Obituaries

DR. LOGAN KEITH KUIPER Sept. 12, 1940 – Jan. 20, 2026

Dr. Logan Keith Kuiper, 85, passed away in Los Alamos, New Mexico, on January 20, 2026. Born on September 12, 1940, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to Andrew and Bess Kuiper, Logan’s journey took him from a small family farm to the forefront of physics and mathematics.

Logan grew up outside Pella, Iowa, attending the one-room Liberty Corner grade school before graduating from Pella High School. His passion for learning led him to the University of Iowa for an undergraduate degree in Mathematics. He furthered his studies at Cal Tech, earning an MS in Applied Read More

ROYCE DEAN TAYLOR Feb. 10, 1941 – Jan. 20, 2026

Colonel Royce Dean Taylor was born Feb. 10, 1941, in Boles, Arkansas. He passed away at age 84, Jan. 20, 2026, just 20 days shy of his 85th birthday in Los Alamos, NM.

He is survived by his wife, Holly Kenney, his children Jennifer Waller (Jay), Amy Klabunde (Kevin), Royce Taylor (Sonja), grandchildren Haley Waller, Olivia Wallace (Ian), Sydney Bloomenstein (Zach), Alexi Tscherner (Nico), Trevor Klabunde, Isaac Taylor, and Lily Taylor, and great-granddaughter Etta Wallace. He was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe and Rosie Taylor, Read More

AMY XIAO BING WEI Jan. 18, 2026

Fondly known as Amy, Xiao Bing Wei of Los Alamos, NM, and originally of Nanning, China, passed away Jan. 18, 2026 at home in Los Alamos after a brief illness at the age of 57.

She leaves behind her husband, Giacomo Brussino; son, James Brussino; mom, Yan Lan and sisters Xiaoyu Wei and Xiaotang Wei, amongst many other beloved family members and friends “with love and peace”. 

Where there is life, there will be death. An early end is not necessarily a life cut short.

Amy will be inurned in China. No services are planned at this time.

Please visit www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com Read More

STEPHEN A. CIDDIO Sept. 25, 1950 – Jan. 16, 2026

Stephen A. Ciddio, a dedicated son, brother, and friend, passed away on January 16, 2026, at the age of 75. Born on September 25, 1950, Stephen lived a life characterized by his reserved nature, calm demeanor, and an unexpected sense of humor that brought joy to those around him.

Stephen proudly served his country as a Retired Navy Chief, displaying a commitment to duty that underscored his character. His military service instilled values of discipline and integrity, which he carried with him throughout his life.

In addition to his military career, Read More

JEFFERSON “SKIP” LEON PRESTRIDGE JR. Nov. 1, 1943 – Jan. 13, 2026

Jefferson “Skip” Leon Prestridge Jr., 82, passed away Jan. 13, 2026, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, with family by his side.

Born Nov. 1, 1943, in Brewer, Maine, he was the eldest son of Effie Mae (McGray) and Jefferson Leon Prestridge Sr. In 1961, he earned his high school diploma from RHAM High School in Hebron, Connecticut.

Jefferson went by the nickname “Skipper” or “Skip” by friends and family. Aptly named and following in his father’s footsteps, Jefferson served honorably in the Read More

ANDY R. WILSON 1928 – Dec. 26, 2025

Andy R. Wilson, 97, passed away on Dec. 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by his devotion to his family, his country, and his lifelong passion for creation.

Raised by a single mother in El Paso, Texas, Andy learned the value of resilience early on. Upon turning 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with the occupation forces in Japan. Shortly after returning home and completing his service, he met Edyth Liles, who graciously agreed to marry him in 1948. Their marriage began a journey of partnership and family that ended only with her death in 2021.

In January Read More

TERALENE ‘TERRY’ STEVENS FOXX Dec. 8, 1939 – Jan. 5, 2026

Teralene “Terry” Stevens Foxx, 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Monday, January 5, 2026. She was a cherished wife, mother, and friend, and her absence will be deeply felt by many. Of this we are certain: she is healed and at peace, uplifted by our prayers, and safe in the presence of her Savior, Jesus.

