Obituaries

Joseph B. La Monica

1931-2006

There will be an open house from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 3 at 65 Highway 341, Mound House for Joseph B. La Monica, 74, who died Jan. 23, 2006.

Mr. La Monica was born in Los Angeles, Calif. May 27, 1931, and lived in Orange, Calif. for many years before moving to Gardnerville. An inventor and entrepreneur, he was a pioneer in scuba diving and spearfishing equipment manufacturing prior to retiring in the Gardnerville area. He became a successful developer of industrial and commercial properties at Mound House in Lyon County. He also became active in promoting animal welfare organizations and facilities in Lyon and Douglas counties.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Anna La Monica; his brother John La Monica of Yucca Valley, Calif.; his sister Frances Stalker of Orange, Calif.; his three sons Larry La Monica of Carson City, Kevin La Monica of Tustin, Calif., Lee La Monica of Norfolk, Va., stepson Dennis Runnels of Colorado Springs, Co. and step-daughter Sherrill Chapman of Prescott Valley, Ariz. as well as two cousins, 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are in the care of FitzHenry's Carson Valley Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, make memorial donations in Joseph B. La Monica's name to Douglas Animal Welfare Group, P.O. Box 1850, Gardnerville, NV 89410.

Louis E. Starrh

1921-2006

A service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Carson Valley United Methodist Church, Gardnerville for Louis E. Starrh, 84, who died Jan. 20, 2006. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. at the church.

Mr. Starrh was born Oct. 9, 1921, in Rigby, Idaho, to George and Mary Starrh. He lived Gardnerville for the past 29 years since his retirement in 1977.

Prior to moving to the Valley, he was a farmer for many years in Hanford, Calif., and a business owner in South Lake Tahoe.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, past master of the Masonic Douglas Lodge 12 F&AM and a life-time member, member of Hanford Lodge No. 74, Knight York Cross of Honor Nevada Priory No. 50, past High Priest and life member Lewis Chapter No. 1 Carson City, Order of High Priesthood, past Illustrious Master and life member KYGCH Capitol Council No. 7 Carson City, Order of the Silver Trowel, General Grand Council R&SM Cryptic Mason of the Year, past Commander and life member E.C. Peterson Comandry No. 8 Carson City, past Preceptor Holy Arch Knight Templer Priesthood, Kerak Shrine Temple, charter member Carson Valley Shrine Club, Yorkrite College, Honorary life member Carson Valley No. 33 F&AM Gardnerville.

His love of family, farming and the lodge and his fellow brothers made for a very active and full life.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Esther Starrh, second wife Lucille Starrh, granddaughter Kelly Wilson, brothers Irwin Starrh and Gerald Starrh, sisters Loa Grainger and Ella May Starrh.

He is survived by his wife Theresa Starrh, daughter Loa Booth of Gardnerville, son and daughter-in-law Arthur and Arlene Starrh of Aptos, Calif. and daughter and son-in-law Kathy and Gary Wilson of Gardnerville. Among his other survivors are William and Susan O'Niel of Carson City, Judy White of Philadelphia, Bob and Julie Blumenthal of Gardnerville, Jane and Joe Plemons of Maryland and his brother Fred Starrh of Shafter, Calif. He is also survived by grandchildren Brian, Paul and John Wilson, Spencer and Justin Starrh, Nichol Handshuh, Autumn Burgess, Carrie, Kelly and Ryan Geldhof, Jenny Shorder, Bill Blumenthal, Peter, Chris and Jeremy Plemos, Terry Duffy, Laura Kelly, Pat Alan, 15 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

Arrangements are in the care of FitzHenry's Funeral Home in Gardnerville. Memorial contributions can be made to the Douglas Lodge No. 12 Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 262, Genoa, NV 89411.