M. "Keith" Gorrell

M. Keith Gorrell, age 74, of La Grande, died September 12, 2009 at his home. A funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2009 at Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande. Committal and interment will follow at the Island City Cemetery.

Keith was born on January 7, 1935, the son of Charle Teddy and Ethel Ardene (Newby) Gorrell in Nyssa, Oregon. In his younger years he was a boxer. He worked for Union Pacific Railroad and lived in Huntington until 1980 when he moved to La Grande. He was a self taught musician who enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. He enjoyed camping and hunting. He will be remembered by many for his coffee breaks at the Smokehouse where he will be missed.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Gayle Gorrell of La Grande; daughter and son-in-law, Sherrie and Terry Gerlach of La Grande; grandchildren, Raney Gerlach of Boise, Amy Gorrell of Portland, Brandon Gorrell of Seattle, Breeanne Gerlach of Boise and Terry Ray Gerlach II of Boise; great grandchildren, Cheylen Edison, Chase Briggs, Brennon Briggs, Mekenna Briggs, Brandon Jamus Gerlach and Caleb Jamus Gerlach; siblings, Darwin Gorrell of Utah, Ron Ray Gorrell of Wyoming, Marilyn Blanchard of Utah and Teddy Leroy Gorrell of Florida; long-time friend, Gary Hoops and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by granddaughter, Misty Dawn Edison Gerlach, brother, Jerry Gorrell and sisters, Nadine and Doralee.

Those who wish may make contributions in his memory to charity of choice in care of Daniels~Knopp.

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