Bill Schlagel

January 22, 1929 – July 26, 2018

Bill Schlagel passed away July 26, 2018 at his home in Othello, Wash. with his family by his side.

He was born Jan. 22, 1929 in Yakima, Wash. to Walter and Alma (Hollingsworth) Schlagel. He graduated from Yakima High School in 1948, where he was in all-state selection for football and baseball his senior year. He then graduated from Yakima Valley College in 1950 and went on to serve in the Coast Guard.

Bill met his wife Joanna in 1953. On Nov. 27, 1954, they were married in Yakima, where they lived until they moved to Othello in 1957 where they made their home for 51 years. They raised three children, Greg, Terri, and Donnie.

In 1954, Bill started selling sprinkler irrigation equipment for various companies until his retirement in 1995. He also worked in land development, and continued running an orchard after retiring from irrigation sales. He served as Adams County commissioner from 1992 to 2000. He was an avid water skier, loved to go camping and followed all his grandchildren’s sports activities. He loved all the holidays when the entire family would get together and spend time with each other.

He is survived by his children Greg (Ruthann) Schlagel, Terri (Greg) Couette, and Donald (Frances) Schlagel; grandchildren and great-grandchildren Jason, Leah and their son Jase, Kylee and her children Cyris, Olyviah and Emmitt, Devan, Kennady Schlagel, Alex, Nina, Heather, Josh Couette, Joseph Fasching and his daughter Scarlett, Justin, Brandon and Sara Schlagel; numerous nieces and nephews; his in-laws, and his companion Dorothy Schoeppach. His wife, parents and two brothers preceded him in death.

A final visitation will be held at Stevens Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. A service will be held Thursday, Aug. 2 at the Othello Nazarene Church at noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to cancer research or any non-profits supporting cancer.