Terry is survived by her best friend and husband, Charles Foxx; daughters: Alison Carlisi, Erin Chavez, Kerri Frazier; four grandchildren: Sean Carlisi, Cassandra Carlisi, Rosalyn Carlisi, Sydney Frazier; great-grandchild Read More

DAVID V RILE May 5, 1950 – Dec. 25, 2025

David V Rile, 75, originally from Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away in his home in Santa Fe, the city he knew and loved, Dec. 25, 2025.

He was born in Santa Fe May 5, 1950, to the late Albro and Dorothy Rile. David’s life was marked by creativity, intellect and a love for his friends and community.

After graduating from high school, David went on to attend Arizona State University, where he excelled academically and graduated at the top of his class with a degree in Political Science. During his college years he studied abroad in Denmark for a time and grew to love Read More

EDGAR ALLEN ‘AL’ BACON, JR. Jan. 12, 1931 – Jan. 8, 2026

Edgar Allen “Al” Bacon, Jr., of Landenberg, PA, passed away on January 8, 2026, after a long battle with vascular dementia. He was just a few days shy of his 95th birthday.

Al was born to the late Edgar A. Bacon, Sr., and Mary Lucille Copenhaver Bacon in Oakland, CA, on January 12, 1931. He was a 1949 graduate of Fremont High School and received his B.A. in Economics in 1952 and M.A. in Political Science in 1954 from the University of California, Berkeley.

After spending two years in the US Army stationed in Fort Ord, CA, he was hired in 1956 at Los Alamos Read More

JANET (JAN) STRATTON MCCALL Dec. 25, 1939 – Dec. 30, 2025

Janet (Jan) Stratton McCall, age 86, peacefully departed this life in the UNM hospital on December 30, 2025, after a short illness. Her devoted husband, Gene McCall, was at her side. 

Jan was born and grew up in Brigham City, Utah. She was the daughter of Kenneth Leroy Murdock and Vera Bowdin Murdock. She had four sisters and a brother. Three of the sisters, La Dean, Sharon, and Darlene, and her brother, Daniel, preceded her in death.

Jan married Boyd Mark and had three sons, Rick, Scott, and Steven. All have survived her, along with many grandchildren Read More

SOFIA Y. CHAVEZ Sunrise May 14, 1972 – Sunset Jan. 4, 2026

Sofia, a current resident of Velarde, NM, went to rest on January 4, 2026. She was born in Española on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1972, to Arlene and Johnny Chavez. Raised on the west side of Española, Sofia graduated from Española Valley High School in 1990 and later attended New Mexico State University, where she became a proud, lifelong Aggie.

Sofia dedicated 27 years of her life to Los Alamos National Laboratory, where she was known for her strong work ethic, dedication, and the meaningful friendships she formed throughout her career. More Read More

MARY LOUISE WILLIAMS Jan. 1, 2026

Mary Louise Williams passed away Jan. 1, 2026, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was 89. Mary Louise (also known as “Mary Lou”) was a gifted teacher, a lover of history, a solid friend to many, and dedicated to environmental and civil issues. She cared about the “common good” and used that phrase frequently in her writing and conversations.

She grew up in Mountainair, New Mexico, with a businessman father and a mother who had been a one-room schoolhouse teacher (Fred and Mabel Hail). She had an older brother and sister (Wilfred and Jo), and learning was always part of their Read More

CORA ORTEGA May 29, 1938 – Jan. 8, 2026

Cora Ortega passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the age of 87 surrounded by family in the Española Valley.

Born in La Madera, New Mexico to Adolfo & Margarita Ortega, she was raised on the family farm in El Rito, New Mexico. In the late 1950s she moved to Española and worked as a celebrated cook for El Paragua, Matilda’s Café, Emilio’s Restaurant, The Chuck Wagon and The Roadrunner Café for 30 years. She loved to be in the kitchen and was happiest when she was cooking for her family.

