Published on August 02, 2007
Otmar Drekonja, Ph.D

Otmar Drekonja, Ph.D
My children and I, together with their families, want to let our friends and colleagues know of the death of Otmar Drekonja, Ph.D, professor emeritus of St. John’s University in Collegeville. He died on Monday, July 30th 2007.
Otmar was born in 1934 in Kornat, Austria, where he worked as a teacher in elementary schools, high schools and several institutions of higher education. As a young child he was deeply influenced by WW2 and the harrowing years afterwards. He lost his father in 1944. His mother relied on the 12 year old to help keep the family afloat. These years helped him form his outlook on life and his understanding of politics. Educating students to consider the impact of their lives on the world around them was of utmost importance to him.
Otmar arrived at St. John’s University in the fall of 1964 to teach German. He returned to Austria for 3 years and then followed Fr. Dunstan Tucker’s invitation to rejoin the St. John’s faculty. He loved his students, enjoyed teaching, was very involved in the Study Abroad Program and was always interested in a lively discourse with colleagues.
He retired in 2000 after 46 years of teaching.
Otmar’s love of life, sense of curiosity and adventure were contagious, and so were his sense of justice, fairness and social concern. Our three children grew up with this challenge, grew up sharing his interest in music, mountain-climbing, skiing, hiking and politics, and with his constant encouragement, help and support. It was Otmar’s hope that this would aid them to live their lives productively and joyfully. He was proud of all their accomplishments. Later the joy he felt at the arrival of each of his four grandchildren brightened all his days.
For the last 5 years Otmar suffered from ALS, also known al Lou Gehrig’s disease. He had a lot of patience with the indignities this devastating illness presented almost every day (not just Tuesdays with Morrie!) and which he bore with good humor which almost broke your heart because you knew what it cost him! When you talked with him you forgot how ill he was. He was positive and enjoyed each good day; he had the most encouraging words for anyone who helped him. He never stopped caring for his family, his friends and wonderful neighbors. Their visits and discussions kept him involved and enabled him to express and explain his strongly held belief in democracy and our obligation to speak out for peace and human dignity. Always the teacher, he did so with eloquence and conviction.
We miss him, we miss his supportive love, his wisdom and the good humor which he brought to our lives.
The memorial service will be held at St. John’s Abbey Church on Saturday, August 4th at 1:30 p.m., with a reception to follow in the Great Hall.
Ingrid Drekonja, with our children
Dr. Thomas Drekonja with Verena and grandsons Alexander and Nikolaus
Natascha O’Flaherty, J.D., with Glenn and Stephanie
Dr. Dimitri Drekonja, with Kara and Andreas

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Warren Philip Welch II
Warren Philip Welch II

COLUMBUS ‹ Warren Philip Welch II, 61, of rural Columbus died Sunday, July 29, 2007, at his home following a lengthy illness.

He was born Oct. 27, 1945, in Chanute to Warren Philip and Edna Teresa (Boaz) Welch. He attended Erie schools and graduated from Chanute Junior College.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam veteran. He owned and operated the Chanute Livestock Auction for several years and ranched in the Chanute and Erie area.

He married Cindy Poor on Feb. 14, 2004, at Hallowell Community Church. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include two daughters, Tina Byers of Humboldt and Shelly Barno of Thayer; two sons, Jess Welch of Erie and Berry Welch of Urbana; his mother, Edna Welch of Vinita, Okla.; two stepdaughters, Amanda Feagan and Hallie Feagan, both of Columbus; and a stepson, Richard Feagan of Columbus; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Teresa Brazil of Chanute and Margaret Kellogg of Erie; and four brothers, Jay Welch of Welch, Okla., Tim Welch of Joplin, Stephen Welch of Vinita, Okla., and Matt Welch of Topeka.

The service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Faith Baptist Church in Chetopa. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon at the church. Cremation will follow the service. His cremains will be buried in the Edgmand Cemetery at a later date.

The family suggests memorials to the ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) Foundation, which may be left in care of Murdock Funeral Home in Columbus.

