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Edward Arthur Watson passed away on May 6, 2019 at his home in Mesa, Arizona.  Ed was born on July 29, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois to Arthur and Crystal Watson.  Although Ed never married, he lived a full and exciting life.

After graduating high school, Ed held several jobs before joining the Navy and then the Naval Reserves.  He attended Gustavus Adolphus College for two years and worked for Illinois Bell (AT&T) until his retirement.  After retiring, Ed moved to Scottsdale, Az where he lived for 27 years before moving to Mesa in 2018.

His passions were family, flying, friends, firearms, and the military.  He was very devoted to his mother for the remainder of her life.  He and his brother Richard not only had family in common, but also military service.  Together, they enjoyed spending time on military themed vacations.  He was a life-long member of the American Legion. Ed maintained contact with his nephews John and Philip and niece Julia in the Chicago area.  He maintained relationships with family in Oregon and made visits for special occasions. Ed spent many hours with his family members in Mesa and Phoenix and especially enjoyed the children, Haylee, Lillee and Emilee Jones.

Ed was an avid pilot and loved to fly!  He flew most of his life and over the last few years flew every holiday morning because, he said, “everyone else was celebrating the holiday and he was the only one at the airport”.  He was very proud of being able to maintain his pilot’s license.

Ed had lots of acquaintances and friends.  Few people can say they have had a close relationship spanning 60+ years, but Ed did.  He and Chris Makris had such a friendship and Ed truly treasured it.

Ed enjoyed collecting and shooting firearms, was a member of local shooting clubs and a proud member of the NRA.  He took every opportunity to load a few firearms in his SUV and head for the firing range.

Ed was proceeded in death by his father and mother, Arthur and Crystal Fisher Watson, sister Marian Maher, and brother Richard Watson.  He is survived by Nephews John and Phillip Maher, Richard Watson Jr. and nieces Julia Watson Dombrowski and Christy Watson, as well as numerous cousins spread throughout the country.

Ed was a unique and caring individual who will be missed by his family and friends.

Funeral arrangements have been made through Bunker’s Garden Chapel in Mesa, Arizona (www.bunkerfuneral.com).

Funeral service with military honors will be held at 9:00AM on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Please consider donations to the Salvation Army.

On Monday May 6, 2019 at the age 77, Jerome “Jerry” Felix Birgen died at his home in Gilbert, Arizona under hospice care. Jerry was born on November 1, 1941 to Felix and Lavina Birgen and was the third child of seven siblings. Jerry’s early years were spent helping his father on the farm and receiving a high school education from Beresford High School. Due to the early death of his parents, the seven children learned lessons on independence and perseverance by raising themselves.

At age 20, Jerry was in a corn picking accident which resulted in the loss of his right arm and fingers of his left hand. Raising younger siblings and operating the farm was a team effort by two older sisters, neighbors, and relatives for the next ten years. On February 17, 1968, Jerry married Patricia Stoner and this union led to the birth of their two sons, Mike and Chris.

Operating the farm became a family journey. Jerry took the role as head of production, marketing, and resources while growing the farm operation to over a million-dollar business. Due to the change in the agriculture industry, Jerry recognized the need to provide for his family in a different way. He enrolled in Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, South Dakota and received an Associates Banking and Finance degree. 

After graduating, Jerry worked two years as a conservationist for the government, while utilizing his farming background. Jerry led public relations for FEMA as an outreach specialist and served as District National Motor Club representative. Upon moving to Arizona, he worked as an insurance verification specialist for McKesson until his death.

Jerry will be missed deeply by his wife, Pat; two sons, Mike (Tina) Birgen of Brookings, SD and Chris (Dawn) Birgen of Gilbert, AZ; three granddaughters, Breanna, Brittany and Ella; six siblings; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brother-in-law’s.

