Charlie Birkemo
Charlie was born in Chicago, Ill., on Nov. 28, 1948. He grew up in the northwest suburbs and graduated from Wheeling High School. He moved to Macomb, Ill., in 1966 to attend Western Illinois University (WIU), but got caught up in the Vietnam conflict and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1969. He spent two years in Vietnam after doing counter insurgency training in the U.S. Part of his final year was in Saigon teaching English so the Vietnamese could use the equipment we were leaving behind.
He returned to the U.S. and resumed his studies as a Math and Physics major at WIU. His career took him into the hospitality industry as a Controller for most of his working life. He met his wife of 50 years, Evy, at the Holiday Inn in Macomb, Ill., where they both worked. His work took them all over the U.S. for many years. They moved to Arizona to be closer to his mother who was retired in Sun City.
His time in Vietnam caught up with him in the form of Agent Orange–related diseases including cancer and lung disease. He conquered most of it, but was afflicted with COPD most of his adult life.
He made friends everywhere we went, and loved the 25 years we spent in Sun Lakes. He is greatly missed by his wife, Evy, and many, many friends.
Georgia Jean Doerr
Georgia Jean Doerr, 97, of Chandler, Ariz., passed away on Nov. 12, 2025. She was born on June 28, 1928, in Brainerd, Minn.
Georgia, or Jean, as she preferred, graduated from Brainerd High School in 1947, where she was a drum majorette. Jean continued her education at the Minneapolis School of Business. Upon her return to Brainerd, she worked in the Crow Wing County Register of Deeds office. Later, she worked for the Minnesota Valley Natural Gas Company until 1964. While working at the gas company, she met the love of her life, Norman M. Doerr. They married on July 22, 1961. The couple was blessed with two sons, Rodney and Clinton.
Jean adored both of her sons and enjoyed helping them with homework, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and encouraged religion and music. Jean was a fabulous cook and also enjoyed reading, sewing, exercising, and traveling. She was thrilled when she could spend time with her five grandchildren.
Jean’s mother, Gladys, lived with Norm and Jean since 1967. When Gladys was ill in her later years, Jean selflessly took care of her until Gladys passed away in 1988.
Those left to celebrate Jean’s remarkable life include her husband of 64 years, Norman Doerr of Chandler, Ariz.; her sons and their families Rod, (Jan), Brent, Brian, and Braeden of Omaha, Neb., Clint, (Allison), Kendall, and Jakob of Houston, Texas.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Patrick Caulfield.
Funeral services and burial were held Nov. 20, 2025, at Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Jean and the Doerr family would be honored if support in her name could be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org.
Betty Gardner Tuzzolino
Betty Ann Gardner, 92, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., formerly of Mesa, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Nov. 18, 2025, due to complications of a fall in early September while living independently in her beautiful Sun Lakes home.
Betty, the daughter of J. Fred and Georgia Green, was born on April 9, 1933 in Bristol, Va., and grew up in Tennessee. In 1956 she earned a B.A. in Music Education from Western Kentucky University. While at WKU, she met and married Roy Gardner, a handsome U.S. Marine veteran from Louisville, Ky. He preceded her in death in 1979. In 2005 she married Frank Tuzzolino, who also preceded her in death after 10 years of marriage.
Survivors include one son, Kevin Gardner (Meg) of Tempe, Ariz., four grandchildren; Taylor Alexander Carruthers and Mia Carruthers (Curtis Roush), both of Austin, Texas, Jordan Gardner (Samantha) and Cameron Gardner, both of Tempe, one step-granddaughter; Jordyn Tinsley of Mesa, Ariz., and one great-grandson, Logan Gardner, also of Tempe. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Sarah Williams and Julie Miller, two husbands, and daughter, Renee Carruthers.
In addition to raising her family, Betty taught elementary school music, and later, kindergarten for over 20 years, retiring from teaching in Mesa Public Schools in 1995. Betty loved her family and friends, traveling to new places, was active in several clubs in Sun Lakes (Italian club, Democratic club, Reiki group), and her Unity church. She loved cooking and sipping wine with her friends and family. She loved her vegetable garden, flowers, and many citrus trees. She was always conscious of nutrition and healthy eating, earning her the name “grandma vitamin” with her grandkids. She is lovingly remembered by her family for living as a perfect example of a moral, warm, and caring woman, generous with both her time and resources, and for unconditionally loving and spending unforgettable quality time with her family.
A service to celebrate the life of Betty will be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Betty’s favorite charity, Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank in Chandler, Ariz., or Unity Church of Sun Lakes.
Daniel E. Harman
Daniel E. Harman, 78, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Nov. 22, 2025, surrounded by family. Dan battled hard for the past year against an unknown form of Large B Cell Lymphoma.
