Sherri Jones

IronOaks has lost a key employee and friend. Sherri Jones, Communications Director, passed away after being on extended medical leave. To say she will be missed is an understatement. Her wealth of experience and knowledge was used to create what is today called the Communications Department. Sherri always had the time to fill a request, create something new, or answer a question, whether from staff or a community member. Those of us who worked in Communications learned quickly that she was a task master, teacher and perfectionist. Not a single extra space was ever overlooked. It is difficult to list all of her contributions to IronOaks. The website, The Pulse, Stay in the Loop, posters, flyers, to name a few, all had Sherri’s input, and in many cases she was the originator.

James T. Kilmartin

James “Jim” T. Kilmartin, 88, peacefully passed away on Monday, June 6, 2016 in Chandler, Arizona. Born February 4, 1928, in the Bronx, New York, he was the son of the late Thomas Kilmartin and Rose (Kilmartin) Schuman. Being born and raised in the Bronx, it is no surprise that Jim was a life-long fan(atic) of the New York Yankees. He had many fond memories of attending baseball games with his mother Rose, sitting in the outfield bleachers under the well-known Hess sign.

After graduating from Haaren Aviation High School, Jim served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1947, stationed aboard an escort carrier, the USS Badoing Strait. After the service, Jim became a professional roller derby skater, where he competed for the New York Chiefs (in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s), winning the World Series of Roller Derby in 1951. His vocational success as a purchasing agent and director (in the insurance and healthcare industry) can be directly attributed to his devoted work ethic.

In 1953 he married his first wife, Julia McGuinness, and together they had six children (Jim, Maureen, Tom, Juliann, Kerry and Kelly); Julia passed away in April 1981. In 1985 he remarried to Joan (Esposito) Coffey, a mother of two (Dawn and Maureen). Now a blended family, Jim was ready to retire and Joan was ready for the sunshine. In 1991 they built their dream home and moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona. Shortly after moving to Arizona, Jim joined the local softball team, Sun Lakes Blues, and for over 20 years the ballfield was his second home.

Jim is survived by his wife of over 30 years Joan, his children, cousins and many friends. He also leaves behind 18 grandchildren (Laura, Nicholas, James, Sean, Denise, Stephen, Kimberly, Michael, Patricia, Christopher, Kevin, Bradley, Mary, Patrick, Julia, Melissa, Gregory, and Joseph) and 14 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be planned for November 2016 (date to be determined) at the “Field of Dreams” ballfield in Sun Lakes. Burial services will be privately held in the Bronx, New York. Memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to the Dobson Home (Hospice of the Valley), 1188 North Dobson Road, Chandler, Arizona 85224.

Regina Bradley Luchtel

Regina Bradley Luchtel, 87, of Sun Lakes, Arizona was born on August 13, 1928 and died on June 4, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona.

She was raised in Columbus, Nebraska, attended Kramer High School in Columbus and was a graduate of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln with a degree in education. During her time at the University she met the love of her life, Harold “Dutch” Luchtel, and three days after her graduation, they married on June 8, 1950.

In 1952 Jean and Dutch moved to Leigh, Nebraska where the family grew to include three children. In 1960 they moved again to Columbus to join other family members in managing the Columbus Bank. Jean was a Director of the Columbus Bank & Trust Co. for many years. They retired to Spirit Lake, Iowa in 1988 and then moved to the warmer climate of Sun Lakes, Arizona in 1992.

Jean was involved in community service as an “Ambassador” for the Palo Verde neighborhood introducing new homeowners to the many activities and opportunities available as well as creating several social opportunities that would bring together residents on a regular schedule. She was famous for her parties and her many many friends.

Jean was active in many craft areas including: glass jewelry, beading, lapidary, knitting, three-D paper, decoupage, paper mâché and polymer clay. As a dear friend said upon her passing, “She worked really hard to live a full creative life by helping others enjoy their personal talents and their amazing communities.”

Jean is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, Elmer and Addie Bradley, and her daughter Ann Richards (April 2016). She is survived by her two children, Linda Labenz (Robert) Goodyear, Arizona and Larry Luchtel (Del Kolve) Hollywood, California as well as three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Sun Lakes, Arizona.

Robert A. “Bob” Nolawski

Robert A. “Bob” Nolawski, 77, of Sun Lakes, Arizona passed away peacefully on the morning of May 27, 2016. Bob was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and was the son of Stephen F. and Albina R. (Gliebe) Nolawski. Bob graduated Mayfield High School in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. Then he attended Ohio University. Bob served in the U.S. Army, a veteran of the Korean War. After leaving the Army, Bob worked on the loading dock of Cotter and Company, True Value Hardware. Bob rose through the ranks over the next 30 years. He retired as the CEO of Cotter Canada in 1994. While working for Cotter, Bob met Ruby Perry. They were married in 1963 and he adopted Ruby’s son, Bill. Together they had a son, Steve. In retirement, Bob and Ruby moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona. They enjoyed retirement life until Ruby’s passing in 2000. Bob later met Carole Armbruster, of Sun Lakes. Bob and Carole were married in 2003 and they shared the remaining 13 years of his life with each other and their dog, Scarlet.

