Dennis Conzatti
Dennis Conzatti passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, after a long battle with lymphoma and heart disease. He was a resident of Sun Lakes since 2019. Dennis was born Sept. 25, 1938, in Rock Springs, Wyo., to Edward and Enes Conzatti and grew up in Centralia, Wash. He graduated from the University of Washington and went on to a career in sales management and small business ownership.
Dennis is survived by his wife and soulmate of almost 50 years, Susan, with whom he shared a passion for the arts. They were long-time volunteers at the Mesa Arts Center and avid participants in community theaters over the years.
Dennis is also survived by four daughters, Juli, Michelle, Teresa, and Wendy, and was preceded in death by daughter, Stacy. His family includes 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and five siblings, Connie, Jolene, Eddie, Lori, and Carl.
Fly with the angels, my love, and know that you are deeply cherished.
Dawn Lee Kerns
Dawn Lee Kerns of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away peacefully with friends and family on Jan. 11, 2025.
Born Feb. 22, 1938, in York, Pa., she was the daughter of the late David A. Kerns and Norma Ruth (Gentzler) Kerns.
Dawn graduated from West York High School in 1956 where she was a star athlete on the softball field and basketball court. After graduation she moved to Lancaster, Pa., where she opened a deli. She later became a real estate agent and moved on to owning DK Appraisal, which she worked at until retiring in 2009.
As a female athlete, Dawn stayed active in sports her entire life. She was inducted into the Pennsylvania Women’s Softball Hall of Fame where she pitched and played first base for many years. In addition, she participated in several national Senior Games. She won over 50 medals in softball, volleyball, basketball, and bowling.
In 2015, Dawn moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz., where she remained active in the community. She played golf, pickleball, bocce ball, and was an avid poker player. Dawn was an active member of Sun Lakes United Church of Christ and was also a volunteer for the Neighbors Who Care program.
Dawn was a passionate fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Steelers. She also cherished her pets; Abby a black Lab, Kagney a Lab, and Howard the Tabby cat.
Dawn leaves behind her beloved companion, Susan Hayward. Dawn is survived by her sister Joy C. Karns and husband Ken of Sun Lakes, Ariz., as well as sister Tammy Distefano and husband Chris of York, Pa. In addition, she had several nieces and nephews she was very close with. Dawn was also preceded in death by her three brothers: Fredrick Gentzler, David A. Kerns II, and Douglas S. Kerns.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Sun Lakes Chapel, 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. N., on March 12, 2025, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either the Arizona Humane Society, Attention: Development Department, 1521 W. Dobbins Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85041 or Sun Lakes United Church of Christ, 25635 S. Country Club Dr., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248.
Terrance Lloyd Kilbreath
Terrance Lloyd Kilbreath (“Terry”), loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at Chandler Regional Medical Center on Jan. 8, 2025, with his wife, Janice, by his side.
Terry was born July 31, 1943, in Vancouver, Canada, and grew up in Anacortes, Wash., with his parents, Irvine and Kay Kilbreath, and sister Lynn (Collson). Terry graduated from Anacortes High School in 1961 and then attended Skagit Valley Community College and Central Washington University where he graduated with a teaching degree in 1969.
Terry had two children, Ken and Stephen, with Marjorie (Morrison) Kilbreath, and they raised their boys in their hometown of Anacortes for 25 years.
As an 18–year–old teenager, Terry started working in the summers as a commercial fisherman in Alaska. He later purchased his own commercial fishing boat and had a long and successful 50–plus year career fishing for herring and salmon in Kodiak, Prince William Sound, and Sitka, Alaska. Terry loved his profession and retired at the age of 75. His last boat, the Ayakulik, means Red River, his favorite place to fish on the west side of Kodiak Island.
In 1997, Terry married Janice (Haavik) Kilbreath. They split their time between Edmonds, Wash., and Sun Lakes, Ariz., where they enjoyed golf, tennis, and bridge. Traveling, attending Seahawks and Husky games, and spending time with grandchildren were always on their calendar.
Terry is survived by his wife, Janice, two sons, Ken (Claudia) and Stephen, sister Lynn (Mark), 12 grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Terry was a respected member of the Alaskan fishing community, Anacortes, Edmonds, and Sun Lakes, and had countless family and friends who will all miss him deeply.
Some of his closest friends and family were able to celebrate his life together on his 80th birthday, a gathering that was close to Terry’s heart.
A memorial service will be held in Edmonds, Wash., at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Terry’s name to the American Heart Association.
