AMHERST, MA:  Wallace “Wally” Eugene Vorderstrasse, 95, of Amherst, MA, long time resident of Lebanon, OR returned to his heavenly home on June 9, 2023 after a blessed and long life. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him throughout his life and gave him peace.

Wally was born to the late Paul Vorderstrasse and Ida (Kapperman) Vorderstrasse, in Liberty, KS on December 4, 1927. He attended Denny Road School and Lebanon Union High School.  He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the destroyer U.S.S. Brinkley Bass in the Pacific theater as a radar operator, seaman 2^nd Class.  He worked at Champion International plywood mill as a glue room leadman until the plant closed in the 1980s. He then worked at Roseburg Forest Products plywood mill in Roseburg, OR until his retirement.

Wally was blessed with a large and loving immediate and extended family. He married the love of his life, Betty Lou (Alley) Vorderstrasse, on July 14, 1949 in Washougal, WA. Wally is survived by his son Greg (Allison); his daughters Deanna Harmon-Lyles (Rod), Nancy Baker (Randy); his grandchildren Kristen Dody (Brandon), Tyler Harmon, Whitney Harmon, Ryan Baker, Courtney Baker and Kelsey Baker; his great grandchildren Jaxson Dody, Mackenzie Dody and Kylee Dody; his brother, Ken Vorderstrasse and his sister, Velma Howard. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Alley) Vorderstrasse; his daughter, Julie Vorderstrasse; his parents; his siblings Charles “Chuck” Vorderstrasse, Myrna Nelson; and his WWII comrade and life-long friend Mr. Cecil Gause; and many other friends, family members, and congregation members over his life time. Faith, family, and the extended church family at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lebanon were the focus of his life. Wally leaves his mark on his family’s homes, church, and community through his willingness to step in and help address what is needed. He will be dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator, Lord and Savior.

Funeral services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lebanon, OR on June 28, 2023 at XX AM/PM. Burial will follow at the Odd Fellows/ IOOF Cemetery in Lebanon, OR with military honors.  A reception will be held afterward at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lebanon, OR.

 The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers that those so inclined make donations to Fisher Hospice Home in Amherst, MA (www.fisherhome.org) or We Honor Veterans (wehonorveterans.org).