Spangler Mortuaries - Los Altos Chapel Obituaries

Introduction to Spangler Mortuaries - Los Altos Chapel

Located in the heart of Los Altos, California, Spangler Mortuaries - Los Altos Chapel is a trusted funeral home that has been serving the community for years. With a long history of providing compassionate and personalized funeral services, this esteemed funeral home has earned a reputation for excellence and dedication to families in their time of need.

A Legacy of Compassionate Care

Spangler Mortuaries - Los Altos Chapel is part of the Spangler Mortuaries family, which has been a cornerstone of the community since 1923. Over the years, the funeral home has remained committed to its core values of compassion, integrity, and exceptional service. The team at Los Altos Chapel is dedicated to helping families create meaningful and memorable tributes to their loved ones, while also providing support and guidance throughout the grieving process.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Audrus Marie Hicks - January 13, 1924 - May 01, 2022

Departed: 05/01/2022 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Audrus S. Hicks joined her dear husband, Alton, on May 1, 2022 surrounded by family, God having blessed her with ninety eight wonderful years.She was born in Cummings, Kansas on January 13, 1924, the daughter of a farmer and businessman. She demonstrated in death the grace and strength she always showed in her life. Her love, kindness, and generosity for her family, her friends and all the staff at Sunnyside Gardens characterized her life. All who knew her, especially her family, will miss her greatly. She is survived by her daughters Linda and Carole, Linda's husband Kenneth and her grandchildren Megan and Christopher and daughter-in-law Noelle.Audrus grew up on a farm and could milk a cow, drive a tractor as well as sew, cook and can. She and her mom took items they had sewn and chickens they had dressed to Atchison to sell. They were also known to sing duets at the Cummings Methodist Church. However the farming life was not for her, and she left Kansas shortly after high school to work at the Pentagon in the payroll department. She met her future husband, a Marine, on a train during WWII and they were married three months later. She and Alton shared a wonderful life together for 64 years. She would often remark about how lucky she was.She was a homemaker, bookkeeper, and loved bridge and golf, excelling at both. She loved to talk about her hole in one at Moffett Field, it brought her such delight. She was so industrious, sewing items like clothes, curtains and everything in between. It seemed there was nothing she could not do. She always kept busy and volunteered counting money for the Sunnyvale Presbyterian church for many years as well as working and doing bookkeeping for the Moffett Field museum. She and Alton traveled to most every state in the USA and some places abroad. She loved having parties and showing hospitality to everyone, especially family, friends and her children's friends as well. Audrus was invested in caring for her grandchildren who grew up three miles away. She and Alton never missed a game, dance recital, graduation or birthday. Audrus will always be remembered for her generosity, kindness, ready smile and sweet laugh. A memorial service will take place at 10 am on Friday May 27th at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church. The interment will take place at 11:30 am at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

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Caroline Patricia Sevy - September 26, 1929 - May 01, 2022

Departed: 05/01/2022 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: September 26, 1929 - May 1, 2022Caroline Patricia Sevy (née Mills) passed away peacefully in her home in Menlo Park on May 1st, 2022 at the age of 92. Caroline had attended Addison Elementary School, Jordan Junior High School and graduated from “ol’ Paly High” in 1947. She was a Brownie leader and an active member of the Laurel School PTA when her kids were young.She worked in her father’s historic flower shop, Mills the Florist, during her youth and throughout her young adulthood, even answering overflow calls to the store from her childhood home phone. She was a lifelong lover of flowers and would always appreciate the best specimens when she saw them. Though she could never choose a favorite, her house was never without countless orchids. She loved a good black & white movie, a glass of wine and talked often of her mother’s home country, Ireland. She is survived by her three children, Laurie Sevy, Kerry Sevy Kong, and Chris Sevy; five grandchildren, Griffith Chafey, Tara Chafey, Breanna Sevy, Hunter Sevy and Bryce Sevy and her brother, Frank Mills. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Bud & Delia Mills and eldest grandchild, Shea Chafey and lifelong best friend, June Gallaher. A graveside funeral will be held on Friday, May 13th at 1:30PM at Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto where she will be buried alongside her mother and father.

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Dennis Jerome Kobza - September 30, 1933 - April 27, 2022

Departed: 04/27/2022 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: It is with heavy hearts that we mark the passing of Dennis Jerome Kobza Sr.Oldest of four boys, Dennis was born in Ulysses, Nebraska on September 30,1933 to Jerry and Agnes Kobza. In 1945, at 12 years old, Dennis tragically losthis father and stepped up to help support his mother in the family business. Hegraduated in 1951 from Holloway High School in Minnesota. He met DorisRiemann in 1952 and they married in 1953. Dennis joined the Air Forcebecoming a radio and radar operator on B-29 bombers. After his service thecouple moved to San Francisco where he attended Heald School of Architecture. In 1965 he started his own firm, Dennis Kobza and Associates. Dennis becameone of the leading architects to provide concrete tilt up designs that were thebasis of the rapid tech growth in Silicon Valley. In 1983 he designed and built his own home, one of the first on the West Coastto have a solar system. In 1986 he designed and built his office building inMountain View where he remained working for the rest of his career. He wasactive in the Mountain View Rotary for over 50 years and was a life member ofthe Palo Alto Elks. He was a long time 49ers season ticket holder, loved fishingand spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his brother Valerian Kobza, his children Dennis Kobza Jr.,Diana Desbard, David Kobza, 5 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by the love of his life Doris on January 14, 2010.

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Laurance Redington Hoagland Jr - December 18, 1936 - April 24, 2022

Departed: 04/24/2022 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Laurance (Laurie) Hoagland was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Laurance R. Hoagland, Sr. and Naomi C. Hoagland. He credited his parents with providing a wonderful childhood and imbuing him with many of the positive traits he exhibited throughout his life. He loved his hometown and was a proud graduate of Omaha Central High School. He attended Stanford University, and there met Grace “Gay” M. Hoagland, the true love and the foundational relationship of his life. In addition to his AB degree in Economics at Stanford, Laurie earned an M.A. degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics as a Marshall Scholar at Oxford and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Laurie’s investment career spanned 55 years and six institutions, during which his patient, long-term focus and intellectual rigor earned him the sobriquet of the “other sage of Omaha“. His long career built a legacy of superior returns, robust investment organizations and the mentoring of a new generation of endowment managers. Among his unsung achievements are the many women now in senior leadership in the investment world whom he hired and mentored. He began his career managing stock and bond portfolios for Irwin Management Company in Columbus, Indiana, where he was fortunate to be part of a remarkable investment team, resulting in an ideal environment to learn the business, before moving to become the Treasurer and Chief Pension Officer at Cummins Engine Company. Columbus is where he and Gay raised their four sons, Laurance (Lee), Craig, David and Edward (Ted), who will forever feel privileged to have grown up with Laurie’s daily embodiment of integrity, dedication, organization, skilled listening, unwavering support and unconditional love. In 1980, David Anderson offered Laurie the life changing opportunity to co-found Anderson, Hoagland and Company, an investment management firm in Saint Louis, where Lee and Craig work to this day. His partnership with David was a fortuitous mix of learning, fulfillment and success, with assets under management growing from $7 million to over $300 million by 1991. This made for a very difficult decision when Laurie’s beloved alma mater asked him to head the Stanford Management Company and oversee the management of the school’s endowment. He answered that call, believing it to be the best way to maximize his positive impact, and was deeply committed to creating a team that would serve Stanford and its mission well. He deeply respected and loved being part of that team. Laurie was one of the early pioneers of strategic asset management in the endowment industry. During his nine year tenure, the endowment grew from $1.9 billion to $8.6 billion, an 18.4% annualized return which not only grew the endowment corpus but attracted significant new gifts to the University During this time the endowment distributed $1.5 billion to support the University. His devotion to Stanford was lifelong - including 20+ members of his family who attended the University, his passion for Stanford sports, and his philanthropic gifts which include an endowed professorship and a teaching fellowship. After a brief retirement/sabbatical, he joined the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation in 2001. As with Stanford, he had both a strong legacy to build on and a clean slate, as the foundation’s assets expanded significantly after the death of Hewlett Packard co-founder William Hewlett. Laurie turned his attention to building an investment portfolio and staff that would rival that of the best endowments. He proudly felt that he was overseeing the “engine room” that powered the foundation’s mission goals. During his twelve year tenure, the Hewlett Foundation grew from $3.7 billion to $7.8 billion and distributed $3.8 billion in grants. After his time at the Hewlett Foundation, Laurie once again “failed retirement” and worked as an advisor to Jasper Ridge Partners until his ultimate retirement. One part of Laurie’s legacy that afforded him meaningful friendships and fulfillment was his service on investment advisory committees and boards. He has served as: Chairman of the Board of the Commonfund; as a member of boards of the Berkeley Endowment Management Company, the Lucile Packard Foundation for Childrens’ Health, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary; as Chairman of the Investment Advisory Committee of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute; and as a member or advisor to the investment committees of the Rockefeller Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the California Institute of Technology, and the Kamehameha Schools. A man of few words, Laurie was legendary for his silences, leading to a well-received parody of “The Sound of Silence“ at one of his retirement celebrations. He listened more than he spoke and read deeply, with an astonishing recall for detail. He was strategic rather than tactical and focused on the long term, which led him to emphasize governance and strategic thinking over short termism. In addition to his parents, Laurie is predeceased by his sister, Jayne Hoagland, and his brother, Peter Hoagland. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his daughters-in-law, Gina, Jessica, Suzanne and Michelle and his grandchildren, Keith, Nathan, Simone, Jackson, Mack, Josephine, Ty and Sam Hoagland; and Bergen and Theo Zimney.

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Kenneth Doyle Daniel - August 19, 1932 - April 20, 2022

Departed: 04/20/2022 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Born Kenneth Doyle Daniel in Winborn, MS to Golden Daniel and Alline (Ellzey) Daniel— Ken, typically an early riser, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 at 2:00 in the morning onApril 20, 2022 at his retirement community in Los Altos, CA and is now with his Lord andSavior. Ken graduated from Horn Lake High School in DeSoto County where he played right guard forthe football team, at 17, he left Mississippi to join the US Navy. Upon completing his basictraining, Ken received advanced training in electronics. Ken went on to serve in the Korean War,using this extent of his formal education to work primarily in repairing the ships radar and theUSS Yorktown’s fighter jets in 1953. Ken would come to dedicate 4 years of service to the Navy.Ken first met his wife Pat, at a Country Western dance hall in San Jose. He soon happenedupon her at the DMV of all places, for their second meeting, which led to a courtship andtheir marriage in 1955 at the 5 Wounds Catholic Church in San Jose.Ken and Pat soon opened a series of successful businesses, he being self-taught and a naturalin all of the trades. The first was Ken’s TV repair shop in 1958, then Lucky 13 Enterprises, toeventually Video Engineering, Inc which would later be headquartered in Saratoga. The familyowned and operated some of the first cable TV systems and franchises throughout the BayArea, all the way down to the Central coast of California, from the 1970s to 2000s. Ken retired,transferring control of remaining cable franchise interests to sons Brad and Kevin Daniel.Ken was an avid reader his entire life where he advanced his education, as well as developed apassion for cars and trucks of every type. He first learned to drive a tractor when he was 10years old, built a pickup truck when he was 14, and was hooked by autos ever since. Kencollected scores of fine and classic cars for many years, the jewel of the collection was anaward-winning Chrysler Le Baron 1931 convertible. Ken and Pat enjoyed traveling across theUS and around the world countless times, often with family and many friends. The coupleshared a love for music, dancing, and were fondly remembered for the parties they hosted attheir residence of over 51 years in Los Altos Hills for family, friends and employees of theirbusiness.Ken was predeceased by his parents and only sister, Marlyn Tramel, who were from Oxford,MS. He is survived by his wife Pat (Silver) Daniel, who never left his side. Ken was alsosurvived by his prodigious family: daughter Lorrie Daniel (Melinda Golden) of Los Gatos, sonBrad Daniel of You Bet, son Kevin (Susan) Daniel of Fairfax, son Jarrett Daniel of San Jose,son Corey (Kim) Daniel of Lodi, as well as a total of 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren,with one more on the way as of this writing. Services will be held on May 3, 2022 directed by Spangler Mortuary (399 S San Antonio Rd,Los Altos, CA 94022). Any condolences and flowers can be sent there.A Mass will be held at St Nicholas Catholic Church in Los Altos.https://stnicholasandstwilliam.org/rosary-prayers/ .We love you Dad, may you rest in peace.

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Guy S Thompson - October 09, 1928 - March 20, 2022

Departed: 03/20/2022 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Longtime Peninsula resident Guy S. Thompson passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 20 in Cupertino, California.Born and raised in Michigan, he was a 1949 graduate of General Motors Institute, and a veteran of the Korean War. Guy settled in Palo Alto with his family in 1953, where he met his future wife, Gayle, on a church ski trip to Dodge Ridge. They married in 1955 and raised their 3 daughters Tracey, Paige, and Bryn in Sunnyvale where they lived for 60 years.Guy was the Sales Manager for Hatch Chevrolet in Mountain View for over a decade when he took a chance in 1967 to start Thompson Toyota in Redwood City, one of the earliest Toyota dealerships in the US. During his 25 years with Toyota, Guy served on the Board of Directors for American International Auto Dealers Association, National Auto Dealers Association and Northern California Motor Car Dealers Association, was the recipient of the Dealer of Distinction Award and nearly a decade of Service Excellence awards for Thompson Toyota.A lifelong volunteer, Guy was past-President of the San Mateo County Better Business Bureau and longtime board member of the Redwood City Chamber of Commerce, a proud Rotarian, and was a devoted member of the Los Altos United Methodist Church. His passions included steam locomotives, classic Japanese cars, and his fleet of antique fire trucks which brought family and friends a lot of joy. He and Gayle enjoyed many years of travels to all 50 states and throughout the world, with their favorite destination being Japan.Guy is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Gayle, his daughters Tracey Chelgren, Paige (Tim) Heenan and Bryn (Raymond) Rose, 9 grandchildren, Travis, Kyle and Evan Chelgren, Kyra, Chase and Drew Heenan, Emma, Ian and Aidan Rose, his sister Janet (Skip) Ross, nephew Clay (Rachel) Ross and their children, Whitney and Braydon, all of whom will remember his sense of humor and mastery of puns, as well as his dedication to the service of others. A Memorial service is planned for Saturday, June 4, at 1:00 p.m. at the Los AltosUnited Methodist Church.

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Robert Edward Larson - September 19, 1938 - March 10, 2022

