D. Beth Fellows Green ’42, May 30, 2021, Chesterfield, Missouri. She was 101. Beth graduated from the University of Iowa. She enjoyed golf — she scored two holes-in-one — bowling, and Big Ten sports. Survivors include four children, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Lois Starner Stelpflug ’46, June 21, 2021, Ankeny, Iowa. After graduating from Grinnell, Lois taught high school for a year in Storm Lake, Iowa. She married Earl Stelpflug, with whom she had three daughters. She was a crossword puzzle whiz and tough to beat at Scrabble. Survivors include her daughters, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Virginia Wilson Simons ’47, April 21, 2021, Arlington, Massachusetts. Ginny majored in psychology at Grinnell. For several years, she worked in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. After marrying David Simons and raising their children, she earned a master’s in education and worked as a teacher in New York for more than 20 years. Survivors include three children and five grandchildren.
Phyllis Pincus Marco ’48, June 21, 2021, Western Springs, Illinois. After Grinnell, Phyllis earned a master’s from Governor’s State University and became one of the first speech therapists in the Chicago Public Schools. She also loved theatre and acting and was involved with many organizations related to that passion, as well as volunteering for community organizations. Survivors include three children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Gertrude “Trudy” Rosenberg Rothschild ’48, April 25, 2021, Porter Ranch, California. Trudy majored in history, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and continued with graduate studies at the University of Chicago, where she met her husband, Bill Felix Rothschild. The family settled in southern California, where Trudy worked in the Los Angeles Public Library system and the Anaheim Public Library. Survivors include three children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Valois Jensen Brintnall ’50, Aug. 6, 2021, Marshalltown, Iowa. Valois majored in English and minored in Spanish and music. She met Lee Brintnall ’50 (deceased) at Grinnell and they married in 1952. They spent much of their life together in Marshalltown, where Valois was active in her church, clubs, and community organizations. Survivors include two children, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and her brother, Ronald Jensen ’53.
James L. Evenson ’50, Sept. 19, 2020, Anchorage, Alaska. Jim studied art at Grinnell and then earned a master’s in art history and an MFA at the University of Iowa. In 1956, he and his wife, Nedra, moved to Alaska, where Jim taught high school English and art and coached basketball. Jim was a popular member of many boards and committees throughout Alaska due to his fairness and sensitivity to and appreciation of the concerns of all. Survivors include his son and grandson.
F. Addison Jones ’50, June 18, 2021, Grinnell, Iowa. Addison played football at Grinnell and was named All-Conference center in 1948–49. He married his wife, Marion Austin, in 1950 and raised three sons. After working at a bank in Chicago and serving two years in the U.S. Coast Guard, Addison returned to Grinnell in 1954 and spent the rest of his career at Grinnell State Bank, where he worked alongside his father, sons, and grandchildren and was deeply involved in community organizations. Survivors include his two younger sons, seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Claude C. Noyes ’51, April 23, 2021, Rochester, New York. After majoring in political science at Grinnell, Claude earned a master’s at the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University. In the 1960s, he worked in academic book publishing. In 1974 he moved to the University of Rochester, River Campus Libraries, where he was head of collection development and known for his intellectual curiosity, quick mind, and breadth of knowledge. He’s survived by his wife, a daughter, and a grandson.
Norma Henry Poehlein ’51, June 5, 2021, Clermont, Florida. Norma attended Grinnell and Iowa State University. She married Vernon Poehlein in 1949 and raised four daughters in Charles City, Iowa. She enjoyed volunteering at the hospital and hospice care. Survivors include her husband, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Ruth Bohstedt Palmer ’51, April 22, 2021, Grinnell, Iowa. A native Grinnellian, Ruth and her husband, Virgil Palmer (deceased), farmed near Newburg. Ruth also worked as a cashier in the treasurer’s office at Grinnell. Survivors include three children, six grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Donald K. Slocum ’51, Nov. 9, 2020, Broomfield, Colorado.
Dr. Robert A. Blome ’52, May 19, 2021, Nampa, Idaho. Bob grew up in Iowa City and played varsity golf in high school and at Grinnell. He graduated from medical school at the University of Iowa in 1955 and completed a surgical residency at the Iowa City VA Medical Center. In 1963 he moved to Idaho, where he opened a surgical practice and enjoyed outdoor activities. Survivors include his wife, Dixie Weeks and three daughters from his first marriage, four stepchildren, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Anne Ayres Borner ’52, June 8, 2021, West Chester, Ohio.
