In Passing

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Walter D. Piehl

Walter D. Piehl moved peacefully on to the larger life on April 11, 2026, with his wife by his side. Devoted son of Walter A. and Corinne (Heingardner) Piehl. Born on Jan. 15, 1933, in Chicago, Ill.

Beloved husband of Diane (Hoyt), fond brother of the late George (Elfriede) Piehl and sister, Roberta (Piehl) Tidemann; nephew Erik (Stephanie) Piehl; brother-in-law Bob (Christine) Hoyt; niece Christie (Neal) Friedant; Robert (Kathrine) Hoyt; Tim (Liz) Hoyt; great-nephews Zach Friedant, Harrison and Greyson Hoyt, Henry Piehl; great-nieces Halle Piehl, Ashley Friedant, Parker and Juliette Hoyt.

Wally joined the United States Coast Guard in the 1950s learning a useful trade working in the engine room. He spent four years active/four years inactive with most of his tour in Alaska aboard an ice breaker. Upon discharge he went to work for Illinois Auto Electric Company working on fuel injection systems for diesel power dealing with all the railroads in the United States. He traveled the eastern part of the county for many years calling on the railroads. He retired after 35 years of service in 1993.

As a child in Chicago close to Wrigley Field he had a neighbor as a groundskeeper who let the young boys play ball in the outfield. A favorite story!

He served on the church board in his Chicago church and upon retiring to Goodyear, Ariz., and joining The Church at Litchfield Park, served a deacon with a focus on memorial services along with between service coffee. He helped friends as needed with his handyman skills and supported his wife in her numerous singing adventures. In PebbleCreek he worked as a sound assistant for both PebbleCreek Singers and ShowTime Productions.

He and Diane, his friend and partner, were married for nearly 62 years and traveled the world learning and enjoying many wonderful places.

Robert J. Burns

Bob, as he was known to family and friends, was born May 12, 1941, to Francis (Bud) Burns and Thelma (Kane) Burns at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. He passed away at home on April 1, 2026, after an extended illness. He attended St. Anthony School class of 1955 and graduated from Dowling High School in 1959.

Bob began his career in the field of golf course maintenance at Wakonda Golf Course and then became golf course superintendent at Clarinda and Shenandoah. His biggest career move was to Beaver Hills Golf and Country Club in Cedar Falls, Iowa. After he retired, he moved to St. George, Utah, and eventually to Phoenix, Ariz. He was a retired lifetime member of the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America and was a former president of the Iowa GCSA (1974).

Bob is survived by his wife, Diane, and two sons, David (Magnolia) Burns of Avondale, Ariz., and Richard Burns of Janesville, Iowa; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; his two sisters, Jo Shean of Indianola, Iowa, and Colleen (David) Deets of Des Moines, Iowa; as well as a host of extended family and friends. As per Bob’s wishes, there are no services. If you would like to honor his memory, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley.

Gretchen Wegener Martin

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gretchen Wegener Martin, who passed away on March 30, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born in El Paso, Texas, in 1939, Gretchen was the youngest of three girls (sisters Rosemary and Bernadette (predeceased)). Gretchen grew up in El Paso and attended Texas Western College (now the University of Texas at El Paso (“UTEP”)), where she earned her degree in education. In 1961, she moved to Riverside, Calif., where she began her career as an elementary school teacher.

While teaching in Riverside, Gretchen met her beloved husband, Neill Martin (predeceased), whom she married in 1962. Married for 59 years (up until his passing in 2021), they built a life filled with love, adventure, travel, and a strong focus on family. Gretchen, Neill, and family moved to Mallorca, Spain, in 1968, then to Caracas, Venezuela, in 1970 and finally settling in Calgary, Canada, in 1973. For the past 27 years, they have split their time between Calgary and Phoenix, forming lasting friendships in both cities.

Gretchen had a tireless spirit and a love of travel, visiting every continent and embracing cultures around the world. She had a lifelong passion for sports and was an accomplished tennis player, an avid golfer, and later a devoted pickleball player. She also enjoyed playing bridge and participating in numerous social events in her communities.

