FUNERAL HOME

John Altstadt Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 27, 2013.

John Brix Altstadt died peacefully Aug 26, 2013, following a full weekend with his family and care-giving angels at Spring Ridge Court.

John was born in Portland to Irene Brix Altstadt and George John Altstadt, Dec 8, 1930. He attended Beaumont Grade School and graduated the class of '49 from Grant High school. He then attended Oregon State University for two years where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He then transferred to University of Oregon, where he graduated from the business school. He married Mary Louise Austin in 1954

He served in US Air Force during the Korean War as a member of AC & W Squadron based in Southern California. John and his wife moved back to Portland where he worked at ESCO Corporation for 15 years. In 1972 he took over his father's business, and operated Fisher Bros. in Astoria. He later went on to operate Sea Coast Towing, a marine transportation operation in Seattle for eight years. He divorced and married Sue Anderton Murphy in 1979.

John served on: Tax Supervising & Conservation Commission under Governor Tom McCall (1972-75), Thomas Edison High School Board of Directors, Clatsop County Economic Development Committee, Clatsop County Planning Commission, and the Columbia River Maritime Museum board.

John spent much of his life at the coast and always loved the Ocean and fishing. He held residence in both Portland and Gearhart, eventually retiring permanently to Gearhart in 1994. John had roots in Astoria and Ocean Park, Washington and was so pleased to have a 5th generation of his family spending summers in Ocean Park as he had done that with his current pals back in the 1930's.

He was a member of the Astoria Country Club and Multnomah Athletic Club. He and Sue enjoyed traveling. John prided himself on traveling to 32 foreign countries and 35 states. He was a volunteer with International Executive Corp and lived in Croatia with Sue. They were there for 3 months training young business students.

John is survived by his wife, Sue, and his daughter Louise Helen Altstadt (Hallman) and son-in-law Garth Hallman and grandchildren, John Austin Hallman and Hadlee Irene Hallman, his son John Austin Altstadt and his wife, Julie Altstadt and her daughters Taylor Markussen and Hailey Markussen.

There will be a service at Trinity Episcopal Saturday, September 7th, 2013 at 1pm.

John and his family would like to thank all his friends and the staff at Spring Ridge Court for being such a solid and loving community for him. He felt very blessed by his entire life, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers John would like any donation in his memory to go to the Maritime Museum in Astoria or Beaumount grade School or Grant High School.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for John Altstadt

What is your first memory of John?

Share a favorite memory you have of John.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with John.

Describe a time when John made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about John?

Talk about a shared experience you had with John.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of John.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving John.

What is something you learned from John?

Not sure what to say?

6 Entries

October 7, 2013

Dennis Stephens

I was very sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a great guy. I fished off the north Coast with him numerous times in Dave Miller's dory, Sea Robin, and dropped in to visit him at the Gearhart house, where I was always welcomed with a smile and a glass of scotch.
Godspeed, John. Time spent with you was always time well spent.

September 5, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the Altstadt Family...Joe Powers/Office of James Niedermeyer

September 5, 2013

Frank Battaglia

My condolences to the family,

September 3, 2013

Dear Sue,

Our thoughts are with you. May the beautiful memories are with yo forever.

Bob and Yoshi Reverman

September 2, 2013

Sue Barrows (maiden -Altstadt)

My thoughts are with you. Though I only remember seeing John a few times, I enjoyed the visits with my dad Bob Altstadt and siblings. My prayers are with you.

September 2, 2013

Taylor Wrenn

Dear Aunt Sue,
You are an amazing woman and wife. I send my most heartfelt love to you at this time.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in John Altstadt's name

Memorial Events
for John Altstadt

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Caldwell's, Hennessey, Goetsch & McGee Funeral Home

20 NE 14th Ave, Portland, OR 97232

How to support John's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Altstadt's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more