In Passing

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Gary Ewoldt

Gary Ewoldt, 81, formerly of Eldridge, Iowa, died after a year-long illness at his home in SunBird on Sunday, Nov. 17, with his wife Carol at his side.

Gary was born in Davenport, Iowa, on Jan. 23, 1943. He served on the Eldridge Park Board, Eldridge City Council, and was a 20-year member of the Eldridge Volunteer Fire Department. He is a former member of the North Scott Rotary and North Ridge Community Church. Gary was a lifetime Hawkeyes fan.

Following the example of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Gary went into construction. He was a home builder and developed several Eldridge neighborhoods. He also worked on a variety of commercial projects, including motels, schools, and malls in the area.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Arno (Barney) and Melvia Ewoldt; his son Chris; and his brother-in-law, Dale Braack.

Those left to honor his memory are his wife of 30 years, Carol, as well as his daughters, Kim (Stan) Hartman of Chandler, Ariz., and Pam (Daniel) Witt of Loveland, Colo., daughter-in-law, Colleen Ewoldt of Eldridge, and stepdaughters, Rebecca Goetzke of Italy and Melissa (Jesse) Feinkind of Valencia, Calif. He has seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Sue Braack of Eldridge and Jane (Gary) Haase of Reno, Nev.

A Celebration of Life has been planned for a later date.

Wayne Chambers

Wayne Chambers, beloved husband of 67 years, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at his home on Oct. 4, 2024. Wayne and his wife Kate moved to SunBird in 2001. Wayne was a competitive tennis player and played with the SunBird Tennis Club. Wayne was best known for his musical talent and played the guitar beautifully. He and his wife Kate entertained the SunBird Community for many years. Wayne will perhaps be best known for his quiet, kind heart and gentle spirit. He could be found helping family and friends wherever he was needed. We will miss him greatly.

 

 

Raymond S. Bierowicz

Ray Bierowicz, born in Chicago, Ill., in 1938 and passed away in 2024 at 85 years old. He retired to Chandler, Ariz., after a hard working life as a truck driver delivering hazardous chemicals long before OSHA existed. He carried his diligent work ethic into his retirement years with the ever-challenging game of golf, which included 9 Aces! From Arizona he moved to Henderson, Nev., where he lived five more beautiful years with family. He will be remembered for his humble nature, humorous one-liners, and love for his family.

Survived by Ray are his wife Shirley Bierowicz, brother Don Bierowicz, son Jim Bierowicz (Bogusia), son Mike Bierowicz, daughter Donna Marchant (Kevin), sister-in-law Jan Gibbons (Bill), brother-in-law Gerry Guzaitis, nieces Sharon Caliendo, Patti Gibbons, Sandy Scheide (Tom), Carlene Derickson (Brent), Ed Guzaitis (Merri), Kristine Green (Levi), grandchildren Jason Marchant (Zeina), Matt Bierowicz, Laura Pittmon (Yvan), Shannon Bierowicz, Steve Marchant (Jessica), and Alex Bierowicz, and great-grandchildren Liam, Collin, Carter, Jos, Scarlett, Charlie, Adalyn, and Sophia.

A special thank you to Prestige Henderson Assisted Living; especially the above and beyond care provided by Kristina, Daryl, and Angie. Another special thank you to AMG Hospice of Las Vegas who provided quality care in a caring manner.

More information to come regarding Ray’s Celebration of Life gathering.

Carol June Baker

Carol June Baker, 91, passed away on Sept. 4, 2024. Carol was born on Jan. 20, 1933, in Omaha, Neb. Her parents were Freida (Brassfield) Haley and Leroy Haley. Carol graduated from Wasau High School and then went onto college at Wayne State where she met her husband of 71 years, Virgil Baker. Carol was a teacher in the Gering Public Schools teaching 1st through 3rd grade. After retiring, she and Virgil enjoyed being at their cabin in Laramie Peak, Wyo., and their snowbird getaway in Chandler, Ariz.

Carol was preceded in death by sons Greg Baker and Mark Baker. Carol is survived by her husband Virgil (Bud) Baker; son Russ Baker and his wife Pam Baker; sister Connie Anderson and family; seven grandchildren: Megan Busby, Brandon Baker, Kyle Baker, Mathew Baker, Morgan Pettit, Michaela Baker, and Jordan Sandquist; and11 great-grandchildren.

Dorothy H. Sykes

Dorothy H. Sykes (June 12, 1935-Aug. 31, 2024) moved from Livermore, Calif., to our SunBird community in 2004 to 1881 E. Winged Foot Drive. Dorothy is survived by her four children, Marty (wife Kimberley), John (wife Sharon), Stephanie (husband Joe), and Philip (wife Jen).

Dorothy loved to travel and read! She took part in book clubs. An avid reader, she had spent half a lifetime running a bookstore, inviting authors to bring their books to the public. Dorothy was tremendously book read with wonderful recall and a knack for conversation in anything and everything.

An energetic and fierce competitor in local bridge groups, she reached the highest score for one day of bridge that earned a framed copy of her tally. SunBird bridge players met with Dorothy’s daughter, Stephanie Gornik (from Ohio) following a bridge session on Friday the 13th in September in the Horizon Room to toast our friend and share some remarkable stories. Dorothy will be deeply missed and remembered with smiles and chuckles. She was simply the G.O.A.T.!

