Ge Qu Ling-Mou 1949 – 2021 Ge Qu Ling-Mou, a devoted family man and a talented senior mechanical software engineer, passed away on March 19, at the age of 72. He resided in Seal Beach at the time of his passing and is survived by his wife, AiQin, and their daughter Leela. Ge was born on Jan. 3, 1949, in Xi’an, China, to Xiuting Wang and Shen Qu. He grew up in a large and loving family. His father was a legendary general in World War II and was “Ge’s hero,” always standing there to support him. Before coming to America in 1986, Ge graduated from Northwestern Polytechnical University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree. He played a leadership role in his college years. In 1993, Ge earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Minnesota with honors. He had been constantly praised by many for his intelligence, smarts and diligence in UMN. During his 30 years of working experience in the CAD/ CAE industry, Ge presented brilliant and prolific professional strengths and accomplishments. The most important company in his career was Dassault Systemes Solidworks Corp., the world’s leading 3D CAD developer. In 2001, Ge joined Solidworks in Boston, Massachussetts and contributed many key features, such as Sweep, to the software design. Ge was married to the love of his life, AiQin Li, in 1976. Their daughter Leela was born next year. She soon became the light of their life. Ge was a dedicated, caring and beloved husband, father and grandfather. His grandson Ethan, who was born in 2002, was always his pride and joy. Ge gave his family all he could and more. His love was endless. Ge showed a wide range of interests including reading, painting, photo, history and the arts. He had an amazing life journey. He was a person with truly kind heart and generous spirit. He loved to make friends and to help others. His bright smile, great sense of humor and warm personality will be remembered forever by all his relatives, friends and colleagues.

Carol Ann Franz (Ridgeway) 1934-2021 Carol Ann Franz (Ridgeway) was born in Chicago, Illinois, on Oct. 1, 1934, to Margaret Helen Klass and Milton John Ridgeway. She had one sibling, her brother Dale Ridgeway. She died at the age of 86 on March 14 in Seal Beach. She lived in the Chicago area most of her life, raised five accomplished children there, then earned a bachelor of arts degree. She worked for the College Board, in social services for the village of Skokie, and founded an Astrology resource center and book store. She moved to Leisure World in 1997 and was heavily involved in the community. She served on the Mutual 2 Board and worked tirelessly to ensure transparency in Leisure World’s financial records so they could be accessible to all shareholders. After moving to Seal Beach, she volunteered for 10 years at the Orange County Legal Aid Society. She also testified before the California Supreme Court regarding small claims court. Carol was an activist for many great causes and social issues throughout her life. Her intellectual curiosity led her to numerous travels in the U.S. and abroad. She very much enjoyed ballroom dancing and was a fabulous dancer! Carol is a beloved mother survived by Ellen Franz Wallace, Susan Franz Andrese, Karen (Dale) Henchel, Daniel (Marcia) Franz and Thomas (Kris) Franz. She was the loving grandmother of Todd, Curtis, Scott, Ross, Melissa, Tyler, Kirk, Jordan, Haley, Andrew, Braden and Katherine and the great-grandmother of Sierra, Elizabeth, Carson, Brooks, Colton and Leo. A private service with children and grandchildren will be held at a later date.

••• Richard Francis Van Wasshnova 1939-2021 Richard Francis Van Wasshnova died unexpectedly on March 15. He was 81. Richard was born Aug. 9, 1939, in South Rockwood, Michigan. The second of seven siblings born to Frank and Margaret (Bodenmiller) Van Wasshnova, Richard grew up on his family’s farm. After high school he enlisted in the Air Force in 1957, where this small town Michigan boy found himself in such far away places as Alaska, California and Nevada. In 1967, Richard met his future wife, Diane Weinger, over the telephone when he called her answering service. They soon fell in love and were married in 1968. A few years later, their only child, Melissa, was born. The family settled in Trenton, Michigan, where they remained for the next 30 years. Richard worked as an electronic technician at Conrail and enjoyed tinkering with electronics and broken-down TV sets in the family’s basement. Following their retirements in 2001, Richard and Diane moved from Michigan directly to Leisure World to be near their grandchildren. Together, they enjoyed playing pinochle and participating in the Friendly Couples Club. Richard was also a faithful member of Leisure World’s Holy Family Catholic Church. Known as “Papa” to his grandchildren, he was a dedicated and loving grandfather who picked up his grandkids after school for 15 years and never missed a dance performance, sports game, school play or awards ceremony. Richard loved listening to classical music, and enjoyed a tasty morning routine of Chips Ahoy cookies and black coffee for breakfast. He was interested in astronomy and was super passionate about genealogy, tracing some lines back to the 1400s. Faithfully devoted to his wife until her death in 2016, Richard was fortunate to find love and companionship for a second time with Dorothy Favre, with whom he enjoyed his remaining years. Dorothy inspired in Richard a love of golf, karaoke parties, dances and concerts. Richard is preceded in death by Diane, his wife of 47 years, and two brothers. He leaves behind his daughter Melissa (Scott) Theiring, four siblings, his brother- in-law Harold (Marion) Weinger, with whom he remained close, and numerous wonderful nieces and nephews. He played a big part in the lives of his three grandchildren, Brandon, Logan and Olivia, who loved and adored their Papa very much. Richard was a quiet and humble man with a kind heart. He was loving and patient and always willing to help or do anything for others. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. A funeral Mass is planned for late April. -paid obituary

