Rudolph John Talso

A memorial service for Rudolph John Talso, 85, a Northern Nevada resident for the past 45 years, will be at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 780 Del Monte Lane, Reno.

Mr. Talso died June 27, 2004, at St. Mary's Hospital from complications following a stroke. He was born Dec. 22, 1918, in Hoquiam, Wash., to Juhan A. and Ida Tanttari Talso.

He graduated in 1937 from Weatherwax High School in Aberdeen, Wash., where he was on the swim team and a drum major. He joined the National Guard as a clarinet player and served with the U.S. Air Force during World War II.

He graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1951. After graduation, he moved to Donner Summit with his dog team of samoyeds and became manager of the Sierra Club's Clair Tappaan Lodge.

He married Rhoda "Bobbie" Roberts in 1958.

Mr. Talso received his teaching credential and moved to Nixon to teach on the Paiute Indian reservation at Pyramid Lake. He received a master's degree in school administration from the University of Nevada, Reno. In 1965, he became the first principal of Pleasant Valley Elementary School, where he stayed until his retirement.

After retirement, he continued skiing, gardening and home improvement projects. He loved the arts and enjoyed Broadway musicals, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, the Reno Philharmonic and Great Basin Chautauqua.

He was a member of the Reno South Kiwanis Club, Toastmasters and Young Americans. He taught for the Reno Junior Ski Program and was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Edith Harris and Elsie Dunlap.

Among his survivors are his wife; daughters Maija and Liisa; and nephews Chuck and Steve Dunlap.

A memory book will be available at the service for those who have photos and other items to share. A basket will be available to place written memories, thoughts and wishes for the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Washoe Medical Foundation Stroke Center, 1300 Mill St., Reno, NV 89502.