Doris Lavonne (Abrahamson) Anderson
On July 11, 2014, Doris Lavonne Anderson, 91, passed unexpectedly in her sleep. Born February 20, 1923 in Oberon, North Dakota, she was the oldest daughter of John and Alma (Lider) Abrahamson and grew up in Harvey, North Dakota.
As a young woman she moved to the west coast and met her husband, Bob Anderson, in Berkeley, California. They married in 1946. They raised their family and lived in Oakland and San Leandro, until their retirement when they moved to Palm Desert in southern California and later to Sun Lakes, Arizona.
Doris had many talents including playing piano, sewing, working in needlepoint and was a self-taught knitter of fine clothes. She had a bright sense of business and accounting and worked for many years alongside her husband, Bob, in their restaurant supply business, as both secretary and bookkeeper. She was a devoted wife and a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Her last few years were spent living at Desert Cove Nursing Center in Chandler where she made many friends.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Betty Louise Quinn. She is survived by her sister Jean Sleight. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 68 years, Bob G. Anderson, her daughter Katherine Anderson Fell and husband Chuck, and her son James Anderson. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Christopher Fell, Noah Fell and wife Jenae, and Peyton (Fell) Navarrete and husband Jesse. Her great-grandchildren include Lily Alves-Fell, Noemi Navarrete and Lino Navarrete.
A private graveside service was held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix.
Wilferd (Will) Borgstadt
Wilferd (Will) Borgstadt died September 6, 2014 in Grain Valley, Missouri.
Together with his twin brother, Will was born March 6, 1930 on the family farm in Concordia, Missouri, the last of five boys born to Selma and Delmar Borgstadt. Growing up on the farm, Will learned to build, fix and repair most anything, a trait he carried throughout his life. Will served in the Army during the Korean Conflict where his excellent skills in electronics placed him in the enviable position of providing sound systems for the traveling USO shows. After the war, he entered civilian life and worked as a T.V. repairman, while also driving a school bus in the Kansas City area. There he met and married Gladys and took her family as his own: Dennis, Bryant (who pre-deceased him by 18 years) and Helen Mayhugh. Gladys (who pre-deceased him by 10 years) and Will had two children together; Pam, who pre-deceased him by six weeks, and Wayne, of Culver City, California. Will found a perfect position in Kansas City, when he became the chief elevator inspector, traveling around the Midwest region inspecting and repairing elevators for the postal system. He retired from the Post Office after 31 years and moved to Mesa, Arizona.
In 2010, Will married Dolly (Bolinger) and moved to Grain Valley, where they were able to enjoy the company of Dolly’s children, Cathy Biesemeyer, Gail Fisher, Mike Bolinger and Chris Bolinger and their families. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10 at Faith United Methodist Church of Grain Valley, Missouri, 1950 SW Eagles Parkway. Viewing was from 9:30-10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans. Wilferd was laid to rest at Valley of the Sun Cemetery, Chandler, Arizona on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.
Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, Missouri and Valley of the Sun Funeral Home & Cemetery, Chandler, AZ.
William Curran “Bill” Driskill
William Curran “Bill” Driskill, 97, of Belton, Missouri, formerly of Sun Lakes, Arizona and Perry, Iowa, was born April 14, 1917 in Mt. Ayr, Iowa, the son of William C. and Virginia (Creveling) Driskill. He departed this life at 4:19 a.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at Carnegie Village Assisted Living Center in Belton, Missouri.
Bill was a 1929 Arriba Colorado high school graduate.
He was employed as a conductor for the Milwaukee Rail Road at Perry, Iowa for 40 years, retiring in the early 1970’s. Following retirement he moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona before moving to Lee’s Summit, Missouri in 2007. He was a life member of the Elks, a member of Shrine Temple and the United Church of Christ in Sun Lakes.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Erma in 1999; two brothers, Starl Driskill and Howard Mac Driskill.
