Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 201
Emily Jane "Janie" Kossman, age 63, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025 at her home in Fort Meade, FL. She was born April 3, 1962 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Janie retired from the Polk County Tax Collectors Office after 37 years. She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas Robert Kossman and Reba Jeanette Walker. Janie is survived by her sister Kathie Shouppe of Deltona, two brothers Bruce Kossman of Fort Meade and Mike Kossman & wife Lillian of Belton, SC, lifelong friend...
Celeste Moore Alligood passed away March 31, 2025 in Windermere, Florida. Mimi, as most people affectionately called her, was born on March 21, 1934 to O.M. Moore and Rosa Swain Moore, in Lake Wales, Florida, and was the youngest of two daughters, following Juanita “Nita” Moore (Hicks). Educated in Lake Wales, she graduated from LWHS where some of her activities included: lifeguard at Big Lake Wailes, school plays, class officer, captain of the cheerleaders, softball, co-...
Maureen Helen Thurston, beloved wife, mom, nana, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 4, 2025 at the age of 85. Maureen was a self-proclaimed snowbird who shared the past 24 winters in Nalcrest, Florida with her husband, Paul, and enjoyed the warmer months at their beautiful home in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Born on September 19, 1939 in Boston to the late Herman and Helen Schreffler, Maureen was known for her warmth and kindness to others. She found joy...
Donald Gene Harvard of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at George C. Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale. He was born January 1, 1935 in Winter Haven to the late Burl and Lyda Harvard; he has been a lifelong resident of the area. In his early years, Donald worked with his father at Burl Harvard's Builders. He was the owner of Harvard's Groceries in the early 70's and was a refrigeration technician for Florida's Natural before retiring after 40 years. Donald...
Duane (Dewey) Westerburg, age 85, of Frostproof, Fl and Bemus Point, N.Y. went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 2, 2025. A native of Jamestown N.Y, he was born January 15,1940. He was the son of the late Emil and Jessie Custer Westerburg. He was a 1958 graduate of Jamestown High School and was employed by Pepsi Cola Bottling Plant for 27 years. In earlier years he had worked for Crescent Tool Company for 18 years. He was a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance chu...
Mindy Dougherty of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale. Mindy was born May 4, 1958, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Alvin Gross and Myra Ludwig. Mindy was a retired CNA, and a member of Winter Haven Worship Center. She loved and supported the Special Olympics and played for the team herself. Mindy loved Clearwater Beach and deep-sea fishing, as well as her Yuengling and Peach Schnapps. Mindy is preceded in death by her...
Shirley Mae Hare, 91, of Lake Wales, Florida passed away on February 1, 2025. She was a sparkling and shining light in the lives of so many people. With her brilliant spirit, radiant smile, and compassionate heart, she seamlessly blended her roles as a homemaker and nurturing parent with a career as a preschool teacher and children's caregiver. She was that special star for her family and friends, her students, the young children she cared for and everyone who had the chance...
Rise St. Arno, age 72, passed away on March 26, 2025, at her residence in Bartow. She was born on December 20, 1952, in Detroit, MI. Rise worked as a Travel Agent. She enjoyed knitting, traveling, and spending time with her family. She is survived by her daughter Lauren De Neve (Brad) of Bartow, sisters Michele Kirkman of Hartwell, MI & Yvonne St. Arno of Westland, MI, and granddaughter Lucy De Neve of Bartow. Condolences may be sent to her family at www.wh...
Cathie Jo Bruursema of Babson Park passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Somers Hospice House in Sebring. She was born July 16, 1969 in Holland, MI. She was a retired administrative assistant from the Grace Church in Gladstone, MI and a member of the First Baptist Church of Lake Wales. She was very active, enjoyed fitness, cross country skiing, mountain biking and kayaking. She loved going to the beach. Cathie was preceded in death by her mother, Ann Regelin. Survivors...
Lawrence Ray Mylan, Jr., 83, passed away Sunday, March 2,2025 at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice center in Wilmington, NC. He was born May 1,1941 in Brownsville, PA a son of the late Lawrence Ray Mylan, Sr. and Jean Hawkins Campbell. A Celebration of Life will be held March 16,2025 at 3:00pm at Midway Methodist Church in Stella with Reverend Jim Stephens officiating. Ray faithfully served his country in the US Navy and then began a career in public service as a police officer in...
Walburga "Wallie" Sylvia of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale. She was born May 20, 1937 in Augsburg, Germany to the late Englebert and Walburga Schafhauser; she moved to Lake Wales from Derry, New Hampshire in 1980. Wallie was a homemaker and of the Catholic faith. She loved music and visiting the VFW. Wallie loved spending time with her husband, especially fishing and dancing. Wallie was preceded in death by her...
Wayne Helm of Lake Wales passed away Saturday, February 22, 2025 at his residence. He was born October 20, 1948 in Lake Wales to the late Elmer and Lola Helm; he has been a lifelong resident of Lake Wales. Wayne was a retired Captain for the Lake Wales Police Department and served with the United States Army in Vietnam. He and his wife, Laura, were fans of the band Alabama and the University of Florida Gators. Before becoming ill, Wayne loved his cigars, going fishing, and...
