Howard Franklin Clark
Howard Franklin Clark, age 93, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on Aug. 8, 2024.
Howard was born Nov. 25, 1930, in Roachdale, Ind. He was married to Dorothy and has three children, two daughters and a son.
Howard served as a Conservation Officer in Vermillion County, Indiana.
Howard was an avid musician at heart. He loved to sing and play his guitar. He especially loved classic country music and would gladly play for an audience, no matter how big or small. Howard played with the band Riff Raff all around Sun Lakes and solo wherever the opportunity arose.
He is survived by his three children and significant other of over 14 years, Elaine Kerns.
Howard’s final wishes were to not have services on his behalf.
Gordon Ray Edwards
Gordon Ray Edwards, age 73, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. Gordon was born in Beech Grove, Ind., on May 26, 1951. Gordon graduated from Franklin Central High School and received an electrical engineering technology bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).
He was married to Mary Ellen in 1976 and they recently celebrated 48 years of marriage. Gordon had a career in instruction and training for Amtrak for 30+ years. He was a member of the Mustang Club of America and Good Sam RV Community. Gordon had a passion for Mustangs, RVing, and music. He enjoyed talking to everyone, especially friends he met through school, work, church, and clubs.
He is survived by wife Mary Ellen, sons Doug and Derek, and four grandchildren.
Richard (Dick) Martin
Richard (Dick) Martin passed away peacefully at his residence in Sun Lakes, Ariz., on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
He was born on June 3, 1935, in Litchfield, Ill., a son of Ollie and Nellie Martin. Dick married Sandra (Sandi) Rundquist Martin on Jan. 20, 2001, at the Chart House in Scottsdale, Ariz., against a beautiful sunset backdrop. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and four brothers.
Dick is survived by his wife Sandi, his three children Mike of Peoria, Ill., Craig (Barb) of Washington, Ill., Heather (Jerramy) of Cave Creek, Ariz., his stepdaughter Wendy (Kerry) of Las Vegas, Nev., and his three grandchildren Zachary and Trevor of Washington, Ill., Kaitlyn of Columbia, Mo., and his great-granddaughter Ava of Washington, Ill.
Dick graduated from Carlinville High School as a highly decorated multisport athlete placing 3rd in the State pole vaulting competition in 1953. He always liked to remind us that was when there were no state classifications, the poles were steel, and you landed in a sand pit the size of a hand towel. He began his college career at Eastern Illinois University, eventually transferring to Blackburn College to play basketball and graduate with a degree in education.
After college, Dick remained in Carlinville to teach science and coach multiple sports at multiple levels at the Junior and High School. He was a very popular teacher and coach who had quite an impact on his students’ and athletes’ lives. He eventually left teaching to become an Outside Salesman for multiple HVAC manufactures including Reznor and Honeywell. In 1983, he purchased Donelson Corporation, an HVAC distribution company in Peoria, Ill., of which he was president until he sold the business and retired in 2000, moving to Sun Lakes.
Papa Dick, as he was lovingly nicknamed by his eldest grandson, Zachary, had a passion for golf. He had a sweet golf swing that everyone envied. He enjoyed hanging out with his group of friends at the Palo Verde “Compound,” traveling with his wife Sandi, and putting back a few Rob Roys.
Dick truly lived an outstanding life. A Celebration of Life is planned for sometime in November. Details to follow.
Thomas McNulty Sr.
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Thomas James McNulty Sr. died peacefully in his sleep, at his home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the age of 80. He was born on Aug. 8, 1943, to Genevieve and Francis McNulty.
Tom graduated from Overbrook Regional High School, and not long after, met the love of his life, Dorothy Frances Ritter. The two were married in June 1966 and she survives him.