Departed: 03/10/2022 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Robert Edward (Bob) Larson, 83, of Los Altos Hills, CA passed on to his heavenly home on March 10, 2022 at the Larson residence surrounded by loved ones. He fought a courageous, twenty-five-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Bob had received the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior and will spend eternity in His care. A memorial service will be held on Aug. 20 at 10am at Bridges Community Church, 625 Magdalena, Los Altos. Bob was laid to rest in a graveside family service at Alta Mesa Cemetery in Palo Alto on March 11 with Spangler Mortuary handling the arrangements. Bob was born in Stockton, CA to Clarence Larson and Gertrude Ruben Larson on September 19, 1938. His family moved to Oak Ridge, TN in 1942 when his father was commissioned to work on the Manhattan Project. After winning the Tennessee State Science Fair his senior year for his project of building an early computer, Bob graduated from Oak Ridge High School as Valedictorian in 1956. He went on to MIT where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1960 and then his Master’s and Doctorate degrees from Stanford University in 1961 and 1964, all in Electrical Engineering. Bob worked for IBM, Hughes Aircraft, and SRI International. He received many awards in the field of electrical engineering including Outstanding Young Electrical Engineer in the U.S. from the Eta Kappa Nu IEEE Engineering Honorary Society. In 1968 Bob was a co-founder of Systems Control in Palo Alto where he served as President and CEO prior to its sale to British Petroleum in 1982. Bob was also President of IEEE, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, in 1982, traveling the world to address most of the IEEE sections. He was a General Partner and technical advisor of the Woodside Fund, a venture capital firm, from 1983-2012. Dr. Larson was a Consulting Professor at Stanford University in the Engineering Economics Systems Department from 1973 to 1988. Larson wrote several textbooks and over 100 technical papers on software and computer systems. As part of his role with IEEE, he traveled to China in the early 1980s where he met Jiang Zemin, who would go on to become the paramount leader of China. As a result of this relationship, Dr. Larson helped China build out its electrical grid, as well as begin to privatize various industries and sectors. At the end of his career Bob was President of the US- China Green Energy Council, encouraging green energy projects in both countries and holding conferences toward those goals. He also volunteered with the IEEE Smart Village Project, bringing solar energy and electricity to villages in Third World countries. While Bob had an amazing work ethic and highly successful career, he always found a way to make time for his family. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, working numerous swim meets, attending sporting events, plays, and concerts. He loved Rock and Roll music, singing all the verses of his 3 favorite hits with the California Beach Boys Tribute Band at his memorable 70th birthday dinner party. Golfing was Bob’s favorite sport. He was Captain of the golf team at MIT and belonged to Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club since 1972. He was honored for his work in China and was involved in CSMA (Community School of Music and Arts in Mt. View), the Gideons International and Bridges Community Church, where he taught Sunday School with his wife, led home Bible studies and served on the Altos Foundation Board, which owned the homes for the pastors of the church. Bob passed along his great work ethic to all three of his children. He mentored his students and co-workers and sought to mediate co-workers’ problems. Bob could find the humor in almost any situation and put people at ease. Bob Larson is survived by his devoted wife of almost 58 years, Sue Larson of Los Altos Hills; children,a Dr. Carrie Jenner (Stuart) of Normandy Park, WA, Cindy Fletcher (Andrew) of Wellington, England, Erik Larson (Pamela) of Woodside; brother, Larry Larson (Lynne) of Providence, RI; and grandchildren, Andrew & Sarah Jenner, Luke & Charlotte Fletcher, Rhodes & William Larson. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence & Gertrude Larson, brother, Lance Larson, and stepmother, Jane Larson. Memorial donations may be made to Bridges Community Church, 625 Magdalena, Los Altos, CA 94024 or The Smart Village Project of the IEEE Foundation, 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to wonderful caregivers Winston, Clark, Jorge, Ray and Allen, Pathways Hospice, massage therapists Angelica and Candice and Doctors Henry Jones and Hugo Yang. John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

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Charles Francis Hilly Jr. - May 21, 1918 - March 02, 2022

Departed: 03/02/2022 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Charles F. Hilly, Jr. passed away in Palo Alto, California on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at the age of 103. He was born May 21, 1918 in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended the Boston Latin School and graduated from Northeastern School of Law in 1941. After admission to the Massachusetts Bar, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Cadet. Following flight school training, he was commissioned an Aviation Flight Specialist and assigned to the Training Division of the Bureau of Aeronautics in Washington, D.C. Post hostilities, he was transferred to the Office of Naval Research, Boston, where for the next few years, as an officer and a civil servant, he was responsible for the legal and administrative oversight of ONR’s research and development contracts with various colleges and universities throughout New England. In 1950, the newly formed Stanford Research Institute invited him to join SRI and lead the development of its’ business policy and procedures for dealing with various U.S. Government agencies, as well as private companies. He continued to serve as a corporate officer until he retired in 1989. During this period, he spent considerable time in Washington D.C., not only attending to SRI’s affairs, but also made substantial contributions on behalf of the entire Research & Development industry as an officer and active participant in the Federal Bar Association and the Council of Defense Associations. This involved interface with the Department of Defense and hearings before various Congressional Committees in the development of procurement laws and regulations. In 1955, Chuck married Mary Lee Richardson, a research assistant in the Granger Group which transferred from Harvard to SRI. They immediately took up residence in Los Altos to be “in the country.” Over the years, they were active participants in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Little League, Santa Rita Parents Association, Stanford Golf, University Club swim team and the development of Christ Episcopal Church. During the Summer, they retreated to a summer home off the coast of Maine. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Lee, his son Dick and wife Dianne, daughter Kathy Maskell and husband Blake, grandsons Mike Hilly and wife Nicole, Marc Hilly and wife Tatiana, granddaughters Courtney and Amanda Maskell, and two great granddaughters.

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Kay Hellstrom Shields - November 22, 1932 - January 30, 2022

Departed: 01/30/2022 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: We will miss you!Kay Hellstrom Shields, age 89 of Los Altos, passed away on January 30, 2022.Born in Providence, RI on November 22, 1932 to Gosta “Gus” and Dorothea Hellstrom, Kay graduated from Classical High School and Pembroke College. Kay began her career as a flight attendant for TWA, traveling across the East Coast and the New York to Paris route. She would meet her future husband, John Shields while flying back from his father’s funeral. They soon married in 1959 in Providence, RI and moved to the Bay Area to start their family.Kay will always be remembered for her love of her family, generous heart, and infectious spirit. Kay was always the first to offer a helping hand. She loved getting together with friends and family, enjoying social activities with her neighbors on Edmonds Way in Sunnyvale, the Oxbow Marina, Ming Quong Auxiliary, TWA Clipped Wings, PEO and the Terraces of Los Altos. Kay loved to entertain and always found a reason to have a party.Kay will be forever remembered by her two children, Bruce (Pam) Shields and Lisa (Steve) Nasstrom, grandchildren Jaqueline, Nick, Cory, Kendra, Kayla, and great grandchildren Noel, Anthony, Neveah, Natalie, and Andrew. Services are planned for April 10th. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Mary Nesline and her niece, Diane Nesline.

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Wayne Chan - July 17, 1932 - January 21, 2022

Departed: 01/21/2022 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Wayne Chan1932- 2022Wayne Chan, July 1932 - January, 2022, was born to a Christian family from the GuangdongProvince of China. His father and mother were third generation Christians who loved the Lord.Wayne grew up in Hong Kong in a large family which consisted of four brothers and one sister.He excelled in sports and represented Hong Kong in the 1952 Asian Olympic Games held inManila, Philippines. He held track and field records for almost 40 years at Pui Ching High School,a famous Baptist school in Hong Kong. He was called the “Asian Tarzan” by local newspapersbecause of his athletic prowess.Wayne left Hong Kong to further his studies at the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada.He eventually settled in the Metropolitan Detroit Michigan area where he eventually marriedand raised three loving sons.Wayne honored God all his life. He loved his family and his church deeply. Wayne was a veryhumble, gentle, kind and considerate person. His selfless love and personality won the praiseof those who knew him. People respected and loved Wayne for his faithfulness in serving theLord. He has indeed left beautiful footprints in the lives of those he met. He faithfully served asElder at the Chinese Bible Church in Michigan for 59 years.In recent years, Wayne and his wife, moved to California to live with their youngest son. Heenjoyed the beautiful SF Bay area weather, cultural diversity, authentic Chinese food and tripsto the ocean. In January 2022, he unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord with his lovingwife and youngest son by his side.He will be remembered for his love of family and church, his sense of humor and hishumbleness. He is survived by Betty, his loving wife of 60+ years, sons Dan, Jeff and Joe alongwith their families and six loving grandchildren.Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service on February 19, 2022 @ 2:30pm at theSpangler Mortuary Chapel 399 S. San Antonio Road Los Altos, CA 94022

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Capt. Donald Robert Buechel - September 29, 1924 - January 03, 2022

