Obituaries

DAMON GIOVANIELLI May 8, 1943 – July 6, 2025

Sunday, July 6, 2025, our community lost Damon Giovanielli, a happy, loving man, who “always had a sparkle in his eyes” and a longing to interact with those around him.

Damon was born in Teaneck, NJ, May 8, 1943, and stuck close to home for college, attending Princeton University. He went on to earn his PhD in physics from Dartmouth College and spent the majority of his scientific career at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Damon loved his time at the lab, eventually becoming leader of the Physics Division.

As a member of numerous boards and committees in Los Read More

LEE HALL STAPP March 10, 1954 – June 23, 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Lee Hall Stapp, a beloved father, brother, and friend, who departed this life on June 23, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the age of 71. Born on March 10, 1954, in Clovis, New Mexico, Lee touched the lives of many with his kindness, intellect, and unwavering spirit.

Lee was the cherished son of James W. Stapp and Suzanne H. Stapp, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Shoshana Stapp; his stepdaughter, Sarah Ball; his sister, Lynne Stapp; his caring foster brother, Read More

AUDREY ELIZABETH KENYON June 29, 2025

Audrey Elizabeth Kenyon peacefully passed onward and upward while surrounded by family on June 29, 2025 at the age of 91.

Audrey was born in Casper, Wyoming, in January of 1934, to her parents Harold Jefferson Masters and Hildegarde Agnes Waechter.

Her Father died unexpectedly two years later and her mother moved her family to Glendale, California to be closer to her brother Carl Waechter. Audrey grew up in Glendale. She graduated from Hoover High and went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of California Los Angeles Read More

JOHN (BUCK) DALE ROBERTSON March 18, 1948 – June 26, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John (Buck) Dale Robertson, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend. John passed away on June 26, 2025, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Born in Lincoln, Illinois, John spent his youth in Mason City, Illinois, where he built the foundations of a life filled with curiosity and kindness. He spent most of his adult life in the unique community of Los Alamos, New Mexico, before moving to Albuquerque approximately nine years ago.

John was a man of many passions. He had a sharp and inquisitive Read More

A Life Tribute Service will be held on July 12 for Ann Beyer, shown here with her dogs. Courtesy photo

Community News:

On Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 1 p.m. there will be a Life Tribute Service for Ann Beyer at the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos.

There will be a light hors d’oeuvres reception afterward.

Ann Beyer passed away 3 years ago on July 9, 2022 (link). She passed 5 days shy of her 93rd birthday.

Tom Beyer, her son, and the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos want to honor Ann’s remarkable life in a Life Tribute Service.

Ann signed the membership book at the Unitarian Church in 1959.

She was a docent for the Read More

JENNIFER HANSON BARTRAM Sept. 10, 1957 – June 21, 2025

Jennifer Hanson Bartram, fondly known as “Jenn”, was born on September 10, 1957, and passed away unexpectedly on June 21, 2025.

Raised in the Midwest, Jenn moved to New Mexico for a fresh start. She would fondly talk about the many careers she pursued while living in Northern New Mexico. A broken-down car led her to meet her best friend, who eventually became her husband, Brian, landing her in Los Alamos where she left a lasting impact through the many programs she founded or volunteered with.

Her early programs focused on supporting teens and Read More

TIMOTHY GENE LAMKIN May 24, 1952 – May 11, 2025

Timothy Gene Lamkin was born on May 24, 1952, in Whittier, California. He died May 11, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico after a long illness.

Knowing Tim meant that you understood his passion for life and adventures. The time between those dates mattered most to him. Tim loved the outdoors and spent his childhood building forts in the canyons of Los Alamos, playing outside and camping. He began riding bicycles at 8 years old appropriating his sister’s bike until he got his own. He loved cycling and spent time participating in various road races Read More

MARK DAVID BJORKLUND May 31, 1954 – June 6, 2025

Mark David Bjorklund, born on May 31, 1954, in Los Alamos, NM, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, following a heroic struggle with pancreatic cancer. 

