Veral Harry Blunck

He grew up in the Beaverton area and attended Roosevelt High School. After high school Veral first drove a milk truck and then later drove buses and electric trolleys for Portland Traction before entering the Army. During WWII Veral served in the Northern Solomons and Southern Philippines and received the Purple Heart. After the war he remained with the National Guard, retiring in 1976, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4th Class.

In 1973 Veral married the love of his life, Lois Corley. Together they enjoyed playing in pool tournaments, cribbage with friends and train trips to San Diego and New Orleans as well as trips to Bellville, Kansas for the National Midget Auto Racing Championships. He also loved to sing and play the piano. In 1980 they joined Milwaukie First Baptist Church and then Grace Point Community Church in Tigard.

After retiring from the National Guard Veral began driving school bus for North Clackamas School District and, later, Lake Oswego School District. He had fun participating in the annual School Bus Rodeos, winning many in North Clackamas and one State Rodeo. When asked his age by the children, he simply responded, “If I told you, you would walk home.” Veral retired from driving school bus at the age of 72.

Veral will be remembered by his wife, Lois; children from his first marriage, Pauline, Edward and Jeff Blunck; step-son, Jerry Corley; adopted daughter, Jaimie Hileman; brother, Allen Blunck; grandchildren, Alex Blunck and Katelynn and Trystian Hileman. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Elvin “Al” Blunck, Walter Blunck; and sisters, Francis Bakke and Nealy Walbaum.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland.

A memorial gathering will be held at Grace Point Community Church, 11075 SW Gaarde Street, Tigard, from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30th. Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR.