Joel Bekowies

Joel Paul Bekowies, 69, died of complications to cancer on February

6, 2019, in his home in La Grande, Oregon.

     Joel graduated from Lake Oswego High School in 1967, but lived in

La Grande most of his life. He graduated with honors from EOU in 2002.

Joel worked with his grandfather on the family farm for years in the Grande

Ronde Valley. In more recent years he enjoyed being on the hospitality team

at Denny’s restaurant. Joel was an artist and an author. He raised beautiful

houseplants and loved to pick mushrooms with his friends.

     He was preceded in death by his grandparents Paul and Bertha

Knautz of La Grande; his mother Lillian Bekowies of Spokane; and his

father Helmuth Bekowies of West Linn, OR.

     Joel is survived by his sister Karla Maughan of Spokane Valley, WA;

his daughter Allysa Lambert; his son Jeremy Joel Shankel; his daughter

Jennifer Wilson; his daughter Lillian Wilson; grandchildren, great-

grandchildren, and nieces Sherrill Van Zante of Lewiston, Bonnie Gellatly

and Trish Hansen, both of Spokane.

     A memorial for Joel will be held in the

Spring.  On line condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com