In Memoriam

Spring 2019

  • Barry G. Huff portraitG. Barry Huff  ’73, Minneapolis, Dec. 30, 2018. Barry died at the age of 67 following a six-year battle with blood cancer.
    As a student at Grinnell, Barry was active in athletics, theatre, student government, and the new Black Cultural Center. He was a lineman on the football team and a member of both the indoor and outdoor track teams. Barry won four letters each in indoor track and outdoor track, and three letters in football. On the gridiron, Barry was elected Most Valuable Lineman in 1972, and in 1973 he was voted the track team’s Most Valuable Player. He set the College record for outdoor shot put at 51 feet, 3 inches in 1973 — a record that stands today.
    After graduating with a bachelor’s in theatre in 1973, he went on to earn a master’s in speech and theatre from the University of Michigan in 1974. Barry returned to campus in 1975 and served in several roles including resident adviser, coach, assistant dean of students, and associate dean of students. He left Grinnell in 1981 and went on to earn his MBA from the University of Iowa in 1983.
    He was an active alumni volunteer, serving on the class committee, participating in Alumni in the Classroom, acting as an inaugural representative of the College, and serving on the Grinnell College Alumni Council from 1996–2001. He joined the Board of Trustees in 2018.
    Barry was inducted into the Grinnell College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007 and received an Alumni Award in 2018 for his service as a change-maker and community builder.
    A retired senior vice president of marketing and communications for the National Marrow Donor Program, Barry had earlier served as president of Glory Foods, vice president of Hoopeston Foods, a partner in Becky Lerdal and Associates, and marketing manager of the Pillsbury Co. He also held many leadership positions in a variety of nonprofit organizations such as the Guthrie Theatre Foundation, Eden Programs, Sabathani Community Center, Park Avenue Youth and Family Services, and the National Marrow Donor Program. 
    Barry is survived by his wife Becky and his daughter.

     

  • Fern Bruce McKinnon ’35, Spencer, Iowa, Dec. 23, 2017. Fern was 105 when she died. She married Gordon McKinnon in 1930 and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1935. The couple made their home in Spencer, Iowa, where they owned and operated the movie theatre until 1970. Both had private pilot’s licenses and flew their own plane to Florida three times. Fern and Gordon had no children of their own. Fern is survived by a nephew and his children.

    Marilyn Tuteur Eppstein ’44, Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 22, 2018. Marilyn loved painting, sewing, music, and travel but especially loved to be with all her family, including her late husband Richard C. Eppstein. She was a member of Temple Shomer Emunim. Marilyn is survived by a son, daughter, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

    Blanche Lutcha Komarek ’45, Northport, New York, Oct. 7, 2018. A longtime resident of Northport, Blanche lived a full and adventurous life, seizing every opportunity to enrich her world. She loved her time at Grinnell and furthered her education at Adelphi University and Long Island University-Post. Blanche first worked as a publisher for McGraw-Hill but spent most of her life working in the Hauppauge Unified School District. She enjoyed her leisurely pursuits of ceramics and watercolor painting, traveled extensively, and loved her family, garden, and community. She is survived by her daughter, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

    Suzanne Schaefer McConnell ’45, Edmonds, Washington, July 28, 2018. Suzanne served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a navigational trainer, where she met her husband Neil Lathrop McConnell. She is survived by her three children, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

    Shirley Bell Gooley ’46, La Grange, Illinois, Aug. 10, 2018. Shirley grew up in Oak Park, Illinois, where she played piano and violin and belonged to the drama club. She met her husband John Gooley ’45 at Grinnell, and they married in 1944 before John began his naval service in the South Pacific. Shirley worked as a reporter for the Oak Lawn Independent, as well as various other organizations. Along with her lifelong interest in bridge, she enjoyed sewing, cooking, reading, and traveling, and new technology, playing iPad games with her grandchildren and mentoring friends on how to use Skype. Shirley is survived by three daughters, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. 