Departed: 01/03/2022 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Capt. Donald Robert Buechel, MD, U. S. Navy, Retired“Bob” Buechel was born in Wichita, Kansas, to Donald William and Bonnie Priddy Buechel on 29 September 1924. His parents and younger brother, William Benjamin Buechel, predeceased him. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Joan, and four children, three grandchildren, and two nieces.While growing up, Bob spent many summers working on the Kansas family farm, which led to his lifelong interest in farming and gardening and an ability to fix almost anything. After graduating from high school in Wichita at the age of sixteen, Bob entered the University of Kansas. His studies were interrupted when he enlisted in the Navy and was called to active duty. Shortly thereafter, he returned to university, earning a bachelor’s degree in Zoology, then entering medical school at KU. Bob completed his MD in 1949.Following medical school, Bob returned to active duty in the Navy, did his internship at the Naval Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina, completed a year of sea duty, then began his anesthesia residency at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland in 1951. While at Bethesda, friends introduced him to Joan Bissett, and they were married in Joan’s hometown of Washington, DC, in 1952.Bob served in the U.S. Navy for 32 years, including a tour in Vietnam during that conflict as Deputy MACV Surgeon at the Joint Command Headquarters, earning the Legion of Merit. During his Navy career, he was Chair of Anesthesia at three Naval Hospitals. He retired from the Navy in 1975 with the rank of Captain, following his last tour of duty as Commanding Officer of the Naval Hospital at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. The same year as his Navy retirement Bob took a position as a Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology at Stanford University, with practice at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, where he trained many in anesthesiology. While at Stanford, Bob served on the Faculty Senate. Becoming an Emeritus Professor in 1991, Bob continued as part-time faculty in the Stanford operating rooms. He formally retired from Stanford in 2003 as Professor Emeritus.Bob is remembered by his wife and family with great love. He is also remembered fondly and with deep respect by the many he mentored and educated in anesthesiology. Bob was always welcoming and friendly, regardless of a person’s station in life. May we all strive to follow his shining example of putting faith into action. Eulogy for Bob Buechel presented by Jane Buechel at Spangler's Mortuary on February 4, 2022 We learn more about ourselves and others every day, and we're still learning about Dad and his lessons for us.Dad always wanted everyone to get along and work together to do the right thing and get the job done.Dad was born in Wichita, Kansas, to Don and Bonnie Buechel in 1924, and grew up there close to his extended family. One of his ancestors was a traveling minister who had immigrated from Germany, and Sundays were a day that his family gathered together and visited after church. Music was a part of this and became a source of enjoyment in his life. He learned how to work hard and the importance of teamwork while helping an aunt and uncle on the family farm south of Wichita for many summers. During this time, he developed a strong faith in God that helped him through many rough times in his life.At the University of Kansas, he pursued his love of learning, and he honed his teamwork skills in the United States Navy. He completed his M.D. degree in 1949, served as a Navy physician, and completed an anesthesia residency at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. While he was there, friends introduced him to Joan Bissett, who was to become his soulmate. He and Joan were married in her hometown of Washington,DC, in 1952, and they began their life of teamwork and adventures together. Dad served in the Navy for 32 years, including a tour in Vietnam during that conflict. His military and wartime experience further strengthened his faith as he dealt with matters of life and death.Dad's passion for learning developed into a love of teaching and sharing what he learned. Appreciation of this this was recently expressed by one of his former anesthesiology residents. She said this about Dad: "He shared his passion and joy of anesthesiology. He was a physician, a gentleman, a patient advocate,and exemplified the very best in the practice of anesthesiology."After retiring from the Navy in 1975, Dad took a position as Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology at Stanford, with practice at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, where he trained many more in anesthesiology. He became Emeritus Professor in 1991, continued as part-time faculty, retired from Stanford in 2003, then continued to enjoy attending weekly Grand Rounds for many years.Dad's faith carried him through his later years as his strength declined and visiting was restricted by the pandemic. When we could finally visit, with pandemic precautions, it was a joyful day. When Chaplain Edna was allowed to visit, her encouraging words were another bright spot. Dad shared his faith with us and taught us to say grace before meals and not take them for granted. Whenever possible, he attended a Sunday worship service, even on camping trips. He enjoyed singing hymns and had many favorites. Dad worked hard, welcomed others, respected their beliefs, and listened to their concerns. Throughout Dad's life, his faith was his compass, his port in a storm, his anchor in port, and a light in the dark.May the memory of his exemplary life serve as an example and blessing for all of us.

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Wendell John Lehr - December 30, 1926 - January 02, 2022

Departed: 01/02/2022 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Wendell John Lehr passed away on January 2, 2022 at his home in Los Altos Hills three days after his 95th birthday. Wendell was born on December 30, 1926 in Fresno to Charles Wendell and Agnes Thompson Lehr. The family moved several times during Wendell’s early childhood, finally settling in Los Altos in 1936. His father was a building contractor, his mother an outstanding elementary school teacher. An exceptional student, Wendell graduated high school at age 16 and began college at UC Berkeley. After receiving the Ruth Stern Scholarship for outstanding service as an Eagle Boy Scout, he transferred to Stanford University. His studies were then interrupted by WWII for two years’ service in the Navy. After returning to Stanford, he completed a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1949. Much later, he earned an MBA from Pepperdine University. He spent most of his career at Varian Associates, working as a marketing manager until retirement in 1985. Wendell met Joyce Browne at Stanford. They were wed in 1955 and raised three daughters in the home that he built with his own hands in Los Altos Hills. Family life was of primary importance to Wendell—he spent most of his free time maintaining and improving the home or taking the family on weekend excursions and summer vacations. Wendell and Joyce remained happily married until her premature death in 1993. He then met Doris Arensberg, also recently widowed, and married again in 1996. Wendell loved the outdoors, especially the High Sierra. He began camping with Boy Scouts, and as an adult, he backpacked annually for many years—even with his young children. His interest in music began in childhood, when he studied the violin, and developed into a lifelong passion for classical music, which he shared with Doris, an elementary school music teacher. He also loved to travel—especially after retirement—to Europe and many other destinations. He came to know Paris well enough to adeptly drive around in search of enticing restaurants. He also enjoyed amateur wine-making for 25 years, and after retirement, volunteered for the Los Altos Historical Society. Wendell was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, and stepfather, a loyal and trusted friend. When asked for advice, he was known to offer a measured, insightful response. He is survived by his wife Doris; daughters Ann Lehr, Lisa Lehr, and Kate Evard; former son-in-law Greg Evard; grandchildren Steven (Nicole), Noelle (Joe), Natalie, Siena, and Lia; sister Linda Lehr-Anning (John); brother-in-law Todd Browne; step-children Micky Arensberg (Nila), John Arensberg (Heidi Ertl), Kathleen Arensberg (Chris Campbell), and three step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by younger brothers Tom and Nick Lehr. The family wishes to thank caregiver Pam Mariaca for her meticulous attention and devotion during Wendell’s last months. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Contributions in memory of Wendell may be made to the Sempervirens Fund or to your favorite animal rights or environmental cause.

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Paul Bettencourt Oliveira - October 21, 1934 - December 29, 2021

Departed: 12/29/2021 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Paul Bettencourt Oliveira, of Los Altos, CA, passed away on December 29th 2021 at the age of 87.

Paul was born October 1934 to Rosa Pereira Oliveira and Manuel Bettencourt Oliveira on the island of San Jorge, Azores He had 6 brothers and 3 sisters.

Paul joined the Portuguese Military on the Island of Terceria with dreams of coming to America.

Paul’s dreams were fulfilled when he moved to the USA in 1963 and soon after met the Love of his life, Mary Lucy. Paul and Mary Lucy were married in 1966.

They have three amazing children, Paul Jr. who is survived by his daughter Jauslyn, married to Jake and has a son and another baby on the way. His son Richard who is married to Conny and has three children Justin, Michael and Alex. His daughter Lucy Marie is married to Dave and have seven kids combined; Randall who is engaged to Bonnie and have three daughters; Bryan who is married to Natalie and have three boys; Ariel, Nate, Win, Brandon and Race who is married to Shareen.

Paul began his landscape business in 1976 and as his business grew, he also became successful as a real estate entrepreneur. His passions in life were his family, going to the beach, Lake Tahoe and raising cattle at his ranch in San Jose. He loved traveling with his family and spending long weekends at the beach.

He was very close to and would light up every time he saw his beautiful great grandchildren Caden, Bentley, Payton, Annabella, Hudson, Kylee and Miles.

