Obituaries
Justus Mason Coburn Evelyn Marguerite McAllister Coburn
(Wife of Justus Mason Coburn)Evelyn Maxine Coburn
(Daughter of Justus Coburn and Evelyn McAllister)
Rudolph (Rue) Drager
(Husband of Hester Ellen Coburn)Ruby Maxine Drager
(Daughter of Hester Coburn and Rue Drager)John Coburn Drager
(Son of Hester Coburn and Rue Drager)Charles Robert Drager
(Son of Hester Coburn and Rue Drager)Margaret Drager
(Daughter of Hester Coburn and Rue Drager)Douglas Maynard Drager Sr.
(Son of Hester Coburn and Rue Drager)
George Henry Grabenhorst Sr.
(Husband of Caroline Abigail Coburn)George Henry Grabenhorst Jr.
(Son of Caroline Coburn and George Grabenhorst)Coburn Layer Grabenhorst Sr.
(Son of Caroline Coburn and George Grabenhorst)Richard Eugene Grabenhorst Sr.
(Son of Caroline Coburn and George Grabenhorst)Lena Delle Coburn William Harrison Grabenhorst
(Husband of Lena Delle Coburn)William Coburn Grabenhorst
(Son of Lena Coburn and William Grabenhorst)Rex Avery Grabenhorst
(Son of Lena Coburn and William Grabenhorst)Roberta Anne Grabenhorst Strausbaugh
(Son of Lena Coburn and William Grabenhorst)Harriet Emily Coburn Harry Alvin Wechter
(Husband of Harriet Emily Coburn)
Eugene Coburn Wechter
(Son of Harriet Coburn and Harry Wechter)
Harry Kent Wechter
(Son of Harriet Coburn and Harry Wechter)Caroline Susan (Cari Lyn Sue) Wechter
(Daughter of Harriet Coburn and Harry Wechter)
Obituary: Salem Oregon Statesman Journal April 21, 1933
Funeral Services for Waterbury Maynard Coburn, 77, who died at his residence on route 5 yesterday, will be held from the chapel of W. T. Rigdon & Son Friday, April 21, at 1:30 p.m. Coburn had been confined to his bed ever since he was injured in an accident last November. (Note: they were having Thanksgiving dinner and he went to walk to the barn to get a chicken and an old buck ram hit him and he fell breaking his hip. He was nursed at home but never recovered) He was born at Stockbridge, N.Y. July 23, 1855, the only son of Mrs. Ellen M. White, early Salem pioneer who died in 1917. He came to Salem in 1874 and was married to Susie E. Quimby in 1882. He is survived by his widow and the following children: J. M. Coburn, Mrs. Hester Drager, Mrs. Caroline Grabenhorst, Mrs. Lena Grabenhorst and Mrs. Harriet Wechter. Seventeen grandchildren also survive. Coburn had resided on a farm on Pringle for 41 years. All of his children were present at the time of his death.
Obituary: Salem Oregon Statesman Dec. 21, 1934, 5:1
Susie Elizabeth Coburn, widow of the late W.M. Coburn, died December 19, 1934 at her home near Salem, following a two months illness. She was 70 years and 11 months of age. She was born January 20, 1864 in Anoka, Minn., coming to Salem with her parents in 1873. She was married to W.M. Coburn in Nez Perce, Idaho, February 16, 1882. In 1891 they moved to their farm home here. They observed their golden wedding anniversary in 1923. Mrs Coburn is survivied by five children: J.M Coburn, Mrs Rue Drager, Mrs George H Grabenhorst Jr, Mrs W.H. Grabenhorst and Mrs Harry Wechter all of Salem; 18 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral services will be held today at 1:30 pm from the chapel of W.T. Rigdon and company. Internement will be in the family plot in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. Obituary: Susie Elizabeth Coburn, late resident of route 5, box 38, early Wednesday at the age of 70. Survived by son, J. M. Coburn of Salem; four daughters, Mrs. Hester Drager, Mrs. Caroline Grabenhorst, Mrs. Lena Grabenhorst and Mrs. Harriet Wechter, all of Salem; three brothers, John Quimby of Stockton, Cal., Charles and Stephen Quimby of Montana. Funeral services will be held from the chapel of W. T. Rigdon company, Friday, December 21 at 1:30 p.m. with interment in IOOF Cemetery. Rev. William Stewart Gordon officiating minister.
