Dennis S. Josephson, 70, of Vancouver, Wash., formerly of Astoria, died Monday, June 25, 2007, in Vancouver.

He was born April 11, 1937, in Astoria, to Lester and Jenny (Olsen) Josephson. Raised in Astoria, he graduated from Astoria High School in 1955.

On April 25, 1959, he married Judith S. Kivisto in Astoria. She survives, residing in Vancouver.

After high school, Mr. Josephson began his career dredging, working out of the Port of Astoria on the vessel Natoma. He later joined the Ellicott Machine Corporation in Baltimore, dredging internationally. In 1981, he formed his own dredging and consulting business, retiring in 2000.

Mr. Josephson was a life member of the Astoria Elks Lodge No. 180.

Family members said his hobbies included traveling and refinishing furniture, and that he loved to dance.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Greg Josephson of Stevenson, Wash., and Alec Josephson of Camas, Wash.; a daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Charles Wright of Vancouver; and three grandchildren, Ryan, Alec Jr. and Stephanie Josephson of Camas.

A graveside service will be held at noon Friday at Ocean View Cemetery in Warrenton. A reception will follow at Café Uniontown, 218 W. Marine Drive.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Astoria High School Scholarship’ Fund, in care of Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary, 1165 Franklin Ave., Astoria, OR 97103.