Mark was the son of Carl and Marilyn Bjorklund. Carl came to Los Alamos National Laboratory as a Chemist. Marilyn was a botanist and ornithologist. Mark inherited scholarly pursuits from Carl and a love of nature from Marilyn. Growing up in a neighborhood of runners near Aspen Elementary School, he trained for cross country and track on the many mountain trails that surround Los Alamos. A Read More

CLYDE ‘HERBIE’ HERBERT BALL Oct. 8, 1942 – June 13, 2025

Clyde “Herbie” Herbert Ball, 82, of Louisburg, NC, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025. He was born on October 8, 1942, to the late William Everett Ball and Frances Juanita Smith Ball in South Shore, Kentucky.

In addition to his parents, Herbie is preceded in death by his brother, William Frederick Ball; his sister, Carolyn Grey (Claude); niece Alex McKinney; brothers-in-law Dalton Gray and David McKinney III and his faithful canine companion Harley Ball.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Kelly Thompson, Jaki Swisher and Julia Read More

DOUGLAS L. WEISS Feb. 17, 1951 – June 19, 2025

Douglas L. Weiss passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Doug grew up in the town of Milan, Ohio where he graduated from Edison High School. Doug married his high school sweetheart, Louise and attended Case Western Reserve University, where he completed his Bachelor’s degree, then a PhD in Theoretical Physics just 3 years later. He completed a two-year post-doc term in Bloomington, Indiana and in 1978 moved with his family to Los Alamos where he completed another two-year post-doc Read More

EULALIA ‘LALA’ HARDWICK Dec. 14, 1928 – June 17, 2025

Lala began her journey in this life in the mountain village of Mineral Del Monte, Hidalgo, Mexico. Lala answered the call of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a young woman and went on a church mission in Mexico. It was on that mission that she met her future husband and love of her life, Jack, who had recently found the church and was himself on a mission.

Although Lala and Jack met while on their missions, dating between missionaries was strictly forbidden. Jack, however, was smitten. They continued their relationship and grew Read More

ANNA EARLENE CASPERSEN April 24, 1942 – May 6, 2025

Anna Earlene Caspersen, née Earlene Owen Jones, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, in Huntington Beach, CA. Anna had a wonderful gift for communicating with both music and words and for serving as a gracious and generous hostess throughout her life. She was fiercely curious, a lifelong learner, a voracious reader of both fiction and non-fiction books, and always eager to share her knowledge and faith with those around her.

Anna maintained an enduring commitment to her community, whether as an elementary school teacher in her younger years, Read More

DONNA MARIE SCHRAGE June 3, 1941 – June 14, 2025

Donna Marie, nee Ligtenberg, Schrage died peacefully in the memory care unit of the Tucson Place Nursing Home in Tucson on June 14, 2025, one day before her 40th wedding anniversary. She was born in Armour, South Dakota, on June 3, 1941.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dale Schrage, their Standard Poodle, Quincy, her sister Jacqueline (Ligtenberg) Sherman of Phoenix, Arizona, her niece Tonya Arnecke-Watson of Austin, Texas, and their three godchildren Ben, Robyn, and Jackson Arnecke of Austin, TX. She was predeceased by her parents, Benjamin Read More

ADELAIDE DORFMAN FU Dec. 2, 1939 – June 2, 2025

It is with great sadness that we share the news that our mother, Adelaide Dorfman Fu, passed away on June 2, 2025. Addie, as she was known by her friends and family, was born on December 2, 1939, to Constance and Edward Dorfman in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. She grew up in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts with a younger sister, Louise. Addie graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1957 and attended Bates College in Lewiston, Maine (class of 1961). After earning a BA in history, Addie went to the University of Michigan where she obtained a MA in library Read More

JOHN DAVID JOLLEY II Sept. 9, 1955 – June 9, 2025

John David Jolley II, known to those who loved him simply as David, died on June 9, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, just a few weeks after being diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. His passing was sudden and heartbreaking, and it is a deep sorrow to his family that he was not able to be surrounded by loved ones in his final moments. He was 69 years old.

