Obituaries

CATHY LORRAINE NOGAR Aug. 21, 2015

Cathy Lorraine Nogar, 91, a resident of La Mesilla, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2015.

A lifelong dog aficionada, Cathy helped found the Los Alamos Dog Obedience Club and was well known in the dog breeding world, as much for her Hopi Kachina Dalmatians as for her work as a respected dog show judge. Cathy loved to be active, first in showing and jumping horses in her native Chicago, and later enjoying the community at East Park Pool and later at the Espanola Valley pool. Her sense of humor and joie de vivre were contagious, and her love of books and reading voracious. Read More

BILLY MAC HOGAN Oct. 1, 1942 – Aug. 15, 2015

It is with great sadness that the family of the late Billy Mac Hogan announces his passing. Bill, 72, died on Saturday, August 15, 2015 in Los Alamos, New Mexico after a short battle with glioblastoma multiforme (brain tumor).

Bill was born October 1, 1942 in Montague County, Texas. Because of his father’s work, Bill moved to several different towns in Texas as a young boy. In 1950, Bill and his family moved to Lubbock, Texas. He graduated from Monterey High School in 1961 and attended Texas Tech University until 1967 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Read More

ADAM MICHAEL LANG Feb. 6, 1993 – July 22, 2015

Adam Michael Lang passed away on July 22, 2015 in Arcata, CA at the age of 22.

He was born in Albuquerque, NM on February 6th,1993. He moved to Los Alamos in August of 2000. He was an excellent student and graduated from Los Alamos High School in 2011. While attending high school, he participated in LAHS XC and track. Afterwards, he attended UC Davis for 2 ½ years majoring in engineering and then switched to Humboldt State University where he studied botany.

Adam was an avid runner, hiker, skier, gardener, and musician. He embraced nature. He loved the trails Read More

JOAN ALCOUFFE Aug. 16, 2015

Joan Alcouffe, 75, a resident of Los Alamos passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2015.

She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Davenport, and mother, Frances Davenport. She was educated at the University of Idaho from 1958-1962 and was an active member of the KKG sorority. She met her husband of 51 years, Raymond Alcouffe, in Idaho Falls, Idaho in 1963 where she was an elementary school teacher. They married and had five children: Michael, John, Matthew, Douglas, and Cari. She was a devoted wife and mother and enjoyed traveling internationally, writing, and cooking.  Read More

RICHARD “RICK” JAMES SOFALY May 2, 1943 – Aug. 10, 2015

Richard “Rick” James Sofaly, 72, died on Monday, August 10, 2015 at his home in Killeen, Texas surrounded by his loving family. 

Rick was born May 2, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan. He was the only son of Dick and Gloria Sofaly. As a teenager, his family moved to southern California where he attended and graduated from San Diego State College and where he met and married his wife of fifty years, Karla Foight. Together, they had four children whom they raised in Los Alamos, New Mexico. 

Rick enjoyed a successful career in computer technology, Read More

DAVID (DAVE) DVORAK July 21, 2015

David (Dave) Dvorak, beloved husband, father, and brother passed away on July 21, 2015. 

He is survived by his wife Kate, daughter Lorrie, son Ry, and sister Mary Foglesong, and brothers James (Jim) Dvorak and Robert (Bob) Dvorak. He was preceded in death by his father James (Jim) Dvorak, mother Genevieve (Gen) Dvorak, and brother Richard (Rick) Dvorak.

Dave was a man who, in spite of his high level of education, could sit down with anyone and make them feel important. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him throughout the world.

A memorial service will Read More

DONNA MAE FISCHER WILSON Aug.15, 1934 – Aug. 7, 2015

Donna Mae Fischer Wilson died Aug. 7, 2015, just a week shy of her 81st birthday, in Cañon City, Colorado, from complications following a pelvic fracture.

On Aug.15, 1934, her grandmother, Anna Kronschnabel Fischer, delivered Donna into the world at West Spring Street in Appleton, Wisconsin. She was the sixth of nine children born to Frank and Anne Fischer.

Donna attended elementary school at St. Edwards’s at Mackville and St. Joseph’s in Appleton, Wisconsin, and graduated from Appleton High School West in 1952. Donna enlisted in the Read More

Rev. CASIMIRO ROCA-TOSCAS Aug. 4, 2015

Rev. Casimiro Roca-Toscas, S.F., former rector of el Santuario de Chimayo in Chimayo, N.M., died Aug. 4, 2015.

At the time, he was at home in the rectory at Holy Family Church, with his brothers Sons of the Holy Family and caretaker, who have been helping him for several years. He had celebrated his 97th birthday 11 days earlier.

