General Membership Christmas Party December 20th, 6 pm
Post Everlasting
Timothy James Jehl
Timothy James Jehl, 67, of San Tan Valley, Arizona, passed away on July 29th, 2023
Tim was born on September 16th, 1955, in Bloomington, Indiana, the son of Leo and Ruth Jehl. He grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana and attended high school at Wawasee Preparatory. After graduating high school, Tim enlisted in the US Navy from 1973 to 1979 and served as a nuclear engine technician during the Vietnam War.
After being discharged from the Navy, Tim attended Purdue University where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering in 1981.
Throughout his life, Tim touched the lives of many. He was known for his academic intelligence, duty to both family and friends, and dry sense of humor. Tim had a unique ability of reducing complicated family and friend conflicts, complex scientific information, and cutting-edge engineering solutions, into their simple root causes. He was a wonderful listener and his teachings and advice, both personally and professionally, was cherished by his friends, family, professional colleagues, and students. His friends and family will always cherish the memories of him singing karaoke, playing card and video games, and camp-fire conversations.
Professionally, Tim enjoyed a successful career as an electrical engineer, first at Magnavox Corporation in Fort Wayne, Indiana and then Intel Corporation in Chandler, Arizona. He was passionate about computer processor design and made significant contributions to the computing world with multiple patents in his name during his time at Intel. Every person who uses a personal computer today is using at least one of his patents.
After nearly 40 years in the computer chip industry, Tim went on to become both a high-school and college professor; teaching mathematics, science, and engineering at a variety of campuses across the Phoenix metropolitan area.
In his spare time, Tim devoted his efforts to the American Legion and creating educational videos on YouTube. He believed in giving back to the community and helping to shape the minds of his students.
Tim is proceeded in death by his father Leo, mother Ruth, brother Jack, and his sister Suzanne. He is survived by his wife Theresa (Obenland), three children, son James Timothy Jehl (Celeste), daughter Ligaya Marie Lindvall (Christian), and stepson Matthew Earsley (Sadie); two grandchildren, Malin and Lennon (Lindvall), and three step-grandchildren Madison, Kaeden, Olivia (Earsley); his brother Christopher Jehl (Rebecca), and sister Carole McConnell (Fred), and several nieces and nephews.
In Arizona, a memorial mass to celebrate Tim's life will be held on August 11th at 10:00 am at Saint Michael the Archangel parish in Florence Arizona. A reception will follow immediately after at the American Legion Post 97. 5764 E.Hunt Highway, Florence, Arizona.
In Indiana a memorial mass will be said on August 26th, 10:30 am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. A Celebration of Life reception will be held immediately afterwards at Jehl’s Barn.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations in Tim’s name be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Tim's departure has left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
May his soul rest in peace and his love for friends and family be forever felt.
Larry W. Moore
Larry W. Moore, 74, of San Tan Valley passed away on July 25th, 2023 in Mesa, AZ.
Larry was born to Robert and Edith Moore on February 21st, 1949 in Hartford City, IN.
Mr. Moore served 17 years in the military, 6 years in the Marine Corp. and 11 years in the Army Reserves.
Mr. Moore served 10 years as a cubmaster for the Webelos and Scoutmaster for the troops of physical and handicapped boys and young men in the Boy Scouts of America. He also spent 5 years helping seniors who were homebound in San Tan Valley.
He was the founding Commander for Joe Foss American Legion Post 97 in San Tan Valley in 2010.
Left Behind to cherish his memories are his wife Linda Moore and his sons Paul and Robert Moore.
Vance A. Stueness
Vance A. Stueness, age 73 of San Tan Valley, Arizona, formerly of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota died Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at his home under the care of hospice.
Vance Allan Stueness was born August 12, 1948, in Ada, Minnesota, the eldest of 5 children of Bennie and Veronica (Berray) Stueness. Vance grew up on the family farm in rural Twin Valley, where his love of agriculture began. He attended school in Twin Valley, graduating with the Class of 1966. Following his graduation, Vance enlisted in the United States Navy in September of 1966. He served on the east and west coasts, before being sent to Vietnam in 1970 as part of a search and rescue team. In December of 1970, Vance was honorably discharged from the Navy. He returned home to Twin Valley and worked for the Twin Valley-Ulen Telephone Company. During this time, he also attended Moorhead Technical College for agricultural sales and management. While taking classes he was offered a job at the Kragness Farm Elevator in Sabin. Vance worked there prior beginning his extensive career with Chipman, now known as Syngenta. He started in sales and worked his way to upper management, overseeing 15 states. Vance spent the last two years of his career starting the seed treatment division for West Central Inc. in Willmar. Around 2008, he officially retired. On June 29, 1985, Vance was united in marriage to the love of his life, LeAnn (nee Chandler) Barron, at Grace Lutheran Church in Fargo, North Dakota. They made their home on Pelican Lake, near Pelican Rapids for approximately 30 years. The draw of playing golf year-round and not having to deal with Minnesota winters appealed to Vance and Lea; in 2008, they permanently moved to San Tan Valley, Arizona. They return to Minnesota during the summer months to enjoy their fifth wheel at the Forest Hills Golf & RV Center near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.
