Delbert Ray Wolthausen

Delbert Ray Wolthausen, died on March 31, 2016 at Crescent Health Care in Yakima, Washington in the presence of his wife of 24 years, Marie Wolthausen. He was born on November 22, 1925 in Yakima, Washington at St. Elizabeth Hospital to Edwin and Anna Wolthausen. Del grew up on an apple ranch and attended school in Tieton, Washington.

When he completed high school Del decided to accept an apprenticeship as an electrician at Picatti Brothers in Yakima, Washington. Following his apprenticeship he chose to continue to work for Picatti Brothers as an industrial electrician for 38 years, until his retirement in 1984 to care for his parents.

Del enjoyed many interests outside of work. He loved riding his big Harley Davidson with his many pals. He collected cars and possessed a great intellect for keeping them working. He loved figuring out how things worked, inventing new things, and developing new ways to make things work better. He was passionate about the outdoors and enjoyed hiking and fishing the high lakes with his father. He participated in the ambassadorial program sponsored by the People to People Organization established by President Eisenhower. As a member he traveled the world meeting other electrical engineers in the countries they visited and learning about the way they lived and worked. Traveling gave Del an opportunity to learn about different societies and practice photography which was another of his interests.

Del was a bachelor for 65 years until 1991 when he married Marie Radford also from Tieton, Washington. Their wedding ceremony was performed by both a Methodist Minister and a Catholic Priest. Del was a member of the Highland United Methodist Church since childhood until it closed in 2012. Del and Marie were married for 24 years during which time they continued to live in the Tieton community. They enjoyed traveling as a couple, frequently visiting the islands of Hawaii.

He is survived by his wife Marie Radford Wolthausen, his step daughter Barbara Radford Purdom and her husband C.T. Purdom, his granddaughter Roxanne Purdom Kaufman and her husband Kurt Kaufman, and his great grandson Alexander Bigby as well as a number of cousins.

There is a time of visitation from 4-8 pm, Thursday, April 7, 2016 at Keith and Keith Funeral Home.

A Funeral Service is planned for Friday, April 8, at 10 am, also at Keith and Keith Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at West Hills Memorial Park.

To share a memory of Del, please go to www.keithandkeith.com.