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Donna L. Ginsbach was welcomed into the arms of her Lord on April 26th, 2021 in Sun City, Arizona after losing her 14 month battle with Glioblastoma brain cancer. Donna was born April 20, 1935 in Plum City, Wisconsin, the daughter of Donald and Dorothy (Henn) Collett. She grew up on the family farm in Union Township, Pierce County, Wisconsin.
Donna graduated from Plum City High School in 1952. After graduation she moved to Barstow, California and worked for the railroad. She married Donavon F. Ginsbach at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Plum City, Wisconsin on August 25, 1953. During Donavon’s 10 year service in the Air Force, they were stationed at numerous places around the country and the world. Upon his discharge from service they returned to Elmwood, Wisconsin where they owned and operated the local Coast-to-Coast Store. They moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin in 1973 where she was employed by several businesses. They relocated to California in 1986, and in 1996 they retired and moved to Sun City, Arizona. In her retirement years, Donna volunteered weekly at Banner Hospital for 20+ years. She also volunteered for many years in the office at American Lutheran Church.
Donna is survived by her husband of 67 years, Donavon, a daughter Pamela (Richard) Robole of Sun City, AZ, two sons, Brad Ginsbach of Menomonie, WI and Scott (Kathy) Ginsbach of Surprise, AZ. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Other surviving family members include, a brother Jay (Roxanne) Collett of Sun City, AZ, sister-in-law Lenora (Jack) Jenkins of Enterprise, OR, sister-in-law Carmen Brookshaw of Marco Island, FL, brother-in-law Ralph (Patricia) Ginsbach of Elmwood, WI, brother-in-law Ron (Marge) Ginsbach of Elmwood, WI, brother-in-law Jacob (Mary) Ginsbach of Elmwood, WI, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws Richard and Marcella (Gehn) Ginsbach, sister Adela (Collett) Kehl, sister-in-law, Elaine (Fredrickson) Ginsbach, and brother-in-law, James McNaughton.
Throughout her life Donna loved having family over for holiday meals. From setting a beautiful table to preparing the meal, she was a gracious hostess. Donna enjoyed reading, traveling, playing cards, cribbage, scrabble and dominoes, along with crossword puzzles and word jumbles. She will be dearly missed by family and friends.
A family service will be held at the columbarium of American Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona on May 12, 2021 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to American Lutheran Church, Sun City, Arizona, or Hospice of the Valley.
Florence "Flo" Frances Wright (Driscoll), 69, formerly of Sun City, Arizona, passed away on Friday, April 23, 2021. She graduated Summa Cum Lauda from Western Bible College with a Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies. She is preceded in death by her parents James Francis Driscoll & Noreen Anne Parker. She is survived by her childhood sweetheart, soulmate and loving husband of 52 years, Steven Ray Wright; son Steven Amos & Heather Wright, Deborah Lynne & Jeremy William Rick Gillaspie; 3 grandchildren Chloe Anne & Jacob William de Werd, Steven Ray II & Kodi Wright and Zachary Wright & 2 great grandchildren Olivia Renae & Friedrich Francis Wright; sister Peggy Lynne & Paul McEwen; 2 Brothers James Edmond and Michael Joseph Driscoll. There will be a family only viewing on Friday, April 30, 2021. She will be cremated & placed in a niche at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
Janet Pearl Anthony (Myers), age 77, of Peoria, Arizona passed away Thursday, April 22, 2021. Janet grew up on a farm in Eastern Indiana with her parents, Marvin and Faye Myers and brother Lowell. She graduated from Union School in College Corner. After achieving a scholarship as Miss Franklin County, she moved to Indianapolis, where she met her soon to be husband, Michael Anthony.
Janet and her husband Mike raised two daughters, Felicia and Amanda while living in Indiana, California, Texas and Arizona. She had an exciting and long career as a senior administrator in Livermore at “The Lab”. She traveled extensively for both pleasure and work to France, England, Spain, Germany, Austria and Japan. She enjoyed the friends she made and the wonderful places she saw.