The Rev. Harold “Hal” Harrison ’52, June 6, 2021, Concord, New Hampshire. Hal earned a master of divinity degree at Andover Newton Theological School and was ordained in his hometown of Cromwell, Iowa, in 1956. He focused on Christian education and served churches in New England. Survivors include two sons and two grandchildren.
Lettie Rasmusson Merriam ’52, May 26, 2021, Gilbert, Arizona. Lettie was one of the first flight attendants for American Airlines. Lettie was an accomplished artist who used her artistic skill to remember her travel adventures, painting landscapes of Africa, China, and Europe. Survivors include her children, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Dr. David R. Dickson ’53, Oct. 4, 2020, Miami Lakes, Florida. Dave came to Grinnell from Wheaton, Illinois, and lived in Langan Hall all four years. He became a specialist in cleft-palate surgery and a director of the Cleft Palate Center at the University of Pittsburgh.
Barbara Wormhoudt Hoots ’53, March 31, 2021, Lafayette, California. Barbara studied English at Grinnell and after graduating from the University of Wisconsin was recruited to work for an insurance company. She married her husband, Bob Hoots, in 1958. Barbara enjoyed traveling with Bob and being active in her church. Survivors include her husband, three children, and seven grandchildren.
Lindley C. Stacey ’53, June 7, 2021, Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Lin joined the U.S. Navy after graduation and served in the Korean War. After completing his active duty, he took a job as a computer programmer with Western Electric and remained in the U.S. Naval Reserve, retiring at the rank of captain in 1984. Late in life he became a substitute teacher, his true calling. Survivors include his wife, DeOnn Atherton Stacey ’55; five children, including Gordon Stacey ’79; 13 grandchildren, including Kristen Stacey ’16; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, James Stacey ’57; and niece, Michelle Stacey ’79.
Paul D. Webster ’53, June 2, 2021, Wayzata, Minnesota. Paul served with the U.S. Navy in Korea from 1951 to 1953 and then for 24 years in the reserve. He spent his career at Webster Lumber Co., a sawmilling and manufacturing business started by his grandfather in 1902, serving as its president from 1962 through 2007. He is survived by
his wife, Mary, and two daughters, two grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.
Joseph S. Barnes ’54, Feb. 26, 2021, Peabody, Massachusetts. After his degree in comparative literature at Grinnell, Joe joined the U.S. Air Force. He flew cargo planes to bases around the world. He worked for Sylvania, RCA, and General Electric in engineering production management and was a committed volunteer with youth organizations. He sang bass in his church choir for more than 50 years. Survivors include two children.
Joanne Boeckling Olsen ’54, June 18, 2021, Grass Valley, California. Joanne met her husband, James Olsen ’55, when he was waiting tables in Quad Dining Hall. After graduation, she tried different jobs — secretary, kindergarten teacher — before buying a small shop in Evanston, Illinois, which she grew into a successful bath store with several locations. She enjoyed birdwatching, searching for wildflowers, and hunting for mushrooms. Survivors include her husband, two children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
LaVonne Kopecky Plambeck ’54, April 28, 2021, Omaha, Nebraska. LaVonne loved music and taught high school music before discovering her calling to early childhood education. She earned certification in Montessori education as well as a master’s and doctorate in education. She became a prominent leader in the field of early childhood education. Survivors include her husband, Don Plambeck, and two daughters.
Bessie Williams Session ’54, Feb. 11, 2021, Philadelphia.
Barbara Bursa Martin ’56, Feb. 7, 2021, Tampa, Florida. Barbara majored in chemistry at Grinnell, where she met fellow chemistry major Dean Martin ’55. They married in 1956 while both graduate students at Pennsylvania State University. Barbara spent over 35 years doing research with Dean in chemistry at the University of South Florida, which led to about 70 publications in peer-reviewed journals and their involvement with five books. She also co-edited Florida Scientist with her husband for 26 years. She won an Alumni Award in 1981 and volunteered in various capacities for Grinnell for many years. Survivors include her husband; six children, including Eric Martin ’91; and five grandchildren.
David “Quimby” Day ’57, Jan. 3, 2021, Harlingen, Texas. Quimby joined the U.S. Air Force after Grinnell and moved in 1958 with his bride, Lois Fredregill Day ’60, to Texas, where they raised three children. He worked in life insurance, helping clients with financial planning. He was also an elder in his church and served on his class reunion planning committee from 2005 to 2017. Survivors include his wife, three children, and four grandchildren.