A devoted and selfless mother, Gretchen was the consummate teacher, both in the classroom and with her three children, who proudly describe her as the “World’s Most Magnificent Mom.” Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy and she took particular pride in her children’s and grandchildren’s academic, athletic, and theatrical achievements.

Gretchen was generous and deeply committed to helping others through her church and through her work supporting underprivileged children. A devout Catholic, she attended weekly Mass and lived her faith fully. She will be missed by her congregations in Calgary and Phoenix.

Gretchen is survived by her sister, Rosemary; her three children, Chris (Michelle), Michelle (John), and Greg (Alexis); and her four grandchildren, Tiffany (Logan), Nicholas, Ben, and Alexandra.

A celebration of Gretchen’s life will be held at a later date when the family can all be together.

Please visit gretchen-martin.forevermissed.com and request an invite to her memorial site if you would like to share memories or tributes.

John F. (Jack) McFall

Jack’s wife, Karen McFall, sadly announces the passing of her husband of 65 years.

Jack and Karen have been snowbirds from Camano Island, Wash., since 2013. He enjoyed an active life in PebbleCreek (PC), which included the fitness center, participation in theater productions, and being a member of the PC Singers.

Jack was born in Watertown, N.Y., on March 23, 1936. He did his undergraduate work in Ithaca, N.Y., and master’s and doctoral studies as a proud OSU Oregon Duck. Jack spent his career in education, and he served in the U.S. Army.

Besides Karen, Jack is survived by three sons, three grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Jack was a semi-professional pitcher in his youth and a great baseball fan. He was an avid fisherman, annually gifting his friends with fresh salmon until it became necessary to sell his beloved boat. Jack and Karen spent many years traveling the country in their RV—often with their grandchildren in tow.

Jack was bigger than life, a warm and loving man who was a great friend. He’d spend hours singing ballads in the kitchen while making corned beef for a St. Patrick’s Day party.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Harold “Tubby” Garverick Jr.

Harold George Garverick Jr., affectionately known as “Tubby,” passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026.

Tubby was born July 14, 1937, in Galion, Ohio, the third of five children born to Harold and Mina (Wilson) Garverick. He graduated from Galion High School in 1955, where he was a three-sport letterman in football, basketball, and baseball, earning All-Conference honors in multiple sports. A natural leader, he served as class president and was later inducted into the Galion High School Hall of Fame. It was during his high school years that he met the love of his life, Nola Belle Althouse.

After high school, Tubby attended Bluffton College where he excelled as a football linebacker and baseball catcher for the Beavers from 1958 to 1960. He was elected football co-captain and earned All-Conference recognition in football two years and in baseball his senior year. He was later inducted into the Bluffton College Hall of Fame for his athletic achievements and leadership.

Tubby married Nola on Aug. 24, 1958, and together they shared 67 devoted years of marriage. They raised their three sons (Mike, Pat, and Kelly) in Mentor, Ohio. A devoted father, he was deeply involved in coaching youth league sports and mentoring young athletes. His proudest accomplishment was his family, and he especially cherished being Papa to his beloved grandchildren.

After earning his degree in business, Tubby built a distinguished career with State Farm Insurance (agent, manager, Director of Education/Training). He also taught insurance courses at Lakeland Community College. His dedication to education extended into public service, where he served eight years on the Mentor School Board and served as president of the Pinegate Community HOA.

In 2006, Tubby retired and he and Nola moved to PebbleCreek in Goodyear, Ariz., where they enjoyed golfing in retirement and time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Margie Leyden and Kate (Walter) Smith; and his brother Harry (Faye) Garverick.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nola; his sons, Mike (Chandra), Pat (Kathleen), and Kelly (Beth); his cherished grandchildren, Krista (Trey), Michael (Katelyn), Maggie, and Jack; his brother, James (Bonnie) Garverick; his sister-in-law, Nancy Weiner; and many relatives and dear friends.

Tubby will be remembered for his leadership, loyalty, competitive spirit, devotion to family, and the lasting impact he made on his community.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Mentor, Ohio (TBD).

www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries

Philip Lee Sobocinski

Philip Lee Sobocinski, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, and coach, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, with his loving spouse of 58 years, Kathleen (“Kathy”), by his side.

