In Passing

Joseph W. Bibler

Joseph W. Bibler, 95, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 9, 2020, in Kennesaw, Ga. He was born Dec. 5, 1924, to Robert L. and Marjorie Bibler in Rochester, Ind., and raised in Valparaiso, Ind. He went to college for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Navy and serving in the South Pacific. After an honorable discharge, he earned a business degree at Indiana University and attended law school at Valparaiso University. There he met the love of his life, Patricia E. Hauter; two became one in 1948, and they were married for almost 72 years.

Joe joined Farmers State Bank in Valparaiso in 1951 and retired 35 years later as Chairman and CEO of Northern Indiana Bank. He served on numerous boards and committees in both his community and his church, and in 1983 received the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash award from Indiana Gov. Robert Orr. Pat and Joe raised three children: Jeff (Chris) Bibler of Nassau Bay, Texas; Amy (Ken) Barton of Monroe, Mich.; and Julie (Craig) Van Gorp of Marietta, Ga., who survive him, along with wife Pat, 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Pat and Joe spent most of their retirement years in Sun Lakes, Ariz., where they were active members of Risen Savior Lutheran Church.

Joe was an amateur golfer, sculptor and woodcarver, and a student of the English language, as evidenced by his prose and poems. He was known for his humility, wisdom, and sense of humor—always sharing a smile and positive outlook. He leaves behind an amazing legacy of faith, fidelity, family, and service.

A memorial service was held July 12 in Acworth, Ga. Please direct any memorials to Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 23914 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, AZ 85248.

Patricia E. Bibler

Patricia E. Bibler was born in Quincy, Ill., on March 7, 1927, the second of three daughters born to Harry and Helen Hauter. Her Lord Jesus took her to heaven in His arms on July 25, 2020, in Kennesaw, Ga., 16 days after the death of her beloved husband Joe. She grew up in Quincy and later graduated from Valparaiso University, where she met Joseph Bibler on a blind date. Their marriage began Aug. 21, 1948, and lasted almost 72 years.

Early in their marriage, Pat taught high school math and thereafter devoted herself to raising three children with Joe in Valparaiso, Ind. Soon after Joe’s retirement from banking in 1986, they moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz., to enjoy the Arizona weather and lifestyle with both old and new friends. Pat was involved in several ministries at Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Chandler, most notably managing the assembly of Bibles for the blind.

Pat was an intelligent, inquisitive, highly-principled woman whose life aligned with her faith. She was known for her skills and competitiveness in many arenas—from ping pong, golf, and croquet to bridge, euchre, and cribbage—which she and Joe played almost daily. Besides her faith in Jesus, she was most passionate about the St. Louis Cardinals and especially her family whom she loved dearly and prayed for faithfully. She left a tremendous legacy of faith and love for her family: son Jeff Bibler (Chris) of Houston, Texas; daughter Amy Barton (Ken) of Monroe, Mich.; daughter Julie Van Gorp (Craig) of Marietta, Ga.; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom survive her along with a sister, Shirley Brinkmeyer of Quincy.

A memorial service was held Aug. 9 in Acworth, Ga. Memorial gifts may be sent to Lutheran Braille Workers, P.O. Box 5000, Yucaipa, CA 92399.

Rita H. (Wulf) Correa

Rita Correa passed away Aug, 6, 2020, after a recent stroke. Everyone knew her as a devoted wife, mother, and Catholic. She spent years as a volunteer and a religious educator in the church she so loved. We will miss her sweet smile, her cheerful attitude, and her selfless nature.

Rita was born in 1932 in Reading, Ohio, the fifth of seven children, to Philomena (Broerman) and John T. Wulf. She graduated from Miami University of Ohio and ventured to California to pursue a teaching career. There she met Melville L. Correa who she married in December, 1956.

While raising six children, she always had time to volunteer at her local parish and children’s schools. In Salt Lake City, Valencia, and Sun Lakes, she developed and managed the religious programs for school-aged children. She was active in the Sun Lakes community as a member of the Church Bereavement Council, president of the Women’s Golf Association, and other local organizations.