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Michael David Burdick - August 10, 1960 - December 17, 2021

Departed: 12/17/2021 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Mike was born in New Milford, Connecticut but spent most of his childhood in Clarkston, Michigan. He attended Clarkston public schools and then Michigan State University in East Lansing, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the College of Natural Science. Mike enjoyed a long and successful career working in the pharmaceutical industry, initially in a research lab and then in regulatory affairs at the Upjohn Company (later known as Pharmacia and then Pfizer) in Kalamazoo, Michigan and at various biotechnology companies (CV Therapeutics, Ilypsa, Relypsa, NextWave Pharmaceuticals, SteadyMed Therapeutics, and Versartis) in the Bay Area.

Mike had a passion for sailing, flying, golf, tennis, and soccer. He and his wife, Marie, spent many summers sailing along the shores of Lake Michigan. Upon acquiring his private pilot’s license, he flew his friends and family to various destinations in Michigan and beyond. He was an avid golfer and achieved his dream of playing at the prestigious Pebble Beach and Bandon Dunes golf courses. In his youth, Mike was a high school varsity and USTA tennis player and later mentored his daughter, Carina, in the sport, as well as serving as a volunteer coach for the Mountain View Junior Team Tennis league. He also enjoyed playing intramural soccer. After hanging up his cleats, Mike continued to follow the sport as a spectator of the men’s and women’s national teams and premier league matches.

Mike was an enthusiastic supporter and fan of the Michigan State football and men’s basketball teams. He rarely missed watching a game. But his true pride and joy was watching his daughter, Carina, flourish as a 3-sport (tennis, golf, and soccer) athlete through high school, followed by her collegiate tennis career at Villanova University.

Mike is survived by his wife Marie, daughter Carina, mother Rita, brothers Pat and Kevin, nieces Alicia, Lindsay and Kelly, and grandniece Madeline.

A funeral/memorial service will be held at St. William Church, 611 S El Monte Avenue, Los Altos, California on January 20, 2022, at 4 pm. A link to livestream will be available upon request (mtborin@gmail.com).

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Sally Ann Zurcher - December 17, 1942 - December 12, 2021

Departed: 12/12/2021 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Sally Ann Ryan Zurcher was born on December 17, 1942 in Emporia, Kansas. She passed away at her home in Los Altos, California on December 12th, 2021, surrounded by family after a courageous 2-year battle with cancer. Sally is survived by her sisters Jane Fitzgerald (Michael) andCarolee Hull (Larry), niece Erin McLin, nephew Brennen Fitzgerald (Maggie), great-nieces Ellis Fitzgerald, Cadence McLin Hannah McLin, great-nephew Liam McLin. She leaves behind Tom Coakley, her companion of 28 years as well as her beloved step-daughter Sharon Zurcher and her grandchildren, Samantha, Alex and Will Zurcher, adopted by love. Sally started life in Kansas and the family moved to Colorado in 1954 where Sally attended Littleton High School. She graduated from University of Northern Colorado in Greely where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She left Colorado andshe began her new life as a teacher in Carmel by the Sea and Monterey, California. Sally later moved to the Bay Area and taught middle elementary students in the San Mateo/Foster City Unified School District. Parents and colleagues alike considered Sally compassionate and extremely competent. She was loving but firm with her students and in the early days the kids nicknamed her “Miss Ryan the Lion.” Sally had a beautiful singing voice, and she could be found singing and playing the guitar locally in Carmel in the early years and later on at singing engagements all over the Bay Area. She loved adventure and was always on the go: traveling the world with friends, family and her companion Tom; spending weekends in Carmel; visiting family in Colorado or joining college friends for annual reunions. Sally was a great hostess, her talent for cooking paired well with her flair for entertaining. She loved animals and knew the name of every one that she encountered on her daily neighborhood walks. In her own home her cat Princess Leah ruled the roost. Her love of children went well beyond the classroom. She cherished her time with her niece and nephew, her great-nieces and nephew, her step grandchildren, the neighborhood children as well as the children she fostered. Sally enjoyed her tennis group, celebrated birthdays with her “Birthday Girls”, belonged to a film and theater group, a book club, numerous bridge groups and her water aerobics classes. For over twenty years she volunteered at the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop in Los Altos. She will be remembered for her generosity, vibrant personality, her sense of humor and her love of life, family and friends. Laughter was second nature to Sally. She made long lasting friendships throughout her life and she will be missed by all. Memorial contributions can be made to The American Cancer Society or the Humane Society.

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Elise Hawkinson - June 04, 1926 - December 04, 2021

Departed: 12/04/2021 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Elise was born in San Mateo, CA on June 6, 1926 to Fern and Egbert Alexander. She passed away on December 6, 2021at the Saratoga Retirement Community. Elise was raised in Burlingame, CA, graduated from Burlingame High School as Class Salutatorian, attended San Mateo Junior College and graduated from San Jose State College majoring in Elementary Education. She taught both kindergarten and elementary grades.

Elise and husband Lawrence enjoyed traveling to some fifty four countries, She loved music of all kinds. She sang in school and church choirs and faithfully listened to opera on Saturday mornings.

In later years, Elise developed memory problems and serious falls which limited her activities. She spent her last several years at the Saratoga Retirement Community Health Care Center where she received excellent and friendly care.

Elise leaves daughter Linda and husband Ken Napior of Foster City, CA as well as daughter Nancy and husband Jerry Oburst of Spokane, WA. Elise leaves three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of whom will certainly miss her also.

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Alicia Donohue Larsen - April 10, 1934 - November 27, 2021

Departed: 11/27/2021 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Alicia Donohue Larsen, 87, passed away peacefully Nov. 27, 2021, surrounded by her loving family at her Los Altos home.

Alicia was born in Newport, Rhode Island, to Madeline Pike Donohue and Richard Francis Donohue. She graduated from Salve Regina College. Alicia met John Arthur Larsen while he was attending officer candidate school in Newport. They eventually settled in Los Altos, where she resided for almost 60 years. Alicia was a loving wife and devoted mother. She had a long career with the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District and retired at age 75. Predeceased by her parents, husband John, brother Richard, and sister Nancy. Survived by her children Christian (Catherine), Richard, and Mary, and granddaughter Rachel.

Alicia loved art, reading, traveling, and many of life’s little pleasures. She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, generosity, and wit. She was much loved and will be missed by many.

The family is grateful for the loving support of caregiver Jeannette Halseth and the care teams at Sutter Palliative Care and Hospice of the Valley.

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Susan Kay Donaldson Myers - July 19, 1934 - November 20, 2021

Departed: 11/20/2021 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Susan Donaldson MyersResident of Cupertino, CA Born Susan Kay Twitchell July 19, 1934, in West Linn, OR, she passed away November 20, 2021 in Cupertino, CA at the age of 87.Susan was the oldest of four girls and grew up on the family cattle ranch near La Barge, Wyoming. After graduating as the valedictorian of Big Piney High School, in 1956 she earned a degree in home economics at the University of Wyoming, the first in her family to do so. She had a wonderful time in college as a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. In 1958, her adventurous spirit took her to California in search of a teaching position. She initially settled in Menlo Park and began teaching 7th grade in Palo Alto. She loved traveling and prior to getting married, she enjoyed long trips to both Ecuador and Germany as an exchange student.Susan married Boyd Donaldson in 1961 and they raised their two children in Cupertino, CA, where she resided for 53 years. She taught general subjects and home economics in middle school for several years before starting a family, and later returned for another 25 years as a teacher’s aide.Susan was very involved with St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and choir, multiple bridge groups, two bowling leagues, and a long-term gourmet dinner club with close friends. She was also an avid seamstress and an excellent dancer. She enjoyed attending theater and spent several years as a volunteer usher at the Flint Center. And perhaps most importantly, was a fun and supportive member of all things family: Scout troop activities, skiing and camping trips, holiday dinners, neighborhood gatherings, family reunions, Trivial Pursuit and charades. After 35 happy years of marriage, Boyd passed away in 1996. Susan was remarried to Chuck Myers in 1999, and they enjoyed 11 wonderful years together, throwing parties, working the daily crossword, traveling, and enjoying their extended families. Susan is survived by her son Stuart Donaldson, his wife Cindy and their children Maggie and Molly; her daughter Shauna Oeth, her husband John and their children Annika and Mitchell; her sisters Sally Orr, Judy Betka and Nancy Knadler; many nieces and nephews, and Chuck’s children Bob Myers (Karen) and Michele Kennedy (Clyde), their children and grandchildren.Susan will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend; known to be caring, warm, sharp, sturdy, and witty. Her children teasingly dubbed her the “Make-Do Maiden”, for her ever-practical and competent ability to implement lessons learned on the ranch as a young cowgirl.A virtual Memorial Service was held Thursday December 30th, 2021. Link: https://youtu.be/6mqkfG0q_z4

