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Steven Bryan Sorensen, 58 of Gilbert, Arizona passed unexpectedly on July 26th,2021, his absence has left a hole in the hearts of his family and friends. Steve was born in Tacoma, Washington. He was raised in Seattle and had a passion for anything with a motor. This influenced his decision to attend the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Arizona, where he realized he needed to be in the sunshine and get out of the rain. Steve worked at RideNow Powersports for twenty years, building a loyal customer base who would request that he be the only one to work on their equipment. He loved camping and exploring trails in his rzr with his wife and friends. He especially enjoyed those moments with his Dad. He showed his love for his friends by always being available to help them with their mechanical needs, he was a very giving person. He just missed the birth of his grandson by ten days, something he was very excited about. He is survived by his
wife Debbie, stepdaughter Katie Peyton (Brian), grandson Joshua, Mother Susan Potemkin, Father Gary Sorensen, Sister Juliann Sorensen (Ken), Brother Nikolay (Paulyne) many nieces and nephews and of course we must include the fur babies Lzzy, Holly and Magee. A Celebration of Life will be held in October.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a local Pet Rescue in Steve’s honor.

John Forrest Osife Sr. (5/28/1941 – 8/21/2021) was born in Sacaton, Arizona to Anthony Osife and Matilda Williams. One of 5 children, he grew up in Bapchule and finished high school at St. Peters, after which he entered the construction business; including clock laying, carpentry, and operating heavy equipment.

John and his wife Leticia were married in 1977 t the Fort McDowell Presbyterian Church. Together with their children, they spent their life caring for other members of their family and members of the Fort McDowell, fostering numerous children over the years. Anyone in need knew they could find a home with John and Leticia. Their openness to helping other was their defining characteristic, and they embraced it all their lives.

Church was a central part of John and Leticia’s life: Bible study and choir practice were non-negotiable, and the whole extended family participated in church activities. John loved horses and was a genuine cowboy at heart. He enjoyed team roping events and had a community of friends who participated in this activity with him for years. These friends were treasured by John.

John loved the Lord and was comforted by his return to Jesus. His faith gave him and his family members great comfort. Pastor Brandon Johns was beside him in his final weeks sharing conversations.

John is survived by his wife, Leticia, and his sons John Jr., James, Donna, and Judy. His grandchildren: Candance, Lucas, Derwin, Jonathan, Manny, Ruby, Bianca, and Yvonne, as well as 20 plus great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 5 – 8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel at 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. The funeral will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021 at the Fort McDowell Presbyterian Church at the Arbor at 8:00 AM.

Early in the morning on Wednesday, 18, August 2021, Arlene Judkins Anderson went to her eternal home and into the loving arms of her beloved husband Joe, Daughter Wendy Thompson, Parents Don and Mae Judkins and Sister Patricia Black, Arlene was 89 years old. Arlene came into this world in Los Angeles, California on the 20th day of February 1932; the first of three children born to Don and Mae (Bunker) Judkins. Arlene spent her early years in the Los Angeles area where the family eventually settled in Terrance, California. When Arlene was 13, the family moved to Mesa where her father Don started Valley Fence Company and where later she met her Eternal Companion Joseph Mason Anderson. Joe and Arlene were married on 3, March, 1950 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly after marriage Joe accepted an offer to open an office of the “American Fence Company” in Tucson. Even though Arlene was pregnant with their first child, at that time Joe ensured she made her doctor appointments in Mesa, where their first daughter Wendy was born eleven months after their wedding. Twenty-one months later Jolene joined the family with Kevin coming 11 months after; while their last two “twins” Darwin and Daryrene entered the world 28 months after Kevin. Yes, five children in five years. Before the twins were born Arlene and Joe had moved back to Mesa where Joe had become a Master Plumber and Arlene and Joe built their first and last house which still stands on 7th Place.

When the twins were in sixth grade, Arlene re-entered the work place as an accomplished Bookkeeper and Secretary first for Labarron and Carrol Insurance, then Cardon Oil, followed by the Lighting Company and ending her working years in her dream job as the Secretary at the LDS institute of Religion at Arizona State University. Brother Call, the director of the institute was very clear, Arlene was being hired not so much for her typing skills, but for her ability to interact with the students in a positive and uplifting manner.

