In Memoriam

Claribel Clark Taylor ’36, Atlanta, Dec. 23, 2018. Claribel grew up playing the organ for her local church services and used this skill to fund her tuition at Grinnell. After graduating from Grinnell, she continued her higher education at Westminster Choir College and took up an organist position at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, where she married Hubert Vance Taylor. Claribel was a baseball fan who loved cheering on the Atlanta Crackers at the old ballpark and even attended the inaugural game at the new Atlanta Braves stadium. She is survived by her children, four grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. 

Catharine Bousquet Evans ’38, Des Moines, Iowa, Feb. 1, 2019. Katie graduated from Roosevelt Senior High School as salutatorian in 1934, two years ahead of her class. She married Dayl Thomas Evans ’37 in 1940. She assisted in the creation of the PEO Record at PEO International’s Des Moines headquarters. An active member of Grinnell College’s Alumni Council, Katie received an Alumni Award in 1968 and 2008. She is survived by her three sons, including Thomas A. Evans ’64; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth Sheetz Kadarauch ’39, Medford, Oregon, Feb. 7, 2019. After graduating from Grinnell, Elizabeth attended the Eastman School of Music, where she met her future husband, Robert Kadarauch. She was a gifted pianist and often performed with her musically talented family. Elizabeth is survived by three sons, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. 

Vera Babka Kotiza ’39, Chesterfield, Missouri, Mar. 2, 2019. Vera majored in music and sang in the Chicago Metropolitan Opera Chorus in many different languages. After graduating, she pursued a career as a music instructor and physical education teacher in Michigan and later her hometown of Cicero, Illinois. She taught middle school music classes for more than 30 years and conducted church choir productions. Vera loved to travel the world, visiting Hawaii, Italy, Fiji, Mexico, China, and many more countries. Vera is survived by a daughter, two grandchildren, and great-grandson. 

Betty Bare Ver Burg ’40, Claremont, California, Oct. 4, 2018.

Milton A. Johnson ’41, Newark, Delaware, Aug. 16, 2018. Milton served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he completed a bachelor’s in business from Grinnell and enjoyed a 35-year career at Equitable Life Assurance. A dedicated hockey fan, Milton loved to cheer on his favorite team, the New Jersey Devils. He is survived by his daughter, granddaughter, and two great-grandchildren. 

Marie Layer Coleman ’43, Arlington Heights, Illinois, Feb. 15, 2018. Marie is survived by a daughter and four grandchildren. 

Lorna McCleary Patterson ’43, Medford, Oregon, Jan. 6, 2019. Laurie studied chemistry at Grinnell, where she met her husband Clair Patterson ’43. After graduation, she worked on the atomic bomb at the Oak Ridge Laboratory in Tennessee and taught high school science for many years.
In 1993, she won a Grinnell College Alumni Award. She is survived by three children, Charles Patterson ’73, Susan Patterson ’74, Cameron Patterson ’75; and three grandchildren, including Brian Patterson ’10.

Roberta Carlton Heller ’44, Fredericksburg, Texas, Nov. 4, 2018. After attending Grinnell for two years, Bobbie transferred to the University of Minnesota, earning her degree in elementary education. During World War II, she worked as a telephone operator. In 1979, Bobbie began working as a realtor for Ebby Halliday Realtors in Dallas and was a million-dollar producer in her career. Bobbie loved playing bridge and mah-jongg with close friends and family members. She is survived by three children, 15 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. 

D. Robert Levering ’44, Naples, Florida, Jan. 20, 2019. Bob served as a submarine officer during World War II, graduated from Grinnell in 1944, and later earned a doctorate in organic chemistry. He worked with Hercules Powder Co. and its affiliates for his entire career, eventually rising to the company’s top executive level. He was married to Virginia Lee Brantner, the love of his life, for 60 years. Bob was a Life Master bridge player and loved playing games with his family in his spare time. He is survived by two children and a grandson. 

Barbara Perine O’Neill ’45, Gold River, California, Dec. 31, 2018. Barbara attended Grinnell College for one year, then returned home to complete her bachelor’s at the University of Minnesota. After college, she moved to San Diego, working as a “Rosie, the riveter” and as a social worker. Travel, both domestically and abroad, was an integral part of Barbara’s life, thanks to her husband Donald O’Neill’s career with Standard Oil. Barbara is survived by four children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. 

Joyce Sylvester Bailey ’47, Duluth, Minnesota, Apr. 27, 2018. Joyce loved to spend time with her family solving puzzles, playing with her dogs, and going to see her grandkids’ and great-grandkids’ school events and programs. She is survived by her daughters, 15 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. 

William H. Halper ’47, Highland Park, Illinois, Aug. 24, 2018. Following his graduation from Grinnell, Bill returned to Chicago to help his father run Halper Publishing Co., which published Made to Measure Magazine. The magazine was originally about custom menswear and was published for tailors. When ready-to-wear menswear became popular, Bill pivoted the magazine to uniforms. For decades, the magazine was known as the “bible of the uniform industry.” Bill is survived by his wife Joan Halper and their children and grandchildren. 

Kenneth C. Kitterman ’47, Webster City, Iowa, Feb. 1, 2018. Kenneth served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1944–46. Afterward, he earned a four-year teaching certificate from the Iowa State Teachers College and was employed to teach industrial arts in Grand Junction. He was later a coach and teacher at Geneseo Community Schools. In 1992, Iowa Central Community College hired Kenneth as the bookstore manager. He is survived by his wife Bonnie Kitterman, three children, six grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. 

Barbara Macoubrey Thorne-
Thomsen ’47, Shreveport, Louisiana, Feb. 5, 2019. Barbara studied speech pathology and acted in several theatre productions while at Grinnell College. She met Fletcher Thorne-Thomsen, a soldier doing training at Grinnell during World War II, and they married after the war. Later, she returned to college to earn her master’s in social work from Louisiana State University. Barbara loved her career as a therapist and never considered retiring until she was 90 years old. She is survived by four children, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and her niece and nephew, Leslie Rayson Amundson ’69 and Christopher Rayson ’71.

Jewell Marie “Rusty” Brunner Freeburg ’48, Bozeman, Montana,
Feb. 3, 2019. On her first day at Grinnell, Jewell’s roommates dubbed her “Rusty” for her red hair. Originally from Nora Springs, Iowa, Rusty graduated from Grinnell with degrees in speech and drama and became a speech therapist in Elgin, Illinois, schools. She married William Freeburg of Elgin, and they raised their family with much fun and laughter about grammatically correct speech. Rusty always made time to help kids with speech and reading. Rusty is survived by three children and two grandchildren.

Jean Van Horn Cavanaugh ’48, Great Bend, Kansas, Feb. 21, 2019. Jean attended Grinnell College and the University of Minnesota. She is survived by her nephew, Patrick Cavanaugh ’69, and niece, Susan Cavanaugh Butcher ’73.

Bayard T. French ’49, Silver Bay, Minnesota, Jul. 26, 2018. Bayard served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later graduated from Grinnell. He met and married Barbara Wetherell ’49; they were married for 54 years. Bayard earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa Medical School. He took part in the development of the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, founded to serve the needs of rural and indigenous people’s communities. He is survived by four sons, eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, his nephew Barton Dunning ’66, niece, Cidney Dunning Walter ’67, brother-in-law, Kenneth Gordon ’71, and his companion Carol Townsend.

Dolores Shockney Riddick ’49, Memphis, Tennessee, Jan. 25, 2019.

Anne “Breezy” Bresnahan Adams ’50, Ladera Ranch, California, Sept. 20, 2018. Anne was a stellar athlete and competed in the 1948 Olympic Swimming Trials while attending Grinnell College. Though she did not make the Olympic team, she remained dedicated to the sport. She was a swim coach and helped build a successful program for adult athletes, in which she also competed. Over the years, Anne won many gold medals and held a number of world records. At 74, within 12 months of having aortic valve replacement surgery, she entered, swam, and won a 5K open water race. In 2017, Anne was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. She is survived by four children, two grandchildren, and two brothers, including Richard Bresnahan ’59. 

N. Sue Hardy Carr ’50, Bremerton, Washington, Dec.14, 2018. Sue worked as a secretary in private industry in Illinois and Florida and later joined the International Cooperation Administration, which became the U.S. Agency for International Development, a branch of the U.S. Department of State. She followed assignments in Thailand, Iran, Laos, and Washington and eventually joined her husband on assignments in Nigeria and Vietnam. Her survivors include three stepsons and one step-granddaughter. 

Betty Klett Johnson ’50, Oak Park, Illinois, May 2, 2018. Betty attended Grinnell College and then graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in speech-language pathology. She worked as a speech therapist for the Chicago public school system and got her master’s in speech pathology from Northwestern University. While raising her family, Betty worked at Easter Seals and became the program director for the Chicago area. Later, she became the Oak Park site director for Head Start. Betty is survived by two children and two granddaughters. 

Patricia Flanagan Judd ’50, Boulder, Colorado, Oct. 20, 2018. After graduating from Grinnell, Trish completed graduate work in English at North Texas State University. She taught English at several community colleges and Texas Tech University. While living in Dallas, she formed a small group at the First Unitarian Church of Dallas that was instrumental in the lawsuit that eventually led to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. Survivors include two sons, seven grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. 

