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August, known by most as “Augie” was born at home in Omaha, Nebraska on August 1, 1934 to Harold Edward Allen and Helen Marie Elsasser Allen. Augie was the second child of four all of whom have preceded him in death. He entered into rest peacefully June 29, 2021 at home with his wife, Jan, by his side on.
He attended Lathrop Elementary School and Lake School and Technical High School in Omaha. Augie joined the Army on June 7, 1954. He completed his GED while in the Army. Between the time Augie left high school and joined the Army, he worked a variety of part-time jobs including Lang Aircraft . Augie caught the aviation bug while working for Carl Lang. He later became a private pilot.
Augie completed basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Following basic training he attended Tank Mechanic School at Aberdeen Proving Ground and Small Arms Repair School in Maryland. After graduation from the small arms school, Augie was sent to Oberursel, Germany where he spent the remainder of his Army tour of duty and was honorably discharged on June 1, 1957. He served in the U. S. Army Reserve, following discharge from active duty, until June 7, 1962. Augie was a member of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and the DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
Augie attended Omaha University, now the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) and worked for Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) for 14 years. After leaving OPPD, Augie went to work for Northern Natural Gas which later became Enron. Augie retired from Enron in December 1985. Upon his retirement, he moved to Des Moines, Iowa.
In 1986, Augie began a career in real estate becoming a real estate broker. He remained active in real estate until February 2020 when his health began to decline.
On September 18, 1988, Augie was united in marriage to Jan Reeves Clement at the Presbyterian Church of the Master in Omaha, Nebraska. After their marriage they continued living in Des Moines until 1993.
The winter of 1992 in Iowa was brutal followed by the floods of 1993. It was at that point Augie along with his wife decided to expedite their retirement plans, even though they were not retiring, to move to a warmer climate. They moved to Roswell, New Mexico followed by a move seven years later to Peoria, AZ where they have remained for the past 21 years.
Augie loved kids hence; one of his favorite and fun things to do was at Christmas time. He, for years, dressed up as Santa and went to the homes of friends and co-workers and delivered their packages from Santa.
No matter where Augie lived, he was always very active in church, community organizations, AA, and volunteer work. His love of flying was evident thru his participation in the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) and QB’s (Quiet Birdmen). He volunteered at federal prisons for almost 30 years carrying the message of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) to those who were incarcerated and were interested in a better life. He was also a member of the National Association of Power Engineers, Valley of Omaha Scottish Rite Lodge, and Tangier Shriners.
He is survived by his wife, Jan. Children: John (Suzanne) Allen, Kim (Mark) Robison, Dale (Anne) Terry, Brett (Jan) Terry, Pam (Jerry) Smith, and Lina (Johnny)Schwisow. He was preceded in death by Greg Terry. Grandchildren (15): Amber, Bradley, and Cameron Terry, Jamie Tomlinson, Tyler Robison, Breanna Bolling, Emily Faughn, Benjamin Terry, Nick Terry, Adam Smith, Sarah Kinney, and Scott, Rachel, Angela, and Julie Kent. Great grandchildren (12): Harper, Hunter, Hudson Tomlison; Porter, Brooks Robison; Bailey, Robert Smith; Delilah, Mason, Hudson Kinney; and Jack Kent and Lily Kent.
Thomas George Dehm, 84, of Sun City, Arizona passed away June 26, 2021. Born in Illinois, Thomas was a US Navy veteran. An Arizona resident for 58 years, he was an Arizona Dept. of Transportation retiree. Private family arrangement were made.
June (95) passed away on June 24, 2021 of natural causes with her daughter, Pat, by her side.
June was raised on a farm outside Firth, Nebraska where she learned to work hard, live simply and love deeply. She had a successful career as a bookkeeper with both Osborn and Madison School Districts in Phoenix, AZ.
Her family was her pride and joy. June enjoyed crafting and was a marvelous seamstress. She enjoyed square/round dancing and embarked on numerous travels/cruises around the globe with her late husband Frank (a marriage of 65 years). She is remembered by all as generous, loving and kind. Laughter was her choice of medicine. June will be truly missed by her loving family and devoted friends.
Those left to cherish her memories include her beloved daughters Patricia and Peggy, her grandchildren Jon, Mike (wife Britni), Melissa, Scott, great-grand daughter Brooklyn, son-in-law Dan and extended family.
June would like everyone whose life she touched to pay it forward and uplift others.
