County kids learn about agriculture as they floCk to farm day

Odin Rasco Staff writer

Third-grade students from across El Dorado County spent time away from the classroom Tuesday to learn about the region’s rich natural resources and agricultural heritage at Farm Day.

El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Ed Manansala welcomed close to 1,400 excited elementary schoolers to the event that spread across the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. Shortly after a quick opening ceremony class groups were off, ready to learn a variety of facts about nature and agriculture.

El Dorado County Ag in the Classroom has hosted Farm Day for more than 20 years, giving elementary schoolers their first opportunity to learn about the many ways agriculture impacts their lives. The event has grown over time — close to 200 volunteers helped bring the event to life this year, with more than 50 stations highlighting a myriad of topics, including beets, bats, bees and biodiversity.

Fascinated “oohs” and “aahs” were almost as prevalent as clucks, oinks and woofs while youngsters visited furry and feathered friends aplenty. Kids learned about the process of training service animals, as well as the distinction between therapy dogs and service dogs from Canine Companions, a group that works to provide service dogs to people with disabilities in need free of charge.

Eileen E McCallum

July 16, 1931 – March 19, 2023

On March 19th Eileen McCallum, 91, passed away peacefully and gracefully with family by her side tending to her last wishes.

Born in England on July 16th 1931 and raised in East Anglia, she met and fell in love with our father Vincent “Mac” McCallum. Together they built a wonderful life. While in the USAF they moved every few years between the United States, England and Germany adding five children as they went.

After the sudden death of our dad while stationed in New York, mom gathered up her kids, two cats a dog and all our belongings. Traveling by car we settled all the way west to Sacramento, near to the Air Force base in Rancho Cordova.

Eileen was fearless on the outside and determined on the inside. She purchased a home with their retirement nest egg. While raising five teenagers she scripted and saved to buy a second house in need of TLC. Long hours of cleaning and repairs paid o when she sold it at a tidy profit. That was the beginning of a long life of buying and selling properties, which she mastered, providing a great role model for us kids.

In her spare time Eileen used her green thumb to build gorgeous gardens for every home she lived in and helped friends and neighbors with theirs. She also loved knitting extricate beautiful sweaters for those she loved. Her other passion was raising and showing birds, chickens, peacocks, pheasants, ducks and geese. She traveled the west coast to show her feathered friends, always returning home with champion ribbons and plaques. She strove to be the best and rarely missed the mark.

Never ending energy and a get up and go attitude, Eileen didn’t slow down until her mid 80’s, despite an ailing heart.

Eileen is survived by and missed every day by her children Sandra (McCallum) Trunzo, Deborah D. McCallum, and Steven McCallum. Her two eldest sons AC McCallum and Mark McCallum had passed before her. Grandchildren Melissa, Brandy, Michael, and Nick. Many great grandchildren and one great great grandchild also are missing their “gramma with 2 cows”.

In place of flowers we ask that you visit an elderly family member, not leaving without a big long hug. We miss you mom.

Paul Ross Shinn

March 22, 1955 – April 24, 2023

On April 24, 2023, Paul Ross Shinn passed away at the age of 68, with his beloved daughters, Kelly Schieding and Katie Dunlap, at his side, surrounded by his family.

Born on March 22, 1955, in Auburn, California, Paul Shinn was the son of Paul Owen Shinn and former Susan Jane Richards. He attended Ponderosa High School and graduated in 1973, where he excelled in Football, Basketball, and Baseball, earning several accolades as a star athlete. Throughout his life, he remained a loyal Bruin. After completing his education, Paul started his own contracting business, Paul Ross Shinn Construction.

Paul Shinn was married three times during his lifetime. He first married Laura Jean Redmond in 1977, and they had two children, Kelly Leann Shinn and Kathryn Michelle Shinn. They were married for 14 years. Later, he married Leann Casper, and they created a blended family that included four children, among them Randy Summner and Justin Miller. Paul and Leann were together for 14 years. In 2006, Paul married Teodora Delos Santos, and they remained married for 16 years until his passing. Throughout their marriage, they shared a love for animals and had several cherished pets, including their beloved Labrador, Kona. Surviving Paul Shinn are his wife, Teodora Shinn, his two daughters, Kathryn Dunlap and Kelly Schieding, as well as his grandchildren, Logan Schieding and Evelyn Dunlap.