Born in Wichita, Kansas, on September 9, 1955, David was the beloved son of Ordria Jolley and the late John David Jolley Sr. He was a proud resident of Los Alamos, New Mexico, where he built a life grounded in Read More

LOIS LEEMAN July 8, 1933 – June 6, 2025

On Friday, June 6, 2025, Lois Leeman, loving wife and mother, passed away at the age of 91 in the beautiful mountains of Northern New Mexico.

Lois was born on July 8, 1933, in Knob Noster, MO. In 1953, she met and married her life partner and love of her life, Miles Leeman. Not long after that, they moved to Albuquerque, NM where they spent the remainder of their lives together. Lois and Miles raised two children, Denise and Eric, and helped in the raising of multiple grandchildren.

Lois loved Christmas, African Violets, cardinals, hummingbirds and carrot cake. Read More

CLAIRE JEAN (LARSON) O’BRIEN Sept. 2, 1950 – Feb. 7, 2025

Claire Jean (Larson) O’Brien, born on September 2, 1950, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, departed this world for her heavenly home on February 7, 2025, surrounded by family and love. She was the cherished daughter of Barbara Jean Larson and Donald Anthony Larson of Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Claire’s journey through life was marked by profound love, unwavering faith, an enduring passion for the Lord, conservation, and environmentalism. Raised in Los Alamos, New Mexico, her passion for nature blossomed while exploring and playing in the Read More

LORRAINE ELIZABETH THORN March 31, 1934 – May 23, 2025

Lorraine Elizabeth Thorn (née Patten) lived a life that was anything but ordinary. Born in Michigan on March 31, 1934, to Olive Susan McCarty and Paul George Patten, Lorraine charted a path of intellect, independence, and adventure.

She graduated with honors from Michigan State University in 1956 with a degree in Chemistry, a rare and remarkable achievement for a woman of her time. Her early career brought her to Denver, where she worked for Dow Chemical and became an enthusiastic member of the Schussbaumer Ski Club, embracing the Colorado Read More

DAVID BROWN Aug. 11, 1930 – May 31, 2025

Born in New York City to Jewish immigrant parents, Isidor (Bronshvak) Brown and Anna Katz, David grew up near Bronx Park in the United Workers Cooperatives, known as “The Coops”, a cooperative housing project. Always curious about the world and how things worked, he thoroughly enjoyed learning, and early in life began reading a set of books his parents gave him, called “The Book of Knowledge”. Later on, he joined a group of local kids from The Coops in a club known as Club Dynamo, who were interested in tinkering on projects involving electricity and building Read More

JEROME GRIGGS BEERY Sept. 27, 1933 – June 6, 2025

Jerry Beery of Los Alamos, NM died peacefully at home on June 6, 2025, following sudden organ failure. He was one of seven children born to Gene Beery Sr. and Minerva Griggs Beery. Jerry was raised in Colby, Kansas.

Upon completion of high school, Jerry joined the Army and served in the 9th Ordnance Battalion, the first Army nuclear ordnance battalion, which was formed in 1953 at Sandia Base in Albuquerque. He was stationed in Pirmasens, Germany, part of the French occupied zone.

Following his service in the Army, Jerry attended Kansas State University Read More

MICHAEL JAMES KRONE Dec. 31, 1986 – May 7, 2025

Michael James Krone, born December 31, 1986 to James and Lauren Krone in Los Alamos, NM passed away at the age of 38 on May 7, 2025, in Alamosa, CO.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother Lauren, and sister Shannon. He is survived by his son Forest, daughter Evelyne Rose, father James, brother Mark and nephew Jasper, grandmother Martha, aunt Denise and uncle Michael, uncle John and aunt Becky, along with other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Michael loved animals and was an accomplished Veterinary Technician who was valued for his skill, knowledge, Read More

VIRGINIA BROWN July 19, 1935 – May 18, 2025

Her high school nickname was “Fireball” and if you had the opportunity to meet her you would understand why.

