Departures - 2010
We publish departures based on the year listed in the obituary. If no year is listed then we publish them when they are received.
Earl Adam Shaefer, Lt Col USAF (Ret.), passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 22, 2010, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on March 20, 1919, in Fort Wayne. After graduating from Elmhurst High School in 1937, he attended General Electric's machinist-toolmaker apprentice program for 3 1/2 years before entering the Army Air Corps in August of 1941. Upon completion of the Aviation Cadet program and being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant Pilot, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Ruth Seidner on March 16, 1942 in Phoenix, Ariz. He was then assigned to the 92nd B-17 Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force and sent to England in August of 1942. He served in the European Theater of Operations where he completed a combat tour of 25 missions, culminating in the deadly Schweinfurt raid in October of 1943. His many assignments included tours of duty in Air Weather Reconnaissance units. He commanded the 513th Reconnaissance Squadron (49-50). He spent a total of 28 years in the United States Air Force during which he held many posts in places such as Alaska, California, Greenland, Guam, and even Ottawa in an exchange program with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Throughout his career, he was especially thankful for his beloved wife, Ruth, and although he greatly credits her for their care and upbringing, he was a strong and steady influence in the lives of their six loving children. When he retired from the Air Force in 1969, he had attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and earned several medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. He was also a named member of the Order of Daedalians, America's premier fraternal organization of military pilots. Even after he retired from military service, he continued to fly for a private charter service based out of Fort Wayne. He is survived by his loving daughters, Kathleen Shaefer of Bloomington, Jennifer (John) Quinlan of Manassas, Va. and Nancy (Robert) Havens of Denver, Colo.; son, David (Theresa) Shaefer of Fort Wayne; brother, Robert Shaefer; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Anita Shaefer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Ruth Shaefer; daughter, Wendy Cox; and son, Jack Shaefer. Graveside service was on Dec. 6, 2010, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, with full military honors.
Professor Lieutenant Colonel WILLYS D, (Bill) WUEST, President of the English Speaking Union, Norwich and Norfolk, UK died peacefully at home on October 30th at age 82 years. Bill was husband of Mary, father of Martin and Vanessa and grandad of Oliver, Natasha and Michael. Funeral service will be held at St. Andrew's Church, Hingham on Friday, November 12th at 2.30 p.m. Family flowers only please, but donations if desired, for Wymondham Rapid Response or The Windmill Surgery, Wymondham, may be left at the service or sent c/o Breckland Funeral Services, 25 Norwich Road, Watton, IP25 6DA. Bill Wuest was born on 10 October 1928 at Evanston, Cook County Illinois, USA. He was known as a great supporter of close links between the United States and his adopted country. He was a former governor of the 2nd Air Division Memorial Trust, which safeguards the American Library at the Forum in Norwich and was also president of the Norfolk and Norwich English Speaking Union. Willys J Wuest, always known as Bill, was posted to RAF Sculthorpe, near Fakenham, in 1951 as a meteorologist with the United States Air Force, he retired after 20 years as lieutenant colonel after serving alongside the Japanese Defense Force. For much of his career, he was involved in highly-secret postings, not least at Sculthorpe, then a home of nuclear weapons, and then later spending five years near Las Vegas attached to the USAFs 1129th SAS at Groom Lake, where the invisible A-12 Blackbird plane was developed. Later, he served at Alconbury, near Huntingdon, and also at High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Wuest, did a first degree at the University of Illinois before completing his masters at the University of Chicago. Then he was sent to Army Language School at Monterey, California, where he became fluent in Russian and German. But it was his expertise in meteorology, which was to earn him rapid promotion in the USAFs air weather service. While weather and forecasting always remained a prime interest, he went on to specialize in aeronautical topics. He was given a chair by the worlds leading aeronautical university, Embry-Riddle, of Florida and then as part of its Worldwide Campus network lectured service personnel at Air Force bases in England. He used his charm to invite leading aviation figures including former war-time RAF aces Douglas Bader and Johnnie Johnson as guest lecturers. He married Mary in 1954, and since then they have lived at Old Buckenham for more than a dozen years and more recently at Hingham. He had bought a 1928 Swift dating from the year of his birth and was frequently seen driving the vintage car around the district. A member of the Anglian Balloon Club for many years, he also managed three flights on Concorde. With his ear for language, he also had the knack of writing poetry and often composed an impromptu note of thanks or for a golden weddings. Gifted with a stentorian voice, he was also a popular master of ceremonies at annual thanksgiving reunion dinners for many years. He was also heavily involved with the Friends of the 2nd Air Division, serving on the committee, and in 2006 was invited as guest of honor to the 60th anniversary celebrations of the USAF at Mildenhall. He leaves a widow, Mary, and son, Martin, who is a microchip engineer living in the USA, and daughter, Vanessa, and three grandchildren. His oldest grandson, Oliver, is studying aeronautical engineering at Imperial College.
