Ronald Anthony Adenau's Obituary
Ronald Anthony Adenau died on August 10, 2008 at his home in St. Helens, Oregon at the age of 71. He was born in Chicago, Illinois at Cook County Hospital on June 27, 1937 to Francis & Marie Dawson Adenau.
When he was 17 he joined the US Navy and served in the Korean conflict. In 19057 he was stationed in Astoria, Oregon and was introduced to Jean Ann Zielaskowski and married her on June 7, 1958. They remained in St. Helens their whole married life, just celebrating their 50th wedding anniversity this year.
He worked at the paper mill in St. Helens for 31 years, retiring in 1988 due to a massive stroke.
During those first 31 years he also worked at George Richardson's gas station, logging, Richardson's Furniture delivering furniture, and donating 30 years of service to St. Frederic's Catholic School and Church helping in maintenance and serving on the administrative council. He was a lifetime memeber of the Knights of Columbus. He loved working on lawn mowers, small engines and cars. He enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting for ducks, but spending time with his family was what he enjoyed the most.
After partially recovering from his stroke, he and his wife started working with small wood scroll-saw projects, making it an enjoyable hobby that they coudl do together overcoming their combined right hand handicaps. They gave away a lot of their projects, and then went to bazaars to sell their works of art. I brought them many hours and years of fun and togetherness.
He is survived by his wife: Jean Ann of St. Helens; Daughters: Mary Burgess-Freeman of St. Helens; Peggy Kent of Columbia City; Karen Miller of Scappoose; Sandra Byers of Longview, WA.; and son Michael Adenau of Warren, OR.; Brothers: Francis of Escanaba, MI.; Marvin of Wadsworth, IL.; and a sister: Susan Hendle of Tarpon Springs, Florida. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Dennis; and two infant sisters; Mary & Judith.
Viewing & Visitation: 9-5 at Columbia Funeral Home
Recitation of the Rosary: 10:30 AM Thursday, August 14, 2008 followed by a Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Frederic Catholic Church in St. Helens.
Committal service & interment: Columbia Memorial Gardens-Scappoose, OR.
Memorial contributions may be made to Legacy Hospice Services: Good Samaritan Foundation, P.O. Box 4484 Portland, Oregon 97208 and to St. Frederic Catholic Church.
on-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.columbiafh.com
Columbia Funeral Home-Directors
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