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Julia Valentina Hunt, age 23, died in a car accident where she was struck by a wrong-way driver on June 4^th, 2020 in Lancaster, New York, while driving to her new apartment in Rochester, New York.

Julia was born in Gorlovka, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on May 11, 1997. She joined her new family in Arizona in January of 2008. She graduated from Ambassador Christian Academy in Queen Creek in 2016.

Julia’s first job was working at Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, but as soon as she graduated from high school, she began work as a Home Health Care Aid, bringing her joyful personality to people who were largely homebound and loved her ability to make them feel cared for and important. After high school, Julia lived in many places, including Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, South Carolina, and New York.

Julia was a master of giving compliments and making people feel seen and appreciated.

Julia was a charitable, giving person. Whenever she saw a homeless person, she would always spare a few dollars to go through a drive-thru and get them a burger or fries or something to eat, even if she was nearly broke herself.

She loved spicy foods (especially Takis), driving with loud music and the windows down, and taking selfies in new clothes.

Those who knew Julia often describe her spunk, sass, and zest for life. She fought through many low times due to personal struggles with mental health, but had just as many high times where she enjoyed life.

She is survived by her parents, LeAnn and Daryl Hunt and Oksana Legenkaya, and her siblings: Richard Hunt, Nichole Eck, Elena Okonkwor, Jeremy Hunt, Jackson Hunt, Morgan Hunt, Sasha Vaitehovich, and Nastia Vaitehovich.

Funeral services for Julia will be held in Arizona on Saturday, June 13th at 9:00 am, PST. Due to current circumstances with Covid-19, a video of the services will be broadcast digitally over Facebook for those who would like to watch and pay their respects.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a Memorial Fund we have put in place for Julia’s family to continue her tradition of giving burgers to the homeless.

James (Jim, Jimmy) Alan Zelko Born in Chicago, Illinois on January 22, 1970 to William and Charlene (Staton) Zelko. Died on June 3, 2020 at age 50. The family moved to Elk Grove Vlg, IL when Jim was 5 and that’s where he spent his formative years. In 1993 the family moved to AZ but he remained a true and loyal fan of all Chicago sports teams. His biggest thrill was the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series and going to spring training games. Jim enjoyed going to Heber, AZ and the cool weather and pine trees and his brother and nieces visits to Arizona and their many travels exploring the mighty wonders of the state. He loved family dinners, all holidays and lively discussions. He was quick-witted and had a great sense of humor. Jim worked for the town of Gilbert until his health failed. He was preceded in death by his father William Sr. and his brother William Jr. He is survived by his mother Charlene, sister and brother-in-law Karen and Robert Komada, nieces Megan Zelko, Melissa (Jon Kreiter), Aunts Marilyn Melkey of South Bend, IN, Carolyn Kelly of Sayreville, NJ, Patricia Zelko of Algonquin, IL and many cousins. Jim was a beloved son, brother and uncle. We are sad he is no longer with us but glad he is reunited with his father and brother. May he rest in peace.

On Saturday evening, May 30^th, 2020, Annette (McElhiney) Broyles, devoted mother of seven children, “graduated” from the school of life to receive her Eternal Diploma in heaven.  She was 83 years young!

Annette was born the third of five children on March 25, 1937 in Bethany, MO to James A. (Gus) and Sylvia May (Long) McElhiney.   She received her first degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts from Kansas University in 1959.  She later received a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1984.  She went on to qualify as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Iowa in 1986 and also in the state of Colorado in 1995, and held other social work accreditations in Nebraska (1987) and California (2001). On August 30, 1957, she married Gerald David Broyles.  They had seven children, Sherri, Shauna, David, Daniel, Michael, Shandra, and Sharlauna, whom they raised predominantly in Omaha, Nebraska.  As wife, mother, and counselor, she lovingly listened, and patiently worked with, numerous problems of mind, body, and spirit. 