Gloria Dawn Martin


Gloria Dawn Martin 3/18/1936 ~ 7/27/2007 Gloria Dawn Willden Hare Martin passed away July 27, 2007 at her home, with loved ones by her side, after a long battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). She was born March 18, 1936 to George Albert Willden and Melba McClellan in Delta, UT. She married Richard K Hare May 14,1953 in Las Vegas, NV; later solemnized in the Manti Temple. They later divorced. She married Stephen William Martin Oct. 19,1993. She was a graduate of Delta High School and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some of her favorite things were quilting, crocheting, needlepoint, sewing, hunting arrowheads, camping, cooking, going to three o'clock tea with all of her friends, cheering for the Utah Jazz and the Dallas Cowboys, following her kids and grandkids in all their sporting events and sometimes was very vocal in cheering on her team. She was a great cook and enjoyed having family and friends at her home for "get togethers." She is survived by her husband; children, Shauna (Darin) Hansen, Payson, UT, Bart Hare, Fillmore, UT, Lori (Brad) Williams, Delta, UT, Doug (Jena) Hare, Delta, UT; six stepchildren, Steve Martin, Springville, UT, Bert (Juli) Martin, West Jordan, UT, Joseph (Tasia) Martin, Lake Arthur, LA, Janie (Eric) Liston, Ogden, UT, Cindy (Dan) Quinn, College Station, TX, Shelley (Mike) Swift, Logan, UT; 10 grandchildren; 24 step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; brothers and sister, Nye Willden, Miami, FL, Darrell Willden, Delta, UT, Bonnie (Paul) Carter, Glen Springs, UT, Carl (Nila) Willden, Delta, UT. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Clareen Forster. The family would like to thank Dr. Steven Shamo; her hospice nurse, Wendy Stevens; and nurse's aid, Jamie Bassett, for the great and loving care they gave her. We would like to recognize her husband for his unselfish, loving care he gave Mom during her illness. We would also like to thank her bishopric, ward members, and friends for their visits and friendship. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007 at the Delta Stake Center. Friends may call Tuesday, July 31, 2007 from 7-8 p.m. at the Nickle Mortuary and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Interment at the Delta Cemetery.
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune on 7/30/2007.

Cheryl Lynn Cranmer (Roushia, Maki)
FENNVILLE, Mich. — Cheryl Lynn Cranmer, age 59, of Fennville, died Saturday, August 4, 2007, at the Hospice House of Holland following a long battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

Born in Detroit on May 8, 1948, she graduated from Jeffers High School in 1966.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Eugene H. Roushia of Racine, Wis.

She is survived by her husband, Ken Cranmer of Fennville; her parents, Edward and Helmi Maki of Houghton; her sons, Todd A. Roushia of Houghton, Timothy (Shelley) Roushia of Racine, Wis.; grandchildren, Samantha E. and Joshua F. Roushia; step-children, Kevin and Joan Kramer of Farmington Hills, Mary L. and Brad M. Tabin of Grand Rapids, Michael J. and Patricia L. Cranmer of Holland; step-grandchildren, Samantha J., Sophia L., Skyler A. Tabin, Dominic J. Cranmer, Lydia and Nicholas Cranmer; sister, Sue K. and Leonard Westenbroek of Nisula; brother, Ronald Maki of Nisula; sister-in-law, Arlene Stover of Berrien Springs, Mich.; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law.

A memorial service will be held at Mountain View Mortuary in South Range.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Hospice House of Holland or the ALS Association.

Arrangements are by the Yntema Funeral Home, Zeeland, MI.

An online registry is available at yntemafh.com.

Patrick T. Digby, 50

Gloucester Daily Times


PALM COAST, Fla. - Patrick T. Digby, 50, of Palm Coast, Fla., passed away Sunday, Aug. 5, 2007 with his family at his side, from a one year battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).

Born at the U.S. Army Hospital at Ft. Eustis, Va. to a career Naval family, he also lived in Pearl City, Hawaii before living in Manchester-by-the-Sea.

