Donald G. Baldwin
Donald Grover Baldwin, age 96, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., and former resident of Oakes, N.D., passed away peacefully in his own home on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022.
Donald was born in Ludden, N.D., on Aug. 4, 1925, to parents Grover and Esther (Schroeder) Baldwin. He was raised on a farm and attended a small, rural K-8th grade, one-room schoolhouse near Ludden, N.D. He later graduated from Oakes High School in Oakes, N.D., in 1943. Following his graduation, he initially went to work on the family farm, but three years later, went to work for his future father-in-law George Pederson in the funeral home and furniture store in Oakes, N.D. He later enrolled in the College of Mortuary Science in St. Louis, Mo., which was completed in 1948. Donald also served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War for two years before being discharged in 1955.
Donald was united in marriage to Georgia Pederson on June 21, 1948. The couple made their home in Oakes, N.D., where they were in the furniture and funeral business for 40 years. Don was an active member in numerous civic organizations while in Oakes before retiring in 1986.
Don’s life in Oakes, N.D., during his business years included being a member of the United Methodist Church, Lion’s Club, Elks Club, Oakes Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Oakes School Board, El Zagal Shrine (Fargo, N.D.), North Dakota Funeral Directors Association, as well as a volunteer ambulance driver in Oakes for many years.
After retiring in 1986, Donald enjoyed an amazing 35 years of retirement in Sun Lakes, Ariz. But it didn’t start out that way, as he lost his wife Georgia to a battle with cancer in 1987. This left a big void in his life. He later met Beverly Bruce, who also had been widowed a few years earlier, and they were married in 1989. Their marriage and retirement years together were kept active on numerous trips around the world, golfing, hiking, and dancing. Don became an active member in Rotary International and was a longstanding active member of the Sun lakes United Methodist Church.
Don is survived by a son, Brad (Diane) Baldwin of Grand Junction, Colo.; a daughter, Susan (Paul) Ross of Gilbert, Ariz.; and another son, Robert (Aileen) Baldwin of Chandler, Ariz. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his first and second wives, Georgia and Beverly; and a brother, Maurice Baldwin.
A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 12, at 11 a.m. at the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church in Sun Lakes, Ariz. A graveside committal and burial will be held Saturday, June 11, at 2 p.m. at the Oakes View Cemetery in Oakes, N.D.
Joyce Newman (Ernst)
Joyce Newman (Ernst), age 92, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on Jan. 23, 2022, in Chandler, Ariz. She was born in Racine, Wisc., on Aug. 24, 1929. Joyce was united in marriage to Robert Newman on Sept. 16, 1950. She is survived by her son Robert (Linda) of Ravenna, Ohio; daughter Nancy Field (Glen-deceased) of Sun Lakes, Ariz.; two grandchildren: Nic Field of Tempe, Ariz., and Bobbi Fergus of Racine, Wisc.; four great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and other relatives. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Robert on Sept. 20, 2016.
Per Joyce’s wishes, there will be no services.
Lucille Mildred Everingham
Lucy passed peacefully on Feb. 15, 2022, surrounded by loved ones, after a long life of 100 years. She was born Oct. 31, 1921. She leaves her daughter and husband, Susan and Mark Peppers of Surprise, Ariz.; son-in-law and wife, Bill and Jill Babb of Flagstaff, Ariz.; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cheri Babb; her husband of 53 years, Mel Everingham; her sister; and her brother.
Mel was a school administrator, the founding President of Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa, and President of Central Arizona College in Casa Grande, Ariz., and Lucy a skilled Kindergarten teacher. They had a long and happy retirement in Sun Lakes. Lucy played bridge with her many friends until age 99 and she exercised daily. She loved her family and her church. She was a member of the educational society PEO for 70 years, helping to establish the Sun Lakes chapter.
Rev. Dale W. Hallberg
Rev. Dale W. Hallberg, 89, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on Feb. 7, 2022, of natural causes. Born on May 17, 1932, to Oscar and Eva Hallberg in Rockford, Ill., Dale graduated from East High School in 1950. He studied religion and psychology at Carthage College and entered the ministry after graduating from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg in 1959. In the 1990s he earned his doctorate of ministry from the University of Dubuque theological seminary in Iowa. For over 38 years, Dale served churches in Grand Rapids, Mich.; Racine, Wisc.; and Allentown, Pa., retiring in 1997 after serving 15 years as senior pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rockford, Ill. Once retired in Arizona, he spent many years ministering to local churches.
Dale was a fierce advocate for the disadvantaged in society, addressing the needs of the inner-city population. He worked to advance civil rights as a community leader, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Selma, Ala., in 1965 and being part of a Lutheran delegation sent to investigate conditions in apartheid South Africa in the early 1980s.
