Obituaries

JAMES (JIM) HOWARD ROBERTS May 29, 1939 – May 20, 2023

James (Jim) Howard Roberts was born May 29, 1939 in Adrian, Michigan and passed away May 20, 2023 of Dementia and complications of COVID at Aspen Ridge Memory Care Unit, with his wife Karin by his side.

Jim spent his early years in Monrovia, California and graduated from Monrovia High School in 1957. He then enlisted in the Army and became a paratrooper. Upon his discharge from the Army, Jim entered Frank Wiggins Trade School and became a machinist.  

Always loving adventure and travel, Jim made a cross-country bicycle ride from Monrovia to New Read More

Dr. CLAYTON WILBUR WATSON Feb. 24, 1933 – May 3, 2023

Dr. Clayton Wilbur Watson, who lived in Pagosa Springs, Colorado for more than twenty-two years, died Wednesday morning, May 3rd at Pine Ridge Extended Care Center at the age of 90. His wife, Ruth Watson, was at his side.

He is also survived by his daughter, Charlotte Williams (Pagosa Springs, CO), his son, Clayton A. Watson and his wife, Cindy (Aledo, TX), and his son, Scot Watson and his wife, Brandy (Jemez Springs, NM), as well as six grandsons and seven greatgrandchildren.

Clayton was born February 24, 1933, in the Ozarks of Missouri in a one Read More

Obituary: JUDY COY Oct. 24, 1940 – Feb. 27, 2023

Judy (Judith Ann) Coy, age 82, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri passed away Monday, February 27, 2023.

Judy was a resident of the Los Alamos area for 18 years, when her husband, Dale, worked for Los Alamos National Laboratory during three separate tenures.

During those years, Judy made many friends.  She was active in lots of things. Bowling, Bridge, League of Women Voters, Newcomers, etc. For some early years, she was a referee in basketball and baseball. She was an amateur radio licensee (KB5EVP), member of the LAARC, and helped with search & Rescue. Read More

RACHEL SANCHEZ Aug. 11, 1921 – May 13, 2023

With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, we announce the passing of our kind, brave, loving, caring and generous mother, grandmother, great grandmother, auntie, and friend, Rachel Sanchez.

Rachel lived a full and complete life. Upon passing at the age of 101 she had experienced the love of God and family. The youngest child of Nemecio and Maclovia Lucero, she was born on August 11, 1921, and went to her eternal home on May 13, 2023. She spent her childhood in Chamisal, New Mexico. She married Luis G. Sanchez in 1942. Together they raised seven beautiful Read More

DALE ARNINK 1938 – 2021

Dale Arnink was a respected and appreciated member of the Los Alamos community for nearly half a century. His presence and influence have been felt by many since his passing. Please join us for a celebration of his life Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos. The service starts at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a reception lunch.  

Dale was born in 1938, the middle child, and grew up in Clymer, a tiny farming  town of 350 in western New York state. Dale showed an unusual interest in  philosophy and religion as an adolescent that never left him. An excellent Read More

IVAR LINDSTROM APRIL 17, 2023 AND ALLENE LINDSTROM MAY 1, 2023

On Monday, April 17, 2023, Ivar Lindstrom, loving husband, passed away at the age of 93. On May 1, 2023, Allene Lindstrom, loving wife, passed away at the age of 90. 

Ivar was born in October of 1929 in Milligan, Nebraska to Ivar and Merrill Lindstrom. Allene was born in April of 1933 to James and Lucille Huffman.

Ivar married Allene in 1952 while attending the University of Oregon. Ivar obtained his PhD in Physics and Allene obtained her Bachelor’s in Secondary Education  from the University of Oregon. They moved to Los Alamos in 1958, Read More

DANIEL GENE STEELE Feb. 5, 1946 – May 11, 2023

Daniel Gene Steele died peacefully in his home in San Marcos, Texas, on May 11, 2023. Dan was born in San Diego, California on February 5, 1946 to Lillian Dixie Steele and Ernie Richard Steele. Dan was an active and mischievous kid, who enjoyed adventures with his two brothers. In high school, Dan became more studious, and his good looks, intelligence, and kindness caught the attention of his future wife, Lynne.

