William "Bill" Anton Vorisek

In Loving Memory William (Bill) A. Vorisek Bill was born on March 9, 1925 in Chicago to Anton and Elsie (Stehlik) Vorisek, and passed away above Chicago on October 18, 2013. He was one of four children, Gladys, Edward, and Elsie. He completed most of his formal education in Chicago before enlisting in the Army on August 10, 1943. While serving in the army, he was a member of the U.S. Army’s new amphibious forces - the 3rd Engineers Special Brigade and 288th Signal Company assigned in the south Pacific. As a member of the 288th, he and his company monitored and decoded Japanese communications while assigned to combat areas in New Guinea, Biak Island and the Philippines. His service earned him the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 4 Bronze Stars; the Philippine Liberation Medal; Good Conduct Medal; a Meritorious Unit Award; and a World War II Victory Medal. Bill was discharged on January 31, 1946. He became a HAM radio operator in 1948, and would spend many hours over the following 65 years checking in on the “net”. He helped to build the Yamhill County Emergency wireless radio system. On January 31, 1948, he married Dolores M. Kalbfleisch, and they made their home in Newberg. There they raised three children. Bill worked for the US Post Office in Newberg, where he walked city routes before switching to two rural routes until he took a medical retirement in 1970. In January of 1962, he became a member of the Newberg Masonic Lodge 104, and was awarded with a 50 year certificate last year. He was also a member of the George L. Wright VFW Post 4015. Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed spending time in his shop building things. He coached little league baseball; and ran the projectors at the Cameo, the Francis, and at the 99w Drive-In for Ted Francis; and was a part-time Farmers Insurance Agent. Although in failing health, especially since the passing of Dolores in 2010, he applied to and was accepted to take part in the Honor Flights of Oregon. He was very excited to see the World War II Memorial, but sadly, it was on the flight to the Memorial that he passed. Although his time with the other veterans on this trip was very short, their interaction brought him many bittersweet memories of those left behind during the war. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and his wife of 64 years. Those left to honor his memory are his children; David (Dori) Vorisek of Newberg; Wendy (Frank) Emrich of Pacific, WA; and Jill (Rick) Dorrell of Newberg; 8 grandchildren, and 13.5 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting remembrances be given to Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children or the Newberg Charitable Organization in his memory. Viewings will be held at Attrells on Thursday, October 31, from 10a to 5:30p, and Friday morning from 10a to 12p. Services will be held at Attrells on Friday, November 1, at 1pm; and a grave side military service will be held at Valley View Cemetery. A Reception will be held at the Grace Baptist Church.

William "Bill" Anton Vorisek

March 9, 1925 - October 18, 2013