SALLENG, WILLIAM R.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska to Roy and Grace Salleng, Bill [December 16, 1923 – September 27, 2017] is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Laverne Salleng, daughters, Marilyn Franc and Jennifer Salleng, sons, Larry White (Sheila) and Kevin White, and daughter-in-law, Donna White, 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren. Bill grew up a farm boy near Rosebud, South Dakota till age 13, then moved to Woodland, California. At 17 he volunteered for the Marine Corps and served as a Raider in WWII South Pacific as a master sergeant and platoon leader. He re-enlisted and served during the Korean Conflict, He was a lifelong Mason. Bill came to Oregon in 1946 to log in Powers. He spent his life in Oregon and Alaska logging and road building and was still splitting fire wood at age 89. He could build anything from a multi-floored shop to wooden wine glasses on a lathe. He had a photographic memory for people and places during his 93 years and was an excellent storyteller. He had great strength, drive and determination. All work and no play, if he didn’t like you, he told you so. If he didn’t think you were doing something right, he’d show you how to do it “right.” He will be dearly missed.

We wish to thank the Signature Hospice staff, Colleen, Scott, Nicole, Heather, John and Kathleen. Also Shirley’s nighttime angels, Jeanette, Denise and Diane. And a special thank you to Dr. John Haines and his wife.

Visitation will be held on October l0, 20l7 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Smith Lund Mills Funeral Chapel, 123 S. 7th St., Cottage Grove, OR 97424. Funeral Services and Reception will be held on October 11, 2017, at 10 a.m. at Masonic Lodge #51, 33322 Row River Rd, Cottage Grove, OR 97424. Interment will be at the Roseburg National Cemetery Annex in Roseburg. Arrangements by Smith Lund Mills Funeral Chapel, Cottage Grove.