Leonard “Bud” Leonard Jr. ’50, Gaithersburg, Maryland, Dec. 29, 2018. 

Jean Bouma Ruth ’50, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Jan. 14, 2019. Alumni Award recipient in 1975, Jean was born and raised in Grinnell. After high school she worked for the FBI during World War II and never revealed the secrets of her work. She returned to Grinnell College and married her sweetheart Royal Francis “Bud” Ruth ’49 on graduation day. She worked at a Cerebral Palsy Clinic for children in Edmonton and obtained her doctorate in psychology from the University of Alberta. Jean was active as a class agent for Grinnell and helped gather clothing and supplies for those in need in Edmonton and in Eastern Europe from about 1968 to 1988. She is survived by her son, Makino Ruth ’79; nieces, Ellen Bouma Barnes ’75 (Marvin Barnes ’76) and Margaret Bouma ’72; and great-nephew, Adrian Barnes ’05. 

Robert D. Tomasek ’50, Lawrence, Kansas, April 7, 2019. Bob majored in history at Grinnell. During his first stint in graduate school, he was drafted and served in the Korean War. Afterward he earned a master’s and doctorate in political science at the University of Michigan. He married Ruth Waltershausen in 1953, and in 1957 he joined the faculty at the University of Kansas, where he taught Latin American affairs and international law for 35 years. His research covered controversies in Latin America, such as exile disputes and arms races. His survivors include three daughters and three grandchildren.

Nancy Cornforth Campbell ’51, Fort Collins, Colorado, Jan. 7, 2019. Nancy attended Grinnell College for three semesters and later finished college at the University of Denver. She married Laird Campbell in 1948 and they raised four children. She began her teaching career as a substitute, then became a fifth-grade teacher. In a perfect marriage of her interest in education and love for the outdoors, Nancy helped open Skyland, a summer camp program in Colorado. She is survived by three children and 11 grandchildren.  

C. Morton Cliff ’51, Palm Springs, California, Sept. 12, 2018.

Ritta Randolph Kurth ’51, Ackley, Iowa, Dec. 11, 2018. Ritta graduated from Grinnell with a major in art. She pursued a successful career with the Ackley World Journal in its advertising department. One of her favorite hobbies was quilting, and she made sure to pass along a quilt to every one of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by four children, 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. 

Alice Van Housen Littlefield ’51, Neenah, Wisconsin, Aug. 25, 2018. Alice attended Grinnell and then graduated from Lawrence College in 1951. She married Charles Littlefield in 1953. She had many jobs over the years, including serving at her husband’s law firm and driving a school bus. Well known for her holiday generosity, Alice baked and delivered roughly 30 of her special coffeecakes each year. She is survived by her three children, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and her siblings. 

Ruth Martin Minter ’51, Loveland, Colorado, March 15, 2019. Ruth loved to travel, spend time at her family’s cabin, and host a bed-and-breakfast. She is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren. 

Marilyn Reeling Hallman ’52, Mount Prospect, Illinois, Dec. 10, 2018. After graduating from Grinnell, Marilyn became a third-grade teacher at South School in Des Plaines. While raising her family, she worked as a part-time reporter for The Arlington Heights Daily Herald, penning its weekly children’s crafts column, “Kids Korner.” Her investment in children’s development and education continued to grow as she volunteered in the PTA, was a Girl Scout leader, and acted as a cultural arts chairman at Fairview School. She is survived by her husband Newt Hallman, three children, and 10 grandchildren. 

Sylvia “Sibby” Redding Soh ’52, Santa Rosa, California, May 25, 2018.

Bruce Cole ’53, Scottsdale, Arizona, Feb. 22, 2019. Bruce was an English-journalism major at Grinnell. He married the love of his life, Jane Bagby Cole ’53, on the day they graduated. The two Midwesterners lived in the Sonoran Desert in the Southwest for 40 years. They loved hiking, music, art, growing flowers, and listening to or reading the stories around them. In 1989, Bruce won an Alumni Award. He’s survived by two daughters, including Dorothy Cole Domrzalski ’79. 

William K. Keister ’53, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Feb. 28, 2019.

Peter Adams Gaertner ’54, Lake Elmo, Minnesota, June 21, 2018. Peter loved traveling, cheering on the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, and supporting her favorite competitors, her grandkids. She is survived by six children, 15 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Sarah Morris Winckelman ’54, Malvern, Pennsylvania, March 18, 2019.

John Derber ’55, Boulder, Colorado, Oct. 22, 2018.

Edwin T. Ho ’55, Honolulu, Dec. 31, 2018. After graduating from Grinnell in 1955, he requested that his graduate studies be postponed until he fulfilled his military service, which he did in 1960. From 1965–68 he served as a Foreign Service officer in Venezuela, Ecuador, and Canada. He was in the Air Force Reserve, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1993. Ed was married to Mildred Ho for 52 years. His survivors include his brother, Albert Ho ’58. 

Beverly Valentine McClintock ’55, Ankeny, Iowa, Oct. 6, 2018. Beverly met John McClintock ’53 at Grinnell and they married in 1953. She was a homemaker and got involved with many of her husband’s activities and social organizations. She volunteered at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and was also a member of the PEO Sisterhood. She is survived by two daughters, two sons, two grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.

James Owens ’55, Lincoln, Nebraska, Feb. 12, 2019. After graduating from Grinnell, Jim served two years in the U.S. Army. He spent a few years working for Keystone Lumber Co. in Loup City, Nebraska, where he also held a position on the city council. James moved on to work at the Nebraska State Bank, retiring as president in 1990. He is survived by his wife Mary Lea Domingo Owens, two children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. 

Barbara Ramsey ’55, Arlington, Virginia, Nov. 27, 2018. After graduating from Grinnell, Barbara worked as appointments secretary for U.S. Sen. Hubert H. Humphrey and held that position during his tenure as vice president. She later worked as an environmental protection specialist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. She was member of the PEO Sisterhood and a performer in the Choral Arts Society of Washington, D.C. She is survived by a nephew and three nieces. 

Della “Adele” Narcisi Nelson ’56, Sedona, Arizona, Dec.10, 2018. Adele was an inspired student at Grinnell and a passionate teacher throughout her career. She married Kent Nelson in 1959. She loved her job at Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was proud of all the students she helped nurture. She was the first recipient of the school’s Teacher of the Year award in 1985 and was inducted into Bishop Dwenger’s Hall of Fame in 2015. She is survived by two sons and a granddaughter.  

James “Tony” A. Beals ’58, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Oct. 26, 2018. Tony received his education at Rensselaer Institute and Grinnell College, then served in the U.S. Air Force. He pursued a career with IBM and Pricer Inc. and traveled the world. He loved the Oklahoma City community, his hometown and where he lived most of his life, and was a leader in Kiwanis and the English Speaking Union. 

Thomas R. Gillan ’58, Denton, Maryland, March 29, 2019. After receiving a bachelor’s from Grinnell, Thomas went on to receive a second bachelor’s in forestry. His forestry career spread over many decades, first with Koppers Co. and later as a self-employed logger. He worked for the State of Maryland as an environmental health specialist for 10 years. Survivors include his wife of 60 years Barbara McVay Gillan, two children, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and his sister, Nancy Gillan Bloom ’57.

Ellen Taylor Huppert ’58, San Francisco, Nov. 13, 2018. Ellen completed her bachelor’s at Northwestern University, a master’s at Harvard University, and a doctorate in modern European history at the University of California, Berkeley. She spent her adult life in San Francisco and taught classes at San Francisco State and Holy Names University. After her teaching career ended, Ellen remained a stalwart defender of education, founding both the Institute for Historical Study and the San Francisco Parents’ Lobby, serving as president for each organization. She is survived by two children and three grandsons. 

Judith Mullens Burke ’59, Omaha, Nebraska, March 14, 2019. Judith is survived by four children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Karen Senty Ewing ’59, Chesapeake, Virginia, Jan. 28, 2019. Karen was always devoted to her family. She supported her husband Richard Ewing’s naval career and later opened an equipment rental store with him. Her favorite hobbies were entertaining friends, playing bridge, feeding birds and squirrels, and writing handwritten notes and letters. She was also an active volunteer at her church and received the Alumni Award in 1990. She is survived by her two children, four grandchildren, and a great-grandson. 

Sandra Petrus Griffith ’59, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Feb. 2, 2019. Sandra attended Grinnell College and the University of Iowa. She and her husband Robert owned R.C. Griffith Walnut Co. She was a member of First Christian Church and was an active participant in the Council Bluffs Service League. Sandra and her husband frequently visited Leech Lake in Walker, Minnesota, and loved spending time outdoors. She is survived by one son, six grandchildren, and great-grandchildren

Judith Bourne Stone ’60, Barrington, Illinois, June 9, 2018. After attending Grinnell College, Judith earned a master’s in social work from the University of Michigan, as did her late husband Judson Stone ’61. She began her career with the University of Michigan’s Center for Population Planning and served as a director of the Interdisciplinary Project on Child Abuse and Neglect at the University of Michigan Hospital. In 1964, Judith was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but that neither hindered nor stopped her commitment to helping those in her community. Survivors include two sons and four grandchildren. 