William (Bill) Mick
William “Bill” Mick, 80, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Jan. 22, 2025, with his daughters, Kimberley and Kelly, by his side.
Bill was born on Feb. 12, 1944, in Wymore, Neb., to Charles and Mary Ellen (Townsend) Mick. At the age of 17, he joined the Navy. After his service, Bill settled in Seattle, Wash., where he married Mary (Glaspey) Mick. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Kimberley and Kelly, who were the pride and joy of his life.
Bill worked for Boeing and the State of Washington before pursuing his entrepreneurial dreams. In 1976, he opened his first business and went on to own and operate several successful ventures over the years. Later in life, Bill and his wife Paula (McKnight) Mick relocated to Arizona for their retirement. There they built a life filled with relaxation and meaningful connections.
A man of many passions, Bill loved golf and could often be found on the course enjoying the game. His enthusiasm for hot rods was legendary; he not only collected them but also showcased them at events with great pride. In addition to his hobbies, Bill was always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors and friends alike.
Bill’s legacy lives on through his daughters Kimberley and Kelly; his grandchildren Tyler, Michael, Trevor (Amanda), Emily, Christopher, and Andrew; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Paula; his parents Charles and Mary Ellen; his brothers Charles and Richard (Dick); and his sisters Mary Lou, Gloria, and Norma.
A Celebration of Life was held on Jan. 31, 2025. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
Linda Lee Mogle
Linda Lee (Smith) Willard Mogle, born on May 16, 1939, in Dayton, Wash., passed away peacefully with her husband Bob by her side on Jan. 10, 2025, in Surprise, Ariz. Her life was a testament to creativity, faith, and love for family and friends.
In the spring of 1946, Linda moved to Homer, Alaska. She attended high school in Pendleton (Oregon), Dayton (Washington), Ballard (Washington), and Homer (Alaska), before pursuing studies at the University of Arizona from 1957 to 1959.
An artist at heart, Linda had a remarkable talent for creating beauty through her stained-glass work and meticulous yard care. She had a knack for creating beautiful spaces. She found joy in traveling and cherished hosting small gatherings of friends and family. Her home was always a welcoming place. Linda’s faith in the Lord brought her great peace throughout her life, and she treasured her church families in both Alaska and Arizona.
Married in 1959 in Homer, Linda was a devoted wife to Bruce Willard for 55 years until his passing in 2014. Together, they homesteaded, raised four children, owned a hunting/fishing lodge, and had a life full of hard ranch work and adventure. In 2019, she married Robert Mogle, with whom she shared a love of travel and companionship, spending summers in Homer, Alaska, and winters in Sun Lakes, Ariz.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert C. Smith and Margaret Emma Smith; her brother Arthur (Art) Smith; her husband Bruce Willard; her children Bruce Douglas Willard, Jess Robert Willard, and Tammy Lee Hagan.
Linda is survived by her loving husband Robert Mogle; her daughter Kristin Willard; her brother Robert Smith and wife Ursula; her sister–in–law Joann Butt and husband Robert; sister–in–law Anne Smith; grandchildren Corissa Martin, Trisha Jones, Lacy Epperson, Rebecca Willard, Caroline Gardner, Allie Gleason, and Jake Gleason; great-grandchildren Chase, Riley, Charity, Thomas, Theodore, Timmy, Emma, Brianna, Aurora, and Rowan; niece Audra Bailey and husband James, her nephews Brian Smith and wife Monica, and Hunter Smith and wife Monica.
Linda’s caring heart touched all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those who loved her. A Celebration of Life was celebrated on Jan. 31 in Sun Lakes. Another celebration of life will be on May 10, 2025, at Glacierview Baptist Church in Homer, Alaska, and details will be announced at a later date.
Julia Mugrage
Julia Anne Mugrage, born June 13, 1928, in Bloomington, Ill., passed away peacefully on Jan. 14, 2025, in Chandler, Ariz., at the age of 96. She was the beloved daughter of Julia (Walsh) Gehrt and Fred Gehrt.
A graduate of Normal High School, Julia married Donald Forrest Mugrage on Dec. 20, 1947, in Bloomington, Ill. Together, they built a life filled with love and family. Julia is survived by her five children: Kathy Nigohosian, Susan Immerzeel, Donald Mugrage Jr., Michael Mugrage, and Mark Mugrage. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren who will cherish her memory. Additionally, she is fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews and countless friends.
Julia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald Mugrage Sr.; her three brothers, Fred, Stanley, and Daniel; her sister Marian (Gehrt) Wresinski; and her beloved granddaughter, Nicole Immerzeel.