Rita is survived by her loving husband Mel of more than 63 years; children: Deborah Correa (Mark Wilson), Keith, Sheila Thompson (Steve), Matthew, Mark, and John; many grandchildren; nieces; nephews; brothers: Bobby and Russell (Eve); and brother-in-law Earl Correa (Patty).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. Services will be held at a later date.

Peter Michael Dalecio

Peter Michael Dalecio passed away on July 26. Pete was a friendly, good-humored, fair, honest, and hardworking man. He participated fully in any endeavor in which he was involved, be it sports, clubs, community government, or even Halloween parties! He took pride in doing things well and instilled that value in generations of Little League Baseball players. Pete loved his family, his friends, and his country. He was a good and true friend and will be sorely missed by many in Sun Lakes.

Over the past 26 years, Pete had been a member of the Palo Verde Men’s Golf Association, Cottonwood Tennis Club, Cottonwood Men’s Golf Association, Sun Lakes Pickleball Club, and the Sun Lakes Italian-American Club. He served as tournament director, publicist, treasurer, event planner, etc., for many of the clubs and worked on the Sun Lakes Forum and the Cottonwood Palo Verde Finance Committee to advance homeowners’ interests. Pete was also instrumental in changing the Cottonwood Palo Verde HOA by-laws to not permit the association to charge fees to its homeowners for their use of the HOA’s amenities, other than golf and food and beverage.

Pete was born in San Francisco, Calif., on Oct. 21, 1933, the oldest boy in a family of four boys and one girl. He started working at nine years of age, peddling vegetables with his father. Back then, everybody worked to contribute to the family’s well-being. After high school, Pete enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was a radio man in the Navy and served four tours before he began raising a family in San Jose, Calif. Pete was the sales manager for Roma Bakery for many years. He also worked as a manager for a Pepsi Cola bottling plant in California. He moved to Reno, Nev., in the 1980s where he worked for a grocery broker and then as a sales representative for Procter & Gamble. Pete won national and local awards for “sales achievement and leadership in meeting P&G’s customers’ needs and exceeding their expectations.”

Pete met his wife Kathleen Dalecio while they were each promoting their company’s products to local retail buyers in Reno. He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Kathleen, daughter Denise Dalecio, granddaughter Danielle Dalecio, son Robert Dalecio, grandson Dario Dalecio, step-son Brian Clowers, and grandson Vaughn Clowers.

Due to the problems created by the virus pandemic, Pete’s Celebration of Life is being postponed until safer conditions prevail. The Dalecio family is hoping to have an outdoor celebration for him on or near his birthday this year, Oct. 21. When plans can be finalized, notice of Pete Dalecio’ s Celebration of Life will be announced on the Advantage Melcher Roses website, www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/mesa-az/peter-dalecio-9282236. In the meantime, the family would love for you to visit the mortuary’s website to share your own stories and comments about your experiences with Pete Dalecio and fond memories with us. Thank you.

Robert T. Danaher

Robert (BoB with one 0) T. Danaher passed away March 19, 2020, at home with his wife and family at his side.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Terese (Teri); his four daughters: Michele (husband Skip) Sittig, Adrian (husband Kevin) Narup, Marie (husband Steve) Clayton, and Alycia (husband Andy) Johnson; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his son Brendan Danaher.

Bob was born in Joliet, Ill., and grew up in Cicero, Ill. His daughters wrote the following eulogy:

“How do you say goodbye to someone like Bob Danaher? Our dad, Buppa, Big Bob, Coach Danaher, Bob the meat man. We know so many people have loved him throughout his life and while he drove us all crazy with his stupid jokes, we always knew he loved us and everyone he came in contact with. He had such a big heart and was such a hard worker. Our dad always had a joke ready for anybody he met. He especially loved little kids. He was always community minded, from being a Santa Claus in Butterfield for many years and coaching so many, many kids. He was always ready to lend a hand. He loved our mom, all five of us kids, and his grandkids and great grandkids with all of his heart. His passing was unbelievably peaceful, and he kept his sense of humor till the end. Thank you to everybody who has been supportive to us through this time. Dad, we love you, and you will always be in our hearts!”

