Wilson Creek Obituaries
Wilson Creek, Grant County, Washington
Submitted by Marge Womach
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Wilson Creek, Grant County, Washington
Submitted by Marge Womach
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arlt: ( b. 1895, d. 1966) “Funeral
services for Fred Arlt were held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at
Ephrata on Wednesday, July 13, with Rev Chris J Christianson officiating. Burial
was in the Wilson Creek Cemetery under the direction of the Nicoles Funeral Home
of Ephrata. Fred William Arlt, 71, a former Grant County Public Utility Dist.
Commissioner and resident of the Hartline-Wilson Creek area for 40 years, died
at his home Sunday, July 10. He had been in failing health and for several years
had walked with a cane following a paralytic stroke.
He was born Feb 8, 1895, six miles north of Ritzville. For a number of
years he operated a dryland wheat ranch but had lived in town in recent years.
Mr. Arlt served on the PUD Commission from April 1945 until December 1958.
he was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ephrata, the Elks lodge at
Ephrata, and a former member of the Wilson Creek Grange board and the Wilson
Creek school board. Survivors include his wife, Katherine, at the family home;
two daughters, Mrs. Viola Dorothy Manetsch of Spokane and Mrs. Doris Mae Jansen of
Sacramento, CA; a son, Kenneth F. Arlt of Wilson Creek; four sisters, Mrs. Alma
Eckhart of Wilson Creek, Mrs. Milly Sieverkropp of Cheney; Mrs. Emma Albershart of
Cheney; and Mrs. Ida Babcock of Spokane; 7 grandchildren, and 3 great
grandchildren.” (Odessa Record: 7-21-1966)
Becker: ( b. 1901, d.
1974) Connie
Becker. (h/o Gladys, m. Sept 23, 1933); “Conrad (
Biggs: ( b. Nov 06, 1891, d. Oct 01, 1980) “Carrie Mae Biggs, a long time resident of the Wilson Creek area passed away Wednesday, Oct 1, 1980, at the Coulee Community Nursing Home. She was 88 years of age, having been born at Hartline, WA., on Nov 6, 1891. On Oct 11, 1919 she was married to Horace A Biggs at Ephrata, WA. They lived in the Wilson Creek area for 60 years. Mrs. Biggs entered the Coulee Community Nursing Home in Grand Coulee, WA, in 1974. She was a member of the Dorcas Circle of Women of the Presbyterian Church at Wilson Creek, she was also a member of the Rebecca Lodge. She attended the Wilson Creek Presbyterian Church at Wilson Creek. Survivors include three sisters, Mrs. Hazel Prest, Yakima, WA; Mrs. Martha DeMers, Spokane; and Laura O’Neal, Omak; 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Mrs. Biggs was preceded in death by her husband in Nov of 1970; one son, James A Biggs in June 1978 and one daughter, Bessie B Sterling in June 1977. Graveside services were conducted on Oct 3, 1980 from the Wilson Creek Cemetery with the Rev David Crawford officiating. Nicoles Funeral Home at Ephrata was in charge of the arrangements.” (Odessa Record: 10-09-1980)
Bischoff: ( b. Jun 26, 1919, d. Aug 12, 1986) Mildred M Bischoff of Wilson Creek, born in Odessa June 26, 1919 to Robert and Anna Buddrius, died Aug 12, 1986. Funeral service was held graveside on Saturday, Aug 16, at the Wilson Creek Cemetery. (notes from Odessa Record: 8-21-1986)
Bonjorni:
(
b. Apr 03, 1905, d. Sep 22, 1922) “Paul
Staren, who was found in a box car in Harrington, was arrested for the
murder of August Bonjorni of Wilson Creek. After the shooting of August, his
brother, Joe Bonjorni, tried to flee the gunman, but he was shot too. The
fiend then seized one of the young Bonjorni girls and tried to carry her
away, when Mrs. Joe Bonjorni rushed from the house, grabbed a pick handle and
struck the man. He fired, striking her once, and then fled. After waiting an
hour hiding in the house, a son went to a neighbor’s to call the sheriff.
A posse of about 100 men was formed, but he could not be found.
Bongiorni: ( b. 1912, d. 1996) “Ida ‘Bonnie’ Bongiorni, 83, of Stanwood, and a former Wilson Creek resident, passed away on Sunday, April 7, (1996), at Stanwood. She was born on July 9, 1912 in Wilson Creek and graduated from Wilson Creek High School in 1930. She graduated from Sacred Heart Nursing School in Spokane in 1934. Miss Bongiorni was a former resident of the Hearthstone Inn in Moses Lake. Funeral arrangements are pending.” (scrapbook item, undated; edit: burial was in Wilson Creek Cemetery.)
