Wendell H. Abell

Wendell H. Abell, age 81, of Island City, died Saturday, August 26, 2006, at St. Luke's Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Island City Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Monday from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande.

Wendell was born on December 23, 1924, the son of George and Josephine (Graham) Abell in La Grange, Missouri. He spent most of his childhood in Missouri and suffered with polio as a child. The family made three trips to Oregon before finally settling here. He began working in a lumber yard in Portland at the age of 16 and would send money back to the family. On May 6, 1952 he married Constance "Connie" Ott in La Grande. He worked for Hyde's Market and Zimmerman's until his retirement but continued to work part-time at Zimmerman's. He served as Mayor of Island City from 1961 to 1962 and was active with the Island City Fire Department. He served on the Island City School Board, Island City City Council and was a past member of the Lion's Club. He enjoyed fishing on the Catherine Creek, trips to the Mormon Basin with his brothers and trips around the valley. He enjoyed yard work and socializing.

Survivors include his wife, Connie Abell of Island City; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Debra Abell of Portland; brothers and their wives, Bernard and Shelly Abell of La Grande, Leon Abell and friend Beverly Britian of Milton-Freewater, Homer Abell of North Powder; sister, Eva and John Kimmelshue of Hood River; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Laura Haefer; sons, Terry Lee Abell and Robert Earl Abell, two brothers Roy Lee Abell, Robert Earl Abell and a sister, Thelma Abell.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Wendell to the American Diabetes Association in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.