Obituaries

On the afternoon of November 22nd, 2023, Diane M Martin-Snyder passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, at the age of 67. She was born to Henry “Husky” and Gertrude Martin in Rumford, Maine in 1956. She moved to Arizona and married in 1978 and raised two children, Emery and Maggie.Diane studied education, focusing on special education, and eventually earned her Master’s in Speech Therapy. She worked as a Special Education Teacher in the Valley for over two decades.She loved to travel. She has been all over the country as well as trips to The Caribbean, Israel and Canada. She enjoyed the outdoors, spent time hiking trails and was an avid and enthusiastic kayaker.Diane is preceded in death by her father, Henry, her mother, Gertrude and her brother, Richard. She is survived by her two children, Emery and Maggie, their spouses, Elizabeth and Greg, and her six grandchildren, Ethan, Eyan, Evan, John, David and Madison, as well as her five siblings, Dan, Nancy, Joyce, Arnold and Pat. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Memorial Service at Menke Funeral and Cremation Center on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. A Reception will immediately follow the service in Menke's Sun City Room.

August 7, 1957 to November 20, 2023Curtis Lloyd Rogan, surrounded by his family passed away peacefully at the age of 66. Curtis was a native of Phoenix, Arizona. Curtis leaves behind his two beloved children, D’Andre Rogan and D’Asha Rogan, sisters Paula (Vickie) and husband Donald Leo, Sr., and Terri (Tee) and husband Bernie Lambert, and 12 nieces and nephews. Curtis was a skilled carpenter, mechanic, and jack of all trades. Curtis also spent time as a long-haul truck driver. In his younger days, Curtis was an avid racer driving cars with the Arizona Sports Racing Association with the City of Eloy “Grand Prix”. Curtis will be missed and remembered as a loving father, with a kind and gentle soul to all.

Ann Mary (Pincence) Masters passed from this world on November 19th, 2023, at the age of 87 in Sun City, Arizona. She departed quietly and peacefully following a brief illness, and the inconsolable loss of her husband Ronald, after 67 years of marriage. Ann was born December 3, 1935, the only child of Charles and Phoebe (Belisle) Pincence of Hooksett, New Hampshire. She lived most of her life on the road where she was born, not far from her parents and grandparents. Ronald and Ann built a house and a home raising a family of four children.  Ann was devoted to her husband and they were rarely apart. Together they raised their children, towed a travel trailer around the northeast. They enjoyed boating and fishing on a Vermont lake in summer and snowmobiling in winter. They enjoyed card games and golf with their close group of friends. Ronald and Ann retired to Sun City, Arizona to escape New England winters. Ann was predeceased by her husband Ronald Stiles Masters, and their son Greg Arthur Masters. She is survived by her extended family: daughter Sharon and Mark Tanzer, daughter Lynn and Thomas Clark, son David and Valerie Masters, granddaughter Erin Tanzer and Benjamin LaBrecque, grandson Matthew and Lindsay Tanzer, granddaughter Stacey Bouley, grandson Ronald and Donna Bouley, Christopher and Lauren Clark and great grandchildren: Harriet LaBrecque, Bridger and Winslow Tanzer, Colin, Natalie, Rhys, Graham and Theodore Bouley, Max and Layla Clark. A Memorial Service will be held at Menke Funeral Home at 12420 N 103rd Ave, Sun City, Arizona on February 3rd, 2023 at 11:00am.

Ronald E. Brunk Sr. (90), husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and follower of Christ passed away at his home in Sun City, AZ on November 19, 2023. Ronald was born on January 21, 1933 in Kirksville, MO to John and Nellie Brunk. He was married to his wife Patricia Brunk of71 years, they had six children, Ronald Brunk, Jr.(deceased); Charles “Bob” Brunk (deceased); Kathy Ecklund; Theodore “Ted” Brunk (deceased); Richard (Boni) Brunk; Michelle (Craig) Furnia. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and additional family in Arizona and Southern Iowa. Ronald was a US Army Veteran serving overseas during the Korean War. Hewas the founder of Auction Ron Brunk Inc. where he had a successful career as an auctioneer and a respected businessman in the Phoenix Metro Area for over 70 years.He was the patriarch of the Brunk Family and will always be remembered! To honor his passing, a memorial service for his family and friends is scheduled at 2 pm on Friday, December 1, 2023, at Menke Funeral and Cremation Center at 12420 N. 103rd Ave. Sun City, Arizona 85351

