Friday, 29 March 2024

Obits

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Gaye Haas, born on May 9, 1930, passed on May 16, 2023 at 93 years of age. She was born in Minden, Louisiana to Myrtle White Burnett and William Burnett.

After moving to Upper Lake, California at the end of World War II, Gaye graduated from Upper Lake High School in 1946.

Gaye later married Harold Haas, the love of her life. Their marriage spanned over 60 years and they raised five children. Her family was her deepest passion.

In the mid-60s, Gaye began her career in education. While she wore several hats during her tenure at Lakeport Unified, she primarily worked with Joan Cox in the third grade classroom.

Gaye so enjoyed working with young children and loved seeing past students as grown adults. For much of her career, she was also a school bus driver.

Survivors include Pat Haas of Lakeport, California; Penny Haas of Little River, California; and Tim Haas of Chico, California.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Haas; daughter, Sandra Butler; and son, Michael Haas.

She will be greatly missed by her five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Gaye leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion for children and animals; she led a full and complete life.

The family wishes to thank the Hospice Services of Lake County for their kind support and compassion.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the United Christian Parish of Lakeport, 745 N. Brush St.

Milton Hodgkinson. Courtesy photo.


Milton passed away on Aug. 31, 2023.

He arrived on his Mother’s birthday in Bloomington, Illinois on Oct. 3, 1935.

His family moved to Tucson, Arizona and then to Lake County, California, in 1952, his sophomore year in high school, where he met his future wife, Laura Covey at Clear Lake High School.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman and fell in love with Lake County.

After graduation, Milton attended Chapman College and Chico State College, he worked summers for the U.S Forest Service to help pay for his tuition.

Along the way he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served two years in Germany as a staff sergeant, E6.

After the Army he went back to Chico State and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in industrial arts. And, he married Laura Covey. He served two years active Army Reserve and two years inactive Army Reserve.

Milton moved to Maxwell, California with his newly arrived twin sons, Ross and Michael. He taught high school industrial arts and served on the Maxwell Service Club and the Colusa County Chamber of Commerce for six years.

When the boys were fourth graders they all moved back to Lake County and farmed for 30 years on the family farm.

Milton had many varied interests and hobbies, including restoring his model A, sailing boats and racing a Hobie Cat named Double Trouble with his family. He sang barbershop, taught 4-H and served on the Lakeport School Board.

Milton Hodgkinson. Courtesy photo.

He enjoyed building and shooting muzzleloading guns and going to rendezvous, pheasant hunting with his two German shorthairs Bo and Ticker, and trap shooting.

He was a Farm Bureau Board member and belonged to the Konocti Rod and Gun Club, Lake County Trap Club and was a lifetime NRA member.

Milton proudly served with the Lake County Military Funeral Honors Team and helped support veteran and military support groups like Operation Tango Mike. At one time, he was named Lake County Veteran of the Year.

Milton is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Laura; son, Michael; Ross’ wife, Lynn Hodgkinson; granddaughter, Barbara (Jordan) Waggoner and their baby girl, Addison.

He is predeceased by his son, Ross; brother, Read Hodgkinson; and his parents, George Read and Rachel Hanson Hodgkinson.

Happy hunting Dad! Love ya and know that you will be missed.

Graveside service will be held at Hartley Cemetery, Veteran’s Circle on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 10:30 a.m. followed by a remembrance at Milton and Laura's home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lake County Military Funeral Honors Team, P.O. Box 1365, Kelseyville, CA 95451 and Operation Tango Mike, 5216 Piner Court, Kelseyville, CA 95451.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Leonard C. Garcia. Courtesy photo.

Leonard spent the first part of his life in Sunnyvale, California raising his family and working for Westinghouse as a renewal parts engineer until his retirement.

He served in the Army and was a Merchant Marine in his younger years and also sold real estate and enjoyed bartendending part time.

In 1993 he moved to Lake County and became a Kelseyville resident with his partner, Lonny Rittler.

Leonard continued bartending in several establishments around the lake until 2020 at age 94.

