Eugene G. Ambs
Eugene (Gene) Gary Ambs, 78, of Sun City Center, Fla., passed away September 7, 2020. He was born in Battle Creek, Mich. Gene is preceded in death by his parents, June and Lucas Ambs, and beautiful daughter, Stacey Ambs. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Kathy; two sons, Scott (grandchildren: Joshua, Alex and Annabelle) and Steven, both of Phoenix, Ariz.; two wonderful, supportive brothers, Robert of Battle Creek and Michael (Mary), Columbus, Ind.; and his loving family of in laws: Sandy Braund, Gene Lewis, Tom and Gail Lewis and Michael and Rachel Lewis.
Gene was a member of the Michigan Air National Guard for over 12 years, where he received the Valley Forge Cross that honored Guardsmen who performed acts of heroism at the risk of their own life. In September, 1971, at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Upper Peninsula, Mich., Gene helped locate a homemade dynamite bomb, removed it from a fuel storage tank containing more than 600,000 gallons of jet fuel and disarmed the device. He also recovered 800 pounds of high explosives and several hundred blasting caps intended for future bombing attempts.
One of Gene’s greatest joys was being a member of the Michigan State Police family. Graduating from the 65th Recruit School in 1966, Gene served 25 years, including in the latent print/ bomb squad unit, Lansing; the Bridgeport Crime Lab; and, finally, ending his career as a Detective Sergeant, Cadillac, Mich. Having been involved in over 450 homicides, he would boast at his retirement that he had left no crime unsolved. Just two months before his official retirement date, Gene was featured on a nationally syndicated television show, Top Cop. Featuring a case from 1989, the story detailed Gene’s successful efforts over a nine-day period in tracking a local woman who helped two convicts escape from prison and then went on multi-state crime spree, including a bank robbery in Wisconsin.
Gene loved to tell stories and make people laugh, especially at family gatherings. One of the original Beach Boys fans, Gene knew every word to every song and would love driving around in his corvette singing away. When he wasn’t working, you would find him on the golf course, perfecting his game, which not only got him qualified for the Michigan Amateur Open but also gave him the thrill of a hole in one. Over their 35 years together, Kathy and Gene shared the love of cruising so much so that they sailed over 35 sailings, enjoying scuba and snorkeling in the Caribbean waters.
A family celebration of life will be held at a later time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your charity of choice.
Elizabeth Ann Casteel
Elizabeth Ann Casteel lost her battle with ovarian cancer on July 23, 2020, in Apollo Beach, Fla.
Born July 14, 1946, in Church Point, L.A., and adopted at birth by Inez and Iver Ledoux of Lake Charles, L.A.
Elizabeth leaves behind husband of 23 years, Bob Hillman; son, Marvin Casteel Jr.; daughter, Roma Norwine; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Elizabeth chose to donate her body to science in hopes of helping others.
In her honor a tree will be planted in a national forest.
At this time, no memorial or funeral services.
Mary E. Engelen
It is with profound sadness that the family of Mary Edith Engelen announces her passing. Mary was born in October, 1921, in Minneapolis, Minn., and died at home in Sun City Center, Fla., in August 2020, with her daughter Meg at her side.
Mary is survived by her six children: Meg of Fla., Patrick (Kathy) of Calif., Michael (Vicki) of Minn., Mary Jo (Steve) of Fla., Martha (Greg) of Minn., John (Judy) of Minn.; ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren; nephew & nieces; cousins; brother-in-law Harold Stewart; & many dear friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Theodore; her dear mother, Mary Pulford; aunts; uncle; infant brother; grandparents; father; brother & sisters-in-law; father & mother-in-law.
Mary graduated from Holy Angels Academy (Mpls.) and was a member of the St. Catherine’s University (St. Paul) class of 1943. During WWII Mary obtained her pilots license & then was the first female hired by Honeywell Mpls. for engineering drafting. Mary worked for a year on the Honeywell C-1 autopilot for the Norden Bombsight.
Mary was an exceptionally talented artist & spent over seven decades as a professional artist (oils, watercolor, acrylics, sculpture, silkscreen, woodcarving, linoleum block prints). She received many awards & best of show awards for her art, as well as recognition for her structural & interior design work. From 1949 through 2019 Mary created family Christmas cards that always had an original angel artwork by Mary.
While living in Sun City Center from 1987 – 2000, Mary volunteered for Samaritan Services, emergency squad & security patrol. For a number of years Mary read the news & stories on public radio (in Fla. & Minn.) as a service for those who were sight-impaired. Mary loved to play bridge, swam & walked almost daily, was a member of the Moonglow Dance Club during the 1990s.
Mary belonged to the Sun City Center Art Club & wrote & produced the monthly Art Club newsletters. She received her first Best of Show in 1991 & her final Best of Show in 1999 at the SCC Art Club annual event. Mary was also a member of the Phoenix Art Group in Sun City Center & the 21 Art Group in Dunedin.
Mary was an active member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church & chaired the decorating committee for Monsignor Conesa’s Prince of Peace Parish Center in 1994 – 1995.