Dan and Lynne became high school sweethearts at Mt. Helix High, and were married on January 28, 1967 in San Diego, while Dan attended college at Read More

ANDREW EDWARD MCCUMBER June 24, 2003 – May 14, 2023

It is with great sadness that Jenny, David, Will and Michael McCumber announce our youngest son and brother passed away on Sunday, May 14th. Andrew was spending that beautiful afternoon mountain biking with his dad at Pajarito. They had been riding for about an hour when Andrew simply passed out without warning or explanation. David performed CPR for 60 minutes until medical help could arrive on an ATV and take him down to Los Alamos Medical Center. Andrew was not able to be revived and likely was gone from the time he initially passed out, but he did Read More

TIMOTHY KEVIN BERG Oct. 28, 1950 – April 18, 2023

Tim never did anything by half-measure. It was always a full on and thorough effort from him on anything he undertook–with the exception of his providing anything in the way of a curriculum vitae or biography of himself from which to fill in the details of his obituary, despite his having requested that his obituary be published.

The malignant spread of his melanoma took him very quickly starting in early February as what he thought was just a cold, but by early April it became clear to him that something more serious was affecting his health, Read More

CHARLENE COX-CLIFTON April 13, 2023 – July 13, 1936

Charlene Cox-Clifton was born on July 13, 1936 in Hutchinson, Kansas. She developed her love of music studying at Kansas State University where she earned her undergraduate and Master’s degrees, all the while teaching both privately and at Kansas State. She continued teaching for over 55 years including at Wichita State University. She is quoted as saying the thing she enjoys most about teaching is “just the joy of seeing (students) succeed at whatever they want to.”

She dedicated her life to music and her students. She inspired young musicians Read More

CHRISTINE (TINA) ELAINE NERESON Aug. 8, 1952 – May 9, 2023

I am greatly saddened to report the death of my sister, Christine (Tina) Elaine Nereson, on May 9, 2023, in San Clemente, CA.

Tina was born August 8, 1952, in Los Alamos, NM, and attended Mesa Elementary School, where her mother was a teacher, Pueblo Junior High, and Los Alamos High School, where she graduated in 1970.

In her school years she studied ballet, piano and viola, picked up some guitar and played first chair viola in the University of Arizona symphony orchestra. She enjoyed skiing and ice skating and was on the swim team in high school Read More

LOIS M. EDDLEMAN Sept. 1, 1925 – May 4, 2023

Lois M. Eddleman, 97, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2023, in her home in White Rock, New Mexico.

Lois was born on September 1, 1925, to Clarence and Ada Shetler in her grandmother’s house in Olathe, Colorado. She was primarily raised on her parent’s ranch in the mountains West of Olathe near the Uncompahgre National Forest.

Lois graduated from Olathe High School and went on to work for the Rural Electrification Association (REA) in Delta, Colorado. She took a year of piano lessons but continued to teach herself and played the piano and the organ as well as sing Read More

IVAR LINDSTROM – April 17, 2023
ALLENE LINDSTROM – May 1, 2023

Monday, April 17, 2023, Ivar Lindstrom, passed away at the age of 93. Allene joined her husband in just 2 weeks time Monday, May 1, 2023 at the age of 90.

In addition to their great love for each other, they are the loving parents of two children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Ivar was born in October of 1929 in Milligan, Nebraska to Ivar and Merrill Lindstrom. He married Allene Huffman in 1952 while attending the University of Oregon. He was awarded his PhD from the University of Oregon in 1958 and then moved to Los Alamos Read More

LUDWIG ADAM GRITZO Sept. 8, 1937 – April 19, 2023

Ludwig Adam (Lud) Gritzo went to join the Lord and his beloved wife of 60 years, Lois Fay, April 19, 2023.

He was born Sept. 8, 1937, in St. Louis, MO. When he was seven years old, his father bought a small farm about 40 miles west of St. Louis.

There Lud grew up with all the experiences that go with mixed farming: various crops, horses, cattle, swine, chickens, etc. There he learned that one must work hard to achieve one’s desired results.