Linda Arnold

Linda Arnold gently left her family, friends, and neighbors on Aug. 28, 2024. Linda was raised and educated in Des Moines, Iowa. After graduation, she moved to St. Paul, Minn., where she lived for 40 years. Linda raised her two children, Anna and Mike, while working as a State Farm Insurance agent in Minnesota. Still, she found time for other activities that she relished, including golf, cards, her many friends and extended family, and line dancing until the wee hours of the night.

Linda met her husband Rob in St. Paul where they were married in 2008. Linda’s family grew to include Beth, Ted, and Mary Arnold. Both Linda and Rob enjoyed the friends and family that each had brought into their new life together. Rob joined Linda in her many activities (save line dancing), and Linda often accompanied him to a family cabin in Wisconsin. Linda and Rob moved to the SunBird Golf Resort in Chandler, Ariz., in 2018, where they felt they had truly struck gold. Linda made many dear friends at SunBird playing in golf and card groups, and enjoying SunBird games and activities with Rob and all their friends.

John Krupnik III

John Krupnik III, husband of Sally Krupnik, passed away on Tuesday, July 9. He was born Jan. 1, 1946. John has been an instrumental resident and active community member in SunBird for 20+ years. He came to Arizona from Michigan following his retirement from the Ford Motor Company. He will be remembered by most for his passion for his loving wife, family, and always wanting to do what is right.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for local residents to be held on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m..

 

Annette (Toni) Onyx Greisiger

Annette (Toni) Onyx Greisiger, 95, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 4, 2024, in Sun Lakes, Ariz.

Toni was born on Aug. 21, 1928, to Emerson and Mildred (Daniels) Bray in Philadelphia, Penn. Toni had two older siblings, Barbara (Bobbi) and Frank. She grew up in Upper Darby, Penn., in a loving home and was active in Girl Scouts, church choir, and spending her summers either visiting her grandparents in Connecticut, attending camp, or at the seashore in Avalon, N.J. She graduated from Upper Darby High School in 1946.

In the fall of 1946, Toni enrolled with her high school friend, Joan McElfresh, at the Stenotype Institute in Philadelphia. There she met the first love of her life, Robert (Bob) Onyx. Bob was also there with his longtime friend, John (Jack) Greisiger, who began to date Joan. In 1947, Toni started her secretary career at Atlantic Refining Co. in Philadelphia. She first worked in Job Analysis and later in the Purchasing Department.

Joan and Jack married on Aug. 6, 1949, and Toni and Bob married on July 17, 1950. The two couples remained close while raising their families.

Toni worked for the Mount Laurel, N.J., township manager as secretary for 16 years. Her job responsibilities were purchasing, taking dictation, creating agendas for meetings, and answering phones.

While raising her two sons, Lee and Wayne, Toni showed them her love of sports such as golfing, skiing, hiking, and biking. She also enjoyed traveling to federal and state parks and camping. Her hobbies included attending auctions, antiquing, gardening, reading, doing crossword puzzles, and cross-stitch needlework.

When Bob died in January 1993, Toni made an independent life for herself. After Joan died in October 1995, Jack continued to live in the Phoenix area. In June 1996, Toni took a Elderhostel trip to Arizona and visited Jack. After this visit, Jack knew that, while he had loved Toni as Bob’s wife and a close friend for 50 years, his love had changed. In August 1996, Jack bought an airplane ticket for a five-week stay to visit Toni in New Jersey. Jack expressed his love and proposed marriage. Toni and Jack married Nov. 9, 1996.

Toni and Jack’s permanent residence began in Mount Laurel, N.J., and snowbirds in SunBird, a golf community in Chandler, Ariz. In 2000, they made a decision to sell the New Jersey residence and make the Arizona home permanent. Toni engaged in many activities in SunBird and was a member of the Garden Club for 25 years and the Lady 18ers for over 20 years. She took on roles such as publicity, secretary, and president. She was also on the Rules Committee for the HOA.

Toni was predeceased by her parents; her siblings, Frank (Gigi) Bray and Bobbi (Bud) Kratz; her husbands Robert Onyx and Jack Greisiger; a son, Wayne Onyx; and granddaughter, Caroline Onyx.

Toni is survived by her loving family: her son Lee Onyx (Karen), daughter-in-law Lisa Onyx, and stepdaughters Jan Turner (Tom) and Jeanne McMurdy. Her memory lives on with her grandchildren: Ryan Onyx (YuanKai), Caitlyn Weber (Rob), and step-grandchildren: Nathan Turner (Becca), Kyle McMurdy, Amanda Vegh (Ryan), Tom (Kim) Turner, Shelly (Donovan) Christian, and great-grandchildren: Lily Onyx, Emily and Allie Weber, and step great-grandchildren: Wesley, Lauren, Joseph, Ethan, Thomas, Travis, Tyler, Jacob, Ben Turner, Luke and Caleb Christian, Oliver and Ayden Vegh. She will be remembered and missed by all her nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online to Hospice of the Valley, hov.org/donate/donate-now/ or can be mailed to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at LakeshoreMort.com for the Onyx family.