Thanks to Sun Crest Hospice for all their assistance in this difficult time. A Memorial Mass will be held on Sept. 4, 2020, at 10 a.m. at St. Steven’s Church in Sun Lakes, Ariz.

Vern Leo Heiman

Vern Leo Heiman died peacefully at his home in Sisters, Ore., on June 29, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old.

Vern was the son of Joseph A. Heiman and Francis M. (Bergman) Heiman and was born in Axtel, Kan., on July 21, 1931. He grew up in Baileyville, Kan., and graduated from Baileyville High School in 1949. He attended Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Mo., where he met his wife Mary (Jody) Josephine Junker while she was going to St. Theresa’s College in the same city. They married on Aug. 30, 1952. In 1953 Vern graduated from college with a degree in industrial relations, but his heart was in agriculture. After a stint at the Ford Motor Co. in Kansas City, he took a job with the International Harvester Co. as a territory manager selling farm equipment. During this time, he purchased an International Harvester dealership and moved his family to Seneca, Kan. While in Seneca, he was also a volunteer fireman, on the hospital board and the Baileyville State bank board, and farmed his own farm. He sold the dealership in 1970 and went to work for the Heston Farm Equipment Co., was promoted to branch manager, and moved the family to Portland, Ore. He was able to retire early and moved to the San Juan Islands. In 1982 he built a home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., where he spent the winters. The San Juans were a little too far from the children, who mostly lived in the Portland area, so he moved back to Sisters, Ore. Vern enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, playing golf, and especially spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Amanda (Pete) Haverkamp; brothers: Joseph, Elmer, Leonard, and Galen Heiman. He is survived by his wife and their five children: Alan Joseph (Colette) Heiman, Battleground, Wash.; Dale Francis Heiman, Beaverton, Ore.; LaVerne Mary (Randy) Layton, Clackamas, Ore.; Laura Jean (Bradley) King, Tualatin, Ore.; and Lisa Ann (Gene) Walter, Battleground, Wash. There are nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Services are pending, but he will be buried in St. Winefride’s Garden at St. Edward the Martyr Catholic Church in Sisters, Ore.

Memorials can be made to St. Winefride’s Garden, P.O. Box 489, 123 Trinity Way, Sisters, OR 97759, or St. Charles Hospice, 2500 NE Neff Road, Bend, OR 97701.

James Louis Kiefer

James Louis Kiefer, 81, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2020, at his Sun Lakes residence due to health issues. He was born Feb. 29, 1939, in Piqua, Ohio, to the late George Charles and Margaret Jane (Schneyer) Kiefer, Jr. He married Teresa Louise Kiefer on Nov. 12, 1983, in Anaheim, Calif, and she survives.

Other survivors include son David L. Kiefer of Riverside, Calif.; two stepsons: Thomas J. Woodburn, Jr. (Wendy) of Carlsbad, Calif., and Todd M. Woodburn (Heidi) of Spring Valley, Calif.; two stepdaughters: Melissa Kopp of Cottonwood, Ariz., and Kim Kopp Stump (Gregory) of Magalia, Calif., along with 14 grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers: Thomas S. Kiefer, William J. Kiefer, and Robert (Delores) Kiefer, all of Piqua, Ohio; a sister, Mary Gail Kiefer of New Orleans, La.); and many nieces and nephews. One brother, George C. Kiefer (Kathy), is deceased.