Lud graduated from Francis Howell High School near Weldon Springs, MO in 1954. His elder brother, Ralph Adolph Read More

DONALD L. HULL April 25, 2023

Donald L. Hull, 85, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, and Centerville, Massachusetts, passed away after a short illness April 25, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raise in Hyannisport, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Don pursued higher education at the University of Maine, Wentworth Institute of Technology, and Iowa State University. After college, Don accepted a position at Argonne National Laboratory and moved to Downers Grove, Illionois. He also served in the U.S. National Guard before moving to Ames, Iowa, to work at Ames Laboratory for 17 years. In September Read More

ROBERT MITCHELL WHEAT March 2, 1931 – Nov. 3, 2022

Robert Mitchell Wheat, known by all as Bob, was a kind and gentle man. He was born on a farm in McKenzie, Tennessee on March 2, 1931; the 10th of 12 children born to Walter Lee and Hattie Seaton (Stephenson) Wheat.

He was called home on November 3, 2022 at the age of 91 years, 8 months, and 1 day.

Bob enjoyed a lot of exceptional experiences during his life. He lived and worked on a farm as a child along with his siblings, Carlett Franklin (January 5, 1989), Thelma Lois (February 23, 1993), Rozell Ruth (May 9, 2002), Hattie Bell (December 25, 1986), John Jeter Read More

PEICHEN HSU Jan. 21, 1944 – Feb. 7, 2023

Peichen Hsu was born in early 1944 in Shanghai, China. In 1949, when the communists won the civil war, her family escaped to Taiwan by way of Hong Kong.

She attended primary public school and then Blessed Imelda High school. After graduating her family moved to the New York City area and she attended Adelphi University on Long Island. After graduating with a degree in mathematics, she searched for a graduate school.

One school she considered was Columbia University Engineering school. One day she visited and spent a minute or two looking at the bulletin board Read More

JO ANN (JO) FERDINAND Nov. 15, 1937 – April 16, 2023

Jo Ann (Jo) Ferdinand of Los Alamos passed away on April 16, 2023. Jo was born on Nov. 15, 1937, in Chicago, Ill.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ed, and infant daughter, Debbie.

She is survived by her son Kevin, and wife Kate, son Mike and wife Kelly and daughter, Denise and husband Rick. Four granddaughters, Karen, Andrea, Eva and Megan and two great grandsons, Liam and Marshall.

Jo was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and served on the altar committee for a number of years.

In 1965 she served as president of the Summit Garden Club and on Read More

ROBERT ‘DOC’ SNIDER, DVM Jan. 12, 1937 – April 22, 2023

Robert was born in Rice, Kansas in 1937 to Leo and Gertrude Snider. He graduated from Johnson City High School in 1955. After high school, he attended Fort Hays State University before transferring to Kansas State University.

He met his wife Delores “Dee” (Neill) Snider in 1958. They were married on August 23, 1959. Dr. Snider received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in the Spring of 1964. He began practicing medicine in Hobbs, New Mexico until November of 1965.

In January of 1966, he and his family moved to Los Alamos. Dr. Snider continued Read More

BOHUMILA (BO) ANNE EBAUGH

Bohumila (Bo) Anne Ebaugh, 84, of Chandler, Arizona passed away on April 24, 2023. Bo was born in Hyskov, Czech Republic on August 17, 1938, to Antone R and Barbara Anne Kremser.

At 10 years old, her family left the Czech Republic making their way to Australia where she finished her education while excelling in swimming and gymnastics with Olympic aspirations. The family immigrated to the United States in 1958 with assistance from a host family in Elyria, Ohio. 

Bohumila worked as a bank teller and soon discovered she had a secret admirer who would switch lines just so he Read More

BARBARA E. HOLDER July 1, 1941 – April 23, 2023

Barbara Holder, entered her heavenly home to be with Jesus April 23, 2023. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and was a long-time resident of White Rock.

Barbara was born in Freeport, Illinois. Her family moved to Albuquerque, when she was 11. After graduating from Sandia High School, she earned a B.A. in English from UNM. She married Denny Holder in 1962.

In 1971, they moved to Los Alamos where she was very active at White Rock Baptist Church and worked for LANL.