Funeral Services for Ann Turco were held on, Tuesday October 26, 2010 at 11:00 AM at The Community Chapel in Melbourne Beach, FL and a graveside service at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at Blitchton Family Cemetery, Blitchton, FL. Ann Blitch Turco, 78, a resident of Melbourne Beach, was born on January 21, 1932 in Ocala, FL, and died at her home on October 24, 2010. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48yrs, Lt. Col. (Ret. USAF) Francis S. Turco. She is survived by her brother, Sim Blitch of LaGrange, GA; son, Michael Landis (Laura) of Orlando, FL; and son, Douglas Lee of Celebration, FL; two grandsons, Nicholas and Zachary; step-granddaughter, Leslee, and one great-grandchild, Sarah Beth. Ann grew up as a country girl in Blitchton, FL, graduated from Ocala High School, and graduated with a degree in education from Florida State University. Mrs. Turco traveled the world with her Air Force Weather Service husband, raising their two sons. They retired to Melbourne Beach in 1983 and she loved her life on the ocean. Ann loved to travel and see the sights of the world. Mrs. Turco was quite involved with her church, The Community Chapel on Melbourne Beach; she was an American Red Cross Volunteer for 36 years; volunteered with the American Cancer Society and was herself a breast cancer survivor; was very active with the Patrick Air Force Base's Retired Officers Wives Club and was their "Sunshine Chairman" for many years; and was awarded the "Civilian Volunteer of the Year" for Patrick Air Force Base in 2008 for her volunteer service there in the hospital. Ann never met a stranger, she loved to chat with people and find out what they had in common. She will be dearly missed by many. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to the American Red Cross, The American Cancer Society , Hospice of Health First or the Scholarship Fund of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA.org).
Henry James Edmund Cooper, known as "Harry" to friends and family, died unexpectedly August 23, 2010 at his home in Tallahassee, FL. Harry was born on June 22, 1942, in Liverpool, England to Harry Cooper and Anne Bird. He spent his childhood in England where he attended Secondary school at St. Mary's College in Crosby, earning his A-Levels in Science. At the age of 18, Harry emigrated to Riverside, California, where he held jobs picking oranges, and spray-painting sheet metal, spending his first paycheck on a guitar and a pair of Levi's. He left California after joining the US Air Force as a weather observer, briefly spending time in Texas and Illinois before being stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City. During this time, Harry attended classes at Gulf Coast Community College, where he met his future wife, Jane, when she purchased his English textbook. After his discharge from the Air Force, he used the GI bill to pursue a degree in International Affairs at Florida State University, in Tallahassee, FL. This time in his life formed the foundation for many lifelong friendships and relationships, both personal and professional. After many visits to the University of Florida in Gainesville, he was married to Jane Edwards at a ceremony in her hometown of Panama City, FL, on November 19th, 1970. Shortly thereafter the newlyweds set up housekeeping in Tallahassee, where Harry returned to Florida State University, earning his BS in Mathematics and his MS in Applied Mathematics. Harry moved to Charlottesville, VA, accepting a fellowship to the University of Virginia and later earning his PhD in Environmental Sciences. This time in his life saw the birth of his son, Matthew, in 1981 and the birth of his daughter, Marianne, in 1985. Harry accepted a post-doctoral fellowship at the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center followed by a position with Simpson Weather Associates. In 1987 Harry returned with his family to Tallahassee where he rejoined the company of many friends, family, and associates. He was a lecturer and researcher at Florida State University until his retirement in 2008. Over his career, Dr. Cooper was the author many scientific publications, delivered many formal addresses and seminars at numerous scientific forums, conferences, workshops and symposia, was the recipient of research grants from Federal and State funding agencies, and reviewed papers and proposals from a variety of sources. Dr. Cooper had close collaborations and friendships with some of the finest minds in his chosen field. These included noted Prof.'s Dr. Tzvi Gal Chen, Dr. Robert Simpson, Dr. Joanne Simpson, Dr. Mike Garstang, and Dr. Eric Smith, as well as Dr. David Emmitt of Simpson Associates, Dr. David Martsolf of University of Florida IFAS, Dr. Alberto Mugnai at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics in Frascati, Italy, and Prof. Gregory J. Tripoli at the University of Wisconsin's Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Department. Harry was fun. His presence and unique perspective brought energy to the room. He was modest to a fault, intellectual and compassionate, talented, inspiring, encouraging, and honest. He was a loving father and a loving husband who cared deeply for his wife and children. Harry believed that friendships were not fleeting, but meant to last a lifetime. He was loving and beloved, and the world is a poorer place without him. Harry is survived by his wife, Jane; his son, Matthew; his daughter, Marianne; his son-in-law, Richard Orr, and his brother-in-law, Steven Edwards. In Britain, he is survived by his sister, Maureen Adair, and her husband, John; by his nephew, Ian Adair and wife Sally, and their children Bethen, Alice, and Evie; and by his niece Alison Scott and husband Geoff, and their children Lucy and Clara. A Memorial Mass was held on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Tallahassee, FL.