In the 1980s she began working for the New Mexico Read More

ELKE ELLEN WINKLER Dec. 24, 1943 – Dec. 25, 2025

Elke Ellen Winkler passed away on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, at the age of 82. She will be remembered for her warm, resilient, and curious spirit and her love of animals and the outdoors.

She is survived by her husband of over 52 years, Karl-Heinz, with whom she shared a beautiful and full life. Together, they raised three children, Philipp, Malte, and Julie. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Oliver, Sebastian, Amalie, Chloe, and Felix. She will be missed by her brother, Bernd, and extended family in the United States and Germany. Read More

JoAnn Johnson Dec. 10, 1931 – Jan. 1, 2026

JoAnn Johnson, 94, was born December 10, 1931 in Seymour, IN to Edna and John Garvey. She married James Johnson, her high school sweetheart in 1953. He preceded her in death in 2001. She is survived by two children; Jan Funkhouser (Clay) of Portland OR and Mike Johnson (Thai) of Redondo Beach, CA and two grandchildren Megan and Kevin Funkhouser.

Horses, politics and travel were central to her life.

They got horses shortly after arriving in Los Alamos. She and Jim enjoyed many hours riding their horses on the area’s many trails. She served as President of the Read More

LELAND STANFORD LEHMAN June 16, 1947 – Dec. 11, 2025

Leland Stanford Lehman, 78, of Los Alamos, NM, a proud Army veteran who served in Vietnam, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

Leland “Lelo” served as a rifleman with Company B, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division from July 1967 to June 1969, achieving the rank of Sergeant. While in Vietnam, he participated in several campaigns receiving honors to include the Bronze Star with Device for Valor for heroism in the Kien Hoa Province and the Air Combat Medal with Clusters.

Born on June 16, 1947, in Santa Fe, NM, to Charles Read More

MARY ELIZABETH LINDBERG April 2, 1941 – Dec. 25, 2025

“You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.” Mary Elizabeth Lindberg (née Bergerson) died at home in Los Alamos, surrounded by her family on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, following a six-year journey with pancreatic cancer, which she met with her trademark defiance, humor, courage, and indomitable spirit.

Mary did not fit, and never tried to. She was a mother and a wife, yes—but also a contrarian who relished debate and treated disagreement as a form of play (and, often, a form of proof). She traveled. She dreamed. She Read More

FERMIN ROMERO Sr. Dec. 15, 2025

Fermin Romero Sr. 88, of Ojo Caliente, NM, passed away peacefully Dec. 15, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

Fermin is survived by his wife Virginia Romero and five children, Stella, Cathy, Terri, Jeanette, and Fermin Jr. many grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Fermin worked for the Zia Company and Los Alamos National Laboratory for many years, with janitorial services.

He enjoyed his many animals on his ranch and going to the casinos with family. He had a passion for music and singing with many different bands.

He had a magnetic personality and loved socializing. Read More

JOHN WILLIAM BLAYLOCK April 10, 1947 – Dec. 19, 2025

John William Blaylock, 78, went to be with his Savior Dec. 19, 2025, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

John was born April 10, 1947, in Miami, Florida, to Esther and John Blaylock. From an early age, he possessed a deep curiosity about the world that shaped the course of his life. His life was rich with adventure – piloting small planes in the Florida Keys, ocean freediving, shooting BB guns as a child in Washington, operating construction equipment in New York, and several cross-country road trips in a VW Beetle. In all of his pursuits, Read More

MELVENA BAILEY May 14, 1930 – Dec. 6, 2025

Melvena Bailey ended her journey on this earth at 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. She was 95 years young. Melvena was born and raised in Leesville, LA. She graduated from a nearby high school in 1947, where she participated in basketball and was well liked.

After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Milton Glenn Bailey, a US Marine sergeant, in July 1947. From that day on they took part in a 78-year adventure that included moving to Los Alamos, having children and working at LANL and LA County. After the birth of her children, Melvena worked as an accountant Read More

JOE ELFEGO GONZALES April 18, 1932 – Dec. 2, 2025

Beloved brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, Joe Elfego Gonzales, passed from this world to be with our Lord after 93 years, on December 2, 2025, after a long and devoted life marked by love of family, friendship, faith, and service to his country.

