In Passing – March 2025

Evelyn Agnes Alyea

Evelyn Agnes Alyea, 98, of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2025, in Mountain View, Calif., after a short battle with pneumonia. She was born in Detroit, Mich., on Dec. 14, 1926, to Andrew and Theresa Mastalksi. She attended Pershing High School in Detroit. While in high school she was asked by the McCall’s Pattern Co. to do fashion modeling. After high school she went to work for General Motors in Detroit and was a model at the annual new car show introductions.

She was the beloved wife of the late Jack S. Alyea for 54 years. They lived in Bristol, Pa., for a brief time before settling in Woodbury, Minn., where they raised their only surviving daughter, Christine Alyea, who now resides in California. Their retirement years were spent in the PebbleCreek Resort Community in Goodyear, Ariz. The last five years of her life were spent living with her daughter in Mountain View, Calif.

Among her many passions she enjoyed long blade ice skating, skiing, trapshooting, reading mystery novels, jigsaw puzzles, and making jelly from fresh picked strawberries from the local farm. She was an avid volunteer at Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, Minn. A doting mother and wife, Evelyn will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her memories bring comfort and joy to all she leaves behind. She lived a very happy life and wouldn’t have changed anything.

 

Doug Christensen

Douglas Christensen, the best husband, dad, and papa a family could ask for, has been called home to be with his Heavenly Father. He passed peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by loved ones, in the early morning of Jan. 28, 2025.

Doug was born in Ludington, Mich., in 1944 and has since lived his full and joyous life between Colorado, Michigan, India, Taiwan, and Arizona.

A man of great faith, strength, and positivity, Doug’s “larger-than-life” personality impacted the lives of everyone he encountered. He was known for his beautiful singing voice, Colgate smile, and sunny demeanor. Doug lived every day to the fullest, shining his bright light for all to witness. Always the motivator, whether leading aerobics classes, singing in musicals, or sharing his love for Jesus Christ, Doug’s zest for life was unmatched.

Doug sought to make purposeful and lasting connections through his work as an educator. With his warmth, easy encouragement, and strong conversation skills, Doug had the rare gift of making everyone he spoke to feel like the most important person in the room.

Music was woven into every part of Doug’s life as he joyfully shared his voice, led church worship, played the piano as friends gathered around, sang in a choir, and showcased his talents on stage. Being a part of ShowTime and PebbleCreek Singers was one of Doug’s great joys, where his passion for music came to life. Doug’s music wasn’t just heard—it was felt, leaving an imprint on every heart it touched.

Many were honored to call Doug a dear friend because of the genuine love he bestowed. He was the best listener, therapist, spiritual advisor, game player, and laugh-inducer. Always ready with a hand to hold, a comforting hug, or an “I love you”—it’s no wonder Doug was a favorite everywhere he went.

Above all, Doug was devoted to his family. His love for his wife, Jerri, of 58 years, is unparalleled. Their genuine love and deep friendship, based on faith, is a model for all marriages. This abounding love extended to his daughters, Julie and Cathy, sons-in-law Chad and Gary, and grandchildren Levi, Ella, and Bobby. Doug’s kindness, wisdom, and shared memories will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration in their lives.

Though Doug’s earthly journey has ended, his soul endures in God’s eternal embrace: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). We find peace knowing Doug is at home with Jesus Christ, his Savior. He will be profoundly missed, but his light will shine on through all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In keeping with his request, Doug did not wish for a formal service but instead hoped each person would take a moment to reflect on shared memories with a heart of laughter, gratitude, and love. Let us carry his spirit with us by praising God, loving and helping others, and cherishing every moment we are given.