ROSARY AND PRAYER SERVICE: Celebrated by Fr. David Roehrich, Rosary – 5:30 p.m., Prayer Service – 6:00 p.m., Thursday, June 6, 2019 at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, Beresford, South Dakota

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Celebrated by Fr. David Roehrich, 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 7, 2019 at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, Beresford, South Dakota

With loving wife and daughters surrounding him, Charles Kenneth Groscost passed on May 7^th, 2019.  He was a truly wonderful individual.  Ken was born on June 13^th, 1931 to Charles Arthur Lewis Groscost and Maud Elizabeth George Groscost in Logan, Utah.  He was the middle child of 5.  When he was 9 years old his family moved to Tooele, Utah where he spent the rest of his youth.  Ken married Catherine Smith on August 28^th, 1958 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.  His love for Catherine is legendary.  They were married for over 60 years.  He had a generous spirit and encouraged his children in their interests.  He taught his family to serve, love others, and have fun!  He would most want to be remembered as a man who adored his wife and family, and spent his life serving them, encouraging them, and creating wonderful, fun memories with them.

Ken was a navigator in the Air Force and served with the Strategic Air Command.  He loved flying and piloting his own private planes.  Ken graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from Brigham Young University and pursued extensive post graduate work at Arizona State University.  A psychologist by profession, he had a passion for helping at risk children and worked for 40 years both for the public schools and in private practice.  Many have expressed gratitude for his insights and counsel.  Ken had many skills and he built three beautiful homes for his family in Tooele, Utah, Mesa, Arizona and Port Townsend, Washington.  He and Catherine’s retirement to Washington State were 20 truly golden years. One of their greatest joys was having family and friends visit and enjoy hiking in the woods, walking on the beach, kayaking, fishing, crabbing, clamming and beach combing with them.  He enjoyed many activities, including: reading, family history, travel, wood carving, playing the trumpet, singing, writing poetry, story-telling, and gardening.

Ken was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He served two missions for the church, first in the Eastern States Mission as a young man and later with his wife Catherine in Kirtland, Ohio.  Ken loved the temple and served as an ordinance worker.  He also loved missionary work and sought opportunities to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the end of his life.  He read scripture every day until it was no longer possible. His testimony of the power and atonement of Jesus Christ is sure.  His gratitude, faith, and devotion to our Lord and Savior never faltered.  The gospel of Jesus Christ gave meaning, guidance and peace to him throughout his long and blessed life.

Ken is survived by his wife Catherine and his children; Elizabeth (Wayne) Carroll, Kristen (Joel) Babbitt, Amy Groscost, and daughter-in-law Dana Groscost, his grandchildren; Noelle (Brandon) Shobe, Charles “Chad” (Whitney) Groscost, Logan Groscost, Reagan (Aaron) Favreau, Gunnar (Bekah) Groscost, Griffin Groscost, Jesse Groscost, Jill (Eric) Burgoyne, Nathan (Arielle) Carroll, Leighton (Mari) Carroll, Matthew Kenneth (Anna) Carroll, Catherine Carroll, Xander Babbit, James Babbitt, Anna Babbitt and Joseph Babbitt.  He is also survived by 13 great-grand children, a brother James (Colleen) Groscost, sisters-in-law; MaryAnn Smith and Vivian Groscost, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his sons; Gregory Charles Groscost and Jeffrey Smith Groscost, a sister Barbara Thomas, brothers; Keith Groscost and John Groscost, brothers-in-law; Nicholas Smith and Kenneth Thomas, and sister-in-law Kathleen Groscost.

We love him deeply. We will miss him always. We are absolutely overjoyed for him.

We are grateful for all those who so lovingly cared for Ken during his last days, especially Shanon Herrera who was with us during his final hours.

Schedule for services:

Viewing: Thursday, May 16^th – 5:00-7:30 p.m. at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ

Interment: Friday, May 17^th – 10:00 a.m., at Mesa City Cemetery, Center St. Entrance, 1212 N. Center St., Mesa, AZ

Visitation: Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th,  – 10:30 a.m., Memorial Service – 12:00 p.m., LDS South Stake Center, 2334 E. Pueblo Ave., Mesa, AZ

Ronald Gregory Watkins “Ferst”, born January 6, 1983, passed away on May 3, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The things he loved most were his family, girlfriend, dog, friends, food, and art. Ronny’s heart was filled with an unconditional and non-judgmental love for all.

