In Passing – February 2024

Lou Galiano

Louis “Lou” V. Galiano, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully in his home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., on Dec. 20, 2023. He died from leukemia.

He was born on Oct. 1, 1938, in St. Louis, Mo., and attended the University of Missouri, where he was also a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He worked his way through college by working at Union Pacific Railroad, and after taking off a year to backpack through Europe for a year, he graduated with a B.A. degree in marketing.

After college, he moved to Chicago, where he worked for Georgia Pacific, and met his wife, Patricia Sue Dean. Soon afterwards, he started working as a sales representative for Arrow shirts, where he worked for more than 20 years.

After a few years in Chicago, he was transferred to Des Moines, Iowa, where they had their daughter Nicole (Niki) Ann. A few years after that, they transferred to Omaha, Neb., where their son, Dean Anthony, was born. They stayed in Omaha for over 20 years, and eventually they retired to Sun Lakes in 1999.

Lou loved playing sports ever since he was a young boy in St. Louis, where he played both baseball and soccer. In his 30s, he discovered tennis, and developed a deep love for the sport. When they moved to Sun Lakes, Lou became an active member of the Cottonwood Tennis Club, and he was very active in bringing pickleball to Sun Lakes. He played tennis well into his 80s until he couldn’t anymore (due to illness), but even then, he still made out the rosters for the men’s tennis leagues.

Lou was a wonderful husband and father, a good man, and a good friend to many. He had a great sense of humor and he always had a funny story to tell. He is survived by his wife Patricia (Pat), who he was married to for 58 years, his daughter Nicole (Niki), and his son, Dean. He will be dearly missed.

Peggy Lou (Sibert) Mason

Peggy (Sibert) Mason, a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away early on the warm sunny morning of Nov. 15, 2023, surrounded by her children and husband of 62 years.

She was born Oct. 26, 1939, in Cambridge, Ohio, to Ralph and Opal Sibert.

Peggy grew up in Berkeley and attended El Cerrito High School, graduating in 1957. She kept in close touch with her friends and classmates from high school throughout the years. She loved attending the class reunions and taking trips with her girlfriends, known as the “Wildies.”

Peggy met Jon in a Berkeley pub and eventually married in 1961. Their lives took them from California to Pittsburgh, to Denver and then settling in Boise for the next 40 years. They became snowbirds and started spending winters in Sun Lakes, Ariz., until finally making the move there full time in 2020.

Peggy was a big personality in a small package! She loved reading, playing games with her grandchildren, a good garage sale, thrift store shopping, and talking to anyone and everyone she met. She loved seeing wildlife and touring around Yellowstone Park, and was never without her camera.

She will forever be cherished and remembered by her husband, Jon, and her three children: Robert Mason, Gary (Nancy) Mason, and Karin (Kevin) Germain. She dearly loved her seven grandchildren who she leaves behind, and they will miss her goofy sense of humor.

Geraldine Jean Henry

Jeri Henry, 86, of Sun Lakes, passed away on Jan. 8, 2024. Jeri is survived by her husband of 67 years, Loren; her children LuAnn Morse (Ron), Susan Buckingham (Tom), and Chris Henry (Marilyn); grandchildren Michelle, Matt, Miles, Bryce, Lauren, Remi, Hunter, and Riley; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by five of her siblings.

Jeri was born July 16, 1937, in Parkston, S.D. She was the fourth of 11 children. Jeri was a devoted wife and mother and the heartbeat of our home. A memorial will be held at Oakwood Country Club, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes, on Feb. 24 at 1 p.m.

Robert (Bob) Glenn Hollar

Robert (Bob) Glenn Hollar, passed away peacefully at his home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. He was 85 years old. Bob’s wife, children, and grandchildren were all present in his home Friday night to be with him. He was surrounded by love.

Bob was born March 17, 1938. The only child of Raymond and Musette Hollar, he grew up in Fairfield, Calif. He met the love of his life, his wife Carole, when they were juniors at Armijo High School. They met in biology class and the rest was all chemistry. After graduation they married in 1958. Bob proudly served in the National Guard (two years) and then the United States Navy (four years) on the USS Randolph. Bob was enormously proud of his service and always wore his USS Randolph hat whenever he went out.

