Walter W. Mendenhall

Walter W. Mendenhall peacefully passed away with his wife and family by his side at his home in Elgin on April 21 at the age of 83. He was born March 13, 1922 in Interior, South Dakota, the son of Walter W. and Laura Fisher Mendenhall. Walt's family moved from South Dakota to Hood River in 1935, and then to the community of Spring Water where he graduated from Estacada High School. After graduation, he attended welding school and welded at the shipyards in Portland before enlisting in the Navy. Walt served in World War II from 1942-1946 in the Asiatic Pacific Theater.

In 1949, Walt married Verna Marshall. They shared over 55 years of happiness. In 1952 Walt and Verna moved to Eastern Oregon raising five children. Walt lived life to its fullest, and had many stories to share. He ranched and farmed throughout his life. Walt was a respected field, forester and logger, and built many log homes in the area. He loved the outdoors, hiking, hunting, and fishing, his horses and dogs. He was an honest and devoted husband, father and friend. His positive outlook on life, words of encouragement, and big smile will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife Verna, and children, Marvin Mendenhall, Cliff Mendenhall, Susan Mendenhall, Nancy Molitor and Terry Mendenhall.

A celebration of Walt's life will be held at the Elgin Community Center in Elgin, Oregon at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2005.