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Atri Kangas
Atri E. Kangas, 81, of Phoenix, passed away at home on Jan. 23, 2002.
He was born in Makinen, Minn. and was a retired drill operator for the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. He served in the Army during World War II, attaining the rank of sergeant functioning as an anti-tank crewman of Company 2D Battalion 66th Armored Regiment.
Under the command of General Patton his regiment served in Africa in Morocco and Tunisia, southern Europe in Sicily, Normandy, northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and central Europe including the Battle of the Bulge.
During his work life, while he was in the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, he worked in California on the Feather River Project and then moved to Arizona in 1962 where he worked mainly on the Central Arizona Project until he retired.
In his retirement he remained an avid sports fan, especially the Diamondbacks and the Suns. He enjoyed walking and also discussing current events with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Gertrude; a daughter Kathy; a son, Robert, and daughter-in-law Jeannie; a daughter, Linda, and son-in-law Greg; two grandchildren, Ian and Benjamin; and two sisters, Alvera Williams of California and Sadie Lyngaas of Minnesota.
Visitation was held Jan. 28 at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, followed by graveside services at National Memorial cemetery of Arizona.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars, 6907 E. Thomas Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
Lucille M. Taft
Lucille M. Taft, beloved wife of the late Herb Taft, loving mother of Jerry Taft, loving sister of Lloyd McClure, Jean Alexander, Betty Fyffe and Paul McClure, beloved grandmother of five grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews died Tuesday, Jan. 22 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was 80-years-old.
A memorial service will be Friday, February 1, at Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower, Phoenix, AZ, 85014.
‘Tony’ Davis
James Anthony "Tony" Davis, 33, passed away Dec. 7, 2001.
He is survived by his wife, Siham, and three children; along with his parents, Robert and Kathleen Selivonik of Fountain Hills, and Michael Davis Sr. of Maryland.
Tony will remain in our hearts and remembered by all.
Joyce Governale
Joyce Governale, 67, of Fountain Hills died Jan. 29, 2002 at her residence.
Formerly of Cleveland, Ohio, Mrs. Governale was born March 20, 1934 in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada and was a mother and homemaker.
We will miss you dearly and you shall remain forever in our hearts.
Survivors include two sons, Charles M. Governale (Lori) of Fountain Hills and Michael J. Governale (Miriam) of Laredo, Texas; daughter, Karen Governale of Houston, Texas; and six grandchildren, Justin, Sicily, Kyle, Taylor, Ryan and Dana.
Visitation was held Feb. 1 at Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary, while a funeral mass was said Feb. 2 at Church of the Ascension.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1028 McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85006 or to the American Diabetes Association, 9034 N. 23rd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021.
Donald Romans
Donald "Pappy" Romans, 86 passed away peacefully on Feb. 2, 2002.
Pappy was a retired Union Pacific Railroad engineer. He loved to rebuild antique clocks, player pianos and jukeboxes. He also enjoyed his summers at his cabin in Park Rapids, Minn.
Mr. Romans is survived by his daughter, Janet Eck of Scottsdale; three sons, Lee Romans of Fountain Hills, Fred Romans of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Mike Wymore of New Braunfels, Texas; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
His wife, Lillian and his brother, Robert, precede him in death.
Visitation for Mr. Romans was held Monday, Feb. 4, at Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary. Visitation will be held Wednesday, Feb. 6, at McGurdy Funeral Home in Council Bluff, Iowa followed by graveside services at Walnut Hill cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Ann Selivonik
Ann Julia Selivonik, 76, passed away Jan. 27, 2002.
She is survived by her son, Robert, of Fountain Hills; three grandchildren; three sisters; and one brother of New Jersey.
She will be remembered for her enthusiasm for life, particularly helping those in need.
A mass will be held in her memory Wednesday, Feb. 13, at Church of the Ascension at 12 noon.
John W. Augustine
John W. Augustine, 86, of Fountain Hills died Dec. 3, 2001 at Life Care Center of Scottsdale.
