Robert Ralph Beckley
Robert Ralph Beckley
Beckley, Robert Ralph (December 12, 1927-November 20, 2014)
Lumberman, rancher and farmer, Bob was born December 12, 1927 in Benge, Washington, to Wallace and Luvetia (Scott) Beckley. The family relocated to the Colville, Washington area in 1933. Bob attended Colville schools for all 12 years and graduated early from Colville High School to enlist in the US Coast Guard. During WW II and after, he served on a naval troop carrier in the European and Pacific theaters. After his military service, he attended Washington State College. In 1947, he married Lois O’Keefe of Colville. They worked a small farm together in the early years of their marriage. During this time, their four children were born. In the late 1950’s, Bob began his career in the forest products industry. He managed operations in Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Montana and Northern California during his long career. He retired as head of softwood products for Plum Creek Forest Products. Bob and Lois traveled extensively domestically and overseas, visiting six continents. They retired to Sun Lakes, Arizona and spent 22 years enjoying the sunny weather and playing golf. During their time in Arizona, Bob was active in Rotary as a Paul Harris Fellow, holding local and district leadership positions. He also served on the Maricopa County Planning Commission, working on the county’s growth management plan. Bob is survived by Lois, his wife of 67 years, his daughter Karyn, sons Kelly (Constance), Keith (Presha) and Karl, seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren and his brother Pat Beckley. He will be greatly missed.
Victoria L. Gritzmacher
Victoria L. Gritzmacher
Victoria L. Gritzmacher, age 92, passed into her heavenly home on November 16, 2014. She was awarded the joy of her passing to take place in the comfort and serene setting of Solvay Hospice House, Duluth, MN with daughter Pam, son Jack and daughter-in-law Kathryn at her side.
Victoria was born in Kensington, MN April 24, 1922 to Victor and Hazel Bjorklund. Victoria was united in marriage to Henry Gritzmacher July 27, 1943 in Atlanta, GA where both served in the military. Victoria was a member of the Women’s Marine Corp and Henry was a WWII veteran with the US Army. Victoria resided most of her life in Sauk Centre, MN, Sun Lakes, AZ and her final eight years in Duluth, MN.
Victoria was preceded in death by her husband Henry on April 11, 2006, an infant son Mark Owen, and son-in-law Thomas O. Kane on August 10, 1999.
Victoria is survived by daughter Mary (Russ) Sieben, Melrose, MN, daughter Marge (Bob) Brower, Sauk Centre, MN, daughter Pamela Bjorklund, Duluth, MN; son Jack (Kathryn) Gritzmacher, Eveleth, MN and son Bill (Cyndi) Gritzmacher, Lakeville, MN. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Victoria will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her compassion for others, her warm and caring heart, and her intense passion for music. Her music was the poetry of her soul from early childhood until her 92nd year.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials are preferred to be made to the Sun Lakes United Church of Christ/Music Program in Sun Lakes, AZ.
Patricia S. Peterson
Patricia S. Peterson
Patricia “Patti” Peterson passed away at the Renaissance on November 30, 2014.
She spent her early years in Miami, Florida and was a glamorous airline flight attendant.
Being very active, she was a member of the Oakwood and Cottonwood Tennis Clubs and Palo Verde Golf Club. She was a “for fun” golfer. The evenings were spent square dancing and round dancing.
Patti is survived by her husband, Bob and brother, Wilfred Lawe of Pensacola, Florida.
Her laughter, sense of humor and wonderful companionship will be greatly missed. At her request there will be no memorial service.
Thanks to Hospice of the Valley for their excellent care. Memorials may be made in Patti’s name to Hospice of the Valley.
Howard John Wolfmeyer
Howard John Wolfmeyer
Howard John Wolfmeyer, 86, loving husband of Betty, joined God’s choir on December 5. He was born March 23, 1928 in Brillion, Wisconsin, the only child of Alvin and Evelyn Wolfmeyer.
After high school graduation, he attended Lawrence College, Appleton, Wisconsin on a voice scholarship. He transferred to the University of Michigan at the request of his fraternity, Phi Kappa Tau, in order to assist in forming a new fraternity chapter. His studies were interrupted by the Korean War. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin with honors majoring in food science and economics.
He joined Corn Products in Chicago as Technical Sales Service Representative advancing to Midwest Regional Sales Manager. He ended his career as U.S. Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Roquette Corp. of Lille, France based in Gurnee, Illinois.
Howard and wife, Betty, moved to Sun Lakes in 1995 from Libertyville, Illinois.
He was a founding member of Neighbors Who Care, serving as Board Chairman for 10 years; a member of the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church; MOGA; a 32nd degree Mason, as well as being active in many industrial trade organizations.
He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Scott, and his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Betty; son, Tom of New Jersey; daughter-in-law Marianna Wolfmeyer of Illinois; grandchildren Tim (Liz) of Washington, D.C. with great grandson, Bennett; Gail Wolfmeyer of New York; and David Wolfmeyer of Chicago.
We would like to thank the wonderful staff and volunteers at Hospice of the Valley, Dobson House who made Howard’s final weeks comfortable.
Memorials may be made to Neighbors Who Care, Sun Lakes United Methodist Church or Hospice of the Valley, Dobson House.