Donald Lyle Preston

OREGON-Donald L. Preston, age 86, of Oregon passed away on Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, with his loving wife by his side, from Alzheimers at Skaalen Health and Rehabilitation. He was born on Dec. 20, 1925, in Locust Grove, Okla., the son of Harold and Myrtle Mae Preston. Don’s family moved to Rock River, Wyo. by covered wagon when Don was a baby. He graduated from Rock River High School. Don then joined the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in the Pacific Theater. He furthered his education at the University of Wyoming. Don was united in marriage to Gisela Schaefer on Feb. 18, 1978, in Laramie, Wyo. He spent several years as a carpenter and then began as a bank teller, retiring in 1989 as vice president and trust officer of First Interstate Bank in Laramie. He and Gisela moved to Oregon in 2003 to be closer to family. Don is survived by his beloved wife, Gisela; seven children, Tom (Peg) LaPoint of Denton, Texas, Mark (Jan) Preston of Denver, Colo., Heidi (Shane) Greaves of Fairbanks, Alaska, Jeff (Malfa) LaPoint of Antigua, British West Indies, Ron LaPoint of Jacksonville, Fla., and Christine Ayers of Oregon; son-in-law, Don Rutherford of Cheyenne, Wyo; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Paula Rutherford; brother, Robert Preston; and sister, Neva. A memorial service will be held at ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood, Oregon, at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, with the Rev. Paul Markquart presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 3:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to Alzheimers Association. Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free I’m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call I turned my back and left it all I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work or play Tasks left undone must stay that way I found that peace at the close of the day If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Ah, yes, these things I too will miss Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow My life has been full, I’ve savored much Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief Lift up your heart and share with me God wanted me now, He set me free! Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street (608) 831-3515 www.gundersonfh.com Memorials may be made to Alzheimers Association. Visitation will be at the church from 3:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. A memorial service will be held at ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood, Oregon, at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, with the Rev. Paul Markquart presiding.