Annette was raised in a labor intensive farming community which taught her to be independent, resourceful, and creative.   She learned the art of sewing her own clothing, cooking large meals, gardening, caring for animals, and as a teen, learning to play the piano.  Annette was an avid student with an insatiable desire to learn.  She loved books and was always reading and increasing her knowledge and skills.  Studying the Bible and the Book of Mormon were two of her favorite reads.  She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Her faith in Jesus Christ was very important to her and she used it wholeheartedly to nurture, serve, and teach her large family.  Annette was a talented musician who loved to sing and play piano.  She was a respected and successful piano teacher making large piano recitals a not-to-miss event in the community for many years.  She was also a skilled and insightful psychotherapist with a broad understanding of dissociative disorders, depression, PTSD, child abuse, marital discord, and family dynamics.  However, her most satisfying work was her family and grandchildren.  In her retired years, she loved rocking the grand-babies!  She also reveled in the opportunity to play with different art forms painting with watercolor, acrylic, and oils and working with clay and mixed media art forms.  To top off the amazing abilities that she possessed, she was also a woman of great beauty and exceptional compassion, with a quick wit and fun-loving sense of humor.

Annette was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Gerald, and her daughter, Shauna, as well as her sister, Jeanette and brother, Beryl.  She is survived by her six remaining children, 20 grand-children, 9 great-grand children, and her brothers, Jerry and Jim.  She will be interred at the Mesa Cemetery in Mesa, AZ.  Donations in her honor may be made to:  https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/

Richard Franklin Starr Jr. (Dick), beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, and retired USAF Veteran, passed away early in the morning of Sunday, June 7, 2020, due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease.

Dick was born on January 17, 1939 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the eldest son of Richard Franklin Starr Sr. and Phyllis Luella Hamsher Starr. Dick was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on November 1, 1958. He graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he met his eternal sweetheart, Loraine Allan. They were married on May 7, 1960 in the St. George, Utah Temple. Dick and Loraine have 4 children: Rick, Eric, Brent and LeAnn. Dick later received his master’s degree in Economics, from University of Utah.

Dick served in the United States Air Force for 22 Years. He served in the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1972. He also served in the US European Command (EUCOM) in Stuttgart, Germany, from 1974 – 1977. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel on 13 November, 1986. After he completed his military service, he flew 20 years, for America West Airlines/US Airways.

Dick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was known for his tender heart and his life was full of service to his family, his country, his fellowman, and anyone who needed help along the way. Of all the things he loved in life, his most precious was, his sweetheart, his kids, his friends, and neighbors, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and flying. He also loved planes, guns, photography, and camping.

In 2011 – 2012 Dick served a mission with his wife, Loraine, at Martin’s Cove in Wyoming. He loved sharing the experiences of the early handcart pioneers and walking in their footsteps.

Dick is dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Loraine; their four children and their spouses; Rick Starr (Teresa), Eric Starr (Marcy), Brent Starr (Marcia), LeAnn Carroll (Lafe), 16 grandchildren, and 5 great granddaughters. He is preceded in death by his parents.

There will be a viewing at Bunker Mortuary – University Chapel (3529 East University Drive) in Mesa, Arizona on Thursday, June 11, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 12, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., at the same location, with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Dick Starr will be interned at the Mesa Cemetery following the funeral.

Nancy Rose Tucker was born on July 6th, 1942 in Loma Linda, California.  She was the only daughter of Raymond and Gladys Martin.  She passed away in Mesa, Arizona, on June 3rd, 2020.  Nancy is survived by her children: James Tucker and Kathi Sweet, son-in-law Rob Sweet, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  Nancy is preceded in death by her parents: Raymond and Gladys, and her brother William Martin.

Nancy grew up in California but moved to Arizona in the 1960s where her children were born.  She pursued her passion of caring for others by obtaining her education in Nursing and dedicating her career to healing others while also raising her children.  A serious illness in 1996 required her to stop working but she continued to keep up on her medical education and provided much appreciated guidance and support to friends and family.

Nancy was loved by many and will be remembered for her intelligence, wit and compassion.  She was very generous and charitable to her family, friends and numerous organizations.  She was not only a wonderful mother but also a best friend to her children, who will miss her more than words can say.  To whom we love and adore, until we meet again.

