Richard L. Ettlinger ’43, Jan. 15, 2024, Chicago, Illinois. During World War II, Dick served inthe U.S. Navy alongside his two brothers. After the war, he joined the American Veterans Committee. He spent his entire career running a small business with one of his brothers, and he also volunteered at several organizations. He loved playing tennis and in recent years joined a pickleball league. Survivors include his wife of 74 years, Marjorie, and three daughters.
George E. McIntosh ’45, Nov. 5, 2023, Bow, Washington.
Richard O. Hurt ’50, Oct. 26, 2023, Fairfax Station, Virginia. After Grinnell, Richard earned an MBA at the University of Michigan. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1952 and was selected for the naval reactor program. He married Eleanor Cruser in 1960, and they had four children. During his 28 years of service, he rose to the rank of captain and received Legion of Merit, Navy Commendation, and National Defense Service medals. After he retired from the Navy in 1980, he continued working for CACI and American Systems before fully retiring in 2005.
Janet Stephens Hutton ’51, Oct. 26, 2023, Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Janet finished her degree in economics at the University of Vermont. She started her career in banking, then married Robert Hutton and raised a family. Later, she became the first director of the Burlington County Office on Aging, then director of the Burlington County chapter of the American Cancer Society. Janet was an active member of her church, PTA, and many other community organizations. She loved to swim, read, and bake. Survivors include her four children.
Rosemary Wray Sawin ’51, March 21, 2023, Park Ridge, Illinois.
Natalie Zange Kuchera ’53, Dec. 16, 2023, Green Bay, Wisconsin. Natalie met William Kuchera ’55 at Grinnell, and they married in 1954. Bill went on to a career as an osteopathic physician and teacher. Natalie, who majored in elementary education, taught second and third grade for several years. Eventually, she became office manager for her husband’s practice. She also meticulously edited the many medical teaching books that her husband and son authored. Natalie was preceded in death by her husband. Survivors include her seven children.
David C. Stumbaugh ’53, Jan. 20, 2024, Harvest, Alabama. David played both football and basketball, and he met Jean Kingston ’53 at Grinnell. They married and had five children. While serving in the U.S. Navy, he earned an MBA and doctorate in economics from the University of Michigan. He served for 22 years before retiring with the rank of captain in 1975. He then worked for the Department of Energy for 20 years and as a government contractor for another 15 years. In his spare time, David enjoyed reading, gardening, travel, and sports events. He was preceded in death by his wife.
M. Catherine Hampton Ditmore ’54, Jan. 21, 2024, Greenfield, Massachusetts. After graduating, Catherine earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Harvard University. She was a dedicated member of several social justice organizations and played an active role in the early civil rights movement. Catherine attended her local Unitarian Universalist church throughout her adult life. She made many charitable contributions benefitting animals and preservation of the natural world, particularly to the World Wildlife Fund. She is survived by her three children.
Jack A. Frost ’54, Oct. 20, 2023, Omaha, Nebraska. Jack served four years in the U.S. Air Force and 14 years in the Air Force Reserve. He worked as an air traffic controller and was a skilled pilot during the Vietnam War. He also had a successful career as a real estate broker. Jack, who had a passion for acting and theater, had roles at the Omaha Playhouse and other theaters, and in films. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Kiwanis Club, and Trinity Chapter Eastern Star. Survivors include his three children.
Suzanne Kindig ’54, Nov. 10, 2023, Boulder, Colorado.
J. Ken Kuntz ’56, Dec. 8, 2023, Iowa City, Iowa. Ken earned his degree in English with honors from Grinnell, a degree in Biblical studies from Yale University Divinity School, and his doctorate in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament from Union Theological Seminary. At Union, Ken met his wife of 61 years, Ruth Stanley. An ordained Methodist minister, he served primarily as a teacher and professor at Wellesley College and the University of Iowa, and was a visiting fellow at Cambridge University. He received several research grants, including one from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Ken was a loyal alum and supporter of Grinnell. He was a GRASP volunteer (1998-2017), member of his class committees (2004-22), class agent (2006-21), and served on his 50th, 55th, 60th, and 65th Reunion committees.
