Obituaries

Kathryn Ann “Kay” Strand, 83, of Mesa, AZ passed away January 30, 2023. She was born September 14, 1939, to Francis and Muriel Kearney in Benson, Minnesota. She married the love of her life, James Strand whose career in federal law enforcement took them to various places throughout the United States such as Minnesota, Montana, California, North Dakota, and Arizona. She was a hard worker, making a dollar stretch as far as it could go, teaching her kids how to save money for a rainy day, and to be honest in your living life. Kay was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Chandler, AZ. She enjoyed knitting and sewing, which she was very adept at. In the end, time took its toll on an aging body and she could no longer fight the good fight. She passed away peacefully with her children and other extended family at her side. Kay was predeceased by her parents and her beloved husband, Jim. She is survived by her sister, Mary Jean “Lu” McGinty, and her brother John Francis “J.F.” Kearney; six children, Sherri Stack (John) of California; Kari Vutipadadorn (Chana) of Gilbert, AZ; Paul Strand (Sunart) of Mesa, AZ; Peder Strand (Kathy) of Avondale, AZ; Patrick Strand (Nuttha) of Mesa, AZ; and Juli Burns (Eddie) of Rockwall, TX. Kay had 11 grandchildren, 1 great grandson and a second great grandchild expected very soon. She had written down a thought sometime ago and wanted to share it: "Don't give into evil but proceed ever more boldly against it!" Words we can all live by. Private family services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choosing.

Rogelio Lopez Sepulveda, 71, of El Mirage AZ passed away January 30, 2023. He was born June 15, 1951, in Col. Fernandez Leal, Janos, Chihuahua, to Jose R Lopez and Guadalupe Sepulveda. Survivors include “Mi Amor” Celina “Celia” Sarinana Clifton, AZ, his fur baby “Molly”, his son Cesar Lopez Delgado of Mexico, his Daughter Margo Patino (Arturo) Avondale, AZ, Roger Lopez (Nicole) Gilbert, AZ, Eric Lopez (Brittany) Clifton, AZ. Also Surviving area 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and his sister Refugio Estella “Cuca” of Casa Grandes, Chihuahua. and many nieces and nephews. Rogelio is proceeded in death by his parents Jose and Guadalupe Lopez Sepulveda, and siblings Emilio, Alonso “Cono”, Carlos, Augustine “Tati”, Magdalena “Chita”, Rodolpho “Chachie”. His funeral mass will be held Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center Sun City Room, Sun City, AZ. With a viewing 12-1 pm, mass 1-2pm, luncheon immediately after mass.

Marilyn B. (Talaska) Schilcher of Surprise, Arizona, passed away at Mosaic Gardens Memory Care on Sunday, January 29th, 2023 at the age of 88 years old. Marilyn was born in Milwaukee, WI on February 21st, 1934 where she grew up with her father and mother, Joseph Talaska and Anna Roelke where she was one of four children. She resided in Milwaukee where she later met the love of her life, Melvin Schilcher Sr. Together they raised a beautiful family of six children. Marilyn was a waitress at the Milwaukee Airport for most of her career. She provided several smiles, laughs, but most importantly provided a friendly face for those stopping in for a meal before their travels. Marilyn enjoyed bringing others joy and being a part of their next adventure. Later, Marilyn retired as a waitress from the Milwaukee Airport. She was a devoted, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Marilyn had a loving heart and the kindest soul. She was always someone that was there and you knew you could always rely on her. In the late 1980’s Melvin and Marilyn decided to retire to Sun City, Arizona where later four of their children would move too. Marilyn is lovingly remembered by three children, Marlin G. Schilcher (Darcie), Monty J. Schilcher, and Michelle A. Schilcher- Weber (Edward); she also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Marilyn is preceded by her husband, parents, and three siblings, Wilfred Talaska, Bernadine Talaska, and Ronald Talaska; along with her three sons Melvin M. Schilcher Jr, Mark E. Schilcher, and Michael A. Schilcher and her beloved dogs Blossom and Cookie. Although, Marilyn has left us, she will be truly missed and will be forever in our hearts.

Susan Kish Mentes passed away peacefully on January 27, 2023 at the age of 78 in Arizona, in the presence of her loving daughters. Susan was born on April 25, 1944 in Szombathely, Hungary to the late Kalman and Ester Kish.  When Susan was 11 months old, the Kish family escaped communist Hungary They spent the next 4 ½ years in a refugee camp before immigrating to the USA and settling in Columbus, Ohio. Susan graduated from South High School in 1963 and remained a proud Bulldog. Shortly after graduation, Susan married Julius Mentes, the love of her life, whom she met through the Hungarian Reformed Church. They had two daughters, Nancy and Susie. Susan was employed by Discover Card Services in Columbus, Ohio and retired after 20 years. After escalating health issues, Susan moved to California to be closer to her daughters. Susan was a very talented artist and writer. Her short stories and poems won many accolades. Susan enjoyed traveling, spoiling her cats and spending time with her dear friends Doris, Roza, Claire and Theresa. Susan loved animals, pink flowers and going out to eat with friends. Her travel adventures included a road trip with Theresa to Niagara Falls, a rainforest in Australia, snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and Hawaii, climbing the waterfalls in Ocho Rios for her 50th birthday, Paris, Stockholm, Switzerland, Hungary and falling into the Great Salt Lake while taking a picture. She had a wicked sense of humor – even in her final years. Her greatest joy was the time she spent with her grandsons during trips to Disneyland or watching them play sports – especially football. Susan was proceeded in death by her parents, Kalman and Ester Kish and her husband, Julius. Susan is survived by her daughter Nancy (George) McNeill and grandsons Geordie and Connor of Oregon; her daughter Susan Mentes Hamlin (Garrett) of Arizona; cousins Zsuzsi Giczi and Karci Takacs of Hungary, and brother in law Ferenc Mentes of Hungary. A Memorial Service for Susan will take place on June 16 at 11 am, Worthington United Methodist Church with private interment at Sunset Cemetery. Susan will be buried beside her husband Julius as they had wished. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Susan’s memory to the Columbus Zoo – one of her favorite places or Hospice of the Valley, Eckstein Center in Scottsdale, Arizona.