John Joseph Vlastelicia Jr's Obituary
“Loving Memories Last Forever”
John Joseph Vlastelicia Jr. passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023, with his family by his side. John was born on August 27, 1935, in Astoria, Oregon, to John and Velma Vlastelicia. He grew up in the fishing and logging towns of Clifton and Knappa-Svensen, Oregon, where as a sophomore in high school he met the love of his life, Charlotte Kivisto. They married in 1956, raised 5 children and enjoyed 14 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
John went on to college and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University in 1957. After graduation, he went to work for the Corps of Engineers in Portland, Oregon, in their water quality department and ultimately the Environmental Protection Agency. John worked his way up and for 12 years was the Director of Oregon Operations for the EPA and was often seen on TV being interviewed by news reporters. John left the EPA in 1984 to work in the private sector as a waterway consultant with Portland-based Ogden Beeman & Associates. After retirement in 2000, John spent time with his large family, with friends, and working on his gentleman’s farm in Scappoose, Oregon. Leaning on his childhood roots on the lower Columbia River - and with 40 years of water quality education and experience - he also became a passionate and formidable voice for protecting this resource.
John is survived by his 5 children, Susie (Doug), Karen (Delbert), Joe (Jeanni), Dan (Karen) and John (Tess), and his sister Alta Goertzen. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Charlotte, and his sister Janice Bechtolt.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Scappoose, Oregon, at 11:00 am on Friday, December 29, 2023. The family invites you to join them afterward at the St. Wenceslaus Event Hall for refreshments and sharing memories of John.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice that supports families, peace, and protecting the Columbia River.
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