Crawford: ( May 10, 1913, d. Feb 15, 1998) “Anna Elizabeth Crawford, 84, of Wilson Creek, died Feb 15, 1998, at the Tri-Cities Hospice House in Kennewick. Born in Renova, PA, May 10, 1913, she was the daughter of the late John C and Daisy S Smith. She grew to adulthood in Erie, PA, and married her husband, David H Crawford in Western Pennsylvania. Anna and David served the Lord in churches in Cordova and Fairbanks, alaska, just prior to and including the World War II years. After the war, they lived and served churches again in western PA for two years; and then in Potlatch, Idaho for three years; Havre, MT for five years; Craigmont, Idaho for eight years; and Petersburg, Alaska for six years; before moving to Wilson Creek, where she lived for 30 years. She served as pastor’s wife and partner in many Presbyterian churches where her husband, David, was pastor. She will be remembered for the many projects where she was involved. As an avid quilter, she made many quilts for fund-raisers or for the needy. She was Sunday school teacher, camp leader, lay leader, circle chairman, or synodical representative. For a time she served on the board of Shelton Jackson College of Sitka, Alaska. She was very active in community and school events. She was preceded in death by her husband 12 years ago; her parents and her sisters, Lillian and Mary Ellen. Survivors include two sons, John A Crawford of Pasco, and David s Crawford (wife, Lawana) of Rochester, WA; and foster son Phillip Montemayor of Durham, SC. She is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Kenneth (Beverly) Whitney of Troy, Idaho; and Mrs. Gilbert (Maudie) Cray of Erie, PA; and one brother, Marvin Smith (wife, Pat) of Palm Harbor, FL. Anna has four grandchildren, Sharon Anderson (husband, Dan) of Pasco; Steven Crawford (wife, Tonni) of Burbank, WA; Russell Crawford (wife, Bea) of Rochester, WA, and JoAnne Crawford (husband, Rick) of Rochester. She has nine great grandchildren...... As a great grandchild wrote, ‘Grandma may leave us and we may forget the little things, but she will always be with us in our hearts and with us in spirit... because she loved sitting on the couch watching all her babies.” (scrapbook obit)
Cunningham: ( b. Jul 20, 1871, d. 1950) “Funeral services for John Ora Cunningham, Wilson Creek pioneer, will be held from the Presbyterian Church there on Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Mr. Cunningham, 78, died on Memorial Day at a sanitarium to which he was removed three months ago, due to age complications. Born in McGoupin County, Illinois, July 20, 1871, he came to Washington in 1899, following his marriage in Illinois and since 1905 has lived at Wilson Creek, where he followed the trade of carpentering. He was a member of the Masons and Odd Fellows lodges. Pall bearers have been selected from other pioneer residents of the community, including Lynch Gill, T Claude Bennett, Tony Shoemaker, Steve Dudley, Idell Dudley and Robert Kennedy. Survivors include his wife, Lottie May, at the home, and one son, Basil V Cunningham, Davenport, WA; two brothers, Lee Cunningham, Rights, IL, and Earl Cunningham in Wyoming.” (Odessa Record: undated 1950 scrapbook item)
Davis: ( b. 1879, d. 1956) “Amelia Chandler Davis.—A pioneer resident of Wilson Creek, WA, and a member of the Wilson Creek Presbyterian Church. Survived by 2 daughters, Mrs. Masil Lee and Mrs. Audrey Kelby, both of Wilson Creek; 2 granddaughters, Mrs. Carald Conway of Issaquah, WA, and Dana Kelby, Washington, DC; 6 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 23, at 1 p.m. from the Wilson Creek Presbyterian Church, Rev C H Hart officiating. Interment will be made in the Wilson Creek Cemetery. Nicoles Funeral Home in Ephrata in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 7-22-1956)
Davidson: ( b. Dec 22, 1911, d. Nov 30, 1916) "Freddie Davidson, 4 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Davidson, was almost instantly killed in a portable woodsaw at the Davidson ranch one mile west of Wilson Creek Saturday. The saw which is operated by a gasoline engine, was sawing wood near the house and the child was playing near it when its clothes became caught in the machinery and the body was wrapped by a shaft before the saw could be stopped. The child was mangled and life was extinct before a doctor arrived. Coroner Mikkelson of Ephrata made an examination, but decided that an inquest was unnecessary." (Odessa Record: 12-08-1916; edit: burial Wilson Creek Cemetery)
Devitio: ( b. 1896, d. 1943) Bruno Devitio, 47, was killed instantly by a train Monday morning. Born in Italy, he came to the US 28 years ago. Employed by Great Northern, he had worked in Irby, Wilson Creek, and Harrington. Funeral service today (2-11-1943) at Wilson Creek. Survivors include the widow, who has been at a Wenatchee hospital in a serious condition for some time, two sons, Floyd, of Adrian, and Roy, with the army in Hawaii, one daughter, Mrs. Nellie Ackerman of Wilson Creek, one brother and two sisters. (excerpt from Odessa Record: 2-11-1943)
Fiess: ( b. 1918, d. 1975) “Walter Fiess, 57, Wilson Creek, was killed instantly at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, when he was thrown from his rolling 1959 flatbed truck onto R-NE, 2.3 miles north of Wilson Creek. Fiess had been traveling from Coulee City to Wilson Creek with a load of angle iron when he apparently lost control of the truck on a sharp right curve, nearly left the road on the opposite shoulder, over-corrected and sent the truck into a broadside skid. The truck then overturned twice in the road, throwing Fiess onto the pavement, and rolled off a 20 foot embankment. The truck was totaled. Fiess is survived by his widow, Mrs. Frances Fiess; a daughter, Mrs. Arlene Stephens; two sons, Bryan and Clifford Fiess; 5 brothers, Roland Fiess, Ephrata; Tom Fiess, Marlin; Arthur Fiess, Soap Lake; Paul Fiess, Portland; Rudolph Fiess, Wilson Creek; 3 sisters, Mrs. Louise Borgens, Spokane; Mrs. Elsie Garner, Billings, MT; Mrs. Leona Hulick, Milton-Freewater, Oregon; grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Fiess, a long-time Wilson Creek area wheat rancher was a veteran of WW II, a member of the Wilson Creek American Legion Post 216, and the Wilson Creek Grange. Services were held Saturday, March 22, at Ephrata. Interment was in the Wilson Creek Cemetery.” (Odessa Record: 3-27-1975)
Finney: ( b. 1889, d. 1966) “Archie Finney.—His home, Wilson Creek, WA. Survived by his wife, Leatha Finney, at the home; one son, Leo Finney, Seattle, WA; 2 daughters, Nadine Hilton, McNary, AZ; Daphne Anderson, McNary, AZ; 5 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Cora Jorgensen, Spokane; 3 nieces, one nephew. Funeral service Monday, Aug 1, at 10 a.m. in the Ball & Dodd Funeral Home, Rev Weymeth McGrew officiating. Interment 2:30 p.m. at the Wilson Creek, WA, Cemetery.” (Spokesman Review: 7-30-1966)
Finney: ( b. 1886, d. 1975) “Elsie M
Finney passed away on June 30, 1975 at the Odessa Convalescent Center. She
was a native Washingtonian, having been born on Sept 12, 1886 in Asotin County,
Washington Territory. Her husband,
Oscar Finney, preceded her in death in 1954. He was also a native of Washington,
born in 1886. One daughter, Faye, passed away in 1926 at the age of 16. Mrs.
