Author Archives: David Stevens

Bill Brink

Dr. Marshall William “Bill” Brink — Class of 1949

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Dr. Marshall William “Bill” Brink entered into the presence of the Lord on May 23, 2023, after 15 months of loving in-home care. He passed peacefully from his ranch in Whitmore to his Heavenly Home, surrounded by family. Bill was born on May 9, 1931, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After serving in the Army and graduating from vet school, Bill opened the Brink Veterinary Clinic in Palo Cedro, California in 1969. He taught Sunday School at Grace Baptist Church for over fifty years. Bill leaves a legacy of humble, faithful service to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Known as “Papa” to many, Dr. Bill will be greatly missed by his wife of 69 years, his two children, eight grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren. His memorial service will be Saturday, June 17 at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church in Redding, California.

https://www.redding.com/obituaries/rrs022261

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/255931135/marshall-william-brink

Bill’s sister, Eleanor (Brink) Hallstrom (1929-1995), was a member of the class of 1947. Their family lived on Aster St. Their father was a maintenance foreman.

Donald J. McCarley

Donald J. McCarley — Class of 1969

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Donald J. McCarley age 73 of St. Cloud died Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at his home in St. Cloud. Burial with full military honors will be 1PM Friday January 12, 2024 at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls. Visitation will be from 4-6PM on Thursday (Today) at the Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in St. Cloud. The Sauk Rapids Legion will pray at 6PM.

Donald James McCarley was born to Donald H. and Joyce (Hill) McCarley on August 25, 1950, in Ridgecrest, CA. He graduated from Trona High School in Trona, CA, and went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Navy during the time of the Vietnam War. Don then worked as a letter carrier for over 33 years for the United States Postal Service in St. Cloud. Don was married to Doris Lee Montgomery on March 24, 1975, in Lancaster, CA, and together they raised their three sons.

Don will be remembered for his love of books and reading. He was an avid hunter and liked to spend time in nature. Don and Doris loved to watch classic movies together, especially Jimmy Stewart movies. He was also a big John Wayne and Elvis fan. He had an unmatched love of music and was known as a rock and roll “headbanger.” Don was also very proud of his military service, and was a commander of the color guard at the Sauk Rapids American Legion Post #254 for many years. Above all else, he will be dearly missed as an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to all who knew him.

Don is survived by his wife, Doris; sons, Bobby (Tara) Nowak of Wausau, WI, Flynn (Renee) McCarley of Green Bay, WI, and Cody (Melissa) McCarley of St. Cloud; grandchildren, Kole, Madison, Carrington, Ava, Connor, and Vivian; great-grandchild, Teagan; and brothers, John Phillip McCarley, class of 1967, and Larry McCarley, class of 1975.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Teresa , class of 1971.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Disabled American Veterans organization at www.donate.dav.org/donate

Read More: Donald “Don” J. McCarley, 73, St. Cloud | https://wjon.com/donald-don-j-mccarley-73-st-cloud/?fbclid=IwAR38VFex9cyipS5wvoal1HkuicbXqtODR8EmauTTJH1f9XCq3CMdenOk4Fk&utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Don McCarley1966

Claudia Lynne (Morrison) Farquhar — Class of 1966

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Claudia Lynne Morrison went home to her Lord and Savior on December 31st, 2023. She was born to Marshal & June Farquhar on February 15th, 1948. She was born and raised in Trona, CA & graduated from Trona High School in 1966. She met her husband Terry Morrison in 1967 & they married in 1968.

 She is survived by her husband, Terry, four kids: James, Donnie (Lisa), Tina (James), & Tera (Cory). Eight grandkids: Meagan, Rick (Sabrina), Mackenzie (Eric), Brooke (Alex), Chelsie, James, Jacob & Andrew. And nine great-grandchildren: Harper, Noah, Gabby, Emma, Asher, Saturn, Rome, Hazel and Norah.

Claudia was loved by all who met her and she truly made everyone feel special. She lived a beautiful life with the love of her life, dedicated her life to her family and made everyone she met feel deeply cared for. She loved nothing more than spending time with her husband, kids, grandkids and great grandkids.

She was a faithful servant of God and found so much joy in sharing His love with others. Many people looked to her for her wisdom, found comfort in her presence and enjoyed her amazing humor. Life will not be the same for those whose lives were touched by her grace and her comforting love.

“Your brighter than the brightest star, your sunshine happiness that’s what you are”. The sunshine she gave to us all will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Chapel on January 13th at 12pm with a reception to follow. For those not able to attend the service will also be live streamed online at calvarychapelridgecrest.com

https://www.ridgecrestca.com/obituaries/claudia-lynne-morrison/article_066d448e-aa74-11ee-b317-9b7ba4adfde8.html

Claudia’s brother, Don Farquhar, class of 1962 passed away in 2010.

Debra Gale (Harvey) Kleitman — Class of 1972

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Debra Gale Harvey Kleitman

March 29, 1954 – November 30, 2023

Merced, California – Born March 29, 1954 – Died November 30, 2023 Preceded in death by parents Gale and Zelda Harvey. Debbie is survived by husband Richard Kleitman, daughter Elisa Kleitman, son Adam Kleitman and brothers Larry and Bill Harvey. She was raised in Trona California and attended Trona Elementary and High School where she was very active in many clubs, the leader of the color guard and a Past Honored Queen of Job’s Daughters. She continued her education at Chaffey College, San Francisco State (BA), Fresno State (MA Special Education) and UC Davis (Reading Specialist certificate). Debbie taught for Merced County Office of Education at Schelby School and the infant care program and Merced City Schools as a Resource Specialist at Ada Givens and Don Stowell Elementary Schools. An avid quilter, fudge maker, puzzle solver and tea drinker, Debbie loved traveling and sharing stories with friends and family.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made to the California Masonic Foundation ‘Raising a Reader program’.

Graveside services will be at the Searles Valley Cemetery (Trona, CA) December 11th at 11am. A Celebration of Life will be held at the family home on January 14th 

Debra Gale (Harvey) Kleitman — Class of 1972

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Debra Gale (Harvey) Kleitman passed away at her home in Merced, California on November 30, 2023.

Debbie, was a Trona High School graduate in the Class of 1972.  She was the daughter of Gale and Zelda Harvey and the sister of Larry and Bill Harvey.

Deb was the THS Drill Team Leader her senior year.

She will be buried in the Trona Cemetery on Monday, December 11th at 11:00 a.m. Classmates and friends are invited to attend.

https://www.ridgecrestca.com/obituaries/debra-gale-harvey-kleitman/article_9eebe47e-93a7-11ee-b548-9b2b370b3100.html

Suzanne “Suzie” Maude Badders — Class of 1963

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I just learned about the passing of Sue Badders. I don’t have any details except that her family plans to scatter her ashes near the location of the old stables. I believe they mean the stables in Trona Road just south of Pioneer Point.

Sue had an older sister, Diane, who graduated in 1961. She passed away in 2017.

If I find an obituary or get any more information, I will share it.

Note: Due to an error in the 1961 Telescope a previous version of this post had a picture of the wrong person. Thank you, Andrea, for bringing that to our attention and for providing a picture of your friend, Sue.