Obituary: Salem Oregon Statesman Journal April 23, 1969
Justus Mason Coburn, 85, who fought with American forces on the Mexican border in 1916, died Monday at a local hospital. He was born in Palouse, Wash., and came to Salem as a boy. He lived nearly all his life at his Salem Rt. 4 farm. He was employed as a dairyman at Oregon Prison Annex Farm from 1940 until he retired in 1955. He was a member of the old Salem Company M Company when it was called to the Mexican Border War. Surviving are a daughter, Evelyn M. Coburn, Salem; stepsons J. Anthony Nunn, Salem, and Warne H. Nunn, Lake Oswego; sisters Mrs Caroline Grabenhorst and Mrs Lena D Grabenhorst, both Salem, and Mrs Harriet Wechter, North Bend and six grandchildren. Services are pending at W.T. Rigdon mortuary.Evelyn Marguerite McAllister Coburn (Wife of Justus Mason Coburn)
Obituary: Salem Oregon Statesman Journal July 1922
Evelyn M. McAllister was born in Salem, Oregon on August 11, 1891. On December 22, 1910, she was united in marriage to Justus M. Coburn of Marion county, Oregon. To them was born one daughter, Evelyn. After a few weeks illness, she passed away July 29, 1922. She is survived by her husband, her daughter, her mother, Mrs JM McAllister of Salem; five sisters, Mrs Mary Crum, Mrs Myrtle Wolz, Mrs Melba Guerne, and Mrs Geneva Farrier, all of Salem, Oregon; and Mrs Laura Walsch of Long Beach, California; two brothers, JJ McAllister of Salem and LA McCallister of Corvallis. Mrs Coburn, having lived all her life in Oregon and being so cheery, genuinely good and dependable leaves a large company of friends who will miss her from her accustomed place and will mourn her loss. Funeral services were conducted from the Rigdon parlors by the Rev MA Marcy of McMinnville. Internment is City View Cemetery.Evelyn Maxine Coburn (Daughter of Justus Coburn and Evelyn McAllister)
Obituary: Salem Statesman Journal April 25 2004
March 19, 1913 - April 22, 2004
SALEM - Evelyn M. Coburn died Thursday night in her home on the family farm where she was born. She was 91 years old. Evelyn, daughter of Evelyn M. and Justus Mason ‘Tut” Coburn, spent most of her life on the farm. During the 1940s, she worked in Portland at Columbia Aircraft, NYA, and Portland Medical Society. She returned to Salem after the war and worked at the Salem BLM branch office until her retirement in 1976. She was passionate about animals and with her life-time friend, Gertrude Hobbs, rescued and cared for close to 60 abandoned dogs and cats. She is survived by her brother, Warne Nunn of Portland; and her nieces and nephews, Robert Nunn, Kathy Nunn Young, Linda Nunn Schaefers, Carol Nunn Gross, Janet NunnWinship, and Murray Nunn. A reception will be held at the farm Friday, April 30, at 1 p.m. Remembrances can be made to the Humane Society of the Willamette Valley. Arrangements are with Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
Obituary: Salem Oregon Statesman Journal May 20, 1955 1910
Hester Ellen Drager Late resident of Rt. 4, Salem, on May 18. Survived by husband, Rue Drager of Salem; daughters, Mrs Ruby Mishler of Portland, Mrs Robert Hamiliton of Salem, Mrs Doris Nicholson of Salem; sons, John Drager, Robert Drager of Salem. Douglas Drager of Salem. Services Friday, May 20 1:30 pm in the St. Paul Episcopal Church under the direction of W.T. Rigdon Co. Rev George H. Swift officiating. Concluding services in the Belcrest Memorial Park. Casker will be open to friends until 12:00 Friday.Rudolph (Rue) Drager (Husband of Hester Ellen Coburn)
Obituary: Salem Oregon Statesman Journal May 26, 1964
Rue Drager, 81, Salem native, died Monday at a local nursing home. He was a late resident of Salem, Rt. 4, Box 4. He was born in the Pringle area southeast of Salem and, except for residing in Mehama for 10 years many years ago, lived and farmed in the Pringle area all his life. He was a member of the Elks Lodge. His wife, Hester, died in 1955. Surviving are daughters, Mrs Margaret D Hamilton and Mrs Doris Nicholson of Salem and Mrs Ruby Mishler of Fremont, Calif; sons Douglas and Robert of Salem and John of New York. Services will be Wednesday at 1:30 pm at W.T. Rigdon chapel, followed by internment at Belcrest Memorial Park.Ruby Maxine Drager (Daughter of Hester Coburn and Rue Drager)
Obituary: Statesman Journal
