Richard B. Wirkkala

Richard Bernhard Wirkkala, 91, of Longview, died on February 5, 2018 at Hospice Care Center. Richard was born on March 28, 1926 in Deep River, Washington to Henry and Martha (Juselius) Wirkkala.

He was one of 11 children and the last remaining. He attended school in Deep River before he joined the Army in 1944. During WWII, he was stationed in the South Pacific and after the war, he spent 3 years in the Army Reserves. On September 25, 1953 he married Putt, in Kelso, and she preceded him in 2006. He lived in Wahkiakum County until 2004 when he and Putt moved to Longview. He was a log truck driver for most of his working life. Richard worked for Durrah-Martin and Ray Burton Logging before he retired in 1983.

Richard enjoyed fishing, hunting and clam digging but especially loved being a Grandpa. He and Putt were members of the Skamokawa Volunteer Fire Department with over 50 years of combined service.

He is survived by his daughters Connie Fauver (Harland) and Judy Wirkkala, his sons, Rick Wirkkala (Sandy) and Bruce Wirkkala (Dee), 9 Grandchildren, numerous Great Grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to Putt, Richard was preceded by 10 siblings, Willard, Leslie, Melvin, Arnold, Lester, Signe Ellsworth, Lillian Zeller, Elna Browning, Lorraine Lawrence and Aune Magnuson.

A Celebration of Richard's Life will be held at Steele Chapel in Longview on Saturday March 24, 2018 at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Community Home Health and Hospice P.O Box 2067 Longview, WA 98632 or Skamokawa Volunteer Fire Department P.O. Box 145, Skamokawa WA 98647. Dowling Funeral Home of Cathlamet in charge.