Oct 26

Oct 26 Obituary: E. Martin Richelderfer

Earl Martin Richelderfer, beloved father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, died Monday, October 19, 2020, at his home in Wasco, Ore. He was 67. His voice, his kindness and his wealth of knowledge will be deeply missed by all who knew him well.

Martin was born June 11, 1953, in The Dalles, Ore., to Malcolm Earl Richelderfer and Edwina “Bunny” Breshears Richelderfer. He was the sixth of eight children. Martin spent his childhood in The Dalles and graduated from Wahtonka High School in 1971.

In 1978, he met and later married Chadine Rae Pavek, and together they had two daughters, Jessica and Coral Richelderfer.

Martin was owner and operator of Richelderfer Sweeping Service, serving The Dalles area with its commercial and residential power sweeping needs for more than 35 years. He also worked the family wheat farm with his uncle for many years, raising cattle and driving truck, tractor and combine. Martin was the great-grandson of homesteaders and lived on the family's original homestead for more than half his life.

He was an active member of the Sherman County community and served on countless volunteer boards and committees over the years. At the time of his death, he was serving on the boards of the Wasco Cemetery Association and the Wasco Community Library and was chairman of North Sherman Rural Fire Protection District's board of directors.

Martin had a bright and curious mind and was an avid conversationalist. He was the type of person who'd drop everything to lend a hand if you needed it. He never missed the chance to stop and chat with an old friend in the grocery store. He enjoyed trips to the coast, camping in Mount Hood National Forest, and sunset drives through the wheat country. He loved his family dearly and was always there for their biggest milestones and important days. He also carried on the family businesses for both his father and his uncle.

Martin is survived by his daughter Jessica Richelderfer Wheeler and husband Brian Wheeler of Wasco; daughter Coral Richelderfer and partner Amy Davis of Portland; sister Mary Zachariasen of The Dalles; brother Charles Gibson and wife Hiroko Gibson of California; sister Georgia Benson and husband Wilbert J. Benson of The Dalles; 14 nieces and nephews; and two grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his father, Malcolm; his mother, Bunny; his uncle, Theron Richelderfer; his ex-wife, Chadine; three brothers, Brian Richelderfer, Paul Gibson and Michael Gibson; and one sister, Sally Groce.

Arrangements are under the direction of Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in The Dalles. A small graveside service is planned for noon Sunday, November 8, at Sunrise Cemetery outside Wasco. A celebration of life will follow at 1 p.m. at North Sherman Fire Hall in Wasco.

- Jessica Richelderfer Wheeler and Family