    LaDeane “Laddie” Osler Casey ’47, Scottsdale, Arizona, Dec. 1, 2018. Laddie died after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Griswold, Iowa, she married her childhood sweetheart, Donald Casey ’50, in 1947 upon his return from service with the Marines. After raising their six children, Laddie returned to college at the age of 50 and earned a master’s in psychology from Drake University, then a doctorate from Arizona State University. For the next 25 years, she practiced as a psychologist in Scottsdale. Laddie won an Alumni Award in 2006 and served as a class agent from 1987 until her death and on her class committee from 2004 until 2017. She is survived by her spouse, five children, nine grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters.   

    Marillyn Green Muldoon ’48, Newport Beach, California, July 25, 2018. Marillyn attended Grinnell before graduating from Duquesne University. In 1949, she married John Muldoon and embraced the life and responsibilities of a military wife, including providing her five children exposure to the cultures of France and Japan. Marillyn enjoyed her cats, gardening, and the San Diego cultural scene, including classical music, the opera, ballet, and plays. She was a founding member of the Friends of Bonita-Sunnyside Library and a lifetime member of the San Diego Zoological Society. Marillyn is survived by five children, eight grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. 

    Jacqualyn Day Platt ’48, Osawatomie, Kansas, Sept. 1, 2018. Jackie attended Grinnell and then Iowa State University, where she received a bachelor’s in home economics. She spent the next several years teaching high school home economics in Iowa, married Donald Franklin Platt in 1953, and then moved to Kansas, where they raised their three children. She earned her teaching license while raising her children and returned to the classroom full time for nearly 20 years and then as a substitute teacher in her retirement. Jackie was active as a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Osawatomie for 65 years and also served her community as a member of the board of the Osawatomie library and public schools. An avid reader, she also enjoyed playing bridge and cooking, especially with family, and keeping up with the activities and sports of her family. She is survived by three children, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. 

    Barbara Edmunds ’50, Huntington Beach, California, Oct. 13, 2018.

    Sheila Boyer Elwyn ’51, Chicago, Sept. 4, 2018. She is survived by her husband Alexander Elwyn ’51.

    Richard D. Georgeson ’51, Denver, Dec. 18, 2018.

    David L. Hammer ’51, Newton, Iowa, Dec. 27, 2018. David met his wife Audrey Anna Lowe ’52 while studying at Grinnell, and they married in 1953. He began law school at Northwestern University before being drafted to serve in the Army during the Korean War. He earned his J.D. from the University of Iowa, then moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where he joined the firm of O’Connor, Thomas, McDermott and Wright. In 1988, David founded the law firm of Hammer and Simon. He practiced before federal courts of multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition to his legal career, David was a writer of mostly nonfiction books, but especially favored writing poetry and penned two novels in his lifetime. David is considered one of the foremost American authorities on Sherlock Holmes, the detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. After Audrey died in 2011, David reconnected with a childhood friend, Carol Soderblom from Newton, and they married in 2013. David is survived by two children and three grandchildren. 

    Mary Squires Legg ’51, Palos Verdes Estates, California, Oct. 28, 2018. Born in Chicago, Mary graduated from Grinnell and married Sidney C. Legg ’50 in 1952. Together they moved to Palos Verdes Estates in 1961, where Mary raised several AKC champion beagles. She is survived by her husband, eight children, and 14 great-grandchildren. 

    Robert E. Miller ’51, Highlands Ranch, Colorado, May 29, 2018. Before graduating from Grinnell, Robert served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas-Dallas in 1955 and married Angela Pedrazine in 1956. Robert then served in the U.S. Army as a surgeon and commanding officer in Korea and later Vietnam. After retiring from the Army in 1972, he entered private practice in Kansas, where he practiced for 28 years, treating the people of western Kansas and supervising student and surgery residents from the University of Kansas. He is survived by four children, including his son, Kevin Miller ’82, as well as eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

    Donald J. Simpson ’51, Farmington, Connecticut, Jan. 6, 2019. Don earned a business degree at Grinnell, which he put to work first at General Electric and later EIS Automotive. He retired as the company’s financial services manager in 1997. He was active in local planning and zoning, helping create a long-term land-use plan for Glastonbury, Connecticut. He enjoyed opera and classical music and was a tremendous reader. Survivors include his wife Dawn Chase Simpson, a son, three stepchildren, two grandchildren, and two stepgrandchildren. 

