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Levi passed away peacefully early Monday morning, March 24, 2008. He is predeceased by his brothers, Donald Lacy, Frank Lacy, Russell Lacy, and Alfred Lacy, his one sister, Jane Haun, and his only child, Marilyn Kay Rapanut. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janette G. Lacy, son-in-law, Agustine "Augie" Rapanut, and grandsons, Kory and Bradley Rapanut. Levi was born in Franklin, OH on November 23, 1918. He moved to Phoenix, AZ with Janette and Marilyn in 1957. He attended Franklin High School in Franklin, OH. After graduation, Levi worked at various jobs before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. from June 27, 1944 to August 15, 1946. Upon his honorable discharge, he eventually obtained employment with the U.S. Postal Service in Phoenix, AZ, and worked as a mail carrier until his retirement in 1979.
Emil C. Fischer, 100, of Peoria, Arizona, died Monday, March 24, 2008, at Bosworth Memorial Hospital in Sun City, Arizona. Mr. Fischer was born on December 29, 1907, in Elizabeth, N.J. He received his Architectural Degree 1933 and a Masters in Architecture 1934 from Columbia University in New York City. He worked at many jobs during the Depression, including designing sets for Broadway shows. In 1936, he married Ruth Minarcik, to whom he was married for 62 years. In that year he also obtained his first faculty position as Assistant Professor in Design at Pratt Institute in New York City. This was the beginning of an academic career that would last 40 years. To earn extra income, he wrote a column for home repair enthusiasts for Home Craftsman magazine, a job he continued off and on for 25 years. During the war years, Mr. Fischer worked for Bell Laboratories where he used his skills to design and make technical drawings of war equipment such as bomber and tank interiors. In 1945 Mr. Fischer became Head of Design at the Ohio State University, a position he filled for 10 years. In 1955 he became Professor and Head of the Department of Architecture and Allied Arts at Kansas State University. He was central in founding the University's College of Architecture and Design bringing landscape design, interior design, city planning and structural design all into one college and became its first Dean. He retired as Dean in 1972 at the age of 65 but continued teaching courses in the college, including Appreciation of Architecture which he illustrated with pictures taken on his many travels. He retired from Kansas State in 1976 and moved to Sun City, Arizona. During his time in Kansas, Mr. Fischer was elected and re-elected a member of the city council and served as Manhattan's mayor. An excellent artist, Mr. Fischer had a special fondness for pen and ink drawings and watercolors. He put this to work illustrating, writing and publishing four books: The Churches of Manhattan and Vicinity 1975; Kansas State University: A Walk Through the Campus first published in 1975 and continually updated; Churches of the Sun Cities 1987; and A Visit to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch 1989. Mr. and Mrs. Fischer visited and supported the Ranch during the last 20 years of their lives. Mr. Fischer also provided the churches he drew with free originals of the drawings from which they could make note cards and other items to sell. Mr. Fischer's illustrations of President Eisenhower's childhood home in Abilene, Kansas, were sold in the gift shop there. In Sun City he also illustrated Jubilee: The 25th Anniversary of Sun City. He was a founding member of the Sun City Area Historical Society. In 1994, he and his wife moved to The Forum at Desert Harbor, a retirement complex in Peoria. He was instrumental there in founding the Forum Chapel. He designed and had built the altar and a stained glass window. He played the organ before services until his 100th birthday. Mr. Fischer is survived by his sons Craig Fischer Sandra and Keith Fischer Ann. Grandchildren include Emil L. Fischer, Lisa Fischer Aycock, Matthew L. Fischer, and Laura Fischer Gose. Great-grandchildren include Jenelle Fischer, Tyler Aycock, Juliette Aycock, Laila Gose and Sophia Gose. A memorial service will be held at The Forum at Desert Harbor in Peoria, Arizona, on April 5, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. In his memory, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Forum Chapel, Kansas State University, or Cal Farley's Boys and Girls Ranch.