Bernard Eugene Zapp of Anthem, Arizona, 81, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, November 18, 2023 after a long illness. He was born January 31, 1942 in Madison, Indiana and moved to Gary, Indiana, where he graduated from Holy Angels Cathedral Catholic Elementary School and Horace Mann High School, class of 1960. He retired from U.S. Steel, Gary Works Sheet and Tin Division, in 1999 after 38 years of loyal service. He was a devout and faithful Roman Catholic, serving as an alter server, CCD teacher, eucharistic minister, youth group leader, and participant in the Cursillo movement. He was also a dedicated coach of youth baseball, football, and basketball, impacting the lives of hundreds of young athletes for decades. In Chicago, he helped feed the homeless. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Jean Zapp, and his sister, Dianna Swisher. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Joan; son, Kirk Zapp (Linda Palomar); two grandchildren, Paris and Hayden Zapp; sister, Linda (David) Durham; brother-in-law, James O’Connell; aunt, Marge Harmon; and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed and always remembered by his family and friends. Family and friends may call for visitation at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 North 103rd Avenue, Sun City, Arizona on Thursday, November 30, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic Church, 2825 West Rose Canyon Circle, Anthem at 10 a.m. Burial at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 8178 South Cline Avenue, Crown Point, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

At this time no obituary is available.

Barry O. Gish (74), amazing husband, loving father, grandfather, and follower of Christ; passed away peacefully at his home in Peoria, AZ on November 14, 2023.    Barry was born on February 28, 1949, in Mahnomen, MN to Orville and Beryl Gish. When Barry was eleven, his father passed away and his mother married Andrew Wambach, who became a dearly- loved friend and dad. Growing up Barry enjoyed hunting and fishing with his close friends, the 4 musketeers. Upon graduation, Barry attended the University of MN and MSUM before enlisting in the US Army. Barry served bravely and saw active combat in the Vietnam War. After several months in the infantry, he became a radio operator assisting the commander in helicopter operations.   After returning home Barry attended and graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in marketing.  This is where he met the love of his life, Sharleen Black. Barry and Sharleen married in Red Wing, MN in 1971 and built their life together in Fargo, ND. In 1979, they came to know Christ as their Lord and Savior and have faithfully served Him together since that day. It was during this time that they welcomed their first daughter, Christina. They moved to Bemidji, MN to attend classes at Oak Hills Bible College, where they welcomed their second daughter, Kimberly.  Barry was passionate about his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He felt led to start the men’s Bible Study Fellowship group in Fargo and to serve as a missionary with BSF in Mexico City. Upon returning to Fargo, he served as an executive pastor at Bethel Church, worked in leadership at many businesses, and resumed his consulting practice. Barry achieved great professional success throughout his career even earning the esteemed IBM Golden Circle Award and being inducted into the Pinnacle Hall of Fame.   Barry loved serving and was always available to take a call, go out for lunch, or give advice. He was a respected businessman, trusted advisor, and enjoyed all his clients as friends. He worked hard at helping others, pointing them to Christ, and making people laugh. With all his success, Barry’s greatest accomplishments were in his home - having raised two daughters and eleven grandchildren - all of whom are walking with Jesus. Barry never took credit for his accomplishments as he knew the Giver of all good things – even commissioning a ring that read, “Soli Deo Gloria” - Glory to God Alone.  Barry loved the Lord and his family above all things. This was evident as Barry would spend his time reading Scripture, studying the church reformers, and singing timeless hymns. There was no greater joy for Barry than spending time with his wife, daughters and sons-in-law, and grandchildren. Barry’s family could reach him any hour of the day or night about any concern or just to visit. He was generous with his resources, time, wisdom, and love. His grandchildren affectionately called him “Boppa” and he had a special and meaningful relationship with each one of them. He loved to teach his grandchildren about the Gospel and manners. Barry was a proper gentleman and romantic; taking Shar on fancy dates, trips, and showering her with wonderful poems and gifts.  Barry’s hobby was his family but in his spare time he enjoyed making friends, playing the guitar, singing, and fishing at the lake. He also loved carving with wood and making special projects for family members.  Barry’s memory will forever be cherished by his loving and grateful wife, Shar, his daughters, son-in laws, and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Shar, daughters, Christina (Mike) Marren (North Oaks, MN); Kimberly (Tom) Schaaf (Peoria, AZ), and eleven precious grandchildren- Annabelle, Juliette, Joseph, Violette, AJ, Roselle, Analeese, Joshua, Matthew, Johnathan, and Hannah. He is survived by his brother Brent (Gayle) Gish, sisters Marilyn (Marv) Thelen, Tracy (Tony) Fox, Jacqueline (Gary) Foley, Nicole (Lee) Larson, and Beth (Bruce) Slette. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, Aunt Vera, and Uncle Bob (Carol), and special friends over all the years.  God has given him a blessing and a heritage. He is already greatly missed, but his legacy of loving Jesus continues.  Funeral Service will be held at 11am, Tuesday November 21, 2023 at King of Kings Church 3095 N 140th Ave Goodyear, AZ, with visitation 30 minutes prior to the service.Burial will be in Red Wing, MN at a later date.

