Extracted from The Central Oregonian (Prineville, OR)
Joseph Joe Lilze
Joseph “Joe” Preston Lilze, a Prineville resident, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011. He was 85 years old.
At his request no public services will be held.
Joe was born in Walker County, Alabama on Sept. 4, 1925 to Jess Rathbone and Mae Belle (Comer) Lilze.
Joe served in the U.S. Army, during World War II, serving in Rhineland (Central Europe). His citations include European, African, and Middle Eastern Service Medal with two Bronze Stars.
He married Margaret Lowrey in Alabama on Jan. 28, 1949. They moved to Utah in 1949 where he worked as a coal miner. Then in 1962 they moved to McKinleyville, Calif. and later Eureka, Calif.
Joe worked for W. S. Plywood and Hilfiker Pipe Co. and Louisiana Pacific (G.P.) Lumber Mill.
Then they moved to Redding Calif., then to Colorado.
He moved to Prineville in late 1998. He was an active member of the V.F.W. Post # 1872, Redwood Empire.
Joe loved the outdoors, cutting wood, fishing, and hunting.
Joe is survived by his sons, Larry and his wife Connie of Medford, Ore., Harry and his wife Ginger of Caddo Mills, Texas, Bill and his wife Angie of Prineville, and Tommy and his wife, Ginny of Primrose, Colo.; daughters, Syl and her husband Ken White of Central Point, Ore., Nettie and her husband Dave Fuller of Hamilton, Mont., Alice and her husband Jeff Orcutt of Central Point, Ore., and Tammy and her husband Jeff McNeil of Chehalis, Wash.; 24 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife in 1982, one great-grandson, two brothers, and one sister.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pioneer Memorial Hospice; 1201 NE Elm St. Prineville, OR 97754.
Arrangements are in the care of the Prineville Funeral Home.
Saturday, January 22, 2011