Wendall “Hap” Jonas, 82, passed away peacefully March 21, 2017, with loving family at his side. Hap was born in Albuquerque, N.M., on Feb. 15, 1935, to Jesse and Amy Jonas. He was one of eight children, so needless to say it was a lively household and their lives were full of many adventures. Some of his fondest adventures were with his brother, Morris. They kept their mother on her toes and the birds hiding. Hap loved being a part of this large family.

Hard-working, fun, sunny disposition, loving and mischievous are just few adjectives to describe him. He appropriately got the nickname “Happy” as a kid, which was later shortened to Hap and remained with him all his life.

He met Margie Reedy in Durango, Colo., and they were married Nov. 28, 1953. He and Margie created their own lively household by having seven children and that same adventurous life with 20-plus moves and everything in between. This made for a colorful life, one full of living and loving. They were young parents at the ages of 18 and 15 and did the best they knew how. In his eyes, his most esteemed accomplishment of his life was being a father. He loved his children fiercely and unconditionally. When they needed him, he was always there.

Hap held many jobs throughout his lifetime, and he most assuredly was a jack-of-all-trades. There wasn’t a job or skill he couldn’t master. These jobs took the family to Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho and finally, Washington. Of all the jobs he worked to support his large family, logging was his favorite. Some of his fondest memories were of living in Headquarters and logging and camping on the North Fork of the Clearwater area. Hap was proud and blessed to have worked many jobs with his sons. He was a proud and longtime member of the Teamsters. He attributed his long life to hard physical work and maintaining an active lifestyle. Hap moved from Idaho to the Seattle area in 1989 and worked in construction until his retirement in 2000.

Margie and Hap separated in 2002. He met Verla Morrison and they shared 10 wonderful years together. During this time he came to know and accept Christ. Hap and Verla were very involved in their church. He discovered his calling of giving to others and enjoyed spending many holidays serving meals at the food bank and homeless shelter. He was known for his chili and never missed the opportunity to fix up a large pot to share.

Hap is survived by his sons, Rod (Tina) Jonas of Asotin, Steve Jonas of Lake Stevens, Wash., Shannon (Suzie) Jonas of Camano Island, Wash., and Eric Jonas of Santa Fe, N.M. Daughters Pamela (Bart) Richter of Auburn, Wash., and Audra (Dave) Forsman of North Pole, Alaska; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Jennifer; his brothers; and a sister.

A service will be held at 4 p.m. April 1 at Malcom’s Brower-Wann Funeral Home in Lewiston. In lieu of flowers, make a donation to your local food bank or serve a meal in his honor. A celebration of life along with a potluck will follow the service at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 1104 Warner Ave., in Lewiston.

Service Information

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Saturday, April 1, 4:00 PM

Location

Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home
1711 18th Street
Lewiston, ID 83501

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