In Passing

Roger Otto Bonngard

Roger Otto Bonngard, age 86, of Sun Lakes passed away peacefully at home on July 7, 2023, with his family by his side. Roger was born Feb. 3, 1937, in Kenosha, Wis. While in college he met and married his sweetheart Nancy Hanson. They were married for 62 years and have four children. In 1976 they moved from Union Grove, Wis., to Chandler, Ariz., to be in a warmer, drier climate in the southwest and be close to both parents.

Roger had a heart for education and serving others. He served his community as a mentor, teacher, principal, school board member, church board member, and on numerous local nonprofit organizations. In addition to owning/operating Sir Speedy Printing for many years, he was also a devoted Rotarian for more than 45 years serving as club president (three different clubs), district governor, and on many Rotary committees. After turning the reins of Sir Speedy over to his children, he focused much of his time on Rotary leadership and projects as well as the nonprofits that were near and dear to his heart, all while being involved in his family’s lives.

Roger was a faithful Christian and knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He leaned on his faith during challenging times throughout his life and knew God was always with him, right until his last breath.

He’s survived by his wife Nancy Bonngard, his children Patti Bonngard, Betsy Powell (Carl), Doug Bonngard (Christine), Lori Pierce (Travis); 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, as well as his two sisters Shirley Wennerstrand and Phyllis Hester and brother-in-law Jim Hanson. He’s preceded in death by his parents Evelyn and Otto Bonngard, in-laws Irving and Myrtle Hanson, and brothers-in-law Wally Wennerstrand and Eddie Hester.

His Celebration of Life will be held Monday, July 31 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church located at 739 W. Erie St., Chandler, AZ 85225. Lunch will follow after the service in the Community Life Center on the church campus.

If you’re unable to attend the service, please join us via livestream or watch the service at your convenience via this YouTube link: https://bit.ly/3OhVVqt.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “Chandler Horizon Rotary Foundation” c/o The Roger Bonngard Memorial Scholarship, which will support individuals looking to invest in themselves through further education. Your donation is tax-deductible as a charitable contribution.

The Chandler Horizon Rotary Foundation

The Roger Bonngard Memorial Scholarship

P.O. Box 6173

Chandler, AZ 85246

Online donations can be made here: https://bit.ly/43qc2GD

Carol Mitchell Gear

Carol, my wife, passed away quietly in her sleep on June 8. We were married for 58 years. She was born in Santa Monica and went to high school there. After graduating, she immediately joined Ice Follies, then after a few years went to Europe and joined Holiday on Ice. That’s where we met. It was a blind date. Shortly after, we got engaged in London, where I’m from. We got married in Santa Monica, where we spent most of our married life.

Her working life was varied—she modeled for Royal Crown Cola, Motherhood Maternity clothing, and Gilda Marx athletic wear. She was very psychic, and she did readings at large parties, nightclubs, Pritikin Longevity Center, even over the radio airwaves. She also learned a great deal about the printing industry, and we owned a printing business, which was my trade. We also got into residential and commercial real estate.

Her interests were photography and playing tennis, and she was also a member of the Laguna Woods equestrian drill team in California.

Carol is survived by her two sisters, Elain and Paula; her daughter, Beverley; and two grandsons, Adam and Donovan. She was a great inspiration to me. She’ll be greatly missed.

Joan Cannon Reinke

Joan Cannon Reinke passed away on June 17, 2023, in Chandler, Ariz. She was born Nov. 14, 1933, in East Orange, N.J., to John and Elinor (Allin) Cannon. She graduated from Baldwin and Wallace College in Cleveland, Ohio, with a bachelor’s degree in education in June 1956. She married her husband, Dale Reinke, on Aug. 18, 1956. The family moved to Arizona in March 1965. Joan and Dale moved to Sun Lakes in 1986.

She taught for one year before taking off time to raise her daughter and son. She returned to teaching in 1975 and retired in 1995. She taught in Phoenix, Tucson, and Chandler.

After retirement, Joan became active in the Sun Lakes Women’s Association for many years. She was treasurer for two years. She was a member of the local Beta Sigma Phi chapter. She enjoyed sewing on plastic canvas, card making, and cruising. The 15 cruises took her to Hawaii, Alaska, Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, along the Mississippi River, Snake River, and through the Great Lakes. She was joined on the different cruises by family members.

She is survived by her daughter Pam Reinke, son Keith (Gail) Reinke, granddaughters Yvette (Aaron) Kofford and Katherine (Russ) Deason, and seven great-grandchildren: Eliana, Beth, Clara, Ammon, Elise, April, and William. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Dale.

