In Passing – November 2023

Barbara Kay Barish

Barbara Kay Barish passed away on Aug. 2, 2023, at the age of 79, in Chandler, Ariz. She was born on June 3, 1944 in Sioux, Iowa. She was happily married to the love of her life, Ted, for 61 years.

Barbara is the beloved daughter of the late Stanley and Edna Seaton; brother of Doug Seaton; mother of Paul (Andrea) Barish and the late Ted Barish Jr.; and grandmother of Lauren and Grant Barish. Barbara is also survived by many cousins and friends.

Barbara’s family moved to Wilmont, Minn., and eventually settled in Worthington, Minn. After marriage, Ted and Barbara moved to St. Charles, Mo., where they resided for approximately 30 years. Barbara attended design drafting school and worked for several engineering firms in the St. Louis, Mo., area. After retirement, Ted and Barbara split their time between Sun Lakes, Ariz., and Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.

Barbara loved spending time at her lake house in the Ozarks, boating and floating with friends and family. While in Arizona, Barbara enjoyed golfing and socializing with the many friends she had met in their community. In 2020, Barbara was blessed with Katie, her loving dog that she adored immensely.

The family held a memorial service at the Valley Of The Sun Mortuary & Cemetery on Oct. 14, 2023, at 1 p.m. Following the memorial service, family and friends were invited to honor Barbara’s wonderful life at a Celebration of Life gathering, held at the Oakwood Country Club (Bradford Room).

Vickie Brush

She walked into many lives along the way and found a group called the Sun Lakes Women’s Association. Her personality lit up the room wherever she was. The women in our association invited her into our club and knew she was a great asset. Over the last few years Vickie proved how dedicated she became to her responsibility to our group with her personality, education and knowledge in finance, composition, and interest in any job she approached. The women in our association could not let her go and voted her to become the president of the Sun Lakes Women’s Association.

For over two years she managed to bring interest to others from our communities. It was never a dull moment when Vickie was around. She shared many ideas in our meetings. She was kind and listened to every member who had an idea about our club and how we could increase membership. Vickie was short, tiny, and caring, and she impressed all who came in contact with her. Besides being wrapped up most of the time with our club she was also a warm and delightful woman. Outside of the frame of our club meetings, Vickie was there for anyone who needed help. I speak for others who knew her—when in need she was there by your side. When my husband and I had health issues, she came to our home to help. She delivered meals to us when we could not go out. She drove me to the emergency room when my husband was in the hospital, and Vickie sat in a room with me for five hours to make certain all was okay. Vickie was a wonderful and devoted mother to her son Michael (whom most of you had not known), and she visited him often in Washington, D.C. She was very proud of him.

Vickie loved to travel and experience other countries, and she helped along the way to those who were not able to have the benefits and care others do. I am certain Vickie had many friends, and has helped others in her path of life. I believe I have spoken for the ladies in our association and asked to write a tribute to an outstanding lady. The Sun Lakes Women’s Association will miss her, her personality, her kindness, and her interests in everything she looked forward to accomplishing.

Vickie left us on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. May she rest in peace.

Jacqueline M. Ruffino-Platt, Sun Lakes Women’s Association

Nancy T. Bunce

Nancy T. Bunce passed away on Sept. 25, 2023, at the age of 87. Nancy was born on Oct. 27, 1935, in Mansfield, Ohio, to the late Walter Harley Teeters and Marie Vivian Teeters.

Nancy was raised in Pittsburgh, Penn., until her marriage to Charles W. Bunce, Jr. in 1957. The two also lived in Colorado, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, and Florida before finally settling in Sun Lakes, Ariz., for her later years in life.

Nancy obtained her BA double major in History and Art from Chatham College in Pittsburgh, Penn., launching her into a lifelong extraordinary career in Advertising and Marketing, among many other equally successful endeavors.