Shannon Todd Swanson, 43, died at his home in Medicine Lake, Montana, on July 28, 2007, ending a three year journey with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Shannon was born November 26, 1963 in Fargo and grew up in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota. After graduating from high school in Devil’s Lake he served four years in the U.S. Air Force, and then attended North Dakota State University. At NDSU he was in the McNair Scholars Program and graduated with a degree in Wildlife Biology in 1991. He attended graduate school at Idaho State University in Pocatello. After college, he worked several seasons as a marine fisheries observer for NOAA on fishing boats in Alaska’s Bering Sea. He returned to Devils Lake in 1993 to work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 1998 he transferred to Upham, North Dakota to serve as the interagency Fire Dispatcher for the state of North Dakota.

In 1999 he married Elizabeth Madden and they moved to Medicine Lake to work at the Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Shannon was a prescribed fire specialist and wildland firefighter, as well as an accomplished biologist. He traveled throughout the country working on fires from Florida to Minnesota and Arizona to Idaho.

Shannon was a brilliant yet humble person. He was filled with compassion for others and a passion for life in general. He treasured the time spent together with family, usually working on “one project or another” and always with lots of laughter. He was active locally with the Medicine Lake Trap Club, Ducks Unlimited, and the Montana Native Plant Society. He lead an active life and his loves included bird-watching, hunting and fishing, gardening, woodworking, scuba diving, sailing, and traveling. He was equally active in intellectual pursuits, as an avid reader, a connoisseur of music, and a contemplative student of science and politics.

After being diagnosed with ALS in 2004, Shannon retired from the Fish and Wildlife Service and bought a large sailboat which he sailed from San Diego to Mexico with his wife, his brother, and his devoted dog Runa. He traveled, hunted, continued woodworking, and lived life to the fullest for a year and a half before the complications of ALS set in fully. He remained a loving and happy man to the end.

FROM BUILD UK WEBSITE http://www.magimedia.c...(cropped)3b...f2b25b214867br />Lady_Shaz2005
New Member


Joined: 20 Mar 2005
Posts: 21

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 2:21 pm Post subject:

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Hi everyone I am Rob's daughter Sam and have just read all your lovely messages. I knew my Dad was a great man but I didn't realise how many lives he has touched.

My Dad was a great inspiration to me and to a lot of other people and we all feel a huge loss in our lives. I am proud to say that he is my Dad and always will be and his memory will live on through us.

All I want to say is live your lives with the determination my Dad had, my Dad won his battle with MND because he never let it beat his determination and sense of humour which made him what he was and now he no longer has MND - he is free.

Thanks again to you all for being my Dads friends and keeping him company, I know you all meant a lot to him.

All the best to each of you.

Sam x




Lady_Shaz2005
New Member


Joined: 20 Mar 2005
Posts: 21

Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 8:51 am Post subject: Balloon for Rob

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Hi all

Its Sam Rob's daughter, me and Sharon understand that all the people that knew my Dad cannot attend his funeral, so in memory of my Dad we are asking for everyone who knew him to release a balloon at 11am on Wednesday 15th August then everyone can be part of his funeral.

