Copied from the original newspaper by Researcher E. Rowley

The Goldendale Sentinel - December 17, 1964

Former Commissioner Dies at Skyline

"Steve Wnuk, well-known throughout Klickitat county as a former county commissioner, Granger and Mason, died at Skyline Hospital in White Salmon December 2. Private services were held Monday, December 7 at Gardner’s Chapel in White Salmon.

The Rev. Homer R. Coulson of Husum officiated, with rites by the Masonic Lodge No. 163 F&AM of White Salmon. Bearers were: Earl Dean, Lee Whiting, Olaf Larsen, Amos Larsen, Dan Hunsaker and Clarence Johnson.

Stephen Frank Wnuk was born March 14, 1885 to Karl and Bertha Wnuk of Dortmund, Germany. He had four brothers and one sister, who have preceded him in death.

Soon after his parents died; he, at the age of 14, along with his younger brother and sister, followed his two older brothers to America. He soon learned the language, and with very little help, went on to earn degrees in electrical engineering and steam engineering.

Mr. Wnuk was married to Leah May Bellinger on January 3, 1911 at Portland, Ore. They homesteaded and farmed on Burdoin Mountain for four years, where their first daughter, Martha, was born. They then moved north of White Salmon where he and the Mowery Brothers developed the Gloria Vista Ranch into a very successful fruit orchard and alfalfa farm, of which Steve soon became the sole owner. While living on this ranch their second daughter, Doris was born.

Steve retired from the ranch in 1950 and moved to White Salmon where he lived until his death.

Mr. Wnuk was a member of the Mother Church, The First Churst of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Mass.: a past master of the Masonic Lodge No. 163 F&AM of White Salmon; a member of the Eastern Star; a past master of Mt. View Grange No. 98; county commissioner for six year; a member of the White Salmon Valley school board for many years and helped organize the first school bus system.

He is survived by his wife Leah Wnuk and two daughters of White Salmon; four grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Interment was at Lincoln Memorial, Acacia Corridor."