From small beginnings as a freelance artist to a consultant for marketing/health care corporations throughout the United States, Nancy’s accomplishments were too numerous to mention. Her talents led to designing hundreds of logos for local and national companies, including the IronOaks neighborhood of Sun Lakes, and left an amazing legacy of her creative genius in the communities where she lived, worked, and volunteered. Nancy planted firm roots in the Sun Lakes Community and was most recently a member of the Cabin Quilters Friendship Group and Book Club, Agave Quilters, Sun Lakes Cloggers, Iron Oaks Image Committee Chair and Unit 36C Inaugural Unit Captain, and founder/co-founder of the Annual Lake Diamond Luminaria Walk. Thankfully we have the archives of her talents as her style and passion live within them.

She will be sorely missed by all who knew her as she left an indelible mark on our lives. We take comfort in knowing she is at peace and was surrounded by love when she passed.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 66 remarkable years, Charles W. Bunce, Jr.; daughters, Martha (Greg) Thomas, Mary Oldham, Cheryl Gonzales, Karen (David) Sheff; son, Charles W. Bunce, III (Shanynn); grandchildren, Luke (Christine) Thomas, Thad Thomas, Taylor Oldham, Brady Oldham, Buddy (McKinley) Gonzales, Elizabeth Bunce, Jonathan Bunce, Stephen Bunce; great-grandchildren, Matthew Thomas, Caleb Thomas; and her sister, Patricia T. Marine. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her infant sister, Mary Ellen Teeters.

The family would like to give special thanks to THEMA Hospice, Chandler Regional Medical Center, and friends/neighbors in Sun Lakes.

At Nancy’s request, no services will be held at this time. A private family Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Nancy’s memory to Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Va.; Neighbors Who Care, Sun Lakes, Ariz.; Aimee’s Farm Animal Sanctuary, San Tan Valley, Ariz., or to Chatham University, Pittsburgh, Penn.

See Nancy’s full obituary at sunlakessplash.com/in-passing.

Maynard and Mitzi Iverson

Longtime Sun Lakes residents, Maynard and Mitzi Iverson, passed away a month apart this last August and September, under very different circumstances.

Maynard was an accomplished educator. After receiving a Master of Education degree from Colorado State University, he taught for several years in North Dakota. In 1971, he received a Doctorate in Philosophy from Ohio State University. Professorships followed at major SEC universities—Kentucky, Auburn, North Carolina, and Georgia.

Mitzi was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution and volunteered with Neighbors Who Care, an organization that assists the homebound, disabled, and/or frail elderly. In retirement, Mitzi also became interested in genealogy. In researching her family line, she discovered new relatives along the way. Ever creative, she knitted scarves and shawls and made greeting cards, which she sold at local craft fairs.

Last November the cascade began. In the middle of the night, Maynard fell and broke his femur, leaving him bedridden in a care facility. Mitzi found herself living alone for the first time in her life. In a car with friends she was involved in an automobile accident that left her with broken ribs and neck brace she was forced to wear for the next seven months. After finally having the brace removed she was free to drive again.

A second auto accident occurred not long after, one which Mitzi did not survive.

Maynard remained in the care facility, undergoing physical therapy in hope he would be walking again soon. Except now his wife of 59 years was gone.

After gradually regaining strength in his legs, Maynard began to weaken. Only it turned out to be much more than that. Tests at Chandler Regional revealed a collapsed lung, and most shockingly, undiagnosed stage 4 cancer that had already spread to his bones. Maynard passed a week later, just a month on from Mitzi.

The Iversons loved their time in Sun Lakes … two decades surrounded by family, and so many newfound friends.

Life can take unexpected turns. It seems death can as well.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Maynard’s honor on Nov. 6, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Steven’s Catholic Church, 24827 S. Dobson Rd. in Sun Lakes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to the Knights of Columbus, kofc.org.