Arlene loved the youth and they loved her. As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints she spent most of her extensive volunteer activity focused first on Primary (younger) Children, then when her daughters became older, she worked extensively with the Young Women, including yearly Road Shows programs and Summer Camps.

Arlene is survived by four of her five children, Jolene Jackson (Leon), Kevin (Cherri), Darwin (Cindy) and Daryrene Cannon (Craig), as well as her younger brother Donald and his wife Sara. She and Joe have been blessed with 25 Grandchildren, 72 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great, Great, Grand Daughters. Her Oldest Daughter Wendy Thompson (Mark) passed early last year.

A Viewing will be held on Saturday 4, September, 2021 from 9:00AM to 9:50AM with the Funeral service following at 10:00AM. All services will be held at the Latter-day Saint Chapel located at 933 East Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona, 85203.

Wilfred Lee Ghent, 66, passed away in his home on August 18th, 2021. Wilfred, known as Willie, was born in Grant County, Washington in 1955. Willie joined the Air Force during Vietnam and served with honor as an airplane mechanic. After his service, he stayed in the aviation field eventually becoming a Senior Quality Control Inspector for American Airlines. He enjoyed the casual life by fishing, playing guitar, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and spending time with his family.

Willie is survived by his 4 children, 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandson, 5 siblings, and 8 nieces & nephews.

The Funeral Service will be at

Bunker Family Garden Chapel

33 N Centennial Way

Mesa, AZ 85201

It will begin at 11am, with viewing opening at 10. Family will have a private viewing at 9am. Flowers can be sent to the Chapel.

After the service, Willie will be buried with military honors at

National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

23029 N Cave Creek Rd.

Phoenix, AZ 85024

Dianne Melander, 75, passed away August 20, 2021 at Amanda’s Care Home under the care of Hospice.  Dianne was born on July 17, 1946 to Leroy and Maxine Melander in Fargo, ND.  Her greatest joy was the time spend with her many cats, dogs, horses, and birds.  She considered these a very important part of her family. Dianne leaves behind her niece Melissa Leverence and her triplet daughters,  Abby, Allie, and Anna, sister-in-law Bonnie Melander, Uncle Allen, numerous cousins, other relatives and numerous friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents Leroy Melander and Maxine Carpenter, paternal grandparents, Agnes and Aron Melander, maternal grandparents, Sena and Max Gotfredsen, brother David, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family would like to thank all of those who provided support and kindness to Dianne in the last six months. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Valley or the Arizona Humane Society. As per Dianne’s wishes there will be no funeral. Arrangements handled by Bunker Family Funeral Home.

Frank Everett Jammes, 92, beloved dad, granddad and GGdad, passed away peacefully August 21, 2021 in Mesa, AZ  He is now reunited in heaven with his wife, Revenell (Nell) Marshall. Frank is also preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Francis Jammes and Blanche Garwood, four brothers and four sisters. Surviving him are his loving daughters Marsha (Marti) Bookstein, Jayne Jammes, #1 grandson Bryan (Heather) Campbell and the apples of his eye, great-grandsons Kai and Jake Campbell, in addition to several nieces and nephews. Frank will be sorely missed.

Born in Sanford, FL, Frank began working and paying his own way at age ten. By age 12, he was working multiple factory and farming jobs after school – and also winning at pool games! Frank moved to Jacksonville and soon found his calling in sales, distinguishing himself by receiving many high sales honors from every employer.

Frank earned his GED and married Revenell Marshall in 1948. The young family later moved to Gainesville, GA for more opportunities. After 14 unhappy months they moved to Cocoa Beach, FL, and he became a salesman catering to America’s exciting new space program’s urgent, launch-critical needs. In 1967, as the space industry waned, he accepted a challenge to move to Arizona, partner in a new industrial supplies firm, and show people in the mining industry what the word service meant; he never looked back. Arizona became home. Over the next five-plus decades, Frank and Nell ran several industrial supplies companies, including B&D Supply Co of Arizona, Valley Industrial Supply, Inc and Copper State Supply, Inc, now run by Jayne.

