Find An Obituary

Benjamin “Benny” Elbert Hinds, 78, passed away June 12, 2013 in Queen Creek, Arizona. Funeral services will be Monday, June 17, 2013 at 10 AM at the LDS Gilbert 12th Ward, 1483 N. Driftwood, Gilbert, AZ, 85234. Services will be preceded by a visitation at 9 AM.

Russell D Jorgensen, 62, of Mesa, Arizona passed away June 10th, surrounded by his family. Russ was born in 1951 in Evanston, WY and raised in Utah. He graduated from Davis High, Utah State University, and the University of Health Sciences in Kansas City, Missouri. Russ moved to Mesa, AZ to start his medical practice in 1985. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings. He also was an avid amateur radio operator (N7TWG) with friends and contacts around the world. Russ is preceded in death by his mother Betty Ann Jorgensen. He is survived by his wife Vicki and their 5 children, Eric (Lynn), Heather, Ryan (Britney), Matthew (Rachel), Ashlee (Josh) Durrant, all of the Mesa area. Russ is also survived by father Ray Jorgensen, brothers Lynn (Sheryl) of Utah, Dale (Michelle) of Oregon, and sister LuAnn (Val) Morton of Utah. Russ and Vicki have 11 grandchildren including 2 on the way. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 15 at the LDS chapel at 1550 N. Val Vista in Mesa at 10 AM, proceeded by a visitation at 9 AM. A visitation will also be held Friday, from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the LDS Missionary Fund or the American Heart Association.

Vickie Lynn Jensen Swain, 58, passed away peacefully at her home in Mesa, Arizona on June 9, 2013. She was born at the Army base in Tooele, Utah in July of 1954. After her father completed his tour of duty in the Army, having served courageously in Korea, her family alternated their time between living in Southern California and Phoenix. She graduated from East High School in Phoenix in 1972. Vickie enjoyed her family, friends, house boat trips to Lake Powell and going to the movies with her best friend Teresa. She also served faithfully in her church in Primary, Young Women’s and Relief Society. She was a friend to all and was always looking for a way to lighten the load of others. Vickie was preceded in death by her father, William Duane Jensen, her step-father, Rosario Porto, and her two sisters Angela and Karen. She is survived by her mother, Marion Jo Porto, her husband of 41 years, Scott Swain, all 6 of her children, April Wolanin (Randy), Holly Phelps (Brandon), Tammi Adolpho (Johnny), Daryl Swain (Yara), Jolene Selover (Jeff), Jeffrey Swain and 18 grandchildren with number 19 on the way. There will be a viewing at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ between 6 & 8pm Thursday, June 13. Funeral services will be at the LDS Mesa East Stake Center at 2228 E. Brown Rd. in Mesa at 10am Friday on June 14, with viewing an hour before the services. Interment will immediately follow at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale.

Darrell Fenwick Smith, beloved husband, father, leader, friend and former Attorney General of Arizona, passed away early in the morning of June 5, 2013. He was born in Provo, UT on Feb. 13, 1927, the eldest son of Walter Fenwick and Eleanor Seegmiller Smith. He graduated from Dixie College in St. George UT, served in the US Navy, and served a full time mission for the LDS Church in California. Darrell then moved to Washington DC where he met his sweetheart, Marjorie Ann Hill. They were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple August 27, 1951. While in Washington, Darrell was active in the Naval Reserves and attended the American University Law School, receiving his law degree in 1956. He passed the DC Bar Exam in 1957 and worked as a law clerk for a judge in the DC Municipal Court. During their stay in Washington, Darrell and Marjorie had three children: Wendy, Becky and Kevin. In October of 1958 he moved his family to Mesa, Arizona where two more children, Karen and Teresa were born. Darrell practiced law in Arizona for over fifty years and served as the Attorney General from 1965–1968. Darrell was an active member of the LDS church, serving in many positions, including, scout leader, Bishop, and Counselor in the Mesa West Stake Presidency. In 1981 Darrell and Marjorie were called to preside over the England Birmingham Mission for three years. He later served as a Stake Patriarch. Darrell was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He lived a life of Christ-like charity and service and was known for his integrity, honor, and his ever cheerful and positive disposition. He was a builder of people and a faithful servant of his Savior, Jesus Christ. Darrell is survived by his wife, Marjorie, their five children Wendy Shelley (Mark), Becky Woolf (James), Kevin Smith (Denise), Karen Speakman Vance (Blaine), Teresa Starr (Rick) foster daughter, Sylvia Laughter, 28 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Darrell is dearly loved by everyone who knew him and will be greatly missed by all. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 10 AM at the Mesa Stake Center (10th Ave. and Hobson) in Mesa. There will be a viewing the night before (June 10, 2013) at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa from 6–8 PM. There will also be a short visitation one half hour before the funeral on Tuesday morning.