She leaves this earth too soon and will be missed by her husband, daughters and grandchildren - Marina, Wyatt, Talia, Olivia and so many friends along the way.
Dennis “Denny” Lee Hansen, age 77, passed away Thursday, April 22, 2021 in Peoria, Arizona due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease. He courageously battled Parkinson’s for almost 20 years with strength, determination, and grace.
He was born to George and Beatrice (Sharp) Hansen on March 11, 1944 in Muskegon, Michigan. Denny was the youngest brother to George “Bud” Hansen and Janet Hansen Heavens. In 1965 he married the love of his life, Janice “Jan” Fodrocy. Denny served in the U.S. Army 1968-1971. He was stationed in Qui Nhon, Vietnam 1968-1969 where he served as a radio mechanic as part of the 41st Signal Battalion.
Denny was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He spent every Saturday night having dinner with his children and grandchildren. During his free time, he loved to pursue his hobby of woodworking, attend sports with Jan, and playing card games with family and friends. He could always be found with a refrigerator full of ice cream and was adored by all who knew him for his positive and light-hearted personality.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jan, their children; Julie (John) Cartwright and Lee (Teri) Hansen. He is also survived by grandchildren: Jessica (Travis), Brent, Logan, Madison, Aubrey, and Jarrod.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Winston Stevens Depew, 88, passed away at his home in Peoria, AZ on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.
Born May 12, 1932 in Auburn, New York to parents Lavern and Stella Depew. Winston made a career in the United States Air Force and eventually retied as a Senior Master Sargent. Spending the last 31 years in Peoria, he was an active member of Grace Bible Church where he proudly served as an usher.
Winston leaves behind his soulmate, Gay Lynn Depew and children, Darryl Depew, Ben Desvari and David Desvari, 3 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
He was the greatest husband in the world and will be missed by all who knew and loved him dearly.
Services will be held at Grace Bible Church, 19280 North 99th Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85373 on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 2:00 PM.
The family asks that donations be made to Grace Bible Church.
Kathleen Elizabeth Marshall-Aston (nee Dreher)
Passed away on April 10th, 2021 in Sun City, Arizona
Kathleen or “Kay” was born on March 1st, 1940 in Evergreen Park, Illinois to Benedict and Agnes Dreher. She was adored by so many for her fun-loving personality and how she enjoyed her friends and family. She graduated from the University of St. Frances in Joliet, Il with her Bachelor of Science in nursing and pursued her education throughout her life finally graduating with her Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. She enjoyed her Nursing career but ultimately went into teaching healthcare to high school students. She was a highly regarded teacher and principal for Deer Valley Vocational Education Center. After retirement from teaching, she returned to Nursing and spent much of her retirement caring for her many adopted pups from the Humane Society. Kay was a devoted Catholic and enjoyed many years actively participating in church functions.
Loving wife of Donald Aston
Cherished mother of Daniel Ballard (Lillie), and Davena Ballard
Treasured Grandmother of Tiffany Morton, Tanille Ballard (Matthew), Brooke Ballard, Samara Ballard, Aubrianna Ballard, Ernesto Ballard, and Vanessa Ballard
Adored Great Grandmother of Rhett Morton, Chloe Stumpf, Cali Stumpf, and Cole Stumpf.
Dear Sister of August Dreher and Dolores Thomas, and the late Josephine Fulayter, Marie Ryant, Anna Valentine, and Norma Jean Werner.
Fond Aunt “Newsy” to many nieces and nephews
Lifelong friend to many especially Carol Burge, and Carol Roettger.
Caring teacher and mentor to many students, especially, Kari Beckman.
In Memory of Kathleen’s love for books and education, please bring or mail a children’s book to Don Aston 9132 W. Hutton Drive Sun City, AZ 85351.
Jerene Beryl Maierle, our Matriarch and the most incredible, classy, loving Mother,
Nana, Sister, dear friend, Auntie and community leader that anyone could have asked
for, passed away peacefully on April 7th, 2021.