Bob was a devoted husband and father. He took pride in his career, employees. He was a golfer and fisherman. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Bob had a zest for life that was infectious.

Bob is survived by his wife Carole, his son Steve Nolawski (Jen), son Kyle. Bob’s son Bill Ferrell (Kim), son David. Bob’s children by marriage Cyd Yee, Dan Armbruster (Pam), Dan’s daughter, Erin Kaczmarczyk (Scott) and Bob’s nephew Robert Gudin.

For all the hearts that Bob touched, he will be missed deeply. In honor of Bob’s life, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association.

Dr. Noel J. Reyburn

On May 15, 2016, Dr. Noel J. Reyburn was called home to Heaven after 93 wonderful trips around the sun.

From his birth in San Francisco to his Navy days in World War II, to his movie career with the likes of John Wayne and Alan Ladd, to his decades of work in higher education, Noel attacked life with energy, wit and intelligence. His academic and publishing pursuits took him from California, where he received his Bachelor degree from USC, Masters from Stanford and Doctorate at UC Berkeley to Massachusetts landing at Boston College and Worcester State College as Vice President and Academic Dean. In Worcester, he met and married his wife and best friend of 38 years, Anne (Fitzgerald), who stood beside him for this meaningful journey right to his final breath. After retiring to California’s Santa Clara Valley, then settling in Sun Lakes, Arizona, Noel continued to remain active while enjoying reading, cooking, golf, acting and art fairs. Noel was a renaissance man who lived this life to its fullest.

Now, as he writes in his book, Thoughts from my Quiet Corner:

“Now the quiet closed gently over me

must move from this, my quiet room,

And seek the truth that I must know, and there must be.”

Noel, enjoy your new journey and thank you for the memories.

Daniel Rodriguez De La Rosa

Daniel Rodriguez De La Rosa 79, died May 31, 2016. He was born in Camerio, Puerto Rico on July 4, 1936. He moved from Puerto Rico to the Chicago area with his mother and step-father.

He attended school in Chicago, college at Michigan State and then to Hayward, California where he taught for 35 years. After retiring, he moved to Phoenix, AZ to help take care of his mother.

In 2000 he met the love of his life, Betty Zisch. They were married in 2003. He is survived by his wife Betty, two daughters, Elisa Tootle and Triz De La Rosa, one son, Rene De la Rosa, two step-sons, Donald Zisch and Phillip Zisch, three granddaughters, three grandsons and two great grandsons. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Memorial Service will be held on July 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Risen Savior Lutheran church, 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler, AZ. 85248; 480-895-6782. Instead of flowers donations by mail to Sojourner Center, P.O. Box 20156, Phoenix, AZ 85036 (please write Daniel De La Rosa on your check). Donations on line at https://www.sojournercenter.org/get-involved/make-a-donation/ (right hand corner to give) put Daniel De La Rosa).

Legacy information:

Early childhood and upbringing – Born in Puerto Rico, my real father died in a plane crash before I was born. Years later my mother remarried a doctor and we moved to New Orleans, LA. He was a professor of medicine at Tulane University. This was a happy time of my early years. Adolescent years: We moved to Chicago, IL where my family traveled a lot as my stepdad was professor of medicine at the University of Chicago of IL. I graduated from Oak Park high school.

Early adulthood: Went to Michigan State University with Master’s degree in History and Political Science.

One of my proudest family moments: When my three children were born, Rene, Triz and Elisa and later my proudest moment when I got a divorce and was awarded custody of my children.

My Proudest Career Accomplishments: Out of 2,500 candidate in the U.S. I was selected to teach at Singapore American School. What a wonderful experience for me and my children when we completed our two years. We traveled the world for 30 days.

Special Achievements/awards/offices held/additional points of interest: After being single for 25 years, a very special lady (the girl of my dreams) Betty Zisch and I got married. My Son Rene was my best man and my girls walked me down the aisle.

Favorite Songs: “Lady in Red,” “I left my Heart in San Francisco,” “Wind Beneath my Wings,” “Around the World in 80 days” and “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Hobbies: Played the organ, dancing, traveling and playing golf with my sweetheart Betty.

My civic accomplishments: I was in the U.S. Army for two years in Germany, Private First Class.

John A. Smith

John A. Smith, 89, entered God’s presence on May 6, 2016.

John was born in Modesto, California to Sheldon and Gertrude Smith on June 7, 1926.

