Grizzly flat husband-and-wife community minded

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The Grizzly Flat Fire Safe Council named David and Laurie Manske its 2023 Community Service Award winners at the council’s June 3 meeting, recognizing the pair’s extensive involvement in their community.

“It was unexpected,” David said about winning the award. “I was both pushed to tears and shocked.”

The Manskes first bought a home in the Grizzly Flat area in 2007 and have been dedicated to the community since, but saw their role expand in 2020 following retirement and moving to the town full time.

David has spent time on the Fire Safe Council since 2019, serving on the executive board as the second vice chair and helping manage the community’s FireWise USA hours.

In 2020 David became a volunteer first responder with the Pioneer Fire Protection District, responding to fires, traffic collisions, requests for assistance and medical calls.

David most notably served during 2021’s Caldor Fire as a wildland firefighter and medical aide. He worked to protect others’ homes in Grizzly Flat when he was unsure about the fate of his own.

Laurie is also involved in the community, working with the Fire Safe Council on an effort to make Grizzly Flat residents reflective address signs for their homes to be better seen by first responders in an n See Manskes, page A3

Obituaries on this page are written and paid for by the families or funeral homes. They are edited minimally by the Mountain Democrat. To submit an obituary, call (530) 622-1255, e-mail obits@mtdemocrat.net, fax (530) 344-5092, or visit mtdemocrat.com under “Submission Forms” at the bottom of the website. Include contact information with all submissions.

Jessie Roberta Abbott

June 18, 1932 – May 4, 2023

Jessie Roberta Abbott passed away May 4, 2023, at the age of 90. She was born and raised in Woodland until moving to Placerville, California in 2011 where she resided until her death. Jessie was one of six children.

Mrs. Abbott was preceded in death by four siblings, her second husband Robert Abbott and her first husband George Dinsdale, whom she had four children with. She is survived by her children, Dawn Abbott, Cheryl Hollingsworth, George Dinsdale Jr., his wife Pam Wallace Dinsdale, Julie Dinsdale, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, brother Robert Paulson, and many nieces and nephews.

Growing up in Yolo County and attending Yolo Elementary School she was involved in many Ag programs and became the Yolo County Fair Sugar Queen in 1949. In 1950 she graduated from Woodland High School, eventually attending classes at Yuba College. She was employed by Woodland Joint Unified School District where she worked until her retirement. Jessie collected antique furniture, enjoyed sewing, quilting and was an avid gardener and cook. Her gardens were extensive, and she participated in the Davis and Woodland Farmers Markets. She was loved by many and always a gracious host for parties, holiday feasts and family reunions. Along with her husband Bob, they raised exotic birds and were involved in the Capital City Bird Society in Sacramento. She was a member of the Widowed Persons Association in Placerville for many years. Jessie held her family together with her strong character and true devotion. She was known for her grace, kindness and adoring laugh. She lived life with a positive attitude, never-ending love for family and a deep connection with nature. Her ashes will be placed alongside her husband Bob’s grave at Monument Hill Memorial Park in Woodland, California, where her parents Clarence and Pauline Paulson are also buried. The family is planning a private Celebration of Life in her memory. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to one of her favorite charities including SPCA, Sierra Club or The Nature Conservancy.

Brenda June Crain

Jan. 19, 1944 - May 4, 2023

Brenda was born on January 19, 1944 in San Luis Obispo, California. She went to Heaven on May 4, 2023 from Placerville, California.

She was the loving wife of her surviving husband, Ron, of thirty five years. Brenda and Ron met in Dallas, Texas in 1980 and immediately fell in love. They worked together, played together and instantly became one.

Brenda is also survived by her niece, LeeAnne Mila, and her great nephews Colin and Nathan Mila.

Brenda graduated from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo with a degree in Journalism. She worked as a training manager for over twenty years at Pacific Bell in San Francisco and The Southland Corporation in Dallas. Upon retiring in 1987, Ron and Brenda got married and moved to Placerville where Brenda bought and owned a feed and grain, ranch supply, and pet grooming business until she sold it in 2005.