James A. Ahrens ’62, Grinnell, Iowa, March 4, 2019. Born and raised in Grinnell, James graduated from Grinnell High School and Grinnell College, as well as Iowa State University. He entered the U.S. Air Force shortly after and served as a radar controller and public affairs officer. He married his college sweetheart, local artist Julie Williams. He taught at Wentworth Military Academy in Missouri and commanded the 418th Civil Affairs Unit that mobilized during the first Gulf War. He retired from military service at the rank of lieutenant colonel. James was a member of his Grinnell College class committee from 2011 to 2019. He is survived by his second wife Sue Ahrens, two children, two stepchildren, and four grandchildren.

Craig A. Rolfs ’62, Menominee, Michigan, Dec. 20, 2018. Craig graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1962 and from Drake University Law School in 1965. He began practicing law in Parkersburg, Iowa, where he also served as the county attorney for Butler County. He moved to Menominee in 1973 where he began practicing law with the Anuta & Minerman Law Office. He was appointed as Menominee County prosecuting attorney in 1975 and in 1979 was appointed by the governor to be Menominee County judge of probate. He is survived by his wife Monica Crandall Rolfs, two sons, three stepchildren, five grandchildren, and four step-grandchildren.

Robert DeCook ’64, Venice, Florida, Feb. 12, 2019. Robert majored in philosophy at Grinnell and earned a law degree from the University of Iowa. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1967–1975. 

C. Orville Teising ’64, Mill Valley, California, Dec. 19, 2018.  At Grinnell, Orville was a track star and played lead guitar in a rock band. Following graduation, he pursued a career in sales and became vice president of marketing for ACNielsen. He loved traveling to distant countries, running marathons, and singing for a barbershop quartet and the Mayflower Chorus. He is survived by his wife Rochelle Teising, his brother John Teising ’66, two daughters, three stepchildren, and eight grandchildren.

Pamela Eschbach Wolfmeyer ’66, Winona, Minnesota, Jan. 20, 2019. Pamela graduated from Grinnell with a degree in economics and did graduate work in industrial relations at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She joined the faculty of Winona State University in 1969 as a professor in the College of Business Management, teaching courses in human resources. She earned a reputation as an excellent student adviser. She retired as full professor in 2008, which allowed her to indulge her passion for passenger trains. She rode every long-distance passenger train in the United States and Canada.  She is survived by her husband Marvin Wolfmeyer, three sisters, and nieces and nephews.

Suzanne Hughes James ’67, Topeka, Kansas, Aug. 1, 2018. Suzanne studied Spanish at Grinnell and went on to pursue a career in sales for Sterling Pharmaceuticals in Oklahoma. Later, she worked for the district attorney’s office with victims of violent crimes. In 1984 she married Myrlen James, with whom she shared a love of Native American history and jewelry. A lover of all animals, she provided a home for dozens of cats and dogs and was a long-standing supporter of the Humane Society. Survivors include her brother and nieces. 

Robert N. Beal ’75, Fort Stockton, Texas. Aug. 27, 2018.

Paul J. Crane ’78, La Vista, Nebraska, March 3, 2019. From a young age, Paul excelled at academics and sports and earned an academic scholarship to Grinnell College. He worked as a chaplain for Risen Son Christian Village in Council Bluffs, Iowa; as an administrator at Creston Nursing and Rehab Center, Creston, Iowa; and finally as executive director at the Primrose Retirement Community in Council Bluffs. Paul’s survivors include his wife Kelly McBride Crane, two children, and three grandchildren.

Andrew R. Preston ’78, North Palm Beach, Florida, April 10, 2019. Andy died in a car crash in a restaurant parking lot. He was a longtime radio broadcaster in Florida. Andy got his start in radio at Grinnell on KDIC and worked in radio for most of his career. He worked at stations in Hawaii and Florida, most recently as music director and afternoon drive DJ for WKGR-FM 98.7 (The Gater). 

William G. Stowe ’81, Des Moines, Iowa, April 14, 2019. Bill died of pancreatic cancer. After graduating from Grinnell, where he played basketball, Bill earned a master’s in engineering at the University of Wisconsin, a master’s in labor relations at the University of Illinois, and a law degree from Loyola University. In Des Moines he worked as the city’s human resources director, as director of public works for 13 years, and as head of the water works since 2012. He was an advocate for clean water. Under his leadership, Des Moines Water Works filed a lawsuit against three northwest Iowa counties, alleging that their drainage ditches allowed nitrates to travel from farm fields to the Raccoon River. The water works lost the suit when a federal judge ruled that drainage districts don’t have the authority to mediate pollution. Survivors include his wife Amy Beattie and his son, Liam Stowe ’18. 

Steven A. Buckman ’85, Charlotte, North Carolina, Oct. 10, 2018.

James J. Rosse ’85, Springfield, Illinois, Nov. 10, 2018. James attended University of California, Los Angeles, in 1971 before serving in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years. After that, he sold boats and worked as a Volkswagen mechanic. James then attended Grinnell, where he studied biology and met his wife Nancy Suggs Rosse ’87 when he was doing dishes in a residence hall kitchen. After graduation, he worked as a computer network analyst for a variety of companies before he retired in 2004. He loved to cheer on his St. Louis Cardinals, practiced woodworking, and was a leading member of the Sangamon Table Tennis Club. Survivors include his wife and three children.

Omar Ghaffar ’99, Munster, Indiana, March 27, 2019.

Jane Young Lang ’42, Agoura Hills, California, Feb. 3, 2018. Jane was born in Iowa and enjoyed summers at Lake Okoboji with her parents and older sister Ruth. After graduating from Grinnell, she moved to California to work at her sister’s employment agency. In 1950, she married Carroll Lang. When the couple’s two children were older, Jane earned a master’s in speech pathology at Pomona College. She worked as a speech therapist in public schools for 15 years. She talked fondly of her time at Grinnell throughout her life. She is survived by her two children, two grandchildren, and a nephew. 

Robert T. Smith ’44, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Feb. 23, 2018. Bob worked in the agricultural industry for many years and enjoyed playing golf and traveling. He is survived by his son Thomas and three grandchildren.

Leatrice Schoeneck Mager ’45, Tinley Park, Illinois, May 12, 2018. Lee died in the house she was born in, a house built by her father and grandfather. She was a music major at Grinnell and taught music for more than 35 years. Survivors include two daughters, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. 

Helen Webster Lee ’47, Fontana, California, March 10, 2018. Helen played field hockey at Grinnell and graduated summa cum laude. She moved to Chicago to work and met her husband Carl there. The couple soon moved to California, where they settled to raise five children. Helen volunteered at her local hospital and church throughout her life and is remembered as a devoted mother and generous spirit. She is survived by one son, three daughters, and five grandchildren. 

Dorothy Ruth Greenwald ’48, Grinnell, Iowa, April 22, 2018. Ruth graduated from Grinnell High School before attending Grinnell College. After receiving her M.S. from the University of Iowa, she taught high school math for 44 years. After her retirement, Ruth returned to Grinnell to live at the Mayflower Community. Ruth enjoyed reading, traveling, and knitting. She is survived by her brother Stanley Greenwald ’55, sister-in-law Gail Pomrehn Greenwald ’57, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Ruth Harms Mehuys ’48, Springfield, Illinois, March 12, 2018. In addition to Grinnell, Ruth also attended Augustana College, where she met her husband William Mehuys, a World War II veteran. They married in 1948 and raised four children. Ruth worked as a school librarian and school secretary for the Moline Public School System, retiring after William died. Survivors include three sons, four grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

Barbara “Bobby” Wright Raffensperger ’48, Omaha, Nebraska, May 15, 2018. 

Janet Rust McCallum ’49, West Lafayette, Indiana, May 2, 2018. Jan was known for her independence, smart wit, and no-nonsense attitude. She worked at the Purdue University athletic department, her dream job. She enjoyed traveling, socializing, and attending Purdue athletic events. 

Hugh C. Acton ’50, Augusta, Michigan, May 19, 2018. Hugh was born and raised on the family farm and ranch in Nebraska, where he tended to the cattle, crops, and his pet golden eagle. He served in the merchant marines in Okinawa before attending Grinnell to study philosophy. He then earned his MFA at the Cranbrook Art Institute, where he honed his passion for art and furniture design. Hugh enjoyed athletics, participating in the Drake Relays while at Grinnell and later taking up competitive cycling and cross-country skiing. He received an Alumni Award from Grinnell College in 2005. He is survived by three children, including Rad C. Acton ’78 and Tana Acton ’78, and five grandchildren. 

Calvin Wayne Fulton ’50, Tucson, Arizona, March 22, 2018. Wayne was a longtime member of St. Phillip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, serving many roles. His survivors include his domestic partner of 24 years, Joe Yukish; and four children, 16 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Joan Adams Dee Kahn ’50, Louisville, Kentucky, March 23, 2018. Although Joan spent just three semesters at Grinnell, she always had a love for it, along with many anecdotes of that post-World War II time. She was an avid supporter of the arts in her new hometown of Indianapolis, continued with her bridge playing activities that she cultivated at Grinnell, and traveled widely. She is survived by two sons.  