As a proud veteran, Vance was a member the Joe Foss American Legion Post #97 in San Tan Valley, West Central Minnesota Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 235 in Alexandria, and former member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5252 in Pelican Rapids. In addition to his love of golf, Vance also enjoyed boating, traveling, jeeping, and participating in events with his veteran brothers and sisters. Always gracious hosts, Vance and LeAnn often entertained family and friends at their lake home in Pelican Rapids and in later years, they welcomed visitors in Arizona. Vance cherished the time he was able to spend with his family, especially with his 6 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters that he so lovingly adored.
Vance is survived by his wife of 37 years, LeAnn of San Tan Valley, AZ; children, James Stueness (Nancy Blaney) of Twin Valley, Stacie Reierson of Devils Lake, Robert (Heather) Barron of Beulah, ND, and Tiffany (Staffan) Strand of Stocksund, Sweden; 6 grandchildren, Dustin (Courtney) Stueness, Preston Reierson, Nathaniel "Toby" (Malloreigh) Barron, Shea Barron, Samuel Strand, and Sophia Strand; 2 great-granddaughters, Alyson and Alexis Stueness; siblings, Gary (Betty) Stueness of Ada, LaCinda (Richard) Scruggs of Anchorage, Alaska, Kent (Denice) Stueness of Twin Valley, and Shellie Bueng (Mike Milligan) of Glyndon; father-in-law, Ralph Chandler of Twin Valley; brothers-in-law, Ralph (Deirdre) Chandler of Caledonia, Dean (Darlene) Chandler of Queen Creek, AZ, and Cheryl (Dean) Dormanen of Gilbert, AZ; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie Stueness and Veronica Hoven; mother-in-law, Charlotte Chandler; niece, Tiffany Burdett; and great-nieces, Dayton Vigesaa-Avery and TRE Burdett.
David Eugene Steele
David Eugene Steele, age 69, of San Tan Valley, Arizona, died unexpectedly on April 9, 2022.
Dave was born on June 22, 1952, to Gloria Steele and Edward Allen in Long Beach, California. After graduating from Gardena High School in 1969, he went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam war, and later as a recruiter. In 1990, after a 20-year career with the USMC, Dave retired as a Master Sergeant (E-8). Upon retirement, he was immediately hired as a police officer with the Portland Police Bureau in Portland, Oregon. He went on to become a Portland Police Detective and retired as a sergeant in 2007. In 2010, Dave and his wife, Teri, moved to San Tan Valley, Arizona, where he got a job as a security officer at Poston Butte High School. He served there for 8 years, retiring in 2021. Until his death, Dave was an active member of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Posse, serving in a volunteer patrol capacity and as a Field Training Officer, and advisor to the PCSO Cadets, a program for young people ages 14-21.
Over the years, Dave enjoyed many hobbies, including ceramics and painting, riding his Harley and enjoying time RVing, boating and fishing. He spent much of his time serving the community and fellow service members through his participation in Honor Guard, the American Legion and Masonic Lodge, to name just a few. Over the last 1 ½ years, Dave enjoyed delivering for Edible Arrangements and took pride in bringing joy to those he served.
Dave was preceded in death by his daughter, Alicia Steele; mother, Gloria Tingstrom; father, Eddie Allen; brother, Robert Allen and beloved grandmother, Emma “Honey” Desaw, who played a major role in his life when he was young. He is survived by his wife, Teri; his children, Jennifer (Jared) Motherway, Jessica (Michael) Lowry, Bryan Steele, Tiffany Steele; stepchildren, Jacque (Rick) Raffaele, Andrew Horton, Brea Horton; adopted children, Samantha Steele, Arianna Steele, Jaime Steele; grandchildren, Keegan, Lochlan and Breckan Motherway, Carson and Leslie Lowry, Brooklyn Steele, Ricky, Haley and Caden Raffaele, and Cohan Dixon. He is also survived by his siblings, Linda Campbell, Pauline Bjazevich, Phillip Fiamengo, Curtis Zimmerman, Laura, Larry and Billy Allen, and Kathy Livingston.
Marc H. Falkenhan
Marc H. Falkenhan, 71, of San Tan Valley, Ariz., passed away July 3, 2021, in San Tan Valley, Ariz. Marc passed away at his home, with family at his side, after a short illness.
He was born Feb. 8, 1950, in Kankakee, the son of Herman W. Falkenhan Jr. and Therese “Terry” (Settles) Falkenhan.
Marc retired from Metropolitan State University in Denver, Colo., after a 30-year career in computer information technology.
