Dennis Bernhardt Voeller

Dennis Voeller July 11, 1934 - December 4, 2017 Although Denny will be greatly missed, he has left a legacy of honesty, faith, strong sense of family, and an ever-present sense of humor. Dennis Voeller, 83, died December 4, 2017, in Vancouver, Washington. Denny was born in Rugby, North Dakota, the oldest child of Joseph and Catherine (Axtman) Voeller. At the age of seven, his family moved to Portland, Oregon, where Denny attended Holy Redeemer Catholic School. Later, the family moved to Vancouver, Washington, and Denny completed junior and senior high school at Vancouver Public Schools. Upon graduation from high school, Denny enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his country during the Korean War, stationed in Labrador, Canada. After military service, Denny returned to Vancouver and completed his AA degree at Clark College and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Portland. Denny met the love of his life, Kathleen, and married in 1959. They enjoyed many wonderful adventures together, including 16 cruises around the world. Sadly, Denny passed just three weeks shy of their 58th wedding anniversary. Denny worked for the State of Oregon first at the Employment Division and later at the Adult and Family Services Division. Most of his public service was in Portland, but he spent the latter part of his career as the Adult and Family Services field office manager in La Grande. Denny was proud to be a member of IAPES, the International Association of Personnel in Employment Services (known today as the International Association of Workforce Professionals). He was elected president of the Oregon Chapter and served as the international representative for the states of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Denny was an avid golfer who achieved 20 holes in one. When telling people about his significant number of holes in one, Denny was always sure to mention that only 19 were witnessed. He also enjoyed traveling, gardening, and playing bridge. Recently, he was pleased to have attended his 65th high school reunion. First and foremost, Denny was a family man who delighted in attending family reunions and learning as much as possible about his family history. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; sister, Doreen Irwin of Elverta, California; daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Jason Yohannan of La Grande, Oregon, and their children Alexa Yohannan and Derek Yohannan; daughter, Diane Voeller of Vancouver and her children Jordan (Alix) Guinn and Andrea Guinn; and daugher-in-law, Charlotte (Alan) Nibler of Vancouver and her children Greg Voeller and Kayla Voeller. Denny's two great-grandchildren are Jackson and Mya, the children of Jordan and Alix. In addition, Denny was adored by his many nieces and nephews. Denny was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jeff; his brother, Don; and his grandson, Sean. Services will be at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, December 11, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 6600 Highland Drive in Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Joseph Parish, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, or the Salvation Army.