Ruby Mishler, 91, of Salem died Sunday. Born in Mehama, she moved to Salem in 1992 from Lake Oswego where she had lived for more than 30 years. She graduated from Oregon State University and was a teacher at Philomath High School, Grant High School in Portland, Oregon and a high school in Fremont Calif. She was a member of the American Association of University Women and alpha Xi Delta sorority. Survivors include her sister, Doris Saffron of Salem; brothers, John Drager of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Robert Drager of Salem; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Internment will be at Riverview Cemetery, Portland. Contributions: charity of choice.John Coburn Drager (Son of Hester Coburn and Rue Drager)
Obituary: Salem Oregon Statesman Journal May 27, 1999
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA- John Drager, 91, died Monday. He was born in Mehama and moved to Salem when he was a child. He was a member of a championship basketball team at Salem High School traveling to Chicago. He attended Oregon State College, moved to Hawaii, married Brett in 1934, then went to China where he worked for Texas Oil Co. He traveled extensively and retired to Oklahoma City. Survivors include his wife; and sister, Doris Saffron of Salem. Services were held, and arrangements are by Hahn Cook Funeral Home.
Charles Robert Coburn (Son of Hester Coburn and Rue Drager)Obituary: Salem Oregon Statesman Journal January 16, 1998
June 27, 1909 - Jan. 14, 1998 Robert Drager, 88, of Salem died Wednesday. Born in Mehama, he later moved to Salem. He served in the Navy during World War II. He was an all star athlete at Salem High School and a three year letterman at Oregon State University. He worked in the hop and wool business from 1960 to 1974 and for the Oregon Department of Economic Development, retiring from the state in 1974. He was a member of the Phi Delta Fraternity and Elks Lodge No. 336 and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He married Margaret "Peg" Goodfellow in 1936. She died in 1985. Survivors include his son, Robert of Ithaca, NY; brother John of Oklahoma City, Okla; and sister, Doris Saffron of Salem. No services will be held. Arrangements are by Rigdon-Ransom Colonial Chapel.
Margaret Drager (Daughter of Hester Coburn and Rue Drager)Obituary: Salem Oregon Statesman Journal
Margaret Drager Hamilton, 56, 410 Rural Ave SE, died of cancer at Salem Hospital Saturday. She was born at Mehama and had lived in Salem 55 years. She graduated from Salem High School in 1929. She attended Oregon State University where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and graduated form Oregon College of Education in 1932. In 1963 and 1964 she was on the Salem Hospital Board of Directors. She was a member of the Salem Assistance League and St Paul's Episcopal Church. Survivors include the widower Clarence, Salem; son David, Salem; sisters Mrs Ruby Mishner, Fremont, Calif; Mrs Doris Nicholson, Salem; brothers John, Oklahoma City, Okla, and Robert and Douglas, both of Salem. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Virgil T. Golden mortuary, Father George Swift officiating. Private internment will be at Mt Crest Abby. The family suggests contributions to St Paul's Episcopal Church endowment fund.Douglas Maynard Drager Sr. (Son of Hester Coburn and Rue Drager)
Obituary: Salem Oregon Statesman Journal
Douglas Maynard Drager, 57, of 4525 27th Ave SE, died Monday night in a Portland hospital of kidney failure. He had been ill since January. Drager was a native of Salem, son of stockman Rue Drager, a longtime Salem resident. He attended Salem schools and the University of Washington. He was associated with the canning and frozen food industry for many years, most recently with Albany Frozen Foods. He was a member of Elks in Salem, and during World War II he was a member of the 2nd Marine Div. and participated in the initial invasion of Guadacanal in August, 1942. He leaves a son, Douglas Drager Jr. of Salem; sisters Doris Nelson of Salem and Ruby Mishler of Lake Oswego; brothers Robert of Salem and John of Oklahoma City. Arrangements are pending at Rigdon-Ransom mortuary
Caroline Abigail Coburn GrabenhorstObituary: Salem Oregon Statesman Journal Saturday April 25, 1972.