Phillip Michael Nelson, 77, of Peoria, AZ passed away March 23, 2008. Born Feb. 12, 1931 in Chicago, IL. He retired with honors from the U.S.A.F. serving his country in the Korean War. He also was a lineman retired from Qwest Telephone Co. A loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, Phillip is survived by his wife Patricia of 59 years. Children: Phillip Nelson, Jr., Steven Nelson, Roy Nelson and Kimberly Theerkorn; 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by is daughter Linda Beaumont July 18, 2005.
W. Jay McSpadden passed away at home on March 22, 2008. He was a much loved man who lived life to its fullest. He leaves behind his loving mother, Suzanne Groves, step-father, John Groves, sister, Terri McSpadden, step-brothers Josh and Jake Groves, son Tyler and adopted daughter Brittany. He also leaves behind his two much adored nephews, Brian and Travis McSpadden. He will also be greatly missed by his grandparents, Roy and Lucille Sandvold. There will be a memorial service on Friday, March 28, 2008, at 3:00 PM at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center Chapel, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ followed by a celebration of his life at his parent's home. In lieu of flowers, his parents request donations to be made to the Huntington's Disease Society in his honor.
Esther Elizabeth Slack, November 4, 1923 -March 21, 2008. Esther Elizabeth Slack was born in Phoenix, Arizona on November 4, 1923, to William and Maude Fosburg. She went home to be with her Lord on Friday, March 21, 2008. She was a devoted wife, mom, grandma and great grandma. Esther grew up in Peoria, Arizona in a landmark house built by her father that resided on the southwest corner of 75'1' Avenue, Grand Avenue, and Olive Roads. Esther attended Peoria High School and graduated in 1942. Esther's greatest pleasures came from preparing huge lunches and dinners for family gatherings on special occasions and holidays. She made a special potato salad that was loved by all. Esther worked for the Glendale Basha store for 12 years. In later years, she worked eight enjoyable years for the Coury Market in Glendale and Surprise until her retirement. Being a life long time resident of Glendale, Esther enjoyed visiting with the many customers who shopped at Coury's. Esther was married 38 years to Joe "Rooney" Slack. Esther's greatest pleasure, outside of preparing special events and dinners for her family, was traveling with Rooney throughout the United States visiting family members and friends. One of their more memorable trips was a visit to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN where they were entertained by childhood friend, country singer Marty Robbins. Esther is survived by her husband Joe R. Slack, sisters Dorothy Walworth, Elenor Flowers deceased, and brother Bill Fosburg deceased sons Jim Rice Jackie and Dennis Rice Linda, Linda Irish, Christine Parker Roy, Burt Slack Lynn, Joe Slack Collene, Peter Slack Mary, and Sam Slack Cheryl. Esther adored all of her grandchildren Jamie, Jason, Dennis deceased, David, Danny, Steve, Brian, Annette, Mikayla, Ryan, Elisha, Shawn, and Michelle. In addition to this fine group of grandchildren, she also has 18 beautiful great grandchildren. She also had many nieces and nephews Esther enjoyed her many visits with friends Lavern Pepin, Dorothy Doyle, Margaret Coury, and neighbor Willie deceased. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 North 103rd Avenue, Sun City, Arizona 85351. Burial to follow service at Resthaven Memorial Park, 6300 W. Northern Avenue. The family asks in lieu of flowers, that donations may be made to the Alhambra Foundation for the Future Scholarship Fund, 4510 N. 37th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85019.
Millard "Mac" Andrew McWilliams passed away on March 21, 2008. Survived by his wife Mattie McWilliams, and kids: Son Daniel McWilliams & Sabrina, and daughter Kimberly McWilliams & Michael. Grandchildren: Kalin, Kira & William. Brother Raymond McWilliams sister Karen Gabrielson & Jeff: nieces & nephews Julie, David & Dale. Graveside Services on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ.
Sheldon H. Hunsinger, 72, of Payson, died March 19, 2008. Mr. Hunsinger was a long time resident of Arizona. He retired from AT&T in 1986 and was an active member of the AZ Phone Pholks travel club. Mr. Hunsinger is survived by his wife of 53 years, Billie Jo, two sons, Sheldon Jr. and Keith, one daughter Amber. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Chase, Ember, Elyse and Conner, two brothers, Jalma and Lamont and his sister Margo. He is very much loved and will be missed by all that knew him. Visitation will be Monday, March 24, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave. Sun City. Graveside services will be held at Double Butte Cemetery, 2505 W. Broadway, Tempe, AZ Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sheldon Hunsinger's memory may be made to Donor Network of Arizona 201 W. Coolidge, Phoenix AZ 85013.
