In Passing

Judith Adele Dingeldine

Judith Adele Dingeldine, Age 83 of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on Friday, September 11, 2020. Judith was born in Portland, Ore., on August 19, 1938, to Albert and Ella Tenderella. She graduated from Franklin High School in Portland and was married to her husband, Joe Dingeldine, for 29 years. Judith worked for Unical 76 for 30 years in Phoenix. She was a member of PVLGA for over 30 years and loved her retirement life in Sun Lakes. She and her husband, Joe, traveled extensively. Judith was also a member of Executive Women International for over 40 years. Judith is survived by her husband, Joe, her sister, Susan, and brother-in-law Jerry Conners. She was preceded in death by her parents. Judith was an active member of St. Steven’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the American Cancer Society. Memorial services will be held on Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Steven’s Catholic Church.

Robert (Bob) Heichelbech

Robert “Bob” Heichelbech passed away peacefully on Aug. 18, 2020, at the age of 81. Bob was born on Dec. 17, 1938, in Muncie, Ind. As a child, he loved to build things and fix things. His favorite toys were a screwdriver, hammer, and saw. He grew up to become an architect.

Bob lived in the Colorado Springs and Denver area for most of his adult life. He managed many projects over his 42-year career. In the ‘70s, he managed the development of a city block in downtown Denver which included a 40-story office building.

Bob and Terrie got married in 1987, both of them having three children each from previous marriages. They were very happily married for nearly 30 years until Terrie’s passing in 2017. Bob and Terrie moved from Denver to Sun Lakes in 1998 and enjoyed many years of involvement with sports and other activities at Sun Lakes. They particularly enjoyed tennis, golf, pickleball, and bridge. Bob particularly enjoyed tennis. He was very active with the Sun Lakes tennis community, and served as treasurer for the men’s league for a period of time.

Bob’s children are very grateful for the memories, support, and friendships that the Sun Lakes community provided Bob during his retirement years.

Alexander Paul Lazutin

Alexander Paul Lazutin passed away very unexpectedly at the hospital Friday night, Aug. 14, 2020. He had recently beat COVID-19 and was cleared of COVID-19 when transferred to a rehab center, recovering enough to return home, but then had an unexpected accident.

Alex was born in Kiev, USSR, on Oct. 30, 1936, and escaped from Kiev with his family during WWII when the enemy started to invade. He traveled through Europe with other families to find the Allied forces and safety. They traveled many miles and places. When the war was over, all these people without a country were rescued by the Allied forces to be placed in Allied countries. Alex and his family were placed in a Nazi barracks in Munich, Germany that now was in the hands of the Allies. While there, the American GIs took care of them until an Allied country had someone to sponsor and settle the family in the USA. He left Munich in 1949 to board an American troop ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean to Boston, Mass., to be met by their sponsor. He settled in Littleton, Mass. This was wife Paula’s hometown. They went from 5th grade through high school and graduated together in 1957.

Alex attended tech school at Wentworth Institute in Boston and graduated in the aerospace field in 1959. He married Paula Kimball in 1959 after graduation. He secured a job at Lycoming in Stratford, Conn. He moved to Connecticut at that time for 20 years. They had three children: Natasha, Alexander Paul Jr., and Nina. They lived in Orange, Conn. He changed jobs to Parker Hannifin Corp. in aerospace as a sales rep and moved with Parker to Scottsdale, Ariz., in 1980. He discovered a new world. He took up golf, water skiing, snow skiing, tennis, and dune buggying with the family. He moved to Sun Lakes in 2000 upon retirement. He decided to join the Cottonwood Palo Verde Security Patrol. He worked there until his death on Aug. 14, 2020.

Alex was well loved by his family, friends, and the Cottonwood community. He was always helpful and happy and a good golfer and tennis player. Alex is survived by his wife of 61 years, Paula Kimball Lazutin, his children: daughter Natasha Lazutin Wing, son Alexander Paul Lazutin, and daughter Nina Harris. He has two fantastic grandchildren: Aleksander Lazutin III and granddaughter Eisa Lazutin King. All loved him dearly.

Daughter and writer Natasha was in the process of writing her dad’s life story and will sadly continue to finish it.

A Celebration of Life is planned for the end of October, date to be determined. We will miss him tremendously.

