In re the Marriage of Steele

Husband appeals from a dissolution judgment ending a 57-year marriage and contends that the trial court erred in awarding to wife all properties received by gift or inheritance and dividing the remaining assets equally. On de novo review, we modify the trial court judgment and affirm as modified.

The parties were married in 1930- and separated in 1986. Husband, age 80, was an officer with the Oregon State Police for 32 years. Wife, age 74, was a school teacher. From 1936, wife deposited her earnings from employment as a teacher into a checking account in her name only. She added husband’s name…