Norman Lefton

Norman Lefton of Sun Lakes passed away on July 19, 2023, at the age of 95. He is survived by his two devoted daughters Randi and Daryl, son Michael, grandsons Jeremy and Alex, and great-granddaughter Julie.

Born to Samuel and Beatrice, Norman was a first-generation American whose parents had emigrated from Eastern Europe. Although he was raised primarily in Chicago, he graduated from Tucson Senior High School.

Prior to that, he spent his Freshman-Sophomore years at the Roosevelt Military Academy in Aledo, Ill., where he acquired his marksmanship, equestrian, and bugle skills. He was in the Bugle and Military bands, performing at various events, and he cared for and rode his horse “Boots” and practiced firing his rifle as part of the cavalry training.

After high school, Norman attended Roosevelt University in downtown Chicago for two years studying Business while working at his father’s fur salon in Roseland. He met Beverly through his best friend and they were married for 67 years. They lived in Hyde Park until Norman left for Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri for basic training. Shortly after, he was deployed to Beale Air Force Base in California where he served in the Army’s special branch attached to the Air Force (SCARWAF) during the Korean war. After his two-year assignment, they bought a home in Chicago’s Calumet Heights and lived there for 16 years.

In 1954, Norman opened a Firestone tire store. He later sold it to Major Motors Supply, a full service auto parts and supply co., and stayed on as manager. In the 1970s/80s, he worked there part-time while pursuing other opportunities: fleet manager at David Berg, treasurer at a company that he co-owned King Salmon, Inc., and inventory and credit manager at Candle Corp of America. He eventually returned to Major Motors full-time and retired with them in 1994 when he and Beverly moved to Arizona.

Even in retirement Norman sold auto parts and was a financial and bank courier. He later served as an Airport Navigator at the Phoenix airport, which came as no surprise since he had an incredible sense of direction and was once himself a pilot of single engine planes. He was also an active and founding member of the Jewish War Veterans Copper State Post 619.

Norman earned the nickname “Golden Hands” because he could fix almost anything. He enjoyed keeping the house and cars in good working order, talking to people all over the world on the ham radio he built—his call sign was K9YIM, and taking photos with his many cameras and developing them in his darkroom. He loved spending time with Beverly and friends. They had many parties, traveled together, bowled in a league, performed in plays with their Tay-Sachs group, played guitars, and sang with their band Old Faithful (Beverly) and the Four Guysers. They loved the music of The Beatles and enjoyed watching the Cubs, Sox, and Bears games on TV and in person. In Arizona, they rooted for the Diamondbacks and Cardinals.

Norman was a nice guy with a playful sense of humor. He was loyal to his wife and family and he had good ethics and street smarts that he passed on to his children. He lived a long, fulfilled life, though with dementia his last eight years. Norman will be greatly missed by his family, and by all who had come to know and love him. Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of your choice or to: alz.org, sljc.org, or jwvsw.org/post-619.

Carol Jeanne McIntyre

Carol Jeanne McIntyre, 86, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on Sept. 18, 2023, after hospitalization for medical care.

Carol was born on Nov. 28, 1936, near Mohall, N.D., to loving parents Marvin and Alice Iverson. She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Leonard “Jay” McIntyre, their daughter, Heather (Bill) Woodward, and three grandchildren: Lynden, Myla, and Kellan; their son Trevor (Holly) McIntyre; brother Gary Iverson and Kathleen (Mike) Woodard, four nephews and nieces: Mike and Melissa Iverson; Thomas (Julia) and Alyssa Woodard; two great-nephews, Levi and Maverick Woodard. She will be missed by her loving extended family and numerous friends

Her brother Maynard Iverson and his wife Mitzi recently passed away in September and August.