 

Russ Steglich

After 90+ years, on Jan. 4, 2025, Russ has moved on, leaving his partner Judy Stevens; four children, Kent, Tami, Anna-Lee, and Chris; plus eight grandchildren and 11 great–grandchildren. He was born on March 3, 1934, in Salt Lake City to Paul and Mildred (Madsen) Steglich along with an older brother, Ray. He attended schools there as well as serving six years in the Utah National Guard before moving to Sacramento (Pitney Bowes). In 1961 his last move was to Reno, where he and a friend (Don) started a printing company, which still serves Nevada and California. Upon selling that, he started another printing company from which he retired in 2008.

His love of sports, mostly golf, led to his becoming the president of the newly opened Lakeridge golf course in Reno. Later he joined Hidden Valley rotating among three places. He was able to claim four “hole–in–one” scores, one of which was here at PC when he was 88. Russ’s love of sports and games had him in a bowling league, the “infamous” Beaver OPEN golf group, as well as white elephant parties, a gourmet club, and challenging himself with solitaire and cribbage where he would play against his “other” self!

Russ  and Judy rotated among three places—Reno, Graeagle, and PebbleCreek for more than 17 years. Afternoons became a time to relax, especially when ice cream was available—a habit that stayed with him until his passing. His generosity with family and friends will carry on with his body donation to the University of Utah Medical School.

You’re forever in our thoughts and hearts, Russ.

 

Robert Warren Thompson

Robert Warren “Bob” Thompson, 80, passed away on Jan. 26, 2025, at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Ariz., after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his brother, Carman Bliss, and his parents.

Bob was born on June 28, 1944, in Grandview, Manitoba, Canada, to Charles and Mary Thompson. He became a U.S. citizen in 1965 and graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1967, where he met his beloved wife, Diane. They were married for 58 years and had two children, Brian and Suzanne. Bob’s devotion was evident in his ongoing participation in activities with family and friends including trips, boating, and gatherings.

Bob’s pride grew with the birth of his grandson, Josh, in 2000, and he especially celebrated Josh’s high school and Loyal Marymount University graduations. Bob had a 42-year career in the dental industry, where he built close friendships. Suzanne and her dad enjoyed working together in the dental industry. It was witnessed that Bob had two personalities, one being a quiet man and the other the man who had a quick wit and a comedic style.

In 2016, Bob and Diane moved to PebbleCreek as snowbirds, where they enjoyed a lively community and activities such as pickleball, bocce, and dinner dances. Bob was also involved with the Rotary Club in Anacortes, Wash., contributing to polio eradication efforts and organizing fundraising events, including the October Auction.

Bob had many interests, including woodworking, welding, and boating, which he pursued for over 50 years. Bob had a zest for life, and he lived it to the fullest.

Bob is survived by his wife, Diane; children Brian (Susan and grandson Josh) and Suzanne; and many friends and family who cherished his warmth and generosity. A celebration of his life will be held in Anacortes this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Anacortes Rotary or the Mayo Clinic in Bob’s honor.

Bob will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. May he rest in peace.

 

William Edward Wiskoski

Ed Wiskoski (aka “The Colonel”), 80, passed away on Jan. 23, 2025. He was born in St. Joseph, Mo. Ed had two twin sisters, and is survived by his partner of 26 years, Susanne Schultz, and one sister, two daughters, and five grandchildren. Ed and Susanne moved here from Vancouver, Wash., in 2009, and he became active playing Senior Softball.

Ed graduated from Central High in St. Joe where he was 6′ 3″, 250 lbs., lettered in football, track and field, and went on to play for NW Missouri State and earned a bachelor of science degree. He was destined for the NFL after earning all-Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association honors, and then became a former player for the Cincinnati Bengals. His football career was short lived when he met a friend who encouraged him to turn to pro wrestling. Ed enjoyed a 40-year wrestling career traveling all over the world. Depending on what country he was wrestling in, his stage name ranged from, “the cowboy,” “The Polish Prince,” “Mega Maharishi,” and stateside as “Colonel DeBeers.”

Ed encountered countless surgeries and years of cancer before God finally called him home. He was a fighter who lived nine lives. He will be sorely missed, but will never be forgotten.