Obits
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — On May 30, 2024, his 93rd birthday, Darrell Lee Mondfrans went to be with the love of his life, Norma, in heaven.
Darrell was born in Ogden, Utah to Pete and Ann. He was the middle son of three, his elder brother was Richard (Dick) and younger brother was Earl (Sonny).
When the boys were young, Pete and Ann moved the family to San Francisco. He loved to tell childhood stories of playing football in the park, stealing fruits from stands, running track and working on his first car, a 1921 Franklin that he purchased, not working, for $50.
It was while working under that Franklin, at the age of 15, that he first saw a pair of legs that belonged to Norma Basciani. Norma asked him for a ride in the car, and the rest is history!
At 19, Darrell and Norma married and bought their first home in San Francisco. They went on a honeymoon to Santa Cruz, and they returned home with 39 cents to their names.
Ten months later they had their first son, Gary. Two years later, they had their son, Ronald. In 1954, the family moved to San Bruno, where they spent the majority of their lives. Fourteen years later, they had their son, Kenneth.
Darrell worked a variety of jobs, and eventually, went to work for Cookson Rolling Door Co. He started as a shop helper, and he worked his way up through the shop to become the superintendent. He told many stories of playing blackjack with his coworkers on breaks, supervising 75 people, and hating paperwork.
After 40 years with Cookson, he opened his open business, Rolling Door Service. While working at Cookson, he also obtained his real estate license, and he began flipping houses before it was popular.
He served as a volunteer firefighter for five years in San Bruno. He would tell stories of rolling hoses, riding in parades and being awakened in the middle of the night to help at a fire. His favorite part about being a volunteer was going to musters where they competed with a 1929 LaFrance fire engine that he helped restore.
Darrell and Norma loved to travel to Lake County to play on Clear Lake and hunt. Friends and relatives would join the family to camp out, ski and play cards. The two loved to visit the different casinos in Lake County, and one of his favorite stories was winning a $1,700 jackpot at Robinson Rancheria.
After Darrell and Norma’s health declined, they moved full time to Lake County to live with Ken’s family.
Norma passed away on May 26, 2022, just four months short of their 70th wedding anniversary. Darrell mourned the loss of the love of his life, but he knew they would eventually rejoin each other.
He spent the last two years going to his favorite casinos, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, gardening and telling his stories to anyone that would listen.
Darrell was predeceased by his parents, Pete and Ann; his brothers, Dick and Sonny; his love, Norma; and his son, Gary.
He is survived by his sons, Ron (Lisa) and Ken (Wendy); his grandchildren, Christine Watts (Stuart), Jennifer Fosberg, Christopher (Candis), Matthew Ochoa (Jennifer), Matthew (Laura), Sarah Erlandson (Matt), Joseph, Brianna Odom (Connor), Darrell (Savonna) and Tyler Haskell; and his great-grandchildren, Matthew, Cameron, Christian, Landon, Leanna, Stephen, Alyssa, Charlotte, Karina, Eva, Landon, Steleena, Ava and Nora.
Services for Darrell will be held at Cypress Lawn on June 12 at 11 a.m.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Mark “Markus” Greer Baue of Hidden Valley Lake, California, formerly of St. Charles, Missouri, died in April of 2024 at the age of 65.
Beloved son of the late David C. Baue and Jill Greer Baue. Dear brother of Lisa A. Baue (Monte Crabbs) and D. Paul Baue. Dearest uncle to John Devaney (Emily), Erin Devaney (Omari Bannister), Shyla Baue, Savannah Baue (Billy Hollinger) and Mason Baue. Great uncle of six; dearest cousin, nephew and friend to many.
Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dr. Mark and Iris Greer, and Arthur C. and Viola Baue.
Mark, a beloved former son of St. Charles, Missouri, is leaving behind a legacy of creativity and independence. Born and raised in St. Charles, he was a cherished member of a family deeply rooted in the community, where he was involved for a time in his family’s funeral business.
Mark’s adventurous spirit led him to California, where he pursued his dream of becoming an actor. Never losing sight of his love for St. Charles, he remained connected with his dedication to co-managing the Facebook page “I grew up in St. Charles and I remember…Past and Present” which has over 13,700 members. As his career in acting was winding down, he additionally found happiness in exploring the scenic beauty of his new home state.
Mark’s artistic journey led him to wedding photography where he captured the joyful moments of countless couples. His passions in life include yoga, cycling on the many trails and mountains in California and surrounding states, riding his motorcycle on long trips and adventures both in the US and Germany, and photographing the stunning landscapes of California along with the many places he traveled to both nationally and internationally.
Living a life of freedom and independence was important to Mark who embraced each day with enthusiasm and a zest for new experiences. His work not only reflected his love for the world around him but also his desire to live on his own terms. Mark’s vibrant spirit and artistic gifts will be remembered by all who knew him. We will miss his unique perspective and joyful presence. We hope you will join us in remembering and celebrating the life of a man who saw the world through a lens of beauty and wonder.
Mark’s memorial life celebration will be on Saturday, June 29, at 3 p.m. at Baue Funeral Home, Cave Springs, 3950 West Clay, St. Charles, MO 63301. Family and Friends visiting time will begin on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central Standard Time. Interment will be private.
The event will be live streamed for those who are unable to attend in person and a recording will be placed on this obituary for future viewing.
If you wish to remember him in a special way, we ask that memorials be given to The St. Charles Historical Society or the Harbin Hot Springs Retreat Center at www.Harbin.org.
Mark’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him. His warm smile and unwavering passion for life will be dearly missed.
The sharing of your memories and thoughts will be helpful in completing his life’s story.
Thank you for your support and love,
The Baue Family
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — John Anthony McGann of Lakeport, California, died after a brief illness in Santa Rosa, California, on April 25, 2024, aged 73.
Born July 26, 1950 in Brighton, Massachusetts, John was the youngest of six children of Thomas F. McGann and Regina A. Maroney.
He attended St. Agatha’s School in Milton, Massachusetts, through first grade until 1957, when the family moved to Southern California. There, he attended St. Therese School in Alhambra through eighth grade, then went on to Loyola High School in Los Angeles, where he met many of his lifelong friends.
John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA in 1972 and went on to earn a MBA from Claremont Graduate University’s Drucker School of Management in 1995.
Always a hard worker, he started his work life while still in high school at Heller’s Bakery, then went on to work for Penneys during college, Merchants, Century Services, Ingram Paper, Kirk Paper, Consolidated Lauco, IPAC and JPP.
John retired in 2018 after 21 years as director of sales for the Americas at Japan Pulp and Paper.
After living much of his life in Southern California, he moved to Lake County in Northern California in 1996, where he and his wife Susan built a lovely home among the rolling hills and oaks. He enjoyed his days there maintaining the land, reading (always learning) and often helping Susan serve customers at The Lake County Wine Studio.
John is survived by his wife, Susan Feiler; daughters, Laura McGann MacLellan (Greg MacLellan) and Erin McGann Maloney (Mike Maloney); brothers, Dr. Peter McGann, Dr. Philip McGann and Tom McGann; as well as seven grandchildren, Courtney, Ethan, Michael, Aidan, Miya, Campbell and Luke; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by both his parents, as well as his brother Mark McGann and sister Gina McGann.
There will be a private celebration of life in Pasadena, California, in June, as well as a second private celebration in Lakeport in July.
Memorials may be made directly to Loyola High School as follows: “In memoriam of John A. McGann (1950-2024), Class of 1968.”
The website is www.loyolahs.edu/giving/gifts-in-memoriam/.
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