November

We regret to inform you of the passing of Louis C. “Lou” Wise, PDD – St. Augustine Lodge # 829 on November 27, 2021

Louis C. Wise, PDD and longtime former secretary of St. Augustine Lodge # 829. Lou served as DDGER in 1996/97. His wife Elizabeth served as the State President of the Florida Ladies of Elks in 2004.

Condolences to:

Ronald T. Brown, PDD and longtime ritual person of Tallahassee Lodge # 937 passed on November 30. Ron served as DDGER in 2006/07. He will be missed.

Condolences to:

It is our sad duty to report that Lou Wise, PDD from St. Augustine Lodge # 286 passed away this past Saturday (11/27)

We regret to inform you of the passing of PDD Roy C. Kronenberg. Roy was a lifelong member of Pompano Beach Lodge #1898 and served on the Hoop Shoot committee for many years, several of those as its chair. He served the SSE District as its District Deputy in 2003/04.

He will be missed!

Condolences:

October

Earl O. Irvin was initiated in Lake City Lodge# 893 February 9, 1966 and served as Exalted Ruler.  He was Northeast District Vice President in 1973-74.  He dimited to Tallahassee Lodge #937 in 1987.  He was an Officer of the Year and Elk of the Year and was voted life membership.  He had the distinction of being married to two FLOE presidents.  Earl passed away at his daughter's home September 14 at the age of 9. A memorial service was held at the Tallahassee Lodge on September 25.

September

John Lesko, PDD from Merritt Island Lodge # 2650 passed away late last night from COVID complications. John served as the East Central District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler (DDGER) in 2003/04.

He was the Lodge Advisor to the Merritt Island Lodge, and was the East Central District (ECD) Chairman for Elks Training. His wife, Marcie, is a member of the Merritt Island, Ladies of the Island Elks organization, and they have both attended many state Elks functions over the years. We missed seeing John and Marcie at the recent Florida Ladies of Elks (FLOE) conference. John’s membership number was 431 and although we don’t believe he was a charter member of his lodge, when it was formed in 1982, he was indeed a longtime member of the lodge. We remember too that John was an avid collector of guns and I often heard stories of his vast collection and knowledge.

He will be dearly missed.

Condolences:

Peggie McClellan, wife of Past State President (PSP) Vic McClellan, passed away late last night. She had been battling cancer. Peggie was warm & loving, a very caring & sharing person, a true southern lady. She will be dearly missed. I will send more information once it is received.

Services for Peggie McClellan:

Graveside services will be held for Peggie McClellan, wife of PSP Vic McClellan, on October 29, 2021 at the Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 SR-119, Montevallo, AL  at 2:00 PM.

On November 7, 2021, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Ormond Beach Elks Lodge, 285 Wilmette Ave, Ormond Beach, FL from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The Elks Funeral Service will be conducted at 3:00 PM. Those attending the Celebration of Life are requested to RSVP Debbie Brozyna at dbbrozy@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to the Army of Hope, Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services, or the Florida Elks Youth Camp.

Army of Hope checks payable to Florida Elks Charities

(please note on check  lodge name if affiliated with a lodge)

Therapy Services or Youth Camp checks payable to Harry-Anna Investment Fund

(please note on check  lodge name if affiliated with a lodge)

We received word Tuesday that the current Exalted Ruler of Aripeka Lodge # 2520, Robert R. “Bob” Russell, had been struck by a car and killed while out walking that morning. Our condolences to his wife Jacqueline and all the family.

August

We regret to inform you of the passing of PDDGER Linda J. “Lynn” Bailey – East Polk Lodge #2882 – Southwest Central District. Lynn was Lodge Advisor to her Lodge and most recently served as a District Director of the Florida State Elks Association Board of Directors. Lynn was DDGER in 2011/12. She was also instrumental in the institution of the East Polk Lodge. Lynn had been suffering with ALS.

Lynn is survived by her husband Joe Bailey. Joe informs that a memorial service will be held in approximately one month.

She will be missed!

There will be a Celebration of Life for PDD Lynn Bailey on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at the East Polk Elks Lodge located at 4198 Dundee Road, Winter Haven, FL  33884.

The Lodge opens at 1pm and at 2pm they will hold an Elks service.  After the service there will be finger foods and cake.

March-July

Karolyn F. Lind, 76, passed away on Friday, March 26, 2021, at home in Lake Placid, Florida. She was born on Oct. 1, 1944, in Yonkers, New York to William and Frances Spangenberger. She moved to Florida in 1955. Karolyn worked as a surgical oncology medical assistant, retiring in 2007. She enjoyed travel, gardening and was an avid reader. She was a member of the Lake Placid Elks, The Lake Placid Women’s Club and volunteered at the chamber of commerce. She was also a cancer counselor for the American Cancer Society, being a survivor herself.

A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church located at 3380 Placid View Drive, Lake Placid, FL 33852. A celebration of life and Elks service will follow at the Lake Placid Elks Lodge located at 200 CR621, Lake Placid, FL.

