Charles George Smutz

Charles George Smutz was born on June 17, 1952 in La Grande, the son of Walter Irwin and Dee Ann (Woodward) Smutz. Charlie, as he was known was raised and educated in La Grande, graduating with the La Grande High School class of 1970. After high school he attended Eastern Oregon College for a time.

Charlie became a truck driver and worked for over 35 years in La Grande and Alaska, earning respect as a driver able to handle difficult loads on the long and treacherous road to the North Slope. He retired from Alaska West Express in 2018.

Charlie was a private pilot and he enjoyed riding motorcycles both on the highway and dirt biking, as well as off road Jeep racing. He also liked to hunt and fish.

Relatives who remain are his brother Paul Smutz of Payette, Idaho, sister-in-law Katy Smutz of Elgin, nephew Richard Smutz and niece Jolynn Smutz, both of Pendleton, nephew Charles Smutz of Albuquerque, New Mexico, stepson Curtis Nickle of North Pole Alaska, stepdaughter Julie Wiese and many cousins and grand nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his brother Alan.

A funeral service will be held on Friday April 25th at 11:00 a.m. at the Daniels-Knopp Chapel, 1502 7th Street, La Grande. Committal and interment will follow at the Grandview Cemetery where he will be laid to rest among many of his family members.