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Frank Jakubs
Family and friends lost a wonderful man when Frank Jakubs, 83, died unexpectedly, while sleeping next to Grace (nee Piorkowski), his wife of 55 years, on Feb. 10, 2012, at their Fountain Hills home.
Sharing Grace’s devastation are daughters Bonnie (Mike Perkins), Donna (Dave Rankhorn) and Linda (Bill Wigoda), all of the Chicago area.
Predeceasing Frank were his parents, Stephen and Pauline Jakubowski (nee Urbaniak); cherished sister, Esther Maksym (Edward Sr.); and beloved nephew James Maksym.
Frank leaves to mourn him, his brother-in-law Edward Maksym Sr.; nephew Edward Maksym Jr.; niece Barbara Bulanda (John); nieces-in-law Linda Maksym (James) and Irene Maksym; and step-grandson Andrew Wigoda.
Frank was born Dec. 3, 1928, in Chicago, grew up on the south side of the city, attended St. Joseph Grammar School and Lindblom High School where he excelled in academics and sports. He graduated with a degree in accounting from DePaul University where he was a brother in Phi Kappa Alpha and honed what became a lifelong gift for dominating, lighting up and cutting up a dance floor.
After serving in the Air Force, he married Grace, moved to Lincolnwood, Ill. and later to Lake Forest, Ill., where he resided for 30 years.
He received a master’s degree in business with honors from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. As twice-past commander of American Legion Post 1226 (Lincolnwood), Frank continued his commitment to our country and its servicepeople.
His broad-based business experience encompassed controllership at Lake Forest School of Management, Link America Corporation and Lyon-Healy, Inc., and financial management for Abbott Laboratories and Lake Forest Symphony Orchestra.
As an adjunct professor at Columbia College at Fort Sheridan, Ill., he taught undergraduate students in accounting, finance and tax courses and was singled out by students for his efforts to pull each individual up to his and her academic potential.
After retirement, Frank and Grace relocated to Fountain Hills in 1997 where Frank pursued global travels, volunteer service and outdoor activities with the same enthusiasm that he chased rebounds on the basketball court while in high school.
He served as treasurer of Kiwanis Club of Fountain Hills, Golden Eagle Foundation, Fountain Hills Civic Association and Fountain Hills Community Theater.
For more than a dozen years he channeled his love of music, understanding of the financial needs of musical organizations and his outgoing personality toward raising funds for the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra by volunteering in sales at the Orchestra’s Gift Shop.
He was loved by many and will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, and to honor Frank, donations may be made to the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, One North First Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85004 or Kiwanis Club of Fountain Hills, P.O. 17831, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269.
A memorial celebration of Frank’s life will be held at a future date. Arrangements were entrusted to Messinger Mortuary, Fountain Hills.
Ruth E. Lesnick
Ruth Ernestine Lesnick, 93, of Fountain Hills, died peacefully at Hospice on Jan. 21, 2012. Ruth had been a resident for 12 years, most recently living at the wonderful Tuscan Manor Assisted Living here in Fountain Hills.
She was born in Detroit, Mich. on Oct. 27, 1918. Her parents, Bernard John and Alma Henrietta Mielke Degen, told her she was born to celebrate the end of WWI.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lane and Rod Sabourin, also of Fountain Hills; her grandson, Evan Sabourin of Brentwood, Calif.; and her well-loved caretaker, Christine Ramos, who brought sunshine to all of our lives.
Her “grand-cats” include Layla, Roxie, Shannie, Ginger and her beloved, Lily, known for her head and neck massages and her head bumps which produce chiropractic results.
Ruth was a member of the Eastern Star, Alcona Lodge, Michigan and was involved in numerous social clubs over her lifetime.
At golf she sometimes scored close to par for 18 holes and she could whip through a New York Times crossword puzzle even until her nineties.
An outstanding seamstress, she could make her own patterns and sew items that could be worn inside out. She designed her own quilts and knitted cable-knit sweaters to perfection.
Her skills at typing often saved a daughter from turning in late research papers. And those chocolate chip cookies!