Paul Shinn spent most of his life in El Dorado County, where he took pleasure in visiting Loon Lake and the Desolation Wilderness. In 2016, he relocated to Baker City, Oregon, to enjoy his retirement, explore new hunting and fishing spots, and be close to his grandchildren. Paul went by various nicknames, including “Harley,” “Spook,” “Butch,” and “Shinn.” He had a deep love for the great outdoors and treasured the moments he shared with his closest friend, Michael Verhonik, who was like family to him. Until his last day, Paul remained a steadfast believer in Big Foot, and no one could persuade him otherwise.

In memory of Paul, two services will be held. The first service will take place on May 27th at 10:00 am at St. Francis De Sales Cathedral Church, located at 2235 1st St. in Baker City, Oregon. The second service will be held on June 6th at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, located at 2700 Dover Avenue in Fairfield, CA. This will be followed by a committal, and a reception at Rockville Cemetery, located at 4219 Suisun Valley Road in Fairfield.

The family would like to extend an invitation to those who knew Paul to attend either or both services. As an alternative to flowers, the family respectfully asks for donations to be made to either the Ponderosa Alumni Association or Ponderosa Athletics Department.

Mark Edward Morton

Mark Edward Morton was born on September 12, 1953 in Placerville, CA to Phil and Mabel (Coelho) Morton. He was the first of 3 children, his sister Connie and brother Jim arriving in the next few years.

Mark spent his childhood in Placerville attending schools there and graduating from El Dorado High School in 1971. He was an athlete in both football and baseball. He was an accomplished catcher and was even scouted by 3 MLB teams, but being under 18 he played one more year of football at American River College and injured his knee which ended any MLB aspirations. Mark was also an avid hunter. His father shared what became a life-long passion and Mark, in turn, was able to pass this love onto his children and grandchildren.

At 19, Mark started working in the lumber industry and also became a volunteer firefighter/ EMT. He worked at Diamond Lumber in Placerville as well as many of their di erent locations thru the 70s and early 80s. He then moved to Lodi and continued serving that community in EMS. Mark and Suzy were introduced by mutual friends in the early 80s. In 1985 they reconnected and Suzy became the love of his life. He moved to Jackson shortly thereafter. Mark and Suzy were married in 1986 making their home in Jackson with Suzy’s kids, Kim and Keith and in 1987 the next love of his life arrived, Jessica Paige.

Also in 1987 Mark started working at Sender’s Market in Mountain Ranch and continued until 1995 when he began working at Meeks Lumber in Martell. Taking a job in Jackson also allowed him to finally start volunteering with the Jackson Fire Department under Chief Jack Quinn. Mark left the lumber industry to become Chief of the JFD in 2012 and was medically retired in 2017. He so loved this job and even though retired, he remained close to “the boys”. Mark was a very active member of the community. He belonged to numerous organizations including the Sons of St Patrick, Ducks Unlimited, California Deer Association and the California Waterfowl Association. He loved hunting, both deer and ducks. There were numerous out of state deer hunting trips with his Dad, dear friends and his son. Mark and Suzy spent countless days and weekends at the “Duck Club”, in his element with his Dad, brother, friends, son, sons-in- law and grandsons.

Though he truly loved his jobs, hobbies and community activities, his biggest joy came from his family. His family included friends, new and old, co-workers, and even friends of his kids and grandkids. He was everyone’s Dad and then happily became everyone’s Grampa and PaPa.

While his short illness kept him from doing some things he loved, it never kept him from those he loved. His love, smile, laughter and wonderful tight hugs can never be erased from the memories of anyone who knew him.

Mark is survived by his wife of almost 37 years, Suzy, his children, Kim and Pat Grady, Keith and Shannon Ryan, Jessica and Mike Rodriguez, his sister and brother-in-law Connie and Gary Lee, his Aunt Ethel Miksits, his grandchildren, Aaron and Ryan Grady, Sam, Katelyn and Olivia Ryan, Vincent Wright and Ella and Zoey Rodriguez, his nieces Alayna and Shayne Ellis, Joanna Fairchild, Toni and Mike Parks and their children, Jacob, Ava, Jameson, Fallon and Jesse. He was proceeded in death by his parents and his brother Jim.