After high school in Mohall, Carol went on to graduate with a degree as a Registered Nurse in 1957 from St. Joseph’s Hospital, Minot, N.D.; a B.S. in Nursing at St. Louis University, ’60; School Nurse Certification at SDSU, CA ’70; School Nurse Practitioner at UCSD ’72; MA in Human Behavior USIU, CA ’74; MSN in Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing at UNMC, NE ’94. Her clinical nursing experience included 15 years of hospital nursing in Minot, St Louis, and Hollywood, Calif., before joining the United States Air Force (USAF) Nurse Corps in 1966. Her Air Force tours included Wright-Patterson/AFB (OH), Norton/Travis/March AFBs (CA), Andrews AFB (D.C.), Flight Nursing Course, Brooks AFB (TX), AF Chief Nurse Conferences—Sheppard AFB (TX), Offutt AFB (NE), and Maxwell AFB (AL). Carol achieved numerous lifelong certifications and awards along her nursing career spanning 43 years. Carol entered Active Duty as a Captain and ultimately served 20+ years in the USAF Reserve, NC—10 years as a Chief Nurse, and retired as a full Colonel.

In 2000, Carol fully retired and spent her time with Jay while supporting numerous Parish activities, including St. Stephen Ministries and Church & Society Committee leader, eagerly participated in Catechesis, Bible Studies, and Ladies Guild where she managed the St. Steven’s Prayer Line, and many others.

Services were held at St. Steven’s Catholic Church on Sept. 25.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your favorite charity.

Condolences may be expressed at www.buelermortuary.com.

Michael Mlynarczyk

Michael L. Mlynarczyk died Sunday, June 25, 2023, in New Richmond, Wis., surrounded by his family. Mike was born to George and Frances (Black) on Aug. 3, 1947, in St. Paul, Minn., where he grew up and graduated from Hill High School in 1965. On Oct. 3, 1987, Mike and Kathy were united in marriage in Stillwater, Minn., blending their beautiful families.

Mike received his associate degree and built a career in accounting and collections in the trucking industry. In 2005, Mike retired from Transportation Funding Group, a company which he and three friends started. Kathy also retired that summer, allowing them to spend their retirement years together.

Mike was a strong, yet gentle man who adored his family and absolutely loved being a husband and dad. He had such a soft demeanor, and he always treated others with kindness and respect, never saying an ill word about anyone. He loved the outdoors and spent his free time golfing, fishing, and deer hunting. From pheasant hunting in South Dakota, to traveling the country by RV with Kathy, to playing softball with the Jaycees, Mike truly lived his life to the fullest. Mike treasured the time spent on Migizi Island they owned with Barb and Renn on Rainy Lake, where they made so many amazing memories with family, friends, and especially the grandchildren. Mike and Kathy loved traveling, putting hundreds of miles on their snowmobiles and scuba diving in the Caribbean. But shortly after retirement, they decided it was time to trade the Midwest snow for saguaros, mountains, and golf greens of Arizona.

Mike will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his labradoodle, Bella, whom he cherished and spoiled daily. Mike will forever be missed by his wife of 35 years, Kathy; children, Scott (Sue) Mlynarczyk, Deanna (Gary) Kaufman, Tina Mlynarczyk, and Derek (Lisa) Lindoo; grandchildren, Shania, Emma, and Caleb; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Audrianna, and Kyler; siblings, Sta’s and Jackie Mlynarczyk, Steve and Jan Mlynarczyk; sister-in-law, Barb and Renn Karl; niece, Polly (Rick) Wisdom; great-nephew, Parker; and great-nieces, Sophie and Paige.  He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Fran; and mother-in-law, Jerri Warling.

A Celebration of Life visitation was held on July 11, 2023, at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (728 S Knowles Ave) in New Richmond, Wis. Military honors recognized Mike’s service to his country in the United States Navy. Memorials preferred to Lakeview Hospice or St. Croix County Health & Rehab Center.

Pamela Crowder Petersen

Pamela Crowder Petersen, born Aug. 20, 1945, in Asheville, N.C., and departed this life for the next on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, at home in Sun Lakes, Ariz.

