Obituaries
Everett (Bud) Giles McLean Jr,
July 9, 2020
94, of Woodman, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2020.
Everett was born Feb. 6, 1926, in Elgin, Illinois. After graduating from Elgin High School, his higher education included a B.A. from Lake Forest College in 1949 where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, and an M.S. from Northern Illinois University in 1969 where he was instrumental in developing an outdoor education program for the Lorado Taft Field campus.
Everett served in the United States Army. During his career, he taught at the Chicago Junior School in Elgin and later for Glen Ellyn Junior High School (renamed Hadley Jr. High), retiring in 1986. As Director of Environmental Studies and Outdoor Education for Glen Ellyn Public Schools, he supervised science programs for the district, and developed and ran an extremely popular summer outdoor education program. While teaching, he also enjoyed working with his father at McLean’s Bait and Tackle in Elgin, raising soft-shell crabs and seining minnows to supply area fishermen and several exhibits at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.
A lover of the out-of-doors, including hunting and fishing, Everett was passionate about preserving the environment and protecting wildlife. He regularly took extended camping and fossil hunting trips with his first wife, Nancy, and their three daughters to explore and fish the wild remote areas of the Midwest. When his grandchildren visited, they often went on long hikes at his farm, fishing trips and enjoyed traditional evening campfires.
In his later years, he resided part time in California with second wife, Carol. He enjoyed volunteering at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, competing internationally as a member of the Santa Barbara Lawn Bowling Club, traveling the British Isle and retreating to his farm in Wisconsin during the summer for some quiet time. He regularly attended services and participated in Bible studies at The Marion Immanuel United Church of Christ in Woodman. Everett recently enjoyed a Father’s Day Zoom call from his daughters and nephew, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his first wife, Nancy L. Collingbourne.
His daughters are Lorna J.M. Rosson of Farragut, along with those outside of Farragut: Mary (Ben) Schmidtke, Julie (Jim) McPike and his second wife’s daughter, Rebecca (James) Carbone.
His granddaughters are Audra A. Rosson and Lorna E. Rosson of Farragut, along with those outside of Farragut: Heidi Lalowski (Dr. John Gaskill), Andrea McPike, Katy McPike (Col. James) Burack, Sue McPike (Siguard) Utgaard, Caitlyn Carbone (Justin) Dillon and Jessica Carbone.
His grandsons are Dr. Christopher (Brittany) Rosson of Farragut, along with those outside of Farragut: Ben Schmidtke III (Victoria Griesdoorn), Andrew McPike and Dr. Jim (Jenette) McPike II.
Great-grandchildren from Farragut are Everett Rosson, Nolan Aarant, Jack Aarant, Jenna Crowley and Charlotte Hays. Great-grandchildren outside of Farragut are Tristan Lalowski, Mary Lalowski, Johnny Gaskill, Jade Bayer, Forrest Bayer (great-great granddaughter Aiva Bayer), Audrey Bayer, Chloe Bayer, Isaac Bayer, Charlie Utgaard, Maggie Utgaard, Liam Burack, Finn Burack, Madalyn McPike, Angela McPike and Noelle McPike.
His nephews, Rick (Lili Ann Agustin) Breytspraak, John Breytspraak, Bill (Misue Fujimoto) Breytspraak, and nieces, Mary (Jim) Valerio (children Juno and Maryann) and Ann Breytspraak, visited him often in California.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorna Elaine Lussenhof and Everett Giles McLean Sr.; sister, Mary Lorna Breytspraak; younger brother, William Herbert McLean; grandson-in-law, Donn Lalowski; and second wife, Carol Price McLean of Santa Barbara, California.
The family plans to schedule a celebration of his life when gathering in person is possible. Please make a donation to a charity of your choice or plant a tree in Everett’s memory — Buckeyes were his favorite.
Margaret “Peggy Sue” Cypherd
July 2, 2020
73, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving husband and family Friday, June 19, 2020, in Farragut, Tennessee, after a long, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Family received friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 27, at Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel with a service celebrating Peggy following.
Afterward there was a reception next door at Milestones Event Center.
Peggy was born in Williamston, North Carolina, to William Mullen and Elsie Hyman Schultz, and raised in Robersonville, North Carolina, where she was the homecoming queen and graduated from Robersonville High School in 1964.
After her high school graduation, Peggy attended Richard Bland College for two years. Peggy was a four-time cancer survivor and a pioneer in trying experimental treatments at John’s Hopkins University Hospital that helped save her life and further cancer research.
In 1973, Peggy moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, and was hired by Burnup & Sims, Inc, a nationwide infrastructure construction company, and soon met her future husband, John. Peggy happily married John M. Cypherd Jr. June 28, 1974.
In 1980, they started their own engineering and xonstruction company, STS, Inc., located in Orlando. In 1995, they sold the company and retired to the mountains of North Carolina.
