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You are here: Home / Archives for obituary

In memoriam: Bill Van Belle

By Vic Panichkul — Posted July 17, 2025

The Oregon Association of Nursery is saddened to report that Van Belle Nursery founder Bill Van Belle passed away in Abbotsford, B.C., Canada on July 5.

Filed Under: Nursery News, Uncategorized Tagged With: obituary

In Memoriam: Melvin John Steffenson

By Vic Panichkul — Posted February 24, 2025

The Oregon Association of Nurseries is saddened to report that Melvin John Steffenson, founder of Pleasant Hill Nursery, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025.

Filed Under: Nursery News Tagged With: obituary

Farewell to a great man who inspired optimism

By Mike Darcy — Posted July 23, 2024

If ever there was an optimist, it was Garden Gallery Ironworks founder Don Sprague.

Filed Under: Mike Darcy Tagged With: obituary

In Memoriam: Jolly Krautmann

By Curt Kipp — Posted July 23, 2024

The Oregon Association of Nurseries is saddened to report the passing of Oregon Nurseries’ Hall of Fame member Jolly Krautmann, co-founder of Heritage Seedlings and Liners in Salem, Oregon. She passed away July 21, 2024 at her new farm in McMinnville following a 2-plus-year battle with brain cancer, which was her third cancer battle in […]

Filed Under: Nursery News, OAN Members Tagged With: obituary

Don Sprague, owner of Garden Gallery Iron Works, passes

By Vic Panichkul — Posted July 1, 2024

The Oregon Association of Nurseries is saddened to report that Don Sprague, owner of Garden Gallery Iron Works, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in his home in Woodburn, Oregon, surrounded by family and friends. The family made the announcement of Don’s passing on Friday, June 28. A funeral Mass will be held […]

Filed Under: Nursery News, OAN Members Tagged With: obituary

In Memoriam: Douglas Femrite

By Vic Panichkul — Posted January 4, 2024

The Oregon Association of Nurseries is saddened to report the passing of Douglas Femrite on December 5, 2023.

Filed Under: Nursery News Tagged With: obituary

In Memorium: Terrence (Terry) August Menninger

By Vic Panichkul — Posted October 31, 2023

The Oregon Association of Nurseries is saddened to report the passing of Terrence (Terry) August Menninger, a longtime nursery professional.

Filed Under: Nursery News Tagged With: Digger magazine, OAN Members, obituary

Former OAN president Kathie Femrite dies

By Vic Panichkul — Posted October 12, 2023

The Oregon Association of Nurseries is saddened to report the passing of Kathie Femrite, a former OAN president. She passed away peacefully at her home in Woodburn on September 24, 2023 at age 74.

Filed Under: Nursery News Tagged With: OAN, obituary

In Memoriam: Bruce Hoskins

By Bill Goloski — Posted January 16, 2020

The Oregon Association of Nurseries is saddened to report the passing of Bruce C. Hoskins, owner of Pacific Crest Groundcovers in Canby, Oregon. He died December 13, 2019 in Portland, Oregon, following a battle with brain cancer. He was 71. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bruce was the son of Courtney J. Hoskins and […]

Filed Under: Nursery News Tagged With: Nursery News, obituary

Oregon Nurseries’ Hall of Fame member Jean Fessler passes

By Curt Kipp — Posted January 8, 2020

The Oregon Association of Nurseries is saddened to report the passing of Oregon Nurseries’ Hall of Fame member Jean Fessler, who co-founded Woodburn Nursery & Azaleas together with her husband, Bob. She died December 22, 2019 at the age of 80, following a battle with breast cancer. A rosary was held December 26 at St. […]

Filed Under: Nursery News Tagged With: Nursery News, obituary

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NURSERY NEWS

Terra Gardens owner’s gesture for his mother opens the door to other wheelchair-bound gardeners

OAN announces 2025 Friends of Nurseries award winners

OAN leads grower-driven Japanese beetle solution

AmericanHort president and CEO to step down

In memoriam: Bill Van Belle

Longtime employee buys Heritage Seedlings and Liners

In Memoriam: Melvin John Steffenson

New USDA Census of Hort arriving in mailboxes this month

More Nursery News

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March: The Perennials Issue

February: The Greenhouse Issue

January 2026: The Retail Issue

November 2025: The Transportation Issue

October 2025

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Pests and Diseases

OAN leads grower-driven Japanese beetle solution

Prioritizing nursery pest challenges

New tools in the battle against thrips

Aiming for precision in pest control

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More articles

FARWEST SHOW UPDATES

2026 Farwest Show issues calls for speakers

Excitement, optimism prevail at 2025 Farwest Show

Dazzling plants, products garner Retailer’s Choice Awards

Youngblood Nursery wins Best in Show booth honors at the 2025 Farwest Show

Glow Sticks Fescue wins top honors from judges at Farwest Show’s New Varieties Showcase 

More Updates from Farwest

The Value of Membership

AmericanHort president and CEO to step down

OAN honors industry leaders at 2025 Convention

Meet the Leader: Patrick Peterson

More member stories

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