Rogers Arvard Smith, 62, returned home to his Heavenly Father on June 3, 2020 after a 3-year battle with lung cancer.  He passed away at home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born January 7, 1958 in El Paso, Texas to Arvard R. Smith and Lenna Whetten Smith who were ecstatic to finally have a son after having 5 daughters!  Two more sons and a daughter completed their family.  Rogers grew up in El Paso until the age of 12 when his family moved “back home” to Mesa, Arizona.  He graduated from Westwood High School in 1976 where he played the drums in the marching band.  Rogers served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1977 – 1979 in the Buenos Aires Argentina North Mission.  He attended BYU where he met his dear wife Katherine Brinkman and they were married on September 11, 1982 in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple.  Together they have 5 children and 6 grandchildren.  Their first son died shortly after birth.

Rogers was a salesman- one of his first jobs was selling time shares at the Roundhouse Resort in Pinetop, Arizona.  The last 30 years of his life he worked for the airlines, beginning with America West, which became US Airways, which is now American Airlines.

Rogers loved to fly and traveled the world, but his favorite destinations were visiting his children and grandchildren.  He loved traveling to Mexico and especially visiting his lifelong friends he made while on his mission to Argentina.  He was able to take his wife, kids, and former missionary companions on several of those trips to Argentina.

Rogers is survived by his wife: Katherine Smith; children: Kristin Pett (Ryan), Trenton Smith, Alyssa Palfreyman (Sam), Desiree Smith; 3 grandsons and 3 granddaughters; his mother: Lenna Smith; 6 sisters and 1 brother.  He was preceded in death by their son Christopher; father Arvard R. Smith; and a brother Kevin Smith.

Rogers was a great husband, father, friend and was loved by all he associated with.  He was a lifelong active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in various callings throughout his life.  He had a strong testimony of his Savior Jesus Christ.  He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and co-workers.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, June 10^th at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa.

Charl Whiting Riggs Sr., 77, was peacefully called home on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.  He was surrounded by family in his home in Mesa, Arizona.  Charl was born on Feb. 20, 1943 in Phoenix, Arizona to Rockford and Julia Riggs.

Just celebrating their 55^th wedding anniversary, Charl is survived by his wife Valorie Candland Riggs and their 9 children Charl (Sheli), Kimberly (Barry) Thomas, Marie (Clark) Fullmer, Duane (Colleen), Clayton (Kim), Don (Shanda), Ammon (Kim), Sterling (Linnea), and Natalie (Brandon) Connolly.  His legacy will continue with his 43 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Charl was preceded in death by his parents, Rockford and Julia, brothers Ray, Wes, and Wayne. He is survived by his two remaining brothers Larry and Ken.

He earned an MBA from Brigham Young University and spent the majority of his professional life as a real estate broker of land/ranches and owner-operator of Jurassic Stone.

He was the first Booster Club President for Mt. View High School, Board member of American Indian Services, recognized by Spencer W. Kimball for devotion and support to the Lamanite Cause, and received the highest leadership award in the Boy Scouts of America (Silver Beaver Award).

He was a loving husband that was devoted to his family, and you would often find him attending one of his children/grandchildren’s events.  Next to his wife and family, horses and cattle were his second love.  He was a true cowboy.

He was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. As a young man he served honorably in the West Mexico Mission.  Throughout his life, he served in numerous capacities for the church including Scoutmaster, Young Men’s Advisor, Stake Missionary, Ward Mission leader, Young Men’s President, Bishopric member, High Councilman, and Bishop.  He later served a mission with his eternal companion, Valorie in the Mexico, Monterey mission. . He strived to follow the Savior Jesus Christ.  In doing so, he demonstrated genuine love, kindness, and respect for all people. He was a man of faith, hope, and enthusiasm!

In the words of one of his favorite country songs, there will be an “empty saddle in the old corral.”

