Doris Jean Giocomo
Doris Jean Giocomo
Doris Jean Giocomo, 87, of Goodyear, Ariz. passed away peacefully at home, Aug. 6, 2021, following an extended illness. Doris was born Sept. 22, 1933 in Chicago, Ill. to Gladys and Milton Cleek. When Doris was 16, she met the love of her life, Frank Giocomo, at the dime store where they both worked. They married Dec. 1, 1950. They raised their three children in Chicago until 1967, when Frank was transferred by Honeywell to Denver, Colo. They moved to PebbleCreek in Goodyear in 1996 to enjoy their retirement.
Doris loved spending time with her family, crocheting, sewing, going to a Diamondbacks game, cruises, and playing cards with her friends.
Doris is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Frank; daughter Donna, sons Bob (Carol), Dave (Beth), five grandchildren, and four (soon to be six) great-grandchildren. She will be missed. No services are planned at this time.
Gloria Jeanne Krier
Gloria Jeanne Krier
Gloria Jeanne Krier, age 74, died at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, S.D. The family was present at a wake service Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, at the Miller Hartford Chapel, 600 S. Western Avenue, Hartford, S.D. A Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, at St George Catholic Church. The family requests no flowers and that memorials be directed to the Avera Dougherty Hospice House in Gloria’s name.
Gloria Jeanne Lewis was born on May 10, 1947, in Mitchell, S.D. to Elmo C. Lewis and Mae (Lee) Lewis. She was raised and graduated from Parkston High School in 1965.
Gloria was wed in marriage with Gary E. Krier on Dec. 6, 1968, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls, S.D. They made their home in Sioux Falls until 1974, then moved to Hartford, S.D. They raised four children together. David, Kris, Bryan, and Karyn.
Gloria became a Telephone Operator when she was 16 in Parkston and upon graduation moved to Sioux Falls, S.D., to continue her career. Over the years Gloria was promoted numerous times and eventually became an Engineer with U.S. West Communications where she retired after 25 years of service.
Gloria enjoyed dancing with Gary, playing cards, and golfing in her younger years. Upon retiring, Gloria and Gary had a wonderful life in both Hartford, and Goodyear, Ariz., where she collected an immeasurable amount of extraordinary friends that she cherished in her last years. Above all she has loved and adored all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren until the end.
Grateful for having enjoyed her life are her husband of almost 53 years and her children that have provided her with grandchildren that have grown the family by 16 great-grandchildren that have filled her last years with much love and joy.
Those of you that have spent time with Gloria have watched the struggle that she has endured for the last decade of her life, always with a smile on her face and quick wit. She finally succumbed to lung cancer (not without a fight). She will be missed greatly by all that had the pleasure of experiencing her joyful presence in this world.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Elmo and Mae, along with her two brothers Marlowe Lewis, E.C. “Buck” Lewis, and her beloved sister Marilyn Holthe.
For the full obituary and online registry please visit www.millerfh.com.
Robert “Bob” Ritter Nelson
Robert “Bob” Ritter Nelson
On Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, Robert “Bob” Ritter Nelson passed away unexpectedly at the age of 78 in Goodyear, Ariz. Bob was born in Ludlow, Mass. to Evelyn and Axel Nelson. He was raised by his aunt and uncle, Dorothy and Bill Read, in Needham, Mass. and became a brother to his cousins Barbara, Bill, Ginger, and Susan.
Bob attended Northland College in Ashland, Wis. After graduation, he joined the Marine Corps, training in Quantico, Va. Bob proudly served as Captain in Vietnam and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnamese Service Medal, and the Vietnamese Campaign Medal.
After being honorably discharged from active duty, Bob started his career at John Hancock Life Insurance in Boston, eventually working for AG Edwards as a financial planner in Denver. He was dedicated to his career, achieving CHFC, CLU, and CFP accreditations. He developed many long-term and caring relationships with his clients.
Bob met the love of his life, Ann Grau, in Denver in 1970, where she had a career in education. They were married in 1972 in Denver, welcoming their daughter Courtney in 1975, and their son Todd in 1977.
Family was Bob’s top priority. If you weren’t blood family, he made you feel like family. He was open and welcoming, exuding support and enthusiasm to everyone he encountered. He was a great father, husband, brother, mentor, and friend. Some of his favorite memories were made during family holidays and reunions—and he has the pictures to prove it!
The Broncos provided Bob with hours of entertainment, joy, and heartbreak. He was a season ticket holder for years and was a devoted fan even in the hard seasons. He loved skiing and hiking in the mountains, but felt just as home near the ocean. He cherished his time spent with family on Cape Cod as a child.
Bob loved golfing and tennis, and many of his best friends were made on the course and court. He especially enjoyed playing with his buddies at Pinehurst Country Club in Denver and here in PebbleCreek. He kept the patio fridge stocked to keep spirits high during a round. If Bob was not golfing, he could be found at the pool, walking the lanes, and meeting new friends. He was also a strong supporter and active member of the LifeLong Learning family.
Bob is survived by his wife, Ann; his daughter Courtney (Luke) Knutson; son Todd; and granddaughters Lauren and Lillian. He is also survived by his sisters Barbara McEldowney, Ginger Maloney, and Susan Starr, his brother Bill Read, several beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was dearly loved and will be missed by all.
A Celebration of Life Memorial service for Bob with full military honors was held on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Sunwest Funeral Home in El Mirage, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for contributions be made to either:
Midwest Rett Syndrome Foundation
PO Box 43155
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
or
The Wounded Warrior Project
Bob’s ashes will be interred at National Memorial Cemetery in Cave Creek, Phoenix, Ariz. A celebration of life will also be held in Denver next summer. Semper Fi!