A memorial service will be held at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248, on Tuesday July 25, at 10 a.m. with a reception immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, 3405 N. Higley Road, Mesa, AZ 85215. Be sure to include “in memory of Joan Reinke” on the check memo line and send your name and return address for receipt.

Thomas Franklin Rich

Thomas Franklin Rich was born Dec. 7, 1931, to Jesse and Iva in Laveen, Ariz. He passed away on June 14, 2023, at Joyville Assisted Living Home II after a long illness.

Tom joined the United States Marines in 1949 and served until 1952. Part of his time he served in Korea.

He joined the Phoenix Police Department in November 1959 and served until February 1981. He worked patrol, auto theft, and front desk. After retiring from the police department, he went to work at the St. Joseph Hospital security department for 10 years.

Tom moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz., in 1983 with his wife, Audrey Rich. He enjoyed golfing, volunteering, and hanging with friends, and he was a member of the Sun Lakes board of directors for several years.

Tom is survived by his wife of 30 years, Audrey; two children, Tommy (Tammy) and Linda (Charles); and stepson, Aaron (Jolene) Campbell. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Tammy, brothers Jesse and Hossier, and sister Tille.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 29 from noon to 2 p.m. at

Mulligans, 25425 S. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes, 85248.

William T. (Bill) Skrei

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of William T. (Bill) Skrei. Bill left us July 9, 2023, at his home in Sun Lakes surrounded by his beloved family.

He was born May 23, 1934, in Moorhead, Minn., to his proud parents T.J. and Dorothy Skrei. Bill was a gifted athlete as he lettered in football, basketball, and track at Moorhead High School. He then graduated from North Dakota State on a football scholarship. During college he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. After graduation, Bill was recruited by the Chicago Bears. Another passion was fast pitch softball where he played on the championship 1966 World Softball Fast Pitch Tournament team.

Bill married Kathy Schlutz on Dec. 5, 1970, at the First Presbyterian Church in Muscatine, Iowa. Bill was in the agribusiness for 39 years, which took his family to Iowa, Wisconsin, Tennessee, then back to Iowa. Bill served as president of the Midwest Agri-Business Council during his years with Terra Industries and retired in 1998.

Bill and Kathy left Sioux City, Iowa, and moved to Sun Lakes in June of 2000 where golf became his sport of choice. He was a long-time member of the Palo Verde Men’s Golf Association and served as president for one year. Bill always looked forward to playing Sunday mornings with his “DD” golf buddies where he was fondly known as “Sweetheart.” We would be remiss not to mention how proud Bill was of his five holes-in-one on both the Palo Verde and Cottonwood Golf Courses.

Bill is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years Kathy Skrei, daughters Wendy Lahr, Julie Skrei, and son Bill Skrei Jr.

We all want to thank the many friends who showed unconditional love and support during this time. A special thank you to Hospice of the Valley whose care and compassion were immensely appreciated.

Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona 84014 or to the Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation.

Per Bill’s wishes, no services will take place. A private celebration of his life will be held in October.

Doris Mae Smits

Doris Mae Smits of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at the age of 82. She will be laid to rest in Lower Salem Cemetery in Lower Salem, Ohio.

Nancy Widener

Nancy Widener, who entered this world July 2, 1937, peacefully passed away July 2, 2023, on her birthday. Today we gather to celebrate her life and bid farewell.

The only child of Clyde and Geneva Oglesby, she grew up in Dayton, Ohio. She graduated from Fairview High School in 1955. Nancy then further pursued her education at Miami Jacobs Business College.

On June 25, 2023, Nancy celebrated her 40th wedding anniversary with her husband, Lee Widener. They were married in Peaceful Valley Colorado.

Nancy’s legacy lives on through her children: Doug Hale of Loveland, Colo.; Brad Hale and his wife Karla of Longmont, Colo.; Jeff Hale and his wife Julie of Boulder, Colo., five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

She and Lee were members of Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, where Nancy was a member of the church choir. She also served on the finance committee, membership committee, and various other committees.

She was also a member of PEO, a women’s organization providing educational support for young women where she served as president for one year.

Nancy enjoyed playing golf with Lee and their friends for many years, as well as enjoying their weekly bridge games. They were avid travelers who visited many countries throughout their marriage, which included several cruises.

Though Nancy’s physical presence is no longer with us, we know her soul has found eternal peace and rest. Nancy, you will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

A Memorial Service to honor Nancy’s remarkable life was held on July 20, 2023.

If you would like to pay tribute in Nancy’s memory, you may make a memorial contribution to either the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church or the Hospice of the Valley. These two organizations were very important to Nancy, and any donations made in her honor will help support causes that she deeply cared about.

Condolences may be expressed at www.buelermortuary.com.