Charles (Chuck) Baumann
Charles (Chuck) Baumann, age 85, died on Monday, April 2 in Goodyear, Arizona. He was surrounded by his wife, Kay, and his children. He was a beloved husband for over 58 years, father of five with two wonderful son-in-laws, grandfather (Papou) of two, and loving brother. He was a quiet, humble and proud man with a wicked sense of humor. He could always make us laugh. He wore a pocket protector like nobody’s business. That was his trademark along with a fresh stack of index cards tucked behind his pen. It always made us smile whenever he’d refer to his “notes”.
He was a brilliant man. After retiring and moving to PebbleCreek, he volunteered thousands of hours tutoring math for 12 years at Perryville Prison. He wanted to play a small role in helping these women better their lives!
He was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1932 and spent his career in the aerospace industry as an engineer after serving in the Air Force. The highlight of his career was being part of the Apollo team that put the first man on the moon. He was also part of the Titan, Gemini and Viking Space Shuttle teams.
He fought a long, hard battle that was often difficult and painful for us to watch, knowing there was absolutely nothing we could do. Unfortunately, he lost that battle. We are all sad, but take comfort in knowing he’s no longer suffering.
He may have left this world, but he will never leave our hearts! Until the day comes when we see each other again, we love him to the moon and back!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the inpatient unit of Hospice of the Valley located at 14066 W. Waddell Rd., Surprise, AZ 85379. Condolences for the family may be left at www.simplycremationaz.com.
Martin Tollefson
Martin Ole Tollefson of Goodyear AZ (previously Everett, WA) passed away March 30, 2018 into his heavenly father’s arms. Martin was the second of three sons (Edward and Howard) born to Edward Tollefson and Gladys (Galason) Tollefson on October 8, 1935 in Weaver, ND. When Martin was still a baby, the family moved to Lake Stevens, WA before settling in Everett, WA. Martin enlisted in the US Army where he served for two years. During this time, he met the love of his life Geraldine Peterson. They married on April 6, 1957 in Alexandria, MN. This year would have been their 61st wedding anniversary.
Martin and his older brother Ed Tollefson owned Tollefson’s Market which they started in 1963 in Lynnwood, WA before moving their location to Perrinville (Edmonds), WA. They retired from the grocery/meat market business after 38 years. During that time, they met many wonderful customers, salesmen and delivery people that became lifelong friends. Martin led by example with a vigorous work ethic and faith second to none. Martin’s deep and lasting faith in God set a powerful foundation for his family and many others.
Martin leaves the love of his life Geraldine, his daughter Cindy Tollefson (Makinen) and husband Dennis of Goodyear, AZ; daughter Valerie McCain and husband Theron (Bo) Goodyear, AZ (formerly Lake Stevens, WA); grandchildren Theron McCain of Everett, WA and Amy McCain of Marysville, WA.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Christ Presbyterian Church 925 N. Sarival Ave. Goodyear, AZ April 30, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers please donate to Gideon Bibles, National Kidney Foundation, or your choice of charity.
Connie Paulson
She entered this world on New Year’s Eve, 1945 and left it on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018.
Constance “Connie” Paulson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota but spent her childhood through early adult life in Barron, Wisconsin. Connie graduated from the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse and taught in Cedar Rapids and Colorado Springs before moving to Reno, NV in 1976, where using her sewing talents, she created a sewing workroom business that made custom window and bed coverings for Macy’s West and San Francisco Interior Designers.
Connie retired from her sewing business to become a fabulous glass artist in 1998. She created dazzling fused glass art which hangs in several banks and hospitals. Besides doing work on the behest of the Sierra Arts Foundation, Connie participated in many Art Shows such as the Tempe Festival of Arts. She married Glenn Ishibashi in 2000 and they moved to PebbleCreek in 2005. When PebbleCreek opened its Tuscany Falls Art Center, Connie helped initiate the fused glass studio; determining and securing equipment and supplies and taught the first Fused Glass Art classes. Connie is a past Artist of the Month.
Her creativity continued to surface and Connie enjoyed learning and doing many art forms including slab pottery, calligraphy, zentangle and beaded and precious metal clay jewelry.
Besides being an artist, Connie was a tireless sports person and an avid Green Bay Packers fan. She excelled at figure skating and golf from childhood. When the ArrowCreek Country Club in Reno opened, she was a fixture on the range, usually hitting a pyramid of golf balls (144) daily. Connie hated competing with anyone but herself and gave up competitive golf relatively early in her 60 years of golf. However, at age 58, she did return briefly to scorekeeping and carried a mid-single digit handicap when Glenn convinced her to enter a couple’s tournament. Of note, Connie and Glenn met on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend when Connie’s stipulation was “a golfer who cares more about his swing than his score.” Glenn lied.
Of late Connie and Glenn were snowbirds; summers in Park City, Utah and winters in PebbleCreek.