A dedicated Christian, he shared his faith through example. Wherever he lived, he joined and served in a local Southern Baptist Church. Frank learned to be a faithful steward as a young adult and led building programs for growing congregations over the decades in Cocoa Beach, FL and Gold Canyon, AZ.

Visitation will be held Tuesday August 24, 2021 at Bunker Family Funeral Home University Chapel at 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, 85213 from 4PM – 7PM. Funeral services will be Wednesday August 25 at First Southern Baptist Church of Mesa/Heart of Mesa, 851 North Stapley Drive, Mesa, 85203 at 10:30 AM. Service available online at Heartofmesa.org/livestream.

Peel Funeral Home, 301 E. Evans Avenue, Bonifay, FL will support the family on Saturday, August 28. Visitation will be at the Funeral Home at 9:30AM, with services at 10:30AM. Committal service will follow at East Pittman Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s memory to the Heart of Mesa Church, above, or East Pittman Baptist Church, Highway 179, Bonifay, FL, 32425.

Steven James Perkins, age 69, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away August 20, 2021 while surrounded by family.  He was born to Roy Perkins and Betye Jordan. He attended Westwood High School in Mesa, Arizona and graduated with a Masters of Tax Accounting from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He married Barbara Johnson.

Steve spent his 40 year career at SWD Urethane and Arizona Foam and Spray.  He loved outdoor pursuits with his brother and sons. He served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Steve is survived by his wife, Barbara, their five children, Steven “Jim” Perkins Jr. (Laurel Owens), Kamber Sonne (Lee), Scott Perkins (Kaci Salmon), Amie Hancock (Scott) and Ashley Garner (Ren), twenty-four of his twenty-five grandchildren, his parents, and four siblings, Larry, Greg, Shellie Willis, and Sandy Mathews, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 6-8pm at Bunker’s University Chapel 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213 and at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 5350 E. McLellan, Mesa, Arizona 85205 on Friday, August 27, 2021 from 9-9:45am. Funeral services will then be held beginning at 10:00am.  He will be laid to rest in the Mesa Cemetery.

For those who would like to watch remotely, below is the Zoom information to stream the funeral services for Brother Steve Perkins.

-Bishop Jones

Steve Perkin’s Memorial Service

Time: August 27th at 10:00 am  AZ time

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/93055044493?pwd=VWIKT3hBMGxCA2d5ZzbE9vMWJPUT09

Meeting ID#:   930 5504 4493

Passcode:         344531

Laura Christine Stuart, 44, has left her family and friends in this world to be with her father in Heaven.

She passed away on August 14, 2021, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born on June 13, 1977, in Anaheim, California.

Laura is survived by her life partner, Fabian Navarro, Two daughters, Sophia Mejic and Peyton Navarro.

Also surviving are her mother, Stella Thurston, Two sisters, Kelly (Doug) Chambers and Tracy McGlynn along with three brothers, James McGlynn, Jr., Brandon (Jennifer) Awrey, and John Stuart. She was also survived by many aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.

Laura graduated from Highland High School and Earl’s School of Cosmetology.

She was a sports fanatic who loved the Arizona Cardinals and the Phoenix Suns and never missed a game.

Laura always had a smile on her face, and everyone loved to hear her boisterous laugh. She never met a stranger. Laura is loved and will be missed by so many.

Visitation will be Friday, August 20, 2021 at Bunker Family Funeral and Cremations Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 at 5:00 with services to follow at 6:00. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Laura’s Gofundme account to help defray the costs of funeral expenses and help with the costs of raising her two daughters at gofund.me/fa178ddd.

With sorrow in our hearts, we announce the death of Adriana Michelle Brown, 47, who passed away Thursday, August 12, 2021, in Mesa, Arizona.  She was born October 9, 1973, in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Adriana graduated from Norfolk Agricultural High School, Walpole, MA in 1991. Adriana graduated from Devry Institute of Technology in Phoenix, AZ.

Adriana worked for many years in the Information Technology industries, where she earned a reputation as a reliable employee and coworker.  She was known for making friends with whomever she met and will be remembered for her sense of humor and big heart.

