Robert Charles Capehart

Robert Charles Capehart

Robert Charles Capehart was born on March 8, 1967 to Charles and Myrtle Capehart in Prineville, Ore. He passed away Dec. 24, 2017 in Hawthorne, Nev. He was 50 years old.

Bob’s life was full of family and friends that he loved with his whole heart. Bob believed in helping everyone he could. He always kept extra clothing in the vehicle to hand out to the homeless in cold weather, kept extra money with him to help pay for the bill of the person in line that didn’t have enough, to helping all his many friends and family whenever he could.

Bob and I had a 25 wonderful years together. After his illness in 2009 when we almost lost him, we spoke often of what we would want when the time came for one of us to complete the life of the other. Bob wanted a letter placed from him in place of an obituary. So I have done my best to honor his wish. I know there is so much more he wanted to say to family, friends and buddies.

A Letter from Bob:

I want my family and friends to know just how much I loved you all. You filled my life full with fun, hard work, hard play, scary times, exciting moments and every bit full of love.

Some people may say that I left my family behind. My dad and mom, you were the best parents. You made me the man I grew to be. You taught me right from wrong and loved me know matter what, even when I tested the wrong. I know my aunts will be there to help mom and my other (as I like to call him) Tim will be there for dad. Thank them for me and tell them I love them.

My sister, Nicky Reed, I know the pain your feeling. I had that pain back when I thought we lost you. I only wish I could take that pain with me. You have your great husband Tom Reed and your boy’s, my nephews Tommy Reed, Jr. and Travis Reed to keep you safe, hold you and love you along with Kat, Shelby, Elenore and Kyle.

My beautiful loving wife Robin, that loved me with whole heart and soul as I loved her. I love you Hun and I’ll never leave you.

My sister in laws: Kathy, Janette, Christy and Tracy, you all took me in like I had been family forever. Tracy and her husband took me in while I spent a short time working for the state prison in Salem, Ore. and then again helped me home after that 2009 illness. I love you like my own sisters.

My beautiful daughter Nicole Atkin – watching you grow was a privilege that I cherished so deeply that it almost hurt at times. You continue to bring love and joy to my life. You and Will Glazier gave me three loving grandson’s. My memories of Jack and me walking on the beach, hot chocolate in one hand and my hand in the other is something I think I will take with me. William snuggling on my chest as a baby and him and I wearing the popcorn hats while camping. Then my little daredevil Duke – always on the go. I’ll hope to take with me the memories of all the gun fights, tickles and cuddles. All my boys are full of cuddles and love. I know they will be a big help grandma and you.

William Glazier, my son in law – you’re a strong man. You’re full of love. I see it every time I’m with you. The love you show for Nikki and the kids always made me happy and now there is my granddaughter, Cora. I won’t have to worry about her. Her brothers have that in hand and that look you have shows what a strong lady you will grow to be. Just like your mom and grandma.

Robin and I believe that even though the body may fail, the love, life and spirit are here to remain will all our loved ones.

I had the best childhood ever. Camping, hunting, fishing and so many adventures filled my life. I tried my hand in the music world for a short time but found myself back home and working for Oregon Department of Forestry. I worked with my best friend there. John Johnson if it wasn’t for you watching my back I probably would have been gone a long time ago. I worked with parks and recreation during the off season. I loved teaching the kids to skate, playing games and making friends. Then one day my life changed in a second while I sat on that bench waiting for the new manager to come in. It was the love of life Robin on Sept. 12, 1992.

I fell in love with you as soon as I seen you. I didn’t know what to say or do. After a couple weeks of working with you I knew I had to do or say something. I stayed later after work to help you cleanup. I had other things on my mind than cleanup. I had a plan but you threw a loop in it when you reached out and shook my hand and said thank you. All I wanted to do was to wrap my arms around you and kiss you. You squashed me down but I won you over.

That first time I made love to you I didn’t even realize I had said that I wish I knew you better I’d ask you to marry me. When you said after what we just did I think you know me pretty well so ask me. I was so surprised, but I have never regretted asking, but then you said we had to ask Nikki and if she said no we could not, you squashed me again. I was so nervous asking her. When you did ask her and she smiled and said ya, sure. I didn’t think I could be any more happier. We married Dec. 9, 1992. Then one day Nikki came up to me and asks if she could call me dad. My stomach turned, my heart felt like it was going to burst. I couldn’t be more proud. I had a beautiful loving wife, a gorgeous little daughter and a great family.

Over the years, I had a few other jobs then the move to Hawthorne to be close to the kids. I loved my job as a guard. I have many friends and buddies that mean so much. I know some of you will help watch over my family and I thank you. You know who you are. You added a little something fun and amusing to my life.

I wouldn’t change a thing about my life. I don’t want any special services or anyone sitting in stuffy room mourning over me. When the time is right and the weather warm I have asked Robin to plan a camp out for me. I want everyone to remember me with smiles and fun stories while fishing and sitting around the fire.

So cry a little, miss me a little and remember me with fun and laughter.

I’ll be watching over you all and I’ll see you on the other side. I’ll never leave you.

Bob

My husband was truly an amazing man. I loved him with my whole heart and soul and will miss him deeply. He said it early on in his letter “We both truly believe that when the body gives out that the love, life and spirit live on”. I know if he would have had the time to tell me he would have had me add that whenever you need that extra push of strength, to call on him and he will reach out and continue to be there. I have asked him repeatedly over the last few days. Without his love around me helping me with everything I would be completely lost. I thank you Robert Capehart for the love and life that I had with you. I neither would change a thing except for wanting you to stay longer.