••• Richard Francis Van Wasshnova 1939-2021 Richard Francis Van Wasshnova died unexpectedly on March 15. He was 81. Richard was born Aug. 9, 1939, in South Rockwood, Michigan. The second of seven siblings born to Frank and Margaret (Bodenmiller) Van Wasshnova, Richard grew up on his family’s farm. After high school he enlisted in the Air Force in 1957, where this small town Michigan boy found himself in such far away places as Alaska, California and Nevada. In 1967, Richard met his future wife, Diane Weinger, over the telephone when he called her answering service. They soon fell in love and were married in 1968. A few years later, their only child, Melissa, was born. The family settled in Trenton, Michigan, where they remained for the next 30 years. Richard worked as an electronic technician at Conrail and enjoyed tinkering with electronics and broken-down TV sets in the family’s basement. Following their retirements in 2001, Richard and Diane moved from Michigan directly to Leisure World to be near their grandchildren. Together, they enjoyed playing pinochle and participating in the Friendly Couples Club. Richard was also a faithful member of Leisure World’s Holy Family Catholic Church. Known as “Papa” to his grandchildren, he was a dedicated and loving grandfather who picked up his grandkids after school for 15 years and never missed a dance performance, sports game, school play or awards ceremony. Richard loved listening to classical music, and enjoyed a tasty morning routine of Chips Ahoy cookies and black coffee for breakfast. He was interested in astronomy and was super passionate about genealogy, tracing some lines back to the 1400s. Faithfully devoted to his wife until her death in 2016, Richard was fortunate to find love and companionship for a second time with Dorothy Favre, with whom he enjoyed his remaining years. Dorothy inspired in Richard a love of golf, karaoke parties, dances and concerts. Richard is preceded in death by Diane, his wife of 47 years, and two brothers. He leaves behind his daughter Melissa (Scott) Theiring, four siblings, his brother- in-law Harold (Marion) Weinger, with whom he remained close, and numerous wonderful nieces and nephews. He played a big part in the lives of his three grandchildren, Brandon, Logan and Olivia, who loved and adored their Papa very much. Richard was a quiet and humble man with a kind heart. He was loving and patient and always willing to help or do anything for others. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. A funeral Mass is planned for late April. -paid obituary

He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Rose Vlaic; siblings Joseph, John and Goldie Vlaic; and nephew Stephen Vlaic. Philip is survived by his wife of 40 years, Joyce Vlaic; his favorite sister-in-law, Ann Vlaic (Car); niece, Michelle Browning (Vlaic); great-nieces Madison and Makenzie Browning; as well as much-loved relatives in California, New York, Massachusetts, Florida and Pennsylvania. Due to the pandemic, Philip’s memorial Mass and internment are pending. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to support the charity closest to your heart. If you prefer, your contributions may be made in the memory of Philip Vlaic to Unbound Scholarship Fund , at 1 Elmwood Ave., Kansas City, KS 88103, or online to unbound.org. Philip Vlaic 1933- 2021 _______._ ___ included catechist, choir member, altar server, Eucharistic minister to the homebound, Christian service and prayer ministry. He was a daily communicant at Holy Family Church in Leisure World and a member of the Parish Prayer Group. On his 84th birthday, he was delighted to be presented with an Honorary Doctor of Biblical Studies Degree. In retirement, Phil enjoyed traveling with Joyce. During their numerous trips, he became wellacquainted with his new in-laws in New York, New England and Canada.They cruised on ships and paddle boats; explored Hawaii, Alaska and the islands of the Caribbean; the Mississippi, Hudson, St. Lawrence and Snake rivers; and sailed around Denmark, stopping to sample life at each town along the coast. He was proud to twice visit his parents’ homeland of Croatia, viewing the pristine beauty of the Dalmatian coast and experiencing the Slavic culture and customs. He was especially grateful to have the opportunity to complete three pilgrimages—to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, to the Vatican and cathedrals of Italy; and to the Holy Land, praying in the birthplace of Christianity. Phil relished his 19 years of Leisure World life. He was a regular at the GAF Hospitality Room, swapping stories on a daily basis. He served as president of the Slavic Club, and was an active member in the Theater Club, the Enter Laughing group and the Italian Club. For a number of years, Phil assisted with Holy Family Church’s Sunday Afternoon Bingo Social. His income tax experience enabled him to work in the GAF tax program. In his spare time, he supported Joyce with her church and community service projects. Philip was a man of prayer. He is remembered for his generosity, his strong faith, his kind heart, his gentle spirit and his valiant, patient struggle, facing the daily challenges as a 14-year Parkinson’s patient. He now rests in peace in his heavenly home. Heartfelt thanks are extended to the amazing staff members of Living Well Home Care and Alamitos Belmont Rehab Hospital, who provided outstanding care, assistance and comfort every single day of Philip’s illness. They are our heroes. They hold a place of awe and respect in our hearts and are remembered in our prayers. Philip Vlaic went home to God peacefully on March 12 in Long Beach at Alamitos Belmont Rehab Hospital with his wife, Joyce, at his bedside. Phil and Joyce sponsor Angel Gabriel Gonzalez, an eager student at his school in Mexico, through the program Unbound. Philip was especially grateful for his prayer heroes Christian and Claudia Barreto, and their children: Fiorello, Santiago and Joseph. Philip was born in Chicago, moved to San Pedro with his family as a toddler and attended Barton Hill Elementary, Dana Junior High, San Pedro High School and Harbor College. He graduated from Pepperdine College, where he earned a BA degree in business and a lifetime teaching credential. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after high school, served four years in Germany, then returned home to complete his education. Phil taught several years in the ABC School District, while moonlighting at the harbor as a longshoreman. Eventually, stevedoring became his life’s work. He was a member of the ILWU, working alongside his father and two brothers, first as a longshoreman, then as a foreman. Phil and Joyce wed in San Pedro at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, where they began their faith journey. Throughout his life, he was an active member of the Catholic Church. An ardent student of Sacred Scripture, he participated in Bible classes for over 50 years. His ministries in the church