Adriana is preceded in death by her father Robert A Brown. She is survived by her Mother Nitzia I Brown, her brothers Robert A Brown Jr. & Steven R Brown and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Due to health and safety concerns brought on by the current Covid-19 pandemic, there will be no funeral or memorial service at this time. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in Adriana’s  memory to the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

John P. Gilligan

Mesa, AZ – John P. Gilligan of Mesa , Arizona, formerly of Yonkers , N.Y. died August 14 at 84.

Born in Manhattan to Patrick and Mary Gilligan on February 25th 1937, John had more than 40 years in banking, and was well known in Yonkers for his work with the Kiwanus Club , Yonkers Chamber of Commerce, United Way and the Westchester County Bankers Association .

He was predeceased by his wife Nancy in December 2020. They had many dogs over the years and he loved them all. He also loved the San Francisco Giants formerly of the Polo Grounds, N.Y. where he saw them play as a kid.

He is survived by son John , wife Emily, who became John’s “daughter” over the years, sister Alice Scherf , nephew Robert (Mary) , nieces Barbara Zaccarelli and Marianne Telenko (Allan) their families , and many cousins and friends , all of whom he loved dearly.

Also survived by Nancy’s daughter Shannon, son John Sorensen (Colleen) and Martin , Evelyn and Patrick. Also by grandchildren Emmy (Ethan), Cori , Jessie , Skye and Noah, and his dog Sarah, rehomed by Emmy.

From John Jr :

After his second Covid vaccine in April my father had brain fog and issues with balance and appetite. He began to develop dementia , which increased rapidly after a fall at home in July. He stopped eating in the hospital , which led to his death.

As a media member , I know the story is not balanced. My father told me in his last months that he was “done with vaccines” and said “giving it to kids would be criminal.” Heed his words.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Carol Ann (Adams) May, 76, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and Chief Executive Officer and Chair, Board of Directors of Wisdom Natural Brands® (makers of SweetLeaf® Sweeteners), returned to her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, surrounded by her family in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Carol was born on July 31, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She then moved with her family, at age 15, to Phoenix, Arizona. Two years later, Carol was awarded a scholarship to study acting in New York City. Her lifelong passion was the love of theater. However, fate stepped in when Carol met the love of her life, James May. The two married at the Mesa Arizona Temple on November 22, 1963, and her future with James began. The couple shared a lifetime of love. Together they had six children: David, James Jr., Steve, Michael, Shannon, and Erin.  Although she had a full house, Carol was accomplished with her education. She graduated with a B.A. in Psychology, Magna Cum Laude from Arizona State University; M.A. in Education, Summa Cum Laude, Northern Arizona University; M.C. Professional Degree in Counseling Psychology, Magna Cum Laude, Arizona State University. In 1985, Carol joined her husband at Wisdom Natural Brands (now in Gilbert, Arizona) and together they built an international company doing business in over 50 countries.

Carol has been recognized with five international Stevie Awards for Women in Business in both 2014 and 2015, (including Lifetime Achievement, Entrepreneur of the Year, Executive of the Year in Business, Lifetime Achievement and Entrepreneur of the Year in Consumer Products).  Carol was named one of the Top Women in Grocery in 2013 by Progressive Grocer Magazine, to the Arizona State University Sun Devil 100 during 2017 and 2019, and into the ASU President’s Club in 2019. Carol was inducted (with her husband) into the prestigious Natural Products Industry Hall of Legends in 2016. She was recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Arizona by AZ Business Magazine in 2015, and one of the Most Admired Leaders of Arizona in 2019.

As an ambassador for health and wellness, Carol enjoyed participating in the Dean’s Council of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Arizona State University, and partnering with their Department of Psychology in developing prevention research pertaining to the intake of dietary sugars in order to reduce cardiovascular risk. Carol served on the American Heart Association’s Industry Nutrition Advisory Forum. She represented her company in the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of Directors in the East Valley Partnership. In the past, she has served as a member of the Calorie Control Council and the Women’s Alliance, both international groups, and has been active in state and regional programs for children and families, as well as children’s hospitals.