Susan Brewton Hansen West ’57, Dec. 19, 2020, Bella Vista, Arkansas. After graduating from the University of Iowa, Susan taught elementary school for several years. She later worked as a travel agent in Storm Lake, Iowa, and loved the opportunities to visit exotic places. Survivors include three children, seven grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Sarah Crosby Cabot ’58, June 15, 2021, Lake City, Minnesota. Sarah completed her degree in education at the University of Minnesota. She taught elementary school for many years, finishing her career at Minneapolis Community College in the late 1990s. She also enjoyed artistic pursuits such as floor loom weaving. Her survivors include three daughters, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, as well as her beloved dog, Sophie.
Mary Garst Doyle ’58, May 25, 2020, Berkeley, California. Mary grew up on a farm in Coon Rapids, Iowa. In addition to Grinnell, she attended Bennington College and the Alfred School of Art and Design. She had her own pottery studio and was active in the arts and crafts scenes of Berkeley and Oakland, California.
Marilyn Cooke Walker ’58, Dec. 20, 2020, Pensacola, Florida. Marilyn taught kindergarten and first and second grades and later served as a Navy relief counselor for more than 20 years. She and Jon Walker ’59 were married 61 years. Survivors include her husband; three children, including Diane Walker Renaud ’84; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
David J. Fisher ’59, May 30, 2021, West Des Moines, Iowa. After Grinnell, David earned his law degree at the University of Iowa in 1962 and then married Dorrie Onthank. He worked for Onthank Co., an interior design firm, alongside his father-in-law, taking over as president in 1977. He served on many boards, including the Iowa Board of Regents. Survivors include his wife, three children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Andrew L. Johnson ’59, June 19, 2021, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Andy studied ecology at Grinnell and earned a master’s in forest science at Yale. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he worked in conservation, eventually establishing the North American Land Trust. During his tenure as president of the trust, it protected from development more than 100,000 acres of natural resources in 19 states. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth, two children, and two grandchildren.
Walter F. Giersbach ’61, Jan. 22, 2021, Manchester, New Jersey. Walter studied comparative literature, English, and journalism at Grinnell. After graduating, he served three years in the U.S. Army as a security analyst. He met his wife, Judy Hsiu-Yen Ho, while stationed in Taiwan. He worked in corporate communications for 30 years. In retirement, he continued to write short fiction and for local community publications. He was a longtime Grinnell volunteer, serving as his class fund director from 1978 to 2007. He’s survived by his two children, including Lisa Giersbach ’91, and three grandchildren.
Mary Jane Watts Gilliat ’61, Feb. 17, 2021, Olney, Maryland. Mary Jane was a GRASP volunteer from 1998 to 2011.
Jon K. Groteluschen ’61, June 2, 2021, Aiken, South Carolina. Jon was a physical education major and three-year letterman in basketball and golf. He started his career as a junior high math teacher. After getting his master’s from the University of Kentucky in 1969, he pursued a career in higher education administration. He served as vice president of business and finance, first at Carroll College in Wisconsin and then at Alma College in Michigan. Survivors include his wife, Marelle, and two daughters.
Ellen Weitz DeNelsky ’62, June 24, 2021, Cleveland, Ohio. Ellen met her husband, Garland DeNelsky ’60, at Grinnell. She completed her degree at Purdue University and after raising her three children, earned a certified financial planning license. She practiced financial planning for more than 20 years. Survivors include her husband, two children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Martha “Marni” Hoskinson ’62,July 13, 2021, Bloomington, Indiana. She spent her professional life in the Chicago area. A certified professional secretary, Marni was named International Secretary of the Year in 1981. Survivors include her sister and two nephews.
Pamela Haslam Allen ’63, May 28, 2021, Greensboro, North Carolina. Pam majored in biology at Grinnell and earned her physical therapy license from Duke University. She worked as a traveling therapist, served as director of rehabilitation at Annie Penn Hospital, worked in private practice, and did home health care. She was an avid equestrian and brought her horse, Gifted Marine, with her to Grinnell. Survivors include two children.
Michael S. Horwatt ’63, Aug. 14, 2020, Reston, Virginia. In 1961, Michael was a leader of the “Grinnell 14,” a group of students who went to Washington, D.C., to demonstrate support for banning atmospheric nuclear testing. Michael met Sally Singer Brodsky ’63 as a freshman at Grinnell College, and they married the day after graduation. He graduated with majors in political science and voice and earned his law degree at the University of Virginia. During his law career, he practiced First Amendment law, land use and zoning law, civil rights law, and criminal defense. He shaped internet law in Virginia. Survivors include Sally, his former wife and dearest friend; two daughters; and four grandchildren, including grandson Jalyn Marks ’16.
Sharon Miller Kempner ’63, April 23, 2021, Houston. Sharon was an avid gardener and the bulb buyer for the Garden Club of Houston for many years. She rescued horses and donkeys and was a devoted mother and grandmother. Survivors include four children and 10 grandchildren.
