Jess M. Ereno

Jess M. Ereno, 92, of La Grande died April 10 at a local care center. The funeral was April 19 in Burns.

Mr. Ereno was born April 25, 1913, to John and Agueda Ereno in Lequetio, Spain. His father was a fisherman who immigrated to the United States where he worked as a sheepherder. At age 5, he and his mother joined his father in the Boise area.

He grew up in Nampa, Idaho, and helped his parents learn English. When he graduated from high school he worked with his father.

On April 12, 1939, he married Loretta Schallenkamp in Camarillo, Calif. He worked for Joe Albertson for several years, and began a partnership with his brother, Charles, in business ventures that included the Mens Store, a department store, and ranching.

He was a storyteller and family historian, and enjoyed beging with his family and speaking Basque.

Survivors include his brother, Charles Ereno of La Grande; a son, Gary Ereno of Oregon; a daughter, Marianna Kaplan of La Grande; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. His wife died earlier.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boise Basque Museum.