Ronny is survived by; parents, Greg and Sonya; two brothers, Justen and Jimmie; girlfriend, Yuna Choe; 5 nephews, Tanner, Lucas, Jaxson, Colby, and Charlie. He is preceded in death by a niece Dannie Jo.

A memorial service will be held in his honor: A visitation will be held at 6:00pm on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. For more information, please visit https://bunkerfuneral.com.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, May 10, 2019 at the chapel for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 495 S Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234. There will be a family visitation beginning one hour prior to the funeral service at 9:00am.

After the funeral, a graveside service will be at 12:00pm noon at City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201. Grave location will be in the “North View Area” section 1453 of the cemetery. For a map to the location within the cemetery, please use the map at City of Mesa Cemetery and look towards the top of the map.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Anasazi Foundation.

Wendy Rae Kunz Ingebrigtsen, 64, passed away peacefully at her home on May 6th, 2019. She spent her last days surrounded by her best friend Sam, her children, family and close friends.

Wendy led a life full of love and laughter. All who knew her will remember passion for music, games, yarn and gadgets. She is survived by her parents, Wendell and Verla Kunz, and her 7 siblings. Her most prized possessions though, were her 5 children and 22 grandchildren; Aaron Ingebrigtsen, Shantal and Brian Brake (8), Katrina and Rich Nelson (8), Matthew and Amiee Ingebrigtsen (4), Tamra and Russell Wright (2).

Services will be held on Saturday May 11th, 2019 at the church building on Extension and 6th Avenue. 616 S Extension Road Mesa, AZ 85210.

The family requests that in lieu of traditional black, please wear bright colors that remind you of Wendy. If sending flowers or plants, please use Watson’s Flower Shop on main and have delivery set for the church on Saturday between 7:30-9:30am.

Our beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather, Paul Allen Marsh, passed away in his home in St. George, UT on May 3, 2019.

            He was born on July 26, 1938 in SLC, UT. Paul graduated from East High School and earned an MBA degree from the University of Utah.  His career traversed Hi-Land Dairy, California Security Bank, Walker Bank, Ford Motor Company, U-Haul, Turnmar Development, and SunRiver. He worked in banking, in corporate finance and treasury, and in real estate development. He and his family lived in SLC, UT, Pasadena, CA, Dearborn, MI, Mesa, AZ, and St. George, UT.

            He served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Australia Mission. He loved to serve in the church and did so in various callings including: Stake Missionary, High Counselor, Branch Presidency Counselor, Bishopric Counselor, and Bishop. He and his wife, also served a mission to Edinburgh, Scotland.

            He was physically active to the very end. He loved to golf, especially with his brothers and his sons. He was an Eagle Scout, enjoyed family history, spending time in the temple, and trying to keep track of all his grandchildren. He was forever a supporter and perfect example of love, kindness and service. 

            He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary LuJean Taggart Marsh; also by siblings: Grant (Edie) Marsh, Ralph (Judy) Marsh, and Mary Lynne (Gary) Sargent; sister-in-law, Cynthia Marsh; and his children: Allen (Karen) Marsh, John (Keri) Marsh, Jim (Adelia) Marsh, Suzie (David) Perkinson, Rusty (Rachel) Marsh, Jeannie (Trevor) Lowry, Tony (Natalie) Marsh, Joy (Jay) Shelby, and 35 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

            He was preceded in death by his parents, Thirl and Mary Marsh, and his brother, Bill Marsh. 

            A visitation will be held Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at the SunRiver Angel Arch Bldg., 1483 W. Angel Arch Drive, St. George, UT. Funeral Services will be held May 11, 2019 at 11:00 am, with a visitation prior to services at 9:30 am at the South Jordan River Ridge 8th Ward Bldg, 1409 W. Shields Lane, South Jordan, UT. Interment will be at the Larkin Sunset Lawns Cemetery in SLC. 