Ann Wilkinson, dearly loved mother, passed into the spirit on March 19, 2008. Born in Sullivan County, Indiana, on September 5th, 1905, Ann spent her childhood on the family farm. The oldest of five siblings, she soon learned the importance of hard work. Upon graduating from high school, Ann determined to set her own path and enrolled in business college, where she prepared herself for a career in secretarial work. In 1926 she married and moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she worked at Underwriters Laboratories. During the Great Depression, Ann developed a serious heart condition and was told that she would probably not survive childbirth. However, once again determined to set her own path, she waited until she achieved a full recovery before giving birth to a daughter, Nancy, and then another daughter, Gayle. She ended her secretarial career to raise her two daughters, not returning to work until the age of 60. In retirement, Ann and her husband traveled widely. Upon moving to Sun City, Arizona, in 1970 she devoted herself to volunteer work, earning her 1000 hour pin for her work at Boswell Hospital. Ann is survived by her two daughters, Nancy Carol and Gayle Portugal, her two grandchildren, Smith Nash and Carol Ann Nash, and her two great grandchildren, Casey Nash and Samantha Eisen.
William 'Bill' Schnakenberg, 67, was suddenly taken from us on March 18, 2008 at his home in Overgaard, Arizona. Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 24, 1940. After graduating from ASU he was a successful entrepreneur and builder. He had a passion for trains, lighthouses, computers and especially his grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, loving father, wonderful Papa and an amazing friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Mary Lou; three daughters, Michele Stephens, Nicole Boe and Paulie Schnakenberg; three beautiful grandchildren, Braden Boe 8, Corbin Boe 5 and Ryan Stephens 2; and two younger brothers Nick Schnakenberg and Rich Schnakenberg. He was a father figure to many and a friend to all. He will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched.
Marian Williams Fox 92, of Sun City, AZ, passed away March 17, 2008. Marian was born in Arnold, PA, to George G. and Kathryn Zinkand Williams. She obtained a Bachelor Degree in Library Science at the University of PA. She worked for the Pittsburgh School District as a Librarian. Marion was a Sargent in the Marine Corps during the 1940's and was enlisted for four years. Marian had eleven siblings 8 sisters & 2 brothers. Surviving are her two sisters and on brother as well as many nephews and nieces. Marian was married to Harold Fox in 1972 they moved to Sun City in 1973. Harold passed away in 1980. Marion lived in many places during her lifetime including Hawaii, Italy, Japan and Germany. She was a member of St. Joachim & St. Anne Catholic Church. Marion enjoyed the last three years of her life at the Sun Valley Lodge Health Care Center and lived prior to that at El Dorado. Memorial Service will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday March 27, 2008 at the Sun Valley Lodge Chapel 12415 N. 103rd Ave. Marion has requested that in lieu of flowers donations should be made to Sun Valley Lodge Employee Christmas fund. Menke Funeral & Cremation Center is handling arrangements.
Paul F. Koegel, 85, a resident of Sun City since 1979, passed away March 16, 2008. Paul was born February 4, 1923 to Otto & Mary Borg Koegel in Chicago, Illinois. He served his country in the US Army during WW II. He was a retired Pipefitter. A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, 9728 Palmeras Dr., Sun City, AZ.