A celebration of life will be held on May 27, 2023 at the Italian Picnic Grounds, 581 Hwy 49, Sutter Creek, CA from 1pm to 4pm. Please come prepared to share stories and memories of Mark.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mark’s name can be made to Amador Stars, CDA (California Deer Association) or the Firefighter’s Burn Institute.

Mountain Democrat

Ollie Lee Webb-Abbott

Nov. 13, 1934 – May 2, 2023

Ollie passed away peacefully at home with loved one’s near her side. Ollie was born in Paris, Texas to Paul and Fern Simmons, she was one of 3 daughters and 4 brothers. They moved to Gold Roads, Arizona in 1939 and then Los Angeles Calif. in 1941. Ollie met Darrell Webb at Centro Movie Theatre where they both worked while in high school and they married soon after graduating. They then started their family having 3 children Greg, Glenn and Grace. She volunteered numerous years as librarian in our elementary school and was an active team mom. Mom was a seamstress from home, sewing many high school cheerleader outfits as well as ladies wardrobes, and of course our school clothes. We would choose the fabric and she produced the clothes always with a tag “Made With Love, Mom”. Mom and Dad moved to Placerville in 1977 with Glenn and Grace as Greg already resided in Folsom. Purchasing The Paint Spot, making it a family run business. Mom was very active in the community and a member of Soroptimist and dad in Placerville Rotary. The family was and continues to be active in the community. Dad passed away in 1992 and mom retiring soon after with Glenn and Grace purchasing the business, while Greg worked as an independent contractor. Mom reconnected with a long time friend Leon Abbott and remarried in 1994. They built a beautiful home together and then began traveling. They were members of numerous camping groups and served in many positions with those organizations. Besides her sewing skills, mom baked amazing pies. Leon had commented that at their camp out gatherings, many would first go for their favorite piece of pie prior to filling their plate with the meal being served. While traveling in their motor home, mom continued to sew with her machines on board. She began sewing her designer aprons, which she started selling at Apple Ridge apple ranch each season with many other crafted items made by Grace and her sister Betty aka (The Crafty Trio) for many years.

After Leon’s passing in 2017, she moved to the Eskaton community where she lived independently and met more wonderful friends. Walking had become her new favorite pastime.

Mom was the ultimate wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. Family was first and foremost to her and we were Blessed in spending so much time and celebrating so many holidays with her. Mom was kind, loving, caring, giving, and supportive to anyone she ever met. She was selfless, always putting others first.

Sadly she was proceeded in death by her son Greg 4/3/2022 and is survived by brother Doug Simmons, sister Betty Lejon, brother Stanley Simmons (Roma), daughter in law Twila Webb, son Glenn Webb (Cheryl), daughter Grace Webb- Bizallion (Steve) extended family, son Kenneth Abbott (Joy), son Richard Abbott (Jeanne), son Ronald Abbott (Mary), daughter Margaret Lehr (John) 10 Grandchildren, 5 Great Grandchildren and many loving niece’s and nephews.

A tribute to mom is the quotes of many, “One of the nicest and kindest persons I have ever met”.

A memorial service will be held, May 20, 2023, 11 am at Camino Community Church, 4205 Carson Road, Camino Ca. 95709

In lieu of flowers consider donating to Snowline Hospice (Placerville).