Mary had a vivacious personality & her limitless devotion & love were always directed at her family & friends.
The family is grateful for the care provided by LifePath Hospice during the last week of Mary’s life. There will be a private ceremony & interment service at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria, Minn. at a later date.
Edward Joseph Leary
March 23,1929 – Aug. 8, 2020
Born in Pennsylvania, Ed spent many years of his life in Maryland. He relocated to Sun City Center in 2005, where he immediately became involved working with another to find, schedule and notify members about programs of interest for the meetings of the Metaphysical Society.
Ed came from a longevity enriched heritage where his father lived to 93 and his mother to 104 years old.
He was an outstanding elder of the Metaphysical Society, where many of his published articles and his innovativeness of the first Metaphysical Life Expo inspired others to select Sun City Center as their home.
A devoted member of the Eckankar and Way of Truth spiritual pursuits, Ed moderated weekly classes on the studies of the ancients and lead a weekly meditation group that was popular with our residents.
As a computer scientist with extensive knowledge of health, this instigated him in introducing the Life System biofeedback medical device from Budapest, Hungary, to Sun City Center residents.
Ed authored Jesus’ Parables, The Dream Travel Guide to Spiritual Transformation, Activating Your Healing Energies and My Journey Through the Matrix. The last two books are still available on Amazon.
Although never married, Ed was surrounded by friends that became his chosen family, including Ron and Phyliss Brown, Jan Swing, Mary Anna Elias, Mary Hirsh and many others.
A memorial service may be held on his birthday in 2021.
Albert J. Mariani
Albert Joseph Mariani, 98, of Sun City Center, Fla., died on Sep. 8, 2020. Born at Rome, N.Y., Aug. 6, 1922, he was the son of Marie Evangelista and August Mariani.
He was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, four brothers and a grandson. He was also preceded by his first wife, Gilda Ann DiNardo, and his second wife, Carmelia (Camille) Fogg Howland. He is survived by his son and two daughters and their families: Albert J. Mariani Jr. and Fran of Auburndale, Fla.; Alexis Mariani Stowe of Reston, Va.; and Karen Mariani and Phil Spechler of Woodridge, N.Y. Also surviving are five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Albert grew up in Binghamton, N.Y. He attended Syracuse University before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he returned to Binghamton and married Gilda DiNardo. They had three children. He worked at IBM in Endicott, N.Y. for 37 years, retiring as a buyer. While working at IBM, he earned a B.A. degree from Binghamton University. He was active in church and civic organizations, including Knights of Columbus, Secular 3rd Order of St. Francis, Nocturnal Adoration Society, Holy Name Society, church bereavement choir and barbershop quartet.
He was a lifetime member of the YMCA. As a widower, he moved to Sun City Center, Fla., and met and married Camille Howland. He continued to be active in church and other activities. He and Camille were members of ballroom and square dance clubs and enjoyed swimming, billiards and cruising. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Edward McLaughlin
Edward McLaughlin, age 92, passed away peacefully on his birthday, August 27, 2020.
He grew up in Ridley Park, Pa., and was very proud of his Delaware County roots. He lived in Springfield, Pa., most of his adult life. He married his sweetheart, Rita (Hassenplug), and had three children: Nancy in West Chester, Pa.; Dr. Robert (Denise) in Bluffton, S.C.; and Michael (Mary Ellen) in Springfield, Pa. He had seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Upon retirement, he and his wife hit the road in an RV, travelled throughout the United States, and finally settled in Sun City Center, Fla.
He was a lifetime member of the Hawk Migration Association of North America and was an avid birder who helped band hawks and other birds of prey at Hawk Mountain.
Graveside services will be private at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association in Edward’s name.
Elizabeth M. Walisiewicz-Koepp
Elizabeth M. Walisiewicz-Koepp, 90, of Wimauma passed away on September 1, 2020, after a brief battle with COVID19. She was born on September 29, 1929, in Ironwood, Mich., to Martin and Edith Schutte. She married John J. Walisiewicz in 1947. Together they had two children. She was predeceased by husband, John and son, Michael. She later married Robert Koepp, who died in 2007.
She is survived by daughter, Patricia Salm, of Schenectady, NY; grandson, Michael (Tiffany) Walisiewicz of Milwaukee, Wis.; granddaughters, Jamie Salm of Albany, N.Y., and Jennifer Salm of Schenectady, N.Y.; nephews, Martin (Laurene) Schutte of Milwaukee, Wis., James Schutte of Milwaukee, Wis.; niece, Laurie (Kevin) Stranz; and great-granddaughter, Caitlyn Walisiewicz.
Elizabeth worked for many years at West Allis State Bank in Milwaukee, Wis. After retiring, she spent many years at her lake house in Watersmeet, Mich., before moving to Little Manatee Springs in Wimauma, Fla. She actively served as the Little Manatee Springs librarian for many years and participated in numerous community activities, including Silver Sneakers.
At her request, burial services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Special thanks to South Bay Intensive Care Unit, LifePath Hospice, and AMR ambulance service for the care and compassion extended during Elizabeth’s illness. Arrangements by Sun City Center Funeral Home, 813-634-9900.
