Dennis Bluhm

Dennis Monroe Bluhm, 64, of Joseph, Oregon passed away peacefully on March 26, 2018 at the V.A. Hospital in Portland, Oregon after a long courageous fight from heart disease with his longtime companion Patrecia Shanaman by his side. A Traditional Funeral Service will be Saturday, April 14, 2018~2pm at the Oregon National Guard Armory, 404 S. 12th St. in La Grande, Oregon. Interment to follow at Grandview Cemetery in La Grande, Oregon. Friends are invited to join the family for a potluck reception to be held following the interment at the American Legion Hall 301 Fir Street in La Grande, Oregon.

Dennis Monroe Bluhm was born on September 15, 1953 at Saint Anthony Hospital in Pendleton, Oregon to Alfred and Dolly  Jean(Hendrix) Bluhm. Dennis lived in Pendleton, Oregon until 1957 when his family moved to Halfway, Oregon. He grew up and attended school in Halfway, Oregon 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, Oregon.

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

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

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, Oregon. His two girls were his greatest joy and he treasured being with them, as they were his pride and joy. 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, Oregon on the Oregon Coast for several years and while there he worked at the Chinook Winds Hotel and Casino in Lincoln city, Oregon. When his illness got worse he retired and went to The Dalles, Oregon. He retired to enjoy the time he had left with his girls and companion Patrecia and his family.

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 Smith of Spokane, WA and Lacey Bluhm of La Grande, Oregon; sister Rosemarie (Bluhm) Caudle and brother –in- law Jim Caudle of Kennewick, WA, Sister in law Cheryl Bluhm of Elgin Oregon; nephew James Bluhm of Elgin, Oregon, great nephew Cameron Bluhm of Lakewood Washington; 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 Washington; step Brothers and sisters Dolly , Dan , Judy , Vicki and Bill a special cousin Jim Hendrix III and other cousins and relatives and MANY friends.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Dennis the family suggests either The Wounded Warriors Project, VFW Post Union, Oregon, Diabetes Foundation or the American Heart Association through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online Condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com