Vernon Lee French

Vernon Lee French, died on March 3, 2024, at Robson Reserve in Sun Lakes, Ariz. He was born May 21, 1926, in Spink County, S.D., to Pearl and Earl French. Vernon lived and attended school in Beadle County, S.D. He married Marilyn June Palmer on June 13, 1948, in Danube, Minn., after his return from WWII. They raised three children. Vern and Marilyn moved from Danube, Minn., to Bryan, Ohio, in 1959 for Vern to take a position with the Ohio Art Company and where they made their home for 59 years. In 1991 Vern retired from the Ohio Art Company as the Director of Transportation and Warehousing. Since 2001 they lived in SunBird Golf Resort in Chandler, Ariz., initially as snowbirds (winters) and full time starting in 2017.

In the early years Vernon farmed until graduating from Humboldt Institute in St. Paul, Minn., before moving to Bryan, Ohio. Vernon served on Bryan City Council for 25 years and volunteered in the community through several organizations, Lions Club, Masonic Temple, Butler Street Faith United Methodist Church, and New Hope Church. Vern and Marilyn played in several bridge clubs in Bryan and Chandler, enjoyed golf, and loved “coffee with the guys.”

Vernon loved his family; especially hosting family holidays and gatherings. He also loved the A to Z senior group and Sunday school class with New Hope Church. Vernon also loved attending the Community Church of Sunbird in Chandler, where Vernon served on the leadership committee for four years. He is remembered as being such a great guy, an excellent listener, a gardener, and a talented woodworker and will be fondly remembered.

Vernon was preceded in death by Marilyn in 2020 after almost 72 years of marriage, his father Earl, his mother Pearl, his sisters Jean Hurst of Redfield, S.D., and Lois Poe of Bonilla, S.D., and brothers Wayne French and Norman French of Redfield, S.D. He is survived by his sister Eleanor Christianson of Kalispell, Mont.; son Curtis (Susan) French of Syracuse, Ind., and Chandler, Ariz.; son Craig (Pat) French of Norwalk, Ohio; daughter Cherri (Steve) Meyer of Bryan, Ohio, and Chandler, Ariz.; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

The family is planning a visitation on Friday afternoon, July 26, 2024, and Celebration of Life, on Saturday, July 27, 2024, both in Bryan, Ohio, at a location yet to be determined. Interment with military rites will be held following the Celebration of Life at Shiffler Cemetery, Bryan, Ohio.

Memorials may be made to the Vernon L. French Memorial Scholarship c/o Bryan Area Foundation, P O Box 651, Bryan, Ohio 43506.

Janice Evelyn Lynch

Born in Abilene, Texas, in January 1938, Janice grew up next door to McMurry College and in the First Baptist Church of Abilene. She attended Abilene High School and with the encouragement of her neighbor, a McMurry Dean, she attended Hardin Simmons University. She finished college at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland and later earned two master’s degrees, in Education at Shippensburg College and Education Administration at Central Washington University. Her focus on learning translated into a 30-year career as an educator and administrator.

Married life made her a military wife of 20 years, living in Thailand, Germany, and across the U.S., teaching in every locale. She focused on Special Education with a heart for helping struggling students. At every post, she quickly found a church home and plugged in: choir, Sunday school teacher, bible study lead. Post-military, life with her husband Gordon, a Boeing exec, meant exciting international travel while living in Washington state and Brussels. Upon retirement, they settled in Sun Lakes where she focused on various ministries at Hope Covenant, First Baptist Sun Lakes, First Baptist Chandler, and in Bible Study Fellowship. She devoted time to photography, bridge, mah jongg, friends, and community.

Janice is survived by her two adult children, Alan and Ayn, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren from her extended family. Gordon, her husband of 50 years, and her mother and father predeceased her.

Lillian May Donley

Lillian May Donley passed away in Chandler, Ariz., on Dec. 12, 2023, at the age of 95. She was born on Jan. 20, 1928, to Robert and Neta Donley in Vinton, Iowa, on a small farm. She graduated from Lincoln High School, Vinton, Iowa, in 1944.

She married Merle Wardenburg of Williamsburg, Iowa, in 1947. They relocated to Southern California and two years later moved to Phoenix where she went to work for Phoenix Title and Trust as executive secretary to the president of the company. Later she was the secretary/treasurer for a quarter horse ranch in Scottsdale, Ariz. She was divorced in 1976 and continued working as a secretary/treasurer for a building contractor.

Lillian became a member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Scottsdale in 1957. A devoted member, she taught Sunday School there, and was the secretary/treasurer for the church for many years after it established a new Church in Paradise Valley in 1962.

An avid, long-time member of the SunBird tennis club, Lillian played until the young age of 85 and served as the club’s secretary. Lillian not only loved playing tennis, but she was dedicated to tennis organization and officiating. She organized and officiated at local tournaments for 45 years. In 1990, at the U.S. Open Professional Tennis Tournament in New York City, the United States Tennis Association presented Lillian the first ever Nicholas E. Powel Award for outstanding contribution to tennis officiating at the sectional level. Passionate about exercise, Lillian was an enthusiastic volunteer leader of exercise classes while at SunBird and volunteered for Neighbors Who Care throughout the Sun Lakes area.

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents and several brothers and sisters. She is survived by brother Bobby Donley (Patty Donley) of Littletown, Calif., sister Marlias Donley Wood of Iowa, her sons Mark Wardenburg (Alana Hunter) of Palo Alto, Calif., and Michael Wardenburg of Las Vegas, Nev., grandchildren Erik Wardenburg of Rochester, N.Y., and Marla Wardenburg Greiner (Dustin Greiner) of Des Moines, Iowa, great-grandson Henry Greiner, and numerous nieces and nephews. No services or memorials are planned.