Finney is survived by one daughter, Gene Finney, one son, Howard Finney, three
grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Finney’s father fought with the Confederate Army in the Civil War.
Mrs. Finney was an early resident of Ephrata, first school in Ephrata and also
worked in the first Post Office there. Funeral services were held at the
Presbyterian Church in Wilson Creek on July 3, 1975 with interment at the
cemetery there, the Rev David H Crawford officiated, with the Strate Funeral
Home of Davenport in charge.” (Odessa Record: 7-17-1975)
Finney: ( b. 1986, d. 1954) “Funeral services were held from the Wilson Creek Presbyterian church on Wednesday for Oscar Finney, pioneer of the Wilson Creek and Odessa area. Burial was in the Wilson Creek cemetery, with the Strate Funeral Home in charge. Active pallbearers included Dave Eckhart, Coonie Becker, T. Claude Bennett, Ernest Lundquist, Christ Larson and A I Pfeifer. Honorary bearers were also chosen from residents of the Wilson Creek and Odessa area. A son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Zach Finney, Oscar Finney is reported by old-timers to have been the first white boy born here, in a tent situated about where west First avenue is today. The Zack Finneys later sold to G. W. Finney, who established the town. At this time the Zach Finney family moved to Wilson Creek, where the family home was established. The Rev C. H. Hart, who officiated, stated that Mr. Finney was born in Odessa on July 18, 1886. He was married at Wenatchee in 1907. He had lived 47 years at Wilson Creek. He is survived by his wife, Elsie Finney; one daughter, Miss Gene Finney; one son, Howard Finney, all of Wilson Creek; three grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Cora Jorgensen, of Wilson Creek, and one brother, Archie Finney, Wilson Creek.” (Odessa Record: 12-23-1954)
Finney:
(
d. Oct 23, 1937) “Roy
Finney, mayor of Soap Lake and former Odessa resident, was buried on Monday
afternoon, following his death of heart disease Saturday at a veteran’s
hospital at Walla Walla, where he had spent the week. Funeral services were held
at Soap Lake with burial at Wilson Creek. In addition to being mayor, he
operated a garage and was first vice commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was a past president of the chamber of commerce and a former democratic
committeeman. Mr. Finney came to
Odessa in 1886 and lived here four years, going from here to Wilson Creek and
then to Soap Lake to locate. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Zach Finney reside at
Wilson Creek. Other survivors include his widow and three young children.”
