Obituaries for the week of 1/17/18
Darryl John Bader Senior
A beloved and charismatic man, Darryl John Bader (Papa) passed away on Jan. 4, 2018, in Reno, Nevada, at the age of 75, surrounded by family and friends. Darryl was born on Aug. 25, 1942, in Reno, to Elmer and Alvera Bader. He was raised in Fresno and Sparks, Nevada, where he attended school.
After graduating from Sparks High School in 1960, Darryl went into the Air National Guard. Following the National Guard in 1962, Darryl went to work for Tholl Fence Company as a general laborer. Darryl quickly advanced and was an executive and shareholder in the company, directing the company’s sales, estimating and purchasing efforts. He was also largely involved in operations, however his passion was for the people of the company. Darryl was intimately involved in several major projects, and their success was attributable to his devotion to employees, unsurpassed work ethic and incredible business sense. Darryl brought love into business and was the creator and promoter of original ideas that yielded considerable financial success and set the foundation for the family-oriented company that Tholl Fence is today.
Darryl’s compassion was expressed through his role in the Roman Catholic Church as a parishioner of several churches during his lifetime, including The Church of Immaculate Conception, Saint Michaels, Little Flower and Saint Rose of Lima.
Darryl married his best friend, Mary Lynne Prida, in 1967 and was renowned for his devotion and overwhelming love for his children, grandchildren and family members.
Darryl is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Lynne; son, Darryl Bader Jr. (Angie); grandchildren Jordan (Blondie), Keighley (Little One), and Nolan (The Man); daughter, Steffani; brothers, Gary (Leta Kaye) and Rodney; and dozens of nephews and nieces.
Darryl was predeceased by his father, Elmer and mother, Alvera.
Darryl’s life was rooted in the Truckee Meadows, along with many of his interests and hobbies. He was active in livestock 4-H, where he was a leader for his children’s 4-H group, actively volunteered for his grandchildren’s group, and even had his own flock of sheep. Darryl poured his heart into everything he did, including tending to his garden on a daily basis. Additionally, Darryl was an extraordinary chef and his delicious produce was put to good use. Some of his specialties included lasagna, fried chicken, paella and an amazing annual Thanksgiving feast. Outside of the kitchen, Darryl expressed his creativity through his woodworking projects. Darryl loved the outdoors and dedicated his free time to going on walks with his wife and dog, Bee, relaxing at his cabin in Graeagle, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and horse shows. Darryl found joy in helping anyone who needed a hand, especially his family. Darryl was an altruistic man who was always willing to help without expecting anything in return.
Darryl’s generosity was unrivaled, from always paying the dinner bill, to his notable donations to various charities; Darryl always put others above himself. In addition to his financial generosity, Darryl was always willing to share his time and enormous heart with anyone in need.
Darryl’s memory will be cherished through his many “Darrylisms,” such as mamaluke, 10-4 Over and Out, Yo, Amen, “Yello,” Ball and Jack, and Going to Home Depot. These sayings will continue to bring us joy and laughter, while allowing us to reflect on the memory of his unique wit.
Services were held Jan. 12, at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, followed by a graveside Memorial at Mountain View Cemetery and a celebration of life at the Grove. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Renown Health Foundation Institute for Cancer, 245 East Liberty Street, Suite 400 Reno, NV 89501.
Barbara Jean Buckner
Indian Valley resident Barbara Jean Buckner passed from this life peacefully Friday evening, Jan. 5, 2018, at Twin Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation in Chico.
Born Feb. 1, 1933, in Aromas, to Adam and Agnes (Hayes) Ortner, Barbara was raised and educated in the Salinas Valley graduating from Salinas High School as a member of the Class of 1951. She went on to further her education attending business college before meeting her future husband Claude Mayfield at a roping event at Jim Rodriguez’s Roping Arena. The couple was blessed with one daughter. The union later ended in divorce.
In April of 1956, she married her longtime partner and love of her life, Leroy “Buck” Buckner in Reno, Nevada, and to this union one son was born. The couple settled in Indian Valley where together they owned and operated the former Indian Valley Creamery in Taylorsville.
Barbara was a stalwart in her local community and was honored for her dedication as the grand marshal of the Taylorsville Parade in 2009. She was a longtime member of the Indian Valley Riding and Roping Club, a member of the former Indian Valley Grange, served the youth of the community as a 4H leader, served as the Taylorsville Fall Festival Coordinator for over 60 years, was a member and staunch supporter of the Taylorsville Elementary School’s PTA, active with the Taylorsville Hooterriety, was instrumental in the start up of the Taylorsville Pool, enjoyed following her grandchildren’s participation in high school rodeo and was a huge bull riding fan. Her home was always open as a gathering place for both the young and old of the community.