He loved living in Arizona, golfing, and exploring interests such as making jewelry, painting, and traveling. He is survived by his wife Janet, his first wife Linda, their four children: Kristin Mathews, Kerry (Richard) Fankhauser, Gretchen (Brian) Cuddy, and Joel (Cristina Parente) Hallberg, and eight grandchildren.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to their favorite charity in Dale’s name.
Marlene Rose Lee
Marlene Rose Lee, age 81, of Grand Ledge, Mich., and Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.
Marlene was born in Muskegon, Mich., in 1940, the daughter of Earl and Esther (Tiefenthal) Alvord. She attended Muskegon Heights High School and attended California College for Respiratory Therapy and received her certification as a Certified Respiratory Therapist in 1981. She worked as a technician for St. Luke’s Hospital from 1972 to 1976, and as a respiratory therapist at Muskegon General Hospital from 1976 to 1979. She served as the regional director of Lung Care Inc. in Muskegon, Mich., from 1979 to 1986. Marlene was a successful business woman.
Marlene was an avid cribbage player, playing competitively with her husband daily for many years. She loved cooking for her family and friends; enjoyed arts and crafts, making a variety of handmade 3D flowered art to share as gifts; enjoyed music and dancing; going to concerts; and traveling. She especially enjoyed her trip to New York City and many trips to Disneyland with her children and grandchildren. One of her fondest memories was a slumber party with her daughter Renee and her granddaughters. She attended Sun Lakes United Methodist Church in Chandler, Ariz. Marlene never knew a stranger, making friends with everyone she met. Never was her pride and courage more evident than during her battle with Alzheimer’s. She had a smile for everyone.
Marlene was preceded in death by her son Francis “Bub” D’Avignon, Jr.; brothers Bob, Edward, and Jerry; and sister Nancy. She is survived by her devoted husband William “Bill” Lee; two sons: Dennis D’Avignon and William (Gemma) D’Avignon; daughter Renee Fitzpatrick; step-daughter Lori (Kevin) Smith; two step-sons: Kurt (Mary) Lee and Mark (Bekky) Lee; grandchildren: Steven D’Avignon, Michelle D’Avignon, Nina Hollinshead, Tricia D’Avignon, Eric D’Avignon, William D’Avignon II, Bryce Fitzpatrick, Breah Young, Kenny Smith, Kolin (Lucy) Smith, Kailey Smith, Sarah (David) Detmer, Derek (Toni) Lee, Travis (Rosemary) Lee, Nathan (Hannah) Lee, and Daniel (Jenny) Garrett; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Marlene’s life will be held during the summer in Michigan. For those who wish, memorials may be made to Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. www.TiffanyFuneralHome.com
Donald E. Martin
Donald E. Martin, age 85, died peacefully on Feb. 5, 2022, in Tempe, Ariz. Don was born in Scottsbluff, Neb., to O’Linda Buxbaum and Henry Martin, and learned the value of hard work at a young age, while working in the sugar beet fields with his family, as a newspaper carrier, and working the night shift at the Scottsbluff Star-Herald while in high school. As a young man, he was lucky enough to have mentors who encouraged him to go to college and assisted him in obtaining a Regent’s Scholarship at the University of Nebraska; to them, he was forever grateful.
After college, Don joined the U.S. Navy, and ultimately was promoted to the rank of Commander. Upon leaving active duty, Don moved to Denver, where he met his wife Ellyn and began his career in the insurance industry. Don worked for INA/CIGNA for 30 years before retiring at the age of 57. He spent his retirement years split between Seattle and Sun Lakes engaged in competitive gardening with his neighbors, golfing, fishing, volunteering, driving too fast, fixing lawn mowers, and enjoying his family and friends.
Don is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ellyn (Arendsen); his children Shauna (Hans) Ehlert, Cheryl (Brian) Adams, and Tom (Carmen) Martin; seven grandchildren, Jana, Elena, Annick, Truett, Viviana, Veronica and Tippen; and his two younger sisters, Barbara (Dennis) Guilford and Ilene (John) O’Meara. The memorial service will be held on April 4, 2022, at 10:45 a.m. at Sun Lakes United Methodist in Sun Lakes, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice of the Valley or Neighbors Who Care (Sun Lakes. Ariz.).
Pierre Charles Moresi
Pierre Charles Moresi, 84, passed away Jan. 6, 2022, at Sante Rehab of Mesa with Hospice Care. He went peacefully in his sleep.
Pierre was born in New York City on Dec. 20, 1937. When he was seven years old, his parents Catherine and Pietro Moresi moved to Southern California and lived in Venice and Beverly Hills. Eventually, they moved to San Francisco.
