Maurice Anthony Wiebelhaus

It is with deep sadness that the Wiebelhaus family announces the passing of Maurice Wiebelhaus of Forest Grove, Oregon, who died as the result of a bicycle accident on November 1, 2025. Born in Chico, California, to Elmer and Brigitta Wiebelhaus, Maurice was the fifth of eleven children and grew up surrounded by the energy, humor, and closeness that a large family brings.

Maurice is survived by his ten siblings—Kathleen Carroll (Chico, CA), Joe Wiebelhaus (Vallejo, CA), John Wiebelhaus (Auburn, CA), Walter Wiebelhaus (Yamhill, OR), Tom Wiebelhaus (Redding, CA), Roger Wiebelhaus (Portland, OR), Dolores O’Neill (Chico, CA), Barbara Graves (Ahwanee, CA), Susan Parker (Shell Knob, MO), and Rick Wiebelhaus (Corcoran, MN)—as well as his former wife, Jolene Riley.

Maurice attended Notre Dame Catholic School and graduated from Chico Senior High School. Although he postponed college in his early years, he ultimately earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix while working full-time, an achievement he regarded with great pride.

A natural performer, Maurice spent his youth active in local theater. Family and friends fondly recall his high-school appearance in “George Washington Slept Here,” though Maurice often joked that his “career really took off” when he portrayed Humphrey Bogart in “Play It Again, Sam.” His love of performing extended to music as well. Maurice had a rich, expressive voice and generously shared it—singing at family weddings, performing in church choirs and stage musicals, and joining local groups in the Forest Grove and Hillsboro area. One of the family’s favorite memories is his unforgettable rendition of Van Morrison’s “Moondance” at his eldest brother’s wedding.

Maurice was also an enthusiastic sports fan, devoted to the San Francisco Giants, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Golden State Warriors. Many treasured family traditions revolved around road trips from Chico to San Francisco for double-headers and Warriors games in the 1970s. A lifelong baseball devotee, he collected cards meticulously and eventually attended the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School in Florida, leading to years of umpiring baseball and softball—roles in which, as he liked to say, he “never missed a call.”

Those who knew Maurice will remember his humor and his love of making others laugh. His playful nature was always on display—like the Thanksgiving he arrived with half his beard shaved just to see who would notice first.

Maurice’s work and adventures took him through Reno, Lake Tahoe, Death Valley, and the Grand Canyon before he built a successful career in the mortgage industry in Washington state and later settled in the Portland, Oregon area.

Maurice faced life’s challenges with resilience, including periods of depression. In his final months, he was reconnecting with family and old friends, improving his health, and engaging with his community. His family takes comfort in knowing he was working toward a full and hopeful life. Maurice was, above all, a kind soul who wanted to be a friend to everyone he met. He was deeply loved, and he will be profoundly missed.

A celebration of Maurice’s life will be held on March 28, 2026, in Chico, California.

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