After 33 active years living in Spain and Italy, Fr. Roca came to Chimayo in 1954. For 52 of the next 60 years, he worked at restoring the Shrine, greeting pilgrims and hearing their confessions, blessing their vehicles and religious Read More

GENEVIEVE DVORAK June 20, 2015

Genevieve (Gen) Dvorak passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 20, 2015. She had recently moved to the Denver area to be near family members. 

Gen was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 70 years, James, and her son Richard Dvorak. She is survived by daughter Mary Foglesong, sons James, David (who recently passed away on July 21, 2015), and Robert Dvorak, as well as numerous grand children and great grand children.

A memorial service for the family was held at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, followed by burial with her husband.

Donations Read More

NANCY PORTO HAND July 29, 2015

Nancy Porto Hand, 66, passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2015 in San Antonio, Texas after a short battle with lung cancer. 

Nancy was the oldest child of Bernice and Tony Porto (former deacon at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church).   

Nancy is survived by her husband Joe Hand of Harper, Texas, daughter Cara Cordova (Orlando) of Albuquerque and son Jason Zimmerman (Kim) and grandson Austin of Lee’s Summit, Mo., brothers Andy Porto (Catherine) and Dan Porto of Albuquerque and sister Patty Porto Schmidt (Don) of St. Petersburg, Fla., nephews Read More

TOM SCOLMAN July 3, 2015

Tom Scolman, 88, of Rio Verde, AZ, died on July 3, 2015. 

A former Los Alamos resident, he was born and raised  in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Fresh out of high school, he joined the Navy for two years of service. He returned to Wisconsin and achieved his Bachelors and Masters degrees at Beloit College.

He received his Doctorate degree in Nuclear Physics in 1955 from the University of Minnesota and in 1956 accepted a position at LANL as a staff  member in W-7. He retired in 1989 as J Division Leader.

Scolman was an avid skier and golfer and enjoyed creating Southwestern Read More

Dr. LAWRENCE EDWARD (LARRY) WANGEN Oct. 3, 1941 – July 27, 2015

Larry Wangen, age 73, a resident of Edmonds, WA since 1997, passed away Monday July 27, 2015 at the Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, Washington, surrounded by his beloved family. Larry and his family fought hard for two months following a tragic surgical accident.

He was born October 3, 1941 in New Rockford, North Dakota to Obert and Violet (Pfeiffer) Wangen. Larry grew up in North Dakota and at age 13, he and his family moved to Lynnwood, WA where he graduated from Edmonds High School in 1959. After graduation, he served in the Read More

BRENDA HATLER July 24, 2015

Brenda Hatler, a faithful Christian who loved her Lord and Savior, passed away on Friday evening July 24, 2015 at the age of 70 years. 

Brenda was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM.  She attended Highland High School and UNM in Albuquerque where she met her future husband, Larry.  Brenda and Larry lived briefly in Beaumont, Texas, before moving to Los Alamos in 1968, where they raised their family.

She was a loving wife and was always there for her two sons in all their endeavors. Brenda loved her family, especially her grandchildren, and lived much of Read More

JAMES “JIM” CAFFEY STURROCK, Sr. April 27, 1945 – July 24, 2015

James “Jim” Caffey Sturrock, Sr., age 70, of Espanola, died Friday, July 24, 2015, at his son’s home in Lawrenceville, GA while surrounded by his children.

He was born April 27, 1945, to James Parker and Catherine (Caffey) Sturrock, both of blessed memory, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Jim attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 1962. He received Bachelor’s (1967) and Master’s (1968) degrees in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Jim served as a Captain in the Unites State Air Force at Hill AFB, Read More

FRANCHESCO (CHESCO) VALDEZ July 18, 2015

Franchesco (Chesco) Valdez, 41, a resident of Los Alamos entered Heavens gates on Saturday, July 18, 2015.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Valentin and Fermina Valdez; maternal grandparents, Keith and Pinky Kelley and aunt, Karla Kelley-Zimmerly.

Chesco was a very loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. He was a very generous, kind, patient and humble man. He adored his wife so much and loved her and his kids with all his heart.

He was an exterminator for The Bugman for 21 years and loved his job. His customers admired him Read More

RICARDO AGAPITO (PETE) HERRERA Aug. 12, 1943 – July 8, 2015

On Wednesday, July 8, 2015, Ricardo Agapito (Pete) Herrera, 71, of Las Vegas, NV, and formerly of El Rancho, NM was called home to the Lord after a brief battle with cancer.