Dale A. Aeschliman

April 30, 1929 – April 4, 2023

Dale Andy Aeschliman of El Dorado, California passed away in the home he built on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. He was 93 years old when he left this world from a short illness. Dale was born in Minnesota. He was one of 6 children born to Andrew Aeschliman, a farmer, and his wife Jenny. Dale met the love of his life Dolores Neste and married her in Fargo, North Dakota in 1949. Their two sons were born in Grand Forks, North Dakota in the early ‘50s. The family followed realatives to southern California in 1953, then moved north to Sacramento. He worked for Aerojet for a while, and had his own refrigeration business. Dale and Dolores’s dream was to build a retirement home on an oak covered mountainside overlooking the Sacramento Valley. Dolores preceded Dale in death; he has pined for her everyday for 10 years. Dale is survived by: his brothers Lyle of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Allen of Los Angeles, sons Randy (Sharon) of Rio Linda and Mark (Donna) of Pahoa, Hawaii, granddaughter Melissa Hilton (Shannon) of Citrus Heights, grandson Gabe (Gianna) of Shoreline, Washington and Rebecca Puno (Louie) of Sacramento, great-grandchildren: Arthur, Efren, and Oden Puno, Matthew, Michael and Sara Knowland, plus 5 great-great grandchildren. Interment will be at Memorial Park South, Grand Forks, North Dakota.

The family apologizes for the lateness of this notice.

Phillip Dean Caldwell

March 29, 1950 – April 23, 2023

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Phillip Dean Caldwell of Placerville, California on April 23, 2023, at the age of 73 years.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend of 25 years, Kristina; his son Phillip Derek (Lesly); and daughter-in-law Sarah; grandchildren: Erica (Justin), Alayna, and Ryan; great-grandchildren: Scott and Madison; brother: Ralph Caldwell; sisters: Teresa Levi (Steve) and Vicky Pitt; as well as numerous other relatives and multitudes of friends.

He was predeceased by his son Gregory; brother Floyd Michael; and his parents Floyd and Ruth.

Phillip “Dean” was born into a loving family in Pikeville, Kentucky. Later he moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan, which would become his home for over forty years. There he became a master auto mechanic and was known as the “Dean of Mechanics.” He then became a heroic firefighter, rising to the rank of Captain of Ypsilanti Township Fire Department’s Shift 2. For twentyfive years he served the people of Ypsilanti and especially the young people who needed his help and guidance. He taught thousands of children about fire safety and burn prevention at the National Institute for Burn Medicine. He was also a pioneer in the juvenile firesetter program. He worked with many children and trained personnel across the United States. After his retirement, he and his wife moved to California, where he lived the rest of his days. He accompanied his wife to Abu Dhabi where they lived for two years. They traveled the world from there and made many lasting memories together. Dean had many friends due to his easy-going spirit and infectious sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by many.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in the name of Phillip Dean Caldwell to the Firefighters Burn Institute, 3131 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95820, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD, 21741.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Marshall Hospital for their care and compassion.

Peter Brown Wilkinson

Dec. 31, 1955 – Nov. 27, 2022

Peter “Pete” Brown Wilkinson, 66, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 27, 2022, from an enlarged heart. We find comfort in the fact that although he was taken from us too soon, he passed quickly. Pete was born on December 31, 1955, in San Diego, California; he loved having a New Year’s Eve birthday; he always said, “There’s always a party that night!” He spent his childhood years in the San Diego area. While San Diego was a special place to grow up, he fell in love with Eugene, Oregon, when he moved to go to college and play baseball. The years spent in Eugene were some of his favorites. To know Pete was to know his love for the Oregon Ducks. After college, he moved to the Northern California area and began working for his brother’s pizza restaurants. It was there he met his wife and the mother of his children, Cindy. They were married in August 1980 and had 4 children; Meredith, Zach, Taylor, and Thaddeus. Pete was a very hands-on dad, happy to coach all their teams, cheer them on and share his life experiences. Pete’s enthusiasm for life was unmatched. Regardless of the situation, he was just happy to be in the presence of his family, friends, and even strangers. He will be missed by Cindy, Meredith (Nate), Zach, Taylor, Thaddeus, Granddaughters (Mabel, Hadley, and Eloise), Sister Susan Hall, Brother Steve (Cathy) Wilkinson, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and his ever faithful four-legged friend, Ruger. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Anne Wilkinson, and brotherin-law Joe Hall. A Celebration of Life will be held in El Dorado Hills, Calif. on June 10, 2023. If you would like celebration details, please email PeteWilkinsonService@gmail.com.

Jeffrey Donovan Haberman

Aug. 22, 1955 – April 6, 2023

Jeffrey Donovan Haberman, 67, of El Dorado Hills, California, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2023, in Roseville, California after an eight-year battle with cancer and complications from diabetes, congestive heart failure, and kidney failure.

