Obituary: Frank Nathaniel LaRoque, 82, The Dalles

Frank Nathaniel LaRoque

Born to Stanley and Minny LaRoque on November 3, 1942, in Minnesota. Frank was raised in Elko, Nevada, with 2 brothers, Roger and Martin, and 2 sisters, Julie Ann (Olson) and Lorraine (Judah).

In 1965, Frank found the love of his life, Paulette Kay Anderson – affectionately known as PK. They shared almost 59 years of wedded bliss. They had 2 children – Bryan and Camille (Weimar). From the stories that are shared, their family life was rich with laughter, love, and many other attributes.

Frank moved his family to The Dalles in 1979, settling on Wahtonka Road. Frank has left his mark on The Dalles with his cabinet-making skills, home designs for contractors, and his passion for restoring antiques. He taught for the Oregon Woodworkers Guild and had many stories about all the fun that endeavor was for him and Paulette.

At 18, Frank joined the Air Force and became an aviation mechanic. After leaving the service, he wore many hats: welder, mechanic, interior designer, architect, draftsman, and finally, the job he loved the most – craftsman, woodworker, contractor. With that final profession, his business here in The Dalles was born – LaRoque’s Wood Shop.

Frank is preceded in death by all of his siblings and his parents. 

Frank is survived by his wife, Paulette; brother-in-law, Gill Anderson; son, Bryan (Johna); daughter, Camille (Doug); grandchildren, Stephen LaRoque (Amber), Kyle Weimar, Melissa Weimar, Kirslynn Craven, Gwendolyn Engle (Logan), Isabella LaRoque; and several great-grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of Life, and we hope you can join us on August 30th, 3 p.m., at Route 30 in The Dalles. Please come and share your “Frank” stories. All we ask is that there is more joy than sadness. More laughter than tears.