Fred Lohner Jr.

Fred Lohner Jr., 87, of Baker City died June 17, 2017, just nine months after losing his beloved wife of 62 years. Fred spent his final days surrounded by what he would describe as his greatest accomplishment in life, his three children.

A private graveside service will be held later this summer in Central Oregon, where he will be laid to rest with his wife.

Fred was born in Veneta, Oregon on April 6, 1930, to Fritz and Aline Lohner. Fred was the oldest of two brothers who grew up in the Willamette Valley, graduated from Springfield High School and then served in the United States Army.

Fred spent his working career in the timber industry, primarily running heavy equipment. Fred's specialty was operating Bulldozers and was highly regarded as a Grade-Cat Operator, building logging roads primarily on the west-slope of the Cascades. Even into his later years Fred was always looking for a new dozer to tinker with.

Fred's hobbies included hunting and fishing, along with restoring Classic Chevy's and Bulldozers.

Fred married Lorraine Swanson on July 17, 1954 in Springfield, Oregon. They had three children, Jay, Rene and Wyn who were all born in Bend, Oregon while the family lived 30 miles south in La Pine. The family moved from Central Oregon to the Pleasant Hill area of the Willamette Valley before moving back to La Pine in 1977. Fred had a passion for Alaska and the family took several trips to the North Country through the years. In 2000 Fred and Lorraine moved to Baker County, where they spent their remaining years.

Fred is survived by his oldest son Jay Lohner of Baker City and wife Connie, daughter Rene Russell of La Pine and husband Stan, and son Wyn Lohner of Baker City and wife Robin. Fred is also survived by 7 Grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fritz and Aline, his brother Edward and his wife Lorraine.

Memorial contributions can be made to the National Rifle Association or any organization supporting the Timber Industry's Sustainable Harvest Rights.