Howard E. Lysaker, Col USAF (Ret.) 86, of Mascoutah, Ill., born in La Crosse, Wis., died Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, at his residence. Howard retired as Commander of the 11th Weather Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska after 30 years of active duty. He helped pioneer the science of tracking weather from airplanes during World War II. He was a navigator and nose gunner on a B-24 Bomber for the 55th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. He flew 37 missions over Guam and Iwo Jima. That squadron was the first, the last and only hurricane hunters of the Pacific. Howard was the recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Clusters, American Theater Ribbon, Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit and a veteran of World War II and Vietnam wars. He was a charter member of the Air Weather Association. He was preceded in death by a son, Gregory Lysaker; his parents, Elmer and Katherine, nee Elsen, Lysaker; two sisters, Carol Lysaker in infancy and Ethel Mae Olsson. Surviving are his wife, Doris L., nee Ender, Lysaker whom he married in La Crosse, Wis., Oct. 20, 1950; two sons, Mike Lysaker of Springfield, Ill., and Jim (Deb) Lysaker of Atlanta, Ga.; two daughters, Mary Lysaker and Kathy (Don) Rosenkrans, both of Castle Rock, Colo.; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a brother, David Lysaker of La Crosse, Wis. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, Tenn. 38148-0142. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com. Visitation: There will be no visitation. Funeral: There will be private graveside services in La Crosse, Wis., at a later date.
Edward J. Rehberg, 77, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Aug. 11, 2010, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha following a long illness. Funeral Mass took place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 16, at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Entombment took place at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Surviving are his wife, RoseMary; children, Julie Ann Ortis and husband Joseph of Fairbanks, Alaska and James C. Rehberg of Cedar Rapids; and granddaughters, Tyse Adams of Cedar Rapids and Spring and Stevie Ortis, both of Fairbanks, Alaska. He was preceded in death by his parents. Edward Joseph Rehberg was born Sept. 26, 1932, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Edward C. and Josephine (Cieniewski) Rehberg. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force Air Weather Service during the Korean War. He was a graduate of Loyola University. He was united in marriage to RoseMary Leinen on June 18, 1956, in Earling, Iowa. He was owner and operator of Forms IV from 1972-1994, as well as owning the Westside Lounge from 1979 to 1984. He later worked for Source Data Systems from 1994 to 1999. He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Marion American Legion and the Cedar Rapids Stamp Club. He enjoyed stamp collecting, fishing, reading, and watching the Chicago Cubs. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of Mercy.
Lowell A. Schuknecht, 91, died Sunday, June 27, 2010. He was born November 24, 1918 in Chancellor, South Dakota. He graduated from the South Dakota School of Mines in 1940, with a degree in Civil engineering. He then entered M.I.T. in Boston where he earned a Masters Degree in Meteorology. Shortly thereafter, he was called to active duty in the Army Air Corps. His first assignment was at Bangor Base in Maine, where he met Frances, the love of his life and they were married in 1942. Six months later, Lowell was ordered to an assignment overseas and served his country in tours of duty in Greenland, as 8th Weather Squadron Commander in Newfoundland (1948-49), and the Azores Islands. Lowell received commendation for his service and accuracy in briefing pilots. He was then assigned to the Strategic Air Command in Nebraska and was promoted to Lt. Colonel. After successfully graduating from Air War College in Montgomery, he was assigned Commander of the 15th Weather Squadron in Okinawa (1955-57) and later was assigned at Kunia Forecast Center, Wheeler AFB, Hawaii where he was responsible for military weather support for the Pacific Ocean area. He received another commendation for leadership and was assigned to the 9th Weather Squadron, March AFB in California, where he retired in 1968, after 28 years of service. After retirement, Lowell worked with Lockheed and as a consultant with several environmental firms in Atlanta. In his later years Lowell was very active at Dunwoody Baptist Church, faithfully attending and serving as a Deacon for many years. His favorite hobbies were gardening, reading and walking his dogs. Lowell was preceded in death by his beloved wife Frances. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his four children; sons, Lowell Schuknecht Jr. and Robert Schuknecht; daughters, Nan Keller and Kathy Sykes; 9 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services celebrating Mr. Schuknecht's life were held at 11 o'clock, Thursday, July 1, 2010, at Dunwoody Baptist Church, 1445 Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA, 30338. The family received friends one hour prior to the service. Interment followed at Arlington Memorial Park, Atlanta.
