Bluhm

Dennis Bluhm

Sept. 15, 1953 –– March 26, 2018

Dennis Monroe Bluhm, 64, of Joseph passed away peacefully at the V.A. Hospital in Portland after a long courageous fight from heart disease with his longtime companion Patrecia Shanaman by his side.

A traditional funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at the Oregon National Guard Armory, 404 S. 12th St., La Grande. Interment to follow at Grandview Cemetery in La Grande. Friends are invited to join the family for a potluck reception following the interment at the American Legion Hall, 301 Fir Street, La Grande.

Dennis was born on at Saint Anthony Hospital in Pendleton to Alfred and Dolly Jean(Hendrix) Bluhm. He lived in Pendleton until 1957 when his family moved to Halfway. He grew up and attended school in Halfway through the 9th grade.

He was very close with his older brother David and younger sister Rosemarie and shared a special bond. In 1969, he and his family moved to La Grande.

While in High School he worked at a local service station. In 1972, he graduated from La Grande High School and joined the Army and Oregon National Guard. He served the Oregon National Guard for 27 years attaining the rank of E-5 Sergeant and working as a tank mechanic.

His trained occupation was a diesel mechanic. Dennis worked for Boise Cascade trucking for several years in La Grande and the U.S. Forest Service. In later years, he worked at Chinook Winds hotel and casino in Lincoln City, Ore.

Dennis lived in many places around Oregon including La Grande, Halfway, Pendleton, Beaver, and Hermiston; however, the Dallas and Joseph were his homes the last several years.

In 1978, Dennis married Bonnie (Nelson) Bluhm. Together, they had two daughters; Lisa born in 1978 and Lacey born 1982. They were married for 11 years and later divorced.

For many years Dennis and his longtime companion Patrecia lived between Joseph, the Oregon coast and The Dalles. His two girls were his greatest joy and he treasured being with them. Dennis cherished the outdoors and was an avid fishermen and hunter. He loved to travel, collect rocks, being on the Oregon coast and spending time with his girls. He also enjoyed wood working and making things.

He lived in Beaver, Ore., on the coast for several years and while there he worked at the Chinook Winds. When his illness got worse, he retired and went to The Dalles. Army values describe Dennis best; Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage.

He is preceded to death by his parents Alfred and Dolly Jean Bluhm, brother David Bluhm, step father Paul Tate and many other relatives.

Dennis is survived by daughters: Lisa (Bluhm) Smith and son- in- law Chris of Spokane, and Lacey Bluhm of La Grande; sister Rosemarie (Bluhm) Caudle and brother–in-law Jim Caudle of Kennewick, Wash., sister-in-law Cheryl Bluhm of Elgin, nephew James Bluhm of Elgin, great nephew Cameron Bluhm of Lakewood, Wash., companion Patricia (Pat) Schanaman of 25 years and her daughter Pattilynn and grandsons Aaron and Andrew; Aunt Skip (Ora) and Uncle David Romine of Clarkston, Wash., step brothers and sisters Dolly, Dan, Judy, Vicki and Bill, a special cousin Jim Hendrix III and other cousins and relatives and many friends.

Memorial donations may go to The Wounded Warriors Project, VFW Post Union, Ore., Diabetes Foundation or the American Heart Association through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.O. Box 543, Halfway OR 97834. Online condolences may be shared attamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com.