Mr. Augustine was born Dec. 24, 1914 in Chicago, Ill. He worked as an auto parts troubleshooter for NAPA.
Mr. Augustine enlisted in the U.S. Army a day after Pearl Harbor was attacked. During the war he was listed as missing in action and afterward was highly decorated with the American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with three bronze stars, the Purple Heart, Good Conduct and the Bronze Star.
Mr. Augustine is survived by his wife, Lorraine of Fountain Hills; and many nieces and nephews.
A military funeral was held for Mr. Augustine on Dec. 6, in Chicago, Ill. with burial at Resurrection cemetery.
A memorial service for Mr. Augustine will be held in Fountain Hills on Thursday, Feb. 21, at 8 a.m. at the Church of the Ascension, 12615 N. Fountain Hills Boulevard.
William H. (Bill) Burns
William H. (Bill) Burns of Fountain Hills passed away at his residence on Feb. 10. Formerly of Covina, Calif., Bill was born on July 7, 1923 in Como, Texas. He worked most of his life as a heavy equipment operator.
Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; son Steve (Karen) Burns of Visalia, Calif. and daughter Patty Burns of Roswell, N.M. Also, three stepchildren, sons David (Connie Satow) Phillips and Steward (Evelyn) Phillips and daughter Lauren (Johan) Swanberg, all of California. He has 11 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren. He also leaves a brother, Leslie Burns, of Yucaipa, Calif.
Bill was a navy veteran of World War II, a life member of the V.F.W. Post 8070 in Azusa, Calif. and a member of the American Legion Post 58 in Fountain Hills.
His memorial service will be in Azusa, Calif. at a date not yet determined. Memorial contributions may be made of the Hospice of the Valley, 5111 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 280, Scottsdale, AZ, 85250.
Lorene Warren
Lorene W. Warren, 89, of Fountain Hills died Feb. 5, 2002 at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea.
Born in Pulaski County, Ind., Mrs. Warren was a homemaker.
She was a member of the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church and Fountain Lake Republican Women’s Club.
Survivors include her son, Eugene Warren (Linda) of Claremont, Calif.; daughter, Patricia Miller (Michael) of Indianapolis, Ind.; brother, Donald Long (Juanita) of Sun Lakes; sister, Ruth Long of Mesa; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Feb. 9 at Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary.
The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to ALS, 5040 E. Shea Blvd., suite 151, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
Beverly Baptisto
Beverly Jean Baptisto, 59, of Fort McDowell died Feb. 9, 2002 at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea hospital.
Ms. Baptisto was born Feb. 21, 1942 in Phoenix. She lived at Fort McDowell and worked as a receptionist at the Fort McDowell Casino. She was a member of the Fort McDowell Presbyterian Church.
Ms. Baptisto is survived by four sons, Ton Armenta, Aaron Baptisto, Jason Baptisto and Darren Baptisto; one daughter, Verlene Baptisto; a sister, Amelia Carlos; and 10 grandchildren, Maria, Lieah, Tyler, Erin (Noe), Missy, Sergio, Ciara, Dawndrea, Gayle and Mattie.
Services for Ms. Baptisto were held Friday, Feb. 15, at Fort McDowell Presbyterian Church Arbor. Interment was at Fort McDowell cemetery.
Henry M. Pederson
Henry M. Pederson, 91, died Feb. 16 in Phoenix.
Pederson was born on April 7, 1910 in Superior, Wis. He was railroad machinist helper during his career.
Sons Nels (Barbara) Pederson of Fountain Hills, Henry (Marlene) Pederson of Batavia, Ill. and Rodney (Patricia) Pederson of Stillwater, Minn.; Sister Julia Andrews of Seattle, Wash.; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild survive him.
A memorial service will be at a later date in Superior, Wash. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley at 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ, 85014.
Fred C. Richardson
Long-time resident and Fountain Hills pioneer, Fred C. ("Fearless Freddie") Richardson, 90, passed away, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2002 at the Life Care Center of Scottsdale, from natural causes.