Cecil Pitts Dotson was born in Dallas, Texas, to Jennie Belle Pitts Dotson and Cecil Garland Dotson on Dec. 28, 1923, and died Jun. 22, 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents and their other children, Leighton Garland Dotson and Katherine Frances Dotson. He and his wife, Beverly, were married on January 28, 1971 in Dallas. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; his three children, Glenn Dotson of Lake Kiowa, Texas; Rita Dotson Ganz Noah of Dallas; Sugie Dotson of Dallas; step-daughter Anna Dayton & husband Philippe Gandiol of Davis, CA; and 5 grand-daughters: Amanda Medaris & husband Henry of Dallas; Kimberly Dotson of Dallas (daughters of Glenn Dotson); Robin Cline, Alison Cline & Christina Cline (daughters of Sugie Dotson); and three great-grandchildren. Cecil graduated from Dallas Technical High School in 1940 as class president and with highest honors. He entered North Texas Agricultural College (NTAC) but WWII led him to drop out in 1943 to join the Army Air Corp, where he served with the 9th Air Force Bomber Command in East Anglia, England, as a meteorologist. He was the Senior Weather Forecaster for the Command, and in this role took it upon himself to fly a number of B-26 combat missions over Europe to observe the effects of weather on the operations. For this, Cecil received the Air Medal. The 9th Air Force's unique tactic of flying P-51 weather observers into enemy territory before bombing missions resulted in a high mission success rate. Cecil received a special commendation and a Bronze Star for his part in Eisenhower's weather- based decision for the June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion of Europe. Captain Dotson was discharged from the US Air Force in Jan., 1946. Returning to Dallas, Cecil continued his education and graduated from SMU in 1948 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering with High Honors as well as induction into Sigma Tau School of Engineering Honor Society. Cecil worked at several local companies, including Guiberson and GSI in 1950, soon to become Texas Instruments, but was employed in a traveling job when he ran into Pat Haggerty, then Executive VP of TI. Pat remembered Cecil from his GSI days and recognizing his abilities, talked Cecil into coming back to TI in 1953. Cecil returned to Texas Instruments as head of the Methods Improvement Branch, and set up schools for Work Simplification. He was moved up to the new Transistor Division in 1954 as Manager of Manufacturing, and was then promoted to VP in 1956. In 1959, he was chosen by management to be Chairman of the Board of TI Ltd., with the task of setting up the first off-shore semiconductor factory in Bedford, England. The Dotson family lived in Europe for three years. He was soon head of TI's International Operations, and in 1968, was promoted to Sr. VP, leading a fact-finding mission to Asia to establish TI's first plants in that part of the world. He was Sr. VP and Manager of Corporate Resources and Services when he retired in March, 1973, after 22 years of service. He was universally admired for his honesty, humor, and extraordinary abilities to get tough jobs done. Cecil played an important role in the meteoric rise of TI in its early days. Cecil's retirement centered around skiing and golfing, and Vail became the family's second home. His TI management skills came into play as president of his condo association, a post he held for 25 years. As his interest shifted primarily to golf, the recreational base moved to Naples, Florida. His life-time golfing goal was to play all the great courses of the world. Although he never achieved this impossible dream, he played many of the best US and famous Scottish and European links. Cecil was a kind and considerate person with a vast intellect and wit, and will be fondly remembered by many. He served his country, his family and his friends well, and wherever Cecil passed, he left better than he found. There will be a Memorial Service held at Northway Christian Church, 7202 W. Northwest Hwy. on Friday, July 2, 2010, at 3:30 PM. Memorial contributions may be directed to UT Southwestern Medical Center, P.O. Box 910888, Dallas, TX 75391-0888 or online at www.utsouthwestern.edu/ donate now to support the cancer research at Simmons Cancer Center.
John Thomas Dutro, Jr., died on Sunday, June 13, 2010 at his residence in Washington, DC. Husband of Nancy P. Dutro; father of Sarah Cormier (Gil), Christopher Dutro (Joanne) and Susan Dutro (Will); brother of Robert Dutro and Jean Dutro; grandfather of Jennifer, Erin, Kevin, Rebecca and Rachel. Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Paleontological Research Institution, 1259 Trumansburg Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 or Capital Hospice, 4401 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20008. He trained at Denison Univ., and served as a weather observer in Greenland in WWII.
John Francis Whittemore, formerly of Dalton, Georgia, died Saturday, May 29, 2010 in Decatur at the age of 91. Mr. Whittemore is survived by Jessie, his wife of 63 years; daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Richard Price; son and daughter in-law, John Whittemore and Amy Landesberg; daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth W. and Richard Carroll; brother, Paul Whittemore; sister, Bessie Lou Jackson; 8 grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren. He served in the Army Air Corps 15th Weather Squadron in the Pacific during WWII. A memorial service was held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 4th, at Dalton First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to be sent to the American Heart Association.