Tom is preceded in death by his brothers James and Robert, and by his parents, Francis and Genevieve. He is survived by one brother, Fran (Linda), his wife Dorothy, his four children, Kevin (Joanna), Kelly (Angela Martinez), Thomas Jr. (Tricia), and Teri (Brian) Schelstraete, nine grandchildren, Joseph, Lily, Meghan, Robert, Hayley, Samantha, Brynn, Sophia, Briella, and six great-grandchildren, Arianna, Camdyn, Carter, Jaxson, Grayson, and Harlynn.
Early in his life, Tom and his brothers faced great adversity after the untimely deaths of both their parents. Often fending for themselves, the three brothers worked hard to survive. When he and Dot were married, Tom worked multiple jobs to feed his family, and as time went on, he grew successful at sales, working for companies such as Hoover, Fedders, RCA, Magic Chef, Maytag, and Anthem. Over his career, he met many people and made many friends in this role. He was well-liked by colleagues and friends alike.
Tom was a man of many talents and loves. Foremost, he was a loving husband and father to his family, coaching them in sports, supporting them in their endeavors, and celebrating their successes. He also enjoyed the game of golf and tried to impart that love to his children. Tom graced the links of many a golf course around the country, and he secured five holes-in-one, several scratch rounds, and many friendships along the way. Tom will be missed by family and friends.
Tom’s family would like to offer a special thanks to Hospice of the West, and Mary Meuer for their loving care of both Tom and Dot.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the West at 2500 S. Power Rd., Ste 125A, Mesa, AZ 85209.
Barry Keith Noack
Barry Keith Noack, 92, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., died peacefully on Aug. 20, 2024. He was born on March 29, 1932, to Maurice and Ruth Noack in Arlington, Minn. A natural born athlete, he played on many of his high school teams, and excelled at football and basketball. He also achieved the honor of Eagle Scout.
Barry attended Notre Dame University for two years and then graduated from St. John’s University in Minnesota. After graduating, Barry felt a calling to serve people and his God and enrolled in the Maryknoll Seminary, but then decided he could better serve people by becoming a teacher. While pursuing a degree in Education at Mankato State Teachers College, he met his wife, Pat Krebs, and together they raised four children. He dedicated over 40 years to his career in education, where he worked as a math teacher for 10 years, as a full time Executive Secretary for the Teachers Union of Robbinsdale School District of Minnesota, while also serving as National Vice President of the American Federation of Teachers for some years, and while there created a national board for small school districts.
Barry was an avid traveler, often exploring new destinations with his wife, and dear friends Mary and Don Dufek. He also spent time in Guatemala learning Spanish and volunteering. He also had passions for golf, bridge, politics, and the Minnesota Vikings. His wisdom, tenacity, and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.
Above all his interests, his family always came first. He was blessed with a loving wife and caregiver of 67 years who allowed him to spend his final years in his own home.
He is survived by his wife, Pat; his children, Keith (Lyn), Mark (Jana), Paul (Lisa), and Julie (Bill); and his grandchildren, Chelsea, Nick, Savannah, Mike, Lucas, Jack, Adam, and Elliott.
Lee Rath, “Just Putt It”
By George Stahl
I met Lee Rath playing my first round of golf at Cottonwood Golf Course. It was a shotgun start and we started on the 18th hole five years ago before Covid rattled all of our cages. It was not a pretty meeting. I had been invited to play golf with a small men’s group and after my tee shot, I was regretting doing so. It had nothing to do with the other three players I was paired with, it was totally my golf club’s fault.
As we were getting into our carts to retrieve our balls after we teed off, mine from the water, I watched as the others hit their second shots across the water and onto the green. Lee took his stance at his ball, from what was a really good drive. He moved his club back slowly and then with a tremendous swing, came down on it fast. The white ball sailed like it had wings, and gently placed itself short of the green about 40 yards. A good position for a chip and a putt, as they say. I don’t need to tell you where my ball went after the water shot, but I was laying in three going on four. Or it should have been. I ended up with a 12, but I was told, thankfully, “We don’t score any higher than 8.”
