Homer Ayvazzadeh

Homer Ayvazzadeh, 95, of Gilbert, Ariz., formerly of Eagle River, passed away peacefully on Aug. 30, 2026. Born in Iran in 1931, he moved to England for college and played professional soccer for Aston Villa. He later continued his education in Chicago before graduating from UW–River Falls, where he met and married Carol Rondeau in 1959.

Homer worked at Armour Meats in St. Paul before moving to Wausau, joining the Rondeau family business Mosinee Cold Storage. In 1972, he and Carol opened and operated Persian Paradise restaurant and motel, a well‑known local business near Eagle River. After the restaurant was sold in 1994, they moved to Gilbert, where Homer retired by working in hotel maintenance until true retirement. He later spent summers in Wisconsin helping his son Rene at his restaurant.

He is survived by his children Rene (Marie Champney), Robert (Susan), and Diane; grandchildren Matthew (Lauren), Nicole (Cody), Kyle (Delorian), Djamon, and Jayd; and great‑grandchildren Kayden, Riley, Ella, and Colby. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Carol, his parents, and siblings Albert, John, Charles, and Lily.

Celebration of Life will be at 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 at Chef Rene’s At The Inn with a buffet to follow at 2 p.m.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.