He is survived by two sisters, Lois (and Ernie) Ruzicka of Springfield, Missouri, and Cleta Rush of El Dorado, Kansas; a niece Carol (and Chet) Johnson of Lake Winnebago, Missouri; several other nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
Cremation has been accorded. A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at the funeral home where visitation was held one-half hour prior to the service. Pastor David Driskell officiated. Inurnment will be in the Strasburg Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Continua Hospice and may be sent in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.stanleydickeyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements: Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong, Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080; phone 816-540-5550.
Beverly C. Herb
Beverly C. Herb was born October 1, 1932 at Lake City, Iowa, the daughter of Hal and Leona Cleaveland. She graduated as the class salutatorian in 1951 from Lake City High School and from a trade school in Minneapolis the following year. She was then employed by American Airlines in Chicago as a teletype operator and also where she met and married Tom Lauzon. They became the parents of Michael in 1957. Tom passed in 1969.
Beverly married Lester Herb in 1971. Business interests took them to California shortly thereafter and years later to Sun Lakes. Les passed in February 2009.
Beverly enjoyed participating in many activities during her retirement years here. One of her greatest joys was being an active member of the Sun Lakes Putters where she enjoyed not only the game but also the many wonderful friends in the group. During her first few years in Sun Lakes, Beverly was a member of both the Oakwood and Ironwood Lady Niners Golf Leagues. She was a real “sports fan” of all sports, following all of the college and pro teams, knowing the names of the coaches, players, rankings, etc. Music was also high on Beverly’s lists of interest. Therefore, she attended most of the local musical performances, including the Hamilton High School Band expositions. She especially enjoyed the beautiful music at the Sun Lakes Methodist Church where she attended. Beverly loved the beauty of flowers and plants; therefore, she became a long time member of the Sun Lakes Garden Club where she enjoyed the guest speakers and the interesting field trips. In most recent years, she had lots of fun with the local Red Hat Ladies group, participated in bi-monthly with the Breakfast Gals and also very much enjoyed the fall birthday luncheon group. Those who knew Beverly felt very blessed to have her as a friend. She will certainly be missed.
Beverly passed away on August 5. Left to mourn her passing are her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Vicki Lauzon, grandchildren Jacob and Nicole and their children, Lillie and Jax.
Margaret (Zickefoose) James
Margaret (Zickefoose) James was born in Washington County, Iowa on February 11, 1917 to Charles and Elnora Zickefoose. She passed away on August 30 in Chandler, Arizona. Margaret was married to Lloyd James for 66 years until his death in 2008. She is survived by two daughters, Jacquie Lea and Margo Duran, her sons-in-law John Lea and Mike Duran, grand children, Scott, Jamie and Lauren Lea and Mikie and Willie Duran, as well as her great-grand children, Jackson, Molly, Kristen and Tyler, her sister, Marjorie Braga and her dear friend and angel Mellie.
Margaret was an accomplished teacher, beginning her career in a one room school in Cerro Gorde County, Iowa. She loved teaching and her students and her teaching career spanned 50 years.
After she and Lloyd retired they moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona in 1974 and were some of the first residents at Sun Lakes. Margaret sang in the church choir and with the Chordaires which gave her great enjoyment. She and Lloyd were original members of Sun Lakes United Church of Christ and were committed to that ministry for over 30 years.
By example Margaret taught us all how to be devoted Christians. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She believed in honesty, integrity and her strong principals never wavered. She lived a full life with love and courage, and I am so glad she was my mom.
In lieu of flowers, Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 850114 or Sun Lakes United Church of Christ, 25635 S. Country Club Dr. Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 would appreciate donations in her name.
Kenneth C. Kappes
Kenneth C. Kappes, 87, of Carmel, passed away September 14, 2014. He was born March 21, 1927 to Phil and Fern Kappes in Royal Oak, Michigan. Growing up in Indianapolis, he joined the Boy Scouts of America and became an Eagle Scout. During his time in scouting, he and his brother Skip formed I&M, a company that sold fire-by-friction sets to scout troops throughout the country. He graduated from Shortridge High School, and soon thereafter enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a hospital corpsman during WWII. After the war, he attended Butler University where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, graduating in 1949. In 1950, he married Bernadine Eschner of Gillett, Wisconsin. In 1954, he and his lifetime friend Bordy Crews formed Boy Scout Troop 456, where he served as Scoutmaster for 23 years.
