George Chris Kalmbach

George Chris Kalmbach, age 83, of La Grande, died December 15, 2006 at his home. Viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at Daniels Chapel of the Valley from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. A graveside service will be held at the Island City Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and a memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in La Grande.

Mr. Kalmbach was born on July 5, 1923, the son of Jesse and Edith (Miles) Kalmbach in Palmer Junction. After from high school he joined the United States Navy Seabees. After his honorable discharge he returned to Union County. He owned and operated a service station at 2nd and Adams for 53 years, first as a Shell station and later as, George's Texaco. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church and was one of the members of the committee that founded Camp Elkanah. He was also a member of the VFW and NRA. His family was his biggest hobby. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and reloading shells.

Survivors include his wife, Hulda Kalmbach of La Grande; children, George "Wesley" Kalmbach of La Grande, Rodney Kalmbach of Sutherlin, Oregon and Donna Kalmbach Phillips of Salem; seven grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; brothers, Robert Kalmbach of Caldwell, Idaho and John Kalmbach of Banks, Oregon; sister, Rosalie Gobel of Packwood, Washington; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by brothers, Nick, Jim and Richard.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mr. Kalmbach to the Camp Elkanah Scholarship Fund, PO Box 150, La Grande, Oregon 97850.