WILLEMMA HELENE KALEINANI ERNESTBURG KEKAHUNA Age 60, of Laie, Oahu, Hawai’i, passed away May 1, 2019 in Tempe, AZ. Born July 27, 1958 in Honolulu, HI. Willemma was born in Honolulu and raised in Laie. She attended Saint Patrick School, Laie Elementary, Kahuku Intermediate & High School, Brigham Young University Hawaii and South Mountain Community College in Phoenix Arizona. She was BYU HAWAII’s very first MRS Na Hoa Pono title winner (as an enrolled married full-time student).

She worked at the Polynesian Cultural Center and Brigham Young University Hawaii. She worked professionally for ALOHA Airlines Maui & Phoenix, Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines Seattle WA, & other Airlines services, and also at Walmart. She was involved in the Polynesian Community and coached Thunderbird High School and Club Volleyball in Arizona. She was a Primary Founding member of Lokahi ‘O Phoenix – Polynesian Entertainment.

She served in the Arizona Holbrook Navajo Speaking Mission primarily on the Great Navajo Nation covering the Four Corners areas in the states of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, & New Mexico.  She was proud of her family history & cultural heritages of Hawaiian, Samoan, German, and Chinese ancestry.

She is survived by husband, Damien Mahealani Kekahuna; son, Damien Mahealani McWilliam Kekahuna Jr (Pele);  father:  William Kanila Tripp Ernestburg, mother: Aalaonaonaokekaiohaena Emma Safuiago Kaleikini Ernestburg (proceeded in death) brothers:  William K.T. Ernestburg III (Ann), McKay K.K. Ernestburg (Leimomi); Sisters, Cirilla “Chocho” M. K. Paclib, Leialoha G. K. Mataalii (Lincoln), Gilberta K. L. Ernestburg, Siliwa G. K. Ernestburg; 4 grand-children, Kehaulaniokala, Saige, Junior and Kiana; and a recently born great grandchild.

Visitation 5:00 – 6:45 p.m., Saturday May 11, 2019 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Grandview Ward, 1221 W Howe St. Tempe, AZ 85282 Funeral service 7:00 p.m. Aloha attire. Flowers welcome.

 CORPORAL WILLIAM JOHN BASHAW  

September 2, 1928-May 2, 2019  

William Bashaw 90, arrived in heaven on May 2, 2019 from Mesa AZ. He was a very positive and active person who loved nature and God’s creation of it.

He enjoyed working outside, running heavy equipment, and working in construction. In his retirement years, he loved sitting outside on his bench praying for everyone who came to mind. God and his family were most IMPORTANT to him. He is preceded in death by his wife, Beverley C. Bashaw; son, Paul William Bashaw; his parents and 5 of his siblings. He is survived by his daughter, Terri Schroeder (Steve); sister, Louise Conley; two grandchildren, Kelsey Bashaw and Kyle (Ceidre) Bashaw; three great grandchildren, Odysseus J. Bashaw, Ryleigh Noelle Bashaw & William Thomas Bashaw (joining us in September); several nieces and nephews and extended family. Bill was an awesome father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, encourager, prayer warrior, mentor, and friend. Memorial Services will take place at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213 on Friday, May 17, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. followed by honors presentation at 10:45 a.m. and Graveside Services at 11:30 a.m. at City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St., Mesa, AZ 85201.  For more information, please visit www.bunkerfuneral.com. 

Herbert Felkins, from Mesa, Arizona passed away Friday morning, May 3, 2019 at Banner Desert Hospital, in Mesa, Arizona. He was 80 years old. He was one of eight children. He was born in Chandler Heights on the 18th of May, 1938 and was a life-long resident of Arizona. Herb was preceded in death by his wife of over 40 years, Judy and his son Mathew. He is survived by son Wade and daughters Laura and Deborah, as well as grandsons Bryan, Kenneth, and Wesley. He also is survived by his five remaining siblings, Odis, Alice, Patricia, Ken, and Sharon. He was also lucky to have a Bonus Family later in life those surviving members are Kay, Kelley, Mark, Gage, Kyler, and Ryan. Herb was an original and he never went anywhere without making a new friend. His life will be celebrated Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 10:00 am Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way Mesa, Arizona.