He served our country in the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Buchanan during the Vietnam War; and received numerous medals, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Marc was a proud veteran, a true patriot and volunteered countless hours helping veterans and their families.
He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in San Tan Valley, Ariz., American Legion Riders, Joe Foss American Legion Post 97, and the Encanterra Veterans Club.
Marc enjoyed riding his Harley, cheering on the Chicago Cubs and watching old Westerns on TV.
He was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. Marc was loved dearly and will be missed by all.
Surviving are his mother, Therese “Terry” Falkenhan, of Manteno; his devoted partner, Maureen Huffman; son, Marc P. Falkenhan, of Aurora, Colo.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jacob “Koot” and Carolyn Falkenhan Levy, of St. Anne, Scott and Pam Falkenhan, of Kankakee; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jill and Lambert “Sid” Kane, of Bradley, Kelly and Dennis Smith, of Litchfield Park, Ariz., and Jaymie Falkenhan, of Goodyear, Ariz.; and three grandchildren, Chloe Falkenhan, of Omaha, Neb., Callie Sherrier, of Littleton, Colo., and Caylee Falkenhan, of Des Moines, Iowa.
Preceding him in death were his father, Herman W. Falkenhan Jr.; and a son, Michael Falkenhan.
Tony Gunderson
Tony L. Gunderson, age 70, of Florence, Ariz., formerly of Mabel, Minnesota died Monday, July 1, 2019, at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.
Tony was born Aug. 28, 1948, in Spring Grove to Jerome and Maxine (Wright) Gunderson. He graduated from Mabel High School in 1966. From 1966 to 1972, he served in the Army National Guard trained in heavy equipment mechanics.
On May 1, 1971, he married Myrna Yotter in Lake City. They made their home in Mabel raising three children, Jenny, Ian and Cory. Tony worked as a sprinkler fitter, then as an insurance agent with his parents in Mabel and for a short time in Rochester. He worked at the Jennings State Bank in Spring Grove until 1989, when he returned to sprinkler fitting, retiring in 2004. In retirement, he worked part-time driving the residents at Green Lea Manor Nursing Home. In 2011, they moved to Florence, Ariz., and return to Minnesota for the summers.
Tony was very community oriented and loved to offer his time, energy and resources to multiple organizations over his lifetime. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 299 in Mabel and held positions at the local, county, and district levels. He was a member of the Mabel First Lutheran Church, had been a member of the Jaycees and was a Scout Master for Troop 68 in Mabel. Tony enjoyed working on projects including home remodeling, tinkering on cars, boating, fishing and woodworking, volunteering at the church and food bank, and talking with people.
He also became a member of American Legion Post 97 of San Tan Valley after moving to Florence. He held several officers position to included Adjutant and Treasurer. Tony was also part of the American legion Riders as Secretary/Treasurer. Tony was instrumental with the Post 97 youth programs, to included Boys State and Oratorical. Tony was the American Legion for 49 years and will be deeply missed by his Legionnaires
Jack William Malpass
Jack William Malpass. December 26, 1943-November 20, 2017.
The post lost one of it's members, after a battle with a heart condition.
After graduation from high school in 1962, he enlisted with the US Navy. HM2 Jack W. Malpass served during the Vietnam War as a Navy Hospital Corpsman at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virgina from 1962-1966.
Jack married Marsha Ann Guggery in 1963 and together they raised a family of three childred and two grandchildren.
Jack's civilian professional career included pharmaceutical sales, human resources and his own consulting company after receiving a Master of Arts in Organizational Behavior.
Jack moved to San Tan Valley, in 2005 and was one of the charter members of the Joss Foss American Legion Post 97.
Phil Jordan
Phil Jordan was born in 1927 and raised in Phoenix, AZ. In 1941, he attempted to enlist in the US Navy when he was fourteen years old. Phil grew frustrated at not being accepted because of his age so he ran away to San Francisco and helped build ships.
With eighteen shipyards churning out destroyer escorts, over 200 DE’s were operating in the Pacific by the end of the war, providing anti-submarine cover for the larger ships as well as delivering mail and supplies to the ground troops.
When Phil returned home his father signed permission for him to join the Navy in April 1944. He spent nineteen weeks training in Los Angeles, CA.
After the war was declared over and while waiting to be discharged, Phil brought his cocker spaniel, Nicky, onboard the ship.
Upon his official discharge, Phil Jordan returned to Phoenix to support his widowed mother. Most of the jobs went to married men with responsibilities so Phil re-enlisted and became an Army paratrooper. He served in the elite Airborne from 1947 to 1950, which included a tour in Afghanistan.
When his army enlistment was up, Phil returned to Phoenix and became the second motorcycle deputy for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. From that first position in his early twenties, Phil Jordan went on to a law enforcement career that spanned nearly 30 years … including 11 years as a federal law enforcement officer on the Apache Indian reservation and several years with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, where his final four years were as sheriff.
Phil Jordan died at his home on July 12, 2018.