(Odessa Record: 10-28-1937)
Friend: ( b. Aug 10, 1905, d. Dec 22, 1995) “Wilson Creek,--Edith (James) Friend, 90, of Wilson Creek, died Friday, Dec 22, 1995, at Odessa. She was born Aug 10, 1905 to Freeling Arthur and Lucy (Horne) James at Sugar Grove, VA. When she was 4, she moved with her family to Krupp (Marlin), where she attended school, graduating from Marlin High School. She received her teaching degree from Cheney Normal School and taught in rural schools for several years near Royal City and in the Peach (Wash.) school. She married Lester Friend on Sept 10, 1926, and lived at Wilson Creek. Mr. Friend died on March 24, 1984. Survivors include three sons, James of Marlin, LeRoy of Soap Lake, and Kenneth of Wilson Creek; a daughter, Claudia Knauft of Spokane; a sister, Arite Verstrate of Duvall; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter. Arrangements are by Strate Funeral Home, Odessa.” (scrapbook item)
Friend: ( b. May 31, 1929, d. Dec 17, 2001) “James L Friend, (age 72), a long time Marlin resident, passed away Monday, Dec 17, 2001 at his home. James was born May 31, 1929 to the late Lester and Edith (James) Friend in Wilson Creek, WA where he was raised and educated. He graduated from Wilson Creek High School in 1947 and went to work for Krupp Union Grain Co-op. In 1951, he joined the United States Army and served in Korea and Japan as a Military Police Officer. He was honorably discharged in 1953 and continued his employment for Krupp Union. He married Patricia Groff on June 26, 1959 in Soap Lake and made their home in Marlin. In 1985, Central Washington Grain Growers purchased Krupp Union and Jim retired from the company in 1997. He attended the Moses Lake Alliance Church. He was a long-time member of the American Legion, Town Clerk for 42 years, a former member of the Wilson Creek School Board and a past Fire Chief. Jim enjoyed trains, gardening, and working on various projects. Survivors include his wife, Pat of Marlin; three sons, Paul and Gary Friend of Marlin, WA and Stephen Friend of Seattle, WA; two daughters, Virginia Knox of Spokane, WA and Sheri Haemmelmann of Ellensburg, WA; two brothers, Leroy Friend of Soap Lake, WA and Kenneth Friend of Wilson Creek, WA; a sister, Claudia Knauft of Spokane, WA; eight grandchildren, Michael Friend, Tiffany Friend, J T Haemmelmann, Emily Haemmelmann, Micayla Friend, Maggie Friend and James Stanley Friend. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter Joyce Anna Friend. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec 20, 2001 at the Moses Lake Alliance Church. Interment will follow in Wilson Creek Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake, WA.” (scrapbook item: 2001)
Gill: ( b. Jun 6, 1893, d. Aug 31, 1968) “Lynch Thomas Gill, of Wilson Creek, passed away in Soap Lake August 31. He was born in Chilhowie, VA June 6, 1893. A retired farmer, he was a member of the Moses Lake Lodge 174 F & AM. He had been a resident of the area for 62 years. Surviving are: one daughter, Mrs. Jack Timm, Okanogan; one son, Murray Gill, Creston; one brother and one sister, Archie and Fannie Gill of Soap Lake; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Sept 4, at 11 a.m. from the Nicoles Funeral Home with Rev David Crawford officiating. Interment was in the Wilson Creek cemetery.” (WCJ: 9-06-1968; scrapbook item)
Gross: ( b. 1906, d. 1963) “Miss Christine Gross.—Miss Gross was a lifetime resident of Wilson Creek, WA. A member of the Assembly of God Church, Wilson Creek. A graduate of Eastern State College, Cheney, WA. Survived by 3 brothers, Emmual (sic) Gross, Sam Gross, Dewey Gross, all of Wilson Creek; 4 sisters, Martha Gross, Wilson Creek; Lois Gross, Los Angeles; Mrs. Eleanor Pendley, Spokane; Mrs. Helen Vidano, Los Angeles; nieces, nephews and uncles. Funeral services Wed., Sept 18, at 2 p.m. from the Nicholes Funeral Home of Ephrata, WA; Rev Gordon Casteel of Tumwater, WA, officiating. Interment Wilson Creek Cemetery. The Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata in charge.” (Spokesman Review: 9-17-1963)
Gross: ( b. 1903, d. 1971) “Emanuel E Gross.—His home Soap Lake, WA. He is survived by two brothers Sam and Dewey Gross, Wilson Creek, WA; four sisters, Miss Martha Gross, Soap Lake, WA; Miss Lois Gross, Los Angeles, CA; Mrs. Eleanor Pendley, Spokane, WA; Mrs. Helen Vidano, Torrance, CA. Nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Monday Feb 22 at 1 p.m. at the Nicoles Funeral Home, Ephrata, WA. The Rev Thomas E Forrester officiating. Interment Wilson Creek Cemetery, Wilson Creek, WA. Nicoles Funeral Home, Ephrata, WA, in charge of arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 2-22-1971)
Hirschel:
(
b. Sep 30, 1860, d. Feb 14, 1937)
“Funeral services for Adam Hirschel formerly of Wilson
Creek, were held there on Thursday of last week, following his death at
Lewiston, Idaho, on the Sunday preceding. Burial was in the family plot at
Wilson Creek, Rev Switzer of Hartline officiating. He is survived by three sons,
Ben, Harry and Elmer, of Wilson Creek; three daughters, Mrs. F. Mordhorst, of
Wilson Creek, Mrs. O. E. Olney of Spokane, and Mrs. F. R. Knopt of Kennewick, and 21
grandchildren.” (Odessa Record: 2-25-1937)