Beverly Witmer Lust

Beverly Witmer Lust, 85, longtime resident of Iowa City, Iowa, and Sun Lakes, Ariz., recently full time in Sun Lakes, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at the home of her daughter Sandi with family by her side.

Beverly Witmer was born Dec. 27, 1935, in Newton, Iowa. She was the daughter of Howard Hawk Witmer and Johanna (Josie) Bientema Witmer. She attended school K-12 in Newton, graduating from Newton High School. She then enrolled at Cornell College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, transferring to the University of Iowa to be closer to then-boyfriend Carroll Lust. While in college, she was an active member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority and spent two exciting summers waitressing on the Aquarama, a ship first docked at, then sailing from Navy Pier in Chicago. Beverly graduated from Iowa with a degree in Education. Beverly married Carroll Roger Lust on Jan. 4, 1957, in Newton, Iowa.

Bev and Carroll moved several times with his job as an Osco Drug store manager, spending 10 years in Mankato, Minn., where they were active members of the Mankato Country Club and the Caledonia Curling Club. It was in Mankato that they opened their first Star Drug store, before moving to Iowa City in 1976 when Star Drug and Drug Fair merged. Beginning in the 1990s, Bev and Carroll spent winters in Sun Lakes and summers in Iowa City, until she made her permanent home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., in 2017.

She held several different jobs in the education field over the years, including teaching special-needs children in Iowa City after college, working in the music department at Mankato State University, and supporting the Alpha Xi Delta sorority upon her return to Iowa City.

In addition to her work with Alpha Xi Delta, Beverly was active with the Tri-T Chapter of Iowa City. She supported University of Iowa Athletics along with husband Carroll, and enjoyed playing golf and tennis. She also loved music, theatre, and playing various games with friends and family. Although she played bridge all her life, in her later years, duplicate bridge was her passion. She was an active member of the Iowa City Bridge Club and the Sun Lakes Bridge Club. She loved traveling to bridge tournaments as well as playing several times a week with her home clubs. She amassed numerous masterpoints as a member of both clubs and achieved a Bronze Lifemaster designation from the American Contract Bridge League (the same league that Warren Buffett and Bill Gates play in!).

Beverly is predeceased by Carroll, her beloved husband of 60 years, and her sister Jean. She is survived by daughters Sara McMurray of Evanston, Ill., and Sandi Beckett (Rick) of Phoenix, Ariz.; grandchildren Teressa, Gillian, and Ian McMurray; brothers-in-law Dean Lust (Petesy) of Chickaloon, Ark., and Gary Lust (Sharon) of Iowa City, Iowa, as well as several much-loved nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her two beloved mutts Thurston and Sisi, both of whom were adopted from shelters to lead happy new lives as Beverly’s constant companions.

A celebration of Beverly’s life will take place after the time of COVID-19, with the date and time to be announced. In her memory, we ask that you make donations to your favorite pet rescue.

Barbara Jane Malcolm-Maeder

Another beautiful angel earned her wings Aug. 24, 2020. Barbara Jane Malcolm-Maeder (nee Bergstedt) was born Dec. 29, 1928, in Moline, Ill. She passed away peacefully in Sun Lakes, Ariz., with her family by her side. She was 91. Barbara exuded grace, beauty, kindness, a great sense of humor, a love for doggies, and surely lived a life of zest. She was adored by everyone who met her. Her radiant smile would light up a room and she even managed a few smiles in her final earthly days.

Barbara graduated from Moline High School in 1946 and faithfully attended many class reunions over the years. She also graduated from the Moline Public Hospital School of Nursing as a registered nurse. Soon after, she met J. Richard Malcolm while he was attending school at Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill. They married in June 1950 and settled in Waukegan, Ill., where they raised three sons: Steve, Doug, and Greg. They spent a few years in Florissant, Mo., as Mr. Malcolm was transferred and then returned back to Waukegan. Barbara worked full time, sometimes holding down two jobs while she and Richard raised their family. She worked over 40 years as an RN at Victory Hospital and in private practice. So many lives were touched by her loving care. Sadly, she was widowed at age 46. Barbara was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Waukegan for many years before she retired and moved to Arizona.