Bob worked as a manager for IBM and took considerable pride in his job. IBM white shirts and ties were a staple in his closet. From California, the family moved to Connecticut. The consummate California native, Bob could be seen at the barbeque grill every Thanksgiving and Christmas cooking the turkey dinner. Neighbors would tilt their head in confusion while Bob grilled the turkey in the middle of a Connecticut snowstorm. As a loyal son, Bob moved the family back to California to be closer to his father following his mother’s death.

After his retirement from IBM, he lived the carefree life in Sun Lakes. Bob enjoyed golfing, hosting neighborhood parties, being the Commissioner of his Fantasy Football league, and as a member of the sound team for the Sun Lakes Community Theatre, running the sound board. Bob’s favorite pastime was enjoying oatmeal raisin cookies (like his dad) and a beverage (dilly) while spending time with his family. Every Sunday you could find Bob in his recliner cheering on, or yelling at, the 49ers. He will forever be a 49er faithful.

Bob is survived by Carole, his wife of 65 years; son Ryan (Jeannie) Hollar; daughters: Cynthia Hollar and Marsie (Joel) Shealey; grandchildren Caitlin (Isaiah) Madolora, Riley Filice-Hollar, Joshua Filice-Hollar, Brandon Caswell, Peyton Shealey; and great-granddaughter, Layla Madolora. Bob was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Sharon, and his parents, who were there in heaven to welcome their son home.

Bob will be missed by all who knew him. His family will honor him with a Celebration of Life at a date to be determined. His family has faith that if the 49ers make it to the Super Bowl, Bob will have a hand in it and will finally have a front row seat. Cheers, Bob!

Leonard Irving Paulson

Leonard Irving Paulson, age 92, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on Dec. 29, 2023.

He was born in Ames, Iowa, on April 3, 1931. He attended school in Ames, including one year at Iowa State University. He then served three and a half years in the U.S. Air Force where he served as a base newspaper editor in Japan during the Korean conflict. After his service, he entered St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., and graduated in 1958 with a B.A. in Economics.

He met his wife, Corrine Ann Crawford, at St. Olaf and they were married on Sept. 1, 1957. They had three daughters; Camille Rittmueller of Phoenix, Ariz., Janelle Parker of Guntersville, Ala., and Jeanie Adamson of Dallas, Texas.

Len had a long career in the financial industry including 30 years in commercial banking and 10 years in the credit union industry. He started as a bank examiner and successfully became President and CEO of many small banks and credit unions in Colorado and Wyoming. He capped his career by becoming a “turn-around specialist” for struggling credit unions.

He was an avid athlete and played baseball as a pitcher at St. Olaf College. He turned his focus toward tennis in 1970 and played continuously until five months prior to his death. He enjoyed competing in tennis tournaments as a singles and doubles player in multiple states throughout the west and southwest. He achieved the USTA ranking of number 7 in the United States in his 80s.

As a lifetime Christian, Len served on many church committees and councils, and enjoyed singing in choirs and spearheading special projects. Big band or classical music was always playing in his home, and he loved attending live theater. He enjoyed reading western novels, watching old western movies, and dining out. He never failed to ask a server for pecan pie for dessert. Len wanted mostly to be remembered as someone who loved to help people.

Len is survived by his three daughters, 10 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Corrine; his parents, Louise and Melvin Paulson; brothers Ralph, Rodney, and Roland Paulson and sister Gertrude Paulson Armstrong.

A memorial service was held at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church on Jan. 13. Memorial donations may be made to Sun Lakes United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Chester Stephen Ploszaj

Chester Stephen Ploszaj passed away on Dec. 23, 2023. He was born on Dec. 29, 1932, to Stanley and Helen in Hegewisch, Ill., a neighborhood located in the southern part of the city of Chicago. While attending CVS (Chicago Vocational High School) in Chicago he excelled in the sport of baseball. He was picked up by the Cardinals Minor League Baseball team and played second base and shortstop with the Georgia State League (GSL) in the 1951 and 1952 seasons. Chester had a .236 batting average, 107 hits, 101 runs, and 44 RBIs during the 1952 season. Chester’s baseball career was interrupted in December 1954 when he was drafted into the Army. He left for Korea where he was given a cook’s job until his superiors found out he played professional baseball. For the remainder of his service, and in addition to his cook’s job, he was asked to play baseball for the entertainment of the troops. Chester was discharged in February 1955. In March 1955, he attended a dance at the American Legion in Calumet City, Ill., where he met Josephine Siatta. Wasting no time, he married Josephine, the love of his life, on Nov. 26, 1955, and celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in 2023.

