Fred Warra

Lifelong Naselle resident Fred M. Warra, 91, died June 25, 2007 in Portland, Oregon. Fred was born September 12, 1915 at home on the family homestead in the Salmon Creek area east of Naselle. His grandparents had homesteaded 160 acres in Salmon Creek after coming to the area from Finland and Fred's parents Charles and Riika (Laine), too, were Finnish immigrants. Fred's education was at Salmon Creek grade school and he attended Naselle High School until he was a junior; he then left school and went to work in the woods. Initially he worked in the Nemah-South Bend area. Returning from his military duty he returned to the woods working for Johnson Brothers and then Brix Logging. His final employment was with Weyerhaeuser in Grays River with whom he worked for 25 years. Fred entered the US Army as a buck private in 1941. He served in the European Theatre and saw action in North Africa, Sicily, France and Germany. He was wounded several times, was awarded two Bronze Stars and attained the rank of First Lieutenant upon discharge. Fred was a life member of VFW Post 3721 of Long Beach, was a member of VFW Post 7825 of Naselle and a long time member of the Naselle Community Congregational Church. In past years Fred fished commercially on the Columbia River for sturgeon and salmon on his boat "White Cap". He enjoyed woodworking, the quiet life in Naselle, and many life long friendships. Fred is survived by his sons Brad (Rhonda) Warra and Rick (Cuba) Warra, both of Naselle and grandchildren Brookelynne and Brandon. He was preceded in death by grandchildren Jerome and Davin and brothers George, Bill and Bob. Funeral service will be Saturday, July 7, 2007, 3:00 PM at Naselle Community Congregational Church with a reception following. Graveside service with military honors will be at Peaceful Hill Cemetery, Naselle. Those wishing may make memorials in his name to the Naselle Community Congregational Church, PO Box 186, Naselle, WA 98638. The guestbook may be signed at www.penttilaschapel.com.