I will always love you and will wait patiently for the day we are together again. Until then, I know you’ll have your loving arms around me.

Frederic Joseph Trdla

Frederic Joseph Trdla

Frederic (Fred) Joseph Trdla, age 78, of Hawthorne, passed away on Dec. 14, 2017, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Reno.

He was born on Dec. 12, 1939, to Frederick Trdla and Mary (Maldonado) Trdla in Brownsville, Texas.

Following in his father’s footsteps of service, Fred enlisted in the Navy in 1957, where he received an Honorable discharge.

He spent most of his career as a first responder; serving with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Police, Walker River Paiute Tribal Police and retiring as the Mineral County Sheriff after 18 years of service with the Mineral County Sheriff’s Department.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, many friends and relatives, and most recently by his beloved wife Lola (Beth) Trdla.

He is survived by his children: Cindy Gurney, Carol Love, Fred Trdla and Mary Trdla; eleven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; his Uncle Bob Maldonado and many cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 at 1 p.m. at O’Brien-Rogers, Crosby in Reno.

Marvin Carl Fence, Jr.

Marvin Carl Fence, Jr., 70 years old, died suddenly at home on Dec. 10, 2017.

He was born June 10, 1947 in Artesia, Calif. the son of Marvin Carl Fence, Sr. and Vena Louise (Jennings) Fence.

He graduated from Elk Grove High School – Class of 1965.

Carl served in the US Army for 21 years and retired with honors. After the Army he worked in the oilfields of New Mexico and Texas and drove truck-trailer and took classes at Shasta Community College.

He had a lifetime membership with the VFW.

Carl was married to his loving wife, Sherre Fence, for 29 years.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers: Wesley Fence and George Fence.

He is survived by: wife, Sherre Fence; son, Stacy Owens; daughters: Cassandra Sanger, Melody Ward and Tara Lott; step-daughters: Danielle Bassett and Melonie Schleich; sisters: Maralou Spear, Avelle Martin, Carla Sue Hines, Terri Beaver and Dene Chabot-Fence; grandchildren: Jonin Ruiz, Cory Fenter, Justin Owens, Grant Owens, Malissa Lott, Matthew Sanger, Breanne Sanger, Eric Lott, Hannah Cross, Molly Bassett and Phillip Schleich.

A service of remembrance was held Jan. 3 at Monument Park at Walker Lake. Pastor Frank Reynolds said a few words and the VFW representatives and an honor guard were in attendance. His ashes were placed in the lake.

Norma Clark

Norma Clark, formerly of Hawthorne, passed away on Christmas Day of 2017. No services are scheduled.

David Dale Gelmstedt

David Dale Gelmstedt passed away on Jan. 4, 2018 in Sun City, Ariz. He was born in Susanville, Calif. on Oct. 13, 1957 to Dale and Betty (Hedley) Gelmstedt. He spent his first five years living on a Southern Pacific boxcar traveling between Altera, Calif. and Salt Lake City, Utah before moving to Fernley to start first grade.

Dave’s primary and secondary education were completed in Fernley, Nev. During his high school years, he managed the boy’s basketball team. This love of basketball followed him to the University of Nevada, Reno where he managed the men’s basketball team. When he graduated with his degree in special education, he returned to Fernley to work as a special education teacher and began his coaching career as the girl’s junior varsity coach.

In 1982, he accepted a special education job at Hawthorne Junior High School. He eventually moved to the high school and continued his coaching career. In the 21 years he worked and coached in Hawthorne, Nev. he coached boys junior varsity basketball, girls junior varsity basketball, girls varsity basketball, football and softball. During his time in Hawthorne, he also completed a M.Ed from the University of Nevada, Reno and his Specialist in Educational Leadership from Southern Mississippi University.

Dave led his first girls’ basketball team to the state championship in 1989. This was followed by state championships in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. He was named “coach of the year” in girls’ basketball eight times during this time. He also assisted George Winters in leading the softball team to State Championships in 1995 and 1996.

Dave’s coaching accomplishments were acknowledged not only in Hawthorne, but also by schools, coaches and universities from around the state and country. His coaching success will be celebrated with his induction into NIAA Hall of Fame in March 2018.

In 2003, Dave moved to Phoenix, Ariz. where he began working at Deer Valley School District. He worked as a high school special education teacher then as a Special Education Strategist at Sandra Day O’Connor High School. He was employed there until his death.

When he wasn’t coaching, Dave enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family at Lake Davis, Calif. Weekends would find him hunting down multiple yard sales or estate sales looking for the next great bargain. He kept in touch with several of his students and basketball players over the years and was greatly honored by their notes and letters as time passed.

Dave is preceded in death by his father, Dale and his brother, Russell as well as his cousin, Johnny. He is survived by his mother, Betty Gelmstedt; his daughter Elizabeth Gelmstedt; his brother, Daniel Gelmstedt (Linda) and their children, John and Katie; nieces: Heidi Gelmstedt, Veronica Gelmstedt and Erin Gelmstedt as well as his sister, Frances Pedrona (Jesus). He is also survived by his step-daughter, Bonnie (McQueen) Wilmot (John); his granddaughters Kate and Sydney and his daughter-of-the-heart, Alicia (Torres) Noble (David) and her children, Wil and Jayda.

A Service of Remembrance will be held Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018 at 2 p.m. Service in Fernley on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 3 p.m. at the Fernley Intermediate School Gym.