Margrie Evelyn Schwendemann

Margrie Evelyn Schwendemann, formerly of Wallowa and Union counties, died Saturday, April 26, 2008 in Portland. She was 87. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 2 at 11:00am at Daniels-Knopp Funeral Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande. A graveside service will be held at the Wallowa Cemetery at 2:30pm.

Marge was born on November 18, 1920 in Wallowa, Oregon. She was the youngest child of Benjamin H. ("Dick") and Martha M. (Wise) Anderson. She is predeceased by her brothers William Richard, Admiral Dewey, and George Roland and a sister, Violet Ripley and by an infant sister, Bonnie May.

She married John M. ("Jack") Schwendemann on September 10, 1946 in Boise, Idaho. They lived in Camas, Washington, Portland, Lake Oswego, and Boring, Oregon moving to Summerville in 1967. They owned and operated Western Automatic Sprinkler Company since 1960. Jack died in 1984, and she moved back to Portland in 1990.

Marge loved life and had an indomitable will that helped her survive or overcome many challenges. Her strong life force made her an unforgettable person. She valued her family and friends, and made sure to keep up with loved ones through visits and correspondence.

She devoted her life to the most important career of all: creating a home and raising a family. It was always her desire that her children have more opportunities than she had, and she was proud of not only their accomplishments, but of the good citizens and people they became.

Marge certainly knew how to have fun. Whether it was playing pinochle, gambling in Reno, deer hunting, traveling, or reading, she was at her happiest. An excellent seamstress, she excelled at embroidery and appliqué. Everyone will miss her good cooking, but especially her baking powder biscuits, cakes and huckleberry pie. She was a member of the 1909 Society of Emanuel Medical Center Foundation and Emanuel Children's Hospital Foundation, a lifetime member of Lifeflight, and a former member of the Hope Chapter #13 Order of Eastern Star.

Survivors include her children: Phyllis Crane (husband Marvin) of Clackamas, Oregon; Malon Cowgill (wife Lola) of Kennewick, Washington; Connie Schwendemann (husband Pete Peterson) of Portland; and John Schwendemann III (wife Verna) of La Grande. She was blessed with 17 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Those who wish may make contributions in her memory to the American Cancer Society in care of Daniels-Knopp, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.