In her passing, Barbara leaves her daughter Pamela Jane Brown, of Crescent Mills, and was the proud grandmother to Sarah, Grady, Carly, Samuel and Catherine, along with five great-grandchildren and her beloved companion Rudy.
She joins in her eternal home her husband Leroy “Buck” Buckner, son Bruce Buckner and sisters Janet Ortner, Charlene Whaler, Grace Cranford and Roberta Flowers.
A celebration of Barbara’s life is planned for 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Taylorsville Community Methodist Church, with a reception to follow at the Taylorsville Tavern. An opportunity to express condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at fehrmanmortuary.com.
Dick Grahlman
Dec. 11, 2017, Dick Grahlman peacefully passed away surrounded by his family and friends. The last 16 months of his life, he was also well taken care of by the wonderful people at the Almond Blossom Senior Assisted Living in Chico, whom he considered his dear friends too.
Dick was born to the late Helmuth Grahlman and Janet Deike Grahlman on July 11, 1923. He was raised with his brother Harold and sister Dottie in Stockton where his father was a stucco contractor and his mother a homemaker.
In June of 1941, when Dick was 17 years old, he graduated from The College of the Pacific with degrees in math and botany. While in school he used to tutor other students in math. One of those students was his future wife, Ellen Jane Harrington.
Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor Day, inspired Dick to join the Marines shortly after the attack. Because of his “can do attitude” and math skills, he became a forward observer for the Marine artillery. As a very young lieutenant, he survived the Battle of Iwo Jima. Dick was very modest about this part of his life and he did a good job of “moving on” when he got home.
After the war, Dick and Ellen married and moved to Berkley, where he earned another degree in forestry. Dick and Ellen loved Chester and decided to make it their permanent home. He worked for Collins Pine his whole career. He loved his co-workers and the lumber business that he was in.
They raised two girls in Chester, Peggy and Linda. Dick made sure the Grahlman families were all avid snow skiers, campers and hikers. There were many good times at Lassen Ski area and surrounding lakes with their good friends Carol and John Sypher and their children.
At 58 years old Dick and Ellen (she from teaching) were able to retire. He was a talented wood worker who blessed us all with incredible black walnut furniture. They spent a lot of time traveling with their trailer friends, the Syphers. Dick and Ellen were married 68 years before her death in 2013.
They were the most incredible parents and grandparents we could ever have. The best thing they did for us was to teach us what they loved. Because of that they are with us every day and we miss them.
Dick is survived by daughters Peggy (John Leonard), Linda (Jay Halbert), grandchildren Sage (Tammy Hopkins), Holli (Beau Anderson) and Bryn (Jesse Alexander). He also had six great-grandkids: Gunner, Venice, Chance, Broen, Landon and Summer.
Sharon L. Hopkins
My mom, Sharon Hopkins, passed away in her sleep on Dec. 31, 2017, in her recliner watching TV. Mom was born to Clark and Marion Justice on Jan. 8, 1944, in Tacoma, Washington.
She is survived by my brother, Alex Hopkins; her brother, Ron Justice; his wife, Sue Justice; my aunt, Dr. Gayle Justice; my sons, Ross H. Hopkins and Nicholas Haefeli; and myself, Samantha L. Haefeli.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clark and Marion Justice; her brother, Dr. Sydney Justice; her father- and mother-in-laws, Howard Hopkins, Louise Hopkins and Dawn Hopkins. She had many friends in Tacoma, Washington, Graeagle, Truckee, Reno, Nevada, Sparks, Nevada and Carson City, Nevada, areas that will miss her beyond words. Kathy Isaksen of Tacoma, Washington, will especially miss her.
She was the original “Jane of All Trades, Master of Most.” She was an avid horse rider and owner in her younger years, cared for more cats, dogs, turkeys, and even an emu named Peek-a-boo. She moved us to Reno, Nevada, to start a career as a chef at what was known at the time as the MGM. Then moved Laurel and herself to Graeagle and instantly became not only involved in but, as one Graeagle resident put it, “pillars of their community” with Relay for Life. This became a central focus every June for both of them from planning, to collection donations, and rallying the residents in that community to participate in finding a cure for cancer.
Very special thanks to Laurel Ann Payne, her closest friend for the last 30 plus years; where, there was always some adventure she was getting Laurel Ann to go on, volunteer for, bake for, create for, or the other millions of other things they did together.
A memorial service and reception will be held for my mom on Jan. 20, at Autumn Funeral and Cremations, 1575 North Lompa Lane, Carson City, NV 89701 at 11 a.m. Please send all flowers and cards to the funeral home.
I have one last group to thank, all of my teammates at Saint Mary’s Hospice, thank you for all you are doing to get me through this.