Brenda loved nice clothes and jewelry. Everywhere she went she was always dressed to the hilt. She also loved gardening, at one time becoming a beekeeper. But her real passion was animals. She took in strays others had abandoned and provided medical help for people who were not able to take their pets to a vet. She spent a lot of time and took wonderful care of all her pets, from horses to cats, dogs, sheep, ducks and more. She donated unselfishly to wildlife organizations including ASPCA, The Audubon Society, Sierra Wildlife and others.

Brenda’s friends and family will remember her as kind, loving, generous, vibrant and fun loving. We will all miss you.

A memorial service will be held for Brenda on June 24th at 1:00 at the Green Valley Mortuary, 3004 Alexandrite Drive, Rescue, CA 95672. (530) 677-7171

You are all invited to attend a Celebration of Life immediately following the service at our home: 4680 Holm Rd, Placerville, CA.

Garrett Lee Marier

August 1988 – May 28, 2023

Garrett Lee Marier was born in August of 1988. Sadly he passed away on May 28, 2023. Garrett loved all things outdoors. He was known as one that would give you the shirt o his back, his last dollar, or lend a hand to help someone in need.

Garrett Lee Marier is survived by; his parents (Susan Kupihea & Rick Marier), his siblings (Kaiwa Kupihea & Lahela Kupihea) & his twin brother (Adam Marier), his family, friends and his faithful dog “Butters”.

Garrett is so loved and will be missed dearly. In honor of Garrett, his family and friends will be planting several trees around El Dorado County and a celebration of life will be held in June. Please check Facebook for his Celebration of Life time and location details.

Nancy Silver Needham

April 16, 1936 - June 13, 2023

Nancy Silver Needham, passed away at her home on June 13, 2023. She was born on April 16, 1936 in Sacramento, CA where in high school she met Clyde Needham, who she married April 24, 1954. They moved their family to Placerville in 1968 and enjoyed many years through community, church, and sports. Nancy’s career started at El Dorado High School and then in the healthcare industry, including many years at Marshall Hospital. She had many lifelong friends who she loved spending time with. She was quick to laugh, had an exceptional memory and a gift for parties.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Lee Silver, Clyde (2018), son Bradley (2017) and sister Carol. She is survived by her daughter Kaly and husband Larry Campbell and their family, her sister Jan Jackson and family.

The funeral services will be held Monday, June 26 at 10am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 3431 Hacienda Rd, Cameron Park.

Starr Lynn Palumbo (Gaschler)

Jan. 31, 1953 - May 30, 2023

Starr Lynn Palumbo (Gaschler), 70, arrived at her heavenly home in the early morning hours on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Although Starr’s body is gone, her spirit of adventure, fearlessness and friendship lives on through her family, friends and students.

Born in 1953 to a large German family in Downey California, Starr was an intelligent and motivated woman who was influenced by her parents to have an incredible work ethic and forgiving nature. In her 30’s, Starr fulfilled a lifetime dream of going to college, getting her degree, and earning her teaching credentials. She taught for more than 25 years until retirement. Her students meant the world to her and the reason for her passion for teaching.

Starr always looked at adversity in the face and dared it to defeat her. She was always willing to help others with gardening, cleaning, teaching and was always willing to share stories of her many travel adventures with her husband Jim, friends, family or by herself, so we could all live vicariously through her experiences. Starr was a faithful Christian who created strong friendships within her church and community. Even in the face of her own trials, Starr remained a steadfast, optimistic friend to everyone she knew, many of whom lined up to visit her in her last few months.

Starr will be missed by her husband Jim Palumbo; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Tracey McPeters, Robb and Tonde McPeters, Emiliano and Therese Palumbo; daughter Donielle Go net and Dave Watson. Along with all her grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and her many, many friends.

Starr especially loved being a grandmother to Michael III., Alexie, Hailey, Natalee, Gri n, Ella Starr, Andrew and Ryan, often taking them with her on her travels and giving them many memories to carry her with them through the years.

Starr is preceded in death by her father and mother, brothers Lee and Barry and many, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. We know that God is pleased to have one of His beautiful, generous and kind daughter’s back in his arms, but she will be sorely missed by those on earth. We are sure she is now working amongst the heavenly gardens with her precious mother and picking flowers with her beloved niece Evalee.