Graduating from East Commerce Business High School in Detroit, Mich. at age 16, she worked for her father in his dairy business in Mt. Clemens, Mich. as book-keeper and ice-cream taster. At 13, she learned to drive and received her driver’s license as a reward for being good when having her tonsils taken out the “old fashioned” way.
Ruth met the love of her life at a backyard party in 1937 when someone decided there weren’t enough guys. So, they went over to Selfridge Air Force base in Mt. Clemens and picked up a few soldiers, including one Fred S. Lesnick of Chicago, Ill.
Responsibilities and WWII kept them apart, but when Fred received his discharge papers while in a hospital in the South Pacific, he sneaked out, walked through a jungle and stowed aboard his ship until the ship was far enough out not to return before he reported to sick bay. Nothing was going to keep him from his Ruthie. They were married in April 1945.
They lived in Chino and Upland, Calif. for a while and returned to Michigan to help the family and to raise their daughter, Lane, in St. Clair Shores, where they lived until 1970.
Fred retired and Ruth designed and drew the plan for the “dream cottage” which they had framed in, but finished mostly on their own, at Lost Lake Woods in Lincoln, Mich.
After Fred’s death in 1977, Ruth moved to Livonia, Mich. to be near her daughter, son-in-law and newly-born grandson, Evan.
Her favorite trip was a visit to France to attend a friend’s daughter’s wedding in Normandy. While there she was able to visit a 14th century home where, with determination and a cane, she climbed the ancient spiral stairs at 81 because she said, “I have not come all this way not to see what’s upstairs.” She was part of our lives in everything we did. She loved us unconditionally.
As a high school assignment, her grandson, Evan, interviewed her as his “best friend” concluding she was his “angel.” He recalled a moment from his past when Gramma was disciplining him. She had told him, “You better be careful, the Big ‘G’ is watching over you.”
Evan asked, “God?”
“No, GRAMMA!”
And we all hope she is watching over all of us now.
Well loved…Well done “Fancy Lady,” my mother, my love, my very best friend.
Ruth was cremated and will be taken to the family gravesite in Mt. Clemens, Mich. in the spring.
Any donations or tributes could be sent to a local no-kill cat center or any humane society and would be very much appreciated.
Mary C. Manfredi
Mary Manfredi, 93, passed away quietly on Feb. 10, 2012 in Fountain Hills. She was born April 10, 1918.
Her loving husband, Frank; granddaughter, Christina; and grandson, Robert, preceded Mary in death and they are now joyfully reunited.
She is survived by her son, Fred Manfredi; daughter, Lucy (Lucile) Morris and son-in-law Michael Morris.
We thank the staff at Fountain View Village Skilled Nursing in Fountain Hills who cared for Mary compassionately and with dignity for over a year as well as the team from Hospice of the Valley who gave unselfishly of their time to ensure Mary’s comfort and allow her to pass peacefully into the arms of the Angels.
Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary.
Services will be private.
Clarence McConville
Clarence “Mac” McConville, 86, passed away in the early hours of Feb. 8, 2012 in the presence of his loving wife, Gloria; his daughter, Casey, and her husband, Jim Rohe.
Mac was born on Aug. 22, 1925 in LaCrosse, Wis. to Mary and Bernard McConville. After moving around the states of Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota, they settled in Minneapolis when he was 10. He graduated from De LaSalle High school in 1943.
Mac enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and attended Miami U in Oxford, Ohio, and Columbia where he was commissioned as an ensign. He served on an aircraft carrier in the Far East for 10 months and was stationed in Minneapolis for a brief time before his release to inactive duty at the rank of lieutenant (jg).
In the fall of 1946, he attended the University of Minnesota, obtained his law degree and was admitted to the bar in 1950. While attending the university, Mac worked at Minnesota Title, part-time, as a junior abstracter in 1947.
This was the beginning of a rewarding 45-year career. He was made assistant secretary in 1950, assistant vice president in 1952 and vice president in 1955.