Doris Jean Nesbitt Smiley ’50, Schofield, Wisconsin, April 6, 2018. Jean met her husband William Smiley ’50 at Grinnell before the couple settled in Wausau, Wisconsin. Jean then pursued a master’s in library science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and worked at the Wausau Public Library. She was an avid reader with a fondness for murder mysteries and had a passion for politics and social justice. She loved traveling and visited 122 countries. Survivors include her husband, two sons, and four grandchildren. 

Herbert B. von Lackum ’51, Marshalltown, Iowa, Aug. 31, 2017. Herb served in the U.S. Army after World War II and graduated from the University of Iowa. He spent many years in Australia as a high school science teacher. He sent many letters and postcards about his travels to his nieces and nephew.

John K. von Lackum ’51, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, April 24, 2018. Younger brother to Herbert (see above), John spent two years at Grinnell before graduating from Northwestern University. He earned a law degree from the University of Michigan in 1954 and then served in the U.S. Army in Germany. For the rest of his career, he practiced law in Iowa, primarily in private practice but also as assistant Linn County attorney in the early 1960s. Survivors include his two daughters, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. 

James W. Brown ’52, Osceola, Iowa, April 3, 2018. Jim graduated from Drake University Law School in 1959 after serving as a pilot in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. In 1979, he was appointed an Iowa District Court judge. In 2002, he was appointed a senior judge on the Appellate Court, where he stayed until his retirement in 2008. He enjoyed reading, fly-fishing, RAGBRAI (the Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa), and golf. Jim is survived by his wife Beth Taylor Brown, four children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. 

Elizabeth Rademacher Buhrman ’53, Gurnee, Illinois, March 31, 2018. 

James Meyer ’53, Oct. 31, 2017, and Mary Wood Meyer ’53, Feb. 28, 2018, Carmel, Indiana. Jim and Mary both graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Grinnell. They were married for 63 years. Jim obtained his master’s degree from Indiana Kelly School of Business. Mary worked as a speech pathologist for 24 years. Both were active members of their Unitarian church. Jim was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing bridge and solving crossword puzzles. Mary enjoyed baking, playing the piano, playing bridge, and shopping. She tutored disadvantaged students in her spare time. Survivors include three children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. 

Elizabeth “Skeeter” Oleson ’53, Mason City, Iowa, June 17, 2017. Skeeter was an English major who worked as a teacher. When she retired, she bought and helped run a bicycle shop, The Spinning Wheel, in Iowa Falls, Iowa. She was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and loved golfing. She is remembered for her love of her hometown of Dows, Iowa, her outgoing personality, and her generous gifts to those in need. Skeeter is survived by three sisters, including Mary Lou Oleson Nuessen ’44.

Lora Lee “Loree” Pugh Rackstraw ’53, Grinnell, Iowa, May 8, 2018. After graduating with a major in philosophy from Grinnell, Loree obtained her master’s degree in English from the University of Iowa. She taught English at the University of Northern Iowa for 30 years until retiring in 1996. She also worked as a fiction editor for the North American Review. In 2009, Loree wrote a book, Love as Always, Kurt — Vonnegut as I Knew Him, about her 42-year friendship with Slaughterhouse Five author Kurt Vonnegut. She enjoyed writing, reading, music, and the arts. Loree served as a class agent 2007–2012 and on her class committee 2007–2015, was an inaugural representative in October of 2004, and was a regional volunteer for the Office of Development and Alumni Relations 2000–2005. Survivors include her son Kevin Rackstraw ’81. 

Richard J. Raridon ’53, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, June 17, 2018. Dick grew up near Newton, Iowa, and graduated from Grinnell High School. He earned a master’s in physics and a doctorate in physical chemistry from Vanderbilt University. He worked at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for 30 years and was the author or co-author of more than 100 papers in chemistry, physics, and computer science. He was an avid volunteer with many different organizations, including Grinnell’s Alumni Council from 2013 to 2017. He also served as his class fund director and on his class committee from 2011 to 2018. Survivors include two daughters and their families.

Mary Anne Brock ’54, Naperville, Illinois, May 4, 2018. After graduating from Grinnell, Mary earned her Ph.D. in biology from Harvard University. She went to work at the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health, where she researched the phenomenon of aging in subcellular, cellular, tissue, and organism models of aging. Her 73 publications include seven book chapters. She retired as senior research investigator at NIH in 1995. She received an Alumni Award from Grinnell College in 2000 in recognition of her distinguished achievement and service. 

Ronald R. Stanger ’54, Olmsted Falls, Ohio, Dec. 15, 2017. Ron majored in political science at Grinnell and studied French at Sorbonne University in Paris. After his studies, he spent time traveling around Europe before returning to the United States. He married in 1963 and began a career in advertising that lasted until he retired in the early 1990s. Despite being diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Ron lived a long and independent life. He enjoyed writing, tennis, and traveling with his wife. Survivors include his wife, brother, nephew, two nieces, and nine great-nieces and nephews.

Edwin C. Weitz ’54, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Nov. 20, 2017. Survivors include his brother Robert Weitz ’59, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. 

JoAnn Bergman Schneekloth ’55, West Des Moines, Iowa, Dec. 6, 2017. JoAnn spent 40 years working for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring as a postmaster. She played organ and piano at her Methodist church and enjoyed sports, playing cards, and baking pie. Survivors include two daughters and two granddaughters. 

Joanne Thomann Wesch ’55, Peyton, Colorado, March 9, 2018. Joanne was an English teacher for nearly 30 years and was a member of Peace Lutheran Church. Survivors include her brother John Thomann ’59, two children, and two grandsons. 

Patricia Pauley Guy ’56, Lawrence, Kansas, March 19, 2018. Pat graduated from Grinnell with a bachelor’s in English. After raising a family, she discovered her passion for theology and decided to obtain a master of divinity degree. She was ordained in 1989 and became a pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Topeka, Kansas. She is remembered for her love of travel, music, and art. Survivors include her second husband Willard Guy, brother Bruce Pauley ’59, three children including son David Holmes ’82, three stepchildren, four grandchildren, and eight stepgrandchildren. 

Charles W. Hastings ’56, Federal Way, Washington, April 2, 2018. Chuck double-majored in math and physics at Grinnell. He was bright and technically adept, working many jobs including writing software, marketing, and teaching. In his spare time, he enjoyed writing fiction and playing jazz piano. Chuck is survived by his wife Angelita Go Casanova Hastings, five children, and six grandchildren.

Stephan L. Jones ’57, Tucson, Arizona, March 17, 2018. Steve often spoke with pride about his time at Grinnell. He retired as president of Princor Mutual Funds at the Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1999 and took up gardening. He and his wife Linda Vernon Jones moved to Tucson, where he worked as a docent at the botanical park. Survivors include his wife, two children, brother Edward Jones ’68, sister-in-law Laura Hallock Jones ’69, and four grandchildren. 

Phyllis Cantwell Miller ’57, Powell, Wyoming, Feb. 25, 2018. Phyllis was a registered nurse, longtime piano player, and avid painter. She is survived by two children and four grandchildren. 

Mary “Betsy” Hertz Allan ’59, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, April 24, 2018. Betsy grew up in Ames, Iowa, and majored in sociology at Grinnell. She married George Allan ’57 on the winter solstice in 1958. She earned a master’s in library science in 1971 and worked as a librarian for about a decade. Then, she changed careers and became a tax preparer until retiring in 2002. Betsy loved to read mystery and fantasy novels. She was very creative and an excellent seamstress. She is survived by her husband, son James Allan ’83, two daughters, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. 

Leigh S. Ratiner ’59, Reno, Nevada, May 3, 2018. At Grinnell, Leigh was a talk-show radio host, interviewing visiting celebrities. He earned a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and offered mediation and conflict resolution through a practice in Reno for 30 years. 

Dianne M. Stevenson ’59, Willow Springs, Illinois, May 4, 2018. Dianne led her life as a loving mother, artist, psychologist, theatre patron, and world traveler.

David A. Nixon ’61, Overland Park, Kansas, June 10, 2018. Survivors include his wife Gloria Nixon and two daughters.

Kenneth D. Poush ’61, Rancho Mirage, California, Oct. 4, 2017. 

Frances Galaty Carson ’62, Bettendorf, Iowa, May 3, 2018. Frances taught special education in the Davenport School District for 25 years. She enjoyed playing bridge, reading, and volunteering. She is survived by two children and her sister.

Richard Ulbricht ’62, Portland, Oregon, April 28, 2018. Dick conducted research for a pharmaceutical company in Illinois before moving to Oregon, where he taught high school science. He was a railroad enthusiast and enjoyed watching sports, skiing, hiking, and mountain climbing. He was also an active member of his Lutheran church. He is survived by his wife Susan Carter Ulbricht ’64, two sons, and one grandson.

Lee D. Weisel ’62, Ashland, Oregon, May 3, 2018. Lee majored in comparative literature at Grinnell and then earned a law degree at Yale. After practicing entertainment law, he acted as personal manager to Iron Butterfly, Herbie Hancock ’60, and several other artists. He was very active in Jewish affairs in his community and very supportive of the arts. Lee served on his class committee 2004–2012 and on the Alumni Council and its Stewardship Committee 2006–2011; he also volunteered for the Pioneer Fund 2008–2015. Lee and his wife JoAnn Weisel gave generously to Grinnell, especially to need-based financial aid and several capital projects, including the Humanities and Social Studies Center, a gift they made in honor of their parents. Survivors include his wife, two sons, and daughter Jessica Weisel ’91. 