Julia’s talents were as vast as her heart. She inherited her mother’s extraordinary skills in pie baking and clothing making—her Halloween costumes for her children were legendary. She shared her love of crafts with her daughters and was known as an unbeatable card player during family gatherings. Julia also enjoyed traveling with dear friends and her second husband, Rudy Nuss.
Throughout her life, Julia lived in several states, including Illinois; Westport, Conn.; Thousand Oaks, Calif.; and Sun Lakes, Ariz. Wherever she went, she brought light to those around her with her radiant smile and boundless kindness.
Julia’s legacy is one of love, creativity, and joy. Her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.
A memorial service will take place on Monday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) at St. Steven’s church, 24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. Rosary at 9:30 a.m., Mass 10 to 11 a.m. A reception will follow the mass.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in Julia’s name at michaeljfox.org.
David R. Wilson
David R. Wilson, 84, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on Oct. 25, 2024. He was born in Madison, Wis., on April 11, 1940.
Dave graduated from Clarion High School and quickly established himself as a farmer in the area. He married Sharon Hoffmann on Dec. 30, 1960, in Renwick, Iowa. Dave worked as a farmer for much of his life.
He had many passions, among them piloting planes, traveling the world with Sharon and sometimes family members, being a hobbyist blacksmith and gardener. Dave made his community a better place through his volunteer work at the Boys & Girls Club, helping develop the Oakridge Golf course in Iowa, and spending many hours getting to know people and helping where he could. All this with a positive attitude and a smile.
In retirement, one of his favorite volunteer activities was helping at the Daly Mansion in Hamilton, Mont. Many happy hours were spent making the grounds beautiful. He also spearheaded a butterfly garden there in tribute to his mom, Ethel.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Wilson; daughters Suzanne McLaughlin and Michelle Murray; grandson, Matthew McLaughlin; and brothers, Richard Wilson and Tom Wilson.
The celebration of Dave’s life will be held at CLC Steve Nolan Lecture Hall, Cottonwood Country Club on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Howard Winkle Jr.
Howard Winkle Jr., “Wink,” passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Dec. 27, 2024. He is survived by his immediate family, all of whom had gathered in Chandler from across the country to spend Christmas together. Howard was the beloved husband of Quinn for 65 years; the cherished father of David Winkle, Deborah Winkle Slaby, and Denise Winkle Yuen and their spouses; and treasured Poppa to his eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Howard was born in Toledo, Ohio, on Jan. 31, 1938, the second of three boys. His family moved to Columbus when he was a sophomore in high school, a move that set the course for the rest of his life. At Upper Arlington High School, he met Quinn Leste. The two attended prom together in 1956, and from then were rarely apart.
Howard and Quinn married on Oct. 24,1959, while Howard was attending Ohio State University, working towards a B.A. in Education. He remained a lifelong Buckeyes fan and delighted in cheering on OSU’s football teams. After receiving his degree, Howard and his bride moved to Cincinnati, where he began his career in education as an Industrial Arts teacher at Mariemont High School. Spurred by a continual desire to learn and take on new leadership roles, Howard next became a principal, then a guidance counselor in the Reading School District, all while attending night school and earning his M.A. in Education from Miami University. He retired from his career in education and he and Quinn moved to Chandler, Ariz., in 1992.
Howard’s life was one of devotion and service: to his family, his faith, his community. He was a man of patience, gentleness, and kindness. Howard always had a ready smile, an easy laugh, and kind words for everyone he met. With his quiet authority and unwavering moral compass, he was a natural leader, serving as president of his homeowners’ association and a group of fellow computer enthusiasts, the “Computer Booters.”
Howard will also be remembered for his “can-do” attitude. He was known as someone who could fix or build anything—a testament both to his many skills and untiring work ethic.
In addition to family, Howard’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He devoted himself to lifelong service and ministry within the church and participated in several Bible study groups over the years, always seeking to deepen his understanding and faith.
Of the many gifts Howard gave his family, he notably shared his spirit of curiosity and adventure. As their children grew and set off on their own paths, Howard and Quinn traveled widely to visit them and to explore Europe, Israel, and the Caribbean. Later in life, Howard and Quinn discovered the joy of cruising and the new friendships it offered.
Howard’s life and legacy will be honored at Redemption Gilbert on Saturday, March 1, 2025. In lieu of flowers, his family is requesting donations be made to: Jerusalem Prayer Team International, Mike Evans Ministries, P.O. Box 30000, Phoenix, AZ 85046.