Thelma (Sally) Wehde  1925 – 2019

Sally peacefully joined her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, May 3rd, surrounded by her family.  She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Roy Wehde, her four children, Janet Fisher (Ray), Christine Jackson (Fred), Mark Wehde (Marilee) and Caroline Wehde (Jim Moore), 11 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

We will celebrate her life at Friendship Village in Tempe, Arizona on Sunday, June 2nd at 2:30 PM.  

If you wish to make a remembrance, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Sally’s name.  No flowers requested.  Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Barbara Ann Jackson, 81 of Blackwater, AZ passed away peacefully on April 27, 2019 after a long illness.  Barbara is survived by  four daughters, Robyn Murphy, Ginger Robinson and Diana Warwick all of Blackwater and Pennie Warwick of Casa Grande.  Five sisters, Delores Tantoya, Espie Lee, Marta Valenzuela, and Delia Roever of Phoenix and Rosa Sloane of California; two brothers, Ramon and Eddie Villaverde of Phoenix.  She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren and numerous relatives and friends.  She is proceeded in death by her father, Manuel Villaverde; her mother and adoptive father, Sarah and Curtis Blackwater.  Two husbands, Jimmy Warwick and Jimmie Jackson; 3 sons, Anthony and Patrick Warwick and Curtis Jackson; a daughter, Kellene Warwick; a brother, Jose Villaverde and a grandson, LaShaun Murphy.

Barbara was employed for many years with the Gila River Indian Community in positions with the Gila River Education Department, the Housing Authority, Tribal Social Services, the Finance Department and Community Services.  Over the years, she also participated in various tribal committees and community activities.  Her educational background was in Human Services and she enjoyed working with people.  Barbara loved to read, play bingo, socialize with her Elder peers and go to the casino.   She is be greatly missed by many family, friends and love ones.

Graveside services will be held at 8:00 a.m., on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the West Blackwater Cemetery, 2793 West Arrow Weed Road, Blackwater, AZ

Our loving sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Naomi Pearl Huish Jones passed away peacefully Saturday, April 27, 2019. After seven years apart she is reunited with the love of her life, Jay Dean Jones, her husband of fifty-seven years. We embrace Naomi as her surviving sister, Martha Huish Storment, her adoring children Michael Dean Jones, Jennifer Ruth Draper, Melanie Snow Wallace, and their spouses, as do her twelve grandchildren, their spouses, and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Born Halloween Day in 1934 Naomi lived a life of service to others. She excelled as a teacher at home and in public elementary schools. She shared her love of dance, singing, piano, sewing, and arts and crafts with many people through Mesa Parks and Recreation, Mesa Musical Theatre, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The memories shared by her family paint a life-portrait of humor, acceptance, encouragement, and unconditional love. Though we mourn her passing with great personal loss, we celebrate an extraordinary life, an extraordinary woman, and a faithful disciple of Christ.

A viewing open to the public will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, in Mesa, Friday, May 3rd from 6 to 8 PM. Services will be held Saturday, May 4th at 10 AM, with a viewing at 9 AM, at the Beverly Ward Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1054 W. 2nd Place, Mesa.

Richard Earl (Dick) Skousen, 9/3/35 – 4/28/19

Our beloved husband, father and grand-father passed away surrounded by his loving wife Wanda, their six children, and many other family members on April 28, 2019.  He was 83 years old. Dick was born on September 3, 1935 to Jess Earl and Amy May Skousen in Mesa, Arizona. He grew up in Mesa and graduated from Mesa High School in 1953.

After serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Sydney Australia, he enrolled at Brigham Young University and soon was married to his sweetheart, Wanda Louise Hall on September 3, 1959 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. Dick went on to receive his Law Degree from the University of Arizona and was a successful attorney for many many years. 

Dick was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ in word and deed.  He loved serving in the Church and in the community and he and his wife Wanda served several full-time missions together for the Church.  His greatest joy and happiness in life was the gospel of Jesus Christ and his family. 

Dick is survived by his wife of 59 years, Wanda, his children: Richard (Kelli) Skousen, Mike (Lachelle) Skousen, Shawna (Chris) Baker, Jack Skousen, Kristen (David) Spuhler, and Amy (Nathan) Yetter, 37 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Ken Skousen. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Bill and Jackie. 