   Carol Ann Wulff passed away peacefully from natural causes on November 13, 2023, in Sun City, Arizona.    She was preceded in death by her mother Theresa Lujan Montoya, her father Eloy J. Montoya and stepmother Stella Sosaya Montoya. Other relatives preceding her include stepbrother Robert Paul Montoya, half sister Maria Allbritton, and grandparents Lorenzita and Manuel Lujan Sr., Francisco (Guadalupe) and Margarita Montoya and Agustine and Victoria Sosaya.     Survivors include daughter Theresa Stumpo, son-in-law Adam Stumpo, granddaughter Alyssa Stumpo of Phoenix, Arizona, and former husband and friend Dennis Wulff of Sun City, Arizona. Siblings Kathryn (the late Arsenio) Cordova; and Kenneth (Margaret) Montoya also survive their sister.     Carol graduated from Loretto Academy in Santa Fe, New Mexico and then from Mercy College of Nursing in San Diego, California. As a registered nurse, she served in many medical specialties and departments throughout her 38-year career. She had assignments at hospitals in The Bay Area and Escondido in California before moving back to her home state of New Mexico and sharing her talents at Santa Fe Indian Hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico; St. Vincent’s Hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Pojoaque Family Practice in Pojoaque, New Mexico.    For many years, Carol lived in Fairway Village in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She moved to Sun City, Arizona in order to be near family members. Following retirement, she continued using her nursing skills by providing comfort and care for family members and friends who were ill. Some of her favorite activities included knitting and crocheting lap blankets for family and friends, and cancer patients as well as baby caps for premature and other infants which she donated to groups in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Taos, New Mexico. She also served as a member of the Altar Society of St. Francis Cathedral Basilica in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a member of the Santa Fe Chapter of the nurses’ union and the Santa Fe Order of Police.            Carol was selfless, thoughtful, caring, helpful, smart, funny, and very loving. Her family meant the world to her, and she will be deeply missed.           To honor her passing, a funeral service is scheduled for 11 am on December 1, 2023, at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona, followed by a reception at her daughter Theresa’s home. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Andre House of Arizona on her behalf at andrehouse.org. 