Caroline Coburn Grabenhorst, 84, 1655 Fir St S, died Saturday in a Salem nursing home. She was the widow of longtime Salem realtor, George H. Grabenhorst, who died in 1966. A native of Palouse, Wash., she moved here with her pareents, Mr and Mrs W.M. Coburn in 1910, and later was active in Salem community and civic affairs. Surviving are sons George Jr, Coburn and Richard, all Salem; sisters Mrs Harriet Wechter, North Bend, and Mrs Lena D Grabenhorst, Dallas; 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Private services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday in Virgil T Golden mortuary. Internment also will be private. The family suggests contributions to the G.H. Grabenhorst Scholarship Fund at Willamette University. Source: Statesman Journal Saturday April 25, 1972.George Henry Grabenhorst Sr. (Husband of Caroline Abigail Coburn)
Obituary: Salem Statesman Journal September 19, 1966
G.H.Grabenhorst Sr.
Arrangements for George H. Grabenhorst Sr., 78, who died Sunday in a Salem hospital are pending at Virgil T. Golden mortuary.
A Salem business and civic leader for more than 50 years, Grabenhorst was born in Dayton, Iowa and came to Oregon in 1901, farming in the Pringle District south of Salem.
In 1910 he and his father, William H. Grabenhorst, opened W.H. Grabenhorst & Co., a local real estate firm.
That same year young Grabenhorst married Caroline Coburn, who survives.
Grabenhorst was president of the Salem Board of Realtors in 1923, and was president of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce in 1926.
He had been a member of Salem Rotary Club since 1920, and was a member of Salem Elks Lodge.
At the time of his death he was senior partner in Grabenhorst Brothers Reality, associated with his sons-George H, Jr., Coburn L., and Richard E. Grabenhorst, all of Salem.
Grabenhorst, referred to as the dean of Salem real estate, was instrumental in numerous area developments including Capitol Shopping Center, Meier % Frank Co. store, and Candaleria Heights.
Other survivors include brother Charles W. Grabenhorst, Salem; sisters Mrs Nell McAllister, Salem, and Mrs Evelyn Doane, Portland; 13 grand-children and two great grand-childrenGeorge Henry Grabenhorst Jr. (Son of Caroline Coburn and George Grabenhorst)
Obituary: Statesman Journal December 11, 1997
George Henry Grabenhorst Jr.
July 20, 1918 - Dec 8, 1997
George Grabenhorst Jr., 82, of Salem died Monday.
He was born in Salem and was a longtime Salem realtor in the Grabenhorst Brothers firm. He was involved in the development of projects including Candaleria Heights, Candaleria Terrace and many others. He also farmed in the South Salem area for many years. He received the Polk Community Living Volunteer of the Year Award for recognition of dedication to those with disabilities. He was a member of the Salem Association of Realtors, Northwest Steelhead Association, Elks, Downtown Lions and National Rifle Association.
Survivors include his wife, Jeanne, who he married in 1976; son, George of Salem; daughters Gail Desbrisay of Portland and Anne Halstead of Salem; step-daughters Tess Brooks, Kim Cole, Kelley Gettis and Stephany Smith, all of Salem; brother Coburn of Salem; and three grand-children.Coburn Layer Grabenhorst Sr. (Son of Caroline Coburn and George Grabenhorst)
Obituary: Salem Oregon Statesman Journal March 3, 1999
Coburn L. Grabenhorst May 27, 1917 - Feb. 28, 1999
Coburn Grabenhorst, 81, of Salem died Sunday.
He was born in Salem and graduated from the University of Washington. He served in the Navy during World War II, earned a Bronze Star and was a rear admiral at the time of his retirement in 1959. He formed several real estate companies, was an innovator in the real estate community and led efforts to restore historical buildings in downtown Salem. He was founder and director of Western Security Bank and board member of Northwest Natural Gas. He was Salem Realtor and Oregon Realtor of the Year and earned several distinguished service awards.
His memberships included Goodwill Industries, Salem Hospital, Salem Rotary Club, Historic Elsinore Theatre and Mission Mill Museum.
Survivors include his wife, Jean (Morrison) whom he married in 1942 and son, Coburn Jr. of Salem.