Carol focused on improving the quality of life for others. She had a love of family history and was a member of the Arizona State Genealogy Association. Her commitment to family, company, and community were tireless. Over the years, Carol served on the ASU Psychology for Life Advisory Board; Banner Health, Pediatric Advisory Council; Regional Advisory Board on Metabolic Testing of Infants; Advisory Board to the AZ Department of Education on Chronically Ill Children; Member of the Advisory Board to AZ Department of Health (Children’s Division); Member of Maricopa County Medical Society committee on Pediatrics; Advisory Board for the Food and Beverage Industry; Member in the Organization of Women in International Trade; Member of the American Herbal Products Association; Member of the Institute of Food Technology and the National Specialty Food Association; and in various volunteer positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Carol was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and a beloved friend to many, near and far. She will be remembered as a never-tiring, always-focused business leader, community advocate, and Wisdom Natural Brands® ambassador of health and well-being.  Her company’s products give consumers the tools to make enjoyable, better-for-you dietary choices to meet the needs of busy lifestyles. Carol’s legacy will always be remembered as being committed to being a part of everyone’s journey to live a longer, healthier, and happier life.

She is survived by her sons, Steve and Michael (Christine), and daughters, Shannon (Jay) and Erin, and 7 grandchildren: Nathaniel, Emily, Andrew, Daniel, Jonathan, Chloe, and Julia.

A celebration of her life and legacy will be held on Monday, August 16, 2021. The morning will start with 9am Visitation, 9:45am Family Prayer, 10am Memorial Service, and 11am Luncheon for family and close friends at the LDS Church on 2835 E Des Moines St., Mesa, AZ 85213 with graveside service at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, Phoenix AZ.

John David Gephart, 61, passed away Tuesday, August 3, 2021, in Mesa, Arizona.  He was born April 21, 1960, in Mesa and was a lifelong resident of Chandler.

John graduated from Chandler High School in 1978. After high school he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Guatemala City, Guatemala, where he learned to speak Spanish and developed a strong love of the people.

John worked for many years in the construction and microchip manufacturing industries, where he earned a reputation as a reliable employee and coworker.  He was known for making friends with whomever he met and will be remembered for his sense of humor and infectious laugh.

John was a lover of history and was extremely well read in the subject.  He was an avid collector of books and wargame miniatures.  He was an expert with firearms and enjoyed hunting and target shooting – activities he loved to share with others.

John’s cheerful personality and sense of humor made him a favorite among family members — especially his nieces and nephews.  He loved to talk about books, movies, history, and recount the many hunting trips he took with his father and friends.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Jean Rood and Nelda Watkins Gephart.  He is survived by his brother Robert (Rebeca) and his sister Linda Castillo (Merril), and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at 10am, with a viewing at 9am, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Ray 2^nd Ward, 1115 E. Ray Road, Chandler, Arizona. Interment at Mesa Cemetery will follow.  Arrangements are being handled by Bunker Family Funerals, Mesa, Arizona.

Gerald “Jerry” Bellows

Jerry Bellows, 72, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 4th, 2021, at home listening to CCR surrounded by family as he lost his battle with Cancer.

He was born in Detroit, Michigan April 1^st, 1949, and moved to Mesa, Arizona in the 1950’s.

He attended West Wood High School and graduated in 1965.

Jerry joined the United States Army as a mechanic at 18 and served from (1968-1971)

He was a Crew Chief, flying in a UH-1 Huey helicopter with the 240^th Assault Helicopter Company called Greyhounds. He was in Vietnam from 1969-1970.

Jerry enjoyed life and people and was always quick to start a conversation or make a new friend. He laughed a lot and so did the people around him. He loved a good story or joke and loved a good scare.

He married Rhonda in September of 1986, they had a great life and many adventures raising 3 children together, and some bonus kids along the way. They had a strong family bond that remains that way to this day.

Jerry was many things in life and among them he was a Husband, Father, Grandfather, soldier, surveyor, mechanic, entrepreneur, truck driver, boy scout leader, cub scout leader, Harley Davidson motorcycle rider and avid Camper.

He loved being outdoors and was an avid camper going with family and friends whenever he could. The White mountains in Arizona were one of his favorite spots.