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Marcia Herrmannsfeldt - March 02, 1933 - November 17, 2021

Departed: 11/17/2021 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Marcia Esther Bowman Herrmannsfeldt was born in Lakewood, Ohio on March 2, 1933 to Brice and Esther Bowman. She had two older brothers, Brice and Donald Bowman. The Bowman family moved from Lakewood to Akron, Ohio in 1941. Marcia graduated from Buchtel High School in 1950 and enrolled in Miami (OH) University where she studied to be an elementary school teacher. She was married to William Herrmannsfeldt on June 12, 1954, a few days after graduation. They moved to grad school housing in Urbana where Bill studied, and Marcia helped financially by teaching second grade.

The family moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico in 1958 and then to Los Altos, California when Bill joined the team of scientists building the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. They had two sons, Glen and Paul, born in 1958 and 1960 respectively. Marcia and Bill were married for 68 years before she died on November 17, 2021 from complications of surgery for a blocked intestine. She had an affinity for animals her whole life, was endlessly creative, and became a skilled birdwatcher and photographer later in life. She loved her house and garden and kept large annual photo albums which held records of activities of the family, blooming garden, and yard critters.

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Eric Anderson Young - February 03, 1956 - October 23, 2021

Departed: 10/23/2021 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Eric Anderson Young February 3, 1956 – October 23, 2021

Of all the things Eric was involved with, accomplished and enjoyed – and there were many of each – his role as father and husband was, for him, by far the most important and fulfilling. He met his wife, Jean, on a blind date in 1989, the day after the San Francisco earthquake. Jean always says the earth moved for her that day- compliments of aftershocks and meeting Eric. They married on August 3, 1991, and built a partnership and family that was absolutely at the core of their 30+ years together. Their son, Ryan was born in 1994, and Connor followed in 1997. Nothing brought Eric more joy or more pride than this foursome.

Eric loved the role of teacher and mentor across his life, and particularly with his sons. He shared and instructed Ryan and Connor in the outdoor activities he loved so much, and the family spent much of their spare time fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking and traveling. He taught them golf, both the etiquette and mechanics, analyzing swings and hole play and providing tips for improvement. He shared his love of music with live concert attendance starting when the boys were very young, evolving from jazz, ZZ Top and Earth Wind & Fire concerts to Metallica and AC/DC. He also loved all things fast, riding motorcycles and racing cars, and introduced the finer points of dirt biking to his sons.

Like everything else his boys showed an interest in, Eric embraced Boy Scouts, becoming a Troop 57 Assistant Scoutmaster, leading annual backpacking trips to the Sutter Buttes, and guiding fishing expeditions. He taught the shotgun merit badge and firearm safety for years and was instrumental in the development of a rifle range at BSA’s Camp Oljato. A former Scout himself, Eric was incredibly proud of his two Eagle Scout sons. He also traveled to many, many sports matches in which his boys played, always serving as an informal “team photographer.” A SJ Sharks season ticket holder since their inaugural season and hockey player in his youth, Eric especially loved watching Connor in goal for Bellarmine College Prep and his club team.

Born in Michigan to Gerald and Shirley Lund Young, Eric grew up in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and western New York with his parents and sister, Heidi. The family moved seven times as his father pursued a career in the steel industry, after which Eric lived in another six cities before settling in Palo Alto in 1987. Eric attended high school in Ohio and New York. At Cornell University, Eric earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering and was a proud member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Then, knowing he was interested in a more broad-based business career, he attended Northwestern’s MBA program.

At Northwestern, Eric was recruited by General Electric, where he initially worked in sales, marketing, operations and as General Manager for one of their turbine companies in the Bay Area. When offered a role in GE’s brand-new venture capital group, Eric jumped at the chance. He opened their West Coast office, returning him to the Bay Area he loved, and Silicon Valley, which held so many tech-based investment opportunities. Five years later, he and three partners spun GEVENCO out of GE and founded Canaan Partners, where he was a General Partner for 32 years. At Canaan, Eric loved helping build organizations and developing leaders – both internally at Canaan, and with the firms in which they invested. Culture was incredibly important to him, and he fostered organizations built on positive values and a belief that every person should be listened to, respected and appreciated. He set a standard of excellence and integrity. Per his colleagues, “Eric was and will always be the heart and soul of Canaan.”

Eric’s passion for entrepreneurship, experiential education and mentoring along with his venture capital mentality informed a broad range of involvements – including many for which he saw a need, developed a plan and provided seed funding to get the opportunity going. At Bellarmine, where he regularly spoke to students about venture capital, he identified a need for more technical education and hands-on experience, so worked with school administration to create an Innovation and Design Program with both curriculum enhancements and a student Innovation Lab.

At his and his son Connor’s alma mater, Cornell, Eric was a pillar of the entrepreneurship community for more than 25 years. He served as an active Advisory Council member to the Entrepreneurship at Cornell program, most recently as vice-chair. His input was deemed invaluable, and he helped lead the fundraising efforts when the program built a new co-working space for student entrepreneurs. Noting that PhD students often lacked opportunities to get out of the lab and do real customer discovery on their inventions, Eric also helped define and establish the Cornell PhD Commercialization Fellows program to directly address this deficit. In addition, he served on several other advisory boards including the College of Engineering Council and Red Bear Angels. He was also a top-rated guest lecturer on entrepreneurship for two decades and mentored undergraduate and graduate students through six different Cornell programs.

At Northeastern University, where his son, Ryan, studied, Eric was introduced to Scout, a student-led design studio providing design services to early-stage ventures in the university’s entrepreneurship program. Eric believed Scout’s designers should think of themselves as entrepreneurial leaders, not just great designers. Over many years, he personally mentored Scout’s leaders on using an entrepreneurial mind-set to drive their organizations as they helped clients develop distinctive brands and take products to market. The students responded with great innovation and energy. Eric always delighted in their personal growth, and they were honored by the keen interest he showed in them. Eric was also one of the founders of Mosaic, the network of student-led organizations bringing innovation and entrepreneurship across Northeastern University. He served for many years on the Mosaic Council and the President’s West Coast Council.

At both universities, as well as Stanford University and Northwestern’s Kellogg, Eric showed clearly how much he loved to interact with students-- often staying well past a scheduled talk to answer questions and talk through their business ideas both ad hoc and via structured programs. He often continued to actively mentor individual students for years after they graduated college as they became successful entrepreneurs.

Across his involvements and successes, Eric was known for his kindness, generosity, humility and integrity. Colleagues, entrepreneurs and students alike uniformly commented on the genuine interest he took in projects, opportunities and hurdles, giving generously of both time and knowledge. He listened intently and respectfully, absorbing and analyzing information until the end, then offered insightful comments and always-constructive feedback. He was honest without judgment, and made people feel like valued equals. These were the key attributes that made people seek him out.

Retirement was prime time for Eric to do all the things he loved: spending time with their black lab, Maverick, taking numerous fishing and hunting trips every year, and traveling, all with Jean, their sons, and friends. Eric’s face would beam with unmitigated joy as he shared his passions with those most important to him. Eric’s sons have benefited from a lifetime of lessons and love and will always remember his teaching the importance of a strong work ethic, being accountable, and, again, acting with integrity. When asked about his accomplishments, Eric replied “proud father of two fine young men.”

