Edward Claire Wolthausen

Edward Clair Wolthausen, 86, peaceably passed away November 23, 2017, at Evergreen Court Memory Care in Molalla, OR. He fought courageously for nine months, battling many medical disorders. Edward was born in Barrington, Illinois to the late Myrtle E. and Edward George Wolthausen. He was the youngest of four siblings, all of whom are deceased. Edward graduated from Barrington High School in 1949. He went on to serve in the Ilinois National Guard for two years, and then continued his military service in the US Navy during the Korean War 1952-56, being honorably discharged from both branches. Ed was an aviation electronics technician, serving in various locations including Bermuda. After his military service, Edward attended the University of Illinois and worked for Motorola. He married Patricia A. Coughlin on October 24, 1959. They recently celebrated 58 years of marriage. Edward continued his education at the Illinois Institute of Technology, obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree after ten years of night school. He accomplished this while working full time and juggling the demands of family life and raising children. In 1970, Edward moved his family to Vancouver, WA. and took a job as a research physicist with Crown Zellerbach Paper Company in Camas, WA. His employment there spanned 16 years, and in that time, he helped develop many patents with his boss that greatly benefited the pulp and paper industry. During retirement, Ed enjoyed playing in the Sr. bowling league with his wife, and working on writing his book. He also found pleasure in repairing and fixing all kinds of things - everything from watches to electrical appliances to TVs. He was lovingly known by family and friends as Mr. Fix-it. Ed also enjoyed watching tennis and bowling. Ed was an active member of Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church. Ed is survived by his wife of 58 years, Pat, his children: Michael Wolthausen, Pam Ickert (Mark), Karl Wolthausen (Wendy), as well as eight grandchildren: Rachel, Makayla, Cole, Austin, Parker, Jenay, Abby and Cole#2, and three great grandchildren: Grayson, Noelle and Ava. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews who affectionately knew him as Uncle Joe. A memorial service will be held at Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church on Saturday December 9th at 1:00pm. A light reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in Eds honor to the Alzheimers Assoc. of WA. or the Disabled Veterans.

Edward Claire Wolthausen

February 14, 1931 - November 23, 2017