Ralph Jackson Lester
Ralph Jackson Lester of Goodyear, Arizona died on February 20, 2016, at home after a protracted illness. Ralph was born in Mexico City on June 2, 1922, to Ralph J. Lester and Bertha Peimbert Lester. Ralph lived the majority of his life in Arizona from Nogales and Tucson to Phoenix, Goodyear and his sanctuary in the beautiful White Mountains. Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Arline, his sons Ralph Lester Jr. and Todd Lester (Debbie), daughter Jane Johnson, step-daughter Michele Sattler, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Mary Esther Schaefer (Art) and extended family. Ralph was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, James Dickinson (Dick) Lester and John Vickers Lester.
Ralph lived an inspired life. His accomplishments made him larger than life yet his humility kept his feet on the ground, unless that is, when he was flying his Beechcraft Bonanza. He was a decorated U.S. Navy carrier fighter pilot serving aboard the Shangri-La in the Pacific theater during WWII. In death, Ralph rejoins his squadron having “slipped the surly bonds of Earth.”
Ralph was a man of few words who knew how to make a point. This skill served him well after graduating from the University of Arizona Law School. He began his career as a Pima County Deputy Attorney followed by a 25 year career as a litigator with Evans Ketchel & Jenckes in Phoenix. After retiring from Evans Ketchel & Jenckes Ralph went on to serve Maricopa County as a Superior Court Judge Pro Tem for nine years until his final retirement and move to Goodyear.
Ralph was an active swimmer, tennis player and golfer all of his life. He held state swimming and tennis championships from the time of his youth and on to the Senior Olympics in his later years. His competitive spirit continued onto the bridge table where he regularly played until most recently.
Words cannot adequately describe this amazing man, strong, intelligent, proud, accomplished and authentic, now pain free and at peace.
Private services will be held at a later date with interment at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
Jerry Wunderlich
The PebbleCreek “no name” men’s golf group lost a dear friend and golf partner Jerry Wunderlich to a tragic accident. Jerry was a one of a kind person that valued friendship, playing golf with his friends and the 19th hole camaraderie. We will deeply miss him and his engaging sense of humor about all things. He will always be with us in spirit every time the group tees it up and gather at the 19th hole.
Jerry was a devoted husband to his wife Sherry. They recently traveled to Norway to celebrate Sherry’s 75th birthday. Family was important to him bringing them on multiple project assignments. He loved doing his grandpa duties with the grandkids keeping up to date with their activities and teaching them to fish, golf and enjoy fireworks.
He took God’s word seriously, loving his neighbor, by adopting his golfing buddies Bobby Behr and Arnie Johnson. Jerry was a member of Life in Christ Lutheran Church. He loved to cook and entertain his friends after a day on the links. Jerry was an avid sports fan and NFL team owner. He could talk about the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers and NASCAR with anyone. He loved working for Oscar Boldt Construction back in Wisconsin and Minnesota, but was fortunate to retire early and enjoy the warmth of Arizona. He had many hobbies including fishing, gardening, feeding wildlife and putting on the most awesome Christmas displays.
Jerry is survived by his wife Sherry, sons Craig (Donna) Wunderlich of Greenville, Wisconsin and Ross (Elizabeth) Wunderlich of Rapid City, South Dakota, daughter Stacy Ostoff of Duluth, Minnesota, daughter-in-law Lorraine Mickelson of Barnum, Minnesota, sisters Lynn (Tom) Sexton of Elcho, Wisconsin and Kristine Wunderlich of Menasha, Wisconsin, brothers James (Nancy) Wunderlich of Greenville, Wisconsin, Ted Wunderlich of Medina, Wisconsin, Mark (Connie) Wunderlich of Appleton, Wisconsin and Neal (Debbie)Wunderlich of Chanhasen, Minnesota, seven grandchildren, Angie Iverson and fiancée Justin White, Adam (Melissa) Iverson, Alex Wunderlich, Luke (Kate) Wunderlich, Andrew Wunderlich, Austin Ostoff, Reece Parks and three great-grandchildren, Morgan Iverson, Aiden Iverson, and Nora Wunderlich. In addition, Sherry’s sons Tim Heil and Jerry Heil from West Des Moines, Iowa. Additional grandchildren Mallory Heil, Riley Heil, Marleigh Heil and Holly Heil.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlye and Elmyra Wunderlich, brother Lee and his wife Carmen Wunderlich and sister-in-law Sandy (Ted) Wunderlich.
A funeral service was held Saturday, February 13, 2016, at Life in Christ Lutheran Church, 14802 N. 75th Avenue in Peoria, Arizona. Memorials may be sent to Life in Christ Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.