Leonard passed away peacefully in his sleep on Aug. 10, 2023, and is survived by his daughter, Debra Villegas; son, Leonard Garcia and daughter-in-law, Vicki Garcia; grandsons, Michael and James Villegas; granddaughters, Jessica Garcia and Chelsea Madison; great-grandchildren, Gwen, Marissa, Hayden and Manny; along with several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Millie Ann Hammes. Photo from Judy Wink.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Born on a crisp winter day at St. Helena Hospital on Feb. 19, 1957, Millie Ann (Irwin) Hammes entered the world as a source of pure joy to her parents John Daniel Irwin and Ethel Elizabeth “Betty” (Strickler) Irwin.

She spent her formative years in the small, picturesque town of Middletown, California, where her spirit of adventure and deep friendships began to flourish.

Graduating from Middletown High School in 1974, Millie set off to make her mark on the world and attended Yuba College in Marysville for two years. Graduating with her degree in hand was just the beginning of a remarkable voyage.

In January 1978, Millie embarked on a lifelong journey as she married the love of her life, Richard A. Hammes. Their marriage spanned an impressive 45 years, a testament to the strength of their bond and the depth of their connection.

Together, they embraced many adventures with open hearts and created memories that would forever define their shared story. It was these memories that were a source of laughter and smiles during the last months of her life as they reminisced about the big life they had lived together.

In her professional life, Millie excelled in the world of finance and management. She shared her expertise for 15 years at Clearlake National Bank, where she ascended from Assistant controller to chief financial officer, followed by over a decade at Jonas Energy, and most recently, Highlands Water Co. in Clearlake. Her dedication and leadership have left a lasting imprint on the businesses and the friendships she made in the process.

Millie and Dick lived most of their married life in Hidden Valley Lake, California, where they met many of their longtime friends whom they traveled with and shared many of their adventures.

But Millie's impact extended far beyond her immediate circle. Her kindness, humor, generosity and thoughtfulness endeared her to many in this small community and beyond, making her a beloved friend to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Tragically, on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, Millie's voyage on this earth came to an end as she peacefully passed away in the embrace of her family within the walls of the Adventist Health Clear Lake Hospital.

The last of many months of suffering were finally over for both Millie and Dick. The love and warmth that surrounded her in those final days were a reflection of the vibrant life she had led, a life that touched countless hearts.

The last few years had been a challenging period for Millie and Dick, testing their strength and conviction in ways unimaginable. Through it all, Dick's unwavering dedication to Millie's well-being shone as a beacon of love for all who loved her to see. His dedication was a testament to the depth of their bond and a reflection of the enduring love they shared.

Millie's memory lives on in the hearts of her devoted husband, Richard "Dick" Hammes, who stood by her side for all these many years.

She is also survived by her sister and best friend, Sylvia Jean (Irwin) Wink, who shared a lifetime of laughter, secrets and unbreakable bonds, and her brother John Dale Irwin Sr. Her spirit and legacy continue through several nieces and nephews, many in-laws, and friends who were like family to her.

Millie's passing leaves a void that can never truly be filled, yet her spirit continues to shine through all the cherished memories she leaves in all of our hearts. She is now reunited with her parents and her sister, Judith (Irwin) Cunningham, who preceded her in death.

Millie leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and an unwavering spirit. She touched the lives of many, and her memory will forever remind us of the power of love and the beauty of a life well-lived.

As we mourn her passing, let us also be grateful for the deep impact she had on everyone fortunate enough to know her, and that she is now at peace.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Greenview Restaurant in Hidden Valley Lake on Sept. 30 from 2:30 to 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Millie’s memory.

Carl Peter Ingvoldstad. Courtesy photo.

Carl Peter Ingvoldstad
Sept. 23, 1938 — Aug. 27, 2023

“The mind of each man is the man himself.” — Decorah HS 1956

HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. — Carl Peter Ingvoldstad, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on Aug. 27, 2023, from complications of Parkinson’s disease with his loving wife holding his hand.

He was 84 years old and had enjoyed a very full life.

Carl Peter (CP) was born to Kenneth and Dagmar (Madsen) Ingvoldstad on Sept. 23, 1938, in Decorah, Iowa.

He was the middle son with older brother Bill and younger brother Paul. His parents and siblings predeceased him in death.

CP was an Eagle Scout at age 13 and enjoyed the Scouts with his father. After graduating from Decorah High School in 1956, he proudly graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, his parents’ alma mater, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and history, later earning his master’s degree in logistics management and studying for his doctorate in higher education management at Denver University.

