Della Wilen Obituary


DELLA (PAPENFUSE) WILEN
November 18, 1927 ~ March 19, 2018

With a heavy heart we want to share with you the passing of Della Papenfuse-Wilen of Vancouver, WA on March 19th, 2018. In her 90 years Della was loved by many: her family which included her parents, husband, 6 siblings, 2 children, 3 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren; many friends; and her coworkers.
Della was born in Kincaid, Saskatchewan on November 18, 1927. At 17 she received a provisional certificate of teaching license and taught in a one room schoolhouse. When she was 20 she moved to the United States, began working for the telephone company, and met Robert Wilen. In June of 1948 they were married. After the birth of her first child, Della became an American Citizen.
She will be remembered for her strong work ethic
and her desire to continually learn about the
world around her, but most of all she will be
remembered for her love of family.
During their life together, Bob and Della loved boating, camping, and square dancing.
After retirement they enjoyed traveling all over the United States and Canada in their motorhome.
She leaves behind two loving daughters, Carolyn and Debbie; son-in-law, Gary; grandchildren, Jason, Anjanette and Joshua; great-grandchildren, Ian, Riley, Mia, Delaney, Jacob, Olivia, Ava and Derek; and two loving sisters, Myrtle and Vera. Although we know she is finally at peace, she will be greatly missed.
Della has been reunited in heaven with her beloved husband who she called her strength; her parents, Ola and William; and siblings, Nyla, Eva, Earl and June.
Please join us in a celebration of her life at Van Mall Retirement Home on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. (7808 NE 51st Street, Vancouver, WA 98662)
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Apr. 1, 2018.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries

Della was one of the first of the "Papenfuse" aunts that I had the privilege of meeting. In 1977 she hosted a wedding shower for me at her home. That event introduced me to all the other fun loving aunts. 3 years later Della hand quilted a baby blanket for my oldest son, Trigve, who shared what is left of that blanket with his daughter. Della had a wonderful sense of humor and always made me feel welcome! I'm thankful I had the opportunity to be part of her life.

Ellyn Papenfuse

April 16, 2018

Our condolences to your family. So sorry for your loss she will be missed.

Warren and Marie Bauer

April 2, 2018

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