She was born on September 30th 1933 in Calumet, Michigan to Joseph and Myrtle
Maierle. She was one of 5 beautiful daughters.
At 5 years old, their family moved to Jerome, Arizona and soon after that they moved
to the valley and settled in Glendale, Arizona. She would go on to attend grade school
there and eventually high school and graduate from Glendale High School. She was
always known for being the social butterfly in her family and friend circle.
She was married to Phil Shores for 25 years and they had 4 beautiful children. She was
a loving, nurturing and caring mother to Phil, Joey, Connie and Cindi. While they were
still quite young, in the early 1970’s, she made the decision to go back to college. She
attended Tempe College, now Arizona State University where she earned her
bachelor's degree in social work.
She committed her life from that point forward to serving the community in big ways.
In 1994 she started Hospice of Arizona from her spare bedroom. Over the years, the
agency grew to become the 2nd largest hospice in the state of Arizona and at one time
was the 10th largest in the country. Her mission was simple and profound: love people
to the end and give them the highest quality of end-of-life care. In all of her career, she
never made anything about her. Never boastful or needing recognition for her great
accomplishments. She always said it was the team at HOA that made them successful.
Even after her retirement from Hospice of Arizona, she stayed active in the hospice
community, consulting and counseling and volunteering her energy, time and
expertise to helping others grow in their careers.
She leaves behind her daughter Cynthia and son Joseph, her grandchildren, Phil,
Andrea (Chris), Kristen (Michael), Logan, Samantha, Drew and Stephanie and 6 prized
great grandchildren whom she loved with every inch of her heart as well as her sister
Marcia and many loving nieces, nephews and the dearest friends.
Love will most certainly be her legacy. She had all the worldly accomplishments but
her mission was people and to serve them with everything she had. No doubt God
welcomed our Matriarch and said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” We will
forever miss her deeply until we reunite again.
Thank you to White Rose Hospice for the greatest care during her final days. We are
forever grateful for walking this journey with our family.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Christ's Church of the Valley – Building 400, 7007 West Happy Valley Road, Peoria, AZ 85383.
Stefanie Susan Mazur succumbed to heart disease in the early morning hours of Monday, April 5th. Heart failure came upon her quickly and was a shock to those who knew and loved her.
Known as Sue or Suzy to her friends, she was born in Indianapolis February 15, 1949 to Chester and Stella Mazur. The second of their five children, she had a gregarious nature that made her the leader of the pack.
Suzy attended Little Flower parochial school, where she was always the youngest, tallest and arguably smartest girl in her class. After a freshman year at Oldenburg Academy of the Immaculate Conception, a convent boarding school in Oldenburg, IN, she completed her secondary education at Father Thomas Scecina Memorial High School. She then attended St. Vincent's Nursing School, graduating in 1970, to become a registered nurse (RN).
Her first job was with Indiana University Hospital system in Indianapolis, where she started as an operating room nurse and rose to become the clinical manager of eight major operating rooms and 110 employees.
When she moved to Columbus, IN with her first husband, a neurologist, she both assisted in the managing his private practice and frequently drove back and forth to attend Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI). She received a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in 1983 with a major in psychology and a minor in sciences and business. In 1995, she earned a second bachelor’s degree at IUPUI, this time in nursing science, with a focus on business as well.
Through the years, Suzy worked at a number of hospitals in Indianapolis, eventually becoming manager of the “endoscopy, cardiac cath/IR, cardiac diagnostics unit” at Wishard Hospital (now Eskenazi Hospital and still partnered with Indiana University School of Medicine).
She retired from nursing in 2012 and moved to Palm Desert, CA, where she and her sister, Linda Taylor, started Cadence Communications, an answering service for many of the medical practices in the Coachella Valley, as well as other businesses.