He had a trucking company named Bellows & Sons and worked for Sunkist for years- His First Truck was a Kenworth and was known as the “Green Bean” on CB radio through the 1980’s and 90’s; He was always willing and able to help fellow truckers stuck on the highways or anywhere else for that matter, if he had it to give it was yours.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, John Bellows (1987), mother, Geraldine Bellows (2010) and Brother John (2011).

Jerry is survived by his wife of 35 years Rhonda (Rickard), son, Christopher, daughters Jennifer, and Cynthia; with grand-children, Gaige, Nola Meadow and Ryder. Surviving family members include his brothers, Rick, Terry, and Russell Bellows.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, August 14th, 2021, at 10am at

Bunker’s Garden Chapel in Mesa, Arizona at 1111 Centennial Way Mesa AZ 85201

The Family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to

DAV – Disabled American Veterans (a favorite charity of Jerry’s)

His Burial will be held at The National Cemetery on Monday August 16^th, 2021, at 10am

23029 N Cave Creek Rd Phoenix, AZ 85024

Mellissa Brown, 58, passed away peacefully on July 30th, 2021, surrounded by her family in Mesa, Arizona. Mellissa was born in Bountiful, Utah, on April 10th, 1963. She was loved by many and was a light to those who knew her. One of her greatest accomplishments was becoming a registered nurse; before that, Mellissa worked as a certified dietician. She also enjoyed camping and fishing with her husband Eric, tending to her garden with her grandchildren, and spending time at the beach collecting shells. Mellissa had a steadfast testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and believed strongly in the power of prayer. In 1984, she married and was sealed to her sweetheart, Eric Jay Brown, in the Seattle Washington temple. Together they raised three beautiful kids: Nachelle, Natalie, and Joshua. Mellissa is survived by her mother, Carole Randall, siblings Jenny, Susan, Robert, and Katie, husband Eric, their three children Nachelle (Justin) Sampson, Natalie (Ben) Heywood, and Joshua (Haley Jones) Brown, as well as five grandchildren and three granddogs. She will be deeply missed by her family. They know she is in heaven, playing with her beloved dog Teela, and looking forward to the day when they are reunited as an eternal family. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 12th at 10:00am, preceded by a viewing at 9:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 6942 E. Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona 85207. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Bunker Family Funerals.

Bruce Mannes, 90, passed away July 30, 2021, in Mesa, AZ. He was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota to Arthur Mannes and Stella Rosenthal. As a young man he attended Shattuck Prep School in Faribault, MN where he participated on the hockey team and had the opportunity to attend the 1947 Boy Scout Jamboree in France as an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Northern State College with an undergraduate and master’s degree in education and moved to Blythe, California where he met and married Elaine Gibby on April 9, 1955.

Bruce started his work career as a schoolteacher in Blythe, CA and then became a school superintendent in Strandburg, South Dakota. He took a new job with the Chrysler Corporation that took his family to Minneapolis, MN. During this time Bruce & Elaine would have three children and added two more after moving to Aberdeen, SD. While in Aberdeen, Elaine started her Shaklee business with Bruce joining her full time. This business is now over 50 years old and is still going strong today with their children at the helm. The Shaklee business provided them with many opportunities to travel the world and help others build their own Shaklee business.

The Shaklee business allowed Bruce to do what he enjoyed most, meeting new people, and traveling. He loved to shop, and he liked a good restaurant. His favorite place to travel was New York City. He loved seeing Broadway shows, catching up with friends over dinner and seeing sights. Other favorite trips were to The Great Wall of China, the English countryside by train, going thru the Panama Canal and seeing a grandson’s hockey team play for a national title.

Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine, and his half-brother Bob Smilo. He is survived by his 5 children: Dr. Bruce (Carrie) Mannes, Carla Mannes, Dave (Lisa) Mannes, Sara (Shane) Buntrock and Amy Mannes with 12 grand-children and 9 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind half siblings Susan Sands, Sandra Dunie, Gary Greenberg, and Harriet Greenberg Harris.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (ALZ.org) or Shaklee Cares (https://go.shaklee.com/shaklee-cares/)

Visitation will be Thursday, August 5, 2021, from 5:00p- 7:00p at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201 followed by a private family burial Friday, August 6, 2021.