Frederick M. Arnold ’63, Madison, Wisconsin, March 3, 2018. Fred earned master’s in education and economics degrees from Northern Illinois University. He and his wife Barbara Beale Arnold ’64 were 1965–68 Peace Corps volunteers in Malaysia. Fred taught economics and humanities-based leadership studies for 33 years at Madison Area Technical College. He was a community activist in multiple arenas, serving on the Madison City Council and Dane County Board of Supervisors and as chair and member of multiple community boards and commissions. He’s survived by his wife; three sons, including Erick Arnold ’90; and four grandchildren.

Steven J. Rioff ’63, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Jan. 2, 2018. Steven played football at Grinnell and earned a law degree from Northwestern University. After law school he served in the Peace Corps and as a VISTA volunteer. He was a passionate advocate and leader for affordable housing in the Boston area. His volunteer work for Grinnell included mentoring student interns and speaking with prospective students as a GRASP volunteer. Survivors include his wife Beth Widgen, two sons, a daughter, a stepson, and four grandchildren.

James A. Harrington ’64, Westfield, New Jersey, June 20, 2018. After graduating from Grinnell, Jim earned a doctorate in physics from Northwestern University. He was an international authority in the field of infrared fibers, a science adviser to the U.S. Department of State, and a distinguished professor at Rutgers University. He published a book and more than 190 articles. He was also awarded 10 patents on specialty fiber optics and medical devices. Survivors include his wife Janice Boles, a daughter, two grandsons, and sister Donna Harrington Runyan ’66.

Gerald F. Hansen ’65, Council Bluffs, Iowa, May 26, 2018. Gerald served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, then worked as a farmer in Nebraska and Iowa. He is survived by his wife Jenny Hansen and son. 

Dean W. Nordquist ’65, Bloomington, Minnesota, June 29, 2018. Dean had a career as an engineer that included helping design the original Boeing 747 and designing chemical extraction facilities around the world. He was a devoted family man. Survivors include his son and two grandchildren.

John Harrod ’66, New London, New Hampshire, March 25, 2018. After two years at Grinnell, Jack transferred to and graduated from Colgate College. He then served 28 years with the U.S. Information Agency (USIA), with assignments including Afghanistan, Poland, and the former Soviet Union. From 1979–1981, Jack served as a media spokesman and a liaison with the families of the four USIA Iran hostages. He said the highlight of his career was notifying the families that the hostages were safe. The agency later gave him its highest honor. Jack is survived by a son and a sister.

Clifton M. Dowling ’67, Bel Air, Maryland, May 1, 2018. After attending Grinnell, Clif joined the U.S. Army as an ammunitions instructor. In 1977, he graduated from the University of California-Berkeley with a major in conservation of natural resources. He loved the environment and dedicated himself to environmental causes throughout his life and received recognition for his work. He was passionate about American history and politics and enjoyed trivia and fossil collecting. Survivors include his wife, two daughters, and two grandsons. 

Howard L. Ward ’69, Chicago, Illinois, May 26, 2018. After graduating from Grinnell with a major in political science, Howard earned his law degree at the University of Illinois. He was named a Reginald Herbert Smith Fellow and worked for Cook County Legal Aid for four years. He was in private law practice for 40 years and was an adjunct professor at John Marshall Law School. He served as senior warden at St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church from 1999 until his death. Survivors include his wife of 48 years Margaret Smith Ward ’71 and three sons and one granddaughter. 

Gregory M. Spencer ’70, Sarasota, Florida, June 16, 2018. Survivors include three children; a sister and two brothers, including Gary Spencer ’72; sister-in-law Helen “Beth” Graves Spencer ’69; and nephew Garth Spencer ’06. 

Russell D. Mott ’71, Clive, Iowa, July 19, 2017. After graduating from Grinnell, Russ earned his doctorate in clinical psychology at the Fielding Institute in California. He worked in several clinics in Minnesota before moving to Maryland. There, he began working at the Walter Reed Army Hospital in 2003. He received the Commander’s Coin for his work as a therapist for veterans. Russ is survived by two children, one niece, and many friends and colleagues. 

Mark J. Levin ’73, Sacramento, California, Jan. 25, 2018. Mark had recently retired from working in commercial real estate. He lived in California for 40 years and loved spending time in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and on the coast. Survivors include his daughter.

Rebecca Wolcott Hein ’79, Portland, Oregon, June 4, 2018. Becky majored in English at Grinnell and went on to earn a postgraduate certificate in accounting at Portland State University, as well as her CPA. She held top financial positions with several nonprofit organizations in Oregon and later worked as a private consultant. She was also a dedicated volunteer with social and educational programs. Survivors include her husband Clarence Hein and two stepchildren. 

James T. Kirkpatrick ’81, Davie, Florida, Sept. 14, 2017. Jamie was a jack-of-all-trades who enjoyed baking and building boats. Survivors include his spouse Pamela Schultz Kirkpatrick ’80 and his children.  

Patricia Neff Muller ’86, Northport, New York, April 29, 2018. Patty was a kind, creative, and dynamic spirit who enriched the lives of everyone who knew her. Survivors include her husband and her sister Kathleen Neff Aucoin ’82.

Robert Hershberger ’87, Greencastle, Indiana, May 20, 2018. Bob taught Spanish at DePauw University, where he founded the Servicio en las Américas Program and helped found the Hispanic Studies program. He was a loving father, beloved colleague, and deeply committed member of his community. Bob enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, traveling, and leading student trips abroad. Survivors include his wife Natasha Ryadovaya, two sons, and two daughters. 

Kathryn Nassiff Keeler ’91, Needham, Massachusetts, April 2, 2018. Kathryn double-majored in physics and art history at Grinnell. She went on to receive her master’s in architecture from the University of Virginia. Survivors include her husband John Keeler, four children, mother Melissa Hicks Nassiff ’63, father Peter Nassiff Sr. ’64, and brothers Jeffrey Nassiff ’89 and Andrew Nassiff ’97.

Aden Bullock ’16, Aiken, South Carolina, April 25, 2018. Aden participated in cross country, track and field, and soccer in high school and was named Most Valued Player of both her cross country and track teams. Aden was a veteran of the U.S. Army and worked as a human resources analyst. She loved animals and was a member of the Annandale (Virginia) United Methodist Church. She is survived by her mother, two sisters, and many other family members. 

Marjorie Burton Noell ’33, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Nov. 17, 2017. Born in Corydon, Iowa, Marjorie lived to be 106 years old. After attending Grinnell, she attained a master’s degree in child development and worked as an elementary school and day care teacher. She later partnered in a restaurant with her husband and son. She is survived by her daughter Jackie, her son Robert, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Louise Goodwin McKlveen ’35, Edina, Minnesota, Jan. 1, 2018. She was 103. Louise remained committed to Grinnell throughout her life, writing her class newsletter until she outlived all her classmates and serving on her Reunion class committee. She received an Alumni Award in 1985. Louise was always an active member of her community and enjoyed traveling with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph L. McKlveen ’35 and her son James McKlveen ’64, who also received an Alumni Award. A seminar room in Noyce Science Center is named for James and his widow Barbara Pedersen McKlveen ’64. Survivors include Louise’s daughter-in-law Barbara, son William McKlveen ’65, daughter Mary Jo McKlveen Nissen ’72, son-in-law Mark Nissen ’72, and granddaughters Laura McKlveen Blossey ’93 and Margot McKlveen ’13.

Robert W. Ellis ’37, Hillsboro, Oregon, Dec. 7, 2017. Robert was 102 years old.

Harriet Bair Bryan ’39, Elmhurst, Illinois, Jan. 21, 2018. Betty married fellow Grinnell alum C. Clark Bryan ’31 in 1941. After World War II, they settled in Elmhurst, Illinois. Betty was an active alumna, having had many family members who attended Grinnell, and served on the Alumni Council. She was also active in her local First Congregational Church and supported education for women. She loved athletics, including swimming, tennis, golf, billiards, and Wii bowling. Betty is survived by her daughters Sue, Jean, and Carolyn Bryan Young ’64; her son Frederick; her nephew Chris Bair ’96; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Betty Seidler Homann ’40, Omaha, Nebraska, Jan. 16, 2018. Betty, her husband, and her two children enjoyed hiking, fishing, and camping. She retired as a reference librarian for the Des Moines Public Library in 1991. She is survived by her daughter, four granddaughters, and three grandchildren.

Meta Schwefer Riedel ’41, Bend, Oregon, Nov. 1, 2017. Meta was born in Chicago and lived there until moving to Bend, Oregon after she was married. She is survived by her daughter and son.

Jane Young Lang ’42, Agoura Hills, California, Feb. 3, 2018. 

