Obituaries

Karen Ingrid “Penny” Bennett Martin passed away at age 69 on October 11, 2024. She was born in Iraan, Texas on April 18, 1955. Her parents were Eugene “Gene” Bennett and Margareta “Peg” Barber. She was raised by her Great grandparents who named her “Penny” from her copper-colored hair, and then by her paternal grandparents, Gene “Chile” Bennett and Mary Belle “Mama” Bennett.

G. Warren Wheeler IV, age 69, of South Lake Tahoe, passed away on September 19, 2024, after a very brief illness.

“Sky” was born on Nov. 18, 1954 to G. Warren Wheeler III and Grace Evelyn Conley in Flushing, New York. Sky graduated from Central Valley High School in Valley Stream, NY in 1972. He completed his undergraduate studies at Manhattanville in Harrison, NY, and went on to earn his JD from Miami Law School.

The community of South Lake Tahoe lost a wonderful teacher and friend in Beverly "Bev" Etter, who passed away on March 10, 2024. Bev was a longtime member of Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church.

Bev was a full-time teacher for 32 years, teaching in Weaverville, Corning, Chico, and South Lake Tahoe. Upon retirement, her passion for teaching brought her back and she substitute taught for an additional 22 years in South Lake Tahoe. In the total of 54 years, Bev taught, loved, and made a difference in the lives of over ten thousand children.

Our beloved Shari Sue Fairweather was born December 14, 1948, and passed away June 5, 2024. Her 75 years started at the U.S. Naval Dispensary in Seattle, Wash. with parents Donald Fairweather and Earlene Crouse Fairweather (our Gada). Donald was transferred to Mot Naval Airbase in Mountain View, Calif. and Shari became a Californian forever. She graduated from Fremont High School in Sunnyvale in 1966. By then, she had already
developed friendships that would last her lifetime.

The Barclay family is sad to announce the passing of Douglas Barclay. He passed in South Lake Tahoe on August 21, 2024. He was the beloved husband to Hellen Barclay and father to Prince Obere.

The funeral service will be held on September 5, 2024, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 1041 Lyons Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, Calif. at 10 a.m. A reception will immediately follow in Grace Hall.

All are welcome.

Miss Me

When I come to the end of the road
and the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free!

Nicole Chesher Marsel, age 40, of South Lake Tahoe, California, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Nicole was born in Arlington Heights, IL, grew up in Cary, IL, and moved to South Lake Tahoe ten years ago, where she made a profound impact on the community.

Jason passed away unexpectedly and is survived by his father Henry, brother Hank, sister Tanya, aunt Wanda Mackey, and of course his beloved cat Mookie. Jason was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Kershell, grandparents Eva and Bill Wolf, and his much-loved dogs Cuddles and Keira.

A resident of South Lake Tahoe since infancy, he graduated from South Tahoe High School in 1991.

Jason was a great lover of sports; many friends have great memories of watching sports (especially the Oakland A's), playing softball, throwing darts, playing pool, and bowling with him.

A well-loved fixture in South Lake Tahoe for the last 58 years, John J. Cristando, sadly passed away on Monday, June 3 at the age of 98. A man who was very proud of being in the European Theater in World War II, John had originally planned on being in France for the 80th-anniversary ceremony of D-Day in Normandy after he was chosen to attend, but health kept him at Lake Tahoe.

Richard Alan Mapes was born in Chico, Calif. on August 13, 1956, to parents, Harold S. Mapes and Barbara J. Mapes (née Moore). The long-time resident passed away in South Lake Tahoe, Calif. on May 18, 2024, at the age of 67.

Douglas Wayne Kixmiller, affectionately known as Doug, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2023. He was a devoted son, brother, father, uncle, and friend, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Doug was the epitome of a family man and a loyal friend. He possessed a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His generosity knew no bounds, and he would give anyone the shirt off his back if it meant making their day a little brighter.

Taylen Robert Claude Brooks gave his life defending his brother Wyatt and himself from a mountain lion attack near Georgetown, California, on March 23, 2024.

The natural bond between the two was made stronger by the time they spent together in the great outdoors, hunting deer and turkey in season, casting for bass and trout all summer long. They lived that rarest of things in the modern era, what Teddy Roosevelt called The Strenuous Life. They ate what they bagged, and at times, bagged entirely what they ate. Right down to roasted pigeons and squirrel fricassee.

February 20, 2024, sadly marked the passing of Robert (Bob) A. McDowell at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada after a long, heroic battle with kidney disease. He was 80.