Rev. James Albert Johnson, 88, Sun City, AZ, formerly of Rolette, ND was surrounded by his loving wife and six daughters as he went home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 21, 2021.
Jim spent 60 years in the ministry being a faithful, generous, kind follower of Jesus Christ who never wavered in his convictions. Jim and Myrna (Von Wald) were married August 21, 1954. Jim and Myrna spent more than 29 years in Rolette where he was a pastor at Ebenezer Lutheran Brethren Church and a building contractor with Johnson-Hochstetler, an occupation he termed a fruitful necessity to his calling as pastor. Among the many construction projects was the building of Ebenezer Lutheran Brethren Church and parsonage.
Jim was born on Palm Sunday April 9, 1933, to Albert and Josephine (Hanson) Johnson in Minneapolis, MN and spent his childhood on the family farm in Kenyon, MN. He attended Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, MN, and graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis with a BA degree in history, political science, and religion. While still in seminary, he served as pastor at Lake Eunice Evangelical Free Church near Detroit Lakes. In 1960, he graduated from the Lutheran Brethren Seminary in Fergus Falls. In addition to his pastorate at Rolette, he served as pastor at Berea Lutheran Brethren
Church at Alexandria, MN, Good Shepherd Lutheran Brethren Church at Buda, TX, and most recently, for 25 years, as chaplain at Sun City Health and Rehabilitation. He continued to volunteer as a chaplain even after retiring in 2010.
Jim also served on several denominational and civic boards, including six years as the director at Inspiration Point Bible Camp. As part of the development of the camp, Jim built four dormitories and an office building. His family has fond memories of those trips to camp. Jim was a man of many interests. He liked to fish, read, travel, do woodworking and especially spend time with his wife and family. Most memorable is how Jim modeled unconditional love, deep care, and outreach to others as well as a great love for his Heavenly Father.
Jim lived his life well, welcoming anyone and everyone with a big smile and showing love to all people he encountered. He always said trying to serve others under God’s guidance was an amazing blessing to his life and he trusted that it had been a blessing to many others. “Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy!” (Psalm 126:3; NLT)
Jim’s survivors include his loving wife of nearly 67 years, Myrna; daughters, Vangie (Ron) Laverdure, DeLand, FL; Marilyn (Kevin) Wheeler, Minot, ND; Margie (Curt) Larson, Badger, MN; Marilou (Mike) Strand, Big Sky, MT; Valerie (Doug) Walvatne, Fergus Falls, MN; Jackie (Jon) Grudem, Dakota Dunes, SD; 23 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren with two more soon arriving and one great-great grandchild; brother, Dick (Carol), Overly, ND; sister-in-law, Karen, Fergus Falls, MN; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gene; and great granddaughter, Stella.
Celebration of Life service will be held at Ebenezer Lutheran Brethren Church, 601 McCumber Street, Rolette, ND on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 2pm.
Dorothy Mills, born in 1919, went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 21, 2021. She was a dearly beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She grew up in Chicago, Ill where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Gerrit DeYoung. Several years later they relocated to Phoenix, AZ when her husband Gerrit met an untimely death. Later Dorothy met and married David Mills who preceded her in death in 2000.
Dorothy was very involved in her local community: a socialite, a long-time emergency department volunteer at Good Sam and St.Joseph’s Hospitals. For several years she was the presiding President and charter member of the Chicago Club and voted by her peers as a finalist for the Sun City All Star Caregiver Award. She was also a recipient of the Adult Care Award and Volunteer of the Year award. She was a twenty+ year resident of the Sun Valley Lodge where she was President of the Volunteer Auxiliary Board and volunteered her time, for over ten years, to run the SVL Thrift store. She was kind and generous, and loved tremendously by her family. She will be deeply missed by all.
William “Bill” R. Kircher, Jr., 68, of Peoria, Arizona, passed away on June 20, 2021, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on a military base near Tokyo, Japan, he was the son of the late Bill and Helen Kircher of Wrightstown, Pennsylvania.
Bill was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who loved spending time with his family. Affectionately known as Pop-Pop to all the grandkids, he delighted in spoiling them and snuggling with them as often as possible. He loved to make people laugh and share his knowledge with anyone who asked. He was always there when you needed him - happy to cheer his kids on at school events, walk people through handyman questions, or help out when you were going through a hard time.