After retirement, the Holders moved to Green Valley, AZ where she actively Read More

KRISTA ERIN WILHELM Sept. 3, 1985 – April 9, 2023 

Krista Erin Wilhelm, 37, passed into her loving Father’s arms Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023. She was born in Albuquerque Sept. 3, 1985 and moved to Los Alamos a few days later.

She is survived by her mother, Susan Duran; her father and stepmother, Richard and Maura Wilhelm, Aurora, CO; her grandfather, Leo Duran; her children, Sydnee, Jonus, and Trevor; stepsisters Jessica Smith, Portland, OR, and Annalissa Smith, Parker, CO; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; and her special pup, Anubus.

Krista was a free spirit and never met a stranger. Read More

IVAR LINDSTROM April 17, 2023

On Monday, April 17, 2023, Ivar Lindstrom, loving husband, father of two children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, passed away at the age of 93.

Ivar was born in October of 1929 in Milligan, Nebraska to Ivar and Merrill Lindstrom. He married Allene Huffman in 1952 while attending the University of Oregon. He was awarded his PhD from the University of Oregon in 1958 and then moved to Los Alamos to work with the Labs.

Ivar and Allene raised their two children in Los Alamos, sharing a sense of adventure in skiing and camping around the Southwest. He was a lifelong Read More

JERRY ADAIR April 7, 2023

Jerry Adair, beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, was found deceased in his home April 7, 2023. He was 47 years old. 

It’s not uncommon for young boys to have a favorite ball to play with. Jerry didn’t seem to be able to choose just one; if you could throw it, shoot it, punt it, bat it, or kick it, he liked it. Mom commented that some nights there was more ball than boy in his bed. On summer days, Jerry and his brothers could dash through chores, ride bikes to the Golf Course swimming pool, and still fit in dinner and a doubleheader at the North Mesa ball fields. In high school, it was Read More

ERMA RAE REYNOLDS BINGHAM Jan. 22, 1933 – April 13, 2023

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and sweet friend, Erma Rae Reynolds Bingham, was reunited with her eternal companion, Keith Edward Bingham, on April 13, 2023, at the age of 90. She passed away peacefully in Bosque Farms, New Mexico with her family present.

Erma Rae, daughter of Velma Reed Reynolds and Lawrence Heber Reynolds, was born January 22, 1933, in Sanford, CO.  She attended school in Sanford, CO; Albuquerque, NM; and Los Alamos, NM.

She met her husband, Keith Edward Bingham, when he found work in Los Alamos Read More

ERIK ARNDT Oct. 29, 1988 – March 24, 2023

A beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, Erik Arndt, 34 years of age, perished in an auto collision on March 24, 2023.

Erik was born October 29, 1988, in Anaheim, California to Pamela and Max Arndt. He grew up alongside his younger brother, Kurt, in Mission Viejo, California, where they spent most of their childhood.

After graduating from Cal State Fullerton with a Bachelor’s in American Studies, he briefly moved to Phoenix, AZ, then eventually settled in Los Alamos, NM, where he worked at Los Alamos Medical Center.

Among many things, Erik loved science Read More

FREDERICK STANLEY MINSHALL III Aug. 1, 2022

Frederick Stanley Minshall III, 89, passed away at home on August 1, 2022 surrounded by the love of his family. 

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughters Renden (Jeff) Hornung of Florissant, MO and Terrin Lands of Raleigh, NC; grandson Reid Lands of St. Louis, MO; step children Wendy (Joe) Lowe of Loveland, CO, Scott Green of Crested Butte, CO, and Verney (Martha) Green of Golden, CO; grandchildren Nathan Lowe and Miles, Sonya and Collin Green; beloved niece Emily Ranken (David Jaffe) of Pleasanton, CA; beloved nephews Bill (Beverly) Ranken of Read More

JUAN ROBERT BALDONADO Dec. 9, 2022

On Labor Day in 1969 Juan “Rob” Baldonado was born. He entered the world early and spent 16 days being treated for hyaline membrane disease, as it was called then. After his lungs matured and opened and a strange sound in his heart resolved, he needed to stay in the hospital nursery long enough to meet the discharge weight of 5 pounds. He came home to our apartment at 939 Iris Street Apt. 16. An uncanny coincidence as this is now the Los Alamos County building where his burial site was purchased after his unexpected death, at home, December 9, 2022.