A Visitation will be held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Thurs., June 11, 2020 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 (All are Welcome to the Visitation). Due to current conditions, a private funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Fri., June 12, 2020 (All are invited to view the funeral service virtually which will be streamed live at:

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For more information, please visit www.bunkerfuneral.com

Sherry Ann Jones, 68 passed away hands being held by her 2 children on Wednesday June 3rd 2020 in Gilbert, Arizona.
Sherry led a peaceful life devoted to her children, and grandchildren. So much so, that though retired, she made doing everything she could to contribute to even the smallest bit of happiness in her grandchildren’s lives her job.
Sherry is survived by her 2 children Aisha Jones, and Armand Jones. And 6 Grandchildren. Sherry also leaves behind 5 siblings. Sisters Kamala and her husband Jim Fields. Tammy and her husband Kenny Crockett. And Latrenda Grant. And Brothers Erie Washington, and Greg Washington.
The funeral service will be held at 6 p.m on Tuesday June 9th, 2020 at: Bunker’s Garden Chapel

33 N Centennial Way
Mesa, Az 85201

The visitation begins 2 hours to the service at 4 p.m. For more information please visit www.bunkerfuneral.com.

Maurice Joseph Landrin III (Joe) was born 1941 to Maurice Joseph Landrin Jr and Martha Litlebo Landrin. He was the oldest of 4 children. He is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, his parents, 2 of his siblings, his sister Pat, and brother Stephen, and his daughter Kathleen. He is survived by 5 children, 19 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. He was a Vietnam Veteran who loved his country. He met his eternal companion Marianne at work in 1968 and married her that same year. Marianne brought her 4 children (Carolyn, Dewey, Jim, and Allan) into their family. They had 2 more children together (Joey & Kathleen) in 1970 and 1971. Joe always provided for his family both financially and spiritually. He never considered Marianne’s kids as “step kids”, but as his own. As a “stepdad” he “STEPPED UP”. His most enduring trait is the way he doted on his beloved wife; he always put her first. He is a great example on how to take care of your spouse and family. He is the best husband, father, and friend you could have and will be dearly missed.

Wayne Lamarr Macdonald, 92, peacefully passed away Sunday, May 31st, 2020.

He was born October 4, 1927 to George and Rosa Macdonald in Phoenix Arizona. He was the youngest of 5 children. He met and married the love of his life Helen Russell on May 25th 1951 celebrating 52 years of marriage. Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, siblings and eternal companion Helen.

He is survived by his son Brent, daughter, Carie (Walker), and sons Larry, Scott, and Jon Macdonald along with 23 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. Wayne practiced dentistry in Phoenix for 37 years. He was dearly loved by family, friends and all who knew him. As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Wayne brought up his children to love their mother and to love the Savior Jesus Christ. His example instilled in us a work ethic and the importance of sacred covenants. We are forever grateful for his selfless and abundant life.

Viewing and memorial service will be from 10:00 am to 11:30 am Saturday June 13h, at Bunkers Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201. www.bunkerfuneral.com. A grave side dedication will be 12:00 noon Saturday June 13th, at Mesa City Cemetery.

Thomas Edward Depue was born on July 2, 1949 in Klamath Falls, Klamath County, Oregon.  He was the third of five children raised by Ivan Dale Depue and Wanda Moulton.  He passed away in Tempe, AZ on May 28, 2020.  Thomas is survived by his wife Michelle Depue, and seven of their eight children:  Maren Depue, Jenna Depue, Brett (Rachel) Depue, Kendra (Matt) Tiero, Lindsey Unger, Emily (Chase) Bennett and Jensen Depue.  He is survived by all of his siblings including Gayla (Glen) Rhorbacker, Terry Alt, Larry (Coleen) Depue, and Dale (Dave) Shaw.  He is also survived by in-laws Diana (Wayne) Washer and Linda Marshall.  His remaining living family members include his six grandchildren, nine nephews, seven nieces, and their spouses and children.  Tom is preceded in death by his parents; Ivan and Wanda, a son; Seth Depue, brother-in-laws; Joe Alt and Scott Marshall, and two nieces; Denise Alt and Lori Depue.

Tom grew up in a rural community where he received an excellent education.  He graduated from Henley High School.  He went on to attend the three major colleges in Oregon, graduating from Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR with a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry Engineering.  Tom’s first job as a teen was loading baled hay onto trucks for local farmers.  During college he worked for the railway replacing spikes.  After finishing college, he worked in sawmills, forests, and eventually transitioned into Civil Engineering when he worked for the City of Anchorage, AK.  The majority of his career took place as a Public Works Inspector for the City of Fairfield in Solano County, CA, retiring in 2014.

