Howard Arthur Barrett
Howard Arthur Barrett passed away peacefully on March 1, 2017, after a brief illness. He is survived by his companion Jacqueline Hicks; his son HB Barrett of Stewart, Florida; daughter Nancy Freeman of Durham, North Carolina; and former wife Frances Barrett, also of Durham, North Carolina.
Howard was born on October 16, 1926, the second of four sons born to Silas Earl Barrett and Hannah Olson Barrett, both deceased. He is also survived by two grandchildren Patrick Freeman and Mary Frances Wiggins and two great-grandchildren.
In his early life, Howard attended schools in Columbia, Connecticut, and graduated from Windham High School in Willimantic, Connecticut, in 1944. He served in the US Army beginning in 1944 as a radio operator with the 82nd Airborne Signal Company based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His work as Project Manager for Honeywell spanned 30 years and took him into many parts of the United States, as well as internationally to Saudi Arabia and Singapore. In his retirement years in Sun Lakes, Arizona, Howard had a small handyman business.
Memorial plans to be announced. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of the Valley at 2020 East Woodside Court in Gilbert, AZ 85297-7339, www.hov.org.
Bernice “Bunny” Shier Emont
Bunny Emont, a resident of Sun Lakes, passed away peacefully in her home on February 16, 2017, at the age of 88. Bernice was born on October 13, 1928, and was the daughter of the late Joseph Shier and Florence Levine Shier and sister of the late Lila Shier Seidler. Her beloved husband of 52 years, Gordon, passed away in 2002. She is survived by her children Joan Emont Leshner (Brian), Eric Emont (Barbara) and three grandchildren; Joseph Emont, Jordan Emont and Connor Leshner.
Bunny was born in Paterson, NJ, and grew up in Passaic, NJ. She attended Mills College in New York and taught elementary school while her husband Gordon was in dental school at Tufts University in Boston.
After graduating from dental school, Gordon and Bunny moved back to NJ, where Gordon started his dental practice, and Bunny took on the responsibilities of raising Eric and Joan. Later on, she joined Gordon as the office manager of his practice. They moved to North Miami Beach, FL, in 1971, where Bunny and Gordon continued working in the dental office until Gordon’s retirement in 1989. They were boaters in Florida and spent most of their spare time sailing in the beautiful Florida waters and making lots of cocktail parties on their “Panacea.”
In 1995, Bunny and Gordon moved to Arizona and settled into a wonderful life in Sun Lakes. Gordon died in 2002, which left a large void in Bunny’s life. She was able, however, to find purpose and meaning in her life and grew personally during the ensuing years. She was quite active in the Phoenix Jewish Film Festival, as well as New Adventures in Learning (NAILS) and Wisdom Seekers, and coordinated her own Monday afternoon meditation group in her home for years.
Bunny was gregarious, filled with life and loyal. She brought people together and was an ear for those who needed her time and support. She always thought about the underprivileged and worked fervently for those in need.
She lived life to the fullest until it was no longer feasible, due to her medical limitations.
For those who wish, a celebration of life will be held at the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation on April 9, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow.
Donations in Bunny’s memory can be made to Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104.
William “Bill” Snodgrass
William “Bill” Snodgrass, 79, died peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of February 27, 2017.
Bill was born on July 10, 1937, in Ashland, Kentucky, to Eva and Ewing Snodgrass. Bill attended Ashland High School where he met his future bride Elizabeth “Betty” Flowers. They graduated in 1955. After high school, Bill continued his education at the University of Cincinnati, graduating in 1960 with a Chemical Engineering degree. Bill and Betty were married in Ashland on August 2, 1959.
After college, Bill and Betty moved to Midland, Michigan, to begin their careers and raise a family. Bill worked at Dow Chemical for 30 years where he held several positions throughout his career. One of his proudest achievements was working with Dow and the National Parks Service to establish a recycling program within the national parks in the early ‘90s. Bill also often spoke fondly of the privilege of being able to help Dow recruit new engineers.