Thankyou for all your support

Sam and Sharon x

Maria Rodilosso Rychlik
July 22, 1966 to Aug. 8, 2007 Maria Rodilosso Rychlik left us due to ALS Tuesday, Aug. 8, surrounded by her family and loved ones at her bedside after a long five-year battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). She has touched the hearts of thousands raising funds for ALS research for a cure. She is now at peace in God's hands. Maria leaves a husband, Manassas businessman Kevin Rychlik, of American Helicopters & Security Associates and a wonderful son, Nathan Philip Rychlik, age 7, both of Nokesville, Va.; her mother and father, Dr. and Mrs. Philip (Rosanne) Rodilosso of Falls Church, Va.; brother, Thomas Rodilosso and sister-in-law, Kierstan Boyd; and nephew, Sam Alden Rodilosso, age 3, of Chesapeake Beach, Md.; a sister, Carla Hirshorn and brother-in-law, Ronen Hirshorn formerly of South Riding, Va., now residing in Colorado; and nephews, Noah Hirshorn, age 9, and Jonah Hirshorn, age 7; a stepson, Derrick Rychlik and his wife, Ashley Rychlik, of Culpeper, Va.; stepdaughter, Natasha Rychlik of Manassas, Va.; and brother-in-law, William Rychlik and his wife, Jana Rychlik, of Grafton, Mass. Maria was supported and loved by many friends and family members. Maria was formerly a Manassas City Police Dispatcher, former member of Yorkshire Volunteer Fire Department as an EMT and a firefighter and the Manassas Volunteer Fire Company serving her community. Maria graduated from McLean High School in 1984; attended St. Leo College in Florida and graduated from American University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in communications. Maria was a dedicated and wonderful homemaker and mother. Maria and Kevin along with their family and friends hosted a charity Auction and BBQ last year at their home in Nokesville which raised almost $200,000.00 for ALS research. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter and sister and will be missed and remembered by many. A Memorial Mass will be offered 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007, at All Saints Catholic Church, 9300 Stonewall Road, Manassas. Interment will be private. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of flowers, or contributions to ALS Association, 7507 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855, in memory of Maria Rychlik. Condolences may be sent to www.piercefh.com. Sign the guestbook at PotomacNews.com. ManassasJM.com.

Robert Reid Caldwell
CALDWELL, ROBERT REID, After a valiant battle with ALS-Lou Gehrig's Disease, Bob passed away in his home on August 7, 2007 surrounded by his family, priest, and caregivers. Born Dec. 19, 1932, in Clayton, New Mexico, to Bena and Bob Caldwell and preceded in death by parents and sister, Gayle Caldwell Skousen. Survived by, Mary, his loving wife of 51 years and two sons, Robert Hunt and wife Brenda and Edward Reid and wife Linda and four grandchildren: Courtney, Parker, Lauren, and Robert and a niece and nephew. Bob graduated from the SMU Business School in 1954 and obtained his Masters Degree in 1965. He was a 1953-54 SMU Cheerleader, Swimming Manager, and member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and Beta Gamma Sigma Honorary. He has been a long time supporter of the SMU Mustang Club and in his last years enjoyed mentoring MBA candidates in the Cox School of Business. After college he served a 3 year tour in the Air Force and then worked for Dallas Power and Light for 22 years. For the past 15 years he had a successful career with the New York Life Insurance Company making the Million Dollar Round Table several years. Bob was a member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church for 45 years serving on its Vestry, Usher and Chalice Bearer Corps, and Stewardship Campaign and for the passed two years was a member of The Church of the Incarnation serving as a Chalice Bearer there. Besides playing golf Bobs particular love was his work with Jonathans Place, a shelter for abused children. He sat on its board for several years and sponsored golf tournaments to support this organization. He, also, served as President of the Exchange Club. The family extends their gratitude and thanks to the doctors and staff at the ALS Clinic at Texas Neurology, St. Michaels Hospice and Louann Yordy, and especially to Bobs outstanding caregivers: Greg Ross, Dorothy Lewis, and Leon Pratt. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in his name to the ALS Association, Jonathans Place, or the Foundations at the Church of the Incarnation or St. Michael and All Angels Church. A Memorial Service and Reception will be held on Monday, August 13, at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of the Incarnation, 3966 McKinney Avenue Restland 972-238-7111 restlandfuneralhome.com

OB6 Obituaries, Notices
Published in the Dallas Morning News on 8/11/2007.