Pamela Joyce Crowder Petersen, daughter of William and Mildred Crowder, oldest of four children, spent her formative years in Hendersonville, N.C., attending Hendersonville public schools from 1st-9th grade. Job-related family moves forced her to change schools several times in her high school years; subsequently, she graduated in 1963 from Chattanooga High School, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Pam attended Memphis State University, Memphis, Tenn., graduating in August 1967 cum laude earning a B.A. degree with a double major in literature and journalism. Following graduation, Pam taught at Sacred Heart School in Memphis for several years, then at Paducah Tilghman High School in Paducah, Ky., and Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, Ill., before starting a 27-year stint at Rolling Meadows High School (RMHS) during which time she also earned her M.A. from DePaul University. A certain fellow teacher and soccer coach at RMHS caught her eye and she and Charles “Chuck” Petersen were married Dec. 21, 1974, at St. Hillary Episcopal Mission Church, Wheeling, Ill.

At RMHS, Pam introduced hundreds of students to the wonderful works of Chaucer, Dickens, and Shakespeare as well as modern writers Thomas Wolfe and James Dickey; was staff member for the school paper; and taught Humanities for college bound students. Pam and Chuck retired from teaching at RMHS and moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz., in 2003.

In 1992, Pam and Chuck adopted their first retired racing greyhound. Over the years, they adopted eight dogs and usually had at least two racing retirees sharing their lives for the past 30 years. Pam just loved these regal dogs that she found first in ancient literature (Greek and Roman mythology as well as the Bible).

In Sun Lakes, Pam found an outlet for her creative side in watercolor, pottery, and ceramics. Pam joined Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in 2006 and served as chaplain for the Sun Lakes Chapter for four years. She was active in the American Association of University Women, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and the Sun Lakes Democratic Club.

Pam is survived by her husband, Chuck, and siblings Craig Crowder, Kiefer, Okla.; Bill Crowder, Dallas, Texas; and Lynn Glover, Troy, Tenn.

A memorial service will be held in Sun Lakes, Ariz., on Dec. 5, 2023, 1 p.m., Bueler Mortuary.

June Wagner

On Sept. 22, 2023, the last day of summer, the bright light and spirit/soul of June Wagner, 84, departed from Arizona on a stairway to heaven. She is survived by her daughter Danielle, son Steve (Ashley), two grandchildren, two siblings/two nephews/and a niece in Quebec, Canada, where she was born. June was named after the brightness of summer and the beauty of summer roses in the garden by her mother, Cecile. June lived an exemplary life. In her younger years, she left Quebec for California as she was a registered nurse, nurse educator, and gerontology entrepreneur, having received a master’s degree from California State University. She married John Wagner, an aerospace engineer, whose significant accomplishment was that he did complex mathematics to help Neil Armstrong land on the moon. They had raised their two children in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., and enjoyed countless cruises all over the world until John’s passing in 2011. This past August, June and her daughter enjoyed a cruise from Florida to Quebec to visit family, but also visited Niagara Falls. This photo was shot on that cruise. Danielle is grateful to have had that time with her precious mom.

June was beautiful on the inside and out. She was the former president of a Sun Lakes Table Tennis Club and was a member of the Sun Lakes Lady Putters group. She even participated in the Arizona Senior Olympics in table tennis. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from her including how to look good in leggings at 84 and look years younger than on her driver’s license. She was an avid gardener, tending to her bougainvillea, and enjoyed the Arizona sunrises and sunsets on her patio swing when it was a reasonable temperature outside.

Thank you to the volunteers at Neighbors Who Care and other friends and family who improved the quality of her life. In lieu of flowers, take a moment and do an unexpected act of kindness to help a random stranger in need in June’s name. Play ping pong, go on a cruise, water a plant, swing in a swing, or get a glaucoma test and say, “This is for you, June.” These are just some ways to honor her. It also reminds us to remember to carpe diem and live each day fully, as one day can quickly and unexpectedly turn into the last.