John L. Wolfe, Lt Col USAF (Ret.), of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on May 29, 2010. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin May 17, 1926 to Doris Lang Wolfe and John Stanton Wolfe, he attended Holy Rosary Grade School and North Division High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 during World War II for training as a B29 gunner. Utilizing the Gl bill after the war, he graduated from Marquette University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. On August 3, 1946, he married the love of his life, Jeanne Marie Sheeley. As the Korean War loomed on the horizon, Jack decided to serve his country as a career officer in the U.S. Air Force. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in 1951, obtaining a Masters Degree in Meteorology from the University of Washington. The wild adventures began as an Air Force family to New York, French Morocco, Rhine Maine, Germany and back to Washington. Five children later and duty stations which included Ohio, Puerto Rico and Massachusetts, Lt. Col. Wolfe retired from the Air Force. Nearly 30 years of honorable service to his country was recognized with countless medals, ribbons and awards. In 1970, the Wolfe pack trekked across country to their new home in Phoenix. Jack taught physics, math, photography and yearbook at Tolleson Union High School for 18 years. For the last 22 years, he enjoyed his retirement building his beloved ultralight airplane, discovering computers, the internet and spending time with his entire family. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Doris and John. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jeanne, his sister, Betty Ann Mares.of Milwaukee, WI, and his 5 children: Jeanne Stape (Jim), John Wolfe (Nancy), James Wolfe (Laurie), Jill Wolfe (Alan Derrick) and Joy Gillies (Jonathan). He was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. His wit and intelligence were present to the very end. Dad was a patriot, a role model and our hero. Burial was at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona with full military honors at 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024.
Edmund David "Dave" Wallace, SMSgt USAF (Ret.), 63, Lawton, OK died Sunday, May 23, 2010. He retired from Air Force weather at AFGWC, Offutt AFB, NE and had been a grey beret AF Combat Weather Warrior. After retirement he worked on the KSWO-TV weather team and became a civilian Weather Forecaster at Sheppard AFB, TX. He also was a dedicated HAMM radio operator & storm chaser. He died of accidental drowning while enjoying one of his favorite pastimes...fishing. Dave is survived by his wife, Julie Ann, of the home; a son, David Brantley Wallace and wife, Angela, of Blair; daughter, Amanda L. Thomas and husband, Blake, of Lawton; four grandchildren: Brantley and Jonathon Wallace, both of Altus; and Jake and Julianne Thomas, both of Lawton; a cousin, Ken and Bette Rogers, Eros, La.; and many, many friends, former co-workers and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Janie Mae Frazier. Funeral occurred at the First Baptist Church, Altus, OK and burial was in Warren Cemetery. Dave's online guest book may be signed and condolences sent at www.whineryhuddleston.com.
Joseph F. Leszcz, Lt Col USAF (Ret.) 87, died Tuesday, April 27, 2010 in Dover, DE. He was an Air Force veteran of World War II and after military service he became an Attorney in Dover. Services: Mass was held in Holy Cross Catholic Church and burial in Delaware Veterans Cemetery. Survived by: Wife, Marianne; children, Michael, Mary, Madalaine, Miya, Mark, Matt and Martin; sister, Helen; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Col. Kurt G. Blunck USAF, Ret., 78, of O'Fallon, Ill., born March 1, 1932, in New York, N.Y., died on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Belleville, Ill. Kurt was a graduate of Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania and attended M.I.T. for one year for weather school. He served 21 years in the Air Weather Service and nine years as Chief of MAC Data Automation and Commander of the 1500 Computer Services Squadron at Scott Air Force Base. He was a charter member of Bethany Lutheran Church in O'Fallon, Ill. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Conrad Ernst and Frieda, nee Pauli Blunck; and a brother, Dr. Conrad Jenson (Joy) Blunck. Surviving are his wife, Dell H., nee Hysmith, Blunck; a daughter, Heidi (Rev. Steve) Clark of Salt Lake City, Utah; and a son, Christoper Blunck of Troy, Ill.; and three granddaughters, Madeline, Emma and Erica; also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church or U.S.O. - McDonnell Chapter. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.kasslyfuneral.com. Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 29, 2010, at Kassly Mortuary, Fairview Heights, Ill. Friends may also call from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday, April 30, 2010, at Bethany Lutheran Church, O'Fallon, Ill. Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 30, 2010, at Bethany Lutheran Church, O'Fallon, Ill., with the Rev. Fred Baue and the Rev. Doug Nicely officiating. Interment will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.
Roy August Wegener, Sr. Lt Col USAF (Ret.) April 10, 1917 - April 3, 2010. Roy A. Wegener, 92, long-time resident of Cocoa Beach, departed this life on Saturday, April 3, 2010 and is now at peace. Born April 10, 1917 in Napoleon, MO to Henry G. and Leona Meyer Wegener, beloved father, grandfather and uncle Roy is predeceased by his parents, his two sisters Eunice Kimmitt and Ella Taylor and by his cherished wife, Margaret Philips. He is survived by son Roy Jr. of Jacksonville, FL, and daughter Margaret (Peg) Dallowitz of Tampa, FL, daughter-in-law Peggi Sanborn Wegener, son-in-law Fred T. Dallowitz, and grandsons Jeremy, Cody, and Wesley Wegener, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A retired, well-traveled career Air Force officer, Roy was devoted to his church, family, friends, and above all to his Lord. His voice was often heard in Sunday worship as he sang his sincere praise with glorious enthusiasm and very capable musical prowess. Now he sings with choirs of angels. May his joyful noises continue to delight the One they are meant to honor. Roy was accorded full military honors at burial in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell on Friday, April 9th. A memorial service will be held at Roys church, Riverside Presbyterian, Cocoa Beach, on Thursday, April 15th at 11am. http://beckmanwilliamson.com/sitemaker/sites/Beckma1/obit.cgi?user=191788Wegener.