Howard J. Needle ’56, Jan. 29, 2024, Baltimore, Maryland. Howard was a hardworking attorney who also served as a member of the Baltimore County House of Delegates for eight years. He helped establish the Pikesville Armory Foundation and pioneered the Baltimore subway and northwest expressway. His devotion to his work and community was matched only by his love for his family. Survivors include his wife, Susan, and three children.
Barbara Haroldson Rork ’56, Dec. 24, 2023, Racine, Wisconsin. Barb attended Grinnell for one year. She went on to marry Jerry Rork, and they had two children. Her career included work in real estate and advertising, and with the Guthrie Theatre and the Minnesota Renaissance Fair. Barb proudly completed her bachelor’s at age 61, graduating from Columbia College with a degree in photography. For many years, she participated in shows at galleries throughout Illinois. Barb and Jerry were married for 44 years, until his death in 2000. Survivors include her daughter, Rondi Rork ’81, and son-in-law, Mark Hyde ’82.
Janet Wittgraf Szijj ’56, Oct. 22, 2023, Claremont, California. Janet pursued studies at Grinnell and Loyola University in Chicago, where she met her husband, Laszlo. Janet had a 30-year career with the Los Angeles County Department of Children’s Services. She loved the arts and literature, attending plays and concerts, reading, and travel. She married her last husband, Booker Stevens, in 2011. Survivors include a son, daughter, and cousin, George Wittgraf ’67.
Richard O. Holquist ’57, May 7, 2023, Omaha, Nebraska. After graduating, Dick earned his doctorate in business from the University of Nebraska. As a college professor, he taught at Dana College and the College of St. Mary’s. Following his teaching career, Dick worked as a financial consultant. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling, gardening, watching golf, listening to jazz, and spending time with family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Elinor.
Joan Vander Naald Egenes ’58, Nov. 14, 2023, Gilbert, Arizona. Joan attended Grinnell and the University of Iowa, where she met David Grant. They were married 25 years and raised four children. She was an educator, entrepreneur, and served as a city councilwoman for Boone, Iowa. Learning, world travel, and volunteering were her primary avocations. As an alum, Joan was a frequent attendee at College events and a dedicated volunteer and supporter. She served as a Class Committee member (2004-22), Alumni Council member (2007-13), Pioneer Fund leadership member (2008-15), and class fund director (2010-20). Joan also was a member of her 50th, 55th, and 60th Reunion committees.
John W. Norris ’58, Jan. 21, 2024, Cape Elizabeth, Maine. John, who was a grandson of Lennox founder D.W. Norris, studied at Grinnell for two years before graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He joined Lennox in 1960 and worked his way up to become CEO and board chair. John served on several industry association boards, and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. He grew Lennox from a family business into an international industry leader before he retired in 2006. John loved the environment and was a past chair of The Nature Conservancy of Texas board of trustees. He enjoyed spending time in nature, fishing, and ornithology. Survivors include his wife, Terry Reibsamen Norris ’59, three children; five grandchildren; brother, Robert Norris ’60; nephew, Nicholas Norris ’87; and cousins, Richard Booth ’54 and David Norris ’55.
Joan Hannan ’59, Dec. 13, 2023, Moline, Illinois. Joan’s love of choral music flourished at Grinnell, where she sang in a band with Herbie Hancock ’60. She married Arthur Rosenblum and raised three children. Later, Joan put herself through George Washington Law School. She spent the rest of her career working as a lawyer and eventually as an administrative law judge for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Joan dedicated herself to the arts, learning, social justice, animal rights, protection of natural resources, and service to those less fortunate.
Kate Dowling Pferdner ’60, May 12, 2023, Eltham, Victoria, Australia. Kate enjoyed many lifelong friendships made at Grinnell. A native New Yorker, she worked for a time at the New York University Press and then continued her publishing career back in Grinnell, working on the campus newspaper. She went back into publishing in the 1980s, when her only daughter was older. When living on her own became too difficult in 2018, Kate moved to Australia to live with her daughter. She enjoyed her “epilogue” there and always kept up on U.S. news and goings-on. Kate is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, and their son.
C. Jacob Wolfson ’60, May 1, 2023, Cupertino, California. After graduating, Jake received his doctorate at the University of Utah. He joined the Lockheed Martin research laboratory in Palo Alto in 1966 and worked there for five decades, studying data obtained from sounding rockets to improve scientific understanding of the dynamic behavior of the solar atmosphere. Jake is survived by his wife and their two children.
