Jack GehlenFebruary 16, 1943 - December 23, 2016Willamina - Jack Gehlen passed away on December 23, 2016 at his home in Willamina, OR. He was 73 years old. He was born on February 16, 1943 in Camas, Washington, to parents Ben and Polly Gehlen.The Family moved to Willamina, OR when Jack was 14 years old. He graduated from Willamina High School in 1961 where he lettered in baseball.Jack was a man of many talents and had many different careers throughout his lifetime. A few of the jobs that Jack had included installing communication devices on nuclear submarines, owning and operating Benny's Tavern in Willamina, OR and driving long haul truck.Jack was an avid reader and could usually be found with his nose in a book. He loved to travel and enjoyed meeting new people. He had the ability to walk into a room and make friends with anyone there. He enjoyed the outdoors whether it was hunting, fishing, camping or just sitting outside enjoying a cup of coffee. He had a great sense of humor, and delighted in arguing about politics with his sisters.Jack was one of a kind and had a heart of gold. He was always willing to help anyone and nobody was a stranger to jack.He is preceded in death by his parents Ben and Polly, and older brother Ben Gehlen. He is survived by his children Jeff, Jay, Mark, Julie and Judy, his sisters Karen Mode (Stan) and Meg Commerford (Jim) and multiple grandchildren, nieces and nephews.A celebration of life will be announced soon.