He spent most of his career in the flexible packaging business, working in sales and product development. He was awarded several U.S. patents for his unique ideas in the industry. His concept for a food packaging material for space travel was adopted by NASA and is still in use today. In retirement, he and Bernadine moved to Sun Lakes, AZ where they lived for 26 years. His hobbies included woodworking, golf and photography. He served on the Board of Directors of the Oakwood Golf Association and the Palo Verde Road Management.
He is survived by his wife Bernadine of Carmel; their four children, Dr. Steven Kappes of Milwaukee, Jeffrey Kappes of Noblesville, Anne Kappes Weber of Reno, and Timothy Kappes of Zionsville; his brother Philip “Skip” Kappes; his grandchildren, Alison Kappes Metz, Dr. Ashley Kappes Cayo, Cole Fullmer, Steven Kappes, Jeff Weber and William Kappes; and his great-grandchildren, Charlie Cayo and Scarlett Metz. He is preceded in death by his brother Pete Kappes.
By his request, there will be no funeral service. There will be a private memorial service at a later date. Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting www.flannerbuchannan.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Flanner and Buchanan–Zionsville.
Bernard Laue
Bernard Laue, age 88, of Hildreth, Nebraska, formerly of the Kearney area, died August 31, 2014 at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center in Kearney. He was born in Kearney, Nebraska on July 3, 1926 to Sam and Louise (Nickel) Laue. He graduated from Kearney High School in 1944. He served in the Korean War.
On September 14, 1956 he married Alice Walberg of Minden, Nebraska. They lived in the Fort Kearny area where he farmed and was a cattle feeder until 1986 when they moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona and resided for 29 years.
He was a member of the Westminster United Presbyterian Church, Minden, Nebraska. He was also a member and past President of Kearney Chamber of Commerce, Kearney County Supervisor, Kearney Elks Lodge, Lions Club, Fort Kearney Feeders Association, National Cattlemen’s Association, Outstanding Young Farmer 1962, American Farmer Degree, Future Farmers of America, Chairman of Gateway Farm Expo, Board of Directors of Pawnee Valley Feeders Inc. in Hanston, Kansas and Old Santa Fe Feeders in Sublette, Kansas.
He enjoyed woodworking and sports, especially Husker football and spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Alice Laue of Hildreth, Nebraska, two daughters, Vicki Casper and her husband Dale of Hildreth, Nebraska and Shelly McCahan and her husband Tom, and their daughter, Ashlyn of Scottsdale, Arizona; two sisters, Doris Jorgensen and Joyce Jameson and husband, Rodell of Minden, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by a brother, Emil Laue, and two sisters, Evelyn Olson and Eleanor Lange.
Celebration of Life services were held on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Minden with Reverend Daniel Davis officiating. Burial was prior to the memorial service in the Minden Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Layton-Craig Funeral Home in Minden is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.
Amy G. Marr
Amy G. Marr 1925-2014
Amy passed away peacefully August 20, 2014. She was born February 25, 1925 in Monmouth, Oregon to James and Myrtle Tilton. She married James I. Marr of Falls City, Oregon on March 13, 1943.
They settled in Gresham, Oregon where Jim taught for 30 years and Amy was a school secretary at West Gresham Grade School, Centennial High School and Sam Barlow High School.
After Jim retired, they moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona where they lived for 27 years. They were both active in the Tennis Club.
Amy was preceded in death by her husband, James, in 2010.She is survived by two daughters, Cathy Lorts of Prescott Arizona and Cheri Wright of Salem, Oregon; four grandchildren, Andrew Wright, Matthew Wright, Angela Lorts and Abigail Lorts; and three great grand children.
At Amy’s request there will be no services held on her behalf. Memorial donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 2925 River Road S. No. 100, Salem, Oregon 97302.
