HIMMELBERGER, Jack

The Record-Courier 3 Sep 2012 Jack Himmelberger passed away at the Booker Annex in Dayton on Aug. 23, 2012 after a long battle with Alzheimer. He was born in Baker, Ore. on Dec. 23, 1925 to John and Adna Byrd Himmelberger. Jack graduated early from Baker High School in 1945 as did other seniors during war time with his enlistment into the Army Air Force. After completing his tour of duty in Japan and honorable discharge, he worked at a fishing company in Astoria, OR then a saw mill in Seneca, Ore., before returning back to Baker where he met the love of his life Evelyn Voyles. They were married on Oct. 13 , 1951 in Baker. At that time, Jack worked at the Standard Oil service station which began his long career with Standard/Chevron Oil. Jack left the service station to drive fuel truck for Walt Gildersleeve in Baker. In 1960, with family in tow, Jack moved to Dayton and worked with Hank Wellsandt at Standard Oil as his assistant. In 1962 he took over as the local Wholesale Distributor and in a few years later he purchased the Chevron Oil bulk fuel plant to form Himmelberger Oil Inc. with Jack delivering the gas and oil and Evelyn keeping the books, it was a true Mom and Pop operation. In 1987 he retired and his son Mike bought the business. Jack had four sons who were his pride and joy. He was a good and loving dad who always enjoyed working and playing with his boys whether it was hunting, water skiing, fixing fence, chasing cows and pigs, hauling hay or hauling 4-H and FFA animals to the fairs etc. Jack enjoyed his retirement by playing golf, fishing, traveling, gardening, and best of all, watching his beloved grandchildren grow up and having all the family over for gatherings. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Evelyn, his sons and daughters in-law, Bob and Maggie of Buhl, Idaho, Mike and Julie of Prescott, WA, Jack and Mona of Walla Walla, Wash., and Don and Brenda of Genesee, Idaho, two sisters, Mary and Earl Frank of Dover, N.J. and Joan Bates of Baker, Ore., a sister in-law, Ellie Himmelberger of Sun City, Ariz., and close in-laws, Jim and Shirley Voyles. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim Himmelberger, mother and father in-law Martin and Mable Voyles, in-laws Elaine Cohoe, Glen Bates and his closest friend in the whole world, Johnny Bruce. Jack was loved as a husband, father, grandpa and friend. He will be missed but not forgotten. At his request, there will be no funeral service. There will be a celebration of his life where family and friends can gather to remember Jack on Sept. 15. Place to be determined. The family appreciated the great care that the staff provided and in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Booker Annex in Jack’s name. Arrangements are entrusted to Hubbard-Rogg Funeral Home, 111 South 2nd Street, Dayton.