While living in Sun Lakes, Ariz., Barbara met her second husband Donald Maeder. They were married in April, 1996. Together, they enjoyed many years of golfing, dancing, traveling, and entertaining their countless friends. Barbara became a widow again when Don passed away in 2014. Barbara was a member of Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Sun Lakes for over 20 years where she volunteered to help with Braille activities. In 2017, she moved to Renaissance Assisted Living facility in Sun Lakes where she lived independently until the last few months. The family would like to extend their gratitude for the tender and loving care Barbara received from the many nurses and medical technicians at Renaissance. We are also grateful for the dignified care administered by Hospice of the Valley in her final weeks.

She was preceded in death by her parents Russell and Cleon (Lindberg) Bergstedt, brother Donald Bergstedt, sister Janice McCune (Bergstedt), infant daughter Christine Malcolm, the love of her life, husband J. Richard Malcolm, husband Donald Maeder, and son Steven Malcolm. She is survived by her adoring sons J. Douglas (Julie) Malcolm and Greg Malcolm who reside in Spearfish, S.D; three grandchildren: Marcus (Brooke) Malcolm, Brad (Laura) Malcolm, Lindsay (Shawn) Williams; six great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and her dear friend of 64 years Joan Tapper.

She will be buried at North Shore Garden of Memories, North Chicago, with her husband Richard. A private family graveside service will take place at a future date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you give your pup a big hug in her memory and donate to your local animal shelter, as Barbara was a huge lover of dogs.

 

Susan Osborn

Susan Osborn, daughter of Charles and Ann Seaney, was a resident of Sun Lakes, Ariz., and passed away from her battle with Alzheimer’s Disease on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, with her husband, sister, and son at her side. Her final weeks were spent surrounded by her family. She leaves behind a loving husband Mike, two children: Brad and Mike, and two grandchildren: Kailey and Bradley. She also leaves behind a sister, Mary Diamond, and her two children, Lynn and Jason.

Susan was very talented as a writer, TV director, film producer, and actress. Susan owned a successful advertising agency with a long list of prominent clients, producing countless successful advertising videos and campaigns such as Robson Communities Preferred Guest Program.

Susan met her husband at the age of 14 while living in Wichita, Kan. She began dating Mike in her junior year of high school, ultimately becoming high school and lifetime sweethearts. They had a wonderful life and an enduring love. They traveled all over the world, finally settling in fabulous Sun Lakes. Throughout their years together, Susan and Mike were blessed by many great friends who played major roles in their lives. Susan and Mike would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 10, 2020.

Susan loved deeply. Family was the most important aspect of her life. She will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts, minds, and prayers.

G. Dale Rusk

G. Dale Rusk passed away peacefully on Sept. 7, 2020, at the age of 92. He was born in Winterset, Iowa, on October 6, 1927, and grew up near Newton, Iowa. After graduating from Newton High School, he worked on the family farm until he was asked to join the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was assigned duty on the Korean front lines for a year and earned his rank of Sergeant before returning to the U.S. Upon discharge, he returned to Newton and while managing one of the family farms, he met Helene Roberts and they were married on Sept. 12, 1954.

In 1961, Dale and his family moved to Arizona and lived in Mesa, Chandler, and Sun Lakes. He spent 25 years as a State Farm Insurance agent before retiring in 1994. He was very active in Farm Bureau (Iowa), Boy Scouts, Chandler Kiwanis Club, Sun Lakes Rotary Club, Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, and community volunteering. He loved to golf as much as he enjoyed being around people and conversation. Dale is proceeded in death by his parents, Gail and Evalina Bierma Rusk; three brothers, Claude, Carl, and George; and sister Deloris Lang.

Dale is survived by his wife, Helene; son, Dennis (Lori); daughter, Lynette; and son, Craig (Gwen) along with four grandchildren; Coulton (Taylor) Sadler, Dillon Rusk, Jennifer Rusk, Devon Rusk, and brother Forrest Rusk. Dale dearly loved his family and many friends and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to: Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248; Hospice of the Valley—Dobson Home 1188 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler, AZ 85224; Sun Lakes Rotary Club, #23632, P.O. Box 13904, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 (Please note on check: Donation in memory of Dale Rusk, Member #3305485, Club #2362).