Marilyn Storm Cory ’43, Tama, Iowa, Jan. 30, 2018. Marilyn died at the age of 100. She was involved in many clubs and organizations in her local community and was an Iowa Hawkeyes season-ticket holder for more than 50 years. She loved sharing the story of family heirlooms and was highly patriotic. She is survived by three children, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Margaret Boots Batschelet ’45, Guthrie Center, Iowa, Sept. 28, 2017. As a child, Margaret loved music, and her parents sold a cow in order to buy her a piano. After college, Margaret worked in the Iowa Statehouse and legislature and also for the Ration Board during World War II. She married King Batschelet while he was on leave from the Navy in 1944, and they remained together until he died in 1992. Margaret was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Guthrie Center for 68 years, leading worship, serving on committees, and playing the organ. She is survived by her son Bill Batschelet ’67, her son Robert, her daughter Carol, eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Janet Street Bouma ’47, Elkhorn, Nebraska, Feb. 18, 2018. Janet is survived by eight children, including daughters Margaret Bouma ’72 and Ellen Bouma Barnes ’75. She is also survived by son-in-law Marvin Barnes ’76, 15 grandchildren including grandsons Tim Bouma ’99 and Adrian Barnes ’05, and three great-grandchildren. 

Helen Webster Lee ’47, Fontana, California, March 10, 2018. At Grinnell, Helen played field hockey and years later enjoyed watching sports on TV. She was a Fontana resident for 67 years and volunteered with the Fontana Community Church, the Palmetto School PTA, and the Girl Scouts. She is survived by one son and three daughters.

Rolf Arvidson ’48, Seattle, November 2017.

Eva Quiner Dunivent ’48, Goleta, California, Oct. 17. 2017.

Virginia “Ginny” Lobell Rosen ’48, Northbrook, Illinois, Jan. 31, 2018. Ginny was very active in local civic organizations, including her local library and garden club. She volunteered at the Chicago Botanic Garden for more than 30 years. Survivors include three children, a grandson, and her nephew Alex Rosen ’11.

Sylvia Kolden Strong ’48, Olympia, Washington, Nov. 3, 2017. Sylvia attended Grinnell College for one semester while living with her husband’s parents as he recovered from World War II wounds. She had an excellent singing voice and was also a good seamstress, gardener, and baker. She is survived by four children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. 

Joyce Townley Belknap ’49, St. Paul, Minnesota, Dec. 17, 2017. Joyce grew up on a farm near Sioux City, Iowa. She majored in elementary education and psychology. She taught for several years before staying home full time with her children while husband Robert Belknap worked as a school psychologist. Survivors include her husband; sister Orma Townley Strunk ’49; six children; 12 grandchildren, including her grandson Matthew Evans-Belknap ’01; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Nancy Porter Erb ’49, Nashua, New Hampshire, Oct. 11, 2017. Nancy is survived by her daughter Millie Erb Holifield ’73. 

Jerrold “Jake” Jacobsen ’49, Cedar Falls, Iowa, Feb. 28, 2018. Jerry graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1943 and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1943–1945. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College, he went to the University of Iowa and earned a law degree in 1952. He worked as a lawyer in Cedar Falls for 62 years, retiring in 2015. He is survived by his wife Susan Jewell Jacobsen, three children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. 

Robert B. Peterson ’50, Oceanside, New York, Sept. 29, 2017. Robert taught music for 42 years and was an active performer and lifelong musician. He is survived by his wife Irene Peterson, three children, and six grandchildren.

Gertrude Hoffman Stevens ’50, Austin, Texas, Feb. 8, 2018. Gertrude was a Holocaust survivor who arrived in the United States when she was 11 years old. She taught elementary school at Willow School in Homewood, Illinois, from 1968 to 1988. She is survived by two sons and three grandchildren. 

Lewis L. Whittemore ’51, Davenport, Iowa, Sept. 16, 2017. Lew served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked for MidAmerican Energy for 23 years, retiring in 1991. He was an avid golfer and volunteered for various sporting events. He is survived by two sons, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Mary Borders Wolff  ’51, Port Charlotte, Florida, Jan. 21, 2018. Mary lived a full life filled with adventures and travel. She was an Asa Turner Associates member from 2011 to 2015.

Miwako “Mix” Kunimura Cooperrider ’52, Kent, Ohio, Jan. 6, 2018. Mix was born in Hawaii and came to the mainland to study biology at Grinnell College. She then earned a master’s in botany from the University of Iowa. She would sometimes combine her artistic skill and scientific training by providing sketches for scientific publications. She directed the Kent State University Herbarium for 30 years. Survivors include her husband Tom Cooperrider, daughter Julie Cooperrider ’80, a son, and grandson.

Louis W. Glaser ’52, St. Louis, Jan. 10, 2018. Louis is survived by his wife Gail, three daughters, and eight grandchildren.

Jean Dawley Scrymiger ’52, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Feb. 9, 2018. After a long struggle with Alzheimer’s, Jean joined her husband of 63 years Richard C. Scrymiger ’50, who died in 2015. They met her freshman year at Grinnell, and he was the love of her life. Jean taught speech therapy and volunteered for many years teaching English as a second language. She was involved in several clubs and sports throughout the years. She loved to quilt, play the organ, and spend time with family and friends. Survivors include three daughters, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and her brother Bruce Dawley ’55.

Jane Bagby Cole ’53, Scottsdale, Arizona, Jan. 28, 2018. Jane worked as a research librarian at Desert Botanical Garden in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Survivors include husband Bruce Cole ’53 and daughter Dorothy Cole Domrzalski ’79.

Robert C. McClure ’53, Columbia, Missouri, May 31, 2017. After a year at Grinnell, Bob transferred to Iowa State, where he obtained his D.V.M. in veterinary medicine. He later obtained his Ph.D. at Cornell University. He worked as a professor at the University of Missouri until retiring in 2000. He is survived by his wife Sally Malloy. 

Mary “Molly” Baker Ster ’53, Marion, Iowa, Oct. 8, 2017. Molly enjoyed traveling, knitting, bridge, and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by husband Mike Ster, a daughter and son, two grandsons, and three great-granddaughters.

Donald L. Goldwasser ’54, Fayetteville, North Carolina, March 2, 2018. Don worked at Security Van Lines for 44 years and was the president of the Better Business Bureau and two other business associations in New Orleans. He is survived by his wife Nannette, two children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandson. 

Grace Edmonson Harris ’54, Richmond, Virginia., Feb. 12, 2018. Grace was born in segregation-era Virginia and graduated as class valedictorian from Halifax Training School in 1950. While she was originally refused admission to graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) due to her race, by the end of her career she was the highest-ranking African American and highest-ranking woman in the history of the school. After earning a degree in social work, she worked at VCU for 30 years, taking on roles such as professor, dean, provost, and president. In 2010, she received an Alumni Award from Grinnell College. Those who knew her remember her as wise, thoughtful, kind, and generous. She is survived by her husband James Harris, two children, and one grandson. 

Stephen Brody ’56, Marana, Arizona, Feb. 17, 2018. Stephen enjoyed thoroughbred horse racing and had 97 winners during 35 years of racing. He supported young people, especially by coaching youth sports. He was past president of the Des Moines Boys and Girls Club and Raccoon Valley Little League. In Tucson, he was active in the Tucson Boys Club and Rotary. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Susan Young Brody and three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. 

Thomas Hejna ’56, Dardanelle, Arkansas, Aug. 16, 2017. Survivors include his nephew David Hejna ’81.

William C. Yale ’56, Huntley, Illinois, Oct. 3, 2017. After graduating from Grinnell, Bill served in the Army. When he returned to Evanston, Illinois, he married Dorris McIntyre Yale, and they raised three children together in Northbrook, Illinois. Bill enjoyed travel, golf, music, and supporting Chicago sports teams. He is survived by his wife, three children, and six grandchildren. 

Stephan L. Jones ’57, Tucson, Arizona, March 17, 2018. Stephan grew up in Storm Lake, Iowa, and married Linda Vernon Jones in 1962. He started his business career at Des Moines National Bank in Des Moines and retired as president of Princor Mutual Funds at Principal Financial Group in Des Moines in 1999. Survivors include his wife, two children, four grandchildren, his brother A. Edward Jones ’68, and sister-in-law Laura Hallock Jones ’69. 

E. Richard Dustin ’58, Iowa City, Iowa, Jan. 16, 2018. Dick married high school sweetheart Patsy Mills Dustin ’58 on June 8, 1957. “He loved Grinnell and was very proud to have graduated from this great school,” she says. He completed his master’s in counseling at the University of Iowa in 1962, and his Ph.D. in counseling psychology at the University of Minnesota in 1968. He returned to the University of Iowa in 1972 as a professor of counseling, rehabilitation, and student development, retiring in 1999. Dick loved spending time with friends and family, reading, and traveling. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter Susan Dustin ’88, and four grandchildren. 

Theodore S. Nelson ’60, Naperville, Illinois, Aug. 11, 2017. Ted served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962 and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1963. 

Don A. Nelson ’61, Crawfordsville, Indiana, Nov. 26, 2017. 

Sandra Solem Everill ’62, Stoughton, Wisconsin, Oct. 1, 2017. Sandy married Royal “Bud” Everill Jr. in 1961 and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1962. She loved reading and was a lifelong learner. She loved gardening, sewing, and knitting and was fascinated by the natural world. She supported several women’s rights organizations, the Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, and the Rochester Hills Public Library. Sandy is survived by her three daughters.  

Henry P. Thomas ’62, Brainerd, Minnesota, Feb. 14, 2018. Henry spent many years living in his cabin on Lake Edwards. He wrote a book about his grandparents’ contributions to Mayo Clinic and the city of Rochester. He is survived by his brother.

