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BORN
1942
DIED
2019
J. Droge Obituary
J. DEAN DROGE
June 15, 1942 ˜ August 31, 2019
J. Dean Droge, 77, returned to his heavenly home on August 31, 2019. His strong faith for the Lord and his love for his family supported him during this difficult time, giving him peace and comfort.
J. was born to the late Peter and Bertha Droge on June 15, 1942 in Whitehall, Montana. As the son of a Milwaukee Railroad Section Foreman he spent his early years on the railroad, sometimes even living in converted box cars.
J. was blessed with a close and loving family. He married his high school sweetheart, Nella Ruth VanDyken, on November 17, 1960, in Manhattan, Montana.
He graduated from Kinman Business University in Spokane, Washington in 1964 with a degree in Business Management.
J. and Nella raised three daughters, with love, patience and a strong faith in our Lord above.
J. loved the Lord; he attended Crossway Church in Battle Ground, Washington. J. also loved people.
His fifty-one year career in the printing and paper industry gave him many opportunities to meet and develop close, dear friends. J. continued to be involved in the paper industry even after retirement.
He could often be found on the golf course, on the river fishing, watching NASCAR or cheering on the COUGS. J. could strike up a conversation with a total stranger and instantly find something they had in common; he was genuinely interested in everyone with whom he was in contact. J. will be dearly missed by all.
J. is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Nella; his daughters, Pamela Carlile (David), Valorie Norwood (David) and Lisa McBride (Kim); his grandchildren, Jessica Carlile, Janel Thomas (Josiah), Haley Norwood, Jed McBride, Sara Norwood; and his 2 great-grandchildren, Jude Thomas (4) and Eva Thomas (2).
He was preceded in death by his brother, Alvin; his sister, JoAnn; and his parents.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday, September 20, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Landmark Church in Battle Ground, Washington, with a reception to follow. Pastor Brad Vos will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate J.’s life.
The family gratefully accepts prayers, condolences and memories on Facebook and asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the following organizations: The Kidney Cancer Association (www.kidneycancer.org) or The Eva Thomas Neonatal Equipment Fund (www.oceanbeachhospital.com/foundation)
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for J. Droge
James Shierman
October 4, 2019
I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I HEARD OF JAY'S PASSING. HE WAS MORE THAN A CLIENT BUT A FRIEND. I ALWAYS ENJOYED TALKING WITH HIM. I WILL MISS HIM.
Ron n Bev Hoekema
September 20, 2019
We love you all. Our hearts are broken over the loss of J. He was a kind and loving person. God be with you.
Bob & Dianne Brown
September 18, 2019
We are very sad to hear about J.'s passing. Bob worked with J at Graphic Arts Center in Portland for several years and remained friends since then. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers of sympathy go out to Nella and their family.
Sincerely, Bob and Dianne Brown
Denetta Brown
September 18, 2019
I knew J only as an acquaintance, but what a great guy... he brightened my day whenever I saw him!
Peggy & Art Iverson
September 17, 2019
I will surely miss J. He was my cousin and a good friend. When J and Nella first moved to Vancouver Nella would bring her 3 girls over for lunch and play time with my 2 girls. J always reminded me of my dad, as he looked like him and both had a great sense of humor. We now live in Texas so didn't get to see J and Nella as often as we would have liked to. Nella you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you
September 13, 2019
J. was a great person to know. I worked with him in the printing industry at GAC.
Susie Sartorius
Cyril Dodge
September 11, 2019
I am saddened that J has passed. I was honored to be one of his physicians for many years. He was a wonderful man. I especially liked his warm personality, keen mind and sense of humor. After I retired 3 years ago he took me fishing on the Columbia and although the fish were a "no show" the camaraderie will be long remembered. My sympathy to Nella and family.
Linda Skeens
September 10, 2019
I met J. and Nella At the national Jewish institute in Colorado four years ago. I was there to run tests on my lungs and Nella and I were placed in the same room together. J treated me just like I was his daughter and help me with all the nurses and doctors during my weeklong stay with him and Nella. I have remained in touch these last four years and was planning on meeting them this year. I think the Lord for letting me know such a wonderful man. I love you Nella.
Herb and Nita Fisher
September 10, 2019
Herb and Nita Fisher knew J. forever. We will miss him. He was a friend and classmate . He had a great sense of humor. Lots of memories from school days. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Judy Sallee Hiatt
September 9, 2019
J.Dean was a classmate and a kind and caring friend. He will be truly missed. I continue to hold Nella and all the family in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace and comfort through happy memories.
Lisa Hasart
September 9, 2019
What an exceptional and special man! Jay's love for his family was so clear to see and will no doubt live on in each and every one of them. A man of such strong faith will continue to be an inspiration to us. Love and blessings to Nella, Lisa, Pam, Val and all of the family.
Lisa & Mark Hasart
September 8, 2019
Best friend a person could ever have. Loving, caring, witty, and loved by everyone. A part of jay is still with us. I see a lot him in his wife, his daughters, and his grandkids. RIP my friend. I sure do miss him!
Terry Klein
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