    Janet Reinke Jenkins ’52, Albia, Iowa, Aug. 28, 2018. At Grinnell, Janet studied writing, public sector negotiation, mediation, apartment management, and painting. She married James Jenkins ’53 in 1953 and had four daughters. Janet was the first director of the Albia Low Rent Housing Agency, where she set up a housing assistance program. She was also a social worker at the Monroe County Department of Social Services. She was an active volunteer, named Monroe County’s Iowa Volunteer of the Year by Farm Bureau and the governor’s office in 1989, and in 1993 was inducted into the Albia Hall of Fame. She is survived by her husband, four daughters, including Rebecca Jenkins Schultz ’82, 16 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and her sister, Gretchen Reinke Price ’56.

    John J. “Swede” Reimers ’52, July 31, 2018. Swede came to Grinnell after serving in the Marine Corps. He loved all types of sports and played basketball and football for Grinnell. He also was a president of Honor G. After Grinnell, John worked for the Sheaffer Pen Co., and the job sent him to many cities throughout the United States. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Suzanne Tornquist Reimers ’51, a son, and a granddaughter.

    Douglas D. Klink ’53, Mequon, Wisconsin, Dec. 21, 2018. After Grinnell, Douglas received his M.D. from the University of Iowa in 1956. While conducting his residency in Cincinnati, he met Marcella Enderlin and married in 1959. He served in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps for three years. Douglas then worked in private practice at Internal Medicine of Milwaukee for 35 years, recognized by peers as a leader in the field of endocrinology, especially in the treatment of diabetes. He continued to serve the medical community well into his retirement, taking on various leadership and teaching roles in medical associations and colleges. Douglas was also an avid golfer, taking up the sport as a kid. He even qualified to compete in the British Open as an amateur while stationed in England. He is survived by four children and four grandchildren. 

    Harry Alfred Young Jr. ’53, Harwich, Massachusetts, Sept. 29, 2018. Harry played on the tennis team at Grinnell while earning a degree in economics. He then served in the U.S. Army from 1954–56 before studying law at Harvard University, where he met his wife Tinka Hardacker. They were married in 1959 after he graduated from Harvard, and they settled in Oak Park, Illinois. Harry worked as a trial lawyer in Chicago, eventually becoming a partner in the firm Neinstein, Richman, Hauslinger. He is survived by his daughter and two granddaughters.

    Marjorie De Neui Creighton ’54, Faribault, Minnesota, Dec. 25, 2018. Marge attended the University of Minnesota for one semester before transferring to Grinnell, where she met her husband Robert Creighton ’53. After Robert’s service in the military ended, they returned to Minnesota, where they raised three daughters. Marge actively participated in the community as a scout leader, where she gained her nickname, “Eddie Eagle.” Marge always had a passion for reading, especially mysteries, and enjoyed being creative through her sewing and knitting. She was an avid Vikings fan and active member of the Congregational Church in Faribault. She shared her love of birds — feeding and watching them —with friends and family alike. Marge developed special relationships with her neighbors and valued time spent with her family, especially with her husband during their 64 years of marriage. She is survived by her husband, their three daughters, seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

    James E. Dimit ’54, Grinnell, Iowa, Dec. 17, 2018. Jim grew up in the Grinnell area and graduated from Grinnell prior to earning a master’s from Drake University. He worked as a biology professor at Truman State University for 36 years and returned to Grinnell in his retirement. Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid reader. He is survived by his daughter and granddaughter. 

    G. Robert Sackett ’54, Perry, Iowa, Dec. 21, 2018. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from Grinnell, serving in a field office in Okinawa before returning to work for Allied Mutual Insurance in Des Moines. He earned a J.D. from Drake University in 1960 and married Ann Marie Bartley. After law school, Bob joined his father and formed the law firm of Willis and Sackett, where he practiced until he was 84. He had a lifelong interest in flying, earning his private pilot license as a teenager and serving on the Perry Airport Commission for many years. Bob is survived by his wife, two daughters, including Joanne Sackett ’90, and a granddaughter. 

    Thomas H. Thornton ’54, Stamford, Connecticut, Dec. 8, 2018. After Grinnell, Tom served in the U.S. Army. He moved to Los Angeles, where he worked at CBS and met his future wife Diane. Tom continued his career with CBS, then NBC, and later Gannett Radio. He enjoyed sailing and spending time with his family. Tom is survived by his wife, two children, and three granddaughters. 