Mary H. Seely

Mary H. Seely died August 8, 2020, in the arms of her daughter, following a long illness. During her final year, she was a resident of Renaissance Senior Living at Sun Lakes and so enjoyed her time there and was never lonely. She loved the food and the staff as well as all the other residents. Born July 2, 1936, to Louvern and Margaret Holbert of Lackawaxen, Pa., who thought she was an appendicitis. Mary worked for Bechtel Corporation while building the U.S. gas/pipelines and offices in Warwick, N.Y., in 1955. She met and married Walter S. Seely Jr. of Pine Island, N.Y., in 1956.

Active with Catholic Daughters, Mary also was a Girl Scout leader for decades and was a Daughter of The American Revolution (DAR) member. She loved all things handmade as she was extremely crafty until her fingers and sight gave out. She retired from the Warwick Valley Central School District and eventually moved to Arizona (2003) with her husband of 56 years. She resided in Sun City, Ariz., until June 2019.

Mary is predeceased by her husband, Walter (2012); son, Mark (2019); her parents and three siblings: Robert Holbert, Annamarie Bucher, and Thomas Holbert. Mary will be missed by her surviving family members including: sister, Teresa McGee of Matawan, N.J.; son, Walter S. Seely III (Dorothy) of Firestone, Colo.; granddaughter Rebecca Wydra (Casey); great grandchildren Walter and Clara of Vail, Colo.; daughter, Katherine Christensen (Boyd), grandchildren James (Stacie) and Megan Schmidt (Jacob) and great grandchildren Brody, Beck, Madison, Presley Lu, and Parker all of Chandler, Ariz.; deceased son Mark Seely’s widow (Alyson Burger) and children: Joseph, Janethe, Ashley, MaryKate, and Mark Jr. of Laveen, Ariz., and many nieces and nephews throughout the country.

Mary will be laid to rest in the Warwick, N.Y., cemetery in the spring of 2021. Mary would like to have her late stage care givers of Summit Healthcare Services – Hospice. Donations are accepted in her name at www.summithcs.org/donate-1.

William (Bill) Efford Tooker

William (Bill) Efford Tooker passed peacefully at Hospice of the Valley Dobson Home on Friday, Aug. 14, at the age of 87. He was born May 26, 1933, in Allegan, Mich., to Otto and Genevieve Tooker, the middle child of three boys.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Gladys T. Tooker, his younger brother Harry Tooker (Allegan, Mich.), two children: Kevin Tooker and Kelly Tooker, two grandchildren: Donika Delabar and Mikael Delabar, and a great-grandson Alexander William Nielson, all of Seattle.

After graduating high school, Bill joined the USAF because he wanted to travel and see the world. Unfortunately, his military position as an aircraft mechanic landed and kept him at Larson AFB near Moses Lake, Wash., a far cry from seeing the world.

In time, Bill came to Seattle and spent some time at Boeing, where he met the gal he later married. He left Boeing and joined the Pacific Maritime Association as a marine clerk and later worked as a supercargo for Local 52. After 30 years, he retired and sold their West Seattle home to live the next 18 years in Kent, Wash. He loved the country life with his dog Babe and their horses. He had a huge vegetable garden and took pride in sharing crops with neighbors and friends. He loved camping and fishing. He joined a riding club and would spend an occasional weekend riding in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.

Time came when it was too hard to keep up with the chores. Bill bought a motorhome and put the farm up for sale. In 2000, he bought a home in Sun Lakes. Finally, he was able to travel. He played the snowbird circuit—summers on the road and winters at home. In 2014, he sold the motorhome and stayed home year-round.

There will be a private memorial service at a later date at the Tahoma National Cemetery.

Carl J. Zakraysek

Carl J. Zakraysek, 97, passed away on Aug. 24. He was a long-term resident of Sun Lakes Cottonwood where he was active in golf and tennis.

Carl graduated from Verona High School in Pennsylvania where he was a member of the National Honor Society and lettered in basketball.

Upon graduating from Pittsburgh University, Carl served in the U.S. Army Air Corp.

Carl is survived by his son Carl II of Huachuca City, Ariz., and his daughter Dana Ruder, a resident of Lilburn, Ga.

Three grandchildren also survive: Matt Ruder of Houston, Texas; Megan Ruder at college in Savannah, Ga.; and Erin Zakraysek of Phoenix, Ariz.

A Military Celebration of Life service was held at Valley of the Sun for members of the family on Sept. 3. No further services are planned at this time.