His love and kind spirit will be carried on through his wife Elsie, of 53 ½ years and their sons, Ken (Theresa), Kevin (Janet), Karl (Nadia); 6 grandchildren, Nicole, Kennetha, Kacy, Kruz, Kyle, Sienna; 8 great-grandchildren; Rudy, Matthew, Layla, Presley, Jordan, Kylie, Courtney, Ivy, and step-granddaughter, Jill Park.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Agapito Read More

JOSE B. LUJAN April 21, 1928 – July 21, 2015

Jose B. Lujan, 87, of Los Alamos passed away peacefully on July 21, 2015, surrounded by his family.

He was born on April 21, 1928 to Jose Salome Lujan and Delmiria Roybal Lujan of El Rancho, NM.

Twice widowed, Benny married Eutimia Gallegos on October 23, 1950. They had three daughters, Venita, Bertha, and Mercedes.  He often bragged that he was “surrounded by women”.  He married Irma Dall on February 23, 1985, and became father to Alicia, Teri, and Wayne.

Benny was also preceded in death by his parents, Salome and Delmiria Lujan, his parents-in-law, Read More

MAUREEN “MOE” C. KLEIN July 17, 2015

Maureen “Moe” C. Klein, of Rio Rancho New Mexico, age 73, died July 17, 2015 at Anna Kaseman Hospital after a short illness.

Moe was an avid golfer who lived life to the fullest, loved to travel and spend time with friends. She was the life of the party and you always knew she was in the room by her laugh.

She is predeceased in her death by her brother Marvin and her parents. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 36 years, John Klein and is survived by her sons Donnie Torres and his wife Mary Alei; Scott Torres; her daughters Kim Christensen and her husband Matt; and Sheri Read More

BEN ORTIZ Oct. 5, 1937 – July 18, 2015

Ben Ortiz, 77, of Nambe, passed away in his home following a lengthy illness on Saturday, July 18, 2015 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Santa Fe on October 5th, 1937 to Jose Manuel Ortiz and Josefita Sandoval Ortiz of Nambe.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Gloria Ortiz, Maria Longacre, Loretta Ortiz; niece Carrie Lupenski; parents-in-laws Joe I. and Bernice Maestas; brother-in-law Walter Maestas; and grandson Keith Medina.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Patsy; his children Marco Ortiz and wife, Lynnea; Marla Gabaldon Read More

THOMAS ARTHUR PETERSON July 20, 2015

Thomas Arthur Peterson passed peacefully from this world on Monday morning, July 20, 2015 at the age of 56, with his sister Anne and partner Hilde Dillien at his side.

He was born in Los Alamos, NM on February 18, 1959. Tom attended school in Los Alamos and went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at the University of New Mexico.

Most of his professional career was spent working at Pajarito Scientific, first in Los Alamos, and later in Santa Fe. His work led him to travel to many places, and it was while on assignment in Belgium he met Hilde, the love of his Read More

CHRISTOPHER CHARLES WATSON Jan. 23, 1984 – July 2, 2015

Christopher Charles Watson, 31, died July 2, 2015 from injuries suffered in a bicycle/car accident in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Chris was born January 23, 1984 in Los Alamos, New Mexico, where he grew up playing soccer, baseball, swimming, diving and becoming an accomplished drummer in his high school marching band. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 2002.

Before graduating from the University of New Mexico, he spent half a year living in Buenos Aires, Argentina and exploring South America while becoming fluent in Spanish.

He loved Read More

KAREN ANN MEHLIN Aug. 8, 1954 – July 11, 2015

Karen Ann Mehlin passed away peacefully on July 11, 2015 at Sherman Home Hospice in Phoenix, Arizona after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 60.

Karen was born to Robert and Joan Broeker on August 8, 1954 in Clovis, New Mexico. She was the older of two daughters and grew up in St. Louis and St. Joseph, Missouri. She graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1977. She lived and worked in Mobile, Alabama; Kansas City, Missouri; Lincoln, Nebraska; Denver, Colorado; Albuquerque and Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Karen was active in the communities Read More

ROBERT W. MARR May 5, 1918 – July 14, 2015

Robert W. Marr died peacefully at his home in Los Alamos on July 14, 2015 with his family by his side.

Robert was born and raised in Guernsey, Wyoming where he met his wife of 74 years Virginia Marr. He worked at Lockeed Air Craft in Burbank, California before taking a job at Los Alamos National Labs as a high explosive machinist in 1957. Bob worked at S-Site until 1980.

He designed and built his dream house with his wife and son on Barranca Mesa, which was one of his most cherished accomplishments. He also did iron work and helped construct the frames for the beautiful Read More

AMBERLY ROSE DYE June 27, 2015

Amberly Rose Dye, 20, went to be with the Lord on June 27, 2015. Everyone who knew her will miss her beauty, smile and generosity of spirit.

