Jack Reed

Seaview resident Jack Reed, 92, died in Portland, Oregon on September 20, 2009. Born July 12, 1917 in Lawton, Oklahoma, he was the son of Lamuel and Lena (Smith) Gresham. His parents divorced and his mother married Stephen W. Reed. Jack grew up in Lawton where he resided until he was in junior high. The family then moved to San Diego, California where Jack graduated from Herbert Hoover High School. Following high school Jack worked in construction as a cement finisher. On October 17, 1941 he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he trained as a radar operator and was assigned to the 307th Bomb Group. Jack served until January 1946 when he was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant. While stationed in Ilwaco he met Pauline "Polly" Hanselman and they were married in Aberdeen, Washington on October 30, 1943. With the completion of his Army duty Jack settled in Ilwaco where his first job as with Ilwaco Oyster Co. Later he worked for Kirkman & Strand Construction and Sedy Brothers shake mill until becoming custodian at Long Beach elementary school in 1974. He retired in 1986. Jack was a life member of Long Beach Elks No. 1937, life member of American Legion Post #48, life member of 40 and 8 Locale #87, life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars #3721 and member of Ilwaco Odd Fellows #118. He enjoyed deer and elk hunting, took pride in his rose garden, his home and was a dedicated family man. Known as a hard worker, Jack also enjoyed family get-togethers. Besides his wife of nearly 66 years, Jack is survived by his daughter Jackie and son-in-law Jon Vingerud of St. Helens, Oregon; five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and other members of his extended family. He was preceded in death by his daughter Kathleen Rutzer who died in 1998. Memorial service will be Monday, September 28, 2009, 12 Noon at the Peninsula Church Center in Seaview with a reception following. Family graveside rites will be Monday morning at Ilwaco Cemetery. Those wishing may make memorials to the organization of their choice. The guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.