Donations in memory of Lillian Donley may be made to Ascension Lutheran Church of Paradise Valley.

Robert Earl Smith

Robert Earl Smith, better known as Bob, passed away Sept. 16, peacefully at home with his wife Norma and daughter Melinda there to comfort him.

Bob was born Aug. 14, 1934, outside of Springfield, Mo., where he lived until he was 16, moving with his family to Lee’s Summit, Mo. He graduated high school there, where he met and later married his wife of 68 years, Norma (just 3-months shy of 69 years). He worked over 30-years at the local utility company where he learned to weld, later becoming a welding foreman.

After retiring, he and Norma moved to SunBird in 1998 and they both fell in love with the SunBird way of life. Being avid golfers, they played several days a week, year-round for 20+ years, both as a twosome and as proud members of the Bandits—Bob had seven hole-in-ones to his credit. He also liked to “tinker,” as he put it, with golf carts. Buying, fixing up, and reselling—he never forgot one of them, being sure to point them out when seeing them go by on hole 14.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Tony and Opal Smith, brother Charles, and his son Scott Craig Smith. He is survived by his wife Norma, son Mark (Julie), daughter Melinda, grandson Jeremy (Monica), granddaughters Mason and Megan, grandson Maclain, and great-granddaughters Madison and Maridith.

We wish to thank our wonderful friends here in SunBird for all the cards, food, plants, flowers, and hugs.

Fred Ponce

Fred Ponce, longtime SunBird resident, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023. Fred was married to his loving wife, Cindy, for 57 years. They have one son, who resides in New York. Many may know Fred from the SunBird Gatehouse. Fred started working at the gate, welcoming residents, guests, and vendors, back in November 1997. He enjoyed riding his bicycle to work daily and primarily worked weekdays and the evening shift. Fred will be dearly missed.

 

 

Wayne Robert Onyx

Wayne Robert Onyx, 68, passed away peacefully in the arms of his wife Lisa on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Phoenix, Ariz., after a brief illness.

Wayne was born on Jan. 3, 1955, to Robert and Annette (Bray) Onyx in Darby, Penn. After Wayne graduated from Lenape High School in 1972, he went on to study engineering at Rutgers University. After graduating with a degree in engineering, Wayne started his first job with Factory Mutual as a Property Loss Control Engineer, kickstarting a 48-year career in the HPR Engineering field. In 2020, after a 20-year career with Arthur J. Gallagher, Wayne retired as an Area Senior Vice President and HPR Engineering Consultant.

In 1996, Wayne met Lisa Zeppelin in the elevator at Arkwright Mutual Insurance Company, on the first day of her employment at the company. Wayne and Lisa were married in 2000. Wayne and Lisa had a wonderful 23 years of marriage with wonderful trips, golf, and time with family and friends.

Wayne was predeceased by his father Robert Onyx, stepfather Jack Greisiger, and father-in-law Edward Zeppelin. Wayne is survived and missed by his loving wife Lisa Onyx of 23 years, his daughter Caroline (Carrie) Onyx, his mother Annette (Toni) Onyx and mother-in-law Irene Zeppelin, his brother Lee Onyx (Karen), sister-in-law Karen Westerhaus (Steve), and stepsisters Jan Turner (Tom) and Jeanne McMurdy. His memory lives on with his nieces and nephews: Ryan Onyx (YuanKai), Caitlyn Weber (Rob), Amber Palm (Dan), and Michael Westerhaus (Kenzie).

Wayne’s canine companions were dear to him. Denali has stayed behind with Lisa, but Abby is on a long walk with him now.

Wayne’s first love has always been the game of golf. During high school and college, he worked at Ramblewood Country Club in Mt. Laurel, N.J. Wayne waited until he was 54 years old to get his first hole-in-one at Fairwinds Golf Course in Florida. After that, they came in rapid succession for a total of seven hole-in-ones. Wayne became very involved in his neighborhood golf community, SunBird Golf Resort in Chandler, Ariz. Wayne was a Director on the SunBird Golf Board, headed up the greens committee, set up tournaments for the Men’s Club and Couples League, and volunteered his time wherever it was needed. Wayne loved all his friends at SunBird Golf Club, and was at his happiest playing golf with them every day of the week.

In memory of Wayne, the SunBird Golf Club is planning a Memorial Golf Tournament on Nov. 18, 2023. Friends and family are encouraged to participate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to SunBird Golf Club (6240 S. SunBird Blvd., Chandler, AZ 85249), an organization Wayne felt strongly about.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Onyx family may be shared at www.LakeshoreMort.com.

Lola Laney

Longtime SunBird resident Lola Laney passed peacefully on June 11 with her daughter by her side. Lola enjoyed many Arizona winters with her husband, Dan. They shared time between their Washington home at Summit Lake and SunBird. After Dan’s passing she continued to winter in SunBird, enjoying golf, bridge, her Friday Fun Group, and her outings to the Broadway Palm Theater. She was a consummate hostess and always welcoming family and friends to her winter home.

She wore many hats during her lifetime: head secretary for Pierce County Parks, scout leader, Husky fan, seamstress, golfer, entertainer, wallpaperer, tiler, home planner, and home decorator. Most importantly she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

She’ll be deeply missed by her daughter Judy, son-in-law Greg, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.

She leaves a legacy of strength, resilience, and abiding love for her family. She was unstoppable ‘til the end.