Gretchen Osterhof  Thomson ’62, Milwaukee, Jan. 14, 2018. Gretchen was active on the Alumni Council and her class committee.

Michael N. Horowitz ’63, Chicago, Nov. 22, 2017. Michael worked as a reporter and producer for ABC News in Chicago before serving in the Vietnam War. After his return, he had a career in news, working with both ABC and CBS. He also worked on political campaigns and in public relations. He is survived by five children and three grandchildren. 

Barbara Hansen Malinauskas ’63, Shelbyville, Tennessee, Jan. 22, 2018. Barbara began her career as an elementary school teacher before teaching in the Department of Organizational Communication at Murray State University for 10 years. She enjoyed acting in theatre productions and was an active member of her church. Barbara is survived by three children and six grandchildren.  

Paul R. Schwarz ’64, Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 26, 2018. Paul was a physician specializing in internal medicine. He spent a year as a field doctor in the Vietnam War before setting up a practice in Fort Smith, Arkansas, for nearly 50 years. During his time in Arkansas, Paul built two environmentally friendly homes by hand. After retiring to Charleston, he sang in his church choir and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Paul is survived by his four children. 

Elizabeth “Deb” Burnstine Bremner ’66, Los Angeles, Feb. 26, 2018. Deb was a member of her class committee, describing Grinnell as a “place of joy” with a continuing influence on her life. After Grinnell, she worked with incarcerated youths at the California Youth Authority and then with expectant and parenting teens through Project NATEEN. She is survived by son Marcus Bremner, daughter Heather Bremner ’96, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.  

Robert J. Ambrosius ’67, Denver, Jan. 30, 2018. Bob worked as a real estate broker in Denver for many decades. He loved bluegrass music and entertaining friends and family with his jokes and stories. He is survived by his wife Susan, his children, and his granddaughter. 

John K. Howie ’67, New Port Richey, Florida, Feb. 26, 2018. John always knew he wanted to be a scientist and majored in chemistry at Grinnell. During his time as a student he met his wife Janice Linnell Howie ’67; the two were married the year after graduation. John received his Ph.D. in chemistry from Cornell University in 1974 and worked as a research scientist for Proctor and Gamble from 1977 until retiring in 2001. Janice and John enjoyed traveling, boating, kayaking, hiking, and biking. John is survived by his wife. 

Joann Sydow Berg ’68, Mineral Point, Wisconsin, Dec. 11, 2017. Joann worked at construction equipment company Wacker Neuson for many years. She is survived by two daughters.

Stephen L. Warsh ’68, Chicago, Jan. 9, 2018. Stephen was a Vietnam War veteran, an avid reader, and a good friend known for his kindness, optimism, and courage. Survivors include his wife Ellen, daughter Annie Warsh ’15, and uncle David R. Meade ’44. 

Jack B. Hambrick ’72, Sun City Center, Florida, March 9, 2018. Jack served with the Marine Corps in Vietnam and the Army in Korea before beginning a career as a teacher. He was a loving husband and father, a wonderful cook, and an award-winning poet who loved traveling, reading, and movies. Jack is survived by his wife Patricia Fisher Lowery, two children, two grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Max L. Teisinger ’76, Boynton Beach, Florida, Nov. 13, 2017. Max died in Messina, Italy.

James E. Carey ’83, Rochester, Minnesota, Jan. 10, 2018. Jim earned a master’s from Syracuse University after attending Grinnell College. He was employed by IBM for more than 30 years before retiring in 2017 and joining Rogue Wave Software. He also had his name on more than 200 patents and was the co-author of several technical books. He was known for his integrity, quick wit, strong character, and generosity. Survivors include his spouse Anne McNicholas Carey ’85, his son, and daughter.

Jacob “Jack” Gustafson ’19, Madison, Wisconsin, March 30, 2018. Jack was studying off campus in Freiberg, Germany, when he died in the hospital. A psychology major, Jack had recently been accepted at the Mayo Clinic for a summer psychology position. He was an active member of the Grinnell College community. He served as a community adviser, threw the javelin and shotput for the men’s track and field team, played Ultimate Frisbee, and was a member of the psychology department’s Student Educational Policy Committee. His kind and caring nature embodied the spirit of Grinnell. He is survived by his parents, his two brothers, extended family, and many dear friends.

Louise Goodwin McKlveen ’35, Edina, Minn., Jan. 1, 2018. She was 103. Louise remained committed to Grinnell throughout her life, writing her class newsletter until she outlived all her classmates and serving on her Reunion class committee. She received an Alumni Award in 1985. Louise was always an active member of her community and enjoyed traveling with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph L. McKlveen ’35. Survivors include her daughter-in-law Barbara Pedersen McKlveen ’64, son William McKlveen ’65, daughter Mary Jo McKlveen Nissen ’72, son in-law Mark Nissen ’72, and granddaughters Lara McKlveen Blossey ’93 and Margot KcKlveen ’13.

Constance Clark Canright ’37, Winter Park, Fla., Oct. 19, 2017. Connie was 102. She was widowed at 34 and raised her children as a single parent. She taught high school French and after retirement remained an active member of her community. She is survived by her children, including daughter Rachel (Michele) Canright Summers ’70. 

Ruth Phillips Kilmer ’42, Surprise, Ariz., Dec. 18, 2017. Ruth married Orlo G. Natvig when he returned from World War II in 1945. She taught home economics in Charles City, Iowa, for 20 years and was an active member of her Lutheran Church. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband and daughter Sue. She is survived by two daughters, a son, and eight grandchildren.

Mary Lou Elder Jindra ’44, Battle Ground, Wash., Nov. 6, 2017. 

Nancy Wallace Pickett ’45, Santa Rosa, Calif., Dec. 21, 2016. 

Jane Snell Drake ’47, Gardner, Mass., Oct. 18, 2017. Jane was an avid skier, golfer, tennis player, and bridge player. She was also a Boston sports fan and an active member of her church, where she sang in the choir. Jane was preceded in death by her husband Jay Drake and is survived by their four children, four grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Twyliah Hamstreet Kerr ’47, Charleston, S.C., Sept. 30, 2017. Twyliah was always very proud of her Iowa heritage and alma mater. For several years in the 1950s, she was the assistant to President Eisenhower’s press secretary. Twyliah enjoyed current affairs, traveling, her dogs, reading, listening to music, and tennis. Her husband Robert Kerr preceded her in death. She is survived by her three sons and four grandchildren.

Kathryn “Ka” Keeney Breckenridge ’49, Prescott, Ariz., Sept. 15, 2017. Ka met her husband Darl Breckenridge on a blind date in 1949. They retired to Prescott after many years living in Portland, Ore., and Salt Lake City. Ka worked as a speech therapist for more than 40 years and is remembered for her generous and curious nature. She is survived by her husband, three children, and 13 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Nancy Boman Dross ’49, Hartland, Wis., Oct. 26, 2017. After graduating from Grinnell, Nancy went on to receive advanced degrees from the University of Minnesota. She moved to Wisconsin, teaching freshman English and literature at Carroll College in Waukesha from 1962 to 1974. After her husband Heinrich Dross died in 1973, she started an insurance company, which she sold to her son upon her retirement in 1999. After retiring, Nancy spent her time playing golf and enjoying her winter home in Florida. She is survived by her two sons and four grandchildren. 

Ann Reddan Rustebakke ’49, Placitas, N.M., Sept. 30, 2017. Ann lived her life resiliently, joyously, deliberately, and on her own terms. She helped begin a local farmers’ market, was passionate about water and agricultural issues, and owned a store specializing in Native American art. She was an avid jewelry collector and maker and a good cook. Ann is survived by her son, daughter, and granddaughter.

Camille Ammerman ’50, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Aug. 15, 2017. 

Robert L. Sollenberger ’50, St. Charles, Ill., Sept. 7, 2017. Bob is survived by his five children, 12 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

John C. Stoessinger ’50, Carlsbad, Calif., Nov. 20, 2017. 

Robert L. Hurtgen ’51, La Crosse, Wis., Dec. 29, 2016. Robert often spoke fondly of Grinnell to his family and was known for his keen wit and kindness. He is survived by his wife Mary Hurtgen, three children, eight grandchildren, and eight nieces and nephews. 

Marilyn “Mimi” Berg Bedell ’52, Wallingford, Conn., Oct. 13, 2017. After graduating from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a degree in textile design, Mimi travelled to Mexico, where she met her future husband George Bedell ’48. For more than 20 years, she ran a business designing hand-screened clothing. She taught painting classes until her death. Mimi was an avid painter and was known for her love of music, art, and good food. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Kathryn W. Jones ’52, Santa Fe, N.M., Aug. 6, 2017. Kathryn was a traveler who believed in the lifelong pursuit of knowledge. She was the first female attorney hired by the Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis, and she went to the North Pole on a Russian nuclear icebreaker just six weeks after having breast cancer surgery. Kathryn is survived by four children, nine grandchildren, and two nephews. 

Nancy Parker Roberts ’53, Stow, Ohio, Jan. 2, 2018. Nancy is survived by her husband Donald Roberts, five daughters, and 12 grandchildren.