Family services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday in Virgil T. Golden Funeral Chapel. Contributions: George H. Grabenhorst Memorial Scholarship Fund care of Willamette University or John Mistkawi International Youth Scholarship Fund care of the Salem Family YMCA.
Richard Eugene Grabenhorst Sr. (Son of Caroline Coburn and George Grabenhorst)
Obituary: Salem Oregon Statesman Journal April 22, 1995
Richard E. Grabenhorst
Oct 23, 1919-April 20, 1995
Richard E. Grabenhorst, 75, of Salem died Thursday in Salem Hospital of complications from a stroke.
A Salem native, he graduated from Salem High School in 1937 and attended Willamette University and the University of Oregon. He then served in the Army Air Corps for four years with the 75th Bomber Group in the South Pacific during World War II.
After the war, he joined his father and brothers in operating Grabenhorst Brothers Realtors. He became a chapter member of the Salem Multiple Listing Bureau in 1949, and served a president of the Salem Board of realtors in 1957. He was named realtor of the year in Salem in 1982 and served on the city's original planning commission.
Survivors include wife, Jeanne Belle; son, Rick Jr. and Thom, both of Salem, and Jon of Bend; daughters, Danna Hammer of Portland and Gina Fry of Vancouver, Wash.; brothers, Coburn and George, both of Salem, and six grandchildren.
Private services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Virgil T. Golden mortuary. Private internment will be in Belcrest Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to the George H. Grabenhorst Scholarship Fund in care of Willamette University.
Obituary: Salem Oregon Statesman Journal March 5, 1975
Lena Delle Coburn Grabenhorst, 84, 2482 Kubler Road S, died Tuesday at a local nursing home. Mrs Grabenhorst was born in Washington. She came to the Pringle area south of Salem with her family when she was one year old. She was the widow of William Grabenhorst. Surviving are daughter Roberta Strausbaugh and sons Rex and Bill, all Salem; sister Harriet Wechter, North Bend; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren. Services will be 1:30 pm Tuesday at Rigdom-Ransom mortuary, Rev Chester Smith officiating. Internment will be in Belcrest Memorial Park.William Harrison Grabenhorst (Husband of Lena Delle Coburn)
Obituary: Salem Oregon Statesman Journal
Last Rites for Farmer Set
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. today at W.T. Rigdon Chapel for William Harrison Grabenhorst, 67, who died Thursday at a Salem hospital A resident of the Salem area for 54 years, Grabenhorst was the son of William H and Eva Haight Grabenhorst. He had operated a farm for many years in the Pringle area of Salem at Route 4 Box3. The Rev Rodger Smith will officaite at the services and internment will follow at Belcrest Memorial Park.William Coburn Grabenhorst (Son of Lena Coburn and William Grabenhorst)
Obituary: Statesman-Journal August 9, 2002
William Coburn Grabenhorst October 03, 1914 - July 10, 2002 SALEM - William Coburn 'Bill' Grabenhorst, 87, died July 10, 2002. Bill was in the Navy SEABEES and saw action in Dutch Harbor and Okinawa. He worked for the State Highway Dept. for more than 30 years. He married Gladys M. Welsh on Aug. 2, 1947; she preceded him in death on Nov. 26, 2001. Survivors include his brother, Rex Grabenhorst, and sister, Roberta Ann Strausbaugh, both of Salem; nephew, Earl Strausbaugh III; and nieces, Julie Singer, Evelyn Ditchen and Donna Knight. Bill and Gladys wintered in Quartzite, Ariz., for many years. They loved to explore old mines, pan for gold, and spend time together. They were each other's right hand. Although they did not have children of their own, Bill and Gladys were involved in many children's lives; they are survived by many whose lives were wonderfully affected by their caring and love. A Celebration of Life will be held in September, date and place to be determined. Arrangements are by Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors in Salem. Contributions may be made to an organization of your choice.Rex Avery Grabenhorst (Son of Lena Coburn and William Grabenhorst)
Obituary: Statesman Journal October 18, 2012
Rex Avery Grabenhorst February 1, 1922 - October 15, 2012