Dan was born in Columbia, Mo. He graduated from Billings West High School, Billings, Mont., and NW Nazarene University, Nampa, Idaho. He received his master’s degree from the University of Mary, Bismarck, N.D.
Dan married Linette (Lin) Kirschemann on Dec. 11, 1971 in Bismarck, N.D. After graduating from Naval Officers Candidate School in Newport, R.I., in 1972, Dan and Lin moved across the country to San Diego, Calif., where they were stationed for four years at Naval Base San Diego and Naval Base Coronado. While in San Diego, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Gail. In 1976, Dan was honorably discharged from the Navy and moved his family back to North Dakota.
The North Dakota State Health Department was his work home for 37 years as a manager for the Air Quality Division and Radiation Control Monitoring. After retiring in 2013, Dan and Lin moved to Billings, Mont., to be closer to family and to be able to attend many of his grandsons (Tanner) wrestling matches and granddaughters (Megan) basketball games. While in Billings, Dan enjoyed working part-time for 10 years as a NAPA parts delivery driver. In 2024, Dan and Lin moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz.
Dan enjoyed hunting and spending time outdoors. He was a member of a local hiking group in Sun Lakes. His fondest memories were of helping on the Kirschemann family farm southwest of Regent, N.D., during 51 seasons of harvest.
Dan is survived by his wife Lin; daughter Gail (Troy) Brown, Billings, Mont.; grandson Tanner (Jonelle) Brown, Twin Falls, Idaho; and granddaughter Megan Brown, Minneapolis, Minn.; his brother Paul (Cheryl) Harman, and sisters Gena (Tim) Davidson and Lynda Patterson; brother-in-law Leon (Cynthia) Kirschemann, sister-in-law Cindy (Chuck) Dreifus, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Dan in death were his parents Ray and Maxine Harman, his in-laws Harold and Lorena Kirschemann, and his brother-in-law Bill Patterson.
May God richly bless each and every one of you who journeyed and prayed with us over the past year. A special thank you to Chuck, Cindy, and Katie for the countless hours you spent with Dan at the many hospital stays. Also a special thank you to Leon, Terry, Harrison, and M&M Catering (Melissa and Maddie) for the countless memories Dan spoke about often of those crazy and sometimes stressful, but rewarding, harvest seasons as he loved every minute of his time on the farm.
Karen Jean Jorgensen
Karen Jean Jorgensen (née Tranker), born Jan. 3, 1942, in Oak Park, Ill., passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Nov. 3, 2025, in Mesa, Ariz. She was 83 years old.
Karen was the daughter of James and Elynore Tranker. She spent her early years in Chicago, Ill., and moved several times throughout her life before settling in Sun Lakes, Ariz., in 1995 with her husband Edward Jorgensen. Karen embraced her life in Arizona where she worked, worshiped, and formed lasting friendships.
She married Edward Jorgensen in 1962 and together they raised three sons: Eric Jorgensen (Laura), Jon Jorgensen (Karen), and Jim Jorgensen (Morgan). Karen deeply valued her family and took great joy in seeing it grow through the years.
Karen had a lifelong passion for learning and discovery. She loved ice skating, football, Muhammad Ali, reading, education, and exploring new ideas. She found great fulfillment in adopting pets and traveling to experience diverse cultures and landscapes. She was a majorette for Carl Schurz High School, dental assistant, Girl Scout Leader, team mom, Sunday school teacher, office administrator, dedicated HOA representative, parishioner and fund raiser for her parish, St. Stevens. Her creativity shone through in her embroidery work, which reflected both her artistic spirit and attention to detail that she gifted to her children and grandchildren.
She is remembered with love by her sons Eric, Jon, and Jim; and her grandchildren: Zachary and Alexandria Jorgensen, Matthew and Katie Jorgensen, and Adam and Jillian Jorgensen, and by her sister, Joanne Piotrowski (George).
A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Jan. 23, 2026, 10 a.m., at St Stevens Parish, 24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun Lakes, AZ. Final interment will take place in Acacia Park Cemetery, Chicago, Ill.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
llena Hamilton Lea
llena Hamilton Lea passed away on Aug. 9, 2025, at home in Palo Verde (Sun Lakes). She was preceded in death by her husband Bob Lea also of Sun Lakes. Her surviving children are a son Taylor (Sammie) Hamilton of Denver; Matt (Lisa) Hamilton of Austin, Texas; Joe Hamilton of Florida; and daughter Vicki (Dan late husband) of Palo Verde; and stepson Kevin Lea (Juanita) of Washington. llena was born in St Joseph, Mo. Her parents were Elmer Meek and Bernice Walters, both of St Joseph, Mo.
llena was an active member of the Philanthropy Education Organization (PEO), a women’s philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting and promoting educational opportunities for women. She was an active bridge and Mah-Jong player. She was a contributing member of the Alexander Graham Bell charity.
She worked as a supervisor at JCPenney’s credit office for many years. She will be deeply missed.