Chester and Josephine lived in a cottage near his in-laws until 1963 when they purchased their first home in Dalton, Ill. During these next years, Chester attended night school and received an associate degree in accounting. Needing more space for a family, they built their next home in Calumet City in 1965 with the help of his father-in-law, Victor. They resided here and adopted two children. Maria, born in 1966 and Michael, born in 1968. Chester worked many jobs to support his family. In 1995 he retired from the water department in Calumet City and moved to Arizona with Josephine. They spent the last 28 years enjoying visits from their children, grandchildren, and family as well as making and spending time with wonderful friends. Chester enjoyed playing golf whenever he could as well as making Josephine happy. He affectionately referred to her as “The Queen” of their household.

Chester is survived by his wife Josephine; children Maria (Terry) and Michael (Bobbi); five grandchildren, Alex, Cortney, Gabrielle, Nicholas, and Joshua; two great-grandchildren, Gavin and Jameson; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister Theresa Lukowski. Chester was a great storyteller and captivated his audience with his stories of the army and baseball. He is loved and will be remembered always.

A Funeral Mass was held on Jan. 3, 2024, at St. Steven’s Catholic Church with a burial at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Condolences may be expressed at www.buelermortuary.com.

Ronald Douglas Sampson

Ronald Douglas Sampson entered eternal rest Nov. 25, 2023. He was born July 27, 1942, in Ottawa, Kan., to Eleanor (Duncan) Rollins and Melvin Sampson.

He graduated from high school in Idaho Springs, Colo. He attended KU in Lawrence, Kan., CU in Boulder, Colo., and the University of Denver.

He had a rewarding career as a recruiter—helping place people in their desired career goals. In his earlier years, he enjoyed taking his kids skiing. He loved the Denver Broncos.

Relocating from Colorado to Arizona, he joined Toastmasters, where he received many speaking awards. He enjoyed working at Bashas’, which allowed him to chat with people. Volunteering at elections for many years was important to him.

He is survived by his longtime partner, Vee Flemmer; four children: Brett Sampson (and his wife Claudia), Kerryn Lakers, Jordan Brogan, and Derek Sampson; and six grandchildren.

His parents and one granddaughter preceded him in death.

Michael (Mike) Sellers

Michael (Mike) Sellers was called home to Heaven on Dec. 12, 2023, at Robson Reserve Assisted Living with family by his side.

Born July 6, 1930, in Tuckerton, N.J., Mike moved to Ventura County, Calif., at the age of 5. At the age of 21, Mike joined and enjoyed 36 years with the Ventura County Fire Department, retiring as their Deputy Chief.

It was in 1957 he married the love of his life, Eleanor, with their marriage lasting 66 years. In 1991, they made Sun Lakes their home. They enjoyed their golden years living a fun-filled life traveling, piloting glider planes, playing softball, and umpiring high school baseball and football games. Mike especially enjoyed golf, cards, pool parties, playing pool, yard work, exercise, and always … a cold Bud Lite!

Mike also served on the Sun Lakes Fire Department Board of Directors for 20 years, 18 of those as Board Chairman.

Mike is preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor, and their three sons, Kenneth, Kevin, and Keith. Mike is survived by his children, Pamela Perry and Sheila Sellers of Sun Lakes, and Michael Sellers of Tucson.

Services were held at Valley of the Sun, Chandler, Ariz. on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Sellers Family may be shared at dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/chandler-az/michael-sellers-11583269 or sent to 8916 E Copper Valley Lane, Sun Lakes, 85248.

The family wishes to thank Robson Reserve Assisted Living and Summit Hospice for their outstanding care and assistance especially through these difficult times and Sun Lakes Fire Department for their continued support of Mike and Eleanor and special honors bestowed on Mike during the funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sun Lakes Fire Department, Fire Equipment Fund.