Robert (Bob) Timothy Recker, age 84, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on November 12, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. and Edna M. Recker; sister, Margaret (Peg) Merda; and brother, Thomas (Tom) Recker. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marilyn J. (Marr) Recker, daughters Lori Pospiech (Jude McDonagh}, of Grand Rapids, MI and Michelle (Mark) Curry of Lk Havasu City, AZ. Bob is also survived by 5 grandchildren; Timothy Kelly (Amanda), Kari King (Jude), Robert Pospiech (Jessica), Kaitlyn Pospiech Havens (Zachary), Kelli Pospiech, and 9 great grandchildren; Jaelynn Pospiech, Rylee Pospiech, Koier Pospiech, Elena Pospiech, Kaydence Pospiech, Landon Donahue, Karter Kelly, Kenley Kelly, and Lola King.Bob was born in Detroit, MI on September 14, 1939 and was a longtime resident of Howell, MI. He served in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1962 and married Marilyn Marr on January 3, 1959. Bob and Marilyn and their young daughters moved to Glendale, AZ in 1975 where Bob worked for Chem Research until retiring at age 61. Bob was residing in Sun City, AZ at the time of his death.Bob was known and loved for his sense of humor and was cracking jokes and making us laugh till the very end. His gift of mimicry and hilarious facial expressions brought laughter to all who knew him. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of his life and brought a smile to his face, even in the darkest hours of his illness.Bob had a unique parenting style, and daughters Lori and Michelle often share memories of their upbringing with mixed feelings of exasperation and hilarity at some of his “Dad antics.” Family time at the cottage on the Platte River in Honor, MI and on the northern beaches of Lake Michigan in Frankfort and Elberta, are some of their fondest memories. His final resting place will be along the shores of his beloved Lake Michigan.He was lovingly cared for for many years by wife Marilyn and often said he would be lost without her. Her selfless devotion and his gratitude taught his family the true meaning of “in sickness and health, till death do us part.”The family wishes to express gratitude for the lifelong friends, neighbors, nieces and nephews, and many others who enriched Bob’s life and whose lives were in turn enriched by knowing him.A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Menke Funeral Home on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow the service in Menke's Sun City Room.

Patricia Lakomiak peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the age of 70. She was born in Chicago, IL on July 8, 1953. Patricia a talented floral designer and managed a floral shop in Chicago.She leaves behind her siblings, Theresa Duff, Gerald (Maureen) Lakomiak, and Michael (Linda) Lakomiak; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.Patricia is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Dorothy Lakomiak; and her brother, Donald Lakomiak.

At this time there is no obituary available.

Raymond Allen Duncan Sr., 85, of El Mirage, Arizona passed peacefully at home Thursday, November 9th, 2023. Raymond Sr. was born September 30th, 1938, in Rossville, GA to the late Walter and Ora Josephine Duncan. He demonstrated exemplary service to his country in the United States Air Force, enlisting in 1956 and honorably discharged in 1983, achieving the highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Raymond Sr. then devoted his substantial skill set to the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station as an Emergency Planning Coordinator until his retirement. He had an unsurpassed dedication to his family, deeply loved our family dogs, was an enthusiastic golf fan and an avid follower of Arizona sports.He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty years, Lillian Gloria Duncan.Raymond Sr. is survived by his children, Linda (Duncan) Lagerhausen and her husband John, Raymond Duncan Jr. and his wife Jennifer, James Duncan and his wife Lisa; grandchildren, Kaitlin, Eriq, Kristen and Allison; brothers, Douglas and Hubert; and treasured dog Coco.A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am on Monday, November 20, 2023 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 13720 W. Thomas Road, Avondale, AZ. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 2:30pm on Monday, November 20, 2023, at the National Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arizona Humane Society.

On November 9, 2023, Mary Louise (Kratzenberg) Zomok, age 85, passed away.She was born in Pittsburgh, PA where she lived until she married the love of her life, Ron, and travled the world as the wife of a Navy Submariner.Throughout her life, Marilou had many jobs, from telephone operator, receptionist, and substitute teacher. But her most fulfilling job was that of mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Family was the most important thing to Marilou, and she was always excited to share the accomplishments of her family with anyone who would listen!Marilou loved to sing, square dance, and do crafts. Even though she suffered from Parkinson's which caused her hands to shake, she as able to hand sew the most beautiful cards that she loved to send to family and friends for special occasions.Marilou loved to travel. She spoke fluent Spanish which came in handy when she and Ron would make numerous trips to Rocky Point in their 5th wheel to relax at the beach.Marilou's smile was infectious and to her, there were no strangers, only friends she hadn't met yet. She talked to everyone and made friends with everyone she met.Marilou is survived by her children, Bud (Lorraine) Zomok, and Rhonda (George) Nolan; grandsons, Josh (Danielle), and Vincent (Erika); great grandchildren, Averie, Aisley, and Colt.She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Ronald Zomok; her parents, Charles and Emma Kratzenberg; her brothers, Charles and WIlliam; her sister, Dolores; and twin great grandsons, Bennett and Ford.She will be missed beyond words, but she is flying high doing the Polka with Ron.Services will be held Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joachim and St. Anne Parish, 11625 N 111th Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351.Due to the church's request during this time of Advent, we kindly suggest refraining from extensive floral arrangements. Instead, the family encourages you to honor her memory by contributing to Hospice of the Valley Thunderbird PCU, where they provided exceptional care during her final days.

