William John Jelinek's Obituary
William J. Jelinek was born on February 7, 1921 in Valentine, Nebraska to Lawrence & Mina Newcomb Jelinek.
He died at his home in St. Helens on March 8, 2010 at the age of 89.
William lived on a farm with his parents and 3 siblings until they sold the farm and moved to Estacada. He attended 3 years of school in Estacada and did not graduated due to a broken neck and body cast in his last year. They were moving to Northern Idaho when they stopped in Hermiston, OR. and it was similar to Nebraska and never left. He became interested in repairing anything mechnical. He eventually joined the 3C's two times. After the 3C's and he worked for the government motor pool in Hermiston. He was drafted into the Army in the motor pool as well.
After the war he drove truck for awhile and went back to his mechanical abilities working at Jefferson High Garage in N. Portland. Later he worked in Vancouver and later bought the business naming it Bill's Repair, repairing thousand of cars in the next 50+ years.
He married Dorothy May Carlson in 1953 and she helped to run the business. They built a family together of 3 children. They lived in Vancouver, WA., Portland, Rainier and to St. Helens in 2000 until present.
Bill joined the Multnomah Co. Sheriff's Reserve in 1955 until 1961. He was also an accomplished scuba diver and a member of the Oregon Sealions. In 1959 he joined the Multnomah Co. Search & Rescue Team diving for the the Rose Cup Races in the early '60's and searches for missing people in the Columbia River.
He also enjoyed ham radio operating. He did so much more in his life that it all can't be told.
Survivors include: Wife: Dorothy May Jelinek of St. Helens; 3 children: John & William Jelinek both of St. Helens; Jean Ann Smith; of Vancouver, WA.; 4 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.
Viewing & Visitation: Thursday March 11, 2010 3-5 at Columbia Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Diabetes Association.
on-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.columbiafh.com
Columbia Funeral Home-Directors
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