Memorial

ANDOVER TWP. -- Victorene M. Steele, 85, died Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Milford, Pa., Mrs. Steele lived in Newton before moving to Andover Township. She was employed in the Sheriff's Office for the County of Sussex, retiring on July 1, 1992, after over 24 years of service. She was a member of the Sheriff's Association of New Jersey and PBA Local No. 138. A member of the Frankford Township Senior Citizens, Mrs. Steele was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Mescal Rebekah Lodge No. 60 in Branchville, the American Legion Auxiliary No. 157 in Branchville, and La Boutique Des Huit Chapeaux Et Quarante Femmes Salon.

The daughter of the late Elijah and Gertrude Seese VanDermark, Mrs. Steele was predeceased by her husband, Ralph, in 1985. She is survived by one son, Kenneth Baker, of Florida; one nephew, Elijah VanDermark IV; and three grandchildren.

Services and interment are private and under the direction of the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St., Newton.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society , 7 Ridgedale Ave., Suite 103, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927, or a Hospice of choice.

Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com

BRANCHVILLE -- Ralph F. Howell, 76, died Monday, March 1, 2010, at Newton Memorial Hospital.

Born and raised in Newton, Mr. Howell moved to Branchville 13 years ago. He was a Corrections Officer for the Sussex County Sheriff's Office for over 10 years. A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Howell served during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the American Legion in Newton, the Branchville Historical Society and the Sussex County Historical Society. He enjoyed country music and World War II memorabilia.

The son of the late Earl and Esther Hill Howell, Mr. Howell is survived by his wife, Nellie Stires Howell; a sister, Joan Wolf, of Newton; three nephews; and a sister-in-law, Mary Jane Whitesell and her husband, James, of Branchville.

FRANKLIN -- Donald "Ducky" Samuel Gunderman, Sr., 62, died suddenly on Monday, May 25, 2009, at Wilson Memorial Regional Medical Center in Johnson City, N.Y. Born to the late Roy Albert and Mary Louise Gunderman in Franklin, he was a lifelong resident.

Mr. Gunderman worked for the New Jersey Zinc Co. for 10 years before becoming a corrections officer with the Sussex County SheriffÕs Department, where he had worked for the past 27 years. Mr. Gunderman loved camping with his family and was an avid Giants and Mets fan.

Mr. Gunderman was predeceased by a sister, Mary Lou "Nonna" Hanshaw, and was the beloved husband of Victoria Jane Stoll Gunderman, at home; the devoted father of Dorothy Mae and her husband, Timothy Wade Abbott Sr., and Donald Samuel Gunderman Jr. and his wife, Alison, all of Franklin; the loving grandfather of Timothy Wade Abbott Jr., Donald Samuel Gunderman III, Ashley Jean Gunderman, Victoria Mae Abbott and Samantha Christine Gunderman; and the dear brother of Roy "Buster" Gunderman of Franklin and Richard Gunderman of Hardyston. Mr. Gundernan was expecting a great-granddaughter in July.

and all others that have served the Sussex County Sheriff's Office and the citizens of Sussex County.

“Is daddy coming home soon?” asks a precious little face.
“It’s past when he should be here. Is he working on a case?”
Your dad’s not coming home son. He’s working late tonight.
He’s a policeman up in heaven, making sure we’re alright.
“But mommy, why’d he leave us? I miss him when he’s gone.”
I know you miss him darling, but now we must be strong.
“Who’s gonna teach me baseball, and help me fly a kite.
And help me with my homework, and buy me my first bike?”
Your daddy loved you darling, and he didn’t want to leave.
But a bad man took your daddy and left us all to grieve.
Be proud of who your dad was, and how he earned his pay.
Because it’s people like your daddy that keep us safe each day.
“Mommy, when I get bigger, and if it’s okay with you,
I’m gonna be like daddy, and be a policeman too.”

“In memory of fallen officers everywhere”
--Daniel T. Dunbar

Oh Almighty God,
Whose Great Power And Eternal
Wisdom Embraces The Universe,
Watch Over All Policemen and
Law Enforcement Officers.
Protect Them From Harm
In The Performance Of Their Duty
To Stop Crime, Robberies,
Riots And Violence.
We Pray, Help Them Keep
Our Streets And Homes Safe
Day And Night.
We Recommend Them To
Your Loving Care
Because Their Duty Is Dangerous.
Grant Them Your Unending Strength And
Courage In Their Daily Assignments.
Dear God, Protect These
Brave Men & Women,
Grant Them Your Almighty
Protection,
Unite Them Safely With Their
Families After Duty Has Ended.
Amen.

Sheriff's Officer Victorene "Vicky" Steele

Corrections Officer Ralph F. Howell