Jim went to Piqua Catholic High School in Ohio. Afterwards, he worked for the Container Corporation and Rachelle Inc. In 1966 he moved to California and worked for Douglas Aircraft Co. and Thatcher Glass Co. Jim met Teri in 1977 and they married in 1983. Jim worked for American Linen & Supply Co. (ALSCO) from 1978 until he retired in 1996. He was honored with the Safe Driver’s Award as a route salesman for 18 years. Jim and Teri moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz., in 1996 where he worked on the Cottonwood Palo Verde Patrol for 14 years. Jim loved playing golf and pool. Watching his Ohio State Buckeyes, along with Indy Cars, NASCARS, Lakers, Diamondbacks, and cowboy shows were his favorite pastimes. Jim and Teri also, through the years, traveled to many wonderful places. Jim was a loving, kind, caring, easygoing, and amazing man. He is deeply missed by his loving family and friends.

Many thanks to Hospice of the Valley for their compassion and support. Also, to Jim’s brother Tom Kiefer and Teri’s brother Joe and Tammy Wise who were a godsent blessing in helping Jim in his last few months.

Due to COVID-19, a Celebration of Life service, hopefully, will be on his first anniversary, May 29, 2021, in Piqua, Ohio.

Harvey Bornemann Knudson, Jr.

Harvey Bornemann Knudson, Jr., 86, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., formally of Alexandria, Va., and Mayville, N.D., died July 24, 2020. He was born on April 13, 1934, in Finley, N.D. He was the first born of Judge Harvey Knudson, Sr., and Pearl Knudson. In 1937 the family moved to Mayville.

After graduating from high school, he joined the Army and was stationed in Fort Irwin in Barstow, Calif. He received a degree in teaching from Mayville State and taught in Devils Lake, N.D. He received his law degree from University of North Dakota. Harvey practiced law in Mayville for a few years before beginning his career as a lawyer for the Justice Department in Washington, D.C., working in the Civil Rights Division.

He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a tender and gentle man with a giant heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Kay, and brother Duane. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Carol (Gunderson), sister Marion LaBrie (Lynn), his sons Mark Gryte (Anna), Matthew Knudson (Cathy), and Michael Knudson. He had five grandchildren (Sara, Kendra, Ashley, Noah, and Kaylee) and four great-grandchildren (Grace, Mark, Jax and Karolina).

Conrad L. LaRiviere

Conrad L. LaRiviere died peacefully in Chandler, Ariz., on July 13, 2020, just 10 days short of his 78th birthday. He was born in Manchester, N.H., on July 23, 1942, the son of Roland and Fabiola (Lasselle) LaRiviere. En route to becoming an Eagle Scout, he developed a lifelong interest in birding.

He attended Manchester schools and graduated from Bishop Bradley High School as class salutatorian in 1960.

Conrad was accepted into an intensive science program at Providence College and graduated in 1964. He then received a master’s degree in audiology from the University of Arizona. After teaching audiology for a year at SUNY Albany, he entered a graduate program at the University of Florida, attaining his Ph.D. in psycholinguistics in 1971.

He was the main author of several seminal papers in the field of psycholinguistics published in the 1970s. These papers have been cited in books and articles in the field even to this day.

Conrad taught and did research at the University of Missouri-Kansas City for several years before accepting a post at the University of Maine at Orono in 1976. His lively and humorous teaching style made him a popular teacher on campus. He also served as a faculty advisor to several student groups, notably the Franco-American Forum. After retiring from academia, he worked as an audiology consultant.

He found the weather and the people in Oaxaca, Mexico, much to his liking and spent many years there where he was a leader of the ex-Patriot community. He returned to Maine for a few years before going back to Oaxaca for another long stay.

Conrad moved to Sun Lakes in 2015. There he was active in the New Adventures in Learning program at Chandler-Gilbert Community College as a teacher, technical advisor, and student. He was an active participant in the Sun Lakes French conversation group. He was also active in the Audubon Society.

Conrad was known for his wit and humor. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a wonderful letter writer, with his letters being treasured for years by friends and family. He had a passion for baseball, particularly his beloved Red Sox.

Conrad is survived by his son Christopher and daughter-in-law Kristen LaRiviere and grandsons Ian and Nathan of Sullivan, Maine. He also has several nieces and nephews. His brother Gene Lariviere and wife Eleanor reside in Sun Lakes.