Eric is survived by his love, partner, and wife of 30 years, Jean, his two sons, Ryan and Connor, his sister, Heidi Young Nash (Tim), and nephew and nieces Sean, Kristen, and Meredith Nash. He will be remembered and missed by many friends, colleagues, and others who had the chance to interact with him across his many involvements.

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Stephen Matthew Ford - December 05, 1940 - October 07, 2021

Departed: 10/07/2021 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Stephen Matthew Ford “Steve”

Stephen Matthew Ford passed away at his home in Palo Alto, CA on October 7, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Steve was born in Pasadena, CA on December 5, 1940, to Julia (Wagner) and Leo Ford. His dad worked for Southern Pacific Railroad. He moved the family to Santa Barbara, CA in Steve’s very early years, and he often called Santa Barbara “his home”. He explored the area on his bicycle and volunteered at the local museum. When Steve was in his early teens, the family relocated to El Centro, CA. where he spent his high school years. He told many stories of his time there and trips into Mexico with his buddies. He played trumpet in the high school band and had the honor of playing on the opening day of Disneyland.

Steve attended California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo and earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering in 1964. While at Cal Poly, he was a founding member of the Kappa Chi fraternity and played in the university band. In 2014 at his 50th class reunion, Steve presented his band jacket to the band director during half time ceremonies of the homecoming football game.

Steve’s career brought him to the Bay area. He held positions in operations, engineering, manufacturing management, general management, and program management. He worked for a number of companies including Douglas Aircraft, General Motors, Diablo Systems, Solectron, Friden Alcatel, Raychem and Applied Materials. After taking an early retirement from Applied Materials, Steve attended the College of San Mateo and started his second career in accounting. He worked for Robert Half and also did consulting. After retiring, Steve taught trumpet to children at the Boys and Girls Club, played in the Ye Olde Towne Band in Los Altos, and spent time enjoying his many friends and family.

Steve married Janet Mitchell in 1964. They raised 2 children, Patrick and Laura and lived primarily in Fremont, CA. During that time, Steve was the president of the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church. He began living on his own in 1986.

While working at Friden Alcatel, Steve met Elizabeth. They worked on project teams together and spent time talking about New England, where Elizabeth is from, and quickly learned how much they enjoyed each other’s company. They were married on June 25, 1988 in Amesbury, Massachusetts. In 1990 they settled in Palo Alto, CA.

Steve was a member of the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church and recently began attending New Community Church in Menlo Park. He and Elizabeth made many friends through Bible Study groups who continue to be their friends today. They enjoyed traveling, especially to the east coast and the California coast, and call Mendocino their “special place”.

Steve also enjoyed spending time with his son, Patrick, talking about cars and watching Star Trek. His time with his daughter, Laura, was spent on weekend trips in earlier years and gardening and “hanging out” in later years. Spending time with family and friends brought Steve great joy. He was a punster, and you could always plan on a laugh when you were with Steve. He was a friend to all he met, and one friend recently called Steve a “good man”. He is sorely missed by all who knew and love him.

Steve is survived by his wife and best friend, Elizabeth (Ball), his son, Patrick Ford (Tina), his daughter, Laura Lorrain (Jean Paul), and many nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his sister, Joan Brown.

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Grace Nicole Steinmetz - January 09, 2003 - October 05, 2021

Departed: 10/05/2021 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: A Celebration of the Life of Grace Nicole Steinmetz

It is with profound sadness that we share that our amazing Grace passed away on October 5, 2021. Grace spent her eighteen years surrounded by the love and warmth of her sisters, Emily and Fiona, and her parents Bill and Gabrielle. Grace was blessed with the love and support of countless friends and family. Her blue eyes and bright smile lit up every room. Gracie loved to dance and sing.

Grace attended the Menlo-Atherton Cooperative, Las Lomitas Elementary School, La Entrada Middle School, and graduated from Woodside High School in 2021. She was a student in the Trace Program at Sequoia. We are especially grateful to all of her teachers, para educators and buddies at AYSO VIP soccer, “SNAP” at Dance Center for the Arts, the Stanford Kids With Dreams, and everyone who touched her heart.

Grace will forever be remembered for the joy she brought into all our lives.

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Marion Shikamura Osborne - June 23, 1929 - September 25, 2021

Departed: 09/25/2021 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Marion Shikamura Osborne

Marion T. Shikamura, M.D. (Mrs. Maurice M. Osborne, Jr.) died unexpectedly on Sept. 24/25, 2021, at Palo Alto Commons, 4075 El Camino Way, Palo Alto, California, aged 92.

Born on June 23, 1929, in San Jose, California, to Takeo and Helen Shikamura, she lived briefly in Morenci, Arizona, and Los Angeles, before spending most of her childhood in Sunnyvale, California, where her family cultivated 10 acres of apricots, and where her father based his practice as a land surveyor and civil engineer.

During World War II, when the U.S. Government prohibited residents of Japanese origin from living in California, she and her family were sent to internment camps, first briefly at Santa Anita Racetrack and then at Heart Mountain, Wyoming, where they remained for a year. Then when her father was offered a position as an instructor in Japanese at the U.S. Navy Language School in Boulder, Colorado, the family moved to Boulder, remaining there until 1945, when they moved back to Sunnyvale.

Before WW II, Marion attended elementary school at the Highway Grammar School in Mountain View, California. She continued her elementary education at Heart Mountain and started high school while in Boulder. Upon returning home, she finished high school at Mountain View High – where she graduated with the Science Award in the Class of 1947. She then entered and graduated from Stanford University as a member of the class of 1951. Subsequently, she earned her Master’s Degree in Biophysics, 1952, and her M.D. in 1956, both from Stanford.

At Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, she entered and completed a Pediatric residency, followed by a Fellowship in Metabolic Diseases at the Stanford Medical School.

In 1962, she joined the Palo Alto Medical Clinic and practiced college student health at Cowell Medical Center on the Stanford Campus until 1974, where she had become the Associate Medical Director.

In 1974, she married Dr. Maurice M. Osborne, Jr. and moved to Los Angeles, where she practiced and served at the Medical Director at the University of Southern California’s Student Health Center, while her husband was the Executive Director of the Student Health Center at University of California, Los Angeles. She and her husband retired together in 1981, and moved back to Los Altos Hills, where her husband died in 2007.

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Adelyn S. Pavelko - November 07, 1923 - September 21, 2021

Departed: 09/21/2021 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: With great sorrow the Pavelko family announces the death of their mother, Adelyn S. (Stecki) Pavelko the evening of September 21, 2021 at the age of 97. She loved and cared for all family members intensely and equally. She was sixth child of parents who immigrated from Poland. She fought the Depression, World War II, the Cold War, 9/11, three pandemics and more. She volunteered thousands of hours of hard work to charities. She is survived by her children, Paul, Kathy, Mary and Tom, her grandchildren, Gabriel, Kendra, Addie and Nicholas and her great grandchildren, Leo and Ava. Thank you mom for our lives and your outstanding example.

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Joyce Buswell Kidder Frederick - June 04, 1932 - September 06, 2021

Departed: 09/06/2021 (Los Altos)

Obituary Preview: Joyce Buswell Kidder Frederick June 4, 1932-September 6, 2021

Joyce Frederick, born and raised in Los Altos and the only child of Harry F. Buswell and Gertrude Cooper Buswell, passed away on September 6 at the age of 89.

A member of an early settler Los Altos family that moved out west from New England at the turn of the century and put down roots in the Santa Clara Valley in the early 1900’s, she passed away peacefully in her home in Los Altos with family members at her side.

A classically trained pianist and accomplished soloist singer, Joyce was born during the Great Depression years. Her paternal grandmother was Edith May Berry, a member of an early Los Altos family that moved here from Maine in the late 1890s and that included Edith’s older brother, Charles Ezra Berry, who owned and operated the historic livery stable in Los Altos.

Joyce attended the former Los Altos Grammar School located on San Antonio Road and the old Mountain View High School. Joyce took her first piano lessons at the age of six. Later, she sang in several school choirs and church recitals during the 1940s.