Lawrence Scott McHaney
Lawrence Scott McHaney (Larry) passed away on Oct. 28, 2025. Larry was born Oct. 4, 1941, in Centralia, Ill., to Keith Scott McHaney and Alberta Elizabeth Brown. Both parents and brothers Ronald Lee McHaney and James Michael McHaney predeceased him.
Following graduation from Natrona County High School in Casper, Wyo., Larry enlisted in the U.S. Army. After basic training, Larry was stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany. On his return to the states, Larry married Nancy Waldron. To this union two sons were born Markevin Scott McHaney and Matthew Edward McHaney. Larry and Nancy later divorced.
His drafting school training in the army qualified him for a job as a draftsman with the Wyoming State Highway Department. A few years later, Larry relocated to California. He was employed as a civil designer for several small and large engineering firms that worked to develop towns and cities up and down the coast of California.
Larry worked in a few other states before settling in Utah. This is where he met the love of his life, Marge, and they were married in 1978. After they were married a few months, they relocated to Arizona where they spent many very happy years.
In Arizona, Larry worked for several Civil Engineering Companies. His career in Land Planning took him to his final employment with B & R Engineering, a Robson Communities company. He did the planning for most of the Robson Communities.
Larry is survived by his wife, Marge, and sons, Matthew and Markevin, and stepson, Joseph Johnson. Also surviving are his grandchildren Michael, Amanda, and Nathan McHaney and granddaughter, Brittney Johnson; great-grandchildren Layla Metaferia, Lilly McHaney, Matilyn McHaney, Malachy McHaney, and Cailan Conlon.
A memorial service with military honors was held on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at Valley of the Sun Mortuary.
Charles (Chuck) Poulson
On Oct. 28, 2025, surrounded by divine grace, Charles (Chuck) Poulson was welcomed into Heaven and reunited with his beloved wife, Marlene, in everlasting peace. His journey began in Oak Park, Ill., where he was born in 1930 to his parents, Astrid and Frank Poulson. Chuck’s formative years were spent between the vibrant city of Chicago and the family’s dairy farm in Gobles, Mich., where he cultivated a passion for sports, music, and his local community.
Chuck attended high school in Chicago, where he built friendships that spanned a lifetime and established the foundation for his future achievements. From an early age, his warmth and unwavering work ethic left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
In 1950, Chuck married his “best girl,” Marlene. Together, they raised their children: Chuck, Vicki, Nancy, Brian, Glenn, Eric, and Brad. Their family grew to include 16 grandchildren and, as of today, 19 great-grandchildren. Chuck and Marlene’s youngest son, Brad, sadly passed away from cancer in 2014, a profound loss for the family. Chuck was also preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert (Pat), and his brother Norval (Bud). Marlene, who passed away in 2019 from Alzheimer’s, has been patiently waiting for Chuck in heaven.
Chuck shared a successful burglar and fire alarm business in Chicago, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit. He was also an Army veteran of the Korean War. In 1977, he embarked on a new adventure in Arizona where he joined his daughter Vicki and son-in-law in running a travel agency. Chuck and Marlene embraced retirement by exploring new destinations and enjoying many travel adventures. Never one to be idle, Chuck also captained a small Port-a-John company for a time.
Throughout their years together, Chuck and Marlene resided in Chicago, Elmhurst, Tempe, and Mesa before making Sun Lakes their home for over three decades. They cherished time with friends, hosted memorable family gatherings, and maintained strong ties with Chuck’s high school friends and their spouses. Tennis, golf, and a vibrant social life filled their days and brought joy to those around them.
Chuck’s life touched countless friends and family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa, Ariz.
Michael Ritter
Michael “Mike” Ritter, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Nov. 18, 2025, at the age of 73. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 50 years, Phyllis, who stood by his side through every joy and challenge of their life together.
Mike lived in Sun Lakes for 5 years.
A proud Vietnam veteran who served two tours, Mike also served in the U.S. Navy aboard a diesel submarine. His years of service shaped his life with deep discipline, loyalty, and quiet strength—qualities he carried with him always.
Mike was a man who found joy in simple, meaningful moments. He loved fishing with his family and cherished every chance to be outdoors. He also loved to travel, embracing new places, experiences, and the adventure of exploring the world with those he loved most.
He is survived by his daughter, Nicolette Kendra; his sons, Andrew Michael and Scott Gerard; his cherished grandchildren, Caeser Ritter (deceased), Melissa Ritter, Gavin Ritter, Garrett Ritter; and the many friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, steadiness, and warm smile.
Mike will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his unwavering love for his family, and the deep devotion he showed throughout his 50-year marriage to Phyllis—a partnership built on trust, laughter, and enduring affection.