Tom’s love of Family History began to evolve soon after his oldest daughter became paralyzed.  He began to dig into his family history and discovered our ancestors immigrated from France and were good hard-working people who had stood up for honorable values for centuries.  These qualities became even more evident in Tom’s life as he cared for his paralyzed daughter for 25 years, continued to remain a steady provider for his large family, and was faithful to his wife for 50 years.

Blessed with an amazing memory, for years Tom could remember the first and last names of friends in various states he had lived in and visited.  He also loved to recount historical stories from American history with his favorite topic being the role the North played in the Civil War.  In his early 20’s he memorized the names of trees for his career as a Forestry Engineer and as of February 2020 we could still go to a park and he could name all the scientific names of all the trees we encountered.

Swimming was another hobby Tom enjoyed along with collecting coins.  Many people over the years have received coins or a $2 bill as a token of love or appreciation from Tom.   During his life Tom also served as a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He served in his High Priest Quorum and held the office of High Priest within the Melchizedek Priesthood.

His decline began during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and we were unable to visit him in the hospital.  Thankfully, he was released to hospice for the last few days of his life and family was able to visit him there.  The cause of death was unknown and considered a medical mystery.  A public viewing will be held from 6 – 8 pm at Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation.  Address:  33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.

The next day, June 3, 2020 his funeral will also be held at Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation, but we ask that only family attend due to the current health and safety restrictions in effect.   Tom’s request was to be buried where he died, and so he will be buried at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Mesa, AZ.  Address:  1562 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa, AZ 85204.

A memorial will be held in Dixon, CA on July 2, 2020 (his birthday) to honor his memory.   Address to be posted at a later date.  Please contact the family directly for any financial donations.  Flowers may be delivered to the Funeral Home or to the Cemetery per your preference.

In his last days dad kept saying to us “I’m the nicest I’ve ever been” but those who knew him best, knew that he always strived to be the kindest man through all the ups and downs of life.  We love you Tommy, Thomas, Tom!!!  You’re in our hearts forever.

Craig Lynn Abraham, who worked for the Arizona Department of Corrections for almost 25 years, passed from this life on May 18, 2020 after a six year battle with Alzheimer’s.  He was 63.  He passed peacefully in a memory care facility surrounded by his wife of almost 44 years and four children.  

He is survived by his wife, Polly.  His daughter Helena Ragan, her husband Ray, son C Garrett Abraham, his wife Jodi, son Jesse Abraham and his wife Stacey, and Briana Powell and her husband Scott.  His son Andrew proceeded him in death, his wife is Krissa.  He has 18 grandchildren.

He was born in Madison, South Dakota on October 16, 1956.  His parents were Arthur and Helen (Boer) Abraham of Ramona, SD.  He has two older sisters Sherry Mikel and Connie Yordy and one older brother Roger, one younger brother Scott and two step sisters Sheri Gates and Lori Schnell.

He loved fishing and hiking.  Spending time in the deserts and forests of Arizona.  He was a farmer at heart and loved working in his garden and backyard raising beautiful plants and wonderful crops.  

A private family viewing was held on May 22, 2020 and a public memorial service will be held in the fall.  After the memorial service his cremains will be interred in the Pima Arizona Cemetery.  

Marianne Lovina Landrin (Hamilton) was born in 1934 to Claude Buchanan Hamilton and Bertha Alvina Rath. She was the oldest of 3 children. She is preceded in death by her parents, both of her siblings, her sister Claudia, brother Bucky and her daughter Kathleen. She is survived by her beloved husband Joe, 5 children, 19 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. She met her eternal companion Joe at work in 1968 and married him that same year. She brought her 4 children (Carolyn, Dewey, Jim, and Allan) into their family. They had 2 more children together (Joey & Kathleen) in 1970 and 1971. Marianne was a devoted wife and mother. She loved her husband, kids, and grandkids unconditionally. She would outwork her husband and kids in the garden and on the farm most days. Her garden, flower bed, and raspberry patch were her pride and joy while living in Eagar Arizona. She lived life to the fullest and wore her old body out. She was a great inspiration to many of us and will be sorely missed.