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Ward, Mary Ann E. View/Sign Guest Book


Ward, Mary Ann E. (nee: O'Donnell), O'Fallon, MO, Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, August 8, 2007 age 71. Dear daughter of the late Raymond Robert and Adele O'Donnell; cherished mother of Chris (Linda) Ward, Andrea (Rick) Wild, Angelia Ward and Tim Ward; loving grandmother of Kristen Ward (Garret Richardson), Shaun Brown (Noelle), Nicole Ward (Phillip Yates), Steve Jones (Jackie), Melissa Ward (Phil Kendall), Adam Ward and Erica Jones (Brian Rudloff); loving great-grandmother of Owen Brown; dear sister of the late Pat O'Donnell. She was a dear niece, aunt, great aunt and cousin. She was the best mother any family could dream of. She was happiest when gathered at home with her children and grandchildren. She will be missed terribly by her family and friends. May you walk through the gates of Heaven. Mary Ann was a member of Assumption Catholic Church, O'Fallon, Missouri. She was the owner of World of Little People Daycare, O'Fallon, Missouri for 21 years before her retirement. Prior to her ownership of the Daycare, she was a Real Estate Agent for many years.Services: The family is being served by the BAUE Funeral and Memorial Center, 3950 West Clay, St. Charles, MO. A Gathering will be Saturday, August 11, 2007 at Assumption Catholic Church, 403 N. Main Street, O'Fallon, Missouri 9:30-10:30 AM. Memorial Mass 10:30 AM Saturday at Assumption Catholic Church. A Private Graveside Service at Assumption Church Cemetery will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to ALS Society, St. Louis Regional Chapter (Lou Gehrig's Disease), 2258 Weldon Parkway, St. Louis, MO 63146. Share your condolences and memories at www.baue.com.

Karin L. Shelin




Karin L. Shelin, 63, of Des Plaines, died August 10, 2007, from ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). She was a nurse manager in pediatrics at Shriner's Hospital in Chicago for many years, as well as Alexian Brothers Medical Center and Lutheran General Hospital. Karin received her RN from Christ Hospital School of Nursing, Jersey City, NJ and she received her BSN from Elmhurst College Elmhurst, IL. She is survived by her partner Rick Samuelson, cousins Rick and Gary Richardson and many fine and faithful, loving friends. Visitation Tuesday, 4 to 9 p.m. at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago. Memorial service August 25, 2007, at North Park Covenant Church, 5250 N. Christiana Chicago, IL 60625 at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions to North Park Covenant Church or to ALS Research c/o Raymond Roos, MD, Dept. of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC 2030, Chicago, IL 60637 would be, appreciated. 773-736-3833 or www.smithcorcoran.com.

Farewell Charlie old mate.

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It is with a heavy heart this morning that I post the news I've just received from Charlie's family.

http://www.obits.com.au/notice/Charl...&quick=scroggy

Charles (CHARLIE) Henry SCROGGY
1935 - 2007
Date of Death: Saturday August 11, 2007
Funeral Date: Monday August 20, 2007
Location: Simplicity Funeral Home Chapel
124 Elizabeth Drive
LIVERPOOL
Time: 12 Noon.
Other Information
A celebration of CHARLIE'S life will be conducted by Celebrant David Reardon.

By request, no flowers please, donations may be made to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Locked Bag 5005, Gladesville NSW 1675. Tel 02 8877 0999.

Obituary
CHARLIE passed away on Saturday 11th August 2007 at the age of 72 yrears. He was late of Liverpool.

Charles Henry was born on the 29 May 1935 in Sydney to Robert and Doris (nee Connolly) Scroggy. At the age of 21 he married his sweetheart Jan Gifford. They had six children.

CHARLIE was a much loved husband to Jan, loving and devoted father and father in law to Michael, Garry and Doreen, Steven (deceased), Sue and Ray, Craig and Tammy, Kim and Shaun. A cherished pop to Shane, Daniel, Nicole, Adam, Renee, Jason, Carly, Mathew, Michelle, Steven, Rhiannon, Rebecca, Nathan, Emma, Blake and Hayley. CHARLIE was a much loved brother to Bob, (deceased), Syd (deceased), Bill (deceased), Thelma, Dot, and Syd and a special uncle to their families. CHARLIE will be sadly missed by all his family, many good mates, and his online friends.

"A loving husband and father,
true and kind,
fathers like you are hard to find.
To all of us you were the best,
may God give you eternal rest....."