Billie Jo Worsham Whidden, 80, keeper of family lore and devoted mother, and grandmother, passed away on February 12th 2025 surrounded by her children. Born on 19 December 1944, in Tampa, Florida, she made it her life's mission to preserve and share her family's rich history. Her passion for genealogy led her to embrace the Worsham and Hough family history. She also actively participated in the Daughter's of the American Revolution chapter in Lake Wales. As an educator for 35...
Ed Lamar of Lake Wales left this earthly life to join the Lord on Friday, January 31, 2025, at AdventHealth Lake Wales. Born September 5, 1953 in Thomaston, Georgia to William Perry Lamar and Doris White Lamar, Ed moved with his parents and two brothers to Lake Wales in 1963. A member of the Lake Wales Highlander Band, Ed graduated high school in 1971 and then attended Stetson University as a music major (French Horn). He returned to Lake Wales to help run his family's...
John "Jack" Moulton of Winter Haven passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Waters Edge. He was born February 9, 1939 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Robert and Mildred Moulton; he moved to Winter Haven from Wisconsin in 1995. Jack was a retired wildlife biologist for the State Government and was a veteran of the United States Army. He enjoyed playing tennis, going fishing, biking, being outdoors, and taking care of nature. Jack is survived by his wife of 59...
Ryan Layton Pickles, 42, of Winter Haven, passed away Wednesday, January 8th in his home. Ryan was born June 17th, 1982, in Lake Wales, to Sammie and Becky Pickles. He was the assistant director for the City of Auburndale in the Parks and recreation department. He loved the Miami Hurricanes, and going to their games. He loved family gatherings and especially enjoyed being around his nieces and nephews. Ryan is survived by his parents, Sammie and Becky Pickles of Lake Wales,...
Dr. James Dayle Morgan, a retired dermatologist and dedicated professional, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at WatersEdge Memory Care in Lake Wales, FL, at the age of 88. Born in Perry, Iowa, he dedicated 20 years of exemplary service to the United States Navy before retiring in 1980 with his family and making his home in Lake Wales. Dr. Morgan’s illustrious career in dermatology included owning and operating a private practice from 1980 to 2012, following his s...
David Spencer Waldrop of Lake Wales passed away suddenly Wednesday, January 1, 2025 while leading a FTA hike in the Bellini Preserve. He was born May 18, 1969 in Lake Wales to John and Barbara Waldrop; he has been a lifelong resident of Lake Wales. David was the Information Technology Coordinator for the Lake Wales Charter Schools. He was a longtime member and dedicated volunteer of the Florida Trail Association. David's passion for the Florida Trail and his tireless...
Mona Jean Vorous of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024 at her residence. She was born January 23, 1931 in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to the late George and Florence Cochran; she moved to Lake Wales in 1961. Mona was a homemaker and was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales. She enjoyed macrame, quilting, gardening, and playing games. Mona was preceded in death by her husband, William S. "Bill" Vorous, Jr.; and brothers, Ronald Lee Cochran and Fred...
Paulette H. Simpson, age 76, passed away on December 29, 2024, at Bartow Regional Medical Center in Bartow. She was born on October 12, 1948, in Valdosta, GA. Paulette was a waitress at Mike's Drive-In. She enjoyed spending time with her family, a good shopping trip, and an end of day lotto ticket. She was preceded in death by her brothers Teamus Hughes & Robert Hughes, sister Betty Lambert and grandson Devin Davis. She is survived by her family that includes her children...
Jim Read of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales. He was born December 28, 1945 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island to the late Robert and Alyce Read. He moved to Polk County in 1971 and went to work for Disney as a Chef for 15 years. From there he became an instructor of cuisine at Ridge Vocational School in Haines City. He was also a veteran of the United States Navy. He was a member of Saint Ann's Catholic Church in Haines City, the Knights...
John Harlan DeWinkler, age 82, passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, December 19, 2024. He was born August 21, 1942 in Miami, FL to John & Virginia DeWinkler. John graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering. He was a Professional Engineer and Deputy District Secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation District 1. After retiring from FDOT, John became the Senior Vice President and partner with Wilson-Miller...
Gloria Hunt of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Lakeland Hospice House in Lakeland, Florida. Gloria was born November 1, 1928. Gloria was a retired teacher who taught English and worked on the yearbook at Lake Wales High School and was an active member of Lake Wales Methodist Church. She loved literature, music and traveling. Gloria was active with the 12 Step Community in Lake Wales and was instrumental in the start of the Lake Wales YMCA. As a result of...
Charles Arthur Paulk of Lake Wales passed away Monday, December 2, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales. He was born August 29, 1946 in Detroit, MI to the late Arthur and Elizabeth Paulk; he came here from Lodi, CA 7 years ago. He retired from Chrysler and enjoyed making jewelry, cycling, hiking, camping, dancing and being the life of the party. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth Paulk; sons, Jonathan Paulk (Rizalyn) of Lake Wales, Christopher Paulk (Joann) of...
Jeanne was born in La Louviere, Belgium of an Italian father and Belgian mother. In 1940, as Hitler moved through Belgium into France, her father packed up the family and moved to Venice, Italy. While in Venice, shortly after the war, she met Joseph O. White, an Army Air Corp soldier who managed the R&R facility on the Lido. He proposed and given the choice of returning to war ravaged Belgium or coming to America, she made the correct choice. They settled in his hometown of...