Following his cremation, his ashes will be taken to Maine. When the COVID-19 pandemic ends, a Celebration of Life memorial will be held in Sun Lakes.

Norma Jean Marsh

Norma Jean Marsh (maiden name Whittum) passed away on August 10, 2020. She was 88 years young. She is survived by her spouse of 66 years, Dr. George Marsh, daughter Debbie (Montana), son George (Utah), daughter Leslie (Washington State), four grandkids, and five great-grandkids.

Norma was born in Des Moines, Iowa, the oldest of two. In 1948, the family moved to Prescott, Ariz., where she attended Prescott High School. She then earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Management at Arizona State College, now ASU. It was during college that she met the love of her life in 1952.

Norma and George were married in 1954 in Prescott. They moved to Casa Grande, where George helped run the family cotton farm. In 1963, wanting a better future for themselves and their family, they loaded up three kids, all their worldly belongings, and drove halfway across the country to Chicago, where George attended the dental school at Northwest University. Both Norma and George worked full-time jobs, sometimes two, made it through dental school, and raised three rather mischievous children. Though times were trying, Norma held things together and even found time to make Barbie doll clothes and the kids’ Halloween costumes.

After graduation in 1967, the family returned to Arizona, settling in Flagstaff where George hung out his shingle as a dentist. During the early years, Norma was office manager and chairside assistant, both unpaid positions. If she sometimes overbooked appointments, it was because she could not turn away anyone in need. She was an active volunteer with the Flagstaff Hospital, Soroptimist Club, and Symphony Guild. Both she and George were animal lovers and spent many years raising and showing Siberian huskies. They were instrumental in getting the Flagstaff Kennel Club off the ground. After 29 years in practice, Norma and George retired and moved to Sun Lakes in 1997.

Norma was a very active person. She loved bowling, tennis, boating, fishing, water, snow skiing, and hiking. She and George once hiked the Grand Canyon “rim to rim.” She travelled throughout America with George in an RV, enjoyed cruises to Hawaii, and trips to Europe.  Norma loved nice things and loved shopping at Dillard’s and Nordstrom. Norma gave freely of herself to her family and community. She remained an active volunteer and one of her favorite organizations was the United Methodist Women. She often assisted with their community-based outreach programs. But more than anything, she loved just being with George, her partner in life and loving husband.

Norma was known for her cooking, and her pie crusts could not be beat. She was a meticulous housekeeper, had a great sense of humor, was trusting, and above all honest. Her family will never forget the sacrifices she made, her selfless ways, and the warmth she would bring to a room. Norma was truly a very special person and will be dearly missed by those who loved her and those who knew her.

There will be no funeral service. A private memorial will be scheduled at a later date. Though she loved flowers, she would prefer donations made to the United Methodist Women’s Organization.

Thomas Karol McGowan

Thomas Karol McGowan went home to our Lord, passing away peacefully on July 21, 2020. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1937. During his life, he called Brooklyn, New Jersey, and Florida home before moving to Arizona in October. Thomas was proud to have served his country earning his Dolphins as a submarine sonar man in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1960. He worked as an engineer for the Bell System for 35 years before retiring in 1998.

To those who loved him and knew him best, Thomas was a man devoted to his family, a loyal friend capable of extraordinary kindness, and a dedicated disciple of Christ. His proudest accomplishment was his family. He adored his wife and four sons. He did not simply do what was good for his sons; he strove always to do what was best for them. They will forever be better men because of what he taught them about dedication and hard work as a means to living the best life possible.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Kay, his four children (Thomas, Brian, Matthew, and Kevin), 10 grandchildren who were the light of his life (Caitlyn, Tommy, Brenna, Sophia, Emily, Meghan, Dermot, Grace, Neive, and Lucy) and a brother (Michael) and sister (Frances).

Thomas is preceded in death by parents Hugh and Helen, stepfather Edmund Somers, brother Hugh, and sister Virginia.