Sharon Rae Syvertson

Sharon Rae Syvertson, former resident of SunBird, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023, after battling many years of Parkinson’s disease. She married Gary Syvertson on Aug. 12, 1961. She was the mother to son Mark and daughter Julie. She was a gifted, creative quilter. She had a witty sense of humor, with great one liners! Sharon was born in Valley City, N.D., on April 26, 1941. A service was held in Baxter on June 9, 2023.

 

 

 

 

Diane Loy

Diane Loy, 81, of Chandler passed away on May 27, 2023, at her home in SunBird with her husband Jack by her side. Diane was born to Herb and Viola Baldwin in Washington state, where she lived until she got married and moved to Michigan to raise a family. While in Michigan she worked in the insurance industry at Coverex Corporation.

Later she moved to SunBird with her husband Jack. She loved the SunBird community and was very active there. In 1993, the salespeople referred to her as the hardest working gal in SunBird. Diane was one of the original 13 gals who created the Kare Bears—neighbors helping neighbors. She also was instrumental in starting the neighbor’s coffee meetings and free exercise classes. Diane was an avid bridge player and ran the Monday afternoon ladies bridge and Wednesday couples bridge night.

Prior to his death, Diane’s dad taught her to paint the De Grazia style children. She started painting the children on roof tiles, and they were an instant hit. At one point almost half of the homes in SunBird had a tile on display. Over her 17-year career, she and Jack painted thousands of them.

Diane is survived by her loving husband of 37 years Jack Loy, son Greg Truesdell (Carol), daughters Jackie Loy (Mark Groth) and Jayna Loy, grandchildren Anthony Truesdell, Jessica Truesdell, and Garrett Anderson, Lauren Marsicek (Greg), Max Ziebol, Megan Leuzinger (Ben), Garon Wolinsky, great-grandsons Ben and Will Marsicek, sister Barb Davis (Dave), nephew Mike Davis, and niece Michelle Davis.

Diane is preceded in death by her father Herb, mother Viola, daughter Kay Ann Anderson, son Vincent Truesdell, and granddaughter Brittney Wolinsky.

This has been an extremely difficult time, and Jack and the family would like to thank everyone for the continued love and support. A very special thank you to Joan Loose and Polly Smith for their help and guidance through Diane’s illness to her final passage.

Diane has been cremated, and the family will be hosting a celebration of her life on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. in the SunBird ballroom. Please RSVP to Greg Truesdell at [email protected] or 734-654-3226 if you plan to attend.

Bruce A. Romalia

Bruce A. Romalia, 92, of the SunBird Community in Chandler, Ariz., passed away on Feb. 15, 2023.

Bruce enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 and was selected for special assignment for Air Force One for Presidents Kennedy and Johnson from 1961-1967. Bruce served in the Vietnam War from 1967-1968 and was awarded the Bronze Star and several meritorious service awards. Bruce retired from the Air Force in 1982 with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

Bruce is survived by his son, Mark, his daughter, Terri, and five grandchildren. He was also a loving stepfather to Jon, Paula, and Mearl. Bruce was an active member of the SunBird community, was a member of the Bandits Golf League, and truly enjoyed his Wii bowling participation at the Horizon room.

Bruce was fondly known as ‘Grandad’ to his five grandchildren, was their greatest fan, and so loved the visits and calls from them. He ended every phone conversation with his son and daughter, “Give the kids a hug and kiss from Grandad.”

Bruce’s family will have a small service on Thursday, April 13, at 10 a.m. The service will be held at Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery. There will be a reception at the SunBird ballroom immediately following the service.

Gary Lee Burns

Gary Lee Burns was born on Dec. 22, 1939, in Omaha, Neb., to Charles and Helen (Wallick) Burns. He passed away after a short illness on Oct. 19, 2022, in Chandler, Ariz.

He moved with his family to Red Oak, Iowa, in 1945 and graduated from high school with the class of 1957. On Dec. 28, 1958, he was united in marriage to Kathryn Marie Freed at Fremont Lutheran Church, Nyman, Iowa.

He graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree and was a member of the Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity. He and Kathy moved to Pocahontas, Iowa, after graduation where he was a coach and teacher for four years. In 1965 he left the teaching profession and formed a partnership with Jim Fitzgerald that became Burns Fitzgerald Realtors. He was on the Pocahontas Community Hospital board that built the present hospital in 1967 and was instrumental in forming a group of investors to build the present day Pocahontas Manor Care Center in 1970. Later he became the sole owner of that facility until he sold it in 2012.

In 1985 they moved to Mesa, Ariz. He was a past member of Mesa Country Club, Iron Oaks of Sun Lakes, and current member of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe, Ariz. He and Kathy moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz., in 2010 where he enjoyed golf until his health declined. For the last nine months they had lived at Robson Reserve where he established many new friendships and his love of playing bridge.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Kathy, and four children: Debra (Ted) Shimon of Peoria, Ariz., Jeffrey (Lisa) Burns of Chandler, Ariz., Denise (Mike) Ziegler of Sedalia, Colo., and Barry (Kate) Burns of Chandler, Ariz. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Christine (Weston) Bingham, Nick (Tate) Shimon, and Tim Shimon; Kelsey, Jack, and Marley Burns; Sullivan Ziegler, Eli (Aubri) Ziegler, and Macy Ziegler; and Elliot and Zane Burns; as well as great-grandchildren Myla, Brant, Emery, and Mabel Bingham; Lane Jones; and Ollie Joy Shimon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Roger Burns, and his sister-in-law Charlene.