Barbara Scanlon Brodt ’62, Feb. 26, 2024, Cypress, Texas. Barbara met Stephen Brodt ’61 at Grinnell. They settled in Muncie, Indiana, where both were employed by Ball State University. She was a talented writer and enjoyed attending writers workshops. Beyond her role as a devoted mother, Barbara was known for her love of gardening and collecting. She was preceded in death by her husband and a son. Survivors include two sons and their families.
Martha “Marcy” Mullican Loats ’62, Sept. 18, 2023, Granville, Ohio. After Grinnell, Marcy obtained a master’s from the University of Iowa and a second master’s from Ohio State University. She taught physical sciences for over two decades at Ohio State University at Newark. Marcy was a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church of Granville, where she wrote for the church newsletter, was involved with the choir, and served as a ministry leader and an elder. Marcy treasured her loving family most. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Ken Loats, and a son. Survivors include a son and daughter.
Sue Roberts Stuhlmann ’62, Dec. 1, 2023, Elmhurst, Illinois. Sue graduated with a major in sociology and anthropology and a minor in mathematics. In 1962, she married her college sweetheart, Ric “Eric” Stuhlmann ’61. Sue taught junior high math in Cicero and LaGrange, Illinois. Later, she did private math tutoring for 25 years. After her sons were older, she was a volunteer fundraiser and staff member for an archaeological center in Colorado. She enjoyed cooking, painting, reading, and tending her flowers. She traveled widely and was a lover of Native American culture and art. Sue was a frequent attendee at Grinnell alumni events and an active volunteer. She served as a Class Committee member (2005-12), and as a member of her 45th and 50th Reunion committees. She is survived by her husband and two sons.
Lou Ann Roach Garrett ’63, Oct. 15, 2023, Amarillo, Texas. Lou Ann spent one year at Grinnell, then completed her degree at the University of Oklahoma, where she met Doug Garrett. They married in 1966. Lou Ann taught high school journalism and English, then worked as a reporter and writer. After her boys were older, she worked for the Girl Scouts, Amarillo College, YMCA, and DBA Advertising. Lou Ann believed in volunteer and civic engagement and was a member of the Amarillo Historical Preservation Foundation, counseled abused women at an Amarillo shelter, and was a longtime supporter of the Amarillo Museum of Art. Survivors include her husband and two sons.
Terry B. Bisson ’64, Jan. 10, 2024, Berkeley, California. Terry attended Grinnell for two years and was one of the “Grinnell 14” who traveled to Washington, D.C., to protest the Vietnam War in front of the White House in November 1961. He went on to earn his bachelor’s from the University of Louisville. In 1962, he married Deirde Holst; they divorced in 1966. From 1966 to 1970, he lived in New York with his second wife, Mary Corey, and worked scripting comics and as an editor. He next joined the Red Rockers commune in Colorado, then other communes in the southwest, while working as an auto mechanic. He returned to New York in 1976, working as an editor until 1985, when he became a full-time writer. Terry went on to become a noted science fiction and fantasy author, best known for his acclaimed short stories, including “Bears Discover Fire,” which won Hugo and Nebula awards, and “They’re Made Out of Meat.” Survivors include his last wife, Judy Jensen, his sons and daughters, and many grandchildren.
John H. Breeze ’64, Nov. 7, 2023, Slingerlands, New York. In 1967, John joined the U.S. Coast Guard and served in Alaska. He then settled on the farm his parents had built in New York. Following studies at the Albany Law School, he enjoyed a career spanning over five decades. He led and helped others with real estate development, multi-generational business growth, and planning. John was active in a variety of civic organizations, including the American Red Cross, 4-H, and Youth for Understanding. Survivors include his two sons.
Cynthia Barnes Johnson ’64, Nov. 13, 2023, Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. Cynthia went on to earn a master’s in curriculum and supervision and later a Master of Divinity from SMU. She taught fifth grade in Grinnell and Berwyn, Illinois. Cynthia was ordained as a Unitarian Universalist minister in 1991 and held ministerial positions in Dallas and Oklahoma City. In 2000, Cynthia and her husband, Albert Johnson ’65, retired to Door County, where she continued to periodically preach, teach, and perform weddings and memorial services. She also took up painting and published two books of poetry. She frequently attended College events and was an active alum, serving as a regional volunteer (1996-2005) and as a member of the Asa Turner Society. In 1989, Grinnell honored her with an Alumni Award. Cynthia and Albert were married for over 60 years. Survivors include her husband, a daughter, and sons Bruce Johnson ’90 and Thaddeus Johnson ’92.
