CANDOER Retirement Group

A World-Wide Organization

Communicators AND Others Enjoying Retirement

CANDOER Blog
December 06, 2023 - Present
ATTENTION

All member's addresses and bio have been removed from the Web site. A member list is available under the heading of "MEMBERSHIP LIST" on the Main Menu. I am still keeping the bio information up-to-date off-line. If you have a change to your information, please send it to be at my e-mail address of CANDOERCat@GMail.com. If you are a member and wish to get information on another member, send me an email message and I will furnish it! I moved the bio's off-line because I was unable to fix the password program I was using, and it allowed ANYONE to see all your information. Everyone who has furnished an email address you can find their email address on the Main Menu under E-Mail Adds (A thru L) and E-Mail Adds (M thru Z).

Main Menu

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Death of John Stephen Kramer
Johm Kramer

John Stephen Kramer, 77, died Oct. 3, 2023, in San Pedro, Philippines. John attended Benedictine College in Illinois. He served in the military from 1964 to 1968 and then joined the Foreign Service. He served at posts in Sudan, Egypt, Belgium, and Nepal. He retired in 2004 and relocated to the Philippines. In retirement, he enjoyed writing, reading, rediscovering familial roots, and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; and a daughter, Angela.

Thanks to Mike Sulak for furnishing the above obituary!

Main Menu

Friday, March 08, 2024

I received the following from Bob Mansfield.

Hope Springs Eternal - Social Security Fairness Act

Movement on the Social Security Fairness Act? Congressional Action? Maybe - since the Co-sponsor numbers have increased to 303 (only one other bill has more). But this (a letter from the President of NARFE to the Ways & Means committee) at least highlights this fact and that there are another 50 in the Senate. "So yer saying there's a chance"!? At least a glimmer of hope old timer. See the Jan 24, 2024 Federal News Network link at the bottom of this post, which states the below:

"The possibility of repealing Social Security's so-called 'evil twins" is closer than ever to the finish line. There are now 303 House cosponsors on the Social Security Fairness Act. It is the second highest number of cosponsors on any pending bill in all of Congress. If enacted, the legislation would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The two provisions reduce, and in some cases eliminate, Social Security benefits for certain federal retirees. The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) is urging the House Ways and Means committee to mark up the bill and advance it to the full House for a floor vote."

https://federalnewsnetwork.com/federal-newscast/2024/01/congressional-repeal-of-social-securitys-evil-twins-nears-finish-line/

Main Menu

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Death of Randall "Randy" Dudley

Judy Chidester received word from Katheryn that Randy had passed after he fell and broken first one hip then later the other!

For those wishing to send condolences the following is furnished:

Katheryn Dudley
3821 Tracy Street, N.E.
Albuquerque, NM 87111-4024
Tel: (505) 299-2744
randalldudley@msn.com

Main Menu

Thursday, February 08, 2024

Chuck Chesteen furnished a new e-mail address. Thanks for helping me keep my records up-to-date! Chuck Chesteen cnc3757@yahoo.com

Main Menu

Friday, January 12, 2024

Death of Lyle Herman Rosdahl

Lylle Rosdahl

Bob Kegley received word from Glenice Rosdahl that Lyle had passed!

Lyle Herman Rosdahl, a loving husband, devoted father, cherished friend, and avid golfer, passed away on July 2, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on August 23, 1940, in Atchison, Kansas, and lived a life enriched by diverse experiences and locations across the globe. He is survived by his loving wife, Glenice Dean Rosdahl, of 56 years and two sons, Lyle Dean and John Tate.

Lyle's adventurous spirit led him to reside in Tehran, Iran; Ibadan, Nigeria; Quito, Ecuador; Port Louis, Mauritius; Oslo, Norway; Canberra, Australia; Doha, Qatar; Rabat, Morocco; Washington, D.C.; Nairobi, Kenya; and New Delhi, India and ultimately retiring in San Antonio, Texas. Each place nurtured his appreciation for different cultures and broadened his perspective on the world. Lyle's genuine interest in people allowed him to forge meaningful connections wherever he went.

A passionate golfer, Lyle found joy and solace on the golf course. His love for the sport was evident in his dedication to improving his skills and sharing his enthusiasm with others. His passion for golf was infectious, inspiring many to embrace the game and fostering camaraderie among fellow golfers.