His love of people, college football, Iowa State University, Kansas City Chiefs, and family will never be forgotten. His greatest legacy was having never known a stranger.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to American Heart Association or your favorite charity.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. at Valley of the Sun Mortuary, 10940 East Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, AZ 85248.

Nancy Lee Erickson Smith

Nancy Lee Erickson Smith was born March 15, 1936, in Hibbing, Minn., to Ralph Leif Erickson and Louise Hadley Erickson. The Erickson family then moved to Magna, Utah, where Leif went to work for the Kennecott Copper Company. Nancy attended the University of Hawaii for a year, and then returned to the mainland and enrolled at the University of Utah.

At the U, she met Bob Smith. They were married June 27, 1959, in Salt Lake City. David was born in 1961 and they moved to the new city of Northglenn, Colo., in 1965. Michael was born in 1969.

She held various part-time jobs to be home when the boys got home from school. Along the way she was the choir director at Valley Heights Christian Church, then Northglenn Christian Church, Ghost Town Club of Colorado president and resident artist. At the age of 62 she went back to college and graduated from Metropolitan State College in Denver with a double major, in music and art, graduating with honors.

They moved to Chandler in 1997, where she joined the choir, then led the choir and organized the library. She has more than 35 originally licensed songs with the Office of Copyright in Washington, D.C. She learned to play the harp at 82.

As Bob’s Alzheimer’s progressed, they moved to the Gardens at Ocotillo. Bob passed on April 16, 2022, and she handled it like everything else … with dignity and grace. With Bob in a better place, her health began to decline rapidly, and 4½ months later, on Sept. 2, 2022, she quietly walked into the arms of Jesus.

The family would like to express its thanks to everyone who loved on Bob and Nancy—to their Sun Bird friends, to the Sun Lakes Community Church, the choirs, to pastor Mitch, to Lois, Lyn and Larry, and especially to Aegis Hospice, who helped us through the loss of Bob and Nancy within 4½ months.

They are survived by David and Coleen (Mathew, Katie), great-grandson Levi; Michael and Nicole (Tyler, Michaela), great-granddaughter Lily; step-grands Meghan Stewart (Kevin), McKinley; Morgan Heinzroth (Sylar), Hallie; sister Barbara Bowman (Phil); and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at Sun Lakes Community Church at 10:30 a.m. on April 15. Her sons, David and Michael, invite any friends and acquaintances from SunBird and Sun Lakes to attend.

Memorials may be made to Aegis Hospice, a library of your choice, or Wasatch Academy.

Roger Rempert

On Sunday morning, Sept. 18, 2022, we learned our Dad, Roger Rempert, had “Flown West” to rejoin our Mom, Sandy Rempert.

He was staying with a friend near his home in beautiful SunBird, Arizona while recuperating from a hip replacement surgery and slipped away in his sleep. He did not appear to be in any pain, but he was tired.

I spoke with him a few days earlier, and he told me, “I think I’m going to sell my hangar, there’s nothing in it except a boat I want to sell.” I think this was a very symbolic statement; his wings were clipped, his spirit was used up, he had nothing left to work on. I think he was ready to go…

Dad was excited to have his hip replaced so he could walk again without pain and be able to “make it back to Oshkosh next year.” His surgery had been scheduled to coincide with the Oshkosh fly in this year but was postponed due to potential complications. While the surgery appears to have been a success, it apparently took a toll on his system that was overwhelming.

There are many things that come to mind when we think of Roger, but his love of his family, his love of flying, and his love of boating are things that stand out the most. It was hard to talk to Roger without aviation coming up in some way, it was truly ingrained in his soul; he was a natural pilot, and he loved aviation as much as anyone I’ve ever met. It was truly part of his identity, and who he was. He never lost his touch, it just seemed to be in his blood.

It was also common to hear him praising his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was always quick to brag about how proud of us all he was, how he loved us, and how we were “The Best” at whatever endeavor or challenge we were taking on at the time. He often expressed how grateful he was to be blessed with such an amazing family. More than anything he wanted us to be successful and happy.

Roger’s love of boating stretched throughout his lifetime, literally. Of all the toys, machines, projects, properties, and miscellaneous interests he had throughout the years, his final project was a boat. He loved boating as much as flying in my opinion; so much so, he insisted on bringing a boat with him to the desert!

Roger is survived by his four children: Chris Duba, Randy Rempert, Vickie Andre, and Erich Rempert, along with 11 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Roger loved Arizona and he loved SunBird, along with the many friends he and Sandy had made there throughout the years.

Here in Southeast Wisconsin Sunday was forecast to be a cool, rainy day, but unexpectedly it turned out to be an absolutely beautiful summer day. I can’t help but believe this was my Dad telling us, “It’s OK! I’m free! I’ve made it to Heaven! Don’t be sad, I’m not gone, I’ve just gone Home to be with old friends!”

This evening, please watch the sun set as Roger loved doing, and raise a glass to wish him farewell, for he has slipped the bonds of Earth’s grasp and headed West; not alone into the sunset, but home to be with old friends again…
—Erich Rempert

Robert (Bob) Clark

Robert (Bob) Clark, age 93, passed away peacefully on Aug. 16, 2022, at his home in SunBird.

