Donald Fred Joersz, 82

Donald Fred Joersz, 82, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2014, at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Wash.

Don was born Sept. 1, 1931, in New Salem, N.D., the son of Emma Heid Joersz and Paul Joersz. He grew up in New Salem where he went to school and worked summers as a farmhand.

Don served with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He started his civilian career as a Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator, working at Garrison Dam and Canyon Ferry Dam on the Missouri River. He settled at Lower Monumental Dam on the Snake River, where he retired after more than 30 years of federal service.

In the 45 years Don lived in Kahlotus, Wash., he was a volunteer fireman; an EMT who worked in the back of the ambulance. He served on the City Council, School Board, and Cemetery Board for 38 years. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion.

Don built model airplanes, ships, his home, a gyrocopter, and was an artist who painted and drew pictures of the area. He had two patents: a 4 way lock, and the Life Story Memory Marker.

Family and community were important to Don. He was a busy man with a kind heart - generous, helpful, inspirational, friendly - a person to be proud of who will be missed by his family, friends and all those who knew him.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Joersz; son, Douglas Joersz; brothers: Elmer and Paul; sisters: Elsie and Dorothy; step-grandson, Kyle, and his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Wanda Blackwell (Steven), of Kahlotus, Wash., son, Phillip Joersz (Janet Campbell), of Hayden, Idaho; daughter, Karen Williams (Dean), of Kennewick, Wash., grandchildren: Michelle, Kevin, Elizabeth, Rachel and Dustin; great-grandsons: Damien, Harley, and Levi; and Don's step-children, step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.

A memorial service with military honors will take place at 3 p.m., Tuesday, July 29, at the Kahlotus United Methodist Church on Violet Avenue in Kahlotus, Wash. For online condolences, please visit: www.HillcrestBruceLee.com.