Virginia Brown was born on July 19, 1935, in Henrietta, Texas and died peacefully in her sleep on May 18, 2025, in Hillsboro, Oregon.

She was the third of five children born to Clarence and Hazel Oldfield. The family left Henrietta and moved to Grants, New Mexico in 1940 and returned to Decatur, Texas in 1941 so her father could work as a mechanic for Boeing in Ft. Worth at the beginning of WWII. They all packed up and moved back to Grants to build a new life Read More

STEVE MARK GONZALESMay 24, 2025 – Dec. 31, 1965

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Steve M. Gonzales on May 24, 2025. He was 59 years old.

Steve was born to Santiago Jr. and Florence Gonzales on December 31, 1965, the youngest of eight children. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Mandy (06/2022); mother, Florence (03/2022); and sister, Roberta Ann (05/1959). 

He is survived by his sons, Kevin and Joaquin Gonzales, both of Pojoaque; father Santiago Gonzales, Jr. of Nambe; siblings, Donna (Clint) Bowyer of White Rock, Monica (John) Garcia of Santa Fe, Dennis Gonzales (Maxine) Read More

M. URSULA GUTHORMSEN July 22, 1932 – May 24, 2025

Ursula Guthormsen, born Mary Ursula Brady, passed away May 24, 2025, at the home she shared with her family: daughter Amy Guthormsen, daughter-in-law Erin Lay, and grandchildren Charlotte Lay and Walter Guthormsen. We will miss the easy-going joy she brought to our lives every day.

Ursula was born in 1932 in Albany, New York. She grew up in the Bronx and studied nursing at St. Vincent’s School of Nursing. Of her career path, she often said that she worked until she got bored, then found some grant money to pursue more education. This path led her to earn Read More

MARILYN MINSHALL Sept. 1932 – May 18, 2025

Marilyn Minshall passed away on May 18, 2025, at the age of 92. She was born in September of 1932 in Klamath Falls, OR, to John Sidney Johnson and Agnes Bateman Johnson. Together with her siblings, Ardis and Earl, the family moved to Fortuna, California and again to Santa Rosa, CA.

Following graduation from high school, she attended Santa Rosa Junior College, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison where she earned a degree in Occupational Therapy. She was active in the Hoofer Club where she met Walter Verney “Wally” Green.

Married in June Read More

FIDEL NARANJO Aug. 7, 1940 – May 24, 2025

With deep sorrow and love, we announce the passing of Fidel Naranjo, a husband, loving father, proud grandfather, cherished great-grandfather, and beloved great-great-grandfather. Fidel passed away peacefully at the age of 84, surrounded by his family.

Born on August 7, 1940, to Syria and Nicolas Naranjo. He lived a full and meaningful life defined by dedication, quiet strength, and deep love for his family. His legacy stretches across five generations, each touched by his wisdom, warmth, and guidance.

Fidel was preceded in death by his parents, his Read More

JEAN L. MERSON Sept. 26, 1938 – Dec. 10, 2024

Jean Lorraine Merson sadly left us Dec. 10, 2024, following a stroke she had while living in Albuquerque NM. Jean was born in Oakland, CA on Sept. 26, 1938, as the only child of Alfred and Rita Jungblom. After graduation from high school, Jean attended The University of California Berkley where she obtained a degree in Chemistry. She was a very dedicated student even though she was faced with several hurdles along the way. At that time, it was generally felt that women did not belong in the sciences. She had more than one professor tell her she couldn’t Read More

DR. ROBERT A. GUYER July 30, 1936 – May 3, 2025

Dr. Robert A. Guyer, theoretical physicist and professor, age 88, died May 3, 2025, in Reno, Nevada, due to leukemia. A dedicated researcher and educator until the end, he published two scientific papers during his final year of life. Even in hospice care, he kept a small black notebook beside his bed to jot down equations and his last telephone conversation included a discussion with a young physicist about their ongoing collaborative work.

