Joe Even Vershnik Obituary (1920 - 2018)

Joe Even Vershnik, age 98, a former Baker County resident, passed away on February 11, 2018 at Ashley Manor Residential Care in Hermiston, Oregon. A private entombment with military honors was held on March 8, 2018 at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Baker City. Joe was born on January 2, 1920 in Issaquah, Washington to Jack and Rose (Plute) Vershnik. He attended Renton High School. Joe joined the United States Navy in 1940 and served for six years. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II with the 1st and 2nd Marine divisions. After he got out of the Navy, he attended Seattle University and graduated in 1952. Joe married Ellen Marie Rapella on August 3, 1946 in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. They were married for 66 years. He was the owner of several businesses in Oregon, Washington and California. Joe is survived by his daughter, Judy Lazdauskas of Baker City, Oregon; brother, Roy (Carolyn) Vershnik of Maple Valley, Washington; grandchildren: Teresa (Karl) Adams of Hermiston, Oregon and Joe (Becky) Lazdauskas of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and great-grandchildren: Zac, Sydney, Cody, Jessa and Ellie. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Vershnik and his parents, Jack and Rose Vershnik. Memorial contributions in memory of Joe can be made to Oregon Veterans' Home - The Dalles through Gray's West & Company Pioneer Chapel at 1500 Dewey Avenue, Baker City, Oregon 97814.