Wanda L. Goetzinger

Wanda L. Goetzinger
Wanda L. Goetzinger, 50, of Dubuque Nursing and Rehab Center, formerly of 603 Graf Road, Durango, Iowa, died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007, at The Finley Hospital, Dubuque.

Private family services will be held today. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Siegert-Casper Colonial Funeral Home, 390 N. Grandview Ave., Dubuque.

She was born on July 14, 1957, in Dubuque, daughter of Gene J. and Elizabeth A. (Berger) Goetzinger. Wanda was a resident of Durango all her life. She was a Hempstead High School graduate.

Wanda had worked for Lund Manufacturing.

She was a Kevin Harvick fan and a huge Chicago Bears fan. Wanda loved gardening and flowers.

On Sunday evening, Wanda lost her courageous battle with Lou Gehrig's disease.

Surviving are her father, Gene Goetzinger; a sister, Tina (Rob) Breiner, of Graf, Iowa; four brothers, Sam Goetzinger, Gene Goetzinger and Mark (Rita) Goetzinger, all of Graf, and Brian (Julie) Goetzinger, of Maquoketa, Iowa; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth A. (Berger) Goetzinger.

A Wanda Goetzinger Memorial Fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at info@egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to the nurses and staff at Dubuque Nursing and Rehab and The Finley Hospital.

Grauer, Donald E.
IOWA CITY -

Donald E. Grauer, 69, of 1315 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City, died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, in Mercy, Iowa City, from complications of Lou Gehrig's disease. Mass of
Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church
with the Rev. Michael Phillips officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 8 p.m. today at Lensing Funeral Service, Iowa City, where a parish wake service will be held at 4 p.m. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Iowa City. Memorials can be directed to St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Iowa City Hospice or the ALS Foun�
dation (Lou Gehrig's Disease Research).

Don was born Aug. 6, 1938, the son of George and Marie (Haman) Grauer. He graduated from Tiffin High School in 1957. He married Delores Irving on July 29, 1967. He loved the great outdoors, especially his favorite fishing holes and
auto racing.

Survivors include his wife, Delores; three children, Kevin Grauer of Iowa City, Jean
Grauer of West Des Moines, and R. Christine Grauer-Hirt of Coralville; two grandchildren, MacGwire Hirt and Gabrielle Hirt; and four sisters, Hazel (Bud) Schropp of Cedar Rapids, Marianne Tresnak of Denver, Iowa, Audrey Kosina of Brighton, and Eileen (Larry) Jiras of Oxford.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Online condolences may be directed to www.lensingfuneral.com

Donald Keith Bills






Donald Keith Bills, 54, of Hollidaysburg, died Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, in the Altoona Regional Health Center from complications of Lou Gehrig's disease.

Born June 14, 1953, in Clarion, he was the son of the late Donald R. Bills and Shirley A. Bills.

He was a graduate of Clarion Area High School and served in the U.S. Navy for three years aboard the U.S.S. Nimitz and the U.S.S. America during the Vietnam era.

Mr. Bills was of the Catholic faith.

In his earlier years he was employed at Owens-Illinois, the Clarion Holiday Inn and Martin's Independent.

Mr. Bills was an avid sports fan, particularly enjoying the Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Steelers.

He was married to Judith Prevish Bills, who preceded him in death.

Mr. Bills is survived by four stepchildren, Tom Prevish of Trafford, Dave Prevish of Redman, Ore., Leslie Prevish of Milwaukee, Wis., and Kate Holser of Darlington; one sister and one brother, Michele E. Bills and J. Douglas Bills, both of Clarion; two uncles, Richard E. Bills and his wife, Sarah, of St. Marys, and Robert L. Bills of New Jersey; and one aunt, Kaye Snyder of Clarion.

The Goble Funeral Home and Crematory of Clarion is in charge of arrangements, and there will be no visitation.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Interment will be in Clarion Cemetery.

