Clayton “Clate” Mervin Wolfer, 91, of Sweet Home, died May 18, 2006 at Wiley Creek Community.
He was born Jan. 11, 1915 in Hubbard to J. Hugh and Lillie (Schrag) Wolfer and lived on the family farm until his marriage to Ida Rose Nice on July 18, 1937. She died in 1997, soon after celebrating their 60th anniversary.
Their first home was in Sheridan where Mr. Wolfer worked in a sawmill. In 1939 they moved to Sweet Home where Mr. Wolfer continued working in the timber industry. Forty-three years later, at his retirement, the Tack brothers considered him the best yarder engineer in the state.
Mr. Wolfer lived a nurturing life, caring for his wife and six children. He was an avid gardner, caring for his vegetables and fruit trees, always planting a little extra “because someone can use it.” His flower beds were eye-catchers to passersby on Clark Mill Road, especially the roses, dahlias and bright yellow marigolds.
He was a member of River of Life Fellowship. He also served for a time on the Western Mennonite School Board. For a number of years he sang in a men’s quartet and the Valley Men’s Chorus. He was active in church wherever he lived, leading singing, teaching Sunday School or Bible Studies, choirs, church boards – wherever there was a need.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping and could entertain for hours with such stories.
He is survived by four daughters, Doris Knox of Lebanon, Dianne Paulus of Tangent, Alta Gerig of North Baltimore, Ohio, and Miriam Hooley of Sweet Home; a son Mervin, of Central Point; four brothers, Clifford of Sweet Home, Lynn and Leslie of McMinnville, and Roy, of Milford, Neb.; a sister, Blanche Kilmer, of McMinnville; 20 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Karlene, a granddaughter, Monica Wolfer, a brother, Hughe, and sisters Luella Nice and Helen Miller.
Funeral services were held Monday at River of Life Fellowship, with Gary Hooley officiating. Burial followed at Gilliland Cemetery, Sweet Home.
Memorials can be made to Western Mennonite High School, c/o Workman & Steckly Funeral Chapel, 1433 Long St., Sweet Home 97386.