Fred was well-known and well-liked my many throughout the community.
Born in 1912 in California, Fred helped promote our nation’s interest in air travel. At the age of 17, he built his first airplane, a glider, thus beginning his passion for aeronautics. During the Depression, he would give flying lessons and rides to anyone daring enough, often being paid with chickens or produce.
Fred joined the Army Air Corps at the onset of WWII as a flight instructor in California, where he met his lovely wife-to-be, Ruth. Later, he flew "the hump" between India and China in C-46 transport planes, delivering fuel for our fighter jets based in China in one of the most significant war campaigns.
Fred was a civilian flight instructor and Squadron Commander for the Air Force during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. President Carter awarded him a special citation for his training accomplishments.
Fred had flown all types of planes, but the culmination came in his ‘70s when Fred built by hand a single-seat version of a high-wing Cub. He even did his test flights right here in Fountain Hills. The plane earned first place in Arizona’s Experimental Aircraft "Fly-In."
Fred was also a tremendous athlete. He won many competitions in tennis during his lifetime, having been ranked as one of the top 100 seniors in the nation. Fred sometimes taught and often competed at the Fountain Hills Racquet (Mirage) Club. Fred captured first place in a decathlon in Fountain Hills when he was 67, competing against men in their 20s. Fred also represented Fountain Hills in three Arizona Senior Olympics, winning four bronze medals in track and field.
Fred loved motorcycles, racing them as a young man and riding them even into his 70s. He was once on the pit crew for an auto racing team. Fred frequently made himself and his expert mechanical skills available to anyone needing help fixing cars, home repair, etc.
Fred, Ruth and their three sons, Bob, Bruce and Brian, moved to Scottsdale in 1959, when it was still a horse town. He believed in Scottsdale’s future, especially for his sons. Fred also believed in Fountain Hills’ future, so he and Ruth moved here 25 years ago, becoming icons in the community. Fred’s quick smile, humor and optimism will be missed by all.
Services will be held at 3 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary on Saguaro Blvd. All are welcome. Fred is survived by his loving wife, Ruth, and sons Bob and Brian.
Cecelia Ann Richards
Cecelia Ann Richards, a resident of Fountain Hills, died Feb. 14 at the Eckstein Center in Scottsdale. She was 76-years-old.
Mrs. Richards was born on Nov. 14, 1925 in Coalport, Pa. She was a homemaker.
Her husband, Richard of Fountain Hills and daughter Cheryl Shiffman of Fountain Hills as well as many nieces and nephews in Arizona and Michigan survive her.
A memorial service will be at St. Patrick’s Church in Scottsdale at a later date. Interment will be at St. Mary’s cemetery in Milford, Mich.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ, 85014.
Anthony Polacco
Anthony Polacco passed away Feb. 17, 2002 at the age of 79 after a sudden illness. Born Oct. 30, 1922, Tony grew up in the Metuchen area of New Jersey. An Eagle Scout, he graduated from Metuchen High School in 1941. During WWII Tony was assigned for three years to the Black Widow Squadron, 426th Night Fighter Squadron in China. He later attended Mt. St. Mary’s in MD, and then Rutgers University where he received his Master’s degree in teaching. For the next 35 years Tony taught many different grades as well as being a principal, retiring in 1979 from the Franklin School in South Plainfield, NJ. He then moved to Fountain Hills, AZ and became an active member of the Lion’s Club. Tony was a caring and giving friend to many and spent the next 13 years visiting public schools to promote the Lion’s flag program and in 1995 was Lion of the Year. His parents, the late Vincent and Gaetano Polacco, and his brother, Augustine, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 29 years, Ruth (Scardefield), his children Matthew (Kim) of Brick, NJ, Thomas of Nashville, TN, Augustine of Santa Cruz, CA, Chris (Joe) of Scottsdale, AZ, Ray (Mary) of Scottsdale, AZ and Robin (Barry) of Issaquah, WA and six grandchildren, (Christopher, Kyle, Max, Nicolas, Alayne and Brian). A memorial service will be held Thursday, Feb. 22, 2002, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1244 S. Power Road, Mesa. In lieu of flowers, the Fountain Hills Lion’s Club, in memory of Anthony Polacco, is establishing a scholarship fund. Contributions can be sent to P.O. Box 17808, Fountain Hills, AZ, 85269-7808.