Hollister: ( d. Apr 04, 1932) “O. J. Hollister, 80, Wilson Creek, died suddenly at his home Monday. He had heart trouble 15 years. He was born in Wisconsin and when 21 years of age moved to Iowa, where he taught in the public schools. He was married in 1888. Mr. Hollister and family moved to Washington 40 years ago. They first lived on farms in the Ritzville region, moving to Wilson Creek 26 years ago. Mrs. Hollister survives.” (Odessa Record: 4-08-1932)
James: ( b. 1920, d. 1961) “Eugene (Harry) James, 40 years of age.—Home Wilson Creek, WA. He was a cattle rancher and wheat farmer in the Wilson Creek area for many years. A member of the Grace Baptist Church, Ephrata, Masonic Lodge No. 167 and the Wilson Creek Grange. Survived by his wife, Alzora E, two sons, Eugene Timm and George William James of Wilson Creek; 2 sisters, Mrs. Howard T. (Mila) Ball and Mrs. Clinton C. (Elsie) Newman, both of Spokane; and numerous other relatives. Remains will lie in state at the Wilson Creek Presbyterian Church, Thursday, June 8 from 12 to 1:30 p. m,. followed by Funeral Services, the same date at 2 p.m., Rev Carl Wichern officiating. Interment will be in the family plot in the Wilson Creek Cemetery, Ephrata Masonic Lodge No. 167 acting as pall bearers, and in charge of graveside services. Ball & Dodd Funeral Home of Spokane, in charge.” (Spokesman Review: June 1961; Beck data card collection)
James: ( b. Jan 29,1944, d. Feb 02, 1991) “Marilyn E. James of Wilson Creek, born Jan 29, 1944 in Odessa to William and Emma Kreiter, passed away Saturday, Feb 2, 1991 in Spokane. She was a graduate of Wilson Creek High school, where she was class salutatorian, and had worked for the US Postal Service for 16 years until she was forced by ill health to resign last October. She was a member of the Wilson Creek Presbyterian Church, where she was church organist for more than 25 years, and she was active in the Soap Lake Businessmen’s Club and the US Postal Workers’ Union. She was married to Maynard C James in June 1962, and he survives her at the home in Wilson Creek. Other survivors include a son, William K James of Wilson Creek; two daughters, Cindy L. James of Wilson Creek and Lisa E. James of Spokane; a sister, Donna J. Battermann of Grand Coulee; her father, William Kreiter of Wilson Creek, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb 5 at the Wilson Creek Presbyterian Church, Pastor David Vanderdoes officiating. Interment followed at the Wilson Creek Cemetery. Ball and Dodd Funeral Home South of Spokane was in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record: 2-07-1991)
James: ( b. Jan 02, 1940, d. Feb 17, 2005) “Maynard Coy James, 65, a long-time resident of Wilson Creek, died Thursday, Feb 17, 2005. He was born Jan 2, 1940 in Spokane. He moved to Wilson Creek in 1949 with his parents, Mormon and Eleanor James. Maynard married Marilyn Kreiter in 1962. The had three children. Marilyn died in 1991. Maynard enjoyed his lifelong occupation as a wheat farmer. He also worked as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator, constructing highways and working on the Grand Coulee Dam project. He retired from the Operating Engineers and had been a member of the Wilson Creek School Board, Wilson Creek Town Council, WAWG, Wilson Creek Union Grain and Trading Board, Grant County Fire Dist. #12. Wilson Creek Grange #935 and the Eagles. Among the numerous activities Maynard enjoyed were traveling, hunting, camping, cooking, tinkering with old cars, music, reading and playing poker and computer games. He was devoted to his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his longtime companion, Loydene James, of Wilson Creek; his children, son William of Wilson Creek, and his wife Susan and their children Jordan and Hunter; daughters Cindy James of Tacoma, and her sons Jesse and Randy; Lisa Stavig, of Clatskanie, OR, her husband Deryl, and their children Kreiter, Kori and Krister, and Julie Howard of Ephrata. There will be a celebration of Maynard’s life at a memorial service on Tuesday, March 1, at 11 a.m. at Wilson Creek Cemetery with a community dinner to follow, at the Wilson Creek Grange Hall.” (Odessa Record: 2-24-2005)
Johnsen:
( b. 1892, d. 1969) shared stone w/ Niels M.) “Mrs.
Inger K. Johnsen of
Johnsen: ( b. 1891, d. 1970) “Neils Johnsen, about 77, of Wilson Creek, died of ‘apparent smoke inhalation and exposure’ Sunday night when his house burned, Deputay Felix Ramon of the Grant County Sheriff’ office, reported to the Columbia Basin Herald. Johnsen, a former workman in the grain elevator at Wilson Creek, was routed from his one-story home shortly after midnight with a sister, Mrs. Francis Larsen, and son, Jack, after the latter was aroused by smoke and flames. The elderly retired man ran back into the burning structure to recover clothing before others could stop him, Ramon said. Flames beat back rescue attempts by the son but two volunteer firemen, Mike Brown and Jim Coough, both school teachers, fought their way into the house and found Johnsen, who had already collapsed in the heavy smoke. Rescuers attempted to revive the man with mouth to mouth resuscitation while awaiting an ambulance. He was taken to McKay Memorial hospital at Soap Lake where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The sister and son were unhurt. Fire Chief Matt Bischoff has reported the fire was apparently caused by an overheated heat lamp being used to keep water pipes from freezing. The three-bedroom house is considered a total loss. Funeral services were held at 1:30 yesterday at the Presbyterian Church in Wilson Creek. Born in Denmark, Mr Johnsen came to the United States in 1912, and a year later moved to Wilson Creek, homesteading 57 years ago. His wife died last year. Survivors include five daughters, Mrs. Katherine Carson, Colville; Mrs. Thora N Fuller, Moses Lake; Mrs. Lottie Wright, Wenatchee; Mrs. Bertha Vanhorn, Sandpoint, ID; and Mrs. Eileen Jones, Edmonds. There are three sons, Jack and Francis of Wilson Creek and Peter of Richland; two brothers, Otto, St Maries, Idaho; and Johannes in Denmark; and one sister, Mrs. Martin Larsen of Seattle. Burial was in the Wilson Creek Cemetery.” (Odessa Record: 1-08-1970)
