Joel Neuschwander, 77, passed away Dec. 26, 2014, with family by his side in Hubbard, Ore.

He was born on January 27, 1937 to Ruth and Arthur Neuschwander, the middle child of seven siblings; Charles, Gerald, Karen, (Joel), Sandra, Ramon and Elizabeth. At Canby High Joel excelled in wrestling and was District and State Champion for three years, he graduated in 1955. At OSU he completed his Bachelors in Education, at PSU he completed his Masters in Science/Psychology.

In college he carried the Champion Wrestling Title for the Pacific Coast and Southern Division Freestyle. In 1967 he was assistant coach at PSU, his team won the NCAA National Championship. He was a referee for 15 years for the OSAA. In 1977 he was inducted into the OSU and PSU Athletic Hall of Fame, all the while working as a teacher for Portland School District and later a school psychologist for Beaverton School District.

In 1963, Joel met Carolyn from Saskatchewan, Canada and they were married in1963, celebrating 51 years together. In 1972, they brought home Tracy, and in 1979 Raymon. There were many family vacations spanning Micronesia to Canada, annual trips to San Juans and the Pendleton Round Up.

Joel was a hard worker with many 12-15 hour days on the farm. He taught his children good work ethics and to never do less than you are able to do, in all aspects. In 1980 he would build Neuschwander 's Nursery, still operating after 35 years.

Joel loved fishing, rafting, camping, and hunting. He loved moose hunting in the Yukon, mushroom picking in Eastern Oregon, fishing hidden lakes he found flying over in his plane, and catching king salmon in Alaska.

For 16 years Joel visited Wrangell, Alaska. He loved attending the Stikine Sportsman's Dinner and fishing the Wrangell King Salmon Derby. He had many friends on the island, and was always expected to attend. Joel had friends from all walks of life, and was a member of many organizations and clubs. He loved to read, and was always current on news and world affairs

Joel is survived by his wife Carolyn; daughter Tracy (Rick) Churchill; grandchildren Kaylauna and Talon; son Raymon (Katy) Neuschwander and grandchildren Curtis and Farrah.

His memorial service was at Zion Mennonite Church in Hubbard on January 16, 2015.