SALEM - Rex passed away Oct 15, 2012. He was born and raised in Salem. He married Betty L. Wellman in 1957 and they had three children. Rex was a WWII vet and served in the United States Navy as a sub tender. He liked to hunt and fish on the Seletz River, the coast, and Eastern Oregon and travel to Quartzite, Arizona.Rex wanted to be remembered as a happy, loving father. He will be missed by his family and many friends.Rex is preceded in death by his brother Bill and survived by his sister Bobby Strausbeugh, daughters Evelyn Brown Grabenhorst (Jerry Ditchen), and Donna Grabenhorst (Rich Knight), former spouse Anne Johnson, grandchild Todd Ditchen (Jennifer), and great-grandchildren Tyler, Alexis, and Jason.A t dad's request, no services will be held. Arrangements provided by Keizer Funeral Chapel.Roberta Anne Grabenhorst Strausbaugh (Daughter of Lena Coburn and William Grabenhorst)
Death Notice: Statesman Journal May 27, 2016
Roberta A. "Bobbie" Strausbaugh May 6, 1925 - May 26, 2016
Salem - Private service will be held. Assisting the family is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
Obituary: The Coos Bay Oregon World Dec 10, 1992
Memorial services for Harriet E. Wechter, 91, Coos Bay, will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec 11, at Coos Bay Chapel, Seventh and Anderson streets, Coos Bay, with the Rev Brenda Wills of the First United Methodist Church of North Bend officiating. Internment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Mrs Wechter was born Nov 20, 1901, in Salem and died Monday, Dec 7, 1992 in Coos Bay of cancer. A longtime resident of the Bay Area, she married Harry Wechter on Aug 5, 11922, in Salem and he preceded her in death. She worked as a licensed practical nurse and was the first president of the Coos Bay-North Bend Licensed Practical Nurses Association. Survivors include sons, Eugene Wechter of Fairview and Harry Kent Wechter of Coos Bay; a daughter, Suzie Weisz, Sandpoint Idaho; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including a granddaughter Gayle and great grandson, Eugene Wechter, both of Coos Bay.Harry Alvin Wechter (Husband of Harriet Emily Coburn)
Obituary: The Coos Bay Oregon World May 12, 1960
Harry Alvin Wechter, 1143 Winsor, North Bend, died early this morning in his home of a heart condition. He was born August 22, 1899, in Linn Grove, Ind. and lived in this area 18 years where he worked as a carpenter. Mr. Wechter is survived by his wife, Harriet; daughter, Mrs Carolyn Sue Metcalf, Coquille; two sons, Eugene C, Coquille and H Kent, Coos Bay; five sisters, Mrs Virginia Donnelly, Corvallis, Mrs Iva Mobley and Mrs Norma Smith, both Salem, Mrs Ruth Illif, Hillsdale, NJ and Mrs Elizabeth McMullen, Vida, Ore; two brothers, Herbert of Eugene and Kenneth, Salem; and eight grandchildren. He was a veteran of World War I and was a charter member of the American Legion Post in Salem. Funeral arrangements will be announced from Campbell-Watkins Funeral Home.Eugene Coburn Wechter (Son of Harriet Coburn and Harry Wechter)
Obituary: The Coos Bay Oregon World October 30, 2002
April 24, 1924 - Oct. 25, 2002
A celebration of life for Eugene Coburn "Gene" Wechter Sr., 78, of Fairview, will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Coquille Eagles Lodge with a Veterans of Foreign Wars presentation.
He was born April 24, 1924, in Salem, to Harry and Harriet E. Wechter. He died Oct. 25, 2002, in Roseburg.
Gene worked for Al Pierce Lumber Co. as a head sawyer for 31 years. He retired from Westbrook Wood Products. Gene was a longtime resident of the community of Fairview. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge and Elks in Coquille. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1941 to 1947, spending most of his time in the South Pacific. He was very proud to serve his country. Gene loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, trapping, camping, hunting with hounds, family and great friends. He was always ready to help someone if they needed it. He left behind many wonderful friends and will be missed by them and his family. He was greatly loved.
He is survived by his sons, Terry Wechter and Eugene and Joni Wechter; daughters, Gloria and Gayle Wechter; sister, Sue Weiz of Sandpoint, Idaho; brother, Harry Wechter of Coos Bay; special nephew and family, Tracy and Caroline and daughter, Kaitlyn Wechter of Marcola; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his friend and companion, Jane Laird.Obituary: The Coos Bay Oregon World October 31, 2002
April 20, 1924 - Oct. 25, 2002
A service for Eugene Coburn "Gene" Wechter Sr., 78, of Fairview, will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Coquille Eagles Hall. A private celebration of his life will be held at a later date by family members at Squaw Lake.
