Death Notice: Clarice Hazel Knoll, The Dalles

Clarice Hazel Knoll passed away January 5, 2023 at The Dalles Health and Rehab in The Dalles, Oregon.  Clarice was born December 1, 1932 and was 90 years of age at the time of passing.  A Celebration of Life Memorial Service & Reception is planned for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 18th, 2023 at Valley Christian Church (975 Indian Creek Road, Hood River, Oregon).  Private Committal Service will be at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center located at 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. 

Death Notice: Richard Allan Minor, The Dalles

Richard Allan Minor, age 90, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 11, 2023.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Terry Dale Kaseberg, Wasco

Terry Dale Kaseberg, age 80, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away January 06, 2023.

A Private Graveside service will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery, 1100 18th St, The Dalles, OR, on February 4, 2023, at 11:00 AM and a Celebration of Life at The Sherman County School 65912 High School Loop Moro, OR, on February 5, 2023, at 2:00 PM. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Teresa Evalyn Fegel, The Dalles

Teresa Evalyn Fegel

Teresa Evalyn Fegel was born on October 13th, 1950, in Wichita, KS to James and Margaret Fegel.

“Tess” was the 2nd youngest of seven children, and said that in such a large, rambunctious family, she often felt she had to stand on a chair and shout in order to be heard— which, for anyone who knew her, sounds like precisely the sort of thing she’d do.

Tess’ childhood in Kansas forged her into a strong, tenacious young woman determined to make an impact and see as much of the world as she could. Earning her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR in 1985, Tess lead the charge in developing the first-ever child abuse hotline established in the state of Oregon while employed at Waverly Children’s Home and also later served as the state director for Parent’s Anonymous.

 While a program supervisor at Christie School, an intensive care facility for high-risk Portland youth in the early ‘80s, Tess met fellow counselor and lifelong sweetheart, Scott Osborne. After marrying in 1982, they relocated to The Dalles in ‘88, where Tess accepted a position as a professor of psychology at what was then known as Treaty Oak Community College, later transforming into the Columbia Gorge Community College we all know today. Tess took to the post immediately and was well-known for her personal teaching style and ability to connect with her students. She passionately served in the role for over 30 years, frequently saying she planned to do so until she was well over 100.

 A lover of travel, Tess visited over 13 different countries over the course of her lifetime, including Kenya, China, and almost the entirety of Western Europe. Tess and Scott welcomed their first and only child, Victoria, into the world in 1990, and after serving as coordinator for Mid-Columbia Child & Family Center’s Young Parent Nurturing Program for 25 years, Tess chose to bring Victoria along with her when she was invited to take part in a psychology conference at Manchester College of Oxford University, England in the summer of 2005. She considered this experience one of the highlights of her life and was invited back to Oxford to present again in 2007.

 A beloved wife, mother, sister, and teacher, Tess was a force to be reckoned with and a keenly insightful woman of many gifts. Diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma in the spring of 2022, she passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by those who loved her in the early hours of December 19th. She is survived by her husband, Scott, and her daughter, Victoria.

 During her recent battle with cancer, Tess said she would prefer a celebration of life and a gathering of old friends, students, and comrades to a more traditional funeral, and so such a public gathering will take place sometime in the coming spring. If you are interested in attending, please visit the Facebook event page titled, “Tess Fegel - A Celebration of a Wonderful Life,” for more information.

Death Notice: Michael Anthony Cheadle, The Dalles

Michael Anthony Cheadle, age 65, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 1, 2023.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notices: J. Ronald Clark & Dewanda Jo Clark, The Dalles

Renowned local golfer and long-time resident of The Dalles, J. Ronald Clark, age 94,  recently a resident of Vancouver, WA, passed away on December 21, 2022. 

His wife Dewanda Jo Clark, age 90, A resident of Vancouver, WA, preceded him in death just weeks earlier on November 29, 2022. 

The couple had recently moved from The Dalles to Vancouver to be closer to family. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Ron Clark

CCCNews Interview with Ron Clark

In July of 2021, CCCNews had the opportunity to interview Ron Clark about his experiences as a golfer both at The Dalles Country Club and in the amateur ranks after playing on the University of Oregon team.

In High School, Clark played in a foursome with Ben Hogan in 1948 in an exhibition at The Dalles Country Club, and scored just a few strokes above the legend. 

That was huge.

Ben Hogan from 1946-1953 won nine major championships in only 16 starts.

And Hogan was so impressed with Clark’s length off the tee and all-around shot-making that he tried to talk Ron’s parents into letting him back Clark on the PGA Tour, according to a story written by Verne Tietjen in 1996 in The Dalles Weekly Reminder.  Clark opted for college instead and became the top-rated college golfer in Oregon and earned a degree in accounting.

He toured in the amateur ranks after college.

“I was playing when Arnold Palmer was,” he said. “We were both on the national college tour down south at the time. In the first qualifying round, we were tied.”

After college, Clark was invited to play in an amateur vs. pro tour and he made some trips around the west coast, noting he played in a tournament hosted by Bing Crosby at Pebble Beach.