From 1971-1987 he was president of Minnesota Title and was chief executive officer 1972 – 1988. Mac also served as a senior vice president of Old Republic International Corporation that acquired Minnesota Title in 1978.
Mac's contributions to the title industry are numerous. He was past president of the Minnesota Land Title Association (1961-62) and the National Title Underwriters Association. He was elected president of the American Land Title Association (ALTA) in 1977, and served as ALTA treasurer from 1979 through 1981.
Mac maintained strong relationships in outside interests such as Toastmasters, Jaycees (local, national and international), and the Minneapolis Aquatennial where he held every office including Skipper and General Festival Chairman.
Mac and his wife, Gloria, moved to Rio Verde in October, 1990. Mac served on the association board for six years (one year as vice president and two years as president).
Mac was the chair of the judicial, government relations and audit committees and chaired the ad hoc committee to acquire tennis courts.
He served on the St. Dominic’s church council for three years and was a member of the Rio Verde Advisory Council for three years.
He was the co-chair of the Rio Verde Christmas project for two years (was ‘Santa’ on the fire truck with his ‘elf’ Gloria) and was vice-chair of the initial Rio Verde Habitat for Humanity Project.
Mac is survived by his loving spouse of 58 years, Gloria (nee Bourbeau); four children: Mary Langdon (Richard Langdon) of Des Moines, Iowa, Casey Rohe (Jim Rohe) of Shakopee, Minn., Tom (Kristin) of Westminster, Md. and Father Jim, St. Paul, Minn.; seven grandchildren; Audra (Eric) Vance, John “JJ” (Annette) Ouverson, Brent Rohe, Yvonne (Dan) Shealy, Chistopher (Rena) McConville, Jeffrey McConville, Trevor McConville; and seven great grandchildren; Shane, Seth, Madison, Rylann, Savanna, Jacob and Tanner. Mac is preceded in death by his parents, Mary “Mayme” (nee Fries) and Bernard; his sister, Leona; and his daughter, Theresa.
A memorial service will be held at the Rio Verde Community Church on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m. Following the service a reception will be held at the Rio Verde Country Club. Donations are requested in lieu of flowers to Habitat for Humanity (Rio Verde chapter) or Hospice of the Valley.
Beatrice Bollinger
Former Fountain Hills resident Beatrice A. Bollinger, 82, left this world and joined her beloved Bill in God’s Kingdom on July 29, 2011.
Bea lived in Fountain Hills with her husband from 1982 through 2004, after which she traveled and then resettled in Azle, Texas.
A woman with a formidable spirit, Bea significantly influenced the lives of all with whom she came in contact; there were many in her 82 years as a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, accountant, quality control specialist and program manager.
She was always willing to guide and teach and freely gave of her gifts to all who chose to take advantage of her generosity. Those who knew her will feel the void she leaves behind.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Azle, Texas, followed by interment of both Bea and Bill’s ashes at the DFW National cemetery.
Bea was preceded in death on March 17, 2001, by her husband of 52 years, World War II veteran William J. Bollinger Jr.
She is survived by her three children, Anne Kelleher of Fountain Hills, Claire Rooney and her husband Larry of Fort Worth, Texas, William J. Bollinger, III and his wife Terry of Phoenix; her four granddaughters, Jori Kelleher Dodge of Phoenix, Denise Kelleher of Fountain Hills, Kate Rooney and Andee Rooney of Fort Worth, Texas; and two great grandsons, Eric and Liam Dodge.
Charles D. Folch
Jesus came July 27, 2011 and took Charles David Folch by the hand and led him Home to eternal rest after a valiant and inspirational eight-year fight against choroidal melanoma cancer.
Charles was born in Highland Park, Ill. on Dec. 6, 1962. He was raised in Hastings, Minn. where he was a childhood neighbor and best friend to his future wife, Julie Doyle.
He graduated from Hastings Senior High School in 1981, and completed his matriculation through the University of Minnesota, Institute of Technology with a B.S. Degree with Honors in Civil Engineering in May, 1986.