Hello, My name is Laurie. I am Pez's wife. Most of you know him as this, but his name is Tom. Tom enjoyed communicating with everyone so it is with great sadness that I share the news of his passing. Tom fought a good fight and never lost his sense of humor. He taught many of his family and friends how to make the most of every day. He considered briefly having a trach, but never wanted to go that route. Tom went on hospice in the middle of June. Unfortunately, his strength faded quickly over the summer. After an arduous and courageous battle with ALS, Tom passed away on August 28th around 6:42 pm. Under hospice supervision, Tom began palliative sedation that morning. In layman's terms, with certain medicines he went into a deep sleep. Then nature took over from there. This way he did not have to consciously struggle with choking or not being able to breathe, which were his greatest fears. Tom said that we all have to leave this world someway, this is the way he wanted to go. Tom was very peaceful and comfortable and in no pain. He did not suffer at all. The hospice team was wonderful, and they took great care of Tom. Risa (our daughter) and I were with him all the way through as well. As he lived his life with dignity and grace, he also died with dignity and grace. Tom and I were together for 29 years. We were able to celebrate our 25th anniversary last December. I quit my job shortly after that to become his caregiver full time. I feel very fortunate to have been able to do this, and I would do it all over again. I love him and miss him so much. Please keep Tom in your thoughts and prayers. With love and peace to you all. ~Laurie~ To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or redeemed social condition; To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded - Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Alan Burton (Vacaville)
Alan left us yesterday (Oct 17, 2007) in mid afternoon. He was
peaceful and simply went to sleep. His daughter Debbie and his
stepdaughter Sue were taking care along with Anne, Alan's wife.
He finished his last book.
Canary Burton

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Hello! I'm Rusty Staup and I am writing to inform you that my father PapJr passed away Thursday evening at 9:15 PM. He went quietly. He will be at Melenyzer's funeral home (1008 Furlong Ave. Roscoe PA. 15477) Sunday the 14th from 6 to 8 PM., Monday the 15th at 2 to 4 & 6 to 8. The funeral will be at the Roscoe Presbyterian Church at 11:00 AM on Tuesday the 16th.

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Wanda McFarland




Wanda McFarland


Nov. 24, 1938 — Oct. 20, 2007

Wanda (Fletcher) McFarland, 68, Anderson, passed away at home after a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS).

She was born Nov. 24, 1938, in Burkesville, Ky., and had lived in Anderson most of her life. She retired from Guide Lamp in July 1999 after 23 years of employment.

She was a member of Eastview Church of the Nazarene and UAW Local 663.

She loved NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr., as well as cooking and cooking shows. She enjoyed her family and being home most of all with her beloved dog “Queenie.”

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Gerald McFarland of Anderson; three sons, Gary (companion, Traci Vermillion) McFarland of Anderson, Troy (wife, Sheryl) McFarland of Middletown, and Todd (wife, Emily) McFarland of Anderson; sister, Patty (husband, Phil) Wikle of Anderson; five grandchildren, Kayla Davis, Amber McFarland, Megan McFarland, Derek Hudson, and Seth McFarland; aunts and uncles, Edward and Imogene Garrett and Larry and Barbara Hiatt, all of Anderson; aunts, Ruth Fletcher of Burkesville, Ky., and Bessie Hazelbaker of Anderson; sister-in-law, Odetta McFarland of Anderson; and two nieces, Brenda (husband, Ron) Scott and Janice Nicholson, all of Anderson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Lilla Mae Fletcher.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Saint John’s Medical Center and Community Hospital Extended Care Unit, along with Community Home Health Services (Hospice).

Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home with Rev. Thomas Chapman officiating. Burial will be in Vinson Cemetery, Summitville.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Home Health Services.

Melvin R. "Little Pro" Littles Sr.
Melvin R. "Little Pro" Littles, Sr.