Clark remained an avid golfer and was a steadfast accountant for the local community. 

His best score at The Dalles Country Club? 63, according to Tietjen

He remained an avid golfer into his late 80s. 

“I stopped playing a few years ago,” he said in July of 2021. 

Obituary: Lawrence James Steinke, The Dalles

Lawrence James Steinke, age 77, was born November 17th, 1945, and passed away January 4th, 2023.
Lawrence was born in Detroit, Michigan to Otto and Margaret Steinke.

Lawrence got his Bachelor of Science at the Oregon State University in Forrest Service Engineering. He also served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1971 becoming a Vietnam Veteran. 

He married Bonnie Joe Hynd.

Lawrence worked for Western in Pendleton, OR in 1971-1974 then transferred to Pape Redmond, OR in 1977-1979, and retired from Halton-Peterson in The Dalles, OR after working for the company from 1980 to 2015. 

He was influential in bringing AYSO-American Youth Soccer Organization to The Dalles, OR in 1985-1993.

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Bonnie Joe Hynd. His children: Jeff Scott Steinke and Eric Skye Steinke.His Grandchildren: Ashley 29, Tyler 27, Skye 26, Teal 24, Dylan 23, and Jaden 21. Siblings: Ken Steinke,Jim Steinke, Ron Steinke, and Janice Snow (Steinke)

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Evelyn Darlene Gibbs, The Dalles

Evelyn Darlene Gibbs, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 8, 2023.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice, Jean Lucile King, The Dalles

Jean Lucile King, age 85, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 6, 2023.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Shirley Ann Rhoades, Hood River

Shirley Ann Rhoades passed away on December 23, 2022, at home in Northport, Washington with family by her side.  Shirley was born on March 21, 1930, and was 92 years of age at the time of passing. 

Due to weather and COVID-19 a private committal service was held at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon on January 9, 2023.  Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. 

Death Notice: Lawrence James Steinke, The Dalles

Lawrence James Steinke, age 77, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 4, 2023.

A family gathering will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Randall Dee Noble, The Dalles

Randall Dee Noble, 69, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 4, 2023.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: John Wyman Jensen, Maupin

John Wyman Jensen, age 86, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away on December 27, 2022.

A Graveside service will be held on January 14, 2023, at 12:00 pm at the Kelly Cemetery in Maupin. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Hildegard Borrmann, Hood River

Hildegard Borrmann, a Hood River, Oregon resident, passed away peacefully at Providence Brookside Manor on December 27, 2022, at the age of 90. She was born February 16, 1932, in Zezulin, Poland, to Wilhelm and Wanda (Batke) Hoeft, the second of three children.

During WWII, she lost her father and the remaining family was forced to flee their home, landing in Peine, Germany, in 1946. It was in Peine that she met her husband, Horst Paul Borrmann. They were married in 1954.

Horst and Hilde immigrated to New York City in 1955 where their three children were born. They lived in New York until Horst’s retirement, relocating to Hood River in 1993. Horst and Hilde were part of a large German Baptist community while in New York. They joined the First Baptist Church of Hood River shortly after moving to the area.

Hilde will be remembered most for her faith in God and dedication to her church and family. She happily baked her famous “Zuckerkuchen” for church events and took great pride in cooking from scratch. She loved baked goods and desserts although denied having a sweet tooth.

Hilde shunned waste and extravagance of any kind, preferring simple pleasures and frugality. She was a champion at money management. This trait allowed Horst and Hilde to retire comfortably and share their wealth with various charities and Christian ministries. 

Hilde was predeceased by her husband Horst. She is survived by her daughter Dagmar (Paul) Rockstroh, sons Bernhard (Tina) and Ralph, grandchildren Erika Rockstroh, Sarah Borrmann, and Bharati Borrmann, and great-grandchildren Rowan and Finn Williamson. Also, surviving is her sister Ruth Pastore and companion John Delepine, as well as many extended family members throughout the U.S., Canada, and Germany.

Death Notice: Dorothy Ann O’Dell, Hood River

Dorothy Ann O’Dell passed away peacefully on the beautiful snowy morning of January 3, 2023, at home in Hood River, Oregon.  Dorothy was born October 31, 1939, and was 83 years of age at the time of passing. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. 

Obituary: William Jeffrey Neal “Jeff”, The Dalles

William Jeffrey Neal “Jeff” passed away unexpectedly on December 22nd, 2022 at Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles, Oregon.  Jeff was born November 13th, 1963 and was 59 years of age at the time of passing.   

Jeff was born in White Salmon, Washington to William “Bill" Sherman and Mary Christine (Saunders) Neal. Jeff was the eldest of 3 children. He was raised in the Columbia Gorge where he graduated from Hood River Valley High in 1982.  

Jeff married his beloved wife Cheryl (Willis) Neal in April of 1994 and they raised their blended family together. Jeff was a hard-working man who spent his recent years working in construction and his early years logging alongside his family. In his pastime, Jeff enjoyed spending time camping in the woods, hunting, traveling to the coast and being with his family.