In 2016, they wanted to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren and moved to Farragut. Peggy loved spending time with her family and pets.
She enjoyed adventure and travel, gardening, playing golf, Purdue football games and Corvettes.
Peggy touched many lives with her inspirational stories and passion for life, and her Southern accent captured the hearts of everyone she met.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, William Mullen and Elsie Hyman Schultz; father-in-law, Donald Schultz; brothers, Thomas Mullen, James T. Taylor and Kenneth H. Taylor; aunt, Elizabeth Hyman Taylor; and uncle, James W. Taylor Jr.
Peggy is survived by her husband of 46 years, John M. Cypherd Jr. of Knoxville; daughter, Kathryn R. Nagy and husband, Philip, of Knoxville; sons, Christopher T. Cypherd and wife, Ronda, of Orlando; Robert Gregory Cypherd and wife, Gail, of Fishers Island, New York; John M. Cypherd III and wife, Stacy, of Tampa; daughter, Sonya Gauer, of Orlando; brother, Dallas W. Taylor, and wife, Ann, of Greenville, North Carolina.; sister-in-law, Toni C. Taylor, of Greenville; niece, Bebee Mullen Bugge and husband, Adam, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota; surrogate son, Peter Zike and fianceé Sonia, of El Paso, Texas; 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to UT Hospice and the Pancreatic Cancer Research.
Donna Brown Bocik
June 4, 2020
Donna Brown Bocik, age 57, passed away early Sunday, May 25, 2020. Her final moments were surrounded with love and care from her family in her home in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Donna was born and raised in East Tennessee, treasuring the mountains nearby her whole life.
She was a member of First Farragut United Methodist Church, where she was active in the children’s ministry and VBS for several years.
Donna was a devoted, compassionate and empowering mother. She fought breast cancer with the support of her husband to see their two girls graduate school this year and pursue their passions. Donna was one of the kindest, most admirable and beautiful souls to ever walk this earth, and will be missed by so many.
She undoubtedly loved her puppy, creating new craft ideas with her friends and Disney movies.
Her deepest love was for her family. She was active in the lives of her girls: helping out in the classroom, going to her daughter’s orchestra concerts and being a dance mom. Her calming advice helped guide her eldest daughter through her recent college years.
Donna also traveled to countless dance competitions to be her youngest daughter’s support system and motivation for her to achieve her dancing dreams.
She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Todd; daughters, Kaitlyn and Brenna; parents, Sandra Hatcher and William Brown; sibling, Lisa Mallory; and several other family members and countless friends whom she loved.
Family received friends from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 27, at Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel. A service to celebrate Donna’s life followed at 6:30 p.m., with the Rev. Chuck Powell officiant.
In lieu of flowers, make memorials in Donna’s name to Thompson Cancer Survival Center (https://www.thompsoncancer.com/giving/ways-to-contribute/).
Nancy Livesay Willis
April 23, 2020
Nancy Livesay Willis of Farragut passed away Thursday afternoon, April 16, at Parkwest Medical Center.
Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, Robert B. Livesay and Matilda K. Livesay, and sister, Carol L. Price.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, John D. Willis; son, Dr. N. Dale Willis (Kristina); daughter, DeAnne W. Teague; five grandchildren: Chloe Teague, Ian Willis, Nathan Willis, Callie Teague and Dawson Willis; uncle, Jack Livesay; niece, Jennifer P. Miller; nephew, Brent Price, and several cousins.
Nancy attended Virginia Intermont College in Bristol and Milligan College, and received her Masters from the University of Tennessee.
She was 2nd lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol. Nancy was a member of Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a member of Andrew Bogle NSDAR in Knoxville and a member of Farragut Garden Club.
Private services for immediate family were held Sunday, April 19, with interment in Union Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Leonard Turner and cousin Sheldon Livesay, of One Accord Ministry, officiating.
Nancy was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who loved her friends and enjoyed her clubs and Bible studies. Foremost in her life was her faith in Jesus Christ, and we are thankful for her testimony.
Galen Oppegard
April 16, 2020
When an explosion crippled the Apollo 13 spacecraft, Galen was chosen by NASA to be part of a team of elite rocket scientists who worked in Houston to analyze “the problem.” Galen was a cryogenics expert who worked for Boeing, Lockheed and Oak Ridge National Lab. Like many in “The Greatest Generation,” Galen came from humble beginnings. He was born in 1934, near Lanesboro MN, to Annette and Alfred Oppegard. Their farmhouse had no electricity or running water. Galen and his brothers walked to the one room schoolhouse. Galen went on to graduate from the U. of Minnesota. He married Joan McAffee, and was blessed with 50 years of marriage until her passing. They loved their eight children: Patricia Dueber, Peter Oppegard-1988 Olympic Champion in Pairs Figure Skating, Peggy Thomas, Pamela Carter, Pierrette Mathes, Paulette Foley, Paul Oppegard, and Preston Oppegard. Galen had fun with his sons-in-law: Peter Dueber, Mike Thomas, Bill Foley and daughter-in-law JJ Oppegard. He enjoyed traveling across the U.S. to attend the events and graduations of his 30 grandchildren and his great grandchild, Ella.