She will be dearly missed!

PDD Donna Berkowitz from the West Palm Beach Elks Lodge lost her son John Proctor on March 27^th after a brief illness. No additional information is available at this time. Please also keep Donna and her family in your prayers.

December

We regret to infom our members that Orange Park #2605 PDD, William “Bill” Ruffian Sr., passed away on December 27th. Bill was 87 years old.

We are saddened to report the passing of Peggie McClellan's mother, Cumi Luckie, overnight. Her mother has been in a nursing home. She was 96 years old.

The funeral service and burial will take place in Alabama.

Please send condolences to:

As most of you are aware, our Inverness #2522 Club Steward, Kathy Cariel, has contracted the Covid 19 Virus.  She has been hit hard but is recovering at home and is not hospitalized. We have had several others in our Lodge that have become infected.

Regrettably, PER, Ray Fink passed away late last night. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Judy Flegle and Ray’s family. He was an integral part of his lodge for many years and his steady hand and clear thinking will be greatly missed by all who knew and admired him.

November

It is with a heavy heart that we pass on the news received this morning regarding another of our members who has passed away this week. I was informed this morning that Lodge Advisor Bill Wilson, PDDGER, Jacksonville Lodge #221, passed away yesterday while in the hospital. We were informed that Bill had been hospitalized a few days ago with breathing issues which worsened very quickly it seems. 

We do not know anything yet regarding the funeral services for Bill but as more information becomes available, we will share that with you. Please keep his family in your prayers and hearts. He will be truly missed.

We regret to report the passing Barbara Fournier, PER and Bernie Gordon, PER.

Memorial Services will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2020, to honor two of Holiday Isles #1912 Past Exalted Rulers who have recently passed.

NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS!!

THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BARBARA AND BERNIE AT 2 pm TODAY HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

THE LODGE WILL BE RESCHEDULING THE SERVICE AT A FUTURE DATE.

Contact PER Rhonda Smith at 727-742-5782 for questions.

October

We regret to report the passing of Elmer “Smitty” Messerschmidt, PDD. Smitty was from Brandon Lodge having served as DDGER in 1998/99. His wife is Beverly Messerschmidt a past state president (2008) of FLOE. He was 77. An Elks Memorial Service is scheduled for 1:00 PM on Friday, October 16th at the Brandon Elks Lodge. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Harry-Anna Trust Fund.

https://www.southernfuneralcare.com/obituaries/Elmer-Messerschmidt-Jr?obId=18626713#/obituaryInfo

September

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Past State President, Frank Hayes this morning.

Frank was a member of Crestview Lodge # 2624 in the Northwest District. Frank was State President of the Florida State Elks Association in 2011-12.

Frank will be dearly missed!

Arrangements have not yet been announced.

Condolences to:

L_hayes2@hotmail.com

August

It is our sad duty to report the passing of Sarasota South Lodge #2495, Phil Albarano, PER.

June-July

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we inform you of the passing today of Joseph B. Bryant, a Past State Treasurer of the Florida State Elks Association. Joe was a member of the Sebring Lodge # 1529 and was a Past District Deputy in 1979/80. Joe served the FSEA as the State Treasurer for 33 years going emeritus in 2018. Joe’s wife Nancy Faye is a Past State President of the Florida Ladies of Elks.

Joe will be dearly missed as he was a friend to everyone, a mentor to many and even a father-figure to a few!

September

We were saddened yesterday to learn of the passing of W. Dennis Osborn, PDD of Brandon Lodge#2383.Dennis was Southwest Central District Vice President in 2012/13 and served as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in 2013/14. Dennis has also been a member of the Florida State Elks Association Business Practices Committee since 2014.

 

Dennis lost his wife of 37 years, Viola, in December of 2018.

 

Dennis had many friends and he will be sorely missed.

 

Services for Dennis will be held at the Brandon Elks Lodge on Friday, September 27, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. preceded by visitation at 10:00 a.m.

 

The lodge is located at:

800 Centennial Lodge Drive

Brandon, FL 33510

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It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Lois J. Harmes of Sarasota South Lodge # 2495. Lois was the special friend of Lawrence “Larry” Hildebrand also a member of Sarasota South Elks Lodge.

Arrangements have not been released at this time.

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It's our sad duty to report the passing of Mrs Jacqueline DiCosmo, Mother of Denise Smith, Exalted Ruler of the South Lake Lodge and the Mother-in-Law of Russell Smith, PER, North Central District Vice President.

It is with a sad heart that we inform our members the passing of Joan Fritz, FLOE PSP from Port Orange Lodge #2723. Please keep her family in your prayers.

August

We regret to inform the passing of DDGER Michael F. Scholdbauer's Mother, Risha Schodlbauer.

Dear fellow Elks, Friends of Elks and Neighbors,
It is with a heavy heart that The Naples Elks announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our Exalted Ruler Sherry Hensley. 