Bob was born in Bisbee, Ariz., on Oct. 3, 1928. He was the son of Samuel and Mary Clark. He also had one brother, Sam. All preceded him in death.

After high school graduation in Bisbee, Bob joined the Army. Upon returning from service, he attended the University of Arizona in Tucson. He married a hometown Bisbee girl who passed after 40 years of marriage. They enjoyed their three sons.

Upon graduation from the University of Arizona, he was hired by IBM where he was employed for 30 years. He was transferred many times and also travelled weekly for his work.

When Bob retired, he enjoyed golfing, reading, fishing, dancing, and spending time with his friends.
Bob and his wife Shirley moved to SunBird in 1996 where he was active with the HOA and very happy.
The family would like to thank all for the prayers and condolences, it means so much.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, Oct. 10 in the SunBird Ballroom at 11 a.m.

John “Jack” Joseph Dolezal

John “Jack” Joseph Dolezal, 80, born in Racine, Wis., passed away on July 28, 2022, at his home. Private services with Military Honors will be held. For a full obituary, please see the Strouf Funeral Home website: www.strouf.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fred Pilon

Frederic Leigh Pilon, 86, died July 26, 2022, at home in SunBird. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Mary.

Major Pilon retired from the Washington State Patrol in June 1993, after 35 years of dedicated service.

Fred and Mary moved to SunBird in October 1994. Fred was active in Men’s Club, Irish Club, the NW annual gathering, and Neighbors Who Care.

Sometimes known as “Santa,” he presided over parties, club meetings, parades, Albertson’s, and the SunBird Clubhouse! This was one of the biggest joys in his life, and he talked about it with great fondness in his final days.

Fred will be missed for his unique sense of humor, generous spirit, and his willingness to step up and help with whatever he could.

In addition to Mary, Fred is survived by his son Lee Pilon (Megan), daughter Laurie Pilon (Dan), and Mary’s daughter Sue Moses (John) and son Bob Otstot (Twila). Fred also has five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held with family and close friends at a future date, to be held in Washington.

Many thanks to Savior Hospice, Santé Rehab, and Select Home Care for their support.

Alda Mae Frey

Alda Mae Tanking Frey, 85, of Chandler, Ariz., died peacefully on Monday, June 13, 2022, at her home in the SunBird Retirement Community.

Alda was born on April 15, 1937, the daughter of Alfred and Catherine Runnebaum Tanking. Alda grew up east of Seneca on the Tanking Homestead and graduated from Saints Peter and Paul High School in 1955. After high school, Alda moved to Topeka and was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for five years.

Alda married Fred William Frey of Bern on April 15, 1961. They made their home on a farm east of Dubois, Neb. She enjoyed homemaking, attending her children’s sporting events, playing cards, dancing, the color purple, and spending quiet time in prayer. In 2005, Fred and Alda purchased a winter home in SunBird. Alda has called this beautiful oasis in the desert her home ever since. She enjoyed meeting friends from all over the country and enjoyed the Arizona sunshine.

Alda had a personal relationship with her Heavenly Father. She was baptized into the Catholic faith in 1937. She worshipped at Saints Peter and Paul in Seneca and St. Stevens in Sun Lake, Arizona. Alda spent many hours a day in quiet time praying for our world and her family.

Alda is survived by her sons Howard Frey of DuBois, Neb., and Roy (Shari) Frey of Sabetha, Kan.; daughter, Cindy (Russ) Wilfert of Mesa, Ariz.; five grandchildren, Jacqueline (Josh) Myers of Des Moines, Iowa, Jacob Frey of Lawrence, Kan., Broderick (Haley) Frey of Manhattan, Kan., Jenna (Quaid) Vuncannon of Gilbert, Ariz., and Caden Wilfert of Goodyear, Ariz.; one great-grandson, Wiliam Myers; one brother, Elmer Tanking of Tonganoxie; two sisters, Eileen Meyer of Sabetha and Jerri Ann Matzke of Silver Lake; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by Fred as well as siblings Johnny Tanking, Regis Tanking, and Jerry Tanking.

A Celebration of Alda’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 24, 2022, at the SunBird Community Room. Friends may gather for a rosary at 10:30 a.m. Grandchildren will be sharing memories, which will be sure to entertain us all. “Kare Bears” of the SunBird community will provide refreshments.

On Friday, July 8, there will be a 9:30 a.m. rosary and 10 a.m. mass at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic church in Seneca, Kan. Burial will be immediately following.

Memorial Contributions can be made to neighborswhocare.com/donate.

Online messages of condolence can be left at Valley of the Sun Mortuary or www.dignitymemorial.com.

Jerome (Jerry) Thomas Nunamaker

Jerry was born July 10, 1936, in Conrad, Mont. He was one of six siblings who later migrated to Bellingham, Wash. He attended Western Washington University where he studied Civil Engineering and met his wife and traveling partner of 59 years of marriage until her passing in June of 2020.

He is preceded in death by his wife Janet Copley Nunamaker, his father Joseph Palmer Nunamaker, and his mother Sylvia Ann (Pauli) Nunamaker of Bellingham, Wash.; brothers: Joseph and Kenneth Nunamaker; sisters: Marjorie (Nunamaker) Ellis-Miller and Jeanne (Nunamaker) Baglio; and brother-in-law Robert Wilson Hatfield. Not to forget his influential uncles: Clint Nunamaker, Everett Nunamaker, and Senator Homer Nunamaker.