Keller: ( b. 1892, d. 1952) “Gertrude J. Keller.—Her home was at Wilson Creek, WA, where she had resided for 33 years. She was a member of the Wilson Creek Presbyterian Church and the Rebekah lodge. Survived by her husband, Jacob C. Keller, at the home; 2 sons, Leonard Keller, Seattle, WA; Harold Keller, US Navy in Korea; one daughter, Mrs. Margaret Siegenthaler, Seattle; 3 grandchildren; 4 brothers, William Griesinger, Seattle; Fred Griesinger, Big Sandy, MT; Dr Walter Griesinger, Portland, OR; Dr Edward Griesinger, Yakima, WA. Funeral Tuesday, July 15 at 2 p.m. from the Wilson Creek Presbyterian Church at Wilson Creek, WA. Rev Clifford Hart officiating. Interment Wilson Creek, WA. The cortege will leave Spokane at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sunset Memorial Chapel, (Ball & Dodd), Jefferson at Fourth Ave., Spokane, in charge.” (Spokesman Review: 7-13-1952; Beck data card collection)
Keller: ( b. Dec 27, 1888, d. 1972) “Jacob C. Keller, 83, pioneer resident of the Wilson Creek area, passed away in the Odessa Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, May 31. Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian Church at Wilson Creek on Saturday, June 3, with Pastor A. Hausauer officiating. Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata was in charge of burial. Mr. Keller was born in Gildendorg, near Odessa, Russia on December 27, 1888. He was the son of Christoph Keller and his wife, Elizabeth. When he was a year old, his parents immigrated to the US, and spent several years on a wheat ranch in Eureka, SD. In 1903 the family homesteaded northeast of Wheeler where Mr. Keller completed his primary education. He then attended Blair Business College in Spokane, where he graduated in 1911. He worked in Wheeler as a bookkeeper for the Griffith Union Grain and Trading Co and a year later became manager. In 1916 Mr. Keller married Gertrude Griesinger. The couple had two sons and one daughter. They moved to Ruff, where he was manager of the grain elevator until 1919. In 1929 he became manager of the Wilson Creek Union Grain and Trading Co, and served in this capacity until 1968, when he retired. Mr. Keller is survived by his two sons, Leonard and Harold and one daughter, Mrs. Margaret Siegenthaler; two sisters, Mrs. Katherine Libsack and Mrs. Bertha Goetz; and nine grandchildren.” (Odessa Record: 6-08-1972)
Larsen: ( b. 1890, d. 1965) “Funeral services were held at Ephrata Thursday for Chris Larsen, 75, well known Wilson Creek farmer. Mr. Ralph Sines, Spokane, officiated at the service with interment in the Wilson Creek Cemetery. Mr. Larsen died the previous Monday in Odessa Memorial Hospital, after a five day stay. Mr. Larsen is a former Grant County commissioner and former director of the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District, from 1946 to 1960. He served Grant County as commissioner from 1941 to 1947. He was chairman of the board the last two years in office. Born Jan 21, 1890 in Denmark, he came to Grant County in 1910 and was married in 1912 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He is survived by his wife, Marie, at the home; three daughters, Evelyn (Mrs. Charley) Hansen, Stratford; Marian (Mrs. Kenneth) Saunders, Moses Lake; and Verna (Mrs. Danver) Johns, Davenport; four sons, Lloyd, Norman and Thomas, all of Wilson Creek, and Chris Jr. of Marlin, and 17 grandchildren.” (Odessa Record: 10-14-1965) “A true pioneer of the Columbia Basin laid down his shovel yesterday. Chris Larsen, who came to the Wilson Creek country as a boy from Denmark, died at the age of 75. Chris was a good farmer, a solid citizen, and a Basin leader. He served two terms on the Grant County board of commissioners, one of them as chairman in the days when two terms was the limit. He served for 14 years as a director of the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District. He sired seven children who came up through the 4-H ranks to follow their father into farming. His Danish brogue, his twinkling humor and his leadership will long be remembered.” (scrapbook obit, undated)
Lee: ( b. 1870, d. 1937) “Richard Henry Lee, 66, died at the home of his son, George, at Wilson Creek, on Sunday. Funeral services were held in the Presbyterian Church at Wilson Creek Wednesday afternoon. He was a resident of Wilson Creek since 1904, and formerly operated a drug store. He had been postmaster for several years. Besides his son, he is survived by a brother at Sprague and sisters in California and Iowa.” (Odessa Record: 10-07-1937; edit TS in Wilson Creek cemetery)