He was always very athletic and loved playing baseball, but his real passion was tennis. He graduated from Galileo High School and then took accounting courses in San Francisco City College. He then went on to pursue a career in banking. He started at Bank of America as a vault teller and met Tina, who also worked there as a secretary. They began dating and on Nov. 1, 1959, got married.
Pierre then went to work at Wells Fargo as a bank examiner/vice president. They started a family in 1961. They had four children and moved to Fremont, Calif., in 1964 to 1977, and then moved to Burlingame in 1977. After 35 years with Wells Fargo, they decided to take early retirement. At that time, Tina was a paralegal. They moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz. They both enjoyed the weather and lifestyle and made many new friends.
His real passion of tennis finally took priority, and he, along with Don Neu who passed earlier, gave free tennis lessons for over 20 years. He found real joy in turning a person who never played tennis into a tournament player. He was a great teacher and an avid player. He was hard to beat on the courts. He was well liked by everyone, and his students really appreciated him. He was a great teacher.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Tina; his children: Denise, Michael, Lisa, and Paul; and six grandchildren: Anthony, Nicolas, Gianna, Ashleigh, Brandon, and Kayla. He just became a great-grandfather to baby Ella who was born in Germany where her father is stationed in the Air Force. He had plans to meet her in person, but there wasn’t time. He enjoyed seeing pictures of her. He also has a brother, Steven Moresi.
He will forever be loved and missed by everyone who knew him. No memorial is planned due to COVID and also his wishes.
Joseph Peterson
Joseph Leonard Peterson, Jr., age 79, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. He was born on Jan. 18, 1942, in Los Angeles, Calif. Joe married Linda Gale Ramsay on March 16, 1963, in Seattle, Wash. During his lifetime, Joe’s jobs took their growing family to a number of places, including New York, where Shane, his first son, was born. The family then moved to Alaska, where Darren, his second son, was born. Again, the family moved to California, where his third son, David, was born. The family settled in Washington for many years, before Joe and Linda moved to Arizona when they retired.
Joe is survived by his bride, Linda; his three loving sons, Shane, Darren, and David; his sister, Gayle Flattum; and his seven grandchildren, Tia, Kalle, Devon, Michael, Tyler, James, and Liam.
Joe served his country in the Air Force as a helicopter mechanic. He went on to hold a number of interesting jobs, such as a private investigator, marine mechanic, automotive mechanic, aircraft mechanic, long-haul truck driver, and real estate agent, but Joe’s real priority was always his family and friends. His fun-loving and giving nature was contagious. He never hesitated to go out of his way to help someone in need. Joe was also a very effective teacher of his life skills and treasured sharing them with his sons and grandchildren. His caring spirit and infectious laugh, good will, and nature carry on with all those who were fortunate enough to know and love him. We are thankful that he knew the Lord and happy that he has gone home to be with him.
Linda Carol Piasecki
Linda Carol “Cricket” Piasecki passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 18, 2022, doing what she loved, quilting in her art studio at home. Linda was born March 26, 1949, in San Antonio, Texas, to an Air Force father and a Texas homemaker. The family relocated to Hawthorne, Calif., where she grew up.
She was musically oriented and went to high school with the Beach Boys (Wilsons). At age 15, she grew to six feet tall and stood out in her class photos.
At age 16, while surfing, she met and fell in love with her future husband, George. They were married on Jan. 8, 1967, and he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. They began their life together as lighthouse keepers at Avila Beach, Calif.
After serving four years, they attended college and graduated with bachelor’s degrees.
Their son Joseph Alek was born in Long Beach, Calif., in 1974. Their daughter Iza Marie was born in Pago Pago, American Samoa, in 1976.
They resided in Pago Pago while on assignment with the H.J. Heinz company. After returning to SoCal, they owned an ice cream parlor. After selling it, they bought an RV and travelled the U.S. for a year.
They settled in Corpus Christi, Texas, where Linda worked in accounting, and her husband sold cars. Eventually, they started their own automotive consulting company. They later purchased a GM franchise in Illinois and after selling it, retired in Arizona to be near their daughter Iza.
Linda was a quilting master with amazing artistic talent. She was a founding member of the Sun Lakes Desert Threads Quilt Club and served as treasurer of the Arizona Quilting Guild. Her love of quilting led her to become best friends with Chris Callahan. Linda and Chris attended water aerobics classes together.
Linda was an expert at the game EverMerge, which she played on her phone. She enjoyed showing her skills at blackjack tournaments in Arizona, California, and Nevada, where she competed with and made lifelong friends.
She was adventurous and visited 42 states in the U.S. and traveled to 29 countries with her husband. Mexico, Scotland, and Switzerland were among her favorites.
Linda traced her lineage, and through a relative who settled in America in 1741, was able to register with the Gila Butte chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Linda liked music from the 50s to 80s and could name a tune in one to three notes. She and her son-in-law Jeff bonded over their love for The Beatles, and she couldn’t get enough of the Eagles.