There will not be a service, but at Starr’s request, in lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to your favorite charity.

Anthony “Tony” Kassman

Nov. 18, 1967 – June 7, 2023

Anthony “Tony” Kassman, age 55, of Placerville, CA, passed away June 7, 2023. Anthony was born November 18, 1967 in Sacramento, CA. He was born to Larry Kassman and Lupe Henderson. Anthony moved to El Dorado, CA. in 1979. He graduated from Ponderosa High School then attended ITT Tech. He was great at anything he set his sights on. He was the most generous person we have ever known and he always tried his best to make people happy and if he could help with anything he would. His humor was amazing and his laugh will not be forgotten. He loved his Corvettes and one of the last things he did was be a part of a Corvette run. He enjoyed life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by everyone.

Anthony is survived by his son Brittin Kassman, his mother Lupe Henderson and his sister Julie Stroup (Denis, Lexi and Derek) and many family members.

A service was held at Lake Oaks Senior Community Park, 4280 Patterson Drive, Diamond Springs. CA. 95619, on June 19, 2023 with family and close friends.

Chris “Crue” Fusano

Feb. 10, 1948 – June 6, 2023

Christopher George Fusano was born & raised in Sylmar, CA. The oldest of 8 children to John & Anita Fusano, he learned the family olive oil business. After proudly serving in the Army in 1974 he moved his young family to El Dorado County. Chris or Crue was a lifelong entrepreneur with a big heart for the community. His passion for God, life, family & friends was unmatched including his tough love mentality. Using his quick wit & humor he lifted spirits & left everyone he interacted with smiling. He was firmly anchored in Placerville coaching youth sports & investing in El Dorado County. Crue’s many hobbies consisted of agriculture, hunting, music, horses, cars & boats. Chris eventually moved to his ranch in Amador County which he deeply loved. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 54 years, Bettie Ann, 3 children, John (Nicolle) Fusano, Laurena (Darrin) Martin, Christina (Dustin) Hinds & 7 grandchildren, 5 siblings, Roseanne Perito, Annie Weatherbee, Lem Fusano, Marlene Rini & Joe Fusano. He is predeceased by 2 brothers, Vanda & Beany Fusano. His funeral will be Friday, June 30th, viewing 12-1 pm, Service 1 pm at Holy Trinity Parish in El Dorado Hills, the reception immediately following at the Placerville Fairgrounds in the Forni Building. If desired donations can be made to the Boys & Girls Club of El Dorado County Western Slope.

Roger Holbrook

Oct. 2, 1938 - April 8, 2023

Roger was born in Los Angeles, Calif. His young years were growing up in rural Los Angeles with the freedom of being a kid. In 1954 he moved to Lake Tahoe with his parents and 2 brothers where he attended Tahoe Truckee High School. After graduating high school he joined the Navy for 4 years where he maintained Interior Communications systems on the USS Plumas County LST -1083. He met the love of his life, Bonnie Maitland and they were married in 1960 in Burbank. They were married for over 62 years and had 2 wonderful sons.

After graduating from Cal State Northridge, Roger moved his family of 4 to Placerville in 1973 and remained in the Placerville area for the next 50 years.

In 1974 Roger was hired by the Franchise Tax Board and remained working there for the next 25 years. He made many friends there from the van pool share ride, motorcycle riding group, bicycle riding gang, and golf buddies. He also was an avid motocross enthusiast. In fact, he loved all sports.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Holbrook and Billie Goss Wisdom, step-mother Betty Holbrook and brother Dean. He is survived by his devoted wife Bonnie, sons Darin and Dak, brothers Gary (Dixie), Varney (Ann Marie), Freddy and Scott Wisdom as well as many nieces and nephews.

Roger embraced life. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He was a wonderful husband, father and friend. His spirit and memories live on in our hearts.

Celebration Of Life

take place July 1, 2023, 3:00 p.m. at Fausel Ranch, 4881 Hanks Exchange Road, Placerville, CA.