Born July 30, 1936, to Evan and Emma Guyer, Robert grew up in Buffalo, New York alongside his older brother, Read More

RODNEY MAX DOMINGUEZ April 27, 1967 – May 16, 2025

Rodney Max Dominguez, born on April 27, 1967, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025.

Rodney was a well-known and respected carpenter, a true wood artist whose craftsmanship and creativity left a lasting mark on every project he touched. His passion for his work was only matched by the love he had for his family and friends.

Rodney was a devoted husband, a proud and loving father, a caring brother, and a loyal friend to many. He had an incredible heart and a personality full of life, always willing to lend a hand, share a laugh, or offer words of encouragement. Read More

JANET MARLYN GOFORTH March 17, 1935 – March 23, 2025

Janet Marlyn Goforth, born March 17, 1935, to Walter and Ethyl Bailey in Winfield, Kansas, passed away at the age of 90 on March 23, 2025, in Livermore, California. 

Janet had been married to John Mark Goforth for 30 years until his passing in June 2022. They were married May 9, 1992, in Livermore, Alameda County, California. Anyone who knew Janet and John knew that this was a real love affair with deep affection and partnership between them.

Janet worked as an Executive Administrator in the Emergency Operations Center of the Los Alamos Nation­al Read More

COLLEEN OLINGER April 25, 2025

Colleen Elizabeth Olinger, age 84, passed away on April 25, 2025. She was born in Pioche, Nevada, to Allie and Jim Cox and grew up in Hamilton Fort, Utah. Colleen received her B.A. at the University of Utah and later earned her M.A. degree in geography at the University of Chicago. It is there she met her husband of 56 years, Bart Olinger.

After finishing her degree, Colleen worked as a teacher and a social worker in the Chicago area. She and Bart moved to Los Alamos in 1969, where Colleen was hired as a park ranger at Bandelier National Monument. They were lucky to be able Read More

RICHARD A. WEBER May 3, 2025

Richard A. Weber, 60, son of Thomas and Charmaine Weber, passed away suddenly, unexpectedly, and peacefully while visiting his parents’ home in Los Alamos.

He was born in Tucson, Arizona and came with his parents to Los Alamos when he was six months old. Most of his life was spent in Las Cruces, NM where he lived.

Richard graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1983, then attended New Mexico State University where he earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering. He stayed in Las Cruces, working at White Sands Missile Range until his retirement last year.

Growing up, Richard Read More

CHRISTOPHER HUFF May 31, 1983 – May 9, 2025

Christopher Huff, a cherished son, devoted brother, and proud Army infantry veteran, passed away on Friday, May 9 in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 41.

Chris served his country with honor and courage, including during his time in Iraq, where his dedication and bravery left a lasting impression on all who served alongside him.

He is survived by his infant son, mother Lisa Leake, father Ben Huff (Dot Huff); his sisters Dannielle Clark and Calyssa Huff; his brother-in-law Everest Koetter; his beloved niece Riley Clark and nephew Nicholas Clark.

Chris was Read More

FRANCES V. COOPER May 9, 2025

Frances V. Cooper, age 62, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, fought a valiant battle against brain cancer for over 16 years. She succumbed to the disease on Friday, May 9, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A loving and devoted wife and a proud mother, beloved daughter and daughter-in-law, treasured sister, caring aunty and loyal friend. Frances leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and unwavering compassion. She was a devout Catholic servant of God who shared her time and devotion in the adoration ministry.

Frances Cooper graduated in 1980 from Española Valley High School Read More

FAY ELAINE LEVIN May 6, 2025

Fay Elaine Levin was born in Chewelah, WA in 1932. She was the youngest child of Robert and Fay Duncan. She grew up on the family farm near Blue Creek, WA surrounded by her 11 brothers and sisters.

She proudly served in the Army Air Corps/U.S. Air Force. She graduated from college at Eastern Washington University in Cheney. She was a homemaker and held a variety of jobs, including working as a nurse’s aide, serving as a juvenile probation officer, working for the U.S. Postal Service, and working at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Fay was married twice. In 1960, she married Read More