Joe E. Loose, Sr. was born in Chicago in 1929, and passed away peacefully after a long illness on June 8, 2016.

A child of the great depression, Joe moved with his family to Kenosha, Wis. and then to Rogersville, Miss. where his father managed the West Ranch. He played varsity basketball before leaving high school to help support the family.

Joe was officiating basketball when he met his sweetheart, Wreathel Bowers, and they married in 1950. He served in the United States Army, and was a veteran of the Korean War. Upon his return, Joe and Wreathel settled in Oroville, Wash. where they raised their children Leann and Joe, Jr. (J).

Joe planted apple trees and became foreman of an orchard before owning the Shell station. He sold cars and managed Golden Auto Parts; cars were his passion. He polished and pampered them, sometimes driving several different cars in a single day. Joe’s Christmas decorations were legendary, their home a beacon visible blocks away during the holidays. In retirement he cultivated roses and worked with Wreathel in the Grange Insurance agency.

Joe served his community in the Oroville Volunteer Fire Department, was Master of the Oroville Grange, and was always present to lend dignity to American Legion ceremonies. He helped create Friends of the Cemetery, and in times of need he could be counted on to quietly lend a hand.

Visiting hours are 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, at Bergh Funeral Home, with funeral services there at 10 a.m. on June 22, followed by a Military graveside service at 11 a.m. Memorial tributes may be made to North Valley Hospital District Extended Care Activities. Please mark checks “Donation.”

Bergh Funeral Service of Oroville is in care of arrangements.