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Obituary for Paul William Tews
Paul William Tews, 93 of The Dalles passed away August 11, 2018 at his home (The Springs at Mill Creek). Services are planned for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 15th, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church (101 W 10th St, The Dalles, Oregon 97058). Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
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Life Story for Paul William Tews
Paul William Tews, of The Dalles, passed away August 11, 2018 at his home (The Springs at Mill Creek) at the age of 93. He was born in Seattle, Washington to parents Frank Charles and Elva (Troedson) Tews. As a teenager he spent several summers with relatives working on their Eastern Oregon wheat ranch. Here he acquired his love for farming and a dream of becoming a wheat farmer.In his senior year of high school he enlisted in the US Army. Following basic training at Camp Roberts in California, he was sent overseas. He served in the 5th Army, 63rd Signal Operation Battalion in the Mediterranean. When the peace was signed, he served in the Army of Occupation, stationed in Vienna, Austria.
After his return home he attended University of Washington and Washington State University, graduating with a degree in Agricultural Economics. He returned to Morrow County to work in the Ag Extension office where his work would take him to visit the wheat ranches in Eastern Oregon.
In 1956, he met his future wife Rikka Trangsrud, a nurse at the hospital in Hermiston, Oregon. They were married in June of 1957 at her home church near Kindred, North Dakota. They returned to Oregon where they rented a wheat farm in the Buttercreek area of Morrow County.
In 1960, it was their good fortune to be able to rent and later purchase a wheat farm near Ione, Oregon where they raised their 3 children. In 1993 their son began farming with them and they moved to The Dalles.
While living in Ione, the family was active at Valby Lutheran Church. After moving to The Dalles, Paul and Rikka became members of Zion Lutheran Church.
Paul was a WWII veteran, a member of Ione American Legion, a longtime member of the board of directors for the OWGL, MCGG, CBEC, and the Ione School Advisory Board. Having always been interested in history, he also became active in the Old Original Wasco County Court House in The Dalles and was a member of The Dalles Kiwanis.
Paul is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rikka ; daughters Natalie Tews of Seattle Washington, Rondi (Mike) Jeans of Sherwood, Oregon; and granddaughters Hannah, Maddie, and Audrey Jeans of Sherwood. He is preceded in death by a son William Tews; infant son Gregory Tews; infant daughter Jennifer Tews; his parents, Frank and Elva; and his sister Joan (Sherman) May.
Paul was an endearing husband, father and grandfather, a very caring and giving man. He knew no enemies. He had a quick wit with a dry sense of humor, was very optimistic and had a big smile for everyone.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paul’s memory can be made c/o Anderson’s Tribute Center to Zion Lutheran Church Trust Fund, designated to the elevator fund or the charity of your choice.
The family wishes to thank the entire staff of The Springs Living, Heart of Hospice as well as Anderson’s Tribute Center for all their love and compassionate care.
A memorial celebration is planned for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 15th, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church (101 W 10th St, The Dalles, Oregon 97058). Interment will be at a later date at Valby Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
