Kurt Wayne Neustel

Kurt W. Neustel, age 45, passed away at his home in La Grande on March 9, 2005. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, March 14, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. Viewing will be held on Sunday from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Kurt was born on May 17, 1959 in Enterprise, Oregon the son of Ken and Colleen (Lyon) Neustel. Most of his life was spent in La Grande. In December of 1973 he suffered a broken neck while sledding on Morgan Lake Road which left him a quadriplegic. In September 1980, he married Sherry Schwabel in La Grande. They moved to Boise, Idaho shortly thereafter. They moved back to La Grande in 1988.

Kurt received his GED following his accident and then went on to attend Eastern Oregon State College where he received his Associate Degree in Community Services. He attended Boise State University working towards his Bachelors Degree in Sociology. While working on his degree in La Grande, he worked at Grande Ronde Hospital as a counselor, discharge coordinator and social worker.

Kurt enjoyed the outdoors and spent many hours on his pontoon boat either trolling Wallowa Lake for trout or sharing warm days on the Snake River fishing for catfish with friends and family. He loved to camp and hunt and even went skydiving. He also enjoyed family get togethers. He was very active in advocating for the disabled, traveling to Salem quite often while his son was young and he had the time. Kurt also enjoyed speaking to local schools about the handicapped and what one could accomplish even with a disability.

Although he loved and participated in many sports, including football and Karate, wrestling was his first love and was delighted when his son followed in his passion of the sport. He enjoyed attending wrestling matches watching his son and others grapple.

Besides Sherry, he is survived by his son, Kenrik of La Grande; parents, Ken and Colleen Neustel of La Grande; brother, Kevin Neustel of Kennewick, Washington; sister, Kaylene Payne of La Grande; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles plus other relatives and friends. His twin brother, Kyle; grandparents, Fred and Ethyl Neustel and Gilbert and Sadie (Carper) Lyon, preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the Kurt Neustel Memorial Fund in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.