Joseph Edward Ferlan

Joseph Ferlan, 92, passed away with his loving wife, Tillie, at his side on Sunday, December 30, 2012, at home on the same Maple Grove area property where he was born February 24, 1920. The youngest son of Frank and Mary Ferlan, he lived his entire life on this land which his immigrant parents homesteaded; leaving home only during WWII to serve his country in central Europe as a medic and ambulance driver. Joe was a lifelong member and one of the last remaining original builders of St. James Catholic Church in Molalla. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman and pinochle player; loves that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Besides farming the home place and managing its timber stands, Joe drove school bus for 28 years for Maple Grove school, a one room school he and his children all attended. It has been said he was the best Santa the school ever had during all those years. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Tillie; his 4 children Janice Schaefer (Bob), Shirley Wyland (Rocky), Steve (Claire), and Sharon Mathies (Michael); 17 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Mantie; brothers, Tony and Frank Ferlan; and grandson Doug Ferlan. His love and the way he lived his life are a wonderful example for us all, and he will be greatly missed. A Rosary will held on Thursday, January 3rd, at St James Church in Molalla at 7:00 pm. Funeral service will be Friday, January 4th, at 11:00 am at St. James Church. Bequests and donations in Joe’s name can be made to St. James Building Fund or Willamette Valley Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to Molalla Funeral Chapel.