Bill enjoyed boating and camping with his family and playing bridge with neighborhood friends. After retiring from Dow, Bill and Betty spent their time in Madison, Wisconsin, and Sun Lakes, Arizona. In retirement, Bill enjoyed golfing while in Arizona, boating on Lake Monona, visiting Door County and visits from his children and grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his lifelong love Betty, who resides in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, his three sons Alan (Becki), David and Neil (Heidi), five grandchildren Haley, Trevor, Olivia, Loralee and Spencer and brother-in-law Jim Flowers (Jo).
Bill’s family would like to thank the entire staff of the Sun Prairie Lighthouse Senior Living Center and Agrace Hospice for their exceptional care.
A private memorial service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, http://www.alz.org.
John F. Kapraun
John F. Kapraun passed away in Sun Lakes, Arizona, on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. A mass and Christian burial were held at his home church, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Flanagan, Illinois, on February 28, 2017.
John Kapraun’s wonderful life was celebrated at a gathering here in Sun Lakes on March 7, 2017. Friends in attendance remembered John and concluded that the world would be a much better place with a few more men like John.
At 91 years old, John had the chance to meet many people, and everyone remembered him; not because he was loud or showy, but because he was soft-spoken, kind and friendly, because he always had a positive word to say and because he was a true gentleman and a sweet and special man.
John was born July 29, 1925, in rural Benson, Woodford County, Illinois. He was the son of the late John S. and Christina Meyers Kapraun. He married Barbara Joan Fulton on August 28, 1948. He and Joan owned the Flanagan Florist for 10 years, but John’s main work was farming, which he loved.
John and Joan began coming to Sun Lakes in the mid ‘80s, at first spending just a few weeks a year. They loved the lifestyle and the people. When John retired from farming, they became fulltime snowbirds. Their life was full of entertaining friends and family, dancing and just loving life. This was their “nest in the west.” Joan passed away in 2010.
John continued to come to Sun Lakes and was an active golfer on the men’s league; he played bocce ball weekly and was at the pool daily. He enjoyed cards with friends and dancing. He was a member at St. Steven’s Church and attended mass three times per week. John was active until the day he died unexpectedly.
John was first and foremost a family man. His children and grandchildren visited often. One son, Hal Kapraun (Annette), also became snowbirds and live in Sun Lakes/Cottonwood. John also had a special friend in Audrey Marusin, who also resides in Cottonwood.
John is survived by a sister Therese Cluskey; sister-in-law Phyllis Kapraun; his five children John Hal (Annette) Kapraun, Thomas (Beth) Kapraun, Becky (Jim) Feronti, Barbara (Roger) Jones and Colleen (John) Huxtable; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Dr. Donald James (DJ) Carrels
Donald James Carrels, age 93, resident of Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Sun Lakes, Arizona, died on February 15, 2017, from complications caused by acute leukemia. His decline and death marked the end of a vigorous, purposeful life. It was his wish to die in his home in Aberdeen, and his family helped make that possible.
Don requested his body be cremated. His funeral and burial were in Aberdeen.
Don was born October 1, 1923, the second of four children to Peter and Marie Carrels of Wabasha, Minnesota. When he was 11 years old, his father was killed in a hunting accident. That unfortunate event transformed his life; at that early age he became the ‘man of the house,’ working multiple jobs to help support his family. This forged a profound work ethic as well as strong beliefs about the values of responsibility, service and family.
Donny was a tenacious high school athlete at little St. Felix High School in Wabasha. At the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, he participated in football and basketball, though his career as a student there was cut short by World War II.
His service in that war involved working as the navigator in a B-17 bomber based in England that flew 35 dangerous military missions over Germany.
During dental school at the University of Minnesota, he met Marilyn Drury, also a Wabasha native who was five years younger than he. He then purchased a dental practice in Aberdeen. He and Marilyn married in 1952, and they settled in Aberdeen where they raised their family.
