Joseph (Joe) Bernett Lilje, Age 100

Joseph (Joe) Bernett Lilje, Age 100

Mar. 29,1923-Dec. 2,2023

Passed away peacefully on Dec. 2, 2023 in Davenport, Wash. with his family surrounding him. Joe was born Mar. 29, 1923 in Newport, Wash. He was the only child of Bernett and Alice Lilje. He grew up in the Newport area and attended WSC (now WSU). As part of "The Greatest Generation" he enlisted in the US Navy on August 1943 during WWII, where he became a Naval aviator. He left active duty in 1945 and married the love of his life, Viola Raugust, on Dec. 9, 1945. After finishing his BA in Business at WSC in July of 1947 and sharpening his sales skills with National Cash Register Company, Joe and his business partner, Ernie Hento opened the Western Auto Store in Davenport, Wash. Joe and Vi continued to own and operate the store till their retirement in 1984. Many young people in Davenport learned business and life skills working for Joe at the store. Joe and Vi raised their four children Jim, Randy, Kathi and Bill in Davenport. Joe and Vi loved being a part of their kid's sports and activities as well as spending time at their lake cabin at Cayuse Cove. Joe was an active participant in the Davenport community. He was a member of The Davenport Presbyterian Church, Charter member of the Davenport Lions Club, Davenport Chamber of Commerce and American Legion. He was also a founding board member of the Wheatland Bank and helped to develop The Davenport Retirement Village (DRV) where he lived for 11 years. He was a proud WWII Veteran and Eagle Scout. He was an avid supporter of WSU Athletics as well as the Davenport Gorillas. Joe was appointed by two governors of the state of Washington to serve on the board of the Job Training Corp. In retirement, Joe and Vi spent the winter months in Palm Desert, Calif., playing golf and enjoying the good life with their many friends. Joe is survived by his three children, Jim (Diana), Randy (Robin), Kathi (John) and daughter in law Michelle. He has eight grandchildren Matt (Stephanie), Nathan, Morgan (Lexi), Katie, Anna (Wes), Aidan (Tess) Nolan and Grace and two great grandchildren Jackson and Goldie. Joe is preceded in death by his wife Viola and son Bill in 2018 and one grandson Daniel. Joe will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them and if you knew him, you knew it as well. When his time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength and full of love for those who went before him. He will be dearly missed. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Friday Jan. 19, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Davenport Presbyterian Church with Pastor Josh Hurd, officiating. Memorials may be made to the WSU Foundation, 225 E. Main St., Ste 301, Pullman, Wash. 99164 and the Lincoln Hospital Foundation 10 Nicholls St. Davenport, Wash. 99122. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.strate-funeral.com for the Lilje family. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, Davenport, Wash. is caring for the family.