LONGVIEW – Naselle resident A. R. “Dick” Grabenhorst, 88, died in Longview, on June 30, 2010.

The son of Albert and Letica (Frink) Grabenhorst, he was born in Flasher, N.D., on April 4, 1922. At age 18 months he moved with his family to Onalaska, where his father worked in a local mill. He attended Onalaska High School until joining the U.S. Navy in 1940 where he served during World War II as a gunner’s mate aboard the USS New Mexico and USS Hollandia until honorably discharged in 1946.

Following his military duty he returned to Onalaska where he completed high school. He attended Centralia College, graduated from the University of Puget Sound where he earned his teaching certificate and bachelor’s degree. At Western Washington University he earned his secondary principal’s certification and at the University of Washington he obtained his superintendent’s credentials and masters degree.

Mr. Grabenhorst began his career in education as a teacher and coach at Onalaska High School for two years. In 1953 he moved to Naselle to become principal of Naselle High School. A year later he became superintendent of the Naselle-Grays River school district, a position he held for 27 years until retirement.

During his professional career he was active in the Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association serving as District Four executive secretary for 10 years, District Four executive board member for six years, as president, and had been inducted into the WIAA Hall of Fame as a leader in 1999.

Proud of his military service, he was a life member of the Barr-Hill-Johnson Post of the American Legion and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was active in Boy Scouts and had achieved a Silver Beaver ranking, the highest volunteer recognition in Scouting. He was a charter member of the Naselle Lions Club where he was a past president. Over the years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, reading and spending time with his family. He was a long time member of the Community Congregational Church in Naselle where he served as moderator for eleven years and was currently serving as treasurer, a post he had held since 2003.

He and Shirley McGee were married Sept. 12, 1943. She preceded him in death in August 2008.

Survivors include his daughters, Cheryl (Mike) McIntee of Sacramento, Calif., Joan Johnson of Naselle, and Melissa (Paul) Ralston of Vancouver; son, Scott (Tammy) Grabenhorst of Silver Lake; brother Gene Grabenhorst of Lincoln City, Ore.; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 7, at noon at the Community Congregational Church of Naselle. A reception follows at the church. Private family committal service will be held at Peaceful Hill Cemetery in Naselle. Memorials are preferred to the Naselle Community Congregational Church, P.O. Box 186, Naselle, WA 98638. His guest book is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.