He is survived in death by his identical twin brother James Clarence Nunamaker (Linda), his son Kevin Nunamaker (Deborah) and daughter Kara Nunamaker Knaebel (Paul), grandchildren: Tyler and Kassie Knaebel, brother in-law Dr. John Brian Copley and sister-in-law Barbara Copley Hatfield, numerous cousins, many loving relatives, and friends and neighbors in Bellingham, Marysville, Belfair, Wash., and Chandler, Ariz.

Jerry served as Load Master in the U.S. Air Force; 17th Aerial Port Squadron, Paine Field, Wash., from 1958 to 1964. He then served the state of Washington working for the Department of Transportation as a Civil Engineer for 30 years out of the Marysville/Everett offices. Following retirement, he consulted on various highway projects. He then decided to become a snowbird in 1993 and moved to the SunBird community in Chandler, Ariz., where he and his wife continued to spend their winters for 21 years.

His favorite places to relax were to spend his winters at his home in Chandler, Ariz., and his summers at his little cedar beach home on Hood Canal, Wash., where he passed peacefully on June 10, 2022, after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

His favorite activities were golfing, fishing, spending time with his grandchildren, gardening, and traveling around the world.

Our family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Providence Hospice, especially nurse Paul and assistants Jackie and Amanda. Our family would also like to thank our dear numerous relatives, friends, and neighbors for their support.

A celebration of life will be held on Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. at “the place he would most rather be,” his home on the Canal.

Ned Delk

Ned Delk, age 81, passed away on May 21, 2022, after a long illness. He spent the last year in a private care home.

Ned and Carol came down to SunBird from Lindstrom, Minn., and purchased their home in 2013 as snowbirds. In 2017 they moved here full time. Ned retired after 37 years in hospitality hotel management.

He enjoyed golf and billiards with friends. His love of music called him to sing with the Community Church Choir and the SunBird Concert Choir.

He is survived by his wife Carol; son Kevin (Maria); daughters Sherry (Mark) Borseth, Jody (Stan) Root, and Kerry (Sean) Drury; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A private memorial will be held in Minnesota.

Melvin (Mel) Duane Flinkman

Melvin (Mel) Duane Flinkman passed away suddenly on Friday, April 8, 2022. He was 88 years old. Born Dec. 21, 1933, to Eino W. Flinkman and Elsie D. (Carlson) in Enumclaw, Wash., where he spent most of his life before moving to Chandler, Ariz. Graduating from Enumclaw High School in 1952, he went on to attend Washington State University.

He married and had three children, Curtis, Melvin Jr., and Kathryn. After his divorce while working for Metropolitan Life in Seattle he met Marilou Hoyt. They married on March 22, 1969, adding five more children to his family to bring the total to seven. He always said he loved Marilou and if she came with kids that was great. Growing up, the kids remember camping trips and hiking as their favorite summer vacations. While Marilou cooked for the pack, Mel led them on their adventures.

Moving back to Enumclaw shortly after he and Marilou were married, he started a very successful State Farm Insurance business. Known for his kindness and care for his clients, Mel usually arrived at the scene of an accident or situation because “They need to see me and know it’s going to be okay.” Retiring in 1997, he and Marilou traveled the world visiting every continent except Antarctica. They sailed the Amazon, the Nile, the Rhine, and the Yangtze rivers. They visited Russia, China, Australia, Brazil, and Africa. As they got older they explored the United States and loved cruising. They started visiting Sunbird Retirement Community in Chandler, Ariz., for short one-month visits, which turned into three months then five. That’s when they bought their first small home there. Finally in 2003 they decided to sell their Enumclaw home where their kids and grandkids grew up and moved full-time to Sunbird.

Mel was an avid sportsman. He loved skiing—teaching most of his kids to ski, tennis—his kids and grandkids still talk about how he taught them to play and always beat them, golf—with eight holes-in-one, and fishing. Their annual fishing trip to Alaska to visit son Les and daughter-in-law Laura started in the 1980s and continued well into the 2010s.

Four years after Marilou passed away Mel met Charlotte Donaldson in November 2016 after a “matchmaking” friend invited them both to dinner. They went to the New Year’s Eve dance together and the rest was history. They both loved to dance, and Charlotte says he was a great dancer! They traveled and took cruises together and on Feb. 7, 2017, they pledged their commitment to each other exchanging rings. Mel’s kids loved that she appreciated his sense of humor and how much they laughed together. Charlotte’s kids loved how he treated their mom.

Mel was preceded in death by wife Marilou Hoyt Flinkman, parents Eino and Elsie Flinkman, brother William Flinkman, son Curtis, daughter Elizabeth Cronk Bulter, son Kenneth Cronk, son-in-law Tim McManus.

Mel leaves behind five children—Kathy Flinkman, Les Cronk and wife Laura, Laura McManus, Mel Flinkman Jr., and Wayne Johnson and wife Deanna. He was Papa to 11 grandkids and 12 great-grandkids.

A service will be held late summer in Enumclaw, Wash., and at Sunbird Retirement Community in the fall when all his snowbird friends return for the winter.

It was Mel’s wish that in lieu of flowers that donations be given to Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank, 1368 N. Arizona Ave., Suite 412, Chandler, AZ 85225, 480-857-2296.

Mel will be honored in a Celebration of Life on Thursday, Oct. 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the ballroom.