Roger J. Crotty ’54, Asheboro, N.C., Aug. 16, 2017. Roger was the first person in his family to attend college. After graduating from Grinnell, he worked for a marketing firm before being drafted into U.S. Army Intelligence. After leaving the Army, he began a career in advertising. In 1998, Roger retired from the advertising business to run a writing and design company with his wife Martha Crotty. Roger enjoyed writing, reading, jazz music, and doing crosswords in pen. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, two daughters including Kimberly Wendel ’90, his brother John T. Crotty III ’60,  sister-in-law Karen Runo Crotty ’59, and his grandchildren.

Kathleen Grover Gordon ’54, Omaha, Neb., Dec. 29, 2017. Kay became a speech pathologist and later became a special education director until her retirement. She was a loving mother and wife dedicated to the betterment of education in her community. Kay is survived by her husband Bill Gordon, two daughters, two sons, four grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. 

Richard H. Maywald ’54, Kenmore, Wash., Nov. 4, 2017. Richard was an avid traveler who relished adventure. As an exploration geophysicist, he took assignments in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Norway, Nigeria, and Trinidad. He mastered Arabic and Indonesian and loved to collect things from his travels and meet new people. Richard was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Maywald in 2003 and his daughter Ruth in 1993. He is survived by his daughter Julia and two grandchildren. 

John W. Chase ’57, Hopkinton, Mass., Dec. 31, 2017. After graduating from Grinnell, John received his Ph.D. in inorganic nuclear chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He spent his career working as a clinical chemist. John was a sports fan who enjoyed his morning coffee and spending Sunday afternoons with his son, as well as visiting family in Massachusetts. He is survived by his two children and two granddaughters. 

Janet Wenthe Hunt ’57, Chapel Hill, N.C., July 21, 2017. Janet served as a regional volunteer for Grinnell College. 

Merton E. Thayer Jr. ’59, Sesser, Ill., Nov. 14, 2017. Mert enjoyed a career in product design before working as a draftsman and taking up farming. He also dedicated energy to constructing and flying radio-controlled model airplanes. He was known for his kindness, humor, and quick wit. He is survived by his wife Kathleen Loftus Thayer, his daughter, and grandson. 

Karen Randolph Baker ’60, Mount Kisco, N.Y., Sept. 10, 2017. Karen worked as a librarian for many years and was happiest when reading or tending to her garden. She is survived by her two daughters.

Gordon M. Younger ’59, Ketchum, Idaho, Sept. 22, 2017. In 1967 Gordon founded a corrugated box business, Seattle Packaging, which eventually grew to employ 500 people in four states. In running his business, it was important to Gordon to pay a fair wage and provide good employee benefits. He was also committed to charitable giving for environmental and educational causes. He loved hiking, skiing, and spending time outdoors. Gordon is survived by his two sons, his brother, his sister, and four grandchildren.

Janice Bisbee Litteneker ’60, Rigby, Idaho, June 28, 2016. Janice enjoyed golf, bowling, and travel. She is survived by her two children, three stepchildren, nine grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. 

Donald J. Freeman ’61, Mesa, Ariz., Nov. 21, 2017. Don worked as a professor at Michigan State University before becoming an associate dean and professor in the College of Education at Arizona State University. He found teaching abroad and working with the Diné College of the Navajo Nation especially rewarding. Survivors include his wife Cheryl Freeman; his sons Michael, Scott, and Daniel Freeman ’93; and seven grandchildren. 

Mary Lou Wenger White ’61, Dallas, Dec. 16, 2017. Mary Lou’s life revolved around her family and friends. She could always be counted on for a luncheon or a game of bridge with her group. She loved to travel and was committed to supporting her church and community. She was preceded in death by her husband Ken White and is survived by her sons and grandchildren. 

Robert J. Halonen ’62, Cincinnati, Aug. 13, 2017. Robert spent his early professional career as a professor, teaching economics, finance, and health care administration at numerous institutions. The majority of his career was spent in health care as a chief financial officer, and he greatly valued giving back to the community. Robert is survived by his wife Susan Halonen, four children, and three grandchildren.

Frederick R. Jacobberger ’63, Las Vegas, Jan. 12, 2017. After earning a B.A. in political science from Grinnell College, Fred graduated summa cum laude from the University of Iowa law school. He primarily practiced business law and business and personal litigation. He loved car racing and bred nationally-recognized Burmese cats. Fred is survived by his wife Pat Vogel Jacobberger.  

Manly “Tom” Staley ’66, San Francisco, Oct. 29, 2017. Tom graduated from Grinnell with a degree in economics and earned a doctorate in economics from the University of Texas. He taught at San Francisco State University’s School of Business for 30 years, chairing the Business Management Department. He retired in 2009, after which he taught half time. Much of the other half of the year he spent traveling, making multiple trips to France, where he spent his junior year abroad while at Grinnell. Tom lived with HIV for over two decades but considered himself one of the lucky ones for whom the antiviral drugs worked. In 2010 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. By 2016, chemo was not as effective and the side effects were worse; in the summer of 2017, Tom elected to discontinue all treatments. He left behind many good friends, including his classmates who always looked forward to seeing him at reunions.

John W. Lawson II ’67, San Diego, Sept. 8, 2017. 

Patricia A. Smith ’69, Richmond, Calif., Dec. 12, 2017. Patricia majored in English at Grinnell College before receiving an M.S.W. in rehabilitation counseling at the University of New Mexico. After two years as a caseworker, she changed careers and worked for 32 years as a technical writer. She loved writing, music, art, and theatre and enjoyed taking walks and exploring nature. She is survived by her husband Paul Werner.

Beverly S. Schnabel ’72, Portland, Ore., Oct. 2, 2017. After attending Grinnell, Beverly moved to Portland and founded a free women’s health clinic and halfway house for incarcerated women. She then practiced audiology for 33 years. Beverly worked as an alumni/development volunteer for Grinnell from 2010 to 2015. She is survived by her life partner Elizabeth Perris, her brother, and two nieces.

Moine I. West ’73, Arlington, Texas, Nov. 17, 2017. Moine worked with Williamson Dickie Manufacturing Co. for the last 17 years of his life. He also worked as a GRASP volunteer for Grinnell College. Moine is survived by his wife Mabel West, their two sons, his 93-year-old parents, and his sister. 

Monica L. Selter ’87, Brooklyn, N.Y., Nov. 15, 2017. Monica died of pancreatic cancer after a 10-month struggle. She grew up in Berkeley, Calif., and after attending Grinnell moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the Aspen Institute. She spent her life fighting for social justice causes, working for organizations such as Amnesty International and the Alliance for Justice. In 2006 she moved to New York with her husband and two daughters. She attended the Women’s March in New York the week she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Monica is survived by her husband Dan Klaidman, her daughters Bella and Shayna, her parents, seven siblings, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.   

Bryan K. Coy ’02, Minneapolis, Dec. 6, 2017. Bryan was a GRASP volunteer and also served on the Black Alumni Reunion and Reunion class committees. Bryan spent his career in higher education in admissions and later development, first for Grinnell College and later at the University of Iowa, the University of Michigan, and the University of Minnesota.

Daniel S. Follmer ’05, Chicago, Nov. 4, 2017. Daniel died of cancer at age 34. He was the deputy dean and director of college admissions at the University of Chicago. He also served as a reviewer for Grinnell College’s Innovator for Social Justice Prize in 2013, in addition to acting as a regional volunteer. Daniel was passionate about increasing access to higher education for students from underrepresented communities and was known for his kindness and integrity. He is survived by his spouse Jessica Rhoades ’07, his parents, brother, and sister.  

Mary Lou Clotfelter

Former director of the Grinnell College Reading Laboratory

Mary Lou Clotfelter, Grinnell, Iowa, Oct. 9, 2017. Mary was the director of the Grinnell College Reading Laboratory in the 1970s. She is remembered for her caring and cheerful nature. She is survived by her husband Beryl Clotfelter, professor emeritus of physics, and their three children, including David Clotfelter ’78 and Susan Clotfelter ’82; and five grandchildren, including Elizabeth Azzolini ’06. 

Kenneth A. Christiansen

Professor Emeritus of Biology

Grinnell College life trustee Fred A. Little ’53 died Dec. 28, 2017, at home in San Francisco. Fred graduated from Grinnell with a B.A. in history and French. He lettered in tennis, reaching the Midwest conference finals his senior year. He also served on The Scarlet & Black’s editorial board his junior year. After Grinnell, Fred earned a law degree from Harvard and a master’s degree in law from Georgetown University, where he was an adjunct professor of securities law. He retired as a senior partner with the San Francisco, Calif., law firm of Pillsbury, Winthrop, Shaw, & Pittman. He was active in cultural and civic affairs in the various cities where he lived. 

Fred joined Grinnell’s Board of Trustees in 1976 and from 1976 to 1978 served as the College’s national chair of the annual fund. In 1996 he became a life trustee and served as chair of the board from 1998 to 2000, following in the footsteps of his father Fred A. Little Sr. 1916. 

Fred was a generous supporter of the College’s programs, facilities, and endowments. He contributed to the scholarship fund that honors his father; to the Conard Environmental Research Area in memory of his mother, Helen B. Wallace; and to athletics facilities, including the Charles Benson Bear ’39 Recreation and Athletic Center. Fred also gave freely of his time and talents to advance the educational mission of the liberal arts.

He is survived by his wife Connie Little and their children, including Caroline H. Little ’81, a life trustee of the College and former board chair.