However, 2 years later Suzy returned to Indianapolis to be close to family and her longtime friends from tennis, golf, and travels. She loved being great auntie to the younger generations in Indianapolis and Chicago, where her cousins and grandnieces live. Her trips also included a long, steep hike to Machu Pichu in Peru, bicycle touring in Holland, bus tours in Mexico and Costa Rica – to name just a few. A particular favorite was a 2015 tour of Poland, where she was able to visit with her mother’s relatives and be photographed in front of the rustic home where her grandfather had been born near the town of Suwalki, north of Warsaw.
She also volunteered with the Indianapolis Museum of Art and as a tutor for the Read Up Program run by the United Way of Central Indiana. Her nursing skills came into play again during two medical missions to Central America.
Suzy moved to Sun City in 2019 where she made many friends through forays to the dog park with her pooches Archie and Clint, golf, pickle ball and tennis until her shoulder gave out, the bunko babes, book club, a bridge foursome, and volunteering at the Musical Instrument Museum. Those who knew her here have been reporting on her generous spirit and ready sense of humor.
Suzy is preceded in death by her parents and sisters Linda Taylor and Judith Dickinson. She is survived by her son, Christopher Whisler (spouse Amanda) and grandchildren Celia and Chris of Indianapolis; sister Carole Orr (spouse Raymond) of Peoria, AZ, and brother Thomas C. Mazur of Indianapolis (who has adopted Suzy’s pooches Clint and Archie); nephews Lucas Dickinson (spouse Shandi) of Marion, OH, and Joseph Mazur (spouse Arliana) of Nashville, TN; niece Amy Dickinson (partner Chad Lawson) of New Palestine, IN; step-niece Emily Orr of Glendale, AZ, step-niece Heather Orr of Carlsbad, CA; and grandnieces Raven Dickinson, Charlotte Lawson and Meghan Lawson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society in the reader’s state, as Suzy had rescued several dogs over the years and was a champion of spaying and neutering. Alternatively, monetary support in her name may be given to the Go Red for Women Movement of the American Heart Association to combat the female heart disease that runs in her family.
John J. Reuter, 99, born August 12, 1921 in Bronx, New York passed away April 4, 2021 in Surprise, AZ. John served in the US Army Air Force during WWII. He retired from a career in sales and marketing in New York and moved to Sun City, Arizona in 1999.
John was preceded in death by his wife Ruth in 2002. He is survived by daughters: Carol Divich (Tom), Nancy Huggett and Ellen Gennaro (John); grandchidren Katie, Jessie, John, Saran great grandchildren James, Delaney and Ruthie.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday April 9, 2021 at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center Chapel.
Jeannette F. Bourque (Lesieur)
April 10, 1927- April 02, 2021
Jeannette passed away on April 2, 2021. She moved to Arizona from Manchester, NH in 1966 with her late husband, Romeo Bourque and three sons, Paul, Richard, and Roger. Jeannette worked at Centuri Rocket Company and American Hobbycraft distributors prior to retirement. Besides her three sons, Jeannette leaves behind her sister Marguerite Martineau (Lesieur) and several nieces and nephews and grandchildren.
The mass of resurrection will be held Friday, April 16, 2021 at 10:30 AM at St. Clare of Assisi, 17111 W Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374. A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 7:00 PM at Menke Funeral and Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave Sun City, AZ 85351. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church’s building fund.
Susan (Sue) K. Nettum
April 13, 1944 - April 1, 2021
Susan was born on April 13, 1944 in Monroe, WI at St, Clare Hospital to father, Arno Weigand (Kaltensundheim, Germany) and mother, Catherine Elizabeth Quinn (Argyle, WI).
Sue is preceded in death by both her parents, her daughter Ann Margaret Nettum, and her husband of 49 years, David J. Nettum
She is survived by her sons, Joseph Nettum (Misa) (Schaumburg, IL), and David M. Nettum (Cheryl) (Edgerton, WI), her granddaughters, Clarise Nettum, Josephine Nettum, and Alissa Nettum. Her siblings Raymond (Mary) Weigand, Constance (Garry) Lone, Thomas (Marie) Weigand, Claudia (Paul) DeVetter, Franz (Vickie) Weigand, and 14 nieces and nephews and several great-nephews and nieces.