John served his country proudly during World War II (in the Pacific) and the Korean Conflict.

He married the love of his life, Deloris Harriett Keiser, August 31, 1947. They raised two children; son, Dale Warren Smith and daughter, DeEtte Ann Faith. Additional surviving family members include son-in-law Marion Thomas Faith; grandsons Joseph John Faith (Katelyn) and Aaron Thomas Faith and great grandson Levi August Faith.

Upon retiring after 38 years with Sears, John and Dee moved to Sun Lakes (Cottonwood) in 1987. As a long-time resident John was involved in golf, Computer Club and escorting Dee to many social functions. Summers were spent in his beloved White Mountains.

After 66 years of life with his “beautiful butterfly,” John moved into The Renaissance. He spent the last two years playing bridge, joining friends at coffee klatch and attending family get-togethers.

John is remembered as a loving husband, caring father, and a good friend.

Jean Ann Streed

Jean Ann Streed, age 79, of Sun Lakes, AZ and Nisswa, MN, formerly of St. Cloud, MN, beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away unexpectedly at Mercy Gilbert Hospital in Gilbert, Z on April 23, 2016.

She bravely fought an almost 25 year battle with heart disease while calmly undergoing numerous procedures and surgeries. Her courage was an inspiration to both family and friends. We are grateful to CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center and specifically the medical skills provided by Mark Johnson, M.D. and Keith Lurie, M.D. who gave us 25 bonus years with Jean.

Jean was born June 27, 1936 to Bruce D. and Aleta (Papple) Morton in Willmar, MN. Shortly thereafter the family moved to St. Cloud, MN where she graduated from Technical High School. Jean’s education was continued at Macalester College, St. Paul and at the University Of Minnesota School Of Dentistry where in 1958 she graduated as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Jean immediately started her dental hygiene career at the office of prominent St. Louis Park, MN dentist Arvin Langum, D.D.S. It was there in 1962 that Jean met Wesley Streed, D.D.S. who worked part-time in the office while attending graduate school at the U of MN School of Dentistry.

Following a two-year romance, Jean and Wes were married on her birthday in 1964 in Minneapolis, MN. The couple immediately departed for Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, where her first son, Scott, was born in 1965. During those two years in the Air Force, it was determined that St. Cloud, MN would be where they would settle and raise their family. Jean and Wes moved into their first home in July 1966 and son, Todd, was born in 1968. Jean was devoted to her family where it was imperative that all four members be present for her always well-planned evening meal. Throughout her adult life she took extreme pride in planning and cooking meals for family, friends and dinner groups. This was especially true for holiday family gatherings. Jean loved to sew, knit and quilt. The quality of her work was unsurpassed and will rekindle fond memories of her.

As an adult in St. Cloud, Jean served on many charity ball committees, including chairing the Holly Ball. She served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church, St. Cloud. For the last 21 years in retirement, Jean and Wes were blessed by spending winters at their Sun Lakes, AZ home, summers at their Gull Lake home in Nisswa, MN, traveling most of the world and Jean especially loved taking cruises.

Survivors include her husband, Wes Streed; sons, Scott (Rachelle) Streed of Brainerd, MN; Todd (Heidi) Streed of Bloomington, MN; four grandchildren, Jaden, Anna, Makenzie and Samuel; sister-in-law Harriet Morton of St. Paul, MN; cousins Carol (Dave) Tuchscherer and Tom Jacobsen of Nisswa, MN; and beloved Shetland sheepdog Laddie. We will all greatly miss hr. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Douglas Morton.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Benson Funeral Home Chapel, St. Cloud, MN with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. and a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Pastor Darin Seaman. Burial was in North Star Cemetery, St. Cloud, MN.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to CentraCare Heart and Vascular Center.

Bernie Wolfin

Bernie Wolfin passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2016 in Phoenix, AZ at the age of 79. Bernie was born in Seattle on August 21, 1936 to Morris and Estelle Wolfin. He was a graduate of Garfield High School (‘54) and the University of Washington (‘58). He had a passion for music and was a drummer in many bands throughout high school and college. He had a long career as a manufacturer’s rep selling luggage throughout the PNW. He also had a successful career in the Army Reserve and retired as a full Colonel after 30 years. With his wife Nancy of 29 years, they traveled many times to Hawaii and more recently to Australia and Italy. He had an intense love for golf. He played year-round in Phoenix and Seattle. He also maintained a large group of long-standing friends. He thoroughly enjoyed his time spent with all of them on and off the golf course. He always enjoyed time with his family for which he made a special trip to Seattle every year during the holidays to see them. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his daughter Leslie (Allen), son Jack (Susan), step-daughter Kim and step-son Duane (Diane) and his seven grandkids, Mitchell, Conor, Kylie, Nathan, Jake, Emilee and Dylan, his brother Gene (Jackie) and sister Carole.