Phil is survived by his devoted wife Kathy; daughters Shelly (Chris) and Kristin (Conrad); grandchildren Jacob (Samantha), Kayla, Jackson, Sydney, Nathaniel, and Peyton; and great-grandchildren Ignatius and Kolbe. He is further survived by his six brothers: Jerry (Sandy), Mike (Claudia), James (Suzanne), William, Thomas (Catherine), and Pat (Laura). He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman and Genevieve, his brother Donald, and his sister Janice.

Born 80 years ago, Phil grew up and attended school in South Milwaukee. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison on a football scholarship, where he met the love of his life, Kathy. They built a life rooted in love, family, education, athletics, and an unwavering devotion to the Wisconsin Badgers.

Phil was the original “girl dad,” spending countless hours on playing fields, basketball courts, softball diamonds, and in the driveway. He was immensely proud of his daughters’ accomplishments.

Known as “Pop” to his grandchildren, Phil found great joy watching them pursue their own passions and especially cherished time spent at the family’s beloved cabin up north. Kayaking, snowshoeing, skiing, campfires, even a wedding, were all part of the memories made there. The cabin was a place of laughter and tradition, and Pop was at the center of it all.

After his collegiate football career, Phil had a brief stint in the NFL, including time with the Atlanta Falcons. He then dedicated 23 years to teaching and coaching at West Allis Central High School. Known affectionately as “Coach Sobs,” he left a lasting impact on hundreds of student athletes. He coached with intensity and heart, emphasizing character, integrity, resilience, and self-belief. In recognition of his influence and success, Phil was inducted into the Wisconsin High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

Phil earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison, a master’s degree from UW-Whitewater, and his PhD from UW-Milwaukee. He went on to serve in leadership roles, including Superintendent of three school districts: Monona Grove, West Allis-West Milwaukee, and Warren Township in Illinois.

Beyond school and sport, Phil was an avid golfer and traveler. From St. Andrews to Paris to the Galápagos, he embraced the world with curiosity and appreciation. He lived fully and intentionally, always valuing time spent with family.

Phil will be remembered for his booming voice on the sidelines, his unwavering standards, his quick wit, and his favorite sayings: “Run the damn ball!” and “Moderation in all things…including moderation!” that perfectly captured his spirit.

In celebration of Phil’s remarkable life, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends.

Phil Sobocinski lived a life of purpose, love, and laughter. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he shaped, the family he cherished, and the values he instilled in all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Ann R. Johnson

May 3, 1935 – Feb. 6, 2026
Ann R. Johnson, age 90, passed away peacefully on Feb. 6, 2026—on the wedding anniversary she shared with her beloved husband, Durke Johnson, who preceded her in death on March 3, 2019. Their marriage was truly a love for the ages, and many who knew them saw in Ann and Durke a partnership built on devotion, laughter, and deep respect.

Ann was a cherished and familiar presence in the PebbleCreek community, where she and Durke made their home beginning in 1998 after relocating from Parker, Colo. Together, they embraced life in PebbleCreek wholeheartedly and became true ambassadors of the community and its residents.

For decades, Ann was an icon at the Eagle’s Nest Fitness Center, where she worked checking members in, greeting everyone with warmth, cleaning equipment when things were quiet, and ensuring rules were followed with fairness and care. Through her work, Ann formed countless friendships and touched the lives of so many who passed through those doors. Her presence there was steady, welcoming, and unforgettable.

Earlier in life, Ann and Durke were fortunate to live in California, Minnesota, Colorado, and Brussels, Belgium. Their time abroad sparked a lifelong love of travel, taking them throughout Europe and to far reaching destinations including China, New Zealand, and Japan. Ann carried those experiences with curiosity and joy, always appreciative of the people and places she encountered.

Ann is survived by her loving family: her daughter Denise Ashton, her son Steve Johnson and daughter in law Sally Johnson, five grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren—a remarkable and loving legacy, especially meaningful as Ann herself was an only child. Her family was her pride, her joy, and her greatest accomplishment.

Ann will be remembered for her kindness, strong work ethic, welcoming spirit, and the deep love she shared with her family, friends, and community. Her life was full, her impact lasting, and her memory will live on in the many lives she touched.

While she leaves a void in the family left behind, her fun laughter and unconditional love will be with us forever!