Brian Thomas Neus, was born on June 1, 1968 in Phoenix, Arizona, and passed away on June 4, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Lainie, son, Hunter, and daughters Sydney, Sommer, Chloe and Lauryn. Brian is the son of Thomas and Susan Neus. Brian has 3 brothers, Kevin, Michael, and Brendon and a sister, Katrina. Brian attended Mesa High School in Mesa, Arizona. He served a 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Boston, Mass. He returned home from his mission and found the love of his life, Lainie Olsen. Brian and Lainie were married in the Salt Lake Temple, in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 17, 1991 and were married for 21+ years. Brian worked for the State of Arizona as a Reader for the House of Representatives. He then went on and graduated from the Phoenix Police Academy and joined the Capitol Police and served as a Sargent. He served the Capitol Police for about 9+ years. At the time of his passing, Brian was employed as a General Manager at Danny’s Family Car Washes. For almost 3 years he fought a courageous battle with Colon Cancer. He leaves behind many loving family members and friends. We will miss him. We know that Brian is with family members and friends who have passed on before and is busily engaged in the work of the Lord. Funeral services are Monday, June 10, 2013 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Desert Ridge Stake Center, 3340 S. Signal Butte Road, Mesa, 85209. Interment will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Howard Gerold Koglmeier (Jerry), loving husband and father, peacefully passed into heavenly Fathers arms on June 4, 2013. He was born on March 23, 1928 in Mobridge, South Dakota to George and Selma Koglmeier. Jerry met and married the love of his life, Gloria Jean Raifsnyder, on April 15, 1950, while he was serving in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He and Gloria were married for 63 years and together had three children.

Jerry owned and operated a water treatment business prior to his retirement in 1982. He and his wife then traveled extensively and he later served for many years as a prison chaplain in Walla Walla, Washington. Jerry was a man of great strength, faith and conviction in service to God and man.

Jerry will be lovingly remembered by his family and all who knew him for his wonderful sense of humor and ability to enjoy life, even in the face of life’s challenges. Even in his later years of declining health and up until the time of his passing, his sense of humor was keen and sharp. He had the uncanny ability to make the difficult times easier with his jokes and ability to see the bright side of any situation.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gloria Jean Koglmeier, daughter and son in law, Mickey and Dennis Repan , sons and daughters in law, Mark and Lori Koglmeier and Matt and Catalina Koglmeier, one sister, Alice Dell Melon and brother, Ernest Koglmeier (Marilyn), 13 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren with two more great grandchildren soon to arrive. He has joined his family that had preceded him in passing, namely, his parents, George and Selma (Skogen) Koglmeier, brother Harold Koglmeier and sisters Shirley Mack and Joanne Luke.

Jerry will be missed and loved by his family and friends but we know he is well and is in the hands of The Lord.

Services will be held to celebrate Jerry’s life at Bunker’s Mortuary at 33 N Centennial Way Mesa, AZ 85201 on June 10, 2013 at 10:00 am, with visitation one hour prior to the services . Interment will follow at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park located at 6747 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, Arizona.

John Michael Cunningham, born June 9, 1945, in Chicago, IL, passed away, Monday, June 3, in Phoenix, AZ. He is survived by his wife, Linda (married 32 years), and children John, Jr., Kristine Cunningham, Kelly Hewitt, and Michelle Sawyers. John retired after a 50-year career in retail (management) with the last 20 years employed at Home Depot in South Florida. John recently relocated to Mesa to join his children and enjoy his four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. John, a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan, also enjoyed fishing from an early age. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 8, at 2 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa 85201.