Here is the impressive part. Lee, with his Paul Bunyan like stature, walked over to his ball in that undeniable gate of Hey! I’m retired! I don’t run anymore. I saunter. Lee was only carrying one club, his putter. I thought maybe he forget his pitching wedge, but he didn’t. He set up at the ball, looked one time at the pin almost half a football field away, and with just the right amount of force putted the ball through the grass, onto the apron of the green, and his ball stopped about three inches from the hole! This was not luck either. Apparently, Lee was a master putter, and he was course famous for it!
Approaching Lee, and not at all knowing how he would react, I smiled and told him what a great putt that was. He looked at me, and I thought maybe I shouldn’t have said that.
“You think so? Tell me that the next time it goes in the hole,” Lee said with a serious look in his eyes. I knew I had to quit then! Until he gave out that growly belly laugh of his and touched my shoulder, “I like you, kid,” he said. “By the way, you’re going to fit right in here with us old guys.” Lee has been my friend ever since that day. I didn’t quit, we played as often as we could, and as time went on, Lee and his wife, Vicki, and my wife, Vikki, and I expanded our fun times together off the course by going kayaking, having dinners, watching movies, and enjoying other great fun events as couples.
Today, when one of us in that small group is on the course and our second shot falls short of the green, sometimes instead of using our wedge, we “Lee Rath it and just putt.” I miss you very much my friend! You will always be loved and missed! Lee passed away on Aug. 27. He was 73 years young.
Eugene Lewis Tress
A true patriot and devout Christian, Eugene “Gene” Tress, age 91 years, went home to be with the Lord on Aug. 17, 2024. Born Aug. 2, 1933, in Bird in Hand, Pa., to parents Edward C. Tress and Mary Benard Tress, he was raised by his grandfather and Mennonite grandmother. His work ethic emerged at an early age as he worked for members of the Amish community harvesting chickens and tobacco farming. At age 18, he enthusiastically enlisted in the United States Air Force serving his country with proud commitment for 20 years. He was stationed at Williams Air Force Base (Mesa, Ariz.); Korea; Bermuda; Sacramento, Calif.; Thailand; and Chicago, Ill. Beyond his active service, his love and devotion to the United States stayed with him his entire life, and he will be buried at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona with full military honors.
In the latter part of his life, Gene met and married his “sweetheart” Ann Aanes Tellor (Sun Lakes, Ariz.). He is survived by Ann and her daughters. He is also survived by his daughter Kathleen Tress Fort (Litchfield Park, Ariz.) and her children Bonnie (Damisha) Sims, Amanda (David) Farmer, Krista Sparks, Christopher Amador, his sister Ruth Westemeyer, and cousins Pauline Minder and Joyce Moyer. Gene’s legacy also lives on in his stepchildren along with their families, Daniel Maurer, Debra Maurer, Darlene Maurer (John) Hodges, David (Stacy) Maurer, Darren Maurer (Ronie), and Douglas (Brandi) Maurer, and his great and great-great grandchildren. Gene is also survived by his sister-in-law Nancy Aanes Gooding and her sons.
Gene was preceded in death by his daughter, Krista Tress, wives Jacquelin Sefcik and Delores Long Maurer, and granddaughter Laura Fort, and stepdaughter Jennifer Tellor Bozek.
Gene was active his entire life and with a spring in his step golfed several days a week and played pool with friends into his 90s. His early morning coffee meetups with friends in Queen Creek were the highpoint of each week in his later years. Gene’s heart was happiest when taking cruises, especially to his beloved Hawaii. He was a member of Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Sun Lakes and a member of the Masons.
Because of the devotion and round-the-clock care provided by his wife Ann, and daughter Kathleen, Gene was able to spend his final days peacefully at home, listening to Hawaiian music, watching Newsmax, and reading the Bible. Gene was grateful for visits from his pastor Padre Dave Poedel who gave him peace of mind, and the team at Hospice of the Valley who kept him comfortable and at home in his final days.
