Wilford Wood Schreckengast

Wilford Wood Schreckengast (“Will” or “Schreck)” died Friday January 6, 2023 after a short illness. Schreck was born May 6, 1930 in Bemidji, MN, to Carrie (Maltrud) and Charles Schreckengost. His parents resettled in the Okanogan area when Schreck was a young child. He grew to adulthood as a resident of Okanogan. As a rebellious teen from a broken home, he dropped out of high school and at the young age of 17 his father signed permission for him to join the Naval service. His assignments took him all over the Far East, including Japan, China, The Philippines and Korea. Often times he credited his military experience for changing his life and giving him the background needed to pursue his career in electrical work. After discharge from the Navy he first worked for Bev Wilson Furniture, then a television cable company before taking a job at the Okanogan Public Utility District where he worked for 25 years. He married Donna LaVerne Cook of Tonasket in 1951 and they shortly thereafter started their family. Donna and his growing family accompanied Schreck to his state-side Naval base assignments. Upon his discharge from the navy in 1956 he returned to Okanogan where he settled to raise his one daughter ( Elayne ) and three sons (Randy, Terry and Larry ). He personally built his home on Elmway over many years with a little assistance from his wife, and finally moved out of its basement and into the main house portion in 1969/1970. He served on the Okanogan School Board for 10 years (a good way to keep his eyes on his kids). He proudly signed each one of his children’s diplomas. Schreck completed his GED while in the Navy but finally received a diploma from Okanogan High School in 2009 as a bonefide member of the class of 1948. He was forced into early retirement due to the debilitating effects of Meniere’s disease. Reading (there was always a pile of reading materials by his chair), clock repair, all manner of electrical work, wood working, engines, motors, the occasional fishing trip or Elk hunting trip with his buddies and ”teasing” friends and family were some of his enjoyments. In addition to building the home he raised his family in he built a few other notable projects. One was a “Snow Cat” to make reaching utility poles in the deep winter snow easier. He also built himself a snow throwing machine to make clearing his long driveway of snow easier. One year he asked a grandson to get him a good picture of Henry Fords’ Quadricycle (first automobile). Not long after, and with some dedicated time in his ‘shop”, Schreck produced his own replica of Henry Ford’s Quadricycle. He built every part except the battery, tires and a lantern used for illumination. He also built a “jeep” powered by a lawnmower engine that his children drove for hours and many, many miles. Years later he recreated this vehicle for the enjoyment of his grandchildren. This second vehicle is currently owned by one of his Granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his wife Donna, his brother Dave, his son Randy, and his granddaughter April. He is survived by his brother Don, his daughter Elayne Schreckengast-Lofthouse, his sons Terry and Larry, 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and one great, great grandson. Please join the family for a celebration of life 10:30 AM Saturday, May 6th at the Omak Senior Citizens Center (214 N. Juniper St., Omak, WA). A graveside service with military honors will be held 12:00 noon at the Okanogan Valley Memorial Gardens following the gathering at the Senior Citizens Center.

Wilford Wood Schreckengast

May 6, 1930 - January 6, 2023