Edward Wayne Brog

Edward Wayne Brog of La Grande, 97, passed away February 15, 2010 in Rexburg, Idaho. Ed was born on November 11, 1912 in Leighton Township, Allegan County, Michigan. He was the son of Albert and Ella (Steeby) Brog. Ed had one sister, Beatrice. He did farm work in rural Michigan as a youth, and he worked for the Gazette newspaper in Kalamazoo as a young man. During the Depression, Ed and a friend "rode the rails" West to find work. They worked in the hayfields of Montana and eventually came to La Grande in 1934. Ed worked for MJ Goss doing odd jobs at the dealership. He returned to Michigan but a year later, came back to La Grande to work for Goss Motors. He advanced to office manager and salesman and then became sales manager and finally a partner at MJ Goss Motor Company. When World War II came, Ed enlisted in the Army in 1943. He served in the Pacific until 1946 and achieved the rank of captain. He was a paratrooper and commanded infantry rifle and parachute companies during his service. When he returned from the war, Ed resumed his position at Goss Motors. He eventually became president of the dealership and served in that position until his retirement in 1972. Ed married Marian (Billy) Christensen, daughter of Marion Martin (Chris) and Wilda Stone Christensen, on September 10, 1949. Ed and Billy are the parents of two daughters, Molly Jane Brog of La Grande and Ann Christen Brog Hartvigsen of Rexburg, ID. They have a son-in-law, M. Kip Hartvigsen, and grandchildren--Andrew Brog Hartvigsen of Seattle, WA, Mark Christian Hartvigsen of Boise, ID, Matthew Kip Hartvigsen and wife, Emily Carlson Hartvigsen, of Provo, UT, and Ann Kathryn Hartvigsen, currently serving as a missionary in Phoenix, AZ. Ed's priority in life was his family. No one could have loved his family more. He and Billy celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in September, 2009. Ed's hobbies were horses and cow cutting. He was a charter member of the Mavericks. He loved his cabin and the beauties of nature. He backpacked frequently in the Eagle Cap Wilderness area and enjoyed fishing. Ed was always positive. You never saw him without a big smile on his face. He enjoyed each day to the fullest and often commented, "Isn't life wonderful?" He was also a past Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge. He was a very active member of the community, serving in many voluntary capacities. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Funeral services are under the direction of Daniels-Knopp and will be at 1:00 p.m. February 20 at the LDS Stake Center on Gekeler Lane. Contributions may be made to the Shrine Hospital for Crippled Children.

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