Lena Dahms

1945 - 2023

Lena Dahms
October 30, 1945 - July 17, 2023
Vancouver, Washington - Lena Victoria Dahms was born October 30, 1945, in Boise, Idaho to Steve Oreskovich and Tomasa Erquiaga. Lena's father Steve died on February 13, 1945, in an accident on the Portland, OR shipyards. Lena passed away on July 17, 2023, after a long battle with heart disease. Lena's mother married Andrew Erquiaga on April 16, 1955, and on August 29,1955, Andrew adopted Lena. Andrew was a wonderful father to her. Lena was proud of her Basque and Croatian heritage. She graduated in 1963 from St. Theresa's Academy in Boise, Idaho. Lena attended Boise State University. Lena worked for the Idaho Statesman until she became a stay at home. In early 1968, Lena met Vernon "Mick" Dahms and they married on September 28, 1968. They were married for 49 years, and they had two daughters, Jennifer Wolfe and Andrea Foskett. Lena's husband, Mick became interested in making and flying kites. He started his kitemaking journey and Lena was along for the ride. In 1987 Lena and Mick were founding members of the KGB (Kite Group of Boise) with their kitemaking friends. Lena enjoyed going to kite workshops with Mick at Fort Worden, WA and Long Beach, WA. Until her later years, Lena loved to travel to Kite Festivals around the Northwest.
In 1996 Lena and her husband Mick and their daughter, Andrea moved to Vancouver, WA. Lena was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She was Mick's co-pilot and navigator on family vacations before the internet and GPS. Lena taught her daughters to cook by giving them space to try what they wanted in the kitchen if they cleaned up their mess. She loved her Boston terrier, Pupper. Her great joy was becoming a grandmother and spending time with her grandchildren. Lena was also a woman of Faith belonged to St. John the Evangelist parish in Vancouver, WA.
Lena Dahms is survived by her daughters Jennifer (Chris)Wolfe, Andrea (Tim)Foskett and 3 grandchildren, Thomas Wolfe, Timothy Foskett, and Maria Foskett. Lena is preceded in death by her husband Mick Dahms, parents, Tomasa Erquiaga, Andrew Erquiaga, and Steve Oreskovich.
Lena's family suggests in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Heart Association or St. Vincent DePaul Society or a favorite charity.
A funeral service will be held on August 12, 2023, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8701 NE 119th Street, Vancouver, WA at 11:00 a.m.