Alfonso H. Butera LtCol USAF (Ret.) died peacefully March 25, 2010, at Sunrise at Lower Makefield in Yardley, PA. He was 92. He was born in Indiana, PA to Charles Butera and Margaret Dimino Butera Lomando. Much of his adult life was spent in the DC metropolitan area serving as a meteorologist in the U.S. Air Force and working for the U.S. Department of Commerce. LtCol Butera was a graduate of the University of Maryland and George Washington University. He is survived by his beloved wife Nina Emerson Butera currently residing at Sunrise at Lower Makefield; children Charles of Summit Point, WV, Robert of Morrisville, PA, Nina Rousseau of Leesburg, VA, and Patricia of Orlando, FL; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers Charles Butera and Anthony Lomando, and is survived by his brother Samuel Lomando of New Kensington, PA and sister Carmella Nassick of New Kensington, PA. LtCol Butera will be buried with full military honors at the Arlington National Cemetery. There will be no local memorial service. Memorial contributions may be made to Odyssey Health Care, 512 Township Line Rd, Valley Square Bldg 2, Ste 305, Blue Bell, PA 19422.
Betty Canning, Betty Louise, 86 went to be with her Lord March 20, 2010. Survived by husband Douglas, children Patricia Biles (Lacey), Doug, Jr. (Edie). Grand children Michael, Stephen, Courtney, Jennifer, Leslie. Great grandchildren Matthew, Lukas, Justin, Logan. Brother DC Newman. Preceded in death by her daughter Sherry. Betty's service to her community included Altar Guild, Pink Ladies, Meals on Wheels, Air Force Officers Wives Clubs in Germany, Panama and many states. In loving memory, memorial services will be held at 2 pm, Thursday, March 25th in the Chapel of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Maitland Florida at 331 Lake Ave. Guest book is at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/orlandosentinel/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=141082987
Charles A. Oostdyk, Jr., passed away on March 17, 2010 at age 88 from leukemia surrounded by family at the VA Hospital in Loma Linda, CA. He served as a Captain in the US Army Air Corps in WWII as a meteorologist in the European Theater. After discharge, he was employed by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company for 17 years and Aerojet General Company before founding Orange County Rubber Company, Inc. He was President and CEO providing industrial rubber products throughout Southern California for 17 more years, representing Goodyear and Gates Rubber Company. Charlie is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years Marjie, son Charles III, and grandchildren Chuck and Jenny. He will be missed by his loving family, dear friends, local and across the country. Living in Sun City, CA for the past 31 years, he was a devoted member of the United Methodist Curch and the Masonic Order Menifee Valley Lodge 289 F. & A.M. His life was honored at a memorial service on 3/25/10 at the Sun City United Methodist Church. He was buried at the Riverside National Cemetary 3/31/10. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in his honor to the American Cancer Society.
Charles Marchiando, 87, of Collinsville, Ill., born Feb. 26, 1923, in Collinsville, Ill., died Thursday, March 11, 2010, at St. Anthony's Medical Center, St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Marchiando retired from the U.S. Air Force after serving 22 years, and retired from McDonnell Douglas after 17 years. He was a member of the Collinsville VFW, St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, and Shiloh Valley Camping Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mary, nee Navaria, Marchiando; and two brothers, Florenz and Joseph Marchiando. Surviving are his wife, Ruth, nee Wand, Marchiando whom he married on July 1, 1947; three sons, Albert (Leslie) Marchiando of Quincy, Ill., Andrew (Barbara) Marchiando of Surprise, Ariz., and Anthony (Diane) Marchiando of St. Louis, Mo.; his daughter, Jean (Tom) Lauzon of Spotsylvania, Va.; and eight grandchildren. Burial was at Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Collinsville, Ill. Memorials may be made to Illinois Conservation Foundation.