Gene loved his country passionately and his family asks that the next time you see the U.S. flag or hear the “Star-Spangled Banner” or “God Bless America” that you think with love and fondness of Gene and remember him for his patriotism.
Services were held Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, at Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Sun Lakes. Arrangements were handled by Valley of the Sun Mortuary.
Memorials preferred to: Wounded Warrior Project, Attention Advance Guard, P.O. Box 758518, Topeka, KS 66675-8518.
Aloha, and God Bless America!
Ellen Voelker
Ellen Voelker, age 77, passed away peacefully on Aug. 31, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She had courageously battled pancreatic cancer for the past 15 months. Ellen was known for her love of cooking, entertaining, and the planning and coordination of many events. Whether she was on the golf course or enjoying a special evening, you could always count on Ellen’s engaging smile. She was a caring friend and neighbor, and will be missed by many.
Ellen was involved in many activities while living in Sun Lakes. She was Office Manager at Neighbors Who Care for 4 years followed by many years of additional volunteer work for them. As a member of the former 40’s-50’s club, she coordinated many of the social events and served in various positions. Soon after moving to Sun Lakes, Ellen became a member of the Ocotillo Women’s League (OWLS). She was a past president, plus she headed up the Community Services as co-chair with that organization. Ellen especially enjoyed organizing donations for homeless youth at Hamilton High School and worked on various projects for the needy in her community.
Ellen had a 20-year career as an elementary school secretary in Shawnee Mission School District in Overland Park, Kan. She was also the wedding coordinator for 14 years at the Atonement Lutheran Church in Overland Park, Kan. While living in Kansas City and Denver, Ellen was a member of the Junior League in both cities.
Ellen and Gary met on a blind date in 1963. They have been married for 58 years. Ellen is survived by her husband, Gary, son Shane (Brenda) of Manhattan Beach, Calif., and daughter Shannon (Aaron) of Olathe, Kan. She also leaves behind four grandchildren: JP, Gavin, Sydney, Ella, plus a sister, Janet Adkins of Bloomington, Ill. Gary and Ellen settled in Oakwood, Sun Lakes in 2005. They are members of Risen Savior Lutheran Church, Chandler, Ariz.
Memorials may be sent to Neighbors Who Care, 10450 E. Riggs Road, Suite 113, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. A Celebration of Life for Ellen will be held at Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 23620 S. Alma School Road on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m.
Warren Wegner
Warren Wegner, 79, passed away on Sept. 9, 2024, at Parkland Memory Care after a long battle with dementia.
Warren was born on Sept. 19, 1944, at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, Calif. He grew up in St. Louis, Mo., and graduated from Berkeley High School, where he participated in football, wrestling, track, and basketball. He attended the University of Missouri on a football scholarship for a year.
In 1967, he enlisted in the Army and proudly served during Vietnam as a member of the 7th Special Forces Airborne Group. He received several medals and commendations.
After Warren had completed his service, he worked in management in the trucking business in Missouri, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Colorado. When he moved to Colorado he changed professions and excelled in selling lumber and building materials for companies in Boulder and Lafayette, for multiple housing projects across the Front Range.
When he retired, he moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz., and continued working in the building materials business for a couple of years. He then began working part time on Patrol for the Cottonwood/Palo Verde Homeowners Association. It was a job he enjoyed, getting to meet and help his fellow residents. He also learned to create beautiful stained glass pieces during this time.
Warrant was a Hawaiian shirt kind of guy. He loved driving Corvettes, his Harleys, and his friends even more.
Warren is survived by his wife, Nickie, his son David and his wife Liz and their daughter Cora, his sister Jeannette Hovorka, niece Kelly (Tim) O’Connor, mother-in-law Ramona Thaete, brother-in-law Kevin (Chaille) Thaete, and nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
A special thanks to his caregivers and hospice nurses at Parkland Memory Care. A Celebration of Life will be held later this fall. Donations can be made to the Humane Society of the Alzheimer’s Association.