Gary Kline, 73, of Gilbert, AZ; passed away on May 25, 2020 at his Residence in Gilbert.  He was born February 2, 1947 to Henry Kline and Carrie (Fishburn) Kline in Montrose, CO who preceded him in death.  Gary attended school in Montrose, CO, graduating in May of 1965.  In June of 1965 he entered the United States Air Force, serving until December of 1968.  He is survived by his wife Carol (Cooper) Kline; his stepson: Joey Flowers of Montrose, CO; Brothers: Lee and Gladys Kline of Montrose, CO; Herman and Bonnie Kline of Cedaredge, CO; Nieces: Karla Myers of Cedaredge, CO, Sharla Keller of Delta, CO, Sherri Kline Crowley of Texas; Nephews: Allan Kline of Parker, CO and Randy Kline of Longmore, CA.

Upon returning from the military he worked in the Montrose area where he became involved in the trucking industry.  In 1985 he bought his own truck, running from CO to CA.  In 1987 he leased his truck to Empire Cat in Mesa, AZ delivering construction machines and products throughout the United States.  In 2000 he sold his truck to Red Mountain Rentals in Chandler AZ where he worked until his retirement in December of 2016.

Chester “Sonny” Eugene Penrod, 84, passed away peacefully May 26, 2020 in Queen Creek, Arizona. “Sonny” was born to Chester and Fern Penrod in 1936 in Pinyon, Arizona. One of four children he often spoke of the happy and adventurous childhood he experienced..

He met and married the love of his life, Velma Kay Jones August 30th 1954 and they were blessed with 67 wonderful years together. During that time they raised four children Robert (Shirley), Robbie-deceased (Cindy), Vonda (Robert) and Shannon (Terry).

“Sonny” was a hard worker and provided well for his growing family as a truck driver. He was well known and loved throughout the roping community, an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and most loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He had a strong testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ, loved him and reflected that in everything he did. He leaves behind a growing legacy of 26 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren who will forever be grateful for the influence of their “hero” grandfather.

A viewing will be from 6-8pm Thursday, May 28th, 2020 at Bunkers Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201. www.bunkerfuneral.com. A graveside memorial will be 9 am Friday May 29, at Mesa City Cemetary.

Kenneth Craig “KC” Rasmussen, returned home to his Heavenly Father following a difficult, and thankfully brief, battle with cancer on Memorial Day, May 25, 2020 while surrounded by loving siblings. Uncle KC, as he was affectionately known by all, was born on August 10, 1950 in Mesa, AZ to Fran and Jim Rasmussen, who preceded him in death, and he is survived by siblings Sally DeWitt, Richard Rasmussen, Fritz Rasmussen, Irene Clevenger, Peggy Thomson, Robert Rasmussen, Tina Yates and Diane Daley along with loving nieces and nephews too numerous to list. 

Uncle KC grew up in Mesa and graduated from Westwood High School in 1968 and was shortly thereafter drafted to serve the country he loved in the Vietnam War.  As a helicopter gunner he was awarded “The Air Medal” in the US Army “For Meritorious Achievement While Participating In Aerial Flight”. Unfortunately, parts of Vietnam remained with KC until the end.  

Uncle KC had a large and kind heart and loved the people in his life but he especially loved his mother, Fran, and was proud to tell you so. Uncle KC was kind to all he met and little children adored him. He was quick to greet everyone with a warm smile under his glorious horseshoe mustache. Uncle KC was an avid reader, loved cartoons, gold mining, talk radio, country music and jazz, pepsi, popcorn and a good steak.  His best time was spent with his beloved Australian Shepherds and his mules. KC was a pro at drywall hanging, spent many years in Hawaii and loved to scuba dive, could drive everything from a team of horses in a parade to a semi loaded with livestock.  KC loves God and his Savior and has enjoyed serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  His Home Teaching companions and the families he visited are some of his favorite people and best friends.

Throughout his life, KC has always maintained a positive attitude and cheerful demeanor.  He has been a great example of childlike love and serving his fellow man.  His release from this life is joyous at the same time that he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  Till we meet again.