He was born April 20, 1924, in Salem, to Harry and Harriet Wechter. He died Oct. 25, 2002, in Roseburg.
Later, Eugene and his family moved to North Bend. He had lived in Fairview for the past 41 years.
Gene was a U.S. Navy aviation mechanic and pilot during World War II, serving in the South Pacific Islands. He spent long hours sharing stories of the many adventures he experienced while enlisted in the service. Gene was a great patriot who served his country with pride and honor and loved his country always.
Gene was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved nothing more than camping, hunting and fishing with his many friends and family throughout his lifetime.
Gene had a ready laugh and was full of mischief. He truly enjoyed a good hijinks now and then. He will be missed by many friends and family members.
Gene was a member of the Coquille Valley Elks and the Coquille Eagles. He very much enjoyed spending time visiting with friends at the Eagles Hall, the Homestead Tavern and Four Corners Store in Fairview. He also enjoyed old movies, especially those featuring John Wayne.
He is survived by his children, Gail and Gene Jr. of Coos Bay and their families; son, Terry Wechter and Wendy of Coquille; grandsons, Ryan and Logan Wechter; brother, Harry Kent Wechter of Coos Bay; sister, Sue Wise, of Sandpoint, Idaho; good friends, Rocky Heller of Coquille, Bobby Fisher of Fairview and Pat Laird of Coquille; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and good friend, Jane Laird.Harry Kent Wechter (Son of Harriet Coburn and Harry Wechter)
Obituary: The Coos Bay Oregon World July 22, 2005
Harry 'Kent' Wechter Jan. 3, 1926 - July 19, 2005
A graveside service for Harry "Kent" Wechter, 79, of Coos Bay, will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, at Coos River Cemetery. Viewing will be at 11 a.m. prior to the service.
Kent was born Jan. 3, 1926, in Salem, the son of Harry and Harriet Wechter. He died July 19, 2005, in Eugene.
He joined the U.S. Navy and served in World War II on the USS Chilton. Kent married Bonnie Wagner and had four children, Tracy, Laurie and twins, Steven and Donna.
Kent moved to Coos Bay, where he worked for Don Thompson Construction for almost 50 years. He built numerous buildings and sites in Coos Bay and North Bend, as well as bridges all over Oregon.
He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, and his hobby was flying, having two Cessna 210s. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend, and will be missed dearly by all he knew and loved him.
Kent is survived by his son, Steven Wechter of Coos Bay; daughter, Donna Rogers and husband, Brad, of Troutdale; son, Tracy Wechter of Coos Bay; daughter, Laurie Morgan and husband, Doug, of Gresham; stepsons, Shawn Wieshaar and wife, Laura, and Scott Wieshaar, all of Portland; grandchildren, Kyle and Alex Wechter, Kent and Kylie Rogers, Jason and Lisa Bergstrom and Ronda Rider; step granddaughter, Lauren Wieshaar; numerous great-grandchildren; and his loving companion, Maria Hilton.
Arrangements are under the direction of Coos Bay Chapel, 267-3131.Carolyn Susan (Cari Lyn Sue) Wechter (Daughter of Harriet Coburn and Harry Wechter)
Obituary: Bonner County Daily Bee: June 22, 2005
Cari-Lyn Sue Weisz, 71, passed away on Monday, June 20, 2005.
Sue loved reading, and working with horses in her younger years. She loved her cats and visiting with family and friends. She will truly be missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter J. Weisz, in 1983; and her son, Daryl R. Rose in 1979. She is survived by a brother, Kent Wechter of Coos Bay, Ore.; two daughters, Cheri (Sonny) Willis of Spirit Lake, Idaho, and Laura (Tim) Fenlon of Sandpoint, Idaho; four grandchildren, Talonie Metcalf, Toby (Kim Rose), Kelsie Willis and Miranda Fenlon; and five great-grandsons.
Sue requested that no services be held but wanted her family and friends to share a remembrance for her on Saturday, June 25, 2005. For information, call 290-3428 or 610-6370.