Born into a military family, he moved around often as a child until the family settled in Pennsylvania. After marriage, he and his wife, Lynnette, built a house together with the help of family and friends. Eventually they moved their family to Arizona where they taught their kids the value of hard work and the importance of family. While in Arizona, Bill joined the electricians union IBEW 640, where he made friendships that lasted for years. His house was always full of love, laughter, family, friends, and pets.
Bill is survived by his wife Lynnette, his children Diana, Alyssa, and Brian, and his grandchildren Ariana, Tyler, Katherine, Felicity, and Martin. He is also survived by his siblings Kathy, Rose, Marge, Carol, Stephen, and Becky.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Arizona Humane Society or the American Cancer Society.
Nathan Dewey, 48, of Avondale, Arizona passed away on June 20, 2021. He will be remembered for his humor and willingness to always help someone in need. Nathan was born in Corpus Christi, TX, although he spent most of his life in Arizona. He attended Agua Fria High School and was a Certified Nursing Assistant. Nathan was happily married for 11 years and had 2 children.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Rosalinda Cantu Pabst, Grandma Hortencia, and his Dad Uncle John Contreras. He is survived by wife Amber Dewey; Daughter Tashina Dewey; and Son Jonathan Dewey.
A memorial service will take place on July 17th at Menke Funeral Home at 11am.
Lois Doine, 98, of Surprise, AZ was called to her heavenly home on Wednesday, June 16, 2021.
Lois Theodora Koelpin was born July 7, 1922, to Rev. Arnold and Magdalena Koelpin at Shirley, Wisconsin. Lois was baptized and confirmed in her faith by her father and attended a Christian day
school and Milwaukee Lutheran High School. She was a star basketball player in high school. After graduation Lois took a position as buyer at Brown’s Stationery store in downtown Milwaukee. Moving to San Francisco in the early sixties to further her career. Lois became a salesman for Norcross Greeting Cards, winning many sales awards and serving clients in many areas of the city. Her ability to write poems and verses contributed to her career, as she was a writer for ABC of Switzerland.
It was in San Francisco that she met William Fulton. The two were married in 1972 in Livonia, Michigan, with her brother, Rev. Winfred Koelpin officiating. Lois was a charter member of Gloria Dei Lutheran
Church, Belmont, CA, where she and Bill were very active. Lois and Bill moved from their home in Millbrae, CA to Surprise, AZ, enjoying their new home in a beautiful golf community until his death.
Lois married Earl Doine, a fellow parishioner, in LaGrange, IL, with both brothers, Rev. Winfred Koelpin and Prof.Arnold Koelpin officiating. Lois and Earl enjoyed friends, his fellow CBI veterans, and travel.
As well as traveling in the area, Earl and Lois were able to enjoy a dream trip to Alaska before he became ill and passed away in 2008.
During Lois’s time in Surprise, she and both Bill and Earl prioritized worship and attended Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Sun City, and Shepherd of the Valley, Surprise.
Lois was an avid traveler, and enjoyed trips to Door County, WI, the Canadian Rockies, Yosemite, and, with extended family, a month long tour of Europe in 1980. A talented photographer, she captured many
scenes of her travels with slides and photos. Lois adored her “fur babies”, French poodles, Jacques and Cherie. She had artistic talent and was famous for her puns. As was mentioned previously, Lois loved to write poetry, serious and humorous, and often wrote poems and parodies for anniversaries and birthdays. She also wrote original words to hymns. Lois was passionate about her faith, missions, and helping aspiring ministerial students.
Lois lived at Chaparral Winds Retirement Community, Surprise, for the last years of her life. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Rev. Arnold Koelpin and Magdalena (Gieschen) Koelpin, her sister,
Ruth Siehr, brothers, Rev. Winfred Koelpin and Prof. Arnold Koelpin, and her husbands, Bill Fulton and Earl Doine. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Ruth (Jaeger) Koelpin, and her loving nieces and nephews.
A Christian burial service will be held at Graceland Cemetery, Milwaukee, with nephew Rev. Philip Koelpin officiating. Memorials are welcomed to WELS World Missions, Martin Luther College Christus Lux Endowment Fund, initiated by the late Prof. Arnold Koelpin, and Hospice of the Valley.
Rev. 2:10: But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.
James (Jim) Addison Blake, a trucker at heart, and kindest soul to walk the earth, died June 15, 2021, at his home in Sun City, Arizona, surrounded by his loving wife and devoted daughter. He was 85.