Funeral arrangements shall be in Kentucky at the Carman Funeral Home 2301 Argillite RD. Flatwoods, KY. 41139. Tel.# (606) 836-5833

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Delray Beach Past Exalted Ruler, Michael Rodriguez. Mike passed away this morning in Delray Medical Center ending his battle with cancer.

We were advised this morning that PER Joe Slatton, St. Petersburg Lodge #1224, passed after a long battle beginning with prostate cancer that spread through his body.  Joe recently was sent home from Bill Young VAVS (Bay Pines) Medical Center for home Hospice Care.  Joe was surrounded by his loving family, great friend, PER Judy Schmickle, and his two dogs when he died.  

Joe Slatton was a Korean War Veteran who continued his service to our nation by being an active participant with the Korean War Auxiliary Honor Guard and a very active Elk. Joe was a speaker representing the Korean War Veterans in Washington, DC for the 2017 Parade of Heroes. 

July

We regret to inform you of the passing of District Vice President Sal Lentine. Sal was the Vice President of the Southeast Central District and was a member of Port St. Lucie Elks Lodge #2658. Sal had been hospitalized as of late with serious heart complications. Just this week we were notified of Sal’s inability to continue as District VP and Tom Carns was appointed as interim DVP. Sal was also the State Chairman of the Community Projects & Activities Committee.

Arrangements as well as next of kin contacts are pending.

Sal Lentine was born in New York City in 1953 and grew up in Queens, N.Y. He moved to Port St. Lucie, Fla., in August 2006.

He graduated from L.I.C. High School in Queens, N.Y., in 1971 and attended the NYPD Police Academy for six months in 1982 studying law, police science and social science.

Lentine worked in the automotive field for 10 years before joining the NYPD in January 1982 as a police officer. He was a first responder to 911 and retired as a detective in February 2002.

In 2006, Lentine became a member of Port St. Lucie Elks Lodge #2658. He had been a snowbird for two years prior to moving to Florida and met a few Elks in a golf league. They would take him to whatever lodge was near the golf course as a guest for lunch. Once he moved to Florida permanently, a friend of his from New Jersey who was an Elk for many years sponsored him and also demitted to Port St. Lucie Lodge.

He has served as Leading Knight and Exalted Ruler and has been a volunteer cook, bartender and assistant bar manager. He served on the House Committee and as a trustee before becoming chairman of both. He is a member of the state First Responders of the Year Award Committee. He was District Chairman of Lodge Activities and Vice Chairman of Community Projects & Activities.

In addition to the Elks, Lentine is a third-degree knight of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Sons of the American Legion. He enjoys shooting sporting clays and spending time with family and friends.

Lentine has a daughter, Cheryl, and a son, Robert. Both live in New York.

We regret to inform you that Roy Markham, PDDGER passed away this morning. Roy was a very active Elk at Lake City Lodge #893 and he will be missed by many.

He and his wife Eleanor ( his first wife) were dedicated to supporting the State and National Elks.

We regret to inform you of the passing of Brother Tom Ryan.

A visitation and service will be held on Saturday, July 6^th at:

The visitation will take place from 9:30 – 11:00 am with service following immediately at 11:00 am.

The interment will be at 12 Noon at:

A Celebration of Tom’s life will be held beginning at 1:30 pm at:

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been set up in Tom’s name at Eckerd College.

May-June

We regret to inform you of the passing of Brother Vincent "Vinnie" Gough Jr., which occured on May 12th, 2019. Services are being held at Clymer Funeral Home at 39 Old Kings Road North Palm Coast, FL 32137 on Thursday, May 16th at 5:00 p.m.. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday May 17th, at 11a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church at 4600 Belle Terre Parkway Plam Coast, FL 32164.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Vincent's memory to:

It is with the greatest of sadness that I deliver to you today the heartbreaking news of the death of a great Elk and friend, Val Bates. Val died peacefully at home this afternoon surrounded by his close family and his loving wife Claudia. On behalf of all the Elks of Florida we send out to Claudia and the family, our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy. 

January-April

It is our sad duty to report the passing of our good member Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Lemieul “Lee” Bennett, Sr.  Lee passed away on January 21^st, 2019.  Eulogy was held during our regular scheduled meeting of January 22, 2019. 

Lee was an Elk member for over 36 years.  He was initiated in 1982 and quickly expressed an interest in serving Elkdom and his lodge.  He served as Inner Guard, Chaplain, Esquire, Loyal Knight, Leading Knight, Exalted Ruler and 4 years as a Trustee.  During 1992 he served as the North District Vice-President representing the Florida States Elks Association and in 1993 he was the North District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler.  His contribution through the years are greatly appreciated and he will be missed.

Lee was a very much respected member of our community serving as a member or officer of more than one civic organization and most importantly as the Chairman of the local Chamber of Commerce.

Lee is survived by his mother Mrs. Frances Bennett, one son Lem Bennett (Rebecca), one daughter Tiffany French (Nathan), two brothers Ricky and Daniel Bennett, and one grandchild Jeremiah Lee French.

He cared about his family, his community, our Veterans, our youth….Rest in Peace … “to our absent member”