Ernst Imfeld

Ernst Imfeld, born on July 8, 1933, in the small municipality of Giswil, Switzerland, lived a remarkable and full life, marked by hard work, passion, and devotion. Ernst was the beloved son of Ida Bieler and Alois Imfeld, and he grew up as the fifteenth of seventeen children, surrounded by a large and loving family.

After moving, in 1956, to the United States from Switzerland, Ernst continued his career as a logger. His skilled hands and diligent work ethic also contributed to the construction of significant landmarks, such as the first ski lift in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and another at Schweitzer Basin Ski Resort in Sandpoint, Idaho. These contributions left a lasting legacy in the world of winter sports.

While living and working in Idaho, Ernst showed incredible determination by learning to speak and read English, all while maintaining his native Swiss German dialect. His linguistic abilities reflected his adaptability and dedication to personal growth. Ernst also lived in eastern Washington, British Columbia, Happy Camp, California. Then settled in Lebanon, Oregon in the 1980’s.

Ernst really enjoyed international travel, RVing, and burl clock making. While growing up on his family’s small dairy farm in Switzerland, he learned to hand-craft Swiss cheese. It brought him much joygreat pride to have officiated at his son’s wedding in the 1970’s.

He was also deeply committed to volunteering much of his time to sharing the good news of God’s Kingdom by Christ Jesus. He was proud to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Ernst is survived by his beloved wife, of nearly 15 years, Vickie Neu Lemarr; his two children, Ida Marie Imfeld of Arizona and Wally Imfeld of Montague, CA (his wife Jackie Imfeld). Ernst had grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sixteen siblings; and, sadly enough, three previous wives who lost their battle with cancer.

Ernst Imfeld's life was a testament to hard work, faith, and love. He will be remembered by all who knew him. He fell asleep in death on October 20th at Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House in Albany.

Rest in peace, dear Ernie.