Maltbie: ( b. May 19, 1877, d. Oct 09, 1922) w/o PG; d/o John & Mary Harrison; burial Wilson Creek) “Mrs. Percy Maltbie, of Wilson Creek, died at the Spokane hospital Monday afternoon, following an operation. Mrs. H. N. Wilcox received the sad news Monday evening. The Maltbies were residents here for many years and their old-time friends will regret the loss of this good woman, and extend sympathy to the bereaved family.” (Waterville Empire Press: 10-12-1922)
Mordhorst: ( b. May 02, 1859, d. Aug 09, 1946) “Detles Mordhorst, 87, pioneer farmer, was killed instantly last Friday at his farm three miles east of Wilson Creek when his tractor overturned while rounding a curve on a hillside, crushing him. He was the father of Fred Mordhorst, cashier of the Grant County State Bank at Ephrata. Other survivors include two other sons, Christian and Frank, prominent Wilson Creek farmers; four daughters, Mrs. Hannah Harlow, Seattle; Mrs. Louise Hoech, Colville; Mrs. Rose Rosenberg, Addy, WA; Mrs. Bertha Cox, Oxnard, CA; 19 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.” (Odessa Record: 8-15-1946)
O’Larey: ( b. Oct 10, 1852, d. Dec 29, 1921) “The funeral services for the late W. H. O’Larey were held in Wilson Creek at the home of his daughter, Mrs. D. O. Friel, on Dec 29, 1921. Services were conducted by the Rev Father Schulte, of Odessa. Mr. O’Larey was born Oct 10, 1852, in Berlin, Wisconsin. He was united in marriage to Mary L Conan in 1876 at Winona, MN. Later he moved to Garretson, SD, where he made his home until 1901 when he, with his family, came to the state of Washington, living for nearly a year at Wilbur. The family then moved to Wilson Creek, where Mr. O’Larey was agent for the Big Bend Land Company for a number of years. Six years ago his wife died and a year later he went to Coulee City, living there for two years. In 1917 Mr. O’Larey was married to Lulu Connors and a year later moved to Tacoma, Wash., where he made his home up to the time of his death. Mr. O’Larey’s death came as a shock to this community. Death followed a severe attack of acute indigestion. Besides his widow he leaves five sons, three daughters and twenty-nine grand children. A J, of Leavenworth; E. J., of White Bluffs; C. B., Phil and Erving, of Othello; Ruby Friel, of Wilson Creek; Edith Bluhm, of Tacoma; and Claudia Weller, of Coulee City. One son, W. H., Jr., died about nine years ago. The out-of-town relatives who attended the funeral were: Lulu O’Larey, Mrs. Bluhm and son, of Tacoma; A. J. O’Larey, wife and son, of Leavenworth; C. B. O’Larey, Phil and Erving O’Larey, of Othello; Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Weller and daughters, of Coulee City. The remains were laid to rest beside those of his wife and son in the Wilson Creek Cemetery.—Wilson Creek World.” (Waterville Empire Press: 1-12-1922)
Peterson: ( b. Nov 18, 1879, d. Nov 23, 1908) (Maude Lord Peterson) "The many friends of Mrs. Chas Peterson were shocked by hearing of her sudden death at Spokane Monday. At this writing, particulars were unobtainable. Mrs. Peterson formerly taught school in the Irby district and the bereaved family have the sympathy of the entire community in their great loss." (Irby Column of Odessa Record: 11-27-1908: see Wilson Creek Cemetery)
Pfeifer: ( b. Jun 11, 1926, d. Apr 30, 2005) “Howard V Pfeifer, a lifetime resident of Wilson Creek, died Saturday, April 30, 2005, in Moses Lake. He was 78 years old. He was born in Wilson Creek on June 11, 1926, the son of Phillip and Annette (Kallenberger) Pfeifer. He attended the Whitehall School through the eighth grade and attended Wilson Creek High school until he was called for military service in 1941, serving in Europe with the US Army during WW II until his honorable discharge in 1945 as a staff sergeant. In 2001, he received his honorary high school diploma. After military service, he started farming. He married Ruby Deife on Oct 17, 1952, in Odessa. They farmed north of Wilson Creek until they retired in 1981. Howard enjoyed fishing and vegetable gardening, trapshooting and playing cards. He was a former member of the Wilson Creek School Board, Wilson Creek Union Grain, Odessa VFW and American Legion, Ephrata Elks Lodge and Marlin Gun Club. He is survived by four children, Sandra (and Charles) Sumner, of Eden Prairie, MN; Thomas (and Diana) Pfeifer of Ephrata; Howard (and Claudia) Pfeifer of Wilson Creek; and Rita Pfeifer of Redmond, WA; 6 grandchildren and one great grandchild; 5 brothers, Cecil Pfeifer, of Wilson Creek; Ray (Bud) Pfeifer of Soap Lake; Dale (and Marion) Pfeifer, and Keith (and Judy) Pfeifer, all of Yakima; and Loren (and Sharri) Pfeifer, of Odessa; four sisters, Iva Thrall and Lois (and Jerry) Starkel, all of Marlin; Lorene (and Robert) Arbuckle, of Ephrata, and Donna Rainey, of Moses Lake, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruby in 1998, two sisters Lenora Wraspir and Gladys Nelson. Graveside services were held Wednesday, May 4, at Wilson Creek Cemetery, with Pastor Dexter Edwards officiating. Strate Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.” (Odessa Record: 5-05-2005)
Reyes:
(
b. Sep 06, 1944, d. Mar 28, 1997)
“A funeral Mass will
be celebrated at 11 a.m. today, Thursday, April 3, at St Rose of
Rosenberg: ( b. 1895, d.
1970)
“Clarence S. Rosenberg.—A resident of Wilson Creek, WA.