After World War II, during the last two years of high school, she took piano lessons from Kato Mendelssohn Reis, the famous composer’s granddaughter. She studied music and singing at San Jose State University (then known as San Jose Normal School) and later attended Stanford University on a music scholarship where she continued her piano training. A winner of numerous singing competitions, she appeared as a soloist with nationally known Jack Fina’s 16-piece band at the well-known Adobe Creek Lodge in Los Altos Hills and was poised to enter the music world professionally.

At the age of 19 she met her future husband Robert (Bob) L. Kidder through her friend Faye Kidder. Bob was an athlete and named a high school All-American in swimming at Sequoia High School. They were married at the Stanford Memorial Church in Palo Alto on August 31, 1952.

She worked briefly at Hewlett Packard before devoting herself to being a full-time mother to her two daughters, Cheryl and Kathleen. She also volunteered as a member of the Assistance League of Los Altos during the1960s.

In 1970 Bob received his Ph.D. from Stanford in civil engineering. After his untimely death in 1975, Joyce remarried in 1977 to Donald (Don) Merritt Frederick of Colorado. They enjoyed several wonderful years together and shared an appreciation of music and sports. Sadly, Don passed away in 1996.

Joyce had many talents, which ranged from singing, to playing classical piano to oil painting and she taught piano for several years to local school children. A loving homemaker and devoted grandmother, she enjoyed gardening and reading.

Music was always an integral part of Joyce’s life. One of her last public performances was playing the piano at Kathleen and Wulf’s wedding. It was not until severe arthritis slowed her down that she stopped playing the piano.

She devoted her life to her family and was proud of her Irish-Scottish heritage. She especially enjoyed spending time with her relatives. She held a special place in her heart for the Langdon family of Gilroy, as well as all of her Cooper, Kidder, and Frederick relatives.

Joyce always had a positive attitude and that was no more evident as when told she needed open-heart surgery at the age of 83, she said, “Let’s do it”. Her recuperation amazed her surgeon, doctors and nurses, all of whom stated what a positive attitude could do for a person’s health.

That positive attitude was put to the test again in 2019 when she noticed a lump in her abdomen. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was not able to have it looked at until late 2020 when it was diagnosed as ovarian cancer. In March 2021, Joyce had surgery that revealed another tumor at stage 3. She completed six cycles of chemotherapy. One week after the last treatment she lost her battle with cancer. Everyone that knew her will forever remember her beautiful smile and distinctive laugh. As her best friend for 75 years, Betty Sue Naegele, said, “She was the most courageous person I’ve ever known. She was the epitome of what friendship means.”

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Kidder of Tucson, Arizona and Kathleen Schrader of Los Altos. Sons-in-law Wulf Schrader and Paul Burns and two grandchildren, Johnathan Schrader of Los Altos and Eleanor Kidder of Arizona also survive her.

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Funeral Services and Options

Spangler Mortuaries - Los Altos Chapel offers a wide range of funeral services and options to accommodate the unique needs and preferences of each family. From traditional funerals and burials to cremations and memorial services, the funeral home's experienced staff will work closely with you to create a personalized celebration of life. They also provide assistance with obituaries, death certificates, and other necessary paperwork.

Cremation Services

In addition to traditional funeral services, Spangler Mortuaries - Los Altos Chapel also offers cremation services for those who prefer this option. Their cremation packages include direct cremation, cremation with memorial service, and cremation with burial. The funeral home's state-of-the-art crematory ensures that all cremations are performed with dignity and respect.

Pre-Planning and Funeral Arrangements

Spangler Mortuaries - Los Altos Chapel understands the importance of pre-planning funeral arrangements. By making arrangements in advance, individuals can ensure that their final wishes are respected, while also alleviating the burden on their loved ones. The funeral home's experienced staff will guide you through the pre-planning process, helping you make informed decisions about your funeral service.

Facilities and Amenities

The Los Altos Chapel is a warm and inviting facility that provides a comforting atmosphere for families and friends to gather. The chapel features a spacious interior, comfortable seating, and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. The funeral home also offers ample parking, wheelchair accessibility, and a convenient location near local cemeteries.

Community Involvement

Spangler Mortuaries - Los Altos Chapel is deeply committed to giving back to the community. The funeral home participates in various local events and charities, including fundraisers for cancer research, food drives, and veterans' organizations. This commitment to community involvement reflects the funeral home's dedication to serving families beyond their immediate needs.

Contact Information and Hours of Operation

Spangler Mortuaries - Los Altos Chapel is located at 399 South San Antonio Road, Los Altos, CA 94022. The funeral home is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sunday by appointment only. You can reach them by phone at (650) 948-6619 or through their website.

A Message of Comfort and Support

Losing a loved one is never easy, but with the support of Spangler Mortuaries - Los Altos Chapel, you don't have to navigate this difficult time alone. Their caring staff is dedicated to providing comfort, guidance, and exceptional service to help you honor your loved one in a way that is both meaningful and memorable. Trust Spangler Mortuaries - Los Altos Chapel to help you say goodbye with dignity and respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It may also include information about their family, accomplishments, and funeral or memorial service arrangements.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to share the news of a loved one's passing with friends, family, and community members. They also provide an opportunity to honor the deceased person's life and legacy, and can be a therapeutic way for those grieving to process their emotions.

Who typically writes an obituary?

The task of writing an obituary usually falls to the family members or close friends of the deceased. Funeral homes or crematories may also offer assistance in writing and publishing obituaries.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the deceased person's name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It may also include information about their family, accomplishments, hobbies, and funeral or memorial service arrangements.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary, but it's generally recommended to keep it concise and to the point. Aim for around 150-200 words at most.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many online obituary platforms and newspapers allow you to include photos of the deceased person. This can be a nice way to personalize the obituary and make it more meaningful.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

The process for submitting an obituary to a newspaper varies depending on the publication. You can usually find instructions on the newspaper's website or by contacting their obituary department directly.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituaries in advance. This can be a unique way to reflect on your life and legacy, and can also take some burden off your loved ones during a difficult time.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is typically a brief announcement of a person's passing, while an obituary is a longer, more detailed tribute to their life.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Absolutely! Humor can be a great way to celebrate the personality and spirit of the deceased person. Just be sure to keep it respectful and appropriate for all readers.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The timeframe for publishing an obituary varies depending on the platform or newspaper. Online obituaries are often published immediately, while print newspapers may take a few days.

Can I make changes to an obituary after it's been published?

In some cases, yes. If you need to make corrections or updates to an obituary, contact the publication or platform where it was published to see what options are available.

Is it necessary to include funeral information in an obituary?

No, but it's common practice to include details about funeral or memorial services so that friends and family can attend if they wish.

Can I write an obituary for someone who died many years ago?

Yes! Writing an obituary for someone who passed away years ago can be a meaningful way to honor their memory and share their story with others.

What if I don't have much information about the deceased person's life?

You can still write a meaningful obituary even if you don't have access to extensive biographical information. Focus on sharing your personal memories and feelings about the person.

Can I include quotes or poems in an obituary?

Absolutely! Quotes, poems, or other literary elements can add depth and emotion to an obituary.

How do I handle sensitive or controversial information in an obituary?

Tread carefully when including sensitive or controversial information in an obituary. Be respectful of the deceased person's privacy and avoid causing unnecessary distress to their loved ones.

What if I'm not comfortable writing an obituary myself?

DON'T WORRY! Many funeral homes, crematories, and online platforms offer assistance with writing and publishing obituaries. You can also ask a friend or family member for help.

Can I publish an obituary online only?

Yes! Online-only obituaries are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits.

How long will an online obituary remain available?

The length of time an online obituary remains available varies depending on the platform or website. Some may keep them up indefinitely, while others may remove them after a certain period.

Can I use social media to share an obituary?

Absolutely! Social media can be a powerful tool for sharing news of a loved one's passing and connecting with others who are grieving.

What if I want to keep the funeral private?

If you prefer to keep the funeral private, you can simply omit that information from the obituary or specify that it will be a private ceremony.

Can I include charitable donations information in an obituary?

Yes! Including information about charitable donations in lieu of flowers is a thoughtful way to honor the deceased person's memory and support a good cause.

How do I ensure accuracy in an obituary?