Dick Fleming
Dick Fleming passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 22, 2016.
Dick was born in Michigan in 1932 and lived in several states with his wife of 62 years, Barbara. In 1999 they moved from New Jersey to SaddleBrooke where they happily retired.
Dick and Barbara enjoyed playing tennis together and for several years Dick was a member of the tennis club’s Rules Committee. He pursued other interests such as photography and used that skill as well as his computer knowledge to serve as a volunteer publicist for the DesertView Cinema Club and the Prime Time Players, oftentimes incorporating his exquisite photographs.
Dick and a team of four other dedicated residents have been gathering information for the SaddleBrooke Village. He had been a board member of the group and served as vice-mayor. All members have worked diligently and Dick coordinated with the Golder Ranch Fire Department to handle the lock boxes for residents. Friends will miss the interesting and thought provoking articles he sent to many via email.
There was no memorial service, as per his request. Dick’s ashes are to be scattered over a portion of the Pacific Ocean.
Jack Neilson
Jack Edward Neilson (80) joined his Heavenly Father on January 31, 2016, after an eight year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born in Springfield, Illinois in 1935 to parents Margaret (Grady) and Farley Neilson.
He worked at Allis-Chalmers as a draftsman where he created several products that were utilized in tractors and heavy machinery. He was most proud of earning a patent in 1967 for designing “endless track” for track laying vehicles.
He enjoyed a long career in management with Sears & Roebuck moving up the ranks as a regional buyer working out of the Sears Tower in Chicago, Illinois, working in stores in Centralia and Niles, Illinois and retired as assistant store manager in Greenwood, Indiana. Later he worked as manager of a satellite window manufacturing and installation business in Indianapolis, Indiana and then in real estate sales at F.C. Tucker in Greenwood, Indiana.
He leaves behind his sister Margaret Ann “Maggie” Grooms (Richard) Cotter, Scottsdale, Arizona; his loving wife Melanie (Isaacs) Devitt Neilson; three sons, James, DePiere, Wisconsin, Mike (Mary) and Bob (Nancy), Danville, Indiana; a daughter Julie Neilson, Indianapolis, Indiana, who passed away in 2015; eight grandchildren, Katie, Kali, Drew, Ben, Shelly and Matt Neilson, Bonnie (Steve) Clark, Laura (Fredrick) Starks and two great grandchildren Sam and Camille “Millie” Clark.
Jack was active in the Community Church at SaddleBrooke, Duck’s Unlimited and had a love of the outdoors, golfing, fishing and hunting. He especially loved hunting waterfowl.
He and Melanie moved to SaddleBrooke from Avon, Indiana in 2002 and have enjoyed participating in Bible studies, serving on church committees including altar, nominating, ushers and greeters. They enjoyed golfing, walking, traveling, reading and taking ocean cruises.
Jack was the epitome of a gentleman, a devoted, faithful, loving, kind, generous and thoughtful husband, father and friend. His warm handshake, bright engaging smile, caring personality and moral character will be sorely missed.
William Sullenger
William E (Bill) Sullenger, LTC (Retired), 80, passed away Sunday, January 10 of complications from ALS.
Bill was born in Paducah, Kentucky and taught high school history in Winchester, then joined and spent 22 years with the U.S. Air Force, in later years as Commander of the Sioux St. Marie Air Force Station. His career highlight was Mission Crew Commander for the AWACS aircraft. After retirement he worked for Boeing in Seattle and spent 13 years in Saudi Arabia. He moved to Arizona in 2001 and enjoyed golf, pickleball, bridge and Square Dancing. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Feeley Sullenger, son Sean (Cheryl) Sullenger of Seaside, Oregon, son Jason (Miracle) Sullenger, Yamhill, Oregon, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Bill always had a smile and will be remembered for his southern charm, kind manner, funny stories and strength of character.