Obituaries - December 22, 2025

Ronald “Ronnie” James Edens

For 64 years our world was blessed by the life of Ronald “Ronnie” James Edens. To know him was to experience his love of family, his work, and his warm, friendly personality. His greatest treasure was marrying his high school sweetheart who he spotted as a majorette at Laney High School and knew on their first date she was the one he would one day marry. He was a man of great unassuming nature, who gave of himself with all that he had to enrich the lives of others.

Ronald James Edens was born on March 10, 1961 in Wilmington and passed peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025. His beloved father was James “Jimmy” Nathaniel Edens and mother, Doris Frances Edens, both who preceded Ronnie in death.

Ronnie is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years who remained at his side every step of the way, Sharon Caines Edens; loving sons, Ronald James Edens, Jr. (Jamie), Jeremy Scott Edens, and Ethan Jacob Edens; many loved friends and extended family. Not ever to be forgotten are his beloved dog and cats, Futches Creek Fred Edens, Pookie Lookie Edens, and Lucky Edens.

Ronnie’s love of the game – basketball began in his high school days, as an exceptional team player and played in high school with Michael Jordan. In his parent years Ronnie never missed his boys’ ball games both high school and college.

For 35 years Ronnie was a seafood broker at J H Lea & Sons Seafood. Famous is the third generation produce market at corner of Sidbury Road and US Hwy 17 where Ronnie’s sought after 6x6 tomatoes are sold. Ronnie had a great loved and respect for the land/farm that he tilled and grew vegetables on. His produce was sold at many farmer’s markets but could be found regularly at Wrightsville Beach on Mondays, Southport on Wednesdays, Sunset Beach on Thursdays and Carolina Beach on Saturdays.  And at Scotts Hill, fresh produce could be purchased every day.  In addition to the produce, he sold the finest, perfectly shaped premium #1 Fraser Fir Christmas trees grown in NC mountains. Ronnie found time for his loves and enjoyment – hunting, fishing, shrimping, and oystering. Ronnie’s greatest blessing in life was his beloved family as Ronnie was the BEST husband, daddy, and loyal friend to many. Ronnie’s presence in our lives will truly be missed.

The family will receive friends at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church, 10255 US Hwy 17 N, Wilmington, NC 28411. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary with Pastor Susanne Priddy conducting the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

----

Michael Floyd Blanton

Michael Floyd Blanton, 78, passed gently from his earthly life Saturday, December 20, 2025 at home with loving family at his bedside.

He was born August 27, 1947 in Charleston, SC, the son of Buddy and Margie Blanton, who preceded Michael in death.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Janice Hazel Blanton; daughters, Michelle Blanton and Tara Elizabeth Blanton; and grandchildren, Brent Watters, Ally Threehouse, Evan Threehouse, and Cooper Blanton. Not to be forgotten is Michael’s loyal canine companion, Luna.

Michael retired from BellSouth after working for thirty plus years and never missing a day of work. Michael served his country proudly in the US Navy.

Most of all Michael loved and cared for his family. Michael enjoyed woodworking, working on cars, and walking his dog, Luna. Michael was loved and his presence in our lives will surely be missed.

Services will be at a later date.

 In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to the family.    

----

Marie Jane Reaves Lunsford

Marie Jane Reaves Lunsford, 89, passed from her earthly life Thursday, December 18, 2025 at NorthChase Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Born March 15, 1936, in Pender County, Marie was the daughter of the late Herbert Hanson and Marie White Reaves.  She was also predeceased by her husband of 72 years, Robert “Bobby” Lee Lunsford. 

Marie is survived by her daughters, Barbara Benton (Kevin), Pamela Serrano (Robert), and Sherry Tillotson; grandchildren, Kristina Serranno, Kyle Tillotson, Kimberly Grice, and Burt Grice; great grandson, Gaven Grice; sister, Barbara Knowles (Rodney) and many extended family and friends.

Marie was recognized for her culinary skills and her dedication to family. Beyond the kitchen, she found great joy in listening to gospel music and was an active member of Pine Valley Church of God. Marie was known for her generosity and often offered support to those in need.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Riverview Memorial Park with the Rev. Larry Horrell officiating. The family will receive friends at the cemetery immediately following the service.

----

Eckhard "Eckie" H. Strempel

Eckhard "Eckie" H. Strempel, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, in Wilmington, NC, at the age of 78. Born on January 7, 1947, in Torgau on Elbe, Germany, Eckie lived a life marked by dedication, adventure, and accomplishment.

Educated as a banker in Germany, Eckie ventured to the United States with the intention of refining his English skills. This journey led him to become a successful businessman, admired and respected by all who knew him. His career was distinguished by his innovative work in designing unique vending solutions, which took him across the globe. As the Managing Director at Wittern Group Vending Solutions, he left an indelible mark on the industry and earned the esteem of colleagues and clients alike.

In 1977, Eckie married the love of his life, Linda, with whom he shared 48 wonderful years. Following his retirement, they settled in Wilmington, NC, where they built their dream home together. He is preceded in death by his parents, Kurt and Marianne Strempel of Düsseldorf, Germany, his brother, Hartmut Strempel and his beloved granddaughter, Nycole.

Eckie is survived by his devoted wife, Linda; his loving daughter, Robyn; cherished grandchildren, Danyele and Bryce; and five precious great-grandchildren residing in Iowa. In Germany, he leaves behind his brother Volkmar, sister-in-law Ilse, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Linda wishes to express her gratitude for the compassionate care Eckie received at Trinity Grove and extends heartfelt thanks to friends at Trinity Landing for their unwavering support and encouragement.

---

Dennis Mauger

Dennis Mauger, born on May 21, 1952, in Windber, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully from natural causes on December 17, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the age of 73.

Dennis was a man of many passions and talents. After graduating high school, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Marines on September 16, 1969. As a Communications Specialist, he dedicated four years to his nation, completing his service at Camp Lejeune before being honorably discharged on September 14, 1973.

Following his military service, Dennis pursued higher education at N.C. State University, where he studied horticulture. His career path led him into sales and computer-aided design with Cherokee Brick (General Shale), culminating in a fulfilling career at Triangle Brick, where he worked until his retirement in November 2010.

Dennis had a zest for life that was evident in his hobbies and interests. He was passionate about motorcycles, acquiring his first bike in the early 1970s and continuing to ride until 2025. An avid golfer, Dennis also enjoyed spending time on the greens, often accompanied by friends and family. He was known to appreciate a cold Budweiser, savoring the simple pleasures in life.

A member of the Wilmington Moose Lodge 343, Dennis cherished the camaraderie and friendships he built over the years. In 2011, he underwent a liver transplant at Duke University Medical Center, a testament to his resilience and strength. He never met a stranger, and was the life of the party. He was known as the unofficial "Santa Claus" of the neighborhood. He loved his Carriage Hills neighborhood crew!

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Andrew Mauger; mother, Dorothy Hornick Mauger Kerch; and step-father, Paul Kerch, Jr.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 29 years, Nannette Lees Mauger; his daughter, Emily Mauger, and her partner, Joshua Svizeny; his son, Keith Mauger, and wife, Brandy; and his granddaughter, Evangeline Mauger. He also leaves behind three sisters: JoAnne Mauger, Janet Fisher, and Vickie Long.

A celebration of Dennis's life will be planned after the New Year in 2026, allowing family and friends to gather and remember the remarkable man he was.

Dennis will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of love, laughter, and adventure will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

---