Our hearts are saddened as we think of the passing of this noble man. Yet, there is also great peace and comfort, received from the Holy Ghost, that his spirit is now in paradise with other family members and friends.

The visitation will be Thursday, May 2, 2019 from 6-8 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,  Hermosa Groves building 2549 North 32nd Street Mesa, Arizona 85213.  Funeral services are Friday, May 3 at 12 NOON, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM at the same building.  2549 North 32nd Street Mesa, Arizona 85213. Interment will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

Alice M. Johnson, 79, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on April 29, 2019.  A Visitation will be held at 9:00 AM, with Funeral Services at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 4^th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6942 E. Brown Road in Mesa.

Respect, honor, duty, love, and steadfastness are all characteristics of Kenneth Byrl Head. Kenneth was preceded in death by his ex-wife Christine Arreguin. He was a father, father-in-law, grandpa, great grandpa, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle and friend. He was loved by many and he loved many.

Kenneth lived 40+ years on 70+ acres in Texas. He was very talented and enjoyed working with his hands. He built a house, workshop, chicken coops, and many structures on his land in Texas, where he loved living.

He was a man of few words, but when he talked you listened.  He enjoyed cooking his favorite recipes like homemade cornbread, meat loaf, barbeque, fudge, “never fail peanut butter”, and lots more. He enjoyed packaging food for you to take home.

He enjoyed sending cards for birthdays and putting a little something extra in the card for the great grandkids.

Once you got to know him you discovered his favorite word was ‘aaannn’.

Kenneth was born in Snyder, Texas August 25, 1933.  Kenneth was raised on a farm by his grandparents. Kenneth joined the marines, “Semper Fi”, after finishing the 8^th grade. He was a rifle marksman and he fought in the Korean War where he delivered artillery to the front line. He was stationed in San Diego where he met the love of his life Christine. They had three children, Santos, Kenneth and Kathleen. His grandkids are Lauren, Michael, Travis, Traci, Matthew, and Staci. His great grandkids are Ariah, Elias, Hazel, Gideon, Maddox, Ethan, and Connor.

He was abundantly blessed in his last years by Ken, Holly and their entire family. Kenneth lived his last years in Mesa, Arizona. Ken and Holly cared for him daily to have a happy and healthy life. Kenneth was always surrounded by God’s love through them.

If you are here today, THANK YOU! Kenneth touched your life in some way. It means a lot for you to be here to say farewell. He will be missed, but loved so much more!

1 Corinthians 15:42.Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever.

In lieu of flowers, contributions for Toys for Tots would be appreciated.

Duane Vis Krediet, 84, of Mesa Arizona, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Duane was born June 3, 1934 to Jacob and Margaret (Vis) Krediet.  He grew up on the family farm near Harrison, South Dakota.  Duane graduated from Corsica High School.  He later married Evelyn Janis (Dickson) a Registered Nurse and his high school sweetheart.

Duane and Jan began their life together in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Duane worked in Sales and Purchasing for John Morrell & Co. for a total of 33 years. 

Duane was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. The family were blessed to have had him in their lives.  He had a great love for music and could be heard tapping his fingers to a song.  He especially enjoyed singing tenor in the church choir.  

Jan and Duane shared a love for the outdoors.  They enjoyed camping, biking and traveling.  Many trips were spent with their children and grandchildren.  Every few years, they attended Krediet family reunions and kept in close contact with many cousins.

In 2004, Jan and Duane decided to move to AZ permanently.  They grew to love the southwest.  Duane was an avid Arizona sports fan.  He loved riding his bicycle.  Each morning he rode around the neighborhood.  He always had a friendly wave and would stop for a visit.  He was a faithful friend.

Duane is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jan, 3 children, David (Sandy) Krediet, Mary (Stan) Triplett and Beth (Tom) McMillian and 6 grandchildren, Kyle, Cory, Craig, Katie, Emma and Julia.

Duane is preceded in death by his parents.