She had a lot of love to give; she was honest to the core and not afraid to speak her mind. She was thoughtful, generous, caring and creative and enjoyed her step-children and grandkids immensely.
Connie is survived by her husband, Glenn, mother, Charlotte Wintrone, 94, sisters Gloria (Mark) Dobberfuhl and Cindy LaPoint, and brothers Bob (Bonnie) Paulson and Tom (Laurie) Paulson. Her step-kids are Midori Ishibashi Wall and Kimi Ishibashi (Tim) Baker. Her grandchildren are Zoey, Ainsley and Emerie. Her kitty, Serendipity.
An informal Celebration of Life was held at her home on April 28.
She will be greatly missed by all that knew her; her joie de vivre, her humor, sparkle and beauty inside and out. We love you, Connie.
Virgil R. Smith
Virgil R. Smith completed his life journey on March 30, 2018 and passed away peacefully in his sleep with his beloved wife of 52 years by his side at his Goodyear, Arizona home.
Virgil was born in San Diego, CA on April 9, 1940 to Virgil R. Sr. and Ruby Smith. As a child, his father was in the Navy so the Smith family moved around frequently living in California, Hawaii and finally settling in Bothell, WA where Virgil graduated from Bothell High School (Class of ’58).
After high school, Virgil joined the Navy where he received training in the electronics field. He spent several years working on the radar systems of military ships and submarines. Following his Navy service, Virgil began a successful career in the electronics industry working for several large companies such as Hughes Aircraft, Meva Corp and Semtech. Early in his career his family moved around living in several states, Canada and finally residing in Bellevue, WA. His experiences and relationships throughout his career culminated with the founding of his own electronics firm Advanced Power Components in 1985.
In 2003, after a long and successful career, Virgil retired from the electronics industry to help his son build Mattress Depot USA and grow to over 20 retail store locations. He enjoyed working the sales floor and earned the nickname “No Budge Virgil” because of his ability to sell without discounting. Virgil and his wife moved to the PebbleCreek community in Goodyear, AZ in 2012. Here he enjoyed pursuing interests in Bocce ball, Wii bowling and several of the community clubs.
Virgil aka “Smitty” was a hardworking family man who always made time to coach his kids’ sports and help with all their activities. He was a very good handyman and lied to start projects around the house. He loved going out to eat with family and friends, was an avid movie watcher and Fox News fan. He enjoyed studying history, reading and traveling the world with his wife and family. He appreciated any opportunity to go fishing and had a lifelong interest in the American Civil War. Virgil will be remembered as a true patriot, embellishing storyteller and devoted, loving husband and father.
Virgil is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen, children (David Smith, Tammy Vig) and four grandchildren (Alison and Lindsey Vig, Kylia and Kolton Smith).
He is reunited with his parents, Virgil and Ruby, and younger sister Sandy.
A celebration of his life will be held in his honor. All are encouraged to leave condolences and messages for the family at http://tributes.com/Virgil-Smith.
Willard (Bill) Joe Harnden
Willard (Bill) Joe Harnden, age 89 of Goodyear, AZ passed away on March 30, 2018. He was born in Medicine Lodge, Kansas in 1928. Billy grew up with his mother Ruth, grandmother Elizabeth, older sister Beverly and step-father “Doc.” He was very active with Boy Scouts and the Sea and Air Scout programs and earned his Eagle Scout award in 1943. While a high school senior, Bill began taking flying lessons (unbeknownst to his mother) in a small Piper Cub aircraft and would eventually earn his private pilot’s license in 1960.
After graduating from Medicine Lodge High School in 1946, Bill enlisted in the US Marine Corps at the age of seventeen. Private First Class WJ Harnden’s first assignment was with the famous Black Sheep fighter squadron VMF-214 as an aircraft support and maintenance personnel. Stationed at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Orange County, CA, Bill’s squadron was also assigned to sea operations with the escort aircraft carrier USS Rendova and he enjoyed his adventures on the Pacific Ocean.
Upon completion of his enlistment, Bill returned to Kansas to attend and graduate from Emporia State Teachers’ College, specializing in accounting and mathematics. The Korean conflict brought Bill back to the Marine Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1951. Transferring to the Marine Corps Reserve in 1953, Bill continued his service and advanced to the rank of Colonel in 1975 before officially retiring in 1988.
Bill started his accounting career in Wichita, Kansas and after moving to Denver, Colorado, Bill’s career expanded to include domestic oil production. He enjoyed his time as an active adult leader with his three sons’ ventures with the Boy Scouts. After living a number of years in San Diego, California, Bill and his wife, Ann moved to Phoenix to enjoy his golden years and be closer with his grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ann; three sons, Willard Joe, Jr., Jeffery, and Eric; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A service with military honors was held on April 9, 2018 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. The family suggests donations be made to the Hospice of the West, 21410 N. 19th Ave., Ste. 100, Phoenix, AZ 85027. Condolences for the family may be left at www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.