses at local colleges.
Preceded in death by her husband, Henry and daughter, Denise,
Meeka is survived by her remaining 7 children: Patricia Ellis, Susan Achuff, Lilly Van Slyke, Vaughn Bruenn, John Bruenn, James Bruenn, and Terry Victor; 22 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
News Tribune (Tacoma)
October 21, 2008Henry Edward Bruenn Henry was born October 30, 1920 in Yakima, WA, and passed away with his family by his side on October 17, 2008.
He is survived by Meeka, his loving wife of 59 years, 8 children: Patricia Ellis, Susan Achuff, Lilly Van Slyke, Vaughn Bruenn, John Bruenn, Denise Storey, James Bruenn, and Terry Victor; 22 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
As a World War II veteran, Henry served honorably in both the US Navy and Merchant Marines. Following his military service, Henry received bachelor's degrees in both Chemistry and Education from EWU, and his master's degree in Education from WWU.