Bob was born in Berkeley, California to William and Patricia McDowell. He graduated from El Cerrito High School and received his B.S. in Natural Resources Conservation in 1967 and his Master of Science in Forest Management in 1973 from Humboldt State University. He earned a Graduate Level Certificate for Environmental Planning at UC Davis.

Christopher D. McClure, 52, after a short battle with cancer passed away on January 30, 2024, at Renown Hospital surrounded by his family and friends. He was born on February 11, 1971, in Anaheim, California, the son of John W. and Karen J. (Buran) McClure.

Jimmy was born January 18, 1945 in Woodward, Oklahoma to Nick and Theresa Reszetylo. The oldest of six children he graduated from Aliquippa High School in Aliquippa, PA. He enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Minot, North Dakota where it was so cold he volunteered to go to Vietnam in 1966. Upon honorable discharge, he moved to San Diego and worked for Beneficial Finance then on to Ventura County where he won highest producer awards at Winfield Title Co.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Bricker, aged 91, on December 19, 2023. She left this world surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Born on August 1, 1932, Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Bricker was a devoted, loving wife and partner with her husband Darell Gene Bricker of 61 years, embarking on great adventures to the far reaches of Alaska and many journeys in between. Liz met each of life’s challenges as opportunities and left everything she touched in a better place.

To our beloved Destiny. It is with grace and sorrow to say that Destiny passed away on November 22, 2023. Destiny was a bright light, she could make anyone’s day with just her smile. Destiny will forever be 19 years old.

She was just about to graduate this Spring from LTCC. Destiny was loved by countless hearts and has left her impact in each and every one of us. We miss you Destiny!

May your strength linger on to all of us grieving. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and sent their prayers and love.

Former South Lake Tahoe resident and businessman, Mark Cohen, passed away on August 20, 2023 in Bothell, Washington at the age of 77. Mark was born on July 9th, 1946 in Los Angeles, California to Harry and Mildren Cohen and he was an only child. He graduated from Westchester High School in 1964 and went on to study at Santa Monica City College earning his associate’s degree and later transferring to UCLA. He met Virginia Martin, and the couple was married in February 1968.

Thomas Incopero was born on October 17, 1953, and passed away on September 26, 2023. Tom moved to Lake Tahoe in 1976 with his family and fell in love with the area and enjoyed the beauty.

Tom was married to his wife Julie for 50 years and they embraced their love together. At Lake Tahoe, he raised his daughter, Misty, and son, Tommy. He enjoyed archery, motorcycle riding, and his beautiful Cobra.

Tom was a very proud grandfather of two wonderful grandchildren.

Robert James “Buzz” Bruzzese passed away unexpectedly on November 9, 2022. He was born on March 21, 1953 in Queens, New York. Shortly before his first birthday, his family moved to St. Clair Shores, Michigan where he lived until he left to attend Western Michigan University. After graduating, he moved to South Lake Tahoe in 1978.

Jeffrey Jay Kaufer was born May 26, 1951. Jeff passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after a year and a half battle with cancer.  He was born in Detroit, MI and his family relocated to Southern California when he was 5 years old. He and his brothers bounced between Thousand Oaks and Hollywood. A highlight from his childhood was getting Sandy Koufax to give him and his two brothers, a ride home after a game.

Steve grew up with his brother Ralph in Southern California. Steve loved the ocean, developing a lifelong passion for surfing. Still, he knew Southern California wasn’t where he wanted to stay. When Steve graduated from high school in 1973, he went to visit friends in South Lake Tahoe for three weeks and instead found his forever home.

The world has lost one of the best. On July 24th, at 78 years of age, Doug Forte passed away while on vacation in Maui. Doug was a 41-year resident of South Lake Tahoe. For the last four years, he had been living in Green Valley, Arizona where he lived with his wife Mary and dog Lola.

As his wife held his hands, Jim Haydn Sears passed away peacefully on July 26, 2023, in Carbondale, Colo., at the age of 71. Throughout his life, Jim found immense satisfaction in serving and protecting his country and community, both in the U.S. Army and in various law enforcement positions. Numerous accolades note his intelligence, ingenuity, initiative, common sense approach to challenges, calm and easygoing nature, and, above all, his interest in helping others. He was not averse to challenging tradition or providing his point of view, even when it conflicted with that of his superior.

Mary Dolores Townsend passed away on March 3rd, 2023. Mary lived to be 92 years, 1 month, and 21 days young. She deserved every single one of those seconds on earth. We are certain she has the biggest and most tropical suite in heaven with her late husband Jimmy, her sister Theresa, and the many more that preceded her.