Harry William Juul

May 12, 1936 - February 8, 2024

Harry William Juul, 87, of Turner, Oregon, passed away peacefully in the presence of loved ones on February 8, 2024, in Salem, Oregon.

Harry was born in Glasgow, Montana, to Harry Jens Juul and Vallerie (Juul) Dahlenburg on May 12, 1936. His family moved to Oregon in 1939, settling on a small farm outside of Turner, Oregon.

He attended what was then Salem High School until South Salem High School opened its doors in September 1954. He was involved in student government and was a member of the school’s wrestling team and the 1954 state co-champions football team, which was later honored in 2003 as part of the inaugural class of inductees into the Saxon Hall of Fame. Harry was also a member of the National Athletic Honor Society and participated in several clubs during his senior year. In 1955, Harry earned his diploma as part of South Salem High School’s first graduating class.

Harry went on to attend Oregon Technical Institute in Klamath Falls on a football scholarship. His hard-work and optimism on the football field earned him the team’s “Most Inspirational Player” award in 1955. While at OTI, he was actively involved in student life, even beyond playing football. He served in student government and was a member of the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.

During the summer of 1956, as one of the top two diesel mechanics in the OTI program, Harry was chosen to work as a diesel mechanic to repair and maintain the trucks, bull dozers, and other equipment used during the construction of the Lemolo Lake dam project on the North Umpqua River.

After graduating from OTI with a degree in Diesel Mechanics Technology in 1957, Harry moved to southern California where he started his first job as a diesel mechanic for Consolidated Freightways. He also proudly served in the U.S. Naval Reserves for several years. While in southern California, Harry met the love of his life, Saundra. They married on September 5, 1960, beginning a life together filled with love. They moved back to Aumsville, Oregon in 1963, then to Albany in 1968 for four years, until finally settling for 50 wonderful years on family property between Turner and Jefferson.

Harry retired from Winco Foods as a diesel mechanic in 1999. Following his retirement, Harry and Saundra enjoyed many trips traveling around the United States and Canada in their truck and fifth wheel trailer. While they enjoyed their time away when traveling, they always felt blessed and thankful to call Oregon their home.

Always one to enjoy people and wear a kind smile, Harry made life-long friendships wherever he went. Harry was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing, hunting, and camping with family and friends, where he always liked being the camp cook and telling a good joke.

Harry became a Christian as a teenager—a decision that shaped his character and served as a cornerstone throughout his entire life. He was a dedicated and loving husband and father; he was a “steady rock” in his family’s lives; he was caring and generous with his time; and he freely shared his love for and faith in Jesus with others and lived a life one would expect of a Christian.

Harry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Saundra Juul of Salem, sisters Margret McNeal of Jefferson and Debbie Ryan of Camarillo, California, sons Scott Juul (Debbie) and Brett Juul of Salem, daughter Lisa Jaramillo (Chris) of Independence, grandsons Jeffrey Juul (Hillery) of Salem, Andrew Juul (Vivian) of London, England, and Mitchell Juul of Salem, along with many other beloved relatives. He is preceded in death by his sister, Joan Powell.

A private gathering of family and friends to celebrate Harry’s life will take place at a later date.

Memorial donations in Harry’s honor may be made to Union Gospel Mission Salem. The family also wishes to extend their gratitude to Willamette Vital Hospice.