Sue was a dedicated mom, grandma, and aunt/great aunt to the family. She was a volunteer at the Edgerton Outreach in the summer and spent her winters working on her home in Sun City, Arizona. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, and being with her family and friends.
You can join us for an online service on Wednesday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m. Arizona local time - 1:00 p.m. CST Please join Sue's family and friends by clicking the webcast event link on the obituary event tab.
Carolyn Yvonne Whitehead
April 19, 1945 - March 23, 2021
Carolyn Yvonne Whitehead age 75, of Buckeye, AZ passed away March 23, 2021 peacefully in her home surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
She was born April 19, 1945 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Alice and James Hoke.
Preceded in death by her late husband of 57 years Jimmy Whitehead Sr. her parents James and Alice Hoke, brothers James and Gilbert Hoke, sister Anne Dean.
Carolyn and Jim moved their family to Arizona in 1979 from Terre Haute Indiana.
Prior to moving to Arizona, she was involved in Cub Scouts as a Den mother and a Brownie Leader for Greenwood Elementary School.
After moving to Arizona, she attended Apollo College where she earned her Medical Assistant license. In 1983 she began working at West Valley Nursing home (Genesis Estrella) in Avondale, Arizona she was the first Social Service/Admissions Director for the facility, Carolyn also served her community by working on the Billy Moore's day parade committee with the Chamber of Commerce also involved in the Alzheimer's Association she worked at the Center for 19 years before retiring.
She loved spending time with her family and was an awesome cook.
Carolyn is survived by her children, Jimmy Whitehead Jr. (Suzy), Mark Whitehead Sr. (Kara), Angel Troester (Frank), Denise Franklin (Jerry), and Belinda Jeter (Billy); Grandchildren; Melissa, Jimmy III, Kathleen, Alice, Pamela, Mark Jr, Ryan, Matthew, Chad, Zoe and Auston; Great Grandchildren; Juelz, Aubree, Brantley, Madelynn, Ainsley, Ryker, Landon, Mason, Kenneth, Zoey, Olivia, Sarah, Hannah, and Abigail; Sister Nikki Hatcher (Danny) several nieces, nephews brother in laws and sister in law.
In Loving Memory of
Lt. Col. Harold "Deke" Johnson Garner USA, Ret.
April 21, 1931 ~ March 21, 2021
Harold J. "Deke" Garner graduated a life well lived on March 21, 2021, exactly a month shy of his 90th solar return in Surprise, AZ after a year long decline in health. He was born in Watertown, CT to Cornelia and LeRoy Garner in 1931, the youngest of three children.
Hal, as he was usually called, was extremely gregarious and very popular throughout his life. In high school and college he was an extraordinary athlete excelling in baseball (4 years varsity), basketball (3 years varsity), soccer and track as well as being the team captains for each. His prowess in baseball (.400 batting average) was such that the NY Yankees considered him to integrate their team but reportedly shied away because of the controversy caused over Jackie Robinson joining the Dodgers a year prior.
Hal accepted a scholarship to the University of CT (UConn) where he continued his career in basketball and track. In 1953, he became the school's record holder and state champion in the 100 and 220 dashes. He later played with the Hartford Eastern Pro League and the Oakville Red Sox Squad. In 2008, Hal was inducted into the Watertown High School/Bob Cook Jr. Hall of Fame; He is considered one of Watertown's greatest athletes.
Hal received his B.A in Education from the University of Nebraska in 1971 and his M.A in Education from Pepperdine University two years later. Hal's second 20-year career was as Chief of Operations with the City and County of Honolulu WORK HAWAII Division for Vocational Rehabilitation.