A funeral mass was held at St. Juan Diego’s Catholic Church on Aug. 20. Thomas was devoted to St. Jude Thaddeus, the Patron Saint of Lost Causes. He believed himself to fit into that categorization, but nothing was further from the truth. He also sang to anyone at any time and lived for spending time singing barbershop harmony.

Ellwood C. “Woody” Neiman

Ellwood C. “Woody” Neiman of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away in his home on July 19, 2020, at the age of 81. Woody was born to Norman E. and Althea M. (Milley) on July 1, 1939, in Lancaster, Pa.

Always active in his community, he served several terms on the Sun Lakes HOA Board and made many loving friends and colleagues during the 18 years he lived in his community. He enjoyed golfing and most recently enjoyed going on cruises with his friends.

He attended Penn State University and was a beloved Delta Theta Sigma brother. He always enjoyed their reunions and reminisced about his college days. Later in life, he attended ASU obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in public administration. He also taught business courses for many years at Mesa Community College.

In 1961 he married Linda Blouch, and together they had four children. They moved as a family to Phoenix, Ariz., in July of 1970. Woody was employed with the AZ Department of Transportation for 25 years, and he retired in 1995.

Woody later married Valarie Savicki in May, 1979, and gained his stepson William.

He was preceded in death by his parents Althea and Norman and his son Dennis Neiman. He leaves behind his sister Beth (Marv) Kurtz, daughters Kim Castro and Melissa (Kevin) Bohanon, son Jason (Julie) Neiman, stepson William Savicki, grandsons Sean (Kelly) Neiman and Bryan (Alejandra) Benjamin, granddaughter Tori Neiman, great-grandsons Kolt Neiman and Santiago Benjamin, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephew.

A private Celebration of Life for Woody will be held at a later time.

Arlene Mildred Riley

Arlene Riley, 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Sun Lakes on July 17, 2020.

Arlene was born in and grew up around Watford City, N.D., the daughter of Thomas and Edna Aarhus. The family moved to Grapeview, Wash., and then settled in Renton, Wash. Arlene graduated from Renton High School, where she met her future husband of 55 years, Mike James Riley, III. They were married June 12, 1953. In addition to raising five children, Arlene ran a successful daycare for several years.

She and Mike built four homes in Newcastle and Lake Tapps, Wash., and in Sun Lakes. The couple retired to Sun Lakes in the early 1990s and enjoyed many good times with friends—golfing, playing bocce ball, mahjongg, board games, and time with their dogs Chico and Chula and visiting their grandchildren. Her husband Mike passed away in Sun Lakes in 2008.

Arlene lived to see her children’s children’s children. On many occasions, she proudly stated to her Arizona friends, pointing to her family and saying, “These are all mine!” Her faith, husband, friends, and her children and grandchildren were all most important to her. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sun Lakes.

Arlene will be laid to rest alongside her husband at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Wash. Services are pending. She is survived by her older brother Al Aarhus and wife Donna, her five children: Debbie Martin, Denise Moran and husband Patrick, Mike and wife Linda, Jeff and wife Ellen, and Erin Carnahan; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Richard White

Richard White, owner of Floyd’s Barber Shop, passed away at home with family members present on July 22, 2020, at the age of 87.

Richard, also known as Dick to many, and Mary, his wife, lived in SunBird for 10 years. He loved playing tennis with the SunBird Tennis Club players all over the Valley.

Richard loved to teach tennis. He taught players how to raise their tennis abilities to become some of the best tennis players from the SunBird Tennis Club.

Richard also enjoyed painting using chalks, acrylics, and watercolors. Some of you may have one of his paintings.

Richard then moved with wife Mary to Cottonwood and resided there for more than 10 years. About eight-plus years ago, he had a stroke that left him not able to play tennis or paint. Many players have paintings of his.

Richard leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Mary; his son Richard A. White, a P.A. in Colorado; and his daughter Jennifer Olsen who works at Floyd’s Barber Shop on Riggs Road and McQueen, which Richard and his wife Mary purchased in 2000.

Richard would like your prayers for family members, and we thank you all very much.