LeRoy J. Grasseth

LeRoy J. Grasseth, 86, of Cathlamet, passed away January 5, 2011 at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Ore. He was born December 2, 1924 in Rainier, Ore. to Oscar J. and Cora May (Smart) Grasseth and was raised at Oak Point, WA. He graduated from R.A. Long High School in 1942 and married Pauline “Toody” Reid on October 23, 1945; she survives him at home after 65 years of marriage.

LeRoy served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1946, during WWII. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post #5297, Kelso-Longview Elks, and former member of the Elochoman Valley Grange.

LeRoy worked over 44 years as a heavy duty maintenance mechanic; first for Crown Zellerbach from 1945-1985 and then for Durrah-Martin Logging for 4 and a half years; retiring in 1990. He loved mechanics and was fascinated by anything mechanical.

In addition to his wife, Toody, he is survived by his sons, Donald L. Grasseth (Gigi) of Longview; Mike Grasseth and Calvin Grasseth (Cindy) all of Cathlamet; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, with a potluck to follow, at Sons of Norway, Norse Hall on Puget Island. Private inurnment will take place at Oak Point Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in LeRoy Grasseth’s name to Cathlamet First Aid Division, District 4, P.O. Box 142, Cathlamet, WA 98612.

Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.