William Wallace Ogdahl

February 3, 1945 - August 23, 2015

Wally lived as many in this life strive to, filled with laughter and a love of life that was infectious to all those around him. He governed himself by the motto that he shared and spoke of often, "It's pretty simple: Work Hard, Have Fun, Love Unconditionally." He was always brave, especially over the past six weeks as he battled aggressive cancer. He departed the same way he lived, on his terms, as he passed peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family.

Wally was born William Wallace Ogdahl to Ted and Jeane Ogdahl in Salem, Oregon. There he excelled in wrestling and football at South Salem High School and went on to Oregon State University, joining Phi Delta Theta fraternity and receiving two varsity letters for OSU's nationally ranked wrestling team. He made many life-long friends at OSU, including his wife of 45 years, Janet Field Ogdahl.

After OSU, Wally enlisted in the USMC Officer's Training Program and saw intense military action as a Forward Point Observer in Vietnam in 1969. There he earned a Bronze Star and retired with the rank of Captain. Wally once said that, "If he was going to serve, he was going to serve 110%." In everything he did, Wally had a plan and successfully completed it. While in the Marines he reconnected with his future wife, Janet Field.

Married and out of the service, Wally enrolled at the Willamette University School of Law in 1971. After graduating, he joined the law firm Bedingfield, Joelson, Barron and Gould in Coos Bay. A few years later he moved to Salem where he joined long time friend Paul Ferder to form a joint law practice. He continued to practice law in Salem for 37 years.

Living life to the fullest was something that Wally did effortlessly. He most enjoyed the OSU Beavers, the friends and community of Neskowin, golf adventures with buddies at Illahee, racquetball and workouts at the South Courthouse, dancing and parties, wild laughter, sharing memorable (often embellished) stories and life lessons, and mostly spending time with his family, especially his three grandsons.

Wally was particularly proud of his family, including son Toby (Elisha) Ogdahl and daughter Katy (Kelly) Naff and their grandchildren Jagger & Jett Ogdahl, and Orion Naff all of Salem. Wally is also survived by his brother Greg (Toni) Ogdahl of Salem and sister Tracey (Alex) Valley of Bend.

Graveside services will be shared with immediate family. A Celebration of Life will be hosted by his family in the theme of OSU Beavers first game of the season tailgater on September 4th at 12pm (time enough to still get to the game) at Illahee Hills Country Club.

Please email [email protected] for questions and more information.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Statesman Journal on Aug. 30, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for William Ogdahl

22 Entries

Virginia Grieve

August 24, 2020

He was a very nice man. It was very sad when he passed.

February 4, 2016

Wally and I shared school memories starting in the second grade at Mt. View Elementary School. We were part of a pilot program nicknamed the "Whiz Kids" where a small group of us got to participate in enrichment activities such as field trips. Wally and I were always rivals...it was a challenge to keep up with him with his quick wit and just plain "smarts". He was a true competitor. Condolences to his family. Ellen Gezelius

September 10, 2015

Janet, Greg and family:
I just learned of Wally's passing and Julie and I are in shock. This is a huge loss for everyone who always looked up to him...and everyone we knew at South Salem, the Phi Delt house, Oregon State and in Salem all looked at him as a giant He lived life to the fullest.
Craig and Julie Chambers

Mel Ulven

September 8, 2015

Could not be there today and just wanted to send a message.

My brother Terry and I were best friends with Wally and Greg at Mt View Grade School in West Salem and had many fine times together. I remember Wally pitching a blistering softball game against our arch rivalsBrush College School in the spring of 1956 (we won). A true friend well remembered even after all these years.

Melvin (Buzzy) Ulven

Michael A Parker

September 5, 2015

Wally, I have fond memories of Life at South Salem High School. Then later as my attorney.
I will miss you and your good council.

Michael A Parker

September 5, 2015

Mike Porter

September 4, 2015

To Janet, Greg and the family, thank you so much for today's "Tailgater" celebration. It was a great way to honor a life well lived. There was so much about today that was so like Wally. We are all honored and fortunate to have known him.
Mike "Mort" Porter, [email protected]

Susan Cox

September 4, 2015

Rick and I are so very sorry for your family's loss.

Carmel McClung

September 4, 2015

I met Wally while I was working at the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association in the 1980s. I always admired how much he loved life and seemed to enjoy everything he did. He always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

September 3, 2015

Fondest memories, being introduced with the Ogdahl brothers, Wally & Greg, at high school wrestling matches, a couple of class acts.

September 2, 2015

Wally...so remember you from our days at Mt. View Elementary School (in West Salem) and S. Salem HS....and your mom, Jean, and dad, Ted and sister Tracy and brother Greg,...God Bless,your presence will be missed....Karen Shrum (Thompson)

September 1, 2015

Wally, you were our attorney for so many years and I thank you for being so professional and always helpful in that regard but first and foremost, you were a good friend to our family. Whenever I think of you, it always brings a smile. You will be missed.

Affectionately,

Liz Nicholson Brooke

Jack Olson

August 31, 2015

Wally was a real nice guy. We were wrestling partners at OSU, so spent many hours wrestling each other. He will always be remembered.

Barb Walker

August 31, 2015

I will miss you making jokes at me as you always did! You brought laughter to me my entire life!

RIP my dear friend as you join Jeanne and Dot.

August 31, 2015

Wally was a good man. Whenever I was the opposing lawyer in a case I knew I could trust Wally and that he was a straight shooter who would do a great job for his client but would never cut any corners when it came to ethical conduct. The Marion Co. Bar has lost a true gentleman. I've known Wally since South Salem HS and was very sad to hear of his illness and passing. Go Beavers. Joe W. Much

Sheri Zellner

August 31, 2015

Some people are best described as bigger than life and that is certainly how I will always remember Wally. I was shocked and saddened to read of his passing. Peace to Janet, Toby and the whole family.

Alex Sifford

August 30, 2015

Wally was unique & yet classic! Big void yet big memories, all positive. My condolences to Janet and family members.

Marilyn (Miller) von Foerster

August 30, 2015

Always genuine and deeply caring. Always ready with humor. A dear friend to so many. We will all miss you. Thank you for sharing your life and spirit with us. It is here to stay.

Shannon Harp

August 30, 2015

I have worked with Wally for the past 26 years. I will miss his daily "good morning," his stories, his laugh, and our conversations about Beaver football and his grandsons. Peace to the Ogdahl family and Godspeed to Wally. He will be missed.

Virginia Webb

August 30, 2015

Bless u Wally. Now u travel to new adventures!! We will miss u. Such a nice man

Richard Yung

August 30, 2015

I was so sorry to hear about Wally. He was always a good friend to me growing up in Salem. As neighbor, a fellow Saxon, Beaver, and Phi Delt we shared many laughs.
I will be there in my Orange and Black!
Richard CK Yung

Bryan Arneson

August 30, 2015

Wally was a true gentlemen, always respectful, always warm, a joy to be around. My fondest memory is seeing him sitting on his deck in Neskowin drinking his coffee while reading the paper and watching his grandkids play. Your presence will always be felt on Yahmil Street. Love and prayers for all you.

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