Don was the consummate health care practitioner, never taking for granted the obligations and opportunities offered by his profession. Dentistry allowed him to earn a good living by working hard, and it was also a means to help others. He served his profession by volunteering time and leadership to the statewide dental association.
He mentored his son John, who also became a dentist, and the two worked productively together for 11 years until Don retired in 2000.
Retirement allowed time for travel, reconnecting with friends and spending full winters in Sun Lakes, Arizona, where he and Marilyn built a second home in 1997.
He supported his church and Catholic education in Aberdeen. Among his greatest satisfactions was donating dental care to teachers in Aberdeen’s Catholic school system.
He accompanied his wife with pleasure and affection, and they celebrated their 64th anniversary last May. He was the patriarch of his family, and providing for his loved ones was his focus to the end.
He was preceded in death by his father Peter, mother Marie Moser Carrels, siblings Eunice (Muench), Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; Marlene (Cheslik), Des Moines, Iowa; and Peter, Indianapolis, Indiana.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn of Aberdeen; daughters Susan (Tim) Elchert, Woodbury, Minnesota; Nancy, Phoenix, Arizona; and sons Peter (Mary), Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Tom, Fort Benton, Montana; John (Colette), Aberdeen; and Michael, Aberdeen; 10 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Lee Radermacher
Lee Radermacher was a resident of Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Sun Lakes, Arizona. He was born in Madison, Minnesota, on May 14, 1929, and moved to Minneapolis in 1947. After serving in the Navy, he returned to Minneapolis, where he raised his family and became owner of Pump and Meter Service, a company that installed gas tanks and pumps for gas stations throughout the upper Midwest. Upon retiring in 1997, Sun Lakes became his winter retreat.
Lee was active in his community, both in Minnesota and in Sun Lakes. He served as a council member and on many committees for the City of Minnetonka. He was a member of the Rotary for over 35 years and sang with the Minnetonka Clippers and the Desert Chordsmen. For 30-plus years, he rode horses with the Caballeros Del Norte and the Desert Caballeros and participated in the American Birkebiner Cross Country ski race at Telemark in Cable, Wisconsin (he was the guy on rollerblades with ski poles in Palo Verde). He was a member of the PVMGA and two golf leagues in Minnesota.
On New Year’s Eve, Lee took his final trail ride and joined the chorus in Heaven.
Lee will be missed by his six children, two stepsons, 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and special friend Dori Helmer.
Byron Alene Norton
Byron Alene Norton, known as Alene all her life, died peacefully at her Renaissance Center home in Sun Lakes on Sunday, February 19, 2017. She was 94 years old.
Alene is survived by her children Anne McCluskey of Arizona, Thom (Andrea Swanson) Freyer of Michigan, David Freyer of California and Kelley (Christopher) Reis of Georgia. Her legacy of service and grace continues within nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was born on July 27, 1922, in Ortonville, MN, as the only child of Kelly and Maude Norton. She grew up in Milbank, SD, and in 1940, graduated from Milbank High School in a class of 20. She attended Iowa State University in Ames, IA, where she graduated as a Foods and Nutrition major and became a registered dietitian. Alene worked as a hospital-based dietitian and was a respected, much-loved manager throughout her career until she retired in 1984. She spent the last two days of life with her four children at her bedside sharing memories of growing up, favorite family recipes and personal expressions of love and caring.
Alene raised her children attending the United Methodist churches in Wheaton and Batavia, IL. After she and Don moved to Sun Lakes, AZ, in 1985, she joined the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church. While in Arizona, they also enjoyed summer homes; first in Pine, AZ, called Gracehaven, and then in Pierson, MI, on Big Whitefish Lake.
Alene enjoyed ceramics, plastic mesh needlepoint, knitting and crocheting. A special activity that held much meaning for Alene was PEO, an organization she joined in 1980 while in Batavia, IL, and supported through service and holding office, including charter member and Chapter President for two years here in Sun Lakes. As an extension of this, Alene established the “Don and Alene Freyer Scholarship” at Cottey College to enable the education of young women.
