The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., July 21, 1988, page 14

VIRGINIA WARNEKE

     Virginia Lea Warneke, owner of Warneke's Clothing and Don's Mens Wear, died July 14 in Portland, Ore., at the age of 56.
     Mrs. Warneke was born Nov. 27, 1931 and Cottage Grove, Ore., to Lela M. (Forrest) and Ernest L. Korn. She was reared in the Cottage Grove-Eugene area. Most of her schooling was in Eugene. She was Miss Eugene in the Miss America Pageant one year and attended the University of Oregon, she was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority. She also attended the University of Idaho for one year. She married Don Warneke on June 12, 1953, in Eugene. They moved to Portland for a couple of years and then to Lebanon, Ore., where they lived until 1965. Don work for Reeves Clothing there and they were very active in the Elks Lodge. They moved to White Salmon in 1965 and took over the management of Warneke's Clothing and Don's Mens Wear after Don's father retired.
     She was past worthy matron of Eastern Star. She was a great promoter of the area and was the official tourist informant as visitors frequented the store. She attended the Congregational Church, played a lot of golf and was proud to have her motorcycle endorsement. They took trips all over, loved to camp and loved her family, especially the grandchildren.
     Mrs. Warneke is survived by her husband, Don, White Salmon; children, Debbie Zabel, Portland, Patti Ogle, North Bonneville, Todd Warneke, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Kim Trosper, Bingen; a brother, Don Korn, Boise, Idaho; a sister, Boots Betts, Boise, Idaho; and eight grandchildren.
     Services were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Gardner Funeral Home, with Rev. Arthur Dickie officiating. Interment was at the White Salmon Cemetery. Contributions may be given in to Bethel Congregational Church or a charity of their choice.

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©  Jeffrey L. Elmer