Grandchildren: Oppegard: Nolan, Marlie, Jenna, Gavin, Anna, Megan, Olivia, Sophia // Kayla Tyrrell Snider // Dueber: Stephanie, Kaylee, Nicholas // Thomas: Andrew, Will, Brittany, Danielle & husband Kevin Robertson // Carter: Elliot, Madeleine, Eugenia, Hugo, Henry // Mathes: Michael, Julia, John, Joseph, Thomas, Elizabeth // Foley: Kayla, Jack, Adrienne and Great Grandchild: Ella Foley
A celebration of Galen’s life will be held at a later date in the Bunker Hill neighborhood where he had lived since 1977. The children in the neighborhood adored “Mr. Galen” and he cherished them. He will forever be remembered for his kindness.
Donations may be sent online to Galen’s favorite charity, run by his niece, Linda Oppegard Campbell who lives in Africa and provides a school, food and clothing to needy children in Sseya Uganda. preparethewayministry.com
Norma Elizabeth DeFelice
April 9, 2020
Norma Elizabeth DeFelice, age 88, of Knoxville, formerly of Tampa, Florida, and New Bedford, Massachusetts, went home to be with the Heavenly Father on Saturday morning, April 4, 2020. Norma was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She loved music, dancing, traveling, sewing, puzzles and bowling, but the legacy that she was most proud of leaving behind is her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a happy and proud Nana. Her grandchildren were her everything. She is preceded in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, Peter John DeFelice Jr. She is survived by her son, John Burdett, and wife, Teri of Jacksonville, Florida; daughters, Debbie Loughrey and husband, Charlie of Farragut, Shelley Butler of Tampa, Florida, Donna Vreeland and husband, John of Pelham, Georgia, and Kathy Driscoll of Knoxville; grandchildren, Lindsy and Bradley, Justin and Shannon, Eric and Kelsey, Derek and Caleb. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date with interment in East Tennessee State Veteran’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ‘Alzheimer’s Association’ for the benefit of Alzheimer’s Disease Research at alz.org. Click Funeral Home, 11915 Kingston Pike, is serving the DeFelice family.
Jack Dale “J D” Miller
April 1, 2020
Jack Dale “J D” Miller, age 84, of Knoxville passed away Friday evening, March 27, 2020 at his home.
J D was born in Lansing, North Carolina. He was a veteran of the U S Marine Corps during the Korean War. J D graduated from Penn State University with a degree in engineering. He was co-owner of Concord Watch, Clock and Jewelry Center and was a master watch maker.
J D is survived by his sons, Eric Marple and Troy Miller; grandchildren, Brody Miller and Colby Miller; brother, Max Miller; several nieces and nephews.
Interment will be in the East Tennessee State Veteran’s Cemetery.
Jerry Donald McMurry
April 1, 2020
Jerry Donald McMurry, 81, died peacefully on March 31, 2020 at his home in Farragut, TN.
He is preceded in death by mother Ruby Walls, his father Harold McMurry, and his step-father William (Bud) Walls.
Jerry is survived by his wife Carolyn McMurry, son Greg McMurry, daughter-in-law Melissa McMurry, and his granddaughters Kelsey McMurry, Madeline Simms and her husband Logan Simms, Ansley McMurry, and Kate McMurry. He was also blessed by his devoted friend, Bobby Cloud.
Mr. McMurry was born August 2, 1938, in Knoxville, TN. He graduated from Knoxville High School in 1956. He married Carolyn Easterday on October 21, 1961. Jerry was a caring husband to his wife Carolyn, a loyal son to his mother Ruby, and a wonderful father to his son and daughter-in-law Greg and Missy. However, he was the most amazing grandfather to his four granddaughters, Kelsey, Maddie, Annie and Kate. His love, devotion, and service to his family came above everything else and was a source of pride and joy to him.
Mr. McMurry was a veteran of the Unites States Air Force. He retired after a long career at the United States Postal Service where he enjoyed working with customers at the Farragut branch. Jerry loved University of Tennessee athletics and cheering on the Vols in basketball and football. He was an avid traveler and loved spending time with his wife at the beach. He loved Christmas, decorations, and giving gifts and always looked forward to the excitement of Christmas morning. Jerry was a long-time member of West Lonsdale Baptist Church and more recently First Baptist of Concord.
Due to the current restrictions on gatherings, the family will have a private graveside service at the Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the West Lonsdale Baptist Church building fund 2720 Dayton St. Knoxville, TN 379720.
Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel is serving the McMurry family.