Henderson Bell Herod, Jr., 94, of O'Fallon, Illinois passed away on March 8th, 2010. He was the son of Henderson Bell Herod and Daisy Ola (nee Griffin) Herod and was born on March 19, 1915 at the home of his grandparents, Wade Preston and Victoria (nee Garrett) Herod in Hartsville, Tennessee. He spent much of early years enjoying the land where his grandfather raised tobacco and Tennessee Walking Horses. He had a great love for his Herod relatives as well as for the state of his birth. His grandfathers gift of a pony and a dog at an early age and the requirement for taking care of his pets probably instilled in him his love for animals. He received the moniker of Chick while attending a Boy Scout camp where he and his friends gave nicknames to each other and so became known to his friends as Chick. In addition to Tennessee, He also lived during his young years in Alabama and Florida before moving to New York City as a teenager. He received his education in New York public schools and at New York University before entering the working world as a safety engineer for Johnson & Higgins Insurance Brokerage. With the sounds of war, he joined the Army Air Corps and served as a pilot in World War II. After his service years, he worked in Ohio as an engineer at Mansfield Tire and Rubber Company and then for Marco Photo Finishing. He was a dedicated patriot and always desired to serve his country. In 1960, he began work in Federal Civil Service where he worked until his retirement in 1984. His assignments included Loring Air Force Base, Maine, Yokota Air Base, Japan and Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He always found time for family activities and to enjoy some of his many hobbiesreading, cars, photography, skeet shooting, woodworking and his Apple computers. In later years, he enjoyed feeding the birds on the sun-deck and photographing them. He cherished his family, and time spent with each one was precious to him. His friends were also very important and dear to him as was his church family. He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Virginia (nee Tate); son, Alan Henderson Herod, and his wife, Sally (nee Nork); daughter, Elizabeth Carroll Herod and her husband, Thomas A. Gallagher; grandchildren: Timothy Herod; Jennifer Ellicott; Stacy Herod Marks and husband, Jason; Kristina Herod Lahiri and her husband, Kiron; Christopher Herod and his wife, Ashley; great grandchildren: Lauren Herod, Cody Herod, Colton Sposta, Alyssa Marks, and Ashley Marks; his brother, Wade Herod; nieces, nephews, and many cousins. A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, April 3rd at 2:00 P. M. at the First United Methodist Church in OFallon. If desired, memorials may be made to the church, Hospice of Southern Illinois, or to the donors choice. Cas Mendez-Vigo stated, "Most of you will remember him as the HQ AWS Safety Officer. Chick spoke with a vibrator after an accident while flying a P 51 in WWII. He was, I believe a fine and gentle person and a very intelligent man who served AWS very well. I was lucky to have him as a neighbor and friend."
Everett H. Sisk, 80, of Charlottesville, Virginia died on Sunday March 7, 2010, at a local hospital. A native of West Virginia, Everett was a military retiree and a past Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge in Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Alice Sisk; and a sister, Lorraine Vignola. He is survived by a son, Rex Sisk; and a daughter, Terri Broughton of The Colony, Texas. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Dallas Broughton and Jessica Sisk; two brothers, Harry Sisk and his wife, JoAnn, of Keswick, Virginia, and Fred Sisk and his wife, Kathy, of Kennesaw, Georgia; and his dear friend, Hazel Porterfield of Charlottesville, Virginia. A funeral service was held March 11, 2010, at the Hill and Wood Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Doctor Bill Jones officiating. Interment followed at 2 p.m. at the Culpeper Virginia National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
Virginia Harris Mikell, 86, of Tampa, was called to God's open arms February 28, 2010. She was born June 23, 1923, in Nevada, Mo. She moved at an early age with her family to South Tampa. She graduated from Plant High School in January 1942 and graduated from Sullins Jr. College in Bristol, Va., in 1944. Virginia was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald F. Herman in 1952; her son, Douglas in 1993; and most recently, her husband, pilot and meteorologist, Lt Col Emory Mikell, in January 2010. She is survived by her sons, E. Allen Mikell of Orlando, Fla., and Gregory and Stephen of Tampa; sister-in-law, Evenell Pent of Weeki Wachee, Fla.; grand-children, Amanda E. Mikell of W. Palm Beach, Fla., Jonathan A. Mikell of Gainesville, Fla., Emory Anne Mikell of Winter Park, Fla., Sarah A. Mikell of Lexington, Ky.; and numerous other family members and friends. Virginia was a wife, mother to four sons, an active church member, and a volunteer to numerous organizations throughout her life. Her early years included working at Drew Field and MacDill during World War II. It was at MacDill that she met Donald Herman, who had just returned from New Guinea. Upon his discharge, they were married in February 1946, and they moved to Jacksonville to begin his career with the Chevrolet Division of GM. When Don died in 1952, she returned to South Tampa. When registering her son, Greg, for kindergarten, she met a recently widowed captain who was bringing his son. They married in February 1954. His career took her to Japan, Louisiana, Guam, Massachusetts and New Jersey. Being the wife of a U.S. Air Force officer afforded her time to devote to her God, her family and the community where she was stationed. Upon Emory' s retirement from the USAF in 1969, they moved back to South Tampa. Returning to the First Christian Church, where she had been baptized as a child, she became an active member. She felt honored and privileged to have served in numerous capacities, including as a member of the diaconate, as an elder, member and chairperson of numerous committees, church secretary and chairman of the board. Virginia was also key to the yearly reunions of the Plant H.S. class of ' 42, keeping alive the memories of their youth. When her youngest son left for college in 1973, she became involved with The Children' s Home of Tampa, serving in the South Tampa Auxiliary, as a staff volunteer, committee member, and as a member of the board of directors since 1978. She was especially honored when in May 2001, Virginia was recognized as Outstanding Volunteer of the Year in Tampa by The Volunteer Center of the United Way. To all who knew her, she was a tireless contributor, a classy lady, so full of boundless love and compassion, a pillar of strength and a rock in troubling times. Inurnment services were at Garden of Memories. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Virginia' s memory to The Children' s Home Inc., 10909 Memorial Highway, Tampa, FL 33615-2511.
