Leif Reesen

Cave Junction resident Leif Reesen, 90, died Friday May 16, 2008 at a Grants Pass nursing home.

Arrangements are pending with Grants Pass Funeral Alternatives.

George Bickford

Former Illinois Valley resident George “Bud” Bickford Jr., died on Saturday, May 10, 2008, in Estherville, Iowa. He was 81.

A service with military graveside rites was held Friday, May 16 at Highland Memorial Gardens in Des Moines.

Mr. Bickford was born March 5, 1927 to George Sr. and Mary (Kauffman) Bickford in Des Moines. He was raised in Des Moines, where he received his education. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and he was employed with the John Deere Co. for more than 40 years.

After retirement, Mr. Bickford and his wife, Vera, moved to Oregon, and lived in a new home built by his son, Gary. In 2005, the couple moved back to Estherville.

Mr. Bickford was an enthusiastic fisherman and hunter.

Survivors include his wife, Vera Bickford, of Estherville; sons Larry Bickford, of Washington, Ind.; Gary Bickford, of Vancouver, Wash.; Terry Bickford, of Walla Walla; and Terry Lee Bickford, of Ankeny, Iowa; two sisters, Josephine Shields and Mary Ann Harvey; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Mr. Bickford in death were his parents and three sisters.