A Celebration of Life Service for Derald Mockler will be held Monday, May 23, at 11 a.m. at Anderson’s Tribute Center with a reception to follow. Interment will follow the events at the Tribute Center at Idlewild Cemetery.
Friends wishing to pay respects and visit with the family are invited to a visitation at Anderson’s Tribute Center on Sunday, May 22 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Born and raised in Hood River, Derald Mockler never left until graduating in 1948. He served in the Korean War as a United States Army First Sergeant in charge of Supply. Upon his return to Hood River, he drove past the Rialto Theatre where he first spotted the “girl he was going to marry” sitting in the ticket booth. Derald married Phyllis Dalleske on July 4, 1953.
Their family grew to two little girls, whom he adored. His major work included work as an operations officer for First National Bank, and on the road maintenance crew for Hood River County Public Works Department until his retirement in 1992.
Derald was involved in many other organizations as well. He was probably most proud of his 30 years with the Hood River Volunteer Fire Department, and ambulance crew. He and Phyllis also spent many years dancing around the Gorge with their various ballroom dance groups. He performed for many years in a Polynesian Tinikling dance group as well. He was a fifty-year member of the B.P.O.E #1507 and served with the Kiwanis.
He loved his yard, his flowers, and his garden full of tomatoes and cucumbers. He also secretly enjoyed waging war on his weeds and the moles. Most would be surprised to know it was Phyllis who loved his Christmas lights, more than he enjoyed hanging them.
A devoted father, and grandfather, Derald’s proudest work involved his children and grandkids. It was rare to have a conversation with him that didn’t include a walk through his wallet of photos.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Phyllis Dalleske Mockler; his daughters: Jennifer and her husband, Chuck Ashley, and Jeannie and her husband, Tom French; and his grandchildren (around whom the earth rotated): Jake and Sgt. Jesse Byron, and Trux and Taylor French.
Derald left on May 17, 2005, as peacefully as he lived, and on his own terms. Waiting to greet him in heaven are his parents, Tom and Esther Mockler, an infant sister, Jeanette, his brother, Tom Junior, and nephew Patrick Mockler.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Gorge c/o Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals-Receptions-Cremations) 1401 Belmont, Hood River, OR 97031.
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