Born on August 22, 1955, at Sutter Maternity Hospital in Sacramento, he was the son of Don and Mary Haberman.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father Don Haberman and wife Rhonda Haberman. He is survived by his mother Mary Haberman, son Jared Haberman, daughter Crystal Haberman, brother Derek Haberman, sister-in-law Dande Haberman, nephews Dalton and Damon Haberman, and many loving cousins.

Jeff started as a draftsman at the age of 18 and opened his own business 22 years later, The Home Design Group, which he ran for 37 years.

During Jeff’s career he designed homes in every county of Calif., as well as homes in Alaska, WA, OR, NV, AZ, Hawaii, Japan and Samoa. He designed over 300 homes in Serrano of EDH. He designed Morgan Manor, built by Torybilt Construction for the street of Dreams in 1996. He was a talented and creative designer, and his work touched the lives of so many people.

Jeff was not just a successful businessman; he was also a dedicated member of the El Dorado Hills community. He and his wife Rhonda were active members of the EDH Chamber of Commerce and served on its board of directors for many years. They worked on many community events and fundraisers, including Saturday in the Park, Adopta-Family, and the Halloween Carnival at CSD. Jeff was involved in the community planning of El Dorado Hills for many years, including serving on many committees.

But above all Jeff cared for his family. Jeff and Rhonda were married for 41 years. Jeff shared with many of us that he was at peace from his faith in God and ready to be with his beloved Rhonda. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday June 2nd, 2023 10am at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church: 1001 Olson Drive, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. Light refreshments following the service.

Alice Mae Morabito

Feb. 14, 1940 – April 29, 2023

Our dear Mother Alice Mae Morabito sadly passed away on April 29, 2023, at the age of 83. She was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her. She also had many friends and was a well-loved member of the community in Hidden Springs Villa, Placerville, California.

Alice was born on February 14, 1940 in Kentucky. She retired from the Washington Unified School District after 21 years as an elementary school kitchen manager, where she was delighted by the children every day. After retirement, she worked several years at Honey Bear Ranch in Apple Hill. Her smiling face was always present. She loved to bake cookies and annually brought a tray of holiday cookies (yes, the big one!) for the local Placerville Fire and Police Departments as well as other local businesses.

She enjoyed coordinating community events at Hidden Springs Villa. She was also a regular at the local bingo parlor. For many years, gold panning was a passion that she regularly enjoyed.

She was predeceased by her mother, Ioline Bayer, her husband, Philip Morabito, and her eldest daughter, Teresa King. Alice is survived by her brother, Bobby Bryant (Emma Lou), sister, Joyce Davis, daughters, Deborah Simpson, Cheryl Sweeney (David), grandson, David Sweeney (Brianna), and three great-grandchildren, Ronan Sweeney, Elliot Sweeney and Violet Sweeney. She will be missed by all whose lives she has touched.

Vernon E. Thiessen

Oct. 23, 1928 – May 1, 2023

Vernon E. Thiessen went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, May 1st, at the age of 94. He died from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. He was lovingly cared for in his last months by his daughter, Claudia Lewis, and her husband Mark.

Vernon was born in Fresno, CA on October 23, 1928 to Arthur and Grace (Ontjes) Thiessen. At the age of 21, he married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Gardner. They were blessed with 4 children, Mark, Craig, Claudia and Cindy. Vern & Barbara had 60 wonderful years together until Barbara passed away in 2010.

Vernon served in the Army on active duty from 1950-1952. He was then in the Army Reserve until 1956. Vern worked for Pacific Bell until his retirement. Vern could build or fix almost anything and also seemed to remember everything. His family often said that he remembered being in the womb and, if you ever asked him what time it was, he would likely tell you how the watch worked.

Vernon was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, in 2010 and by two of his siblings, James Thiessen in 2006 and Lotus Stoops in 2022. Vernon is survived by two siblings, Wynn Lancaster and Artie DesJardin, his four children and their spouses, Mark (Stacia) Thiessen, Craig (Andrea) Thiessen, Claudia (Mark) Lewis and Cindy (Guy) McRoskey, 12 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21