Born May 20, 1936 in Parkersburg, West Virginia to Anna and Kelly Blake. He went to St. Petersburg High School in Los Angeles. Upon graduation, Jim finished two years of college and then joined the US Army where he served as a Brigade Duty Clerk and won several awards as Marksman for the rifle and sharpshooter for the Carbine. After his service in the US Army, Jim held several jobs, all related to driving in one way or the other. Driving was his passion, but the passion he had for his wife and the Lord always shined through in whatever he was doing. There wasn’t a day that went by that he wouldn’t tell you a thing or two about truck engines or gears, or how much God loved you. Jim’s smile was infectious and loved to make his family laugh, even if it was at his own expense with his made-up words or sayings. He loved his warblatutes. Jim will be greatly missed.
Jim was laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on June 22, 2021.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Anna Coonradt, Kelly Blake, and his sister Jean Niebla.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Blake, his daughters, Rachael Annalynn, Teddi Aragon and husband John, and his son, Kyle James Blake and wife Christina. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren, Chelisie Scalf, Kerstin Ruttig, Cody James, Skie Bostwick, Kaitlin Aragon, Benjamin Aragon, and 5 great-grandchildren, Matthew, Haylee, and Noah Scalf, Stephan and Everly Catania, and Kenneth Jr. and Kimberly Ruttig.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Phoenix Rescue Mission in memory of Jim.
Master Sergeant David Harrison Whited 73 passed away on June 15th, 2021 in Goodyear.
He was born, July 14th, 1947 in Hamilton Ohio. He is survived by his wife Audrey Rivera-Whited, His brother Dale Whited, Children Brian David Whited, Donald Lee Whited & Kelly Nicole Whited-Patine & grandchildren, Tristin Whited, Zane Patine and Trinity Patine, and nephew Bill Whited. Preceded by his parents Pete and Stella Whited & brother Dean Whited.
David entered into the Air force in July 1967 and retired from the service in March 1988, David loved serving his country.
David's Hobbies included his love for sports including baseball & football. David was a jovial man with a grand smile and a great spirit. He had a love for the outdoors and to travel.
Memorial/Funeral services will be performed at Menke Funeral Home 12420 N 103rd Ave Sun City, AZ 85351 on June 28th viewing at 1:00 pm & Military Services at 2:00 pm.
Wanda Janelle Pryor, 81 years, passed away June 14th, 2021. Formerly of Buckeye, she resided in Litchfield Park, Arizona.
Survived by her husband Pastor Leon Pryor, sons Fred Pryor (Marta), Dan Pryor (Sandra), grandchildren Matthew Pryor, Joshua Pryor, Danielle Campbell, Scott Pryor, Jessica Kirkpatrick, Freddie Pryor, Shane Pryor, Micah Pryor, Daci Pryor and 21 Great Grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were three children Lori Kuba (Mike), David Pryor and James Pryor.
Wanda was born June 11, 1940 in Hale Center Texas, but moved at an early age to Indio, CA. By her teenage years, the family relocated to the Los Angeles area where she graduated from Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, CA. During her Jr year she met the love of her life, a Navy fireman named Leon. Best part were they on a double date, both with other people. During the date they noticed each other, and the rest is history. They married on September 11, 1956 while he was in port. The love story continued the rest of her life.
Wanda was a homemaker raising her four children in Harbor City, CA. and was active in every part of their lives. She was active in the local church, taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Preschool, Choir, and never said no when asked to serve in other ways. She always loved Little League Baseball games whether it was watching her sons, or grandchildren play. She supported Lori in her High School activities and encouraged her to further her education, which ultimately earned Lori her Doctor of Education Degree!
Her hobbies included playing her piano, quilting, sewing, painting, baking, and even took a cake decorating class and started decorating cakes for birthdays and weddings.
In 1976, Leon and Wanda followed their calling from God and pulled up their roots in California and relocated to Buckeye, AZ to pioneer a church. They pastored Faith Fellowship Assembly of God for 30 years prior to retiring. The church originally started in their home, then moved into a barn on the property for a few years. The congregation eventually outgrew the barn, and the Harbor Church in CA funded a new building on the property that is still a thriving and growing ministry renamed as Lifeway Assembly of God! Leon and Wanda loved pastoring, loved the people, and both are grateful that the church is moving forward, and the Lord’s work will continue.