Melvin R. "Little Pro" Littles, Sr., 70, formerly of Harrisburg, passed away on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 of Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) in Lithonia, GA.
He was born in Tallahassee, FL on April 27, 1937, to Allen Ransom and the late Mattie Woody.
He attended the city schools and Florida A & M University of Tallahassee, FL. Melvin was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and retired from Commonwealth of PA State Lottery in 1995. He was a member of American Legion Post 733 of Harrisburg. Melvin was an avid golfer and bowler.
He is survived by his children, Gail Littles of Tallahassee, FL; Melvin R. "Randy" Littles, Jr. and friend, Joanne of Philadelphia, PA; Natalie A. Littles of Orlando, FL; Eric Littles Bush and wife, Brenda of Tallahassee, FL; and twins, April & Alicia Littles of Lithonia, GA; six grandchildren, one step-brother and two step-sisters and a host of relatives and friends.
Services were held at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements were handled by the Tri-Cities Funeral Home, Lithonia, GA.
Financial donations and cards can be sent to April or Alicia Littles, 5611 La Fleur Trail, Lithonia, GA 30038. www.pennlive.com/obits
Published in the Patriot-News on 10/20/2007.

- John Scott, a partner at Dickinson Wright P.L.L.C. in Detroit, died of complications of Lou Gehrig's Disease Oct. 16. He was 71.

October 22, 2007

Each day the newsroom selects one obituary and seeks to learn more about the life of a person who has lived and worked in Maine. We look for a person who has made a mark on the community or the person's family and friends in lasting ways. SACO

— Joseph Amalfitano took his love of speed all the way to his motorized wheelchair.

Mr. Amalfitano loved cruising the Maine Turnpike in his sports car before he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease in early 2006.

The disease took away his ability to drive months before it killed him. Confined to a motorized wheelchair as his muscles gave way, Mr. Amalfitano refused to slow down.

"He had that thing set as fast as it could possibly go," said wife, Jennifer Amalfitano.

Mr. Amalfitano, who will be remembered as a thrill-seeker who faced a fatal disease with laughter instead of despair, died Sunday at his home. He was 39.

Mr. Amalfitano was born on May 22, 1968, in Boston.

As a child, he developed a love of photography that continued into adulthood, his wife said.

He often spent summers with his grandmother at Ferry Beach. He loved the pace of life and the "lack of chaos" there compared with his South Boston childhood home, his wife said.

Mr. Amalfitano graduated from Copley Square High School in 1986 and later Bunker Hill Community College.

He started his own business as an audio-visual technician, running presentations for meetings and speeches at Boston-area hotels.

Mr. Amalfitano frequently did business at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston. He met his wife there in 1995, while he manned a conference for the Federal Reserve Board, where she worked.

"Those three days made a huge difference in my life," Jennifer Amalfitano said.

The two were opposites but made a connection, she said. Mr. Amalfitano had three motorcycles and drove sports cars at breakneck speeds.

"I'm a lawyer and a banker, and I don't take those kinds of risks," Jennifer Amalfitano said with a laugh.

The couple dated long-distance -- he lived in Boston, she lived in Washington, D.C. -- before Jennifer Amalfitano moved to Massachusetts in 1997 and the two got married.

The Amalfitanos moved to Saco in 2000. Doctors diagnosed Mr. Amalfitano with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, in January 2006.

Within weeks, he joined an ALS support group, where he would later provide helpful advice to recently diagnosed patients, his wife said.

Mr. Amalfitano spent his last 22 months trying to stay positive as he lost control of his arms and legs. He succeeded, his wife said.

"He would just come out with pithy little things that would make people smile," she said.

With life, and fight, at end, thoughts turn to family
By ANDREW SKERRITT, Times Staff Writer
Published October 23, 2007





[Mike Pease | Times]
In April, John Eannel Jr. was photographed with his wife, Rose, and their kids Austin, 17, Jimmy, 8, and Alexa, 4. Cayenne, the family's golden retriever was adopted about the time Eannel was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease.


John Eannel Jr. loved his sports. His bedroom was awash in New York Giants blue. Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter looked down from a poster on the wall.