Robert Alan Childs, “Bob

Carl Milton Bischof, 84, passed away June 2, 2013 in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services are Friday, June 7, 2013 at 10 AM, preceded by a visitation at 9 AM at the LDS Gilbert Stapley Stake Center, 1100 North Cooper Road, Gilbert, AZ 85233. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Merle “Kelly

Craig, Lance Richard, 39, loving husband, father, son and brother passed away Monday May 20, 2013 in Goshen, Indiana after an extended illness. He was born March 11, 1974 in Phoenix, Arizona to Carole Lynn Abrams and Richard Scott Craig. Survivors include his wife, Mary, and children Elise, Eric and Kaitlyn; mother, Carole, and stepfather, George Hibner, a brother, Dustin (Tiffany), and in-laws Len and Julie Greer and many family members. Lance loved serving in the medical field and was a respected paramedic, registered nurse, and CRNA. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A visitation will be held Tuesday, May 28, 2013 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Bunker’s Garden Chapel 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, May 29 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 2700 E. Guadalupe Road in Gilbert preceded by a short visitation at 9:00 a.m.

Patricia Ann Perkins, 49, passed away May 20, 2013 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Wake services are Tuesday, May 28, 2013 from 6-10 PM at the Salt River Memorial Hall, 9849 East Earll Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona. Graveside services are Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 7 AM at the Salt River Cemetery, 10661 East Palm Lane, Scottsdale, Arizona.

Brian C. Spurlock (50) passed away May 18th surrounded by friends & family. Brian is survived by his wife of 29 years, Candace, their 5 children, and 3 siblings. He lived a life of service as an accomplished businessman, humanitarian, teacher, and leader. Brian will most be remembered as an incredible father, supportive brother, loving husband, and wonderful friend. Services will held 9:30 AM, Friday, May 24th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7752 E McDowell Rd, in Mesa. In lieu of flowers, send donations to Healing The Children (PO Box 129 New Milford, CT 06776).

Kimberly Ann Hocevar, 43, passed away May 18, 2013 in Mesa, Arizona. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 22, 2013 from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Memorial services are Thursday, May 23, 2013 at Central Christian Church, 933 N. Lindsay Rd, Mesa, AZ 85213.

Marilyn Jean Eaton, 81, passed away peacefully May 14, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona. Jean was born on July 11, 1931 to Clyde and Wilma Kemper in Julesburg, Colorado, where she spent her youth, graduating from Sedgwick County High School where she was prom queen and valedictorian of her class. She lived in Oshkosh, Nebraska after she married her high school sweetheart, the late Robert Marlatt, in 1950. They moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1959. She earned her AA degree as a library technician from MCC in 1973. She had a very happy, active life, filled with family, friends, and church. As an active member of First Christian Church of Mesa (Disciples of Christ) for over 54 years, she taught Sunday school, participated in Christian Women’s Fellowship, and served as a deaconess and Elder. Active in other organizations such as Church Women United, the Music Guild, Mesa Fine Arts, and Meals on Wheels, Jean also volunteered over 5000 hours for Mesa Lutheran Hospital, and was involved in the auxiliary. She was a member and past president of PEO Chapter Z. Jean was able to travel extensively with her second husband, the late William “Bill

The Honorable Wayne Brown of Mesa passed away Tuesday, May 14, ending a long battle with hemorrhagic strokes. Born in Mesa November 16, 1936, he served on the Mesa City Council from 1968 to 1976 and as Mayor from 1996 to 2000. When serving as Mayor, Brown and his City Council persuaded voters to pass a one-half cent Quality-of-Life Sales tax supporting police, fire, parks and library services as well as the construction of the Mesa Arts Center, which he viewed as his greatest achievement as Mayor. Mayor Brown was a Mesa High School graduate and earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Arizona State University. He worked in public accounting and founded a Mesa CPA practice, Wayne Brown & Company, where he worked until 1978. He purchased Brown Evans Distributing Co., a wholesale fuel distributor, in the early 80’s. Wayne led a very happy, active life filled with family, friends and many activities such as golfing, flying, fishing and traveling. He is the son of Bert and Elva Brown of Mesa. Wayne is survived by his wife of 33 years Kathye; his mother Elva; his daughter Elizabeth and her husband Wade Solomon; his son Martin Wayne and wife Steffani; his son Kent and wife Melisha; his twin brother Duaine and younger brother Henry; grandchildren Cliff, Sarah, Brock and Hannah Solomon and Jeff, Jessalyn, Kalie, Kendall, Maci, Nick, Tyler, Dallin, Spencer, Aubree and Emily Brown; and three great grandchildren. Funeral services arranged by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, are scheduled for Saturday, May 18, at 9:00 a.m. at the LDS Church at 1100 N. Cooper Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85233 and will be followed by burial at the Mesa Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to United Food Bank, 245 South Nina Dr., Mesa, AZ 85210, www.unitedfoodbank.org.