Rick Lee Fischer, 53

Rick Fischer, 53, of Grangeville, died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 17, 2008, at his Grangeville home.

The second of four children, Rick was born on March 22, 1954 in Clarkston, Washington to Edward and Leota Fischer. The family moved to Grangeville shortly thereafter. Rick graduated from Grangeville High School in 1972, and then served his country in the National Guard from 1972 to 1978.

Four years after graduating, Rick married the love of his life, Gretta Winkler, on February 28, 1976. They were married in Grangeville where they continued to live for the next 32 years.

During his 35 year career, Rick worked at various occupations: Walker’s Solid Waste Collection, Wicke’s Mill, Les Schwab Tire, and Musselman Construction. Most notably, Rick was self employed for the last 25 years. His first business was in construction equipment, which lasted 13 years. His second business was in trucking. He transferred solid waste from Grangeville to Missoula, Montana and Payette, Idaho. After 12 years in this business, he sold it in 2006 so he could spend more time doing what he loved in life.

He was active in Grangeville Border Days for 30 years, serving as President from 1983 to 1984. Border Days was a big part of his life. You would always see him down at the rodeo grounds working in the arena and making the rodeo happen.

Rick worked hard and played hard. He had a love for animals, especially his horses and country music. He often did his horse and dog chores to his favorite “old time” country music, especially Conway Twitty. He loved riding in the mountains and cowboying with the Klement and Marek boys. He loved 4-wheeling, branding calves, raising horses, but most of all, just life in general. He had an infectious laugh and spirit, and he was loved by all who knew him. He was the rock in his family’s life and will be truly missed.

Rick is survived by his wife, Gretta, at the family home; his father and mother, Edward and Leota Fischer of Grangeville; brothers, Terry (Sandy) of Nampa, Idaho, Doug (Colleen) Fischer of Florence, Montana; sister Deanna (Floyd) Hall of Grangeville, and numerous nieces and nephews who meant the world to him.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 21, 2008, from 2:00-8:00 p.m., at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, January 22, at 10:00 a.m., at the Grangeville Christian Church, with burial to follow at Prairie View Cemetery in Grangeville. Following the graveside services, a reception for family and friends will be held at the Grangeville Eagles Hall.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Grangeville Border Days Committee, P.O. Box 74, Grangeville, Idaho 83530, in memory of Rick Fischer.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Send condolences to the family at www.blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Terry G. Vanderwall, 59

Terry Gene Vanderwall died of cancer at his home on Sunday, January 6, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Elizabeth who died on January 6, 2003.

Terry was born in Grangeville, Idaho on April 11, 1948, to Marion and Gertrude Vanderwall.

Terry attended Grangeville schools and graduated from high school in 1966. Upon graduation, he attended Spokane Community College. After 2 years he transferred to the University of Idaho and graduated in 1971 with degrees in Elementary Education and Political Science.

He married Mary Wagner on November 28, 1970.

After college graduation, Terry worked on the family farm until 1982 when he became an insurance agent for Farm Bureau.

Terry spent more than 30 years in public service. In 1978 he was elected to the Grangeville City Council. He was re-elected to that position until 1990 when he was elected mayor.

Terry enjoyed golfing, working in his yard, and sports, especially Gonzaga basketball and Dodger baseball. His first love was farming and that was what he said he’d miss the most.

Family was very important to Terry, especially spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was looking forward to the birth of his fifth grandchild due in May.

He is survived by his parents, son Jason (Joanna) and their children Beniah and Caleb of Lolo, MT and son Mark, (Jessica) and their children Jacob and Bailey of Grangeville, brother Randy (Jean) of Grangeville, and sister Kristi (Jake) Jacobsen of Missoula, MT.

He is also survived by his father-in-law John Wagner and brother-in-law Jim Wagner of Grangeville, and sister-in-law Margaret Wagner of Portland, OR.

Terry was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary on January 6, 2003.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 11 from 2-8 pm at Blackmer Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 12 at 11:00 a.m. in the Grangeville Elementary School Gymnasium with Reverend Harold Gott officiating. Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery. A reception will follow for family and friends at the Grangeville Elks Lodge.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Blackmer Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorials be made to Syringa General Hospital Foundation in Terry’s name at 607 W. Main, Grangeville or to the scholarship fund that has been established for the Grangeville High School Youth Legislature program. The scholarship donations may be made at any Sterling Savings bank in Terry’s name.

Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.