Earl Sass

Earl Franklin Sass, age 83, of Portland, OR died July 9, 2016 at home after an almost year-long battle with cancer. A memorial celebration was held Saturday, July 23 at Lynchwood Christian Church in Portland, OR.

Earl was born June 28, 1933 in Waukon to Charles V. and Eugenia (Ralston) Sass; he was the oldest of eight children. Earl graduated from Waukon High School in 1951. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served eight and a half years; he was stationed in Japan, Presque Isle, ME and Mountain Home, ID.

June 20, 1964, he married Evelyn Holderby in Nampa, ID; they recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. They moved to Portland, OR in 1967, where he worked as a truck mechanic for United Parcel Service, a position he held for 28 years. He was a member of Machinists' Union Local #1005 for 48 years.

After retirement in 1995, Earl volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels. He was a member of Lynchwood Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he volunteered countless hours. His hobbies were reading, oil painting and woodworking.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Marion, Harvy and Henry; and one sister, Eleanor Bruce. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; his sons, Eric (Chantelle) and Evan (Rona); seven grandchildren: Matthew, Alana, Zoey, Ian, Taylor, Keegan and Ryanne; his brothers, Lester (Lockie) of Waukon, Charles (Elisa) of Hacienda Heights, CA and Arthur (Phyllis) of Cresco; and his sisters-in-law: Betty Sass, Jean Clary, Sandy Hesse and Beverly Holderby.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Earl may be made to Lynchwood Christian Church, 3815 SE 174th, Portland, OR 97236.