William Henry Jondrow

William Henry Jondrow, just shy of his 100th birthday, passed peacefully into his heavenly home at Lydia's House of the Mennonite Village in Albany, where for four years he had lived and been lovingly cared for. He was born in Livingston, Montana, the only child of Henry James and Wilhelmina "Minnie" (Hruza) Jondrow. His happy childhood was spent with his beloved cousins, Willetta Reber and William Hruza, as well as influential uncles, aunts, cousins and devoted parents. He loved to fish western Montana spring-creeks and rivers, and hunted birds and other game in the surrounding countryside. He was an adept fly-fisherman who patiently taught others. He played piano, was in a High School jazz band, sang for many years in church choir, and was a regular at the Yellowstone Park Lodge fixing the big clock. After graduating from Park County High School in 1934, Bill went to Peoria, IL where he completed the course for engraving, jewelry, and watch repair at Bradley Polytechnic. He first worked for a jeweler in Racine, WI before returning to Livingston where he joined in partnership with A.P. Lytle. He soon became sole owner of Jondrow Jewelry. When Pearl Harbor shifted his priorities, his mother, Minnie, and devoted employee, Dorothy Barber, ran the store while he served his country in the Army Air Force from 1942–1945. Military life began at Sheppard Field, TX, then Bill studied as an air mechanic at Lincoln Aeronautical Institute (NE), eventually being reassigned to Sioux City, IA Army Air Base as Administrative Personnel to meet the greater need. He progressed from buck private to sergeant... to warrant officer before leaving for 15th Wing Headquarters in Boise, ID (where he met his sweetheart); eventually going overseas to Saipan, Marianis Islands, with the new B-29's in the 17th Wing Headquarters Inspection Section. His duty on the island lasted one and one-half years before he was honorably discharged after the war ended. Bill returned home for Christmas and married his pen-pal sweetheart, Dorothy Holt Dorsey, on December 27, 1945 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Livingston. They settled in Livingston for the next 17 years while he ran his jewelry store and where all five of their children were born. They were married 59 years before Dorothy passed away. In 1962 the family moved to Albany, OR where Bill initially partnered in French's Jewelers, then managed Konick's in Corvallis. After owning another store for a time, Bill retired from retail to focus on designing and making custom jewelry and teaching aspects of the craft. He was a master craftsman who could make nearly any tool needed, and who delighted in tinkering in his workroom as much as he enjoyed casting a hand-tied fly into a stream. He is remembered as a kind and generous man always willing to help others, well-mannered and respectful, loving to and loved by his family and friends, one who delighted in animals and outdoor adventures. With faith, fortitude, personal responsibility and honor he represented "the Greatest Generation" well! Bill was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, a God-fearing man of integrity, active in choir, Knights of Columbus, the Soup Kitchen, and as a lay communicant. His dear friends, the Mills, consistently took him to church after he quit driving. In his last years, he was cared for in his home by family and several supportive, loving caregivers before he found a new home at Lydia's House. His welcome smile, hugs, teasing, and characteristic wink will be greatly missed! Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Dorothy. He is survived by his children: Bill Jr. of Albany, Jeanine (George) Young of Philomath, Timothy (Diane) of Corvallis, Michael (Tanya) of Portland, and Michelle (Dennis) Schultz of Corvallis; his grandchildren: Jeremy (Cera) Jondrow with great grandson, Callan, and Alyssa (Nate) Wagner with great grandson, Lucas; his step-granddaughter, Symone, and several out-of-state Jondrow and Hruza cousins. Fisher Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A memorial service will be held at Albany's Mennonite Village Lakeside Center, Saturday, August 15 at 11:00 am.