Phyllis Lamb Goldman ’66, Dec. 29, 2023, Grinnell, Iowa. Phyllis married Noah Goldman in 1969, and they lived in the Chicago area. Phyllis graduated from John Marshall Law School in 1985, then practiced law in Chicago until she retired. Phyllis was active in the Episcopal Church, enjoyed spelunking with her husband, and both were active in Mensa. Noah passed away in 1996. Phyllis moved to the Mayflower complex in Grinnell in 2011. Survivors include her brother, Richard Lamb ’68; niece, Elizabeth Lamb ’90; and nephew, Robert Lamb ’92.
Roger Paul Clow ’67, July 15, 2023, Moline, Illinois. At Grinnell, Roger studied chemistry with Luther Erickson. He later received a PhD in chemistry from the University of Utah and an MD from the University of Colorado Medical Center. For three decades, he practiced medicine at Kaiser Permanente Wailuku on Maui, Hawaii. He was interested in plants, particularly trees, and rocks, and enjoyed tennis and other outdoor activities. He is survived by two children, Douglas Clow and Elizabeth Lawrence ’03, and two grandchildren.
Robert G. Watt ’67, Jan. 20, 2024, McLean, Virginia. Bob won nine varsity letters in football, basketball, and track at Grinnell. He went on to graduate from George Washington University Law School. In 1978, he co-founded Watt Tieder, an international government contracts and construction law firm based in the Washington, D.C., area, and was a managing partner for over 30 years. He was named to Best Lawyers in America for construction law (2005-09) and Chambers Top Construction Lawyers in Virginia (2004-09). Bob was an enthusiastic supporter of Grinnell. He was inducted into the Grinnell College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002, and the Robert G. Watt Family Press Box is named in his honor. Bob had a deep love for his friends and family. Survivors include four daughters and four grandsons.
Stephen T. Hunt ’68, Dec. 9, 2023, Denver, Colorado. Stephen met Margaret Edwards ’69 at Grinnell, and they married in 1968. He joined the U.S. Army, and while in Vietnam, his first daughter was born. After returning home, the family of three moved to Colorado and his second daughter was born. Like his father, Stephen worked in the banking industry. Later, he and two partners ran a rental car business. He moved on to sales before retirement. His wife preceded him in death.
Teres “Terry” Scott ’68, Nov. 17, 2023, Washington, D.C.
Alan W. Wallerstedt ’70, Dec. 19, 2023, Indianola, Iowa. After graduating, Alan attended Vanderbilt Divinity School and Dallas Theological Seminary as well as the Academy of Orthodox Theology in Santa Barbara, California, where he was an assistant professor and managing editor of the Orthodox Study Bible. Later, he served for about 20 years as a residential aide and teacher working with people with disabilities at the Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health center in Goleta, California. After retiring, he relocated back to his hometown of Indianola. Survivors include his three children.
Stephen Hutchings ’71, Feb. 19, 2024, Des Moines, Iowa. After Grinnell, Steve studied law at Washington University in St. Louis, where he reconnected with Ann Taffel ’71. They married in 1979. In 1981, he became the district attorney for Sitka, Alaska. Steve, Ann, and their children moved to Anchorage in 1986, and he worked his way up to partner at Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot, specializing in Native law and advocacy. He retired in 2020. Steve loved athletics, as a player, referee, and spectator. He repeatedly biked across Iowa in RAGBRAI and picked up cross-country skiing in his later years. Survivors include his wife, Ann, and their four sons.
Margaret Bouma ’72, Feb. 2, 2024, Milwaukie, Oregon. Margaret had deep Grinnell family connections. Grinnell alumni family members who predeceased her included her mother, Janet Street Bouma ’47; father, Richard Bouma ’47; uncle, Robert Bouma ’44; and aunt, Jean Bouma Ruth ’50. Margaret was the mother of Timaeus Bouma ’98 and mother-in-law of Laura Quinn Bouma ’98. Margaret’s other Grinnellian family connections included her sister, Ellen Bouma Barnes ’76; brother-in-law, Marvin Barnes ’76; and nephew, Adrian Barnes ’05. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Arthur Andrews ’70.
