Obituaries

Local Florist and Lifelong Maderan Passes, Mary "Cruz" Chairez (84)

Mary "Cruz" Chairez (84), a native and lifelong resident of Madera, CA passed away Friday, March 22, 2013 at a Madera hospital. "Cruz" started working in the flower business in 1946 and started Plaza Flower Shop in 1968.

She was a member of St. Joachim Catholic Church, the Y.L.I. and a former life member of the Soroptimist International of Madera. Cruz was the recipient of the Madera Chamber of Commerce "Lifetime Achievement Award" and "Woman of the Year" from the Y.L.I.

Don Konkol: Madera Grocer & Owner of Sierra Foodland Dies at 95

Don Konkol (95), a native of Ashland, WI and a resident of Madera, CA for 53 years passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at Cedar Creek Retirement Community. He was owner and operator of Sierra Foodland Grocery store from 1960 to 1986. He also owned and operated Madera Custom Meat Locker, Loknok Deli and Madera Party Rentals.

After retirement he and his wife, Jean managed the Reef Apartments, Town and Country Apartments and Rosewood Court. Don will always be remembered for his Konkol and Konkol Productions at every family event. Don was a member of the Exchange Club, the Ells Club, Madera Golf and Country Club and the Organizers Organ Group in Fresno.

Ed Cutler Jr. (69)

Ed Cutler Jr. (69) went home to be with his Lord peacefully on Monday, February 25, 2013, after a long fight with cancer. Ed started out working in Christian radio and sales, worked with his father at Cutler TV, and then owned Ed Cutler's Super Store.

In 1992 he started Digital Attic, a full service multimedia company and a leader in the field of marketing and web design - all from a spare bedroom.

Legendary Fresno State Coach Jim Sweeney Passes Away

Fresno State’s All-Time Wins Leader Led the Bulldogs for 19 Seasons

FRESNO – Fresno State’s legendary head football coach Jim Sweeney passed away Friday, Feb. 8, he was 83 years old.Sweeney led the Bulldogs for 19 years on the sidelines, finishing as Fresno State’s all-time wins leader with 144 victories. In his 32 seasons as a head coach he finished with 200 wins.

“Jim Sweeney is a Bulldog legend who will be deeply missed in our community,” Fresno State’s University President John D. Welty said. “Not only was he one of Fresno State’s most successful football coaches, but he was also a man who loved his student-athletes, first as individuals, and second as athletes, making their well-being a priority. Jim was devoted to Fresno and to our university – he embodied the true Bulldog spirit.”

Former Madera Educator Dies: Dr. Jan Yocum Duke (65)

Dr. Jan Yocum Duke (65), a native of Madera, CA former resident of Fresno, CA and a resident of Paso Robles, CA for 7 years, passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at a Fresno Hospital.

Jan graduated from Madera High School. She was a retired teacher and school administrator for 36 years. She was a teacher with Madera Unified School District and a consultant for the Bureau of Education and Research.