Obituaries for August 13, 2009

Bessie R. Kaufman, 72, former Orofino resident

   Bessie R. Kaufman, a former Orofino resident, went to be with her Lord in Heaven Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, of age related causes, at Lewiston Rehab and Care Center. She was 90 years old.

   Bessie was born on Nov. 17, 1918 to William and Leona Brooks Polumsky near Peola, WA.

   She graduated from Clarkston High School in 1936.  On June 1, 1938, she married Freeman “Fritz” Leo Kaufman. The couple made their home in Orofino where they raised their seven children.  Bessie was an avid homemaker and wife. 

   She was employed from 1960 to 1980 at State Hospital North of Idaho in the food service division as a cook. She became the supervisor of the department for the last five years prior to retirement.

   Bessie was not one to stay down. She was an active lifetime member of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church of Orofino. She also volunteered many hours at the Fish Thrift Store. She loved to entertain, travel, hunt, fish, crochet, quilt, play cards, garden, gamble, paint and just be with family and friends. She was and always will be the heart of her family.

   Bessie is survived by her seven children; Peggy and husband Gerald Lohman of Kendrick, Rose and husband Darrel Brocke of Kendrick, Janette and husband Jim Reiland of Lewiston, Bill and Jerri Russell-Kaufman of Orofino, Bob Kaufman of Peck,  Vicky Lynn of Bend, OR, Larry and wife Lori Kaufman of Ahsahka, and brother Don and wife Maxine Polumsky of Clarkston, WA.

   She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren that were her pride and joy.

   Bessie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 13 brothers and three sisters.

   A memorial service will be held at St. Theresa's Catholic Church of Orofino 11 a.m. Friday, August 14. After the service a meal will be provided by the church and will also be held at the church. Internment will follow at the Riverside Cemetery for all who wish to attend.

   Her wishes are to make memorable contributions to a charity of your choice.

Roger Noakes, 63, Orofino

   Roger Noakes passed away Monday, July 27, 2009 at his residence in Orofino. He was 63.

   He spent several years in the 101 U.S. Army in Vietnam and received five medals for his service. He also did five tours of duty in Vietnam.

   Roger fixed bicycles for the needy and also had a hobby of listening to music and films. He was generous to anyone that he perceived needed his help financially as well.

   He had many friends and acquaintances that along with his family will miss him very much.

   Roger loved his secluded home and watching the various wildlife from his window.

   Bill Stoddard was a special help to Roger and the family would like to thank him for his many trips and kindnesses to help Roger, who no longer drove.

   He is survived by his brother Everett Noakes, Orofino; sisters Barbie Noakes and Carol Ann Hinman, Wenatchee, WA; his aunt Jean Rosendahl, Wenatchee, WA and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

   A memorial service will be held Thursday, Aug. 20 at the VFW Building in Orofino at 10 a.m. A lunch for the immediate family will be held at Everett and Loraine Noakes residence, 3216 Upper Fords Creek Road, Orofino, after the service. Cremation has taken place.

Michael L. Akerstrom, 52, Orofino

   Michael L. Akerstrom of Orofino died of cancer Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009 at Clearwater Valley Hospital in Orofino. He was 52.

   He was born Nov. 7, 1956 to Leonard and Marie Akerstrom in Newport, WA.

   Michael married Shirley Olson June 18, 1983.

   He is survived by his wife Shirley; sons, William and Robert Akerstrom, both of Orofino; daughter, Shantell Arney, Vancouver, WA; sisters, Cheech, Sandy, and Pat and brother, Ray.

   Michael will be greatly missed and loved by all his family and friends.

   A gathering of friends and family will be held Saturday, Aug. 22 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at the VFW Hall in Orofino. A potluck dinner will follow.  Come and celebrate his life with us.

Jess Wolverton, 89, former resident

   Jess Wolverton, a Spokane, WA resident, died Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009.  He was 89. 

   Jess was the oldest of five children who moved with his family to Orofino in 1934.  He helped his father clear land and build a log home on Wells Bench.

   After attending high school in Orofino he worked at the cement plant and later at the county roads department. He also worked in the Aleutian Islands building runways during the Second World War.

   In 1954 he and his family moved to Spokane, where he worked at Modern Machinery for many years as a mechanic and service manager.

   He was a quiet man who, like his brothers and sisters possessed great strength of character and love of family and friends.

   He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Judy, sister Mala and brothers Arlond and Albert.  
 Jess is survived by his wife Ardella, son John and his wife Linda, sister Carol and Dick Bashaw, sister-in-law Elsie Wolverton, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

   Jess requested there be no services.

Marsha A. Davis, 69, Weippe

   Marsha A. Davis, 69, of Weippe, died Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. Arrangements are pending with Mountain View Funeral Home of Lewiston.