This is the beginning Read More

FRANK WILHELM BOBROWICZ  Dec. 12,1943 – April 1, 2023

Frank Wilhelm Bobrowicz, 79, of White Rock, NM, passed away on April 1, 2023, with loved ones by his side, after a difficult but well-fought battle with COPD.

Frank was born on December 12, 1943 to Frank and Theresa in Newark, New Jersey. After Frank graduated from Barringer High School in 1962, he then went on to pursue a degree in computer science at Seton Hall University and attended graduate school at Caltech.

After moving often and working at previous national labs, Frank found his way to Los Alamos National Laboratory where he worked for Read More

PAT SANTANIELLO March 4, 1950 – Aug. 31, 2022

Pat Santaniello was born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1950. He passed away from COVID-19 related pneumonia in August of 2022, following a two year battle with cancer. Pat faced his health issues with remarkable courage and fortitude.

Pat is survived by the love of his life, Lori Santaniello. Pat and Lori met when he moved from Massachusetts to Houston, Texas. They were married on Feb. 6, 1983, and were near to celebrating 40 years of marriage.

Pat worked hard with his hands in the plumbing trade for all of his adult years. He first started as a plumber Read More

FRANKLIN J. NAIVAR Aug. 11 1940 – March 31, 2023

Franklin J. Naivar, a long-time resident of Los Alamos, died peacefully in his sleep March 31, 2023. 

Franklin was born Aug. 11, 1940, to Leo W. and Annie (Svrcek) Naivar, In Taylor, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leo W. and Annie Naivar, his wife of almost 56 years, Aloma (Eiben) Naivar, daughter Julianne Marie Naivar, and brother Thomas Naivar.

He was raised on the family farm near Granger, Texas. He was a graduate of St, Mary’s High School. Immediately after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was a reactor operator on the fast Read More

RICHARD V. CARLSON March 16, 2023

Richard V. Carlson passed away on March 16, 2023, from complications from a long battle with Parkinson’s. Dick was born in Kenosha, WI to Vernal and Kathryn.

Dick was a younger brother to Susan and an older brother to Mary. He had fond memories of growing up helping out on his grandparent’s farm. The family moved to Edina, MN and Dick graduated from Edina HS in 1962. He attended Valparaiso for undergraduate work and then went on to study physics at the Illinois Institute of Technology and then earned his PhD in Physics from the University of Minnesota in 1975.  Through Read More

MARK SECUNDINO SANDOVAL July 26, 1961– March 19, 2023

Mark Secundino Sandoval, born July 26, 1961, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, March 19, 2023.

The only child of Secundino and Stella Sandoval, Mark was born in Los Alamos and was a lifelong member of the community. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1979, where he fell in love with golf and found friendships that lasted a lifetime.

He entered New Mexico State University through the Crimson Scholar Program in 1980 and then attended the University Of New Mexico. Mark met his wife, Trish, in 1989 while working at the family restaurant, Read More

CHARLES LEE BUILTA March 17, 2023

It is with immense sadness that the family of Charles “Chuck / Chuckles / Chuckie” Lee Builta announces his unexpected and peaceful passing on March 17, 2023, at the young age of 51. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones until the very end.

Charles was well known for his bright smile, amazing sense of humor, and well – his mohawk of course. Due to his ceaseless compassion and selflessness, he was loved and cherished by countless friends and family. Many people use the saying “he would give you the shirt off of his back”, but not many people knew someone who would Read More

THOMAS FAIRLAMB STRATTON Dec. 19, 1929 – March 21, 2023

Thomas Fairlamb Stratton, a longtime resident of Los Alamos, NM, died March 21, 2023, after a brief illness. Tom was born on December 19, 1929, in Kansas City, MO, to Thomas Albert and Helen Fairlamb Stratton.

Tom left high school before graduating, enrolling instead at a local junior college, and matriculated two years later at Union College in Schenectady NY. He earned a BS in Physics in 1949, then continued his studies at the Physics Department of the University of Minnesota. After successfully defending his PhD thesis in the summer of Read More