Lyle cherished his role as a doting husband, loving father and devoted friend. His devotion and love for his wife was unparalleled and he was a pillar of support and guidance to his sons, Lyle Dean Rosdahl and John Tate Rosdahl. Lyle found immense joy in the presence of his daughter-in-law, Nohemi Lopez Rosdahl, and his delightful grandson, Samuel Jacob Rosdahl. His unconditional love and wisdom touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Main Menu

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

I received the following from Jim Prosser's son Steve today:

Seasons greetings to all,

Hope everyone has enjoyed the Christmas season with family and friends. Despite three strokes in 2022 and being put on hospice in March because he wasn't eating and had lost over 100 pounds, Jim had a marked recovery when they took him off all meds except eliquis and he regained his appetite. His brothers (Dave, Bill and Steve) and son Steve enjoy bringing him fresh bread, jams and occassional beers, which he thoroughly enjoys. Jim gets around in a wheelchair and has memory issues, but the skilled care staff refer to him as "joyful" which makes us smile knowing he's in a great facility with great staff.

Jim turned 91 in June. Pics below are from his big 90th birthday party celebration last year. If you'd like to send a card or visit when you're in the Green Bay area, the address is:

Woodside Lutheran Home
Mulberry Meadows Room 612
1040 Pilgrim Way
Green Bay, WI 54304

Please let us know if you want to visit so we can give you the "scoop" before your visit. Thank you for your friendship over the years and may God bless you and your families with a healthy and happy New Year.

Steve and Jodi

Editor's note: I believe that Steve may be monitoring Jim's email for him so they may be contacted at jamesprosser@compuserve.com

Jim Prosser at 92

Jim Prosser at 92

Jim Prosser at 92
Main Menu

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Death of John M. (Jack) Farrell

Jack Farrell

I received the following obituary from George McCumber.

John “Jack” Farrell passed away with his wife Cathy by his side on December 5, 2023. He was 81 years old. He was born on November 14, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Laurence and Edith Farrell.

Jack and Cathy grew up in the same neighborhood in Boston. Jack always had his eye on Cathy and he told all his friends that he would marry her one day. During his childhood, Jack ’s father would take him up to Prince Edward Island, Canada, for summer vacations. Shortly after he graduated from high school, Jack tried out for the Boston Red Sox. Out of the many potential recruits, Jack was one of ten who were selected by the Red Sox to advance to the final try-out for a pitcher position. However, he had already signed up to join the Air Force. While serving in the Air Force from 1960-1964, Jack was primarily stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, where he loved the surrounding wildlife. He shared fantastic tales of grizzly bear encounters, icy water plunges, salmon fishing, northern lights, and seeing the beautiful American West from the sky.

Upon returning to Boston in 1964, Jack spotted Cathy’s sister Nicky in Egleston Square and asked if Cathy was married yet. Happy to hear that she wasn’t, Jack called up Cathy and a year later, on September 11, 1965, they were married. They settled in Boston and Jack worked at a brokerage firm and became a trader. In 1967, Jack and Cathy welcomed twin sons. Becoming a father brought him pride and joy. Jack was known as a great conversationalist with a mischievous sense of humor and he connected with many people, including his in-laws Angelo and Mary.

In 1975, after passing a rigorous exam process with flying colors and receiving a nomination for the position of Foreign Service Officer from House Majority Leader (and future Speaker of the House) Congressman Tip O’Neil, Jack became a diplomat for the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State and began one of the most exciting chapters of his life.

Jack ’s first assignment as a Foreign Service Officer was to Brussels, Belgium. Jack and Cathy adapted well to their new life abroad and thoroughly enjoyed traveling together with their sons. Jack ’s next assignment was to Moscow and in 1978, they welcomed a daughter born in Berlin, Germany. His subsequent assignments were to Vienna, Kuwait City, London, Zagreb, Istanbul, and Luxembourg. Jack made friends everywhere he went and he loved taking road trips and train journeys to explore. He had particularly fond memories of his time in Croatia and Slovenia; he often spent time in Dubrovnik on the Adriatic Sea and in the Julian Alps. During those 21 years of living abroad, Jack traveled throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Jack received several awards during his time in the foreign service and was recognized for his “25 years of service and dedication to the government of the United States”. He had the honor of meeting several U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries. Upon retiring, he moved to Maine where he was happy to live near his son John and his grandchildren. During the 27 years that Jack lived in Maine, he and John became the best of friends. Jack and Cathy often traveled to Québec and one of his favorite places to visit was Lac-Mégantic.

