Dec. 29, 1917-July 25, 2003

MILTON-FREEWATER – A memorial service for William J. “Bill” Krumbah, will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home in Milton-Freewater, with BPOE 2146 to conduct ritualistic services. Concluding service and inurnment will be at the Milton-Freewater Cemetery.

Mr. Krumbah, 85, of College Place, formerly of Milton-Freewater, died Friday, July 25, 2003, at Regency at the Park in College PLace.

He was born Dec. 29, 1917, at Walla Walla, to William J. and Mary E. Kelly Krumbah. He grew up at Umapine and attended local schools, graduating from Umapine High School in 1936. After graduating, he helped his father on the family farm.

On Dec. 29, 1939, he married Gertrude Sams at Lewiston, Idaho.

He joined the Navy and served for 31/2 years during World War II aboard the USS Crosby in the South Pacific. After his discharge, he returned to Umapine and operated the family farm until 1966 when he moved his family to Pendleton where he sold John Deere farm implements. In 1967, the family returned to Milton-Freewater where he sold automobiles for Pollard Motors and Dayl Graves Inc. From 1974 until 1977, he trained horses and from 1974 until 1976, he was racing secretary for the Walla Walla County Fair and Frontier Days. He was later employed by Brittainy Farms where he worked until his retirement in 1986.

His wife, Gertrude, died on July 27, 1988. On Feb. 14, 1989, he married Jewell Martin at Kennewick, Wash. The couple made their home in Milton-Freewater. His wife, Jewell, died on May 29, 2003.

Mr. Krumbah enjoyed traveling, hunting, rodeos, and attending the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Walla Walla post; the Pioneer Posse, and a life member of BPOE 2146.

Survivors include sons, Harley Krumbah of Pasco, Dan Krumbah of Graham, Wash., Russell Krumbah of Milton-Freewater, and Ed Krumbah of Kennewick; a daughter, Loy Hahn of Milton-Freewater; a stepson, Pat Martin of Milton-Freewater; a sister, Rowena Bostwick of Pendleton; 16 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, numerous stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.

Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home, 902 S. Main, Milton-Freewater, is in charge of arrangements.