So when he invited friends and relatives over to his house in New Port Richey on Sunday, Oct. 7, they figured it was to watch the football game. The Bucs were taking on Tony Dungy's Indianapolis Colts.

But the 45-year-old father of three, met them with a sober announcement. After four years with Lou Gehrig's disease, John was nearing the end. He would be moving into a Hernando-Pasco Hospice care facility the next day. His strength spent, John relied on his brother-in-law to read a farewell letter.



Dear friends and family:

I knew this letter was inevitable, but I didn't think that I would be at peace with it. Yes, I have made up my mind because I have had enough of watching the people I love suffer. I Thank you all for your generosity and Support! Now we all need to support my wife and kids, parents and sisters. Rose, Austin and James, Alexa and Cayenne have had to endure this despicable disease 24/7 and enough is enough. ... Please help my family get through this difficult time. They are my life.



Some wept openly that John would leave this home that made him so happy, but he had made up his mind.

"He didn't want his children to see him struggle," said his wife, Rose. He lived for his sons Austin, 17, and James, 8, and daughter Alexa, 4. Cayenne was his faithful companion, a golden retriever they adopted about the time John got sick.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is especially insidious because it cripples the body but leaves the mind alert to every indignity and ache. John fought it with humor and grit. Even in his final days, after he could no longer eat, he wrote in one of his final e-mail messages: "I could really go for a Big Mac."

Two years ago, the Times first wrote about John and his family as they tried to raise money to travel to China for experimental stem cell treatments. About 5,600 Americans are diagnosed with ALS each year and there is no known cure. John was hoping to slow down the disease long enough for Alexa to grow up enough to remember him, long enough for Austin to graduate from high school.

Rose believes the treatments in China bought some time. During his fight, she drew comfort from the extraordinary generosity of family, friends and strangers who each spring showed up in droves to support the John Eannel Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament in Tarpon Springs.

One night after he had entered the Marliere Hospice Care Center in New Port Richey, the guys from his fantasy football league came over and stayed with John until 3 a.m.

"They were mumbling 'I love you, John,'" Rose said. That was John's last good night. He died a few nights later, on Oct. 16.

"Knowing he's at peace gets me through the day," Rose, 42, said of the man she married 10 years ago.

"He handled everything with such dignity."

Andrew Skerritt can be reached at askerritt@sptimes.com or (813) 909-4602 or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 4602.

Waitress saves tips: gives all to missions
By Melissa Lilley
BSC Communications

Thelda Hendrick saved every tip she made waitressing at Red Bridges Barbeque Lodge in Shelby. After 38 years, a few dollars and coins here and there turned into a hefty sum for the 78-year-old grandmother.

Soon after retiring Hendrick was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease or ALS, and died August 28 at age 81.

But Hendrick made sure that the work of ministries close to her heart, such as North Carolina Baptist Men (NCBM), would live on.

"When we talked about Baptist Men, tears came to her eyes," said Kathryn Hamrick, manager of the Shelby MetLife office.

Hendrick left nearly $60,000 to NCBM. "It's very humbling," said Richard Brunson, executive director-treasurer. "If she can do this, what can the rest of us be doing?"

Brunson said the money will be used to help support disaster relief efforts.

Hendrick met disaster relief volunteers in 1994 after tornadoes ripped through Cleveland County. "Thelda talked to them, listened, observed and was deeply moved," Hamrick said.

Biblical Recorder articles and Mandate video segments kept Hendrick updated on NCBM disaster relief efforts and ministry projects.

During the time Hamrick managed Hendrick's account she came to know her as a friend.

"She always had a twinkle in her eye, a joke to tell and motivational clippings she wanted us to read," Hamrick said.

Hendrick and her three sisters were born in Colorado. After her mother's death the family moved to Cleveland County with their father.

Hendrick attended Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and for many years taught children's Sunday School.

"She was an inspiration to us - a woman whose zest for life came from her overcoming faith," Hamrick said. "She left quite a legacy in our hearts."