Julia Chatterton Knutson ’63, July 8, 2020, Weirton, West Virginia. She married Gordon Knutson ’62 in 1965; he died in 2001.
Gary G. Specker ’64, June 22, 2021, Minneapolis. He died of multiple myeloma. Gary was a physics major, reveling in the mentorship of Grant O. Gale. In 1966, Gary earned a master’s in industrial administration at Carnegie Mellon University and worked as an information technology professional at General Mills, Hewlett-Packard, and Silicon Graphics. He and his wife of 57 years, Sue Jurcheck Specker ’64, traveled widely with a special fondness for RV travel throughout North America, including trips to and around Alaska three times. He is survived by wife Sue, two sons, and four grandchildren.
Ellen Pearce Brooks ’66, July 11, 2021, Cornville, Arizona. Ellen died of vascular dementia. She majored in political science and joined the Peace Corps after graduation. After raising her children, she picked up her government career again, starting with the U.S. Census Bureau and then as a civil servant with the U.S. Air Force. Survivors include her three children and two grandchildren.
Mary Curtis-Kellett ’66, April 11, 2021, Tucson, Arizona. After majoring in anthropology and sociology at Grinnell, Mary earned a master’s in library science. She spent her 31-year career as a medical librarian with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. She helped doctors with diagnosis and treatment information and patients with educating themselves about their own health. She’s survived by her husband, Richard Kellett.
Frederick “Rick” S. Kuethe ’69, June 8, 2021, Dorchester, Massachusetts. After Grinnell, Rick studied at the Berklee College of Music. He was a jazz pianist, an Emmy-nominated composer, and a performing and recording artist. He owned and operated AirSound, a recording studio in downtown Boston, and produced eight albums of original music. In 2005, Rick turned his focus to the healing arts and developed a new career in long-distance energy therapy. He won an Alumni Award in 1999. Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Florence Aversa.
Steven R. Otto ’71, March 14, 2021, Santa Monica, California. Steve married his wife, Ramona, in Herrick Chapel after graduating from Grinnell. He earned a master’s in audiology at the University of Iowa and worked first at the Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Clinic and later as a researcher for the Cochlear Corporation in Los Angeles. Survivors include his wife.
Frank E. Thomas ’71, June 20, 2021, Des Moines, Iowa. After graduating high school in 1962, he worked clerical jobs for five years before entering Grinnell in 1967 and majoring in history. He met Sheena Brown ’71 and they married in 1970. Frank received his law degree from Indiana University in 1974 and moved to Des Moines shortly thereafter. He practiced law until 1985 and then held a series of government positions with Polk County and the Iowa Department of Human Services. In 1991, Frank returned to Grinnell in a series of senior administrative positions related to campus planning, human resources, and diversity, retiring in 2009. A committed feminist and a quiet yet fierce proponent of racial and economic justice, Frank dedicated himself to charity and service throughout his life. He served as a founding member of the campus organization Concerned Black Students, and while employed at Grinnell, he mentored underrepresented students through the Posse Program. He also volunteered for many committees and boards for the College and other organizations. Survivors include his wife; children, Jolyon Thomas ’01 and Akili Thomas ’07; sister-in-law, Katherine Hiyane-Brown ’73; and brother-in-law, Robert Brown ’73.
Greg L. Vranicar ’72, Aug. 22, 2021, Overland Park, Kansas. He died from complications following a stroke. A history major at Grinnell, Greg was in the last class of U.S. Air Force ROTC cadets on campus. He vigorously debated war theory in ROTC classes while also canvassing the town of Grinnell to encourage local opposition to the Vietnam War. He received the President’s Medal and was Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his law degree at the University of Iowa and, after his active duty service with the U.S. Air Force, practiced law in the Kansas City area. He changed careers at age 43 and became a nonprofit fundraiser, motivated by his belief in local activism. He was also dedicated to Grinnell, serving in many volunteer roles. He served on the Alumni Council, as Asa Turner chair, as his class fund director, as a GRASP volunteer, and on multiple class reunion planning committees, including his 50th reunion. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn; two sons; and two grandchildren.
Editor’s note: For reunion weekend in 2012, David Hechler ’72 and A.J. Morey ’73 solicited essays from dozens of their classmates for an exhibit on activism at Grinnell from 1967 to 1973. The piece Greg Vranicar submitted for that exhibit, “The Activist Generation,” is available online.
Kathleen Ryerson ’73, Nov. 11, 2020, Las Vegas. Kathy majored in sociology at Grinnell and received her second bachelor’s and a master’s from Yale University in nursing and midwifery. After five years of service with the Indian Health Service at Fort Defiance, Arizona, she practiced midwifery in private practice in Phoenix and later practiced nursing in Show Low, Arizona. Survivors include two sisters, a brother, and a nephew.
