THE COMPLETE INTERACTIVE

GRENZ FAMILY TREE

 

 Erna M. Grenz - Back

Obituary

 

July 13, 1919 - Nov. 13, 2006
Erna M. Eddy of Willamina died Monday. She was 87.
She was born to Gotlieb and Elizabeth Grenz in Hebron, N.D. She grew up on a farm in North Dakota before moving with her family to Oregon in her teens. After school she worked in the drugstore in Independence as well as being a personal assistant to families that needed her. She was introduced to Francis Eddy by her friend Viva in 1942. She married Francis on May 7, 1943. They had one son, Robert, in 1944. Erna and Francis lived in Hoskins until 1948 when they moved to Bend, starting F.C. Eddy Trucking. In 1957, the family moved to Rapid City, S.D., and Francis was the first long logger in the area. They returned to Willamina in 1959 where, they continuously resided. Erna worked as the bookkeeper/office manager for F.C. Eddy Trucking into her 80s. Erna was a much-loved and valued member of the Oregon Forest Products Transportation Association. She was also active in the OSU Extension Service agency.
Erna is remembered in the community for her continued support of her husband as mayor of Willamina and council member for 35 years, as well as her peanut brittle that many enjoyed during the holiday season.
She is survived by her son, Robert, of Willamina; sister Helen Ankrom of Keizer; brother Dick Grenz of Salem; grandchildren Marta Hofenbredi of Willamina, Doug Eddy of Willamina, Robbin Bull of Dallas and Dan Eddy of


WILLAMINA- Francis C. Eddy of Willamina died on June 24. He was 86. He was born to Israel and Virginia Eddy in Hoskins, Ore. He was a descendent of the founders of Eddyville, Ore.
He spent his early years in Hoskins, Kings Valley and Corvallis and graduated from Albany HS. He started driving log truck when he was 17. In 1942 he enlisted in the Army and while at home on leave married Erna Grenz on May 7, 1943.
They had one son, Robert in 1944 and Francis was discharged from the Army with a Bronze medal in 1946. In 1948 he bought his first log truck and moved to Bend, starting F.C. Eddy Trucking.
In 1957 the family moved to Rapid City, S.D. and Francis was the first long logger in the area. They returned to Willamina in 1959. Francis served as Willamina Mayor and was active on city council and several committees since 1968, while still running the trucking business along with Erna and his son, Robert.
Francis retired from his last stint as Willamina Mayor in 2004, and was still active on city council until his death. He was an active member of the Oregon Forest Product Transportation Association (OFPTA) from 1967. He served as past president of the association and won several awards, including the Association's Distinguished Service Award in 1975 and Meritorious Service Award in 1980.
Francis worked tirelessly for his local community and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his wife, son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Erna; son, Robert of Willamina; grandchildren, Marta Hofenbredl of Willamina, Doug Eddy of Willamina, Robbin Bull of Dallas and Dan Eddy of Milton-Freewater; 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 2, 2005 at Faulconer-Chapman School in Sheridan. Viewing and video history will be from 2-7 p.m., Wednesday, June 29th and Thursday, June 30th at Adamson's Funeral Home in Sheridan. Private family graveside services will be held on Friday, July 1, at Kings Valley cemetery. Arrangements are by Adamson's Funeral Home, Sheridan.
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