Richard George Mendribil
Richard George Mendribil, native San Franciscan, age 87, passed away in Chandler, AZ August 4, 2014. He was living at the Renaissance in Sun Lakes. Rich graduated from Saint Ignatius High School in San Francisco and served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the latter part of WWII. After working in the family bakery business, he followed his desire and went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration and retired as chief air traffic controller at SFO. In addition to his interest in aviation, Rich enjoyed sailing, walking along Ocean Beach, traveling to France and sipping a glass of fine red wine. Rich always kept his strong American patriotism and also held onto his Catholic upbringing. He will always be remembered, missed and loved by all who knew him.
He is survived by his sons, Richard Jr. living in Sun Lakes and Gary; his grandchildren, Jeff, Ken, Johanna, Alisa and John. He is also survived by his brother Jack Mendribil. Rich was preceded in death by his son Craig and daughter Donna. A memorial service was held Friday, September 5 at 10a.m. at the Neptune Society Columbarium located at One Lorraine Court in San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rich’s name to Saint Jude’s Hospital for Children, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation or the American Heart Association.
Donald J. Middleton
Donald J. Middleton, 87, of Sun Lakes, Arizona passed away on August 12. No services will be held at this time. Donald will be laid to rest at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California due to being a WWII Navy Veteran.
Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, Chandler, AZ; e-mail www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com.
Kathryn “Kay” Nelson
Kathryn “Kay” Nelsen passed away August 26, 2014 at Dobson House Hospice of the Valley. Kay was known best for her love of family and friends. She had a passion for entertaining and creating a place where everyone felt comfortable. Kay was an example of faith and courage as she battled with Parkinson’s; however it was Multiple Myeloma that finally took her from us.
Kay will be missed by her husband and best friend Dick Nelsen, son Paul “Tucker” Miller, step son Richard Nelsen, step-daughter Lisa Davis, her seven grandchildren, and numerous other family and friends. Kay was preceded in death by her son James “Jimmy” Miller.
A celebration of Kay’s life will be held at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 East Riggs Rd. Sun Lakes on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.
Lily Sophia (Thorell) Sperry
Lily’s life’s journey began on November 12, 1922. She reluctantly returned to her heavenly home May 25, 2014. Lily had a great zest for life and wanted to live to 120.
As a child she lost her mom at the tender age of eight. Through this experience she developed a deep love for her Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Lily’s adult life brought her many joys, adventures and a marriage of 49 years to Don Sperry. They had four children, Susan, Charles, Ronald and Trish. In 1963 the family moved to New Zealand for four years then they moved back to their home in Utah that Don had built.
When her husband passed in November 1995, she lived in that house alone until she was 89. Her new life revolved around many activities at a senior center. She led exercises classes, loved the sing along, took poetry classes, square danced and made very dear friends. She also would go swimming, work on her garden, put up fruit and focused on her favorite saying, “get organized.” For Lily’s 80th birthday she was a contestant on The Price is Right.
In September 2013 after recovering from a broken hip and having memory decline, Lily choose to come live in Sun Lakes with her youngest daughter Trish and son in-law Dwight Hinton. Because of their devotion, love and all the support of Neighbors Who Care and the community, Lily was able to continue leading an active healthy life.
At 91 years young Lily was still very active, enjoying and loving her life to its fullest. Lily went to the Reiki Circle weekly and was famous for her great foot massages. She enjoyed Pauline’s Dahn yoga classes three times a week. She loved going to The Perfect Place where she was known for her great sense of humor, contagious smile and positive attitude. The ladies at Mary’s group were tickled to see her as she always shared her wisdom. She attended the LDS church weekly. And her favorite was swimming laps two to three times a week at the pool.
Lily inspired and touched the lives and hearts of many people. She could walk in a room and people who didn’t even know her could feel her energy and love and wanted to meet her. Her love for life was contagious to all that met her. Everyone instantly loved her.
Lily was invited by Lesley (Zumba) to the Cottonwood New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance and was the life of the party. She danced much of the evening with nine others at her table. Her radiance and joy made the evening magical and unforgettable for all.
May Lily’s contagious smile, zest for living, and amazing memories live in our hearts forever.
A celebration of Lily’s life will be held by Trish and Dwight on November 12, this would have been Lily’s 92nd birthday. Please bring photos and a gift of a written memory to share. For more information and to RSVP please contact Trish Hinton at [email protected].