Born on April 18, 1932, to Sabino and Maria Gonzales in Glorieta, NM. He married Enriqueta “Queta” Chavez, and they enjoyed a loving marriage for 59 years before Queta’s passing in 2015.

A proud veteran, Joe served honorably in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Read More

TESSA JANE LOPEZ Feb. 10, 2025 – Dec. 20, 1993

Our family remains deeply saddened by the loss of Tessa Jane Lopez, who passed away in February 10, 2025. She was born on December 20, 1993.

Though Tessa may be gone from our sight, she is never truly gone from our hearts. It is difficult to forget someone who was loved as deeply as she was. Her family, and especially her son, Truitt, think of her every day. Our memories of her—from a sweet child to the woman she became—will never fade.

Tessa cherished her friends, and her family was everything to her. She had a heart full of love, always eager to give, to laugh, Read More

HARRY DREICER Oct. 6, 1927 – Dec. 5, 2025

Harry Dreicer, 98, controlled thermonuclear fusion researcher and plasma physicist, passed away peacefully at home on December 5, 2025, in Santa Fe, NM.

His parents, Efim and Genia Drejcer, were Russian Jews who fled the Bolshevik Revolution and made their way to Germany where he was born on October 6, 1927. At the age of ten in 1938, he and the family fled to Italy. By 1939 they had managed to settle in the USA. He became a US citizen on July 10, 1946, his entire family having been stateless since 1922.

Harry married Roberta Jean Waldman on July 30, 1950 (divorced Read More

STEFANI KATHERINE CZUCHLEWSKI Feb. 6, 1944 – Dec. 10, 2025

Stefani Katherine Czuchlewski (“Stef”) was born Feb. 6, 1944, in the Washington, DC, area, where her father was engaged in chemical research in support of the Manhattan Project. The family moved to locations in New Jersey and Staten Island before settling in Vestal, NY, in the late 50’s. Stef graduated from Vestal HS in 1961 and began study at Harpur College (now SUNY Binghamton), from which she received a BA in Classics in 1965.

Stefani entered Yale University to pursue work toward a unique MAT degree which Read More

JEANNENE MATTINGLY HANSON Jan. 9, 1936 – Nov. 16, 2025

Jeannene Mattingly Hanson, 89, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away on November 16, 2025. She was born on January 9, 1936, in a farmhouse near Portland, Kansas to Ruther Meder Mattingly and Ena Mae Lott Mattingly. After graduating from high school in Caldwell, Kansas, she dropped her given first name, Treva, in favor of her middle name, Jeannene, and began taking classes at the University of Kansas.

Jeannene married Robert H. Masterson in 1956 and accompanied him to Munich for his Fulbright scholarship. She later became the devoted mother Read More

STEFANI CZUCHLEWSKI Feb. 6, 1944 – Dec. 10, 2025

Stefani Czuchlewski, age 81, passed away on December 10, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She was born on February 6, 1944, and spent most of her adult life in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with a eulogy to begin at 10:40 a.m., at the Church of the Incarnation Catholic Church, 2309 Monterrey Rd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144, with a reception to follow.

Please visit our online guestbook for Stefani at www.FrenchFunerals.com. Read More

DORY RYAN Sept. 12, 1960 – Dec. 5, 2025

Dory Ryan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Dec. 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on Sept. 12, 1960, Dory left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Following her graduation from New Mexico State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, she joined the Environmental, Safety and Health Division at LANL. After 30 years at LANL, Dory embarked on a life filled with gardening, hiking (completing Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim across the Grand Canyon for her 60th birthday), traveling, cooking, Read More

REID ZIRKLE Oct. 5, 1945 – Dec. 8, 2025

Reid was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon to Ira and Ruth Zirkle.

He graduated from Oregon Institute of Technology before moving to New Mexico in 1967, when Los Alamos National Laboratory recruited him as a draftsman to work on classified drawings. Reid spent most of his LANL career as an Area Coordinator at various lab facilities, retiring with 38 years of service.