Hal not only made his mark on the sports field, but also as a military officer. He rose from the rank of second lieutenant--coming out of the university's ROTC program--to lieutenant colonel. He spent 20 years in active duty and spent two and a half tours in Vietnam, first as an advisor and then in recon special ops. He received numerous awards for heroism including the Purple Heart, a Silver Star and a pair of Bronze Stars.
Deke was a true sports fanatic. He attended as many professional, college and sometimes high school football, basketball games and track meets he could. He also worked as a top basketball official during Hawaii's high school and college basketball seasons. He was an avid reader of mostly political and crime mysteries. Hal's absolute favorite pastime, however, was being surrounded by his descendants, especially his grandchildren who lovingly called him "Pop Pop."
Hal was an exceptional husband, father, father-in-law, uncle and grandfather---gentle, wise, with a huge sense of humor and laugh. Everyone who spent time with Hal was impressed by him. He had a huge heart and was generous to a fault. He was the "cool uncle," the "funny grandpa," a joy to be around.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister June Rhinehart and brother LeRoy Garner, II and his only son, Harold J. Garner, II (both shared the same birthday).
Those left to mourn yet cherish Hal's memory is the love of his life and wife for 66 years, Shirley (Brown) Garner; his two daughters and sons-in-law Asiila (Ali) Rasool and Stephanie (Scott) Garner; his daughter-in-law Iris Avila Garner; his "adopted son" and nephew Chris Greene; 9 grandchildren and one great grandson: Faheem, Abi, Garner, Jael, Muhammad, Josiah, Hannah, Ryan, Malia and Toa Idris; cousins Norma Garner and Gwendolyn Hatcher; six nephews (Roy, Arthur, Karl and Marc Rhinehart, Chip Garner and Jerry Greene); two nieces (JoAnna Rhinehart and Leslie Garner) as well as a multitude of distant cousins and friends from Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts and other states. Hal will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Kay was born July 16, 1941 in Mesa, Arizona. She attended Mesa High School and after graduation she married and became the mother of 4 children. Kay was a resident of Buckeye, Arizona and most recently retired to her mountain home in Payson to be with her grand kids and great grand kids. She passed on Wednesday March 17, 2021 at Banner Estrella Hospital after unexpected complications from a minor surgery. Thank you to the nurses and physicians at Banner Estrella for the tender care during her stay.
Kay is survived by children, Kori Sayer (Ray), Karl Thompson (Debi), Kayle Thompson (Patricia) and Kristen Anderson (Patrick); brother Rod Hendrix (Joanne); sister Kandi Abbott, 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father Elmer King, mother Margaret Hendrix and brother Donald Lee Hendrix.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2021 at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center Chapel, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ.
George E. Day, Sr. died unexpectedly on March 12, 2021 in Scottsdale, AZ. He was 74.
George was born on September 27, 1946 in Winamac, IN to his parents, John & Ethel Day, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Pioneer High School in Royal Center, IN in 1964, and then from The DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago, IL in 1966. He married Margaret Reidy in El Paso, TX on March 1,1967. George served his country by enlisting in the US Army in 1966 and was honorably discharged in 1969. George’s career as an electronic technician took his family to many locations, including North Dakota, Chicago and eventually Pennsylvania, where he retired in 2002. George and Margaret eventually moved to Sun City, AZ in 2017, to live out their retirement.
George was a devoted husband of 54 years. He was an excellent cook, who enjoyed traveling and exploring with his wife. He had a conservative personality and was frugal in sharing his thoughts. But he was also generous with his time and selfless in many ways. Those who had the opportunity to see past his modesty, knew him to be a witty and caring person.
George is survived by his wife, Margaret, his daughter, Michelle, and sons, George Jr. and his wife Brenda, and Michael and his wife Christin, his brother, Gerald, and five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Per his wishes, George will be buried in a private ceremony at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, in Phoenix, AZ, at a date to be determined.
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OUR LOCATION
Menke Funeral & Cremation Center
12420 N 103rd Ave.
Sun City, AZ 85351
Phone: (623) 979-6451