Though his passing leaves a profound emptiness in the hearts of those who loved him, his legacy of love, strength, service, and family devotion will continue to shine. Michael proudly supported Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Tunnel to Towers, causes that reflected his generosity, compassion, and commitment to helping others.
He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Harvey Schwartz
Harvey Schwartz, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Nov. 26, 2025.
Harvey was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Myer and Daurcy Schwartz. He was their only son and the eldest of four children.
After graduating from the Philadelphia Textile Institute, Harvey joined his father in the family business, Emmess Fabrics, a wholesale distributor of textile goods. His career spanned four decades, during which he served in many roles—ultimately becoming President and CEO.
Harvey met the love of his life, Rochelle (“Shelly”), at Camp Towanda in Honesdale, Pa., beginning a lifelong partnership and marriage of 69 years. Together, they raised three children and built a home centered on love, guidance, and unwavering support. Harvey was a dedicated, strong, kind, and loving father whose family always came first.
Harvey had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for his quick wit. He enjoyed conversations on any topic, especially politics and sports, and always welcomed diverse viewpoints. A lifelong exerciser, he remained active through jogging in his early years and walking later in life. In retirement, he developed a passion for fishing, especially with his grandson and close friends. Harvey spent much of his later years in Florida and Arizona, embracing the warm climate and outdoor lifestyle.
Harvey is survived by his beloved wife, Shelly; his three children and their spouses—Lynn and Mark Garay, Gary and Jackie Schwartz, and Marc and Lisa Schwartz; his five grandchildren—Neil and his wife Paisley, Michael, Nicole and her husband Brad, Allyson, and Matthew; and his great-grandson, Julian.
Darlene “Gram” “Dolly” Thompson
In Loving Memory
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved mom and grandma, Darlene Thompson, known to so many simply as “Gram” or “Dolly.” She left us peacefully on Oct. 27, 2025, surrounded by family, after several weeks filled with love, laughter, stories, and tears.
Mom is survived by her son, Steven L. Thompson (wife Cary Thompson; son Lars Thompson, and daughter-in-law Vicky Thompson) and her daughter, Rebecca Thompson (daughter Samantha McGee and husband Kyle McGee, son Chase Clark, and daughter Madi Clark and her/our Mason Varney); her sister, Betty Parr; and many nieces and nephews.
Darlene was born June 8, 1938. If you knew our Gram, you know she never missed a beat. Every game, concert, recital, and graduation, she was there, smiling ear to ear and cheering the loudest. She was the heart of our family; strong, kind, funny, and always ready with a hug and, of course, some fried ice cream before dinner (because life is too short to wait for dessert!).
Even through pain or hardship, she was the same bright light, always smiling, positive, and thinking of others first. Every caretaker, nurse, and hospice worker said she was their favorite, and just like them, she was ours too. She made everyone feel special with her kindness, warmth, and endless love.
She spent many happy years in the SunBird Resort Community surrounded by wonderful friends, especially Yvonne Beloney and Ken Reidenbach, sharing laughter and memories we’ll treasure forever. In 2021, she came to live with us, and we’re forever grateful for those precious years together. Rebecca and Darlene moved to Oakwood in 2024.
Our family would like to share our heartfelt gratitude to Adora Assisted Living for their incredible care and compassion over the past six months. Joey, you are truly an angel, and an exceptional chef, according to Mom. We are also thankful to Hospice of the West Valley for their comfort and support when we needed it most.
It is impossible to express how much love and support we have felt since Mom’s first stroke in March. To everyone who called, visited, prayed, or simply kept her in your thoughts, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Though our hearts ache, we find peace knowing she is no longer in pain and watching over us, just as she always has.
We love you always Mom.
Keith Lawrence Weiner
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Keith Weiner, aged 60, on Dec. 6, 2025. Keith was a Palo Verde resident of Sun Lakes, Ariz.
He was born on Aug. 28, 1965, in Forest Hills, Queens, N.Y. His family moved to New Jersey at the age of 4 years, where he lived out his childhood.
He graduated from Johnson & Wales Culinary School in Rhode Island, with a degree in Culinary Arts—Hotel-Restaurant Management. Food was his passion!
He spent many years working in hotels, restaurants, and catering in Florida and Texas. While living in Denver, Colo., he worked at Roy’s Restaurant and spent several years with an upscale caterer before becoming a Private Chef.
Shortly after he met and married his wife, Susan. He then became involved in his wife’s parents’ real estate business where they both handled the property management part for many years.
They moved to Arizona three years ago. His Arizona neighbors loved when he rang their doorbell with a platter of food to sample. He loved living in Arizona and especially walking his little dog, Deva, along the Palo Verde walkway.
He was a member of the Rotary Club of Sun Lakes. He was a kind, compassionate, and loving man, and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, Susan; his mother Elaine Dover; his sister, Robin and brother-in-law John Harrington; and two nieces, one nephew, and three great nieces and nephews.