Graduating in 1960 as the Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG) with a commission in the U.S. Air Force, he began his 27-year military career in Diyarbakir, Turkey.

He served at many bases during his career including Germany and Denmark plus the continental US.

He married Jacqueline Bechtol with whom he had two daughters, Karen Rae and Amber Kay. They divorced in 1980.

In 1994 he found that certain special person, a Norsk/Swede, and in 1996 married Mary Beth Langord Morton (MB) whom he met through the Sons of Norway in Colorado Springs, Colorado where they became folk dance partners.

CP retired from the Air Force in 1987 as a lieutenant colonel and became a project manager for government contractors on Johnston Island, in Florida and California.

When that career was over, he became an insurance professional with Sons of Norway for eight years.

He never lost his love of learning new things and going to school.

After living in Jacksonville, Florida, and Lompoc, California, MB and CP designed and had their home built in 2000 in Hidden Valley Lake, California, and have enjoyed their life together in quiet Lake County.

They started a new Sons of Norway Lodge, Vikings of Lake, in 2005 and the entire international organization became like a family to the two.

CP was a president of his Lodge, District Six Zone 1 director, District Six Recreation Center board member/vice president/secretary and Sons of Norway Foundation director representing his district.

He was a Golden Member of Sons of Norway and was very proud of his Norwegian and Danish heritage. He was also a life member of the Elks.

They joined Galilee Lutheran Church in Kelseyville soon after moving to Lake County. They found a wonderful family there, too. He enjoyed singing in his church, served as a worship assistant, was a member of the Church Council and director of the Adopt-a-highway program.

He had a wonderful voice and loved performing karaoke for over 30 years.

His other great loves were his sports teams: Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Dodgers. After retirement he missed very few games and was fiercely loyal his whole life to these three teams.

CP and MB both loved to travel and so they did. They cruised on a Scandinavian Dance Cruise, through the Mediterranean, Russia, China, from Vienna to Amsterdam, around Norway, Denmark, Iceland and the Faeroe Islands, between Australia/New Zealand, and the Galápagos Islands.

They “road tripped” in Scotland/England, many parts of Europe, Norway, Sweden and Denmark plus many trips to Sons of Norway conventions and lodge activities throughout the continental U.S., even renting RVs at times to switch it up a bit. Kauai, Hawaii was also a favorite destination.

CP is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Mary Beth; daughter, Lt. Col. (ret.) Karen Madsen and her partner Jim, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; daughter, Amber Kay Ingvoldstad of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; granddaughter, Shannon Ford of Michigan; grandson Sean Ford of Colorado Springs, Colorado; step-grandson, John Ford of Austin, Texas, and his wife Julia and their daughter Emma.

Thank you to the Lake County Hospice Services, Pastor Julie Webb of Galilee Lutheran Church, and Sequoia Senior Solutions caregiver Sherry for all the support given to CP and MB.

A celebration of life will be held at Galilee Lutheran Church, 8860 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, on Sept. 23 at 2 p.m. followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

Interment will be at Decorah Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah, Iowa on Sept. 30 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Carl Peter’s name to the Sons of Norway Foundation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Gunda Kroh. Courtesy photo.

Kunigunda ‘Gunda’ Kroh
1937-2023

We are sad to announce the passing of Gunda Kroh.

She passed away surrounded by her loved ones on Aug. 22, 2023, at the age of 85.

Gunda was so full of light and she touched everyone who has ever met her.

She is survived by her daughter, Ange Alvarez; son, Kurt Kroh; grandchildren, Jessice Brown, Jerrica Brockway, Kymberlee Watt, Chelsea Kroh and Dalen Kroh; and great-grandchildren, Kyleigh Drinnon, Kaiana Drinnon and Kaylynn Watt.

Gunda loved going to the beach, yard sales and being around her family.

She will be truly missed.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Upcoming Calendar

30Mar
03.30.2024 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Lakeport Community Cleanup Day
30Mar
03.30.2024 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Second annual Bunny Brunch
30Mar
03.30.2024 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Lake County poet laureate inauguration
31Mar
03.31.2024
Easter Sunday
31Mar
03.31.2024 1:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Lakeport Rotary Club Easter Egg Hunt
1Apr
04.01.2024
Easter Monday
1Apr
10Apr
15Apr
04.15.2024
Tax Day

Mini Calendar

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