Reid grew up hunting and fishing: passions he carried with him throughout his life. He especially enjoyed duck and quail hunting throughout New Mexico. After retiring, he and his wife purchased an Read More

PETER MANVILLE WARD 1939 – Nov. 14, 2025

Peter Manville Ward, 86, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed peacefully on November 14, 2025. He was under the care of the hospice unit at the New Mexico Veterans’ Administration Hospital in Albuquerque, NM after complications from a fall.

Peter was born in Inglewood, California in 1939 to Virginia and Winston Ward. He volunteered for the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era. After four years, he presented his honorable discharge papers, his G.I. bill education benefits, and himself at the steps of the University of New Mexico. He subsequently Read More

DORY RYAN Sept. 12, 1960 – Dec. 5, 2025

Dory Ryan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on September 12, 1960, Dory left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Following her graduation from New Mexico State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, she joined the Environmental, Safety and Health Division at LANL. After 30 years at LANL, Dory embarked on a life filled with gardening, hiking (completing Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim across the Grand Canyon for her 60th birthday), traveling, Read More

LEONORA ‘LEO’ TRUJILLO Aug. 17, 1947 – Dec. 10, 2025

Leonora “Leo” Trujillo was born on August 17, 1947, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and peacefully passed away there on December 10, 2025. For 27 years, she made her home in Los Alamos, where she built lasting friendships and a meaningful career, before moving to Santa Fe, a place where her spirit was inseparable from the landscape, traditions, and beauty she ultimately called home.

Leo was a graduate of Southern Methodist University, where she began her professional journey as a Dental Hygienist. Her intellectual curiosity later led her to continue Read More

ERNESTO V. BURCIAGA Jan. 26, 1946 – Dec. 4, 2025

Ernesto V. Burciaga, the eldest of the six children of Lorenzo R. Burciaga and Maxine T. Burciaga (nee Van Sloun) passed away Dec 4, 2025 following a lengthy battle with dementia.

In addition to being predeceased by his parents, his sister Ann C. Johnson and brother Timothy V. Burciaga, he was predeceased by his loving wife of 44 years, Cecilia, who passed away earlier this year.

Ernesto, also known as Ernie and Neto, was born Jan. 26, 1946 in Santa Fe, NM. His family moved to Los Alamos, NM in 1955. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1964 lettering Read More

VIRGINIA LEE KACHELMEIER June 7, 1948 – Oct. 23, 2025

Virginia Lee Kachelmeier, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully Oct. 23, 2025, at Arden Courts in San Antonio, Texas. She was 77.

Born on June 7, 1948, in Raton, New Mexico, Virginia was the cherished daughter of Roy and Marie Butt, both of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Raton High School and was one of six siblings-David (deceased), Bobby (deceased), Larry, Jimmy, and Lori-each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Virginia’s life changed forever one snowy night when a fierce storm Read More

WALTER WRIGHT Oct. 26, 1941 – Dec. 2, 2025

Walter Wright, age 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Los Alamos, New Mexico, Dec. 2, 2025. Walter was born in Bellows Falls, Vermont Oct. 26, 1941 to Leland Fuller Wright and Thelma (Staniszewski) Wright.

Growing up on the Connecticut River, he attended Bellows Falls High School and graduated in 1959. Overcome with a sense of service and willingness to give back to his country during the Cold War Era, Walter joined the US Air Force in 1960. He specialized in Weapons Control and System Maintenance at Lowry AFB in Colorado from February to Read More

LARRY LEE MARR June 5, 1952 – Nov. 24, 2025

Larry Lee Marr, 73, of Los Alamos, N.M., began his next journey on Monday, November 24, 2025, after a short hospital stay in Albuquerque.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Virginia Marr.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Marr, and son, Tyler Marr.

Known by the nickname “Hawg” by many of his longtime friends and co-workers, Larry first  retired from the New Mexico Air National Guard after 25 years of service, before retiring from the Los Alamos National Laboratory Hazmat Division. He always found ways to bring a little humor to his workplace Read More