E. Linton Joaquin III ’72, Sept. 28, 2023, Laguna Beach, California. Linton graduated from Berkeley Law School and became involved in immigrant advocacy, working for United Farm Workers in California. In 1979, he founded the National Center for Immigrants’ Rights (later called the National Immigration Law Center), with federal funding through the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles. The center was his life’s work. He retired in 2019. In recent years, Linton enjoyed his life at home with puzzles, books, dogs, friends, and family.
Robert A. Buntz Jr. ’74, Sept. 18, 2023, Pepin, Wisconsin. After graduating, Rob was admissions director at Macalester University and later at Breck School. In 1977, he founded Red Bear Real Estate, specializing in construction, renovation, and development. In 1981, he began development of the renowned Bluefin Bay resort on Lake Superior in Tofte, Minnesota. Throughout his life, Rob enjoyed roles as a successful entrepreneur, real estate developer, hotelier, restaurateur, and tech startup founder. Rob married Janice Olson in 1995. Their new family included Janice’s two children. Rob also served as a Grinnell GRASP volunteer from 1997-98. Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Janice, and his sister, Mary Buntz Steel ’71.
Rebecca Quirk ’86, Jan. 30, 2024, Homedale, Idaho. Rebecca, or “Quirk,” as she was known to many, took on various leadership roles at Grinnell, including as president of the Thursday night Hill Street Blues Club and as chair of both Relays and Senior Week/Commencement committees. After graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C., working briefly on Capitol Hill before joining PBS station WETA-TV, where she worked for 20 years. She married Mike Mayes in 2000, and five years later they moved to Homedale. She kept busy on their tree farm and expressed her artistic side via her jewelry design business. Rebecca loved the ocean, gardening, cooking, and caring for her dogs and cats. She poured her passion for helping others into mentoring local youth, animal rescue, and speaking out against injustice. Rebecca remained an active volunteer for the College, serving on the Alumni Council (1997-99); as a class agent (2012-21); as a member of her 20th, 25th, 30th, and 35th Reunion committees; and working to bring Grinnellians together in many ways — through starting or administrating at least 10 Grinnell Facebook affinity groups, starting a local alumni chapter in Idaho, mentoring local alums, and envisioning and establishing the GRÆY movement (Grinnell Reunion Any/Every Year). The College recognized Rebecca’s exceptional volunteer service with an Alumni Award in 2022. Survivors include her husband and three stepsons.
Patricia McGrane ’88, Feb. 6, 2024, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After Grinnell, Patricia went on to earn her PhD in psychology from Yale University. Over a three-decade career, she worked with several public health and wellness organizations, including the National Youth Violence Prevention Center, Philadelphia Safe and Sound, and PHMC. She spent the last five years with the Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative and Family Health Initiatives. Survivors include her husband, Camillo Jose “CJ” Taylor, and two children.
Anjali Gauri Gottreich ’89, Nov. 30, 2023, Kenilworth, Illinois. Anjali first met Marc Gottreich ’89 at a high school party in Chicago. It was a coincidence that both chose Grinnell, and it was not until each returned to Chicago following graduation that they began dating and later married in 1994. They went on to have two children. Anjali, who studied economics at Grinnell, attended the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. After a successful banking career, she ran the family real estate management business until her untimely death. In her free time, Anjali loved cooking, reading, and traveling, but most of all cherished time spent with family and friends. Survivors include her husband and two daughters.
Faculty
Beryl Clotfelter, professor emeritus of physics, Feb. 11, 2024, Grinnell, Iowa. Professor Clotfelter joined the faculty in 1963, was named the Williston Professor of Physics in 1968, and retired in 1990. He is remembered for his love of teaching, his wide-ranging interests, and his enthusiasm for tackling new materials. Career highlights include his role when, as chair of the faculty in the early 1970s, he helped draft a proposal for a no general-education requirements curriculum featuring a first-year student tutorial provision that still informs the College’s distinctive academic experience.
His signature course was The Universe and its Structure, and the textbook he wrote came directly from this course. He also enjoyed teaching classes for non-science majors, including one popularly known as “Rocks and Stars.” He also taught multiple times in the Grinnell-in-London program.