Obituaries: DeSantis, Young, Larson

Michael Joseph DeSantis

April 22, 1946 - April 10, 2015

Mick DeSantis passed away after cardiac arrest, with his wife Ruth of almost 49 years by his side.

Mick was born in Silverton, Oregon, graduated from Mt. Angel Prep High School, and went on to live in Woodburn most of his life where he was a prominent businessman and civic leader. In his youth he was 2nd team all state in high school football playing center and nose guard. He married in 1966 and served a brief stint in the National Guard soon after. In 1973, he formed Mick DeSantis Homebuilders Inc. and built custom homes primarily in Smith's Addition. This land was part of the 240 acre tract originally owned by Woodburn's founder Jesse Settlemier. He spearheaded work parties and was instrumental in finishing the construction of Rubis Hall, which is the St. Luke Catholic Church hall and gymnasium. The local civic leader served on both the Woodburn Parks and Recreation Board and City Council. He was awarded the 1st Junior Citizen of Woodburn in 1980. He served as President of the Woodburn Jaycees and then went on to hold offices in the state of Oregon Jaycees. He was JCI Senator #22547. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Foresters, Elks, Plymouth Club, Studebaker Club, Sun City Woodshop and the Sun City Lapidary. He loved showing his classic cars at shows and going on Hot Rod Power Tours. He also enjoyed spending time in the Sun City, AZ Rock Shop club making jewelry for family. The active DeSantis sponsored a city league basketball team for many years, was a participant in a fantasy basketball league for over two decades, and enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids play sports. Mick loved to golf and served a three year term as President of the Woodburn Golf Club aka "Woodburn Sand Greens". Late in his amazing life he developed and founded Parr Acres Manufactured Home Park and was co-owner of the community. During retirement he lived in Mazatlan, Mexico and Sun City, AZ during the winter/spring.

Mick will be remembered as a dynamic, gregarious, hard working, driven, outspoken man. A man of enormous pride and at times polarizing, he had incredible tunnel vision like no other. DeSantis was a relentless negotiator and his passion enabled him to get results. Many people start projects, but Mick was a finisher. He retired young in 1999 because he ran successful businesses, often worked 14 hour days, and made savvy real estate investments. Known as "Uncle Mickey" to his nieces and nephews, he was the life of the party. His loud voice and belly laugh would carry across the room. He embraced his Italian heritage and DeSantis family reunions.

Mick is survived by his wife Ruth; his sons Marc and Gino; his four sisters, Dorothy Fish, Betty Brekke, Elaine Zauner, and Cecilia Urbani; three granddaughters, Rachel, Peyton, Brynn, and soon to be born grandson Vincent "Michael". He is preceded by his father Emidio DeSantis, mother Bertha Schaffer DeSantis, and brother Emidio Jr "Bud" DeSantis

A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. April 21, 2015, at St. Luke Catholic Church, 417 Harrison Street, Woodburn, OR 97071. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. April 22, 2015 also at St. Luke.

Mick had a passion for quality home construction. So in lieu of flowers, we are requesting donations be made to the St. Luke Catholic Church building/maintenance fund.

Charlene Marie Young

Charlene Marie (Thompson) Young was born September 1, 1939 in Denver, CO to Orval & Hildred Thompson, joining her big brother Delvin. The family moved west in 1940 and Charlene grew up in Lebanon, OR where she met her lifelong BFF, Twyla June Earp. They were best friends to the end.

Charlene's fighting spirit and determination were developed at a young age by carrying her baritone saxophone case that weighed more than she did, to and from school. These two traits would aide her in raising her three young children in the early 60's by herself. She was a strong and determined mother, very patient and loving, which showed by the friendships she shared with each of her children.

She met and married her soul mate Ronald Young in 1969. The two of them would make Silverton their home, where Ron's daughter Tami joined the family in 1975. After raising their children they would move to Bend for the next 23 years. They developed lifelong friendships there and returned to Silverton in 2010.

Charlene's family was the center of her world. She was at every sporting event, 4H event or horse show her children were in. She did not particularly enjoy horses (and she married a cowboy!) but she went to every event her husband was in to cheer him on. Her joy doubled when the grandchildren arrived. Grams C, Grammama or Boca, as she was known by her grandchildren, would spend hours on the floor playing with them when they were babies. She would take them to lunch or shopping as teenagers, spend hours on the phone talking sports and catching up after they grew up and moved away.

Her hobbies included growing beautiful flowers, cooking, baking, quilting, Fantasy Football and an avid Steelers fan.

She fought a courageous battle with Multiple Myloma for two years, but the lost the battle when hit with pneumonia.

She is survived by her husband Ronald, children Michael Griffith, Julie (Roger) Bersin, Jill (Andy) Leebrick, Tami (Mark) Ohrstrom, grandchildren Sarah & Byron Elder, Jeff (Amber) Jones, Bethany, Elle & Lacey Leebrick, Justin (Heidi) & Shawn (Anjelina) Coxen, Brittany (Matt) DeAtley, Sydney Bersin and great grandchildren Drexler & Maxwell Jones, Eliana & Arya Coxen.

In memory of Charlene, contributions can be made to Multiple Myloma Cancer Research or Silverton First Christian Church.

A Celebration of Life was held Thursday, April 16th at Silverton First Christian Church. Arrangements are by Unger Funeral Chapel.

Dale Raymond Larson

July 2, 1928 - April 5, 2015

Dale was born July 2, 1928, in Silverton, Oregon to Walter and Marie (Baller) Larson. He grew up in the Silverton Hills, first the logging camps and then on his parent's farm. He was a logger most of his life.

Dale joined the army in 1952 and served in Korea. After the war he returned to the Hills where he met and married Dorothy Rossell in 1954. His marriage ended 10 years ago but he is survived by his children, Gretchen (Jerry) Bowers of Klamath Falls, Kory (Cindy) Larson of Bend; three grandchildren Brandon (Amanda) Larson of Texas, Sara (Joshua) Withers of Beaverton, Tiana Bowers of Hillsboro; one great grandchild, Jenny Larson of Texas; two step grandchildren, Bowen Chloe of Texas; two sisters, Shirley Wertz of Silverton, Caro Hutton of Salem. Dale was preceded in death by his parents and one sister and two grandchildren. Dale is also survived by two deeply caring and loyal friends Jane and Larry Langston, of Bend who were of immense help and support to him in his final years. Their love and generosity towards Dale was priceless to him and to those of us who couldn't see him very often.

The past four years Dale lived at The Summit Assisted Living where he was lovingly cared for by the staff and Heart and Home Hospice.

Graveside Services will be held Friday April 17, 11:30 AM. at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.

Another Graveside Service will be held Saturday, April 25, 2015, at 11:00 AM. at Willamette National Cemetery.

Autumn Funerals entrusted with arrangements.