Amberly is survived by her mother Denise Ewy (Gary), her father David N. Dye (Dawn), her fiancé Dustin Nelson, her brothers Weston and Dustin Dye, her grandparents Joyce and Jim Ross, and Janis and Neal Dye, several aunts, uncles, cousins and too many friends to personally mention.

Cremation has taken place by Rivera Family Funerals of Santa Fe. A memorial to follow will be announced at a later date. A memorial fund has been set up by Read More

MITCHELL PAUL CHAVEZ July 10, 1949 – June 16, 2015

Our beloved Mitchell Paul Chavez was called home on the evening of Tuesday, June 16th after battling the complications of gall bladder surgery for several weeks.

Mitch is survived by his parents, Pascual and Margaret Chavez, younger siblings Annette, Mark, Stephanie, James, Francesca and Stephen, his son Anthony Chavez and daughter Brittany Chavez, grandchildren Monique, Winter and Jayla, brother-in-law Kendal Giles, nieces and nephews Jason, Andrea, Marcello, Ryan, Nicole, Vanessa, Michaela, Gabriel, Dylan and Sophia and countless Read More

MIRIAM BALOG Nov. 12, 1929 – June 16, 2015

Sisu. If you are not of Finnish descent, this probably means nothing to you. If you look Sisu up on Google, you’ll still have difficulty truly understanding it. However, if you knew Mim, you know what Sisu is. 

Miriam lived Sisu, day in and day out. From her early days leaving Wyoming to support the love of her life, George, to the rearing of four children, she instilled in them the same values of determination, bravery, resilience, perseverance, tenacity and honesty that she so heartily espoused.

Family excursions all over the US and Canada were the Read More

MICHAEL F. JOHNSON March 10, 1956 – June 19, 2015

Michael F. Johnson, 59, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away on June 19, 2015 in Santa Fe, New Mexico from complications from chemotherapy.

Born on March 10, 1956 in Ogden, Utah to Ralph Grange Johnson Jr. and Athleen Folger, Michael served an LDS mission in the Michigan, Lansing mission. He married Connie Leone Blair on July 12, 1979 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Michael and Connie lived in Layton, Utah and Wickenburg, Ariz., eventually settling in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Michael owned Johnson Brothers Electric with his brother LeGrand.

A dedicated Read More

RONALD DEAN HOLMES Jan. 2, 1948 – June 12, 2015

Ronald Dean Holmes, 67, of Georgetown, Texas, formerly of Los Alamos, New Mexico passed away on June 12, 2015 with family by his side. Ron was a pillar of strength, courageously battling kidney cancer for the past ten years.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2015 at Berry Springs Park, 1801 Co Road 152, Georgetown, Texa 78626. At a later date, a graveside service and inurnment will be held in Truscott, Texas.

Ron was born on January 2nd, 1948 in Salina, Kansas to Robert Lewis Holmes and Alta Laverne (Rutherford) Read More

ANTHONY JAMES VERGAMINI Oct. 8, 1966 – May 17, 2015

Anthony Vergamini, age 48, entered into eternal life unexpectedly on May 17, 2015 at his home in Indialantic, FL.

Tony was born on October 8, 1966 in Minneapolis, MN to Phillip Vergamini and Peggy Gautier. He moved to Los Alamos, NM in 1971 where he attended Aspen and Cumbres schools and graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1984. Tony worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory while attending the University of Colorado in Boulder where he received a BA in physics in 1989 and a MS degree in electrical engineering in 1991. After graduation, he Read More

JUSTIN N. RICHARD Sept. 9, 1920 – May 30, 2015

Jerry (Justin) Richard passed peacefully on May 30th, 2015 at his home in Silver City, NM.

Jerry was born in Pewee Valley, Kentucky on September 9th (according to the hospital) or September 10th (according to his father) in the year 1920. With a fondness for celebration, he celebrated both days. Jerry travelled abroad for the first time as a medic in World War II. He continued to travel throughout his life, visiting his relatives and friends from New Jersey to San Francisco and even all the way to Prague while he was in his 80s.

After the war, he entered Read More

JOHN F. BRACKBILL May 8, 1973 – June 4, 2015

John F. Brackbill, age 42, died unexpectedly at his home in Colorado Springs. A welfare check requested by his sister found him deceased June 4.

John is survived by his parents Jerry and Isabel Brackbill, his sister Lise and her husband Duane Barber, and their three children, Anneli, Craig and Neil, all of whom live in Portland, Oregon. 

A gathering in John’s memory will be held on Tuesday, June 16 from 4 to 6PM at the home of the Olingers, 1964 Juniper Street, Los Alamos. 

John was born May 8, 1973 in Los Alamos and graduated from Los Alamos Read More