Ernest "Ernie" George Keltz

Ernest (Ernie) George Keltz, 90, of La Grande died December 15 at Grande Ronde Hospital. A celebration of life will begin at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 17 at Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center.

Ernie was born December 4, 1921, in La Grande, Oregon, to Georginia (Dolbow) and Carl Keltz.

He graduated from La Grande High School in 1939 and went to work for Boeing in Seattle until he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1940. He was shot down twice in flight during WWII and swore he would never fly again; but he did.

He married Dorothy Christensen in 1945 and they lived in Portland until 1947, at which time they moved back to their hometown of La Grande.

Upon moving back home he worked for the Island City Country Club as the greens-keeper. Shortly after, he began working for the Boise Cascade (Stanges) sawmill; farming during the day and working at the mill at night. He was also a volunteer firefighter for the Island City volunteer fire department for many years.


He retired from Boise Cascade in 1983 to continue farming and to enjoy life; spending his time hunting, fishing, camping, singing and listening to country music. He was an avid reader and delighted family and friends with his storytelling. He loved to laugh and play pranks on unsuspecting victims. He had a kind soul and loving heart.

He is survived by his wife and children, Karen Keltz and Neal Lemery of Tillamook, OR; Anita Goodwin of St. Helens, OR; Sue and Leo Anderson of La Grande, OR; Eric and Julia Keltz of Greenacres, WA, and sister, Juanita Dunn, of Roseburg, OR. He had 10 grandchildren and 11great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Melvin Keltz and sister, Virginia Traverso.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a charity of choice in Ernie's name.

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