Leland "Pete" E. Vonderahe

NOTE: This information is placed here as a service to our community. The information was obtained from public records rather than from the family directly.

Leland E. "Pete" VonDerAhe, age 85, of Milton-Freewater and formerly of Summerville, died January 1, 2004 at St. Mary's Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home in Milton-Freewater with Pastor Don Leach and Pastor Brad Henderson officiating. Concluding services and interment will be in the Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla. A dinner for family and friends at the First Community Church of God will immediately follow the graveside.

Mr. VonDerAhe was born on October 11, 1918, on the family farm at Freewater, the son of Charles Walter and Louella Bixby VonDerAhe. He grew up in Milton-Freewater and graduated from McLoughlin Union High School in 1938. After his schooling he began working on area farms. On April 27, 1940 he married Edna Ennis in Weiser, Idaho. In the early 1940's the couple moved to Summerville, where they owned and operated a wheat and alfalfa farm for 20 years. In 1961 they moved back to Milton-Freewater to help an elderly uncle with a family farm. Edna died in October of 1983. On May 4, 1985 he married Margie Jo Bixby in Milton-Freewater.

Mr. VonDerAhe continued farming until age and illness made it impossible to do so. He enjoyed farming, hunting with friends and family and attending farm machinery auction sales. He was a very generous and helpful person, many times giving to people in need. He cut and delivered firewood to the needy and elder for several years. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and the Gideons.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Gary VonDerAhe of Sutherlin; two daughters, Carol Manning of Lyle, Washington and Janis Bledsoe of Milton-Freewater; three step-daughters, Linda Jimdar of Ketchikan, Alaska, Jannice Young of Milton-Freewater and Debbie Ausherman of Camas, Washington; three step-sons, Bill Bixby of Windsor, Colorado, Kevin Bixby of Milwaukie and David Bixby of Kennewick, Washington; sister, Marie Schneider of Oracle, Arizona; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; sixteen step-grandchildren; six step-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Baptist Church, Sunshine Club or the charity of one's choice.