Douglas H. Soutar, 89, of Litchfield Park, Arizona, a nationally recognized expert and leader in the field of labor-management relations, died Thursday March 13th at the La Loma Care Center in Litchfield Park. Born in September, 1918 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, he was the son of Dr. Richard G. Soutar, Jr. and Myra D. Soutar and grew up in Sacramento, California. He was a graduate of Sacramento High School, The University of Wisconsin, and the University of Wisconsin Law School, where he was an editor of the Law Review. In 1942, following the breakout of World War II, he went to Washington with Dean Lloyd Garrison, Nathan Feinsinger and other faculty members and became a member of the staff of the War Labor Board. Later in the war he became a naval officer and served on the destroyer USS John Rodgers DD-574 during the Pacific Campaign. Following the war he was labor relations counsel with the American Trucking Association and counsel with Sunshine Biscuits, Inc. In 1951 he joined the American Smelting and Refining Company, presently known as ASARCO, LLC, where he had a highly-successful and distinguished 33 year career, serving as Assistant General Counsel, Director of Labor Relations, Vice President of Industrial Relations and Personnel, and Senior Vice President of Industrial Relations and Personnel. Described by The New York Times as "The Dean of Industrial Bargainers", he was a founder, member, director, president or chairman of numerous labor-management organizations, including co-founder of The Business Roundtable and chairman of its labor-management committee, Chairman of the New York Chamber of Commerce and Industry Association's National Affairs Section, President of the Industrial Relations Research Association, Chairman of the Labor Policy Association, President and Director of Unemployment Benefit Advisors, member of the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Safety Council, member of the National Association of Manufacturers Labor Relations Committee Steering Group, Chairman of the NAM subcommittee on Multinational Personnel and Industrial Relations, and Chairman of the American Mining Congress Industrial Relations Committee. In Washington he played a major role in the staffing of several presidential administrations, from cabinet officers on down, and testified before congressional committees on many occasions. He also helped organize the wage and price control task force under President Nixon, was an alternate member of the Pay Board, and staffed most of it. He was twice a U.S. delegate to the International Labor Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Public Service was also an important part of his life. He was an Eagle Scout, a longtime member of the YMCA, a member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Episcopal Board of Overseas Parishes, and a member of Rotary International. In Arizona he was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Sun Health Foundation and served on several of its committees. He was a member of many business and social clubs, including the Bankers Club of America President, the Wall Street Club, the Downtown Athletic Club, the University Club of New York, the Metropolitan Club of Washington, the Belle Haven Club, the Wigwam Club, Beta Theta Pi, and the Circumnavigators Club Desert Chapter. In his youth he was an exceptional athlete. He lettered in basketball and track at Sacramento High School and lettered in track at the University of Wisconsin, where he had an athletic scholarship. He was chiefly known for his phenomenal throwing arm, having corroborated baseball throws of over 400 feet and javelin throws of over 200 feet. In 1936 Branch Rickey, then general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, tried to sign him to a baseball contract, but he turned him down. He was married to Patricia Lockett Soutar, also of Sacramento, for 63 years. She predeceased her husband in 2003. He is survived by four children, Douglas L. Soutar of Fairfield, Connecticut, Nancy J. Soutar of Sacramento, California, Richard G. Soutar and his wife Barbara of Woodstock, Georgia, and Clay S. Halsey and her husband Van of Pawcatuck, Connecticut, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 19th at the Church at Litchfield Park, 300 Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, Arizona 623-935-3411. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Church at Litchfield Park or Hospice of the Valley, 9720 W. Peoria Ave., Suite 128, Peoria, AZ 85345. Menke Funeral & Cremation Center in Sun City, Arizona is handling the arrangements. 623-979-6451.
Harold Edward Wirtz born in Boone, Iowa, on November 12, 1925 passed away on February 26, 2008, at Hospice of Arizona in Peoria. Harold moved to Phoenix in 1960 and has lived in Sun City for the past nine years. Harold is a retired Phoenix Police Officer, he worked on the Rail Road in Iowa and served as a pilot in the Navy during World War II. Harold and Arlene were married for 57 years prior her death in 2001. Harold is survived by two sons, Harold V. Wirtz of Glendale, Mark E Wirtz of Tucson, one daughter, Debra J. Minott of Scottsdale, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2008, at 1:00 pm at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, located at 12851 North 19th Avenue. Menke Funeral & Cremation Center handled arrangements.
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OUR LOCATION
Menke Funeral & Cremation Center
12420 N 103rd Ave.
Sun City, AZ 85351
Phone: (623) 979-6451