Averi Michelle Black passed from this life in the afternoon of November 7, 2023 at the age of 41. She was taken by ovarian cancer, which she valiantly fought for nearly 4 years.Averi was born on January 25, 1982 in Roseville California. She is survived by her parents William and Lynette Black, two sisters, and two brothers, Stephanie Isom, Shayne Black, Jenna deHoyos, and Thomas Black, along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.Averi graduated from Kentwood High school in Covington, Washington in 2000, and in 2004, earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Communications from BYU-Idaho. Although she worked in marketing, advertising, and customer support for radio stations and software companies after graduating from college, her real passion was photography. After working for almost 15 years in the corporate world, she ventured out on her own and built a small photography business, which specialized in family photos and corporate images.In her photography, Averi was self-taught. She was a true genius behind the camera. She had an incredible talent for capturing special moments, poses, angles, perspectives, and colors. Photo editing was her specialty. She consistently brought out the best features of everyone (and the places) she took pictures of. Her photography business was rapidly expanding through referrals and exposure to her work.In her personal life, besides spending time with her family, the thing that Averi enjoyed most was traveling. She and her brother Thomas, who was her constant traveling companion, went on several international trips which included the United Kingdom, Italy, Prague, Iceland, and Greece. One year, she convinced her sister Jenna to go to New York City with her during the Christmas holiday in order to see the sights and take pictures. Of course, a big part of her travels was to take as many pictures as she could.Averi was very passionate about our country. She loved the U.S. Constitution and our founding principles. During each election cycle, she always studied the issues and candidates. She also made sure her family and friends took the time to vote.Her favorite holidays were Christmas and the Fourth of July. Her favorite time of the year was Autumn because of the myriad of colors in nature. During the Fall, she was always looking for places that had lots of color in order to take scenic photos.Averi loved to sing and had a lovely singing voice. She also enjoyed a wide range of music including songs by Abba, Frank Sinatra and many hits from her favorite era the 80’s. One of her favorite songs (maybe her most favorite) was “Forever Young” by Alphaville.Averi was a friend and inspiration to countless people, including family, friends, schoolmates, colleagues, clients, and business associates. She had an incredible gift of seeing a “bigger picture” in any situation and seemed to know how to give the perfect advice when it was needed. Her ability with people was a blessing to everyone who knew her, not only in her personal life, but in her professional life as well. She always seemed to know exactly what to say to help someone through a problem. She was a fierce defender of those she loved. She was funny and cheerful and always made people feel important.Heaven truly gained an angel when Averi passed from this life.

Elizabeth M. Cattaneo passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023, at the young age of 83. She lived in Sun City, AZ after spending over 30 years in her favorite sunny state of Florida. Elizabeth was born in Ontario, Canada on September 8, 1940. She loved to stay active in her Zumba and line dance classes. Liz would often walk 3 miles a day, carrying treats with her for the neighbors’ dogs and cats. She was a true animal lover but loved cats the most. She was a very independent woman who was young at heart, it was everyone else that was old. Liz is already deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Keith Cattaneo and wife Julie, Craig Cattaneo and wife Kelly, Lisa Chester; grandchildren, Matthew, Sarah, Roxie, Victoria, Jenna; and great-granddaughter, Adara. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to the Memorial Service, held at Menke Funeral and Cremation Center, on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation: pulmonaryfibrosis.org