Donald Cihacek
Sadly, we announce the passing of our dear friend and uncle, Donald Cihacek.
Born Sept. 12, 1945, Don passed away Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005.
Don was born and raised in Nebraska where his niece Audrey Ingram and her family still reside.
Fountain Hills and Rio Verde had been home to Don for the past 30 years, with Estes Park, Colo. being a summer getaway
Close friends wish to thank Vicki and Kernit Beseke, Richard Holper, Lou and Jan Anderson, Phil Roseli and the wonderful staff at Hospice of the Valley Eckstein Center.
Don was a good friend and quite the outdoorsman. He will be missed and remembered by us all, his extended family, including Susan and Shanea Bode; Julaine, Arden and Tangie Kolstad; Rick, Debbie and Hannah Toth; George Atwell (who was there when it counted); and the Rio Verde Country Club food and beverage staff.
Marge McKelvey
Marjorie "Marge" May McKelvey was born in Chicago, Illinois to John and Margaret May Lavers.
She married Andrew McKelvey Jr. (deceased June 16, 1996) on June 22, 1940. They spent 56 happy years together and adopted a son, Andrew McKelvey III.
Marge had two step-sisters Margaret and Katheryn and a step-brother Tom (all deceased). Andrew had two brothers, John and Sam, and a sister Jean (all deceased).
Marge was the last of her generation of the McKelvey family.
Marge and Andy had many nieces and nephews as well as many great nieces and nephews. She was assisted with many things by her niece Sharon Travers of Phoenix, when her husband, Andy passed away. Her son Andy is married to Donna McKelvey, and has three grown children from a previous marriage to Rita McKelvey. Marge’s grandsons Robert (20) and John (22) both live in Illinois. Her granddaughter Sandra (25) is married to Scott Dettmering and lives in Scottsdale. Marge has one great grandson, Shayne Anthony Dettmering, who is Sandra and Scott’s son.
Marge grew up on the south side of Chicago and moved to LaGrange Park, Ill. in 1960. Marge was a housewife who helped with Cub Scout den meetings and taught Sunday school at the Village Church of LaGrange Park.
When her husband started a plastic molding business in the early 1970s she handled the office duties in the office in the basement of the house.
Marge and Andy moved to Fountain Hills in January 1987, and lived on Ridgeway Drive. Andy was active in the Men’s Club and Marge was a member of the Club Angels.
In her mid 50s Marge learned how to play golf and played with the nine-hole ladies here in Fountain Hills. Marge was active in Bible study and circle at Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church, where she had many friends.
Marge enjoyed playing bridge and board games as well as doing both jigsaw and crossword puzzles. During baseball season she enjoyed following the Diamondbacks on both TV and radio.
After her husband’s death in 1996, Marge bought a patio home on Falcon Drive. Her granddaughter came from Illinois to live with her in 1998, until she found her own apartment in Scottsdale in 1999.
In October of 2003, Marge’s son and his wife bought a house on Lost Hills Drive and Marge went to live with them. Marge had numerous health problems in her later years, and in October of 2004 she was hospitalized with congestive heart failure. She returned home on oxygen on Halloween 2004.
Marge never quite got back to 100 percent, and made many trips to see her doctor.
On Feb. 3, 2005, Marge was taken to the hospital by ambulance, where she was admitted with congestive heart failure and pneumonia.
She had to spend most of Thursday night in the emergency room because there was no bed available on the floor. At about 7 a.m. on Friday morning she was moved to intensive care unit, and was, according to a nurse, doing OK but a little short of breath. At about 11:30 a.m. she was taken down for some tests and at approximately 12 p.m. she coded and at approximately 12:15 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 4, 2005, she peacefully passed into God’s hands.