He was inducted as a member of Chi Epsilon, the National Civil Engineering Honor Society, in December, 1985.
Charles and Julie were married on Aug. 2, 1986 in Hastings. He worked as the assistant city engineer for the City of Hastings for several years before moving to the position of director of public works/city engineer in Chanhassen, Minn., where he formed a very close bond with his staff and city workers.
He was active in numerous sports teams, and indulged in his lifelong love affair of cars (or basically anything with a motor.)
Charles considered his greatest achievements in life to be his daughter, Celina Marie Folch, born in January 1995 and his son, Lucas Charles Folch, born in October 1997.
The family relocated to Fountain Hills in January 2000 where Charles joined the civil engineering firm of HTPO, Inc. in Fountain Hills, where he worked as the engineering department manager through 2009.
The family settled happily into the tight knit community of Fountain Hills, and Charles became very active in the schools and their church, Four Peaks Community Church.
The family was blessed to be involved in extensive traveling around the United States in their RV for extended months at a time. Glacier National Park and the Grand Tetons were two of Charles’ favorite places on earth.
Charles is survived by his wife of almost 25 years, Julie Doyle Folch; his beloved daughter, Celina Marie; his adored son, Lucas Charles; his parents, Peter and Anita Folch of Sun City West; brothers, Peter J. Folch Jr. (Lisa) of Orlando, Fla. and Michael Folch of Scottsdale; parents-in-law, James and Rosemary Doyle of Prescott, Wis.; and sisters-in-law, Debra Enright (Dan) of Bloomington, Minn. and Victoria Doyle of Apple Valley, Minn.; as well as much loved nephews, Brian, Eric, Isaac and Max; and nieces Brianna, Carolyn and Tessa.
He is also survived by numerous friends including his sister of the heart, Catherine Traynor (John).
Funeral services will be held at Four Peaks Community Church, 15202 N. Fountain Hills Boulevard, on Saturday, Aug. 6, at 1 p.m.
A reception and celebration of the life of Charles will follow the service at the Remix Building, located next to the church.
Charles touched many lives with his courage, his strength and his fortitude as well as his firm belief and unwavering faith in the ultimate goodness and truth of his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. We rejoice Charles is now safe in the arms of our Lord.
The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Folch Children College Fund/Bank of America.
Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary.
2 Timothy 4:7: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
John W. Gulledge
John William Gulledge (Bill), 85, of Byron N.Y. and Fountain Hills and Phoenix passed away July 13, 2011 surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born April 27, 1926 in Gary, W. Va., a son of the late Louis and Della Gulledge and was raised in Norris, Ill. He was preceded in death by his brother, Louis (late Jane) Gulledge.
Bill was an international manager at Macro Equipment Co. in Phoenix and former president of the Association of Equipment Dealers. He was proud to have worked with R.G. LeTourneau, one of the most influential and inventive giants in the earthmoving machinery industry.
Bill served his country honorably during World War II with the Navy and enjoyed being a member of the Navy Choir. Bill was a member of the Elks Club in Phoenix. He dearly loved his fellow Elks – sharing with them a good poker game – and a fine cigar.
Bill was on the vestry of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Phoenix and was also a member of their choir. He served as president of the Fulton County Retiree’s Association in Arizona, which reunited his Illinois friends.
Bill was very proud to have been a Boy Scout leader in Okinawa, R.I. and was instrumental in having the Boy Scout Handbook translated there in Japanese. He loved home design and remodeling, painting and building countless bird houses for his family and friends.
Bill is survived by his wife, Shirley (Hartman), whom he married in 1948; seven children, Sandra Gulledge of Fountain Hills, Mary Fazzio of Waterport, N.Y., William (Shannon) Gulledge of Tucson, Ruth Radhuber of Atlanta, Ga., Barbara Galdun of Byron N.Y., Janet Branciforte of Willmington, N.C., John Gulledge of Payson; and nephew, Robert Gulledge (Michelle) of Atlanta, Ga.; as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Burial will be with full military honors in the National Memorial cemetery of Arizona.
