Hans Barfels (1930-2024)
“Today you will be with me in Paradise” Luke 23:43
On December 9, 2024, Hans Barfels passed peacefully at the age of 94 in his beloved Sun City Center home, with his devoted wife Erika by his side. Born in Parey Elbe, Germany on August 29, 1930, Hans twice escaped East Germany under Russian fire before leaving his parents, Alfred and Gertrud; his sister, Inge; and his unborn brother, Uwe. He worked in West German hotels until securing a visa sponsored by his Aunt Else Soetebier, enabling him to immigrate to the United States in 1949. His journey took him across the Atlantic on a Holland America Liner, through Ellis Island, and finally by train to Hurley-Iron, Wisconsin. He learned English, completed his high school degree, and continued his career in the hotel industry. In 1955, he joined the Army, serving in Japan and Germany, where he met his wife Erika, his beloved companion for 59 years. Together, they worked in the hospitality business in Germany, Canada, and finally Florida, where they resided for the past 33 years. Hans enjoyed biking, golfing, radio, music, extensive travel, and the German American Club in Sun City Center. He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas, and his parents, Alfred and Gertrud. He is survived by his wife, Erika; his daughter, Angela, and granddaughter, Danielle; his son, Stephan; his daughter, Melanie and her husband, Edward; his grandson, Kieran; his sister, Inge; and his brother, Uwe. The family extends their gratitude to Pastor Allman and the Redeemer Church for their prayers and support, especially during the challenging final months. A Memory Moment will be held on December 29, 2024, at 10 a.m. in Redeemer Lutheran Church, Sun City Center, followed by fellowship, reflections, and refreshments.
Marilyn McDaniel Landry (1930-2024)
Marilyn McDaniel Landry concluded her 94 years as an educator, artist, wife, and mother with her passing on November 30, 2024, in Sun City Center, Florida. Born in Denver, Colorado on August 9, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Beulah Grizzell and Napoleon Bonaparte Parmly. In 1951, she married James Edgerton McDaniel (deceased), raising five children as a homemaker. She later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Clarion State College. She served as a fifth-grade science teacher at Hickory Grove Elementary School in Brookville, Pennsylvania, until retirement. Following her retirement, she lived in Middlesex, New Jersey, and Florida. A resident of Freedom Plaza in Sun City Center, she was a former president of the educational scholarship foundation and the garden club. She enjoyed cooking, creating acrylic paintings and pastel art, and cultivating flowers and vegetables. She is survived by her daughters, Maryellen Bonavita, Melora McNutt, Martha Slaughter, Jennifer McDaniel, and Claire Orner; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Catherine Johnson, and former spouses, Edward Gazi, Joseph Cilecek, and Edward Landry. In keeping with her wishes, funeral arrangements are private. A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held in the spring. Memorial donations may be made to the Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund, 1010 American Eagle Boulevard, Sun City Center, FL 33573.