Wanda always had a smile that reflected the Joy of the Lord! She grieved tremendously with the loss of David, Jimmy, and Lori, but would gather strength by reading or listening to the Word of God. She and Leon always prayed together for family and friends! She loved going to the house of the Lord! She loved watching Gaither Home Coming DVD’s. She would minister to anyone that would call her in need of encouragement. If she were down, she would begin to talk about the faithfulness of God, of His goodness and mercy! It never took long for her sorrow to turn to joy!
We were all blessed to have known her……….
Funeral Services will be held Saturday 6/26/21 at 12:00 PM (Noon) at New Foundation Church, 122 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338. Livestream at Newfoundation.org/livestream.
James Curtis Annett
June 11, 1940 - June 12, 2021
James (Jim) Annett passed away on June 12th after waiting for his daughter, Teresa Morrison, and his grand daughter, Christina Klein, to fly in from out of town to say goodbye.
James was born to Rodney Annett and Esther Stockton in Virginia City, Iowa. He was raised with his 3 brothers in Parker, Washington until he joined the Navy at age 17. After his first tour James married, reenlisted and moved to San Diego, Ca. He served 20 years in the Navy and after retiring from the military moved to the Phoenix area to work at the Palo Verde power plant. He had currently been residing in Sun City, Az.
Jim loved to travel and take cruises. He enjoyed baseball games, golf and good movies. He would often volunteer his time at animal shelters and senior centers around town.
He is survived by his children, James. M. Annett and Teresa (Gary) Morrison, 1 grandchild, Christina Klein, and 1 brother, Robert Annett, along with many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Rodney Annett and Esther Stockton, 2 brothers, Larry Annett and Gail Annett, and 1 sister in law Colleen Annett.
Services will be held with full military honors at a later date after returning to Kentucky where his daughter resides.
Gerald (Jerry) Hickman passed away on June 6, 2021. He was born in York, Nebraska on June 10, 1930, the son of Elmer and Dorothy Hickman. He graduated from Guernsey, Wyoming high school in 1948, then a year of college then he lived in Riverton, Wyoming with his parents until joining the Air Force. During his four years of service, Jerry spent one year at Thule AFB, Greenland. He then married Charlene Koeneke, returning to Montana State University earning his degree in mathematics, then earned his master’s degree from Oklahoma State University in 1967. He taught math in Greybull, Wyoming, Morton High School in Wyoming, moving to Phoenix, AZ in 1967. He taught in the Phoenix School System, starting in Carl Hayden, then to the new Trevor Brown high school for a total of 33 years, coaching football, basketball, and golf. He retired in 1991, moving to Sun City, AZ where he golfed with “The Hackers” group, losing many friends along the way. He served as Elder, Trustee and Deacon at First Christian Church of Sun City.
He is survived by his wife, Charlene, daughter Rhonda (Wayne) Gilbert and son Randall of Athena, OR.
A memorial service will be held at First Christian Church of Sun City, 14001 W. Thunderbird Road, Sun City, AZ 85351 on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 10:00 AM.
Memorials to be sent to First Christian Church of a charity of your choice.
Patrick T. Floyd, 82, of Sun City, AZ, passed away on Thursday, June 3, 2021.
Born in Chinook, Montana to Arthur and Barbara Floyd. Patrick and his spouse Diane have lived in Sun City, Arizona for the past 17 years.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church at 12225 North 103rd Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85351.
In loving memory of Jerry George, 97 years old. Born March 18, 1924 and entered into rest May 25, 2021.
Mimi, as she was called, was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She really loved all her grandchildren. She was always happy to help in any way she could.
When she was younger, she loved to play softball and bowl and was good at both. She loved to dance and play cards, a very fun-loving lady.
She was the owner of Video Outpost in Surprise and always greeted customers with a warm smile.
She is loved very much and will be sorely missed.
She is preceded in death by her husband Leroy George, her mother, father, one brother and two sisters.
Survivors include her son, Jackie (Lida), her daughter Patty; grandchildren John (Chris), Terry, Kim (Steve) and Scott; great grandchildren; Makayla, Mallory, Abby, and Matt. Also, other relatives and friends.
A visitation will be held, Tuesday, June 1, 2021, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351. A graveside service will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at Sunland Memorial Park, 15826 N. Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351.
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Menke Funeral & Cremation Center
12420 N 103rd Ave.
Sun City, AZ 85351
Phone: (623) 979-6451