She enjoyed the occasional Jack and Diet Coke, scotch, mango margarita, and Heineken, while staying healthy with Weight Watchers.
Linda and George were soulmates, best friends, companions, and partners. She was his moral and ethical guiding compass. She leaves us with a hole in our hearts. Above all, she was a good person. She was a caring and loving individual who gave herself to others and put her wants/needs last. Her smile will never be forgotten.
Linda is survived by her husband George Micheal Piasecki, Jr., her son Joseph Alek Piasecki, and her daughter and son-in-law Iza Marie and Jeffrey Justin Shewan.
Some of Linda’s ashes will be scattered in the Pacific Ocean, and the remainder will eventually be joined with her husband’s. A celebration of Linda’s life was held on Feb. 12, 2022, at Sisk Park in the Cottonwood Palo Verde Country Club community.
Georgetta Talerico
Georgetta Talerico, nee Brust, 79, of Sun Lakes passed quietly in her sleep on Jan. 14, 2022.
Georgian is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Tony. She was the loving mother of Yvette (Tony) and Anthony (Amy); grandmother to Anthony (Nadia), Allyssa, and Anthony; great-grandmother to Greyson; and had a countless number of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by sister Eve and brothers Mickey, John, Dennis, and George and is survived by sister Gail.
Georgian started golfing while living in Sun Lakes and amassed two holes-in-one. She was a star shortstop for the Ladybugs, her 12-inch fastpitch baseball team that went undefeated one season. Georgian was a kind, gentle, and loving lady who will forever be deeply missed.
Kurt Allan Utzinger
Kurt Allan Utzinger was born on March 15, 1943, in Hayden, Colo., and died in his Arizona home on Feb. 5, 2022, at the age of 78. He was raised in Craig, Colo., and graduated from Moffat County High School in 1961. He attended the University of Colorado in Boulder for three years and Colorado State College in Greeley, Colo., graduating in 1966.
Kurt taught and coached at Alameda Junior High School in Pocatello, Idaho, for four years. He returned to Craig in 1970 and taught and coached at Craig Junior High School for one year and Moffat County High School for three years. In 1974 he became the financial secretary to the superintendent of Moffat County Schools. He held that position for 20 years and retired in 1994.
He enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, skiing, golfing, cards, and winters in his Arizona home. He was active in the Moffat County Schools Federal Credit Union and belonged to the Yampa Valley Golf Association. He enjoyed many years playing in the Ironwood Men’s Golf Association and Ironwood Friday Couples Golf in Arizona.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Susan; his sister Annette (John) Roberts of Lynnwood, Wash.; brother Deems of Craig, Colo.; and several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life may be held at a later date.
Elmer Arvid (Al) Wallin
Elmer Arvid Wallin, 101, “Al” to family and friends, passed away quietly on Jan. 25, 2022, at his home in Chandler, Ariz., after a brief illness. Al was born May 10, 1920, in Roseau, Minn., to Carl and Josephine Wallin. He was the second of four children and the only son. Al would later move with his family to Saskatchewan, then to International Falls, Minn., and finally to Grand Forks, N.D., where he would finish his grade school through high school years.
Following high school, Al worked in Grand Forks until he enlisted in the Navy in 1941. Al served in the South Pacific and was eventually stationed in Seattle where he met and married Ardis Hilfiker on Dec. 21, 1950, at his sister’s home in Everett, Wash. Al and Ardie had a son, Jim. While Al and Ardis divorced in 1983, they remained friends, and in their later years, talked daily until her passing in September of 2021.
Following the war, Al worked as a steelworker in the Seattle area. Al and Ardis also opened the Wall-In Dog Motel kennel in Lynnwood, Wash.
A lifelong interest of Al’s was racing cars, and he loved his sports cars. He also enjoyed watching sports, eating healthy, and exercising. He loved golf and incorporated swimming into his exercise routine.
Al eventually moved to Arizona where he met Janiece Mcintosh, and they married in 1998. Al was devastated when Janiece passed away in 2014. During their life together, they lived between Missouri and Arizona, and both enjoyed dancing and golf. A big highlight for Al was his 100th birthday celebration. Even though it was during COVID, his caregiver arranged a parade, and there were over 250 vehicles that passed by his home. He was able to sit in front of his garage and wave at all who went by. Al was able to live in his own home until his passing.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, two of his sisters: Frances and Levina, and wives Ardis and Janiece. He is survived by his son Jim (SuLi), grandson Eric, sister Pearl, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private graveside service will be held in Kent, Wash. A Celebration of Life is being planned for March 12 at the Oakwood Country Club ballroom at 1 p.m. Rev. Douglas Ross, a longtime friend, will officiate.