Jeff is survived by his wife Cheryl Neal, children Aaron Hinrich, Elisabeth Hinrich, Daniel Hinrich, Matthew Neal and his wife Lissette Neal; grandchildren Kayla Mullican, Kelsea Mullican, Jon Mullican and Jalen Neal. Parents William “Bill” and Pat Neal, brother Kenneth “Zeke” Neal and wife Terina, Sister Michelle Nilsen and husband Al, Stepbrother Wesley Lively and wife Kathy, stepsister Lisa Montgomery and husband Pat. Jeff is preceded by his mother Mary Christine (Saunders) Neal 01/02/1987.  

A private celebration in honor of his life will be held at a later time. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon  97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. 

Death Notice: Victor Jason Vanek, The Dalles

Victor Jason Vanek, age 53, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 1, 2022.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: William “Willie” Flores, The Dalles

William “Willie” Flores, age 74, passed away on December 22, 2022, at home in The Dalles surrounded by his immediate family. Sadly, he left us after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Willie was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, then moved to New York and California, where he met the love of his life, best friend, and soulmate of 45 years, Martha. Willie was the “Rock” that kept us strong. He was full of life. We will miss his laughter and jokes.

He was always funny.

Willie enjoyed cooking, dancing, music, traveling, helping others, and sports cars. His dream came true, and he opened his restaurant (Mexican) in Lynnwood, WA. He had an antique and refinishing store in Fresno, CA, for more than 20 years.

Wille was very compassionate, caring, and supportive. He loved all his family. Each one was special and continues to be.

We give special thanks to his Caregivers Andrea and Tommy for the last five years. Also, to the home health Nurses, Amanda, Amy and the staff.

Willie is preceded in death by his parents Guillermo and Benadicta. His twin brother Guillo and sister Rosa.

He is survived by Martha (Wife), Andrea (Mike) and Sandy (Daughters), Tommy, Elizabeth, Marc and Hannah (Grandchildren), Mason and Bella (Great-grandchildren), Ricky Enriquez (Godson), Ricky (Brother), Angie, Elba and Luisa (Sisters), Annette, Mandy, Niyah, Nicole, Alycia, Selia, Alejandra and numerous others (Nieces), Edwin, Felipito, Sal, Marques, Alex, Ricky and many more. Alice (Sister-in-law), Salvador (Brother-in-law). And Many Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and friends. Aunt Ida and Uncle Rod.

Visitational and Prayer service will be held at Spencer, Libby & Powell Gathering Hall on January 5, 2023, at 5:00 pm. The Funeral mass service will be held at St. Peter’s Church on January 6, 2023, at 10:30 am.

Death Notice: Johnny Raymond Espeland, Tygh Valley

Johnny Raymond Espeland, age 87, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on December 27, 2022.

A Celebration of life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: April Dawn VanTassel, The Dalles

April Dawn VanTassel was born on October 9, 1971, to Bobby Leroy VanTassel and Candice Dawn (Hopper) VanTassel in Columbia MO.

It was discovered early in April’s life that she was born with Angelman’s Syndrome, a rare disorder that left her unable to speak and left her intellectually at a toddler’s age. Despite this diagnosis, April was able to enthusiastically participate in Special Olympics, attend school, and eventually graduate from Hood River Valley High School with the Class of 1991. Even though her condition caused her world to be smaller than most, her world was a happy one.

She loved bright colors, laughing at the antics of the family dog or backyard squirrels, and trips to the beach or zoo with her parents. She loved it when her sister Debbie drove her through Schreiner Farms to see their exotic animals. She could usually be found at home laughing at videos she’d seen a hundred times or clapping along to a revival on TV.

April was a daddy’s girl and adored her father Bobby until his passing in 2000. She also loved her mom, grandma, sister, and three nephews. Family gatherings were always a highlight for her. What April didn’t like was hats. Anyone wearing a hat in the house learned not to do it again. Getting your hat back from her Kung-fu grip was nearly impossible. Above all, April loved everything about Christmas. She loved the family, the movies, the music, the bright lights, Santa Claus, and especially opening gifts-even those that weren’t hers! Because of her love for Christmas, it was fitting that she left this earthly life at Christmas time. April passed away suddenly from cancer, surrounded by loving family, on Friday, December 23rd.

April was preceded in death by her father, Bobby, and her Grandparents James and Marjorie Hopper. She now sits in her Heavenly Father’s presence, eternally singing his praises in the perfect voice she couldn’t use on earth.

April is survived by her devoted mother Candice VanTassel, her loving sister and brother-in-law Debbie and Nate Larson, and her nephews Jonathan Larson of Vancouver, WA; Jeffrey Larson of Washington, DC; and Joshua Larson of Hood River, as well as a great-nephew that has yet to arrive. She is also survived by her half-sisters Rhonda and Vicki of Kerman CA, and an extensive family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family wishes to thank the compassionate and professional care given by Mid-Columbia Medical Center, Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue, City of The Dalles Police, and Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home.

 April, we miss you. Your life mattered.