Joseph Van Buren passed on September 14, 2020 at the age of 88.
Joe is survived by 9 children, 23 grandchildren, 20 great grands and 6 great-great grandchildren.
Joe was born in Omaha, Nebraska but traveled to Oregon when he was three. He tells the story of peeing in a Coke Bottle and heating beans on the radiator as they traveled.
He graduated from Central Catholic, class of ’51. He married Nancy in 1952. He was preceded in death by his darling wife in 1971.
Joe worked for the Fire Department on the line at District 9 and 10 and was Fire Apparatus Super Attendant until he retired in 1985 from Portland Fire Department. He then worked as an EMT for the dog tracks. He volunteered at Meals on Wheels five days a week helping with the “old folks” and doing repairs until he was 86 years young.
He had a fun and productive life and no one was a stranger to him. He loved to talk to everyone. I am sure he knows everyone in heaven and is up there dancing with Mom (Nancy).
A celebration of life open house will be from 1-5p.m., Friday, October 16, 2020 at Gresham Memorial Chapel, following Covid 19 protocol. The family suggest contributions in Joe’s memory to Meals on Wheels.
Condolences(5) 
Previous Michael G. Ryan Next Carol Vavrek
Dawn Rybloom says
September 18, 2020 at 3:04 pmSo very sorry. Thank you for helping me with my children when they were young. Your help was never forgotten and much appreciated.
Bob Sopke says
October 2, 2020 at 10:46 amWe always enjoyed coffee and bagels with Joe after Sunday Mass. He was a wonderful person and he did love to talk. He told some great stories about family and restoring cars etc. He will be missed!
jo van buren says
October 28, 2020 at 8:41 amBob, thank you for your condolences. Yes, he was a talker and had done so many things.
They were all true. He could repair anything and would try anything.
Carrie says
October 14, 2020 at 2:13 pmWhat a blessing to get to know Joe these past two years. I loved his stories and his love for people. I’ll never forget his teasing about me driving a Lexus! <3
jo van buren says
October 28, 2020 at 8:38 amThank you Carrie! Yes he loved to tease the Lexes Lady! Thanks for being so good to him. and the last time he had Butter Brickle Ice Cream, It was you that got it for him! Thanks so much!