Alene enjoyed traveling. She and her husband Don loved to visit their children and grandchildren around the country and after retiring, they traveled abroad visiting nearly every part of the globe.
In 2008, Alene and Don moved from their home on San Tan Blvd. to the Renaissance Center, where they made many new friends. Although her physical strength and mobility gradually declined, especially following the death in 2015 of Don, her husband of 67 years, Alene remained alert, witty, a great sports fan, a woman of quiet and steadfast Christian faith and someone whose friendship meant so much to both residents and care-giving staff at the Renaissance.
Memorial services were conducted at the Renaissance Center on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, and she will be laid to rest next to her husband at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Cottey College, https://www.cottey.edu/peo/gift-opportunities, referencing specifically the Don and Alene Freyer Scholarship. Alene’s family would like to thank the caregiving staff at the Renaissance and Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care and dedication.
Edward M. (Ed) Wontor
Ed Wontor, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Sun Lakes on February 27, 2017. Ed was born on December 12, 1927, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Michael and Anna Firek Wator. He was the youngest of four brothers, and he attended grade school and high school in northeast Minneapolis. After high school, he joined the Army and spent time in Japan following the end of World War II. After completing his military service, he went to business school where he trained to be a court reporter. He took his first job in Detroit for a short period of time and then moved to Missoula, Montana, after landing a job there. He worked as a court reporter in the 4th Judicial District Court in Montana for 35 years until his retirement.
While living in Missoula, he met and married Laura Shower, his wife of 45 years until her death in 1998. Ed loved Missoula and was active in the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge and the Missoula County Park Board. His love of golf produced many rewarding rounds with friends and family at the University of Montana Golf Course. Later, as a member of the Park Board, he was instrumental in the planning and development of the Larchmont Golf Course in Missoula, which opened in 1982.
Ed was well known in Missoula for many years – at the courthouse, on the golf course, at the downtown diner and in the bowling alleys of Missoula. He was an active member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and coached 8th grade boys basketball for St. Anthony’s for several years. In 1991, Ed and Laura moved to Sun Lakes to spend their retirement years with their children and grandchildren. Ed continued his love for sports in Arizona and became a big fan of the Cardinals, Suns, Diamondbacks and Arizona State University teams. In 2003, Ed met and married Betty Killa, who also lived in Sun Lakes. They were married for 14 years, enjoying many happy times together. In his later years, Ed enjoyed watching sports on television, doing word find puzzles, eating out at his favorite restaurants and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Ed is survived by his wife Betty, son Bruce (Emily Weiss) of Denver, daughter Pat of Chandler, son Jim (Mary Alice) of Chandler, two grandchildren Michael (Kristina) of Scottsdale and Lisa of Phoenix and two great-grandchildren Carson and Kylie of Scottsdale.
Ed was a very special and loving husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend to his family and the many people whose lives he touched. He will be missed by all.
Kim Stuart Mills
Kim Stuart Mills, 68, passed away suddenly from a massive stroke on January 28, 2017, in Chandler. Born in Marion, Ohio, on May 18, 1948, to John and Loma Mills, Kim resided in several states including Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, California and Arizona, where he spent the last four years with his wife Carol.
Kim graduated from Elgin High School in Marion, Ohio, in 1966 and was president of his class. He then attended Ohio Weslyan University and later transferred to Ohio Northern University where he received a BA in history. Kim was an accomplished performer and public speaker and loved real estate. His career began at the age of 25 when he began remodeling properties in Ohio. Later, he moved to Denver where he started as a property manager and began a 40-plus-year-long career spanning four states. Kim loved team building, establishing relationships in new real estate markets and managing large portfolios of commercial properties.