Jack is survived by his wife, Catherine Farrell; his children, John Farrell and his wife Tracy, James Farrell, and Juliana Farrell and her husband Chris.

He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren; Matthew, Nicholas, Thomas, Danielle, Patrick, Jill, Hugh, and Eve.

A viewing at Pinette Dillingham and Lynch Funeral Home in Lewiston, ME will be held on December 13 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon. Burial will follow, with full military honors, at Maine Veterans Cemetery 2, Augusta, ME on December 13 at 1:00 p.m.

Main Menu

Wednesday, December 06, 2023

Death of John M. (Jack) Farrell

I received word from George McCumber of the following:

I was informed late today (December 5, 2023) by his wife Catherine that John M. (Jack) Farrell passed away this afternoon at his home in Poland Springs, Maine. Jack had been suffering from congestive heart failure for some time. I will advise further details as I know them.

Condolences may be sent to his wife, Catherine at the following:

Catherine Farrell
P.O. Box 432
Poland Spring, ME 04274
Tel: (207) 998-2841
Jack.the.Farrell@gmail.com

Main Menu

Wednesday, December 06, 2023

Death of Maryfaith (nee Gastel) Blanchard

Maryfaith Blanchard

Maryfaith Blanchard (nee Gastel) of The Villages, age 78, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2023 at Shands hospital in Gainesville, FL from complications with Sepsis (Pulmonary Embolism).

Maryfaith was born in Pittsburgh on November 25, 1945, and was the youngest of three children born to Ralph and Irene (nee Nagy) Gastel.

Maryfaith moved from Pittsburgh, PA to Palm Springs, CA, with her family when she was little. She considered this her hometown. She attended St. Theresa's Catholic School through the 8th grade and graduated from Palm Springs High School in 1963 where she was a member of Teen Angels, an organization of young women, who did charitable work in the Palm Springs area raising money for the Angel View Crippled Children’s Hospital. She also worked as a fashion model for Robertson’s Department store until she moved with her family to McAllen, TX in 1965 and became a local TV fashion model for an upscale women's clothing store. While in Palm Springs, she met her future husband Philip Blanchard and they were married in Mission, TX in Nov 1966.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Philip Blanchard and three sons, Ted (Allison); Matthew (Lesli); John (Dawn); and one daughter Candace Jimerson (Jonathon) and six grandchildren: Autumn (Thomas) Campbell II, Jacob Blanchard, Justin Blanchard, Trinity Barker, Jayden Barker, Noah Blanchard and two great grandsons Landon and Liam Campbell; one brother Robert Gastel (Bonnie, deceased); also numerous nieces and nephews.

Maryfaith was predeceased by her parents Ralph and Irene Gastel and one brother, Dennis.

Maryfaith accompanied her husband on assignments with the U.S. Department of State to La Paz, Bolivia (1967-1969); Paris, France (1969-1971); Manila, Philippines (1971-1073); Kinshasa, Zaire (1973-1974); Kuwait City, Kuwait (1974-1975); Washington, D.C. (1975-1980); Bonn, Germany (1980-1983); Cairo, Egypt (1983-1985); Washington, D.C. (1985-1987); London, England (1987-1990); and Albuquerque, NM (1990-1992). Maryfaith and her husband remained in New Mexico after his retirement in 1992, until they moved to The Villages in 2000. She enjoyed traveling and meeting people and making new friends wherever she lived.

Maryfaith was very outgoing and gregarious to everyone she met. She was a beautiful soul whose smile was infectious. She was kind, generous and full of love for her family and friends. She was also very proud of her Hungarian heritage (mother’s side). She was able to visit Budapest, Hungary while on a Viking river cruise in 2016. This is some- thing that she had always wanted to do, to see where her grandparents came from.

She was also extremely devoted to her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren being a homemaker. She enjoyed walking, water aerobics, and socializing with family and friends. But most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her devoted husband Philip. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Maryfaith’s memory to Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties, 2600 South St., Leesburg, FL 34748, tel: (352) 787-5889.

Services are scheduled for Monday, 11 December 2023 at the Hiers-Baxley funeral home in the Villages, FL. Viewing will be from 12-1 followed by memorial service from 1-2. A reception will be held immediately afterwards at the funeral home's Life Event Center.

Phil's contact information is: 1901 Hoyos Ct., The Villages, FL 32159, email flpmb1901@gmail.com.