Gerald "Joe" Ray Proebstel

Gerald R. “Joe” Proebstel of Stanfield, Oregon, was born on January 23, 1935 in Orchards, Washington to parents, Ellis and Elizabeth Dubach Proebstel. He died on April 19, 2018 in Walla Walla, Washington at the age of 83 years. Joe was raised in the Portland, Oregon area before joining the United States Navy. He served during Korea and after a 28 year career he retired as a Chief Hull Tech. While in the Navy Joe served on several vessels and bases, including the USS Los Angels (CA-135), USS Naval Station in Pearl Harbor, HI, USS Naval Air Training Command in Kingsville, TX, USS Fulton AS11, New London, CT, USS Simon Lake Plank owner Scotland, USS Ashland LSD, Norfolk, VA, Naval and active ship maintenance facility, Bremerton, Washington and was stationed at the Naval base in San Diego, California. He was a member of Seabee 10 in Port Hueneme California where he was chosen to serve with a select team in Palau.

Joe was united in marriage to Patricia G. Ross on September 15, 1955 in West Linn, Oregon. After Joe retired from the Navy, they lived in Parkdale, Oregon from 1978 until moving to Stanfield, Oregon in 1983 where they have lived since. Joe worked as a mechanic for Lamb Weston until he retired in 2000. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Fleet Reserves. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, his hobby farm, playing cards and watching horse racing. He cherished spending time with his grandchildren at their sporting events and other activities. 

He is survived by his wife: Pat Proebstel, Stanfield, OR; daughters: Gayle Hamner (Rex), Pinedale, WY, Carolyn Papineau (Jay), Lexington, OR, Janet Herbes (Mike), Union, OR; sons: James Proebstel (Cindy), Portland, OR, Bill Escobar (Laura), Camarillo, CA; 14 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, a brother: Miles and 2 sisters: Arlie and Violet.   

A graveside funeral service with military honors will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at the Pleasant View Cemetery, Stanfield, Oregon.

Those who wish may make contributions in Joe’s memory to a charity of your choice.

Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements. 

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