Kim married Carol (Hanks) in 1974. After 42 years together, they looked forward to enjoying retirement. Kim was a Real Property Administrator, a Certified Commercial Investment Member and recently obtained his broker’s license in Arizona. Kim was the Senior Vice President, Commercial Sales and Leasing, at TCT Commercial Real Estate in Mesa, AZ. In his earlier life, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Later, he became a member of the Rotary Club of Ventura County, California. Kim enjoyed mentoring younger, aspiring co-workers, remodeling his various homes, becoming a recent grandfather and playing Team Trivia.
Kim is survived by his wife Carol of Sun Lakes, his daughter Melissa Blakey of California and his son Stacy of Las Vegas.
A Celebration of Life will be held in April. Please leave condolences on Kim’s online guest book at http://www.never-gone.com/memorials/kimmills.
Dr. David Alan Koch
Dr. David Alan Koch, Capt. USPH, 86, passed away peacefully on February 1 after a lengthy illness. He was born on January 6, 1931, in Orchard Park New York, to parents Dr. Caryl and Hazel Koch.
After school in Orchard Park, Dave attended the Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and graduated from Hobart College in Geneva, New York.
Before entering medical school in Missouri, Dave met and married Joan, the love of his life, on a snowy January day in New York. He went on to practice in Dearborn, Michigan, for seven years. There, he was a team doctor for the Catholic high schools’ football teams.
After vacationing in Arizona, Dave and Joan decided to make it permanent. Dave then entered government service through the Air Force, but his great love was the USPHS where he cared for Native Americans of the Southwest, including Supai, Hualapai, Navajo and Pima tribes. His last duty was at the hospital in Sacaton. He volunteered with the children at St. Peter’s Mission.
But retirement was not in the picture for him. So he worked for Enterprise Cars, and that he loved.
Dave and Joan celebrated 62 years of marriage in January. They are parents of David II, Carolyn Hartnig, Nancy Duel and Sandra (deceased). They have eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Dave donated his body to science.
“A true diamond in the rough.”
David M. Holaday
David M. Holaday, 90 years of age, of Shell Knob, Missouri, and Sun Lakes, Arizona, passed away February 25, 2017, in Springfield, Missouri, from esophageal cancer.
Dave was born February 16, 1927, in Wisconsin to Frank and Blanche Holaday.
He was blessed to be united in marriage to the love of his life Adalene (Jo) Westervelt Holaday for 69 years. They met in Washington, DC, while he was in the service and she was working for the US Signal Corps. Dave went on to school at the University of Wisconsin, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
Dave worked most of his life for the AB Chance Company. He attained the position of Regional Vice President and was very well thought of in the electrical utilities industry.
Dave retired 28 years ago, and he and Jo split their time between Missouri and Arizona. In Missouri, he was surrounded by family and friends. He loved Table Rock Lake, swimming, enjoying the beautiful view, long slow rides in the pontoon boat and being surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He instilled a joy for life and love of family into all of them. In Arizona, he enjoyed golfing, great friends and the 19th hole.
Dave touched everyone he met. He had a love for all people and encouraged us to laugh and find the best in everyone. His sense of humor was a blessing to all.
Dave is survived by his beautiful wife Jo; daughter Barb and her husband, Jim Anderson of Willard, Missouri; son Rick and his wife Stacey Holaday of Chapin, South Carolina; son Jeff and his wife Debra Holaday of Chesterfield, Missouri; and son Mike and his wife Kim Holaday of Springfield, Missouri. Pa will be dearly missed by his 12 grandchildren and their spouses, 16 (almost 17) great-grandchildren, several special nieces and nephews and lots of wonderful friends!
He is preceded in death by two grandchildren Wes Anderson and Carrie Anderson, as well as his brother Wirt and sister Loretta.
Memorial donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148; reference memorial donation No. 10937044, or you may call 1-800-922-6344 and refer to the donation number.
Absent from the body means present with the Lord. You will always be in our hearts. Love you Dad!
No formal services are planned at this time. Care has been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. – DeGraffenreid-Wood-Crematory, Springfield, MO.