Wally Risto

Wally Risto, born in Gravel Point, WA (Battle Ground, Hockinson area), May 19, 1910, died February 23, 2007. He was born to Oscar Wilho Risto and Hilda Koistinen. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Walfird Risto, Battle Ground, WA, Verner Risto, Modesto, CA, and Vive Risto, Studio City, CA; sister, Vienna Risto, Portland, OR; and daughter, Anne Marie Risto, Battle Ground, WA (1969). Survivors include his wife, Edna M. Risto, Battle Ground, WA; son, Donald Risto, Vancouver, WA; daughter, Elena Risto, Las Vegas, NV; and four grandchildren, Wendy Robson, Amanda Robson, Derik Robson and Eddie Risto. Wally lived all of his 96 years in Battle Ground, WA. A graduate of Battle Ground High School in 1928, he was a member of the high school baseball team and in 1933 tried out in San Diego for a major league team. He was accepted onto a New York Yankee Farm team. He returned home, however, to help his mother on the farm for the harvest season, and ended up pursuing his career in music. Wally met Edna Martenson in 1934 at a Grange Hall Dance in Venersborg, WA. He was the drummer and she was a piano player in her fathers band. They married September 15, 1942. He and his wife, Edna, worked their small farm near Gravel Point for 60 years raising sheep and hay. They sold the wool to Pendleton Woolen Mills for many years. In 1950, Wally went to work as a clerk in the feed department for Clark County Dairymen's Cooperative, which eventually became Agco, Inc. In 1956 he became the manager of the hardware store and continued in this position until his retirement in 1972. Wally was considered the man to call if your well pump, milking machine or other farm equipment needed replacement at a critical time. He would stay at work until the problem was solved. Wally was best known in Clark County for his dance band. He and Edna continued the family tradition of music and for over 60 years. You could hear them play their style of music (Big Band, Western Swing, and Scandanavian) in ballrooms, grange halls, private gatherings, senior retirement centers and nursing homes throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. In the early years they were known as Wally Risto's Orchestra. During the last 20 years they were most known as the Risto Kats. Many people over the years danced to the music of Wally Risto. Besides spending time with his family, Wally enjoyed visiting with people. After retirement, his family knew that if he set off for Battle Ground for the feed store they may not see him for several hours. His great love of baseball continued throughout his life, and he was an avid reader of baseball books. One of his favorite afternoons would be spent in front of the TV watching any baseball team. Graveside services will be held at Gravel Point Cemetery, Risto Rd and 194th Ave., on Saturday, March 3, 2007, at 2:00pm. A Reception will follow, at 3:00pm, at the Battle Ground Senior Center, 113 NE 3rd Ave., Battle Ground, WA. All are welcome to both functions. Sympathy cards can be sent to Layne's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 7, Battle Ground, WA 98604. Please make any donations to the charity of your choice.