Ann Kelley ’75, April 7, 2021, Arlington, Texas. Ann completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Iowa, where she also earned two master’s degrees, one in Spanish literature and one in library science. She began her library career at the University of Iowa and finished it at the University of Texas at Arlington Library. She served as a GRASP volunteer from 2000 to 2014. Survivors include her spouse, Vijayan Pillai.
John B. Murdock ’76, May 19, 2020, Durham, North Carolina. John followed his love for old-time fiddle music into competition, and by 1979 he was a National Championship semifinalist. Later he moved to Arizona to pursue a career in graphic design. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s at Arizona State University College of Design. He ran a successful graphic design business in the Phoenix area. His love for teaching took him back into the college scene with professorships at the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Survivors include his father.
Deborah Swackhamer ’76, April 22, 2021, Stillwater, Minnesota. Deb majored in chemistry at Grinnell. At the University of Wisconsin, she earned a master’s in water chemistry and a doctorate in oceanography and limnology. She was an internationally recognized environmental chemist whose service to the scientific community and public policy was invaluable. Her service included the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Board from 2003 to 2012, which she chaired from 2008 to 2012. Survivors include her husband, David DeVault III, and a daughter, a stepson, and two grandchildren.
Mark A. Catan ’78, May 18, 2020, St. James, New York. Mark majored in physics at Grinnell and then earned a master’s in mechanical engineering at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He followed that with a law degree from Yeshiva University. He worked as a patent attorney with several different firms, most recently as a partner with Potomac Law Group.
Nicole Hamon ’78, Aug. 10, 2021, Claremont, California. She died after a 20-year battle with breast cancer. Nicole was born in France and first came to Grinnell in 1973 as a French language assistant. She met Richard Vos, then a counselor and residence hall director at Grinnell, and they married in 1976. While studying Russian at Grinnell, she met many international students and proposed a full-time position to advise international students. She helped students for the next eight years. She continued her work with international students at Claremont McKenna College as director of off-campus study, where she worked for 18 years. Survivors include her husband, two sons, and two grandchildren.
Thomas W. Jones ’78, April 15, 2021, Grinnell, Iowa. Tom, son of the late Alan Jones, Grinnell history professor, lived in Grinnell most of his life. Survivors include his mother, Jean Lewis Jones ’51.
Mark A. Johnson ’82, Sept. 3, 2020, Atlantic, Iowa. Mark majored in Russian and political science and considered becoming a Russian interpreter after graduation. Instead he became a chef, eventually opening his own restaurant, The Farmer’s Kitchen, in Atlantic. Mark’s chili recipe won many awards, including the World People’s Choice Chili Award. Survivors include his mother and siblings.
Jamie Morford ’13, Aug. 18, 2020, New Orleans. Jamie earned her doctorate in medical sciences at Tulane University. She also had an artistic side — she loved music and was an accomplished viola player and poet. Survivors include her fiancé, David Shives, and several aunts and uncles.
Phillip Zukowski ’23, May 8, 2021, Maspeth, New York. Phillip died after a fall through a six-foot gap in the Ithaca Falls Natural Area. He was 19. Phillip had transferred to Cornell University for his sophomore year. Friends describe him as a deeply kind person who enjoyed making people laugh. Survivors include his parents, brother, and grandparents.
Former Staff
James Stanley Tederman, Aug. 6, 2021, Portland, Oregon. Born in Gothenburg, Nebraska, in 1942, Jim graduated from Stanford University in 1965 with a degree in political science. He went on to earn a master’s in political theory from the University of Nebraska in 1967, during which time he met and married Jane Ryon, to whom he remained wed for 55 years. Jim began his career at Grinnell as a student adviser in 1969. He was later promoted to assistant dean of student affairs, then associate dean, and finally vice president and dean of student services. He was known as a visionary and a leader to his coworkers and friends — both team-builder and a teammate. He remained at Grinnell until 1988 and finished his career at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, retiring in 2000. His book, Advice from the Dean, is still used in college classrooms today. Jim was an active outdoorsman who enjoyed boating, water skiing, fishing, elk hunting, snow skiing, and motorcycle riding in his free time. During retirement he traveled extensively throughout Mexico and developed a strong love of the country and its history. He also traveled to Europe and throughout the United States. Jim is survived by his wife, Jane; son, Caine; sisters, Kathleen Watson and Nancy Osborne; brothers-in-law, Forrest Ryon and Roger Ryon; sister-in-law, Linda Woodhouse; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.