Survived by two brothers, George Rosenberg, Wilson Creek; Emil Rosenberg, Addy,
WA; one sister, Mrs. Martha Soderstrom of Twain Heart, CA; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 1, 1:30 p.m., at the Nichols Funeral
Home, Ephrata, WA. Rev Robert Webb officiating. Interment Wilson Creek Cemetery,
Wilson Creek, WA. Nicoles Funeral Home, Ephrata, WA, in charge of
arrangements.” (Spokesman Review: 5-05-1970; scrapbook item)
Smith: ( b. Mar 4, 1870, d. Jul 20, 1930) (Olive Smith) “Mrs Charles Smith, age 60, died at the Hotel Odessa about 3 a.m. Sunday morning of blood poisoning following an attack of tonsillitis. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had lived at Marlin for several years and worked at the Tom Graham ranch. Undertaker H H Strate took charge of the remains and the funeral was held at Wilson Creek Sunday afternoon, the Rev H. P. Christensen of the Odessa Lutheran Church officiating, after which burial was made at the Wilson Creek Cemetery.” (Odessa Record: 7-25-1930) “Olive Smith. Death: 3 a.m., July 20, 1930. Place of death: Odessa, WA. Occupation: housewife. Informant: Charles Smith, Wilson Creek, WA. Birth: March 4, 1870; aged: 60 yrs 4 mos 16 days. Female, married, white. Husband: Charles Smith. Birthplace: PA. Father: Plum Fasset. Mother: unobtainable. Residence: Wilson Creek, 3 years. Cause of death: Septicemia. Physician: Dr Thompson. Leaves: Husband, Charles. Hair: gray; Eyes: Brown; Height: 5-3; apparent weight: 150. Funeral: Wilson Creek. Burial: Wilson Creek.” (Mortuary Ledger)
Timm: ( b. 1897, d. 1973) “Emily Timm.—Her home Spokane. Survived by 3 sons, Fred, Jack and George (Bill) Timm, all of Okanogan, WA; 2 daughters, Marie Middleton of Stratford, WA; Alzora Mathias, Wilson Creek, WA; 21 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 4 sisters, Laura Oneal, Spokane; Carrie Biggs, Wilson Creek; Hazel Prest, Yakima, WA; Martha DeMere, Spokane; numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 13 at 2 p.m. form the Presbyterian Church, Wilson Creek, WA. The Rev David Crawford officiating. Interment the Wilson Creek Cemetery. Ball & Dodd Funeral Home in charge.” (Spokesman Review: 3-13-1973)
Timm: ( b. 1888, d. 1954) “Funeral services are being held at Wilson Creek this afternoon for Herman William Timm, former resident, more recently of Spokane. The cortege came down from Spokane during the morning and services were set for 2 o’clock from the Wilson Creek Presbyterian church, Rev Clifford Hart officiating. Survivors include his wife, Emily Timm, at the home; three sons, Fred and Jack Timm of Omak, and George William Timm of Wilson Creek; tow daughters, Marie Middleton, Stratford, and Mrs Alzora James, Wilson Creek; 15 grandchildren; one brother, Jack Timm, Cashmere, WA; two sisters, Mrs. Levi Tigner, Washington, DC; and Mrs. Christine Sjostrom, Newport, WA.” (Odessa Record: 2-04-1954)
Unknown: ( d. 1910) “Stranger Murdered Near Wilson Creek. A young man, apparently 21 or 22 years of age, was found dead with a gaping hole in his forehead a few miles west of Wilson Creek last Saturday. The body was picked up and brought to Wilson Creek by a freight crew. The remains were buried at Wilson Creek Sunday, after the coroner’s inquest had pronounced him to have been murdered. A young Englishman, in whose company he was last seen, was arrested Monday at a railroad camp near Adrian. He will be given a preliminary examination at Ephrata, and if the facts seem to warrant, will be held for trial.” (Odessa Record: 9-23-1910)
Wilhelm, Fred J: ( b. Dec 30, 1924, d. Mar 17, 1999) TEC 4 US Army, WW II) (Edit: Fred Wilhelm started teaching in Wilson Creek in 1951. He married JoAnn Dorr in September 1952. Their daughter Marla was born in May of 1953. He was civic minded and in addition to teaching for thirty years, was also on the city council and served a term as mayor. Marla married Alan Pfeifer in 1973.)
Wilhelm, Jo Ann: ( b. Feb 1, 1927, d. Aug 20, 1991) added; unconfirmed burial at WC; b. 2-01-1927; d. 8-20-1991) “Wilson Creek.—Jo Ann Wilhelm, 64, a 40-year resident of Wilson Creek, died Aug 20, 1991, in Central Washington Hospital. She was born Feb 1, 1927, at Dayton, Wash. She graduated from Central Washington University and taught school at Wilson Creek for many years. She married Fred Wilhelm in 1952. Mrs Wilhelm was a member of American Legion Post No 28 at Ephrata, and the Forty et Eight, Cabane 90 LeFemmes, at Wenatchee. Survivors include her husband, at home; a daughter Marla Kay Pfeifer of Tieton; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister. Nicoles Funeral Home, Ephrata, is in charge of arrangements.” (scrapbook item)
Youngk, Charles F., not marked, RB, 14/1 "The history of the Big Bend reports that 'It was in 1883 that the first religious services were held in Douglas County. Rev Charles Yungck who settled in eastern Douglas County that year, began holding services in German at his house upon his arrival, and for many years thereafter, held services regularly every week.' Rev Younkck died January 10, 1894, at age 82. He was the second man to be buried in the Hartline Cemetery." (excerpt from article entitled: "Young Family History by Philip A Young" page 186 of Family Memories of Wilson Creek Area, printed by Rev David Crawford.)
=====================================================
Wilson Creek Cemetery Obituaries, Wilson Creek,
Washington submitted to the WAGenWeb
by Marge Womach, 2009.
=====================================================
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