James Peter Condaxis, Col USAF (Ret.) age 91, of Branson, MO died at 7:50am, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010 at his home. He was born on Nov. 7, 1918 in St. Louis, MO the son of Peter and Mersina Condaxis. He was a retired Meteorologist with The Department of Commerce and retired as a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. He had been a resident of the area for the past year having moved from Clearwater, FL. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marian Jane Condaxis of Branson, MO; three children, Mersine Kallaos of St. Louis, MO, John Condaxis of East Granby, CT, Mary Kay Hayden of St. Louis, MO; two siblings, William Condaxis of Norwood, MA, Helaine DeSilva of New York, NY; two stepchildren, Christina Tsahiridis of Branson, MO, John Kastanas of St. Louis, MO; 8 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Paul Condaxis. Visitation will be from 6-8pm on Monday, Feb. 22, 2010 at the funeral home. Funeral service will be held at 10am, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010 at Greenlawn Funeral Home of Branson with Father Joseph Strzelecki officiating. Burial will follow at 2pm in Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, MO. Arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home of Branson. Memorial contributions are suggested to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 409 South Old Coachman Road, Clearwater, FL 33765. Please visit our web site at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com to leave online condolences.
Farnsworth, John K. Major, USAF Retired John Kubel Farnsworth, beloved husband and father, passed from this world on January 21, 2010, at his home in San Diego. He was born on December 13, 1916, in Shanghai, China, to Navy Commander John S. and Florence Kubel Farnsworth. He was raised in Washington, D.C. with his two younger brothers and a sister all of whom preceded him in death. Prior to the Second World War, he attended the University of Maryland and joined the National Guard. He volunteered for the Army and served in Europe with the 831st Army Engineers for four years during the war. While in England, he met and married his lifelong love and companion, Diana Muriel Buck. After the war, he switched to the new armed service branch, the Air Force, where he served in the Korean War and was a meteorologist until his retirement in 1964. While serving in the Air Force, he earned a degree in mathematics from the University of Illinois. He subsequently worked for the Clark County, Nevada, Air Pollution Control Department. After completing a master's level program in public health administration at the University of Southern California, he worked for the San Diego County Air Pollution Control Department as the deputy director until his retirement in 1980. A devoted husband and father, he was involved with service, for many years, to the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in Chula Vista. He was also active with many pro-life organizations. A kind, loving, fair and special man, he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Diana, sons Robert (Susie) and Thomas (Laquetta) Las Vegas, Nevada; daughter Mary (Michael) McMahon, Chula Vista; son John (Kenda), Portland, Oregon; daughter Claire Matthews, Las Vegas; son Stephen, San Diego; daughter Wendy Daniel, Las Vegas; daughter Julie (Jim) Jones, San Diego; son Vincent (Gwendolyn), Prague, Czech Republic; and son Frederick, San Diego. He also has 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Services were held at the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in Chula Vista on Thursday, January 28th, at 10 a.m. with a graveside service at Holy Cross Cemetery following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Human Life International or a pro-life organization of choice.
Dr. Charles Joseph Shipp 88 of Greenfield, KY died in the Belle Meade Home on January 6, 2010 after a lengthy illness. He was born November 17, 1921 in Owensboro, KY the 4th child of Rev. William Sanford Shipp and Hannah Stith Shipp. Dr. Shipp graduated from Hartford High School in 1939 and worked in Illinois until 1942 when he enlisted in the Army during WWII. He served in Pacific Theatres, Central Pacific, Eastern Mandates, Northern Solomons and Okinawa where he received Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal with 4 bronze stars having been in 4 major battles. He was discharged in October 1945 as a SSgt earning an Air Medal for 100 hours of voluntary weather observation and reporting with 17th Weather Squadron flying from Guadalcanal with Navy PB4Y search group through December 1943. After WWII with the GI Bill, he attended the University of Louisville and was admitted to the UofL Medical School in September 1949. He graduated with an M.D. in 1953. After an internship, he joined medical practice with G. F. Brockman III M.D. in Greenville, KY and continued family practice there for 43 years. He was a lifetime member of KMA, AMA and the American Academy of Family Practice. He was a member of the Greenville United Methodist Church, the 17th Weather Squadron Alumni Association and the Air Weather Association. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Rev. Ted Shipp, sister Hannah Shipp Williams, brothers Paul, Jim, Samuel and J.W. Shipp. He is survived by his loving companion Margaret (Boonie) Hunt of Greenville, KY, daughter Barbara (Don) Shipp Ruffalo of Sarasota, FL, four grandchildren, one brother Jacob (Mattie) Shipp of Panama City, FL and several nieces and nephews. Memorial Services were held on January 15th at the Greenville United Methodist Church in Greenville. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery in Greenville. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the Greenville United Methodist Church, Green River Hospice or your favorite charity.