    Muriel “Lee” Katter Peterson ’55, Cokato, Minnesota, Oct. 26, 2018. Lee attended Grinnell for one year before transferring to the University of Minnesota, where she majored in humanities. She married Bruce Peterson in 1959 and they raised two children and their dog. Lee was a lover of the arts; once her children were in school, she took classes in studio arts at St. Cloud State University. She enjoyed drawing, painting, screen printing, sculpting, theatre, photography, and wood carving. She also worked at the State Bank of Cokato and was very active in her community, from being den mother to band booster. She is survived by her two children and two grandchildren. 

    Richard C. Simpson ’55, Binghamton, New York, March 14, 2018. Richard took over his father’s insurance business in Wichita, Kansas, where he and his wife Cynthia Draegert ’56 raised their three sons. Together they built their dream home and started their second life in Colorado’s Crystal River Valley in 1999. He loved travel, good food, fine wine, tennis, golf, scouting, and symphonic music, serving as a board member of the Wichita Symphony. Richard served as a GRASP volunteer from 1998 to 2002. He is survived by his second wife Elida Simpson and two sons, David Simpson ’81 and Mark Simpson ’89.

    Anna Robinson Wiesman ’55, Omaha, Nebraska, Nov. 20, 2018. Anna graduated from Grinnell and worked as a speech therapist. Among other charitable work, she was active in Beth El Synagogue Sisterhood and was president of the Central Regional States Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. She is survived by her husband Benjamin Weisman, sister Sally Robinson Schechter ’49, four sons, and seven grandchildren.

    Harold L. Wilson Jr. ’55, Gonzales, Texas, Dec. 15, 2018. Harold attended Grinnell and the University of Minnesota. He married Charlotte Brown in 1955 and then served in the U.S. Army in Korea. Harold worked for Nor Best Turkeys and Swift Butterball for several years and later as an inspector for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He loved golf, bowling, and playing bridge and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Gonzales. Harold is survived by his wife, two sons, and two grandchildren. 

    John L. Dunlop ’56, Glendale, Arizona, Aug. 28, 2018. Before moving to Phoenix in 1972, John worked in his family’s sausage-making business in Minnesota. In Arizona he owned a small business in water conditioning. He was a longtime supporter of numerous ministries, including Along Side Ministries, an organization helping incarcerated Christian men transition from prison to society. John and his wife Matilda Surridge Dunlop ’56 were married for nearly 62 years. They loved to travel. John is survived by four children and seven grandchildren. 

    Isabelle Hampton Morgan ’57, Indianapolis, March 27, 2018. Bella is survived by three daughters, seven grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

    Ronald P. Henry ’57, Macomb, Illinois, Dec. 16, 2018. Ron served in the U.S. Navy from 1948–1953, assisting in rescue operations after the USS Hobson collided with the USS Wasp in one of the worst naval disasters in U.S. history. He married his first wife, Roberta Fell ’56, in 1955, with whom he had five children. He married Marie Barber in 1975. After graduating from Grinnell, Ron worked for Motorola for more than 30 years. He spent many decades acting and singing in performances with The Village Players in Oak Park, Illinois. Ron was an amateur photographer, golf enthusiast, bowler, poker player, and avid fisherman. A die-hard Cubs fan, he was finally vindicated for his loyalty with their 2016 World Series victory. Ron is survived by five children, six grandchildren, including Katherine Henry ’06, and four great-grandsons. 

    Juergen H. Roennau ’57, Mount Prospect, Illinois, Oct. 31, 2018. Juergen, a first-generation German immigrant and U.S. Army veteran, received his bachelor’s from Grinnell and went on to obtain his MBA at Indiana University. He was a generous, kind, and loving man, enjoying the company of family and friends. His world travels created lasting memories for all those he knew. The Roennau Advanced Biology Teaching Laboratory is named after Juergen. He served as honorary marshal in the 2007 Grinnell College Commencement and was a scholarship fund donor, as well as a donor for the Rinefort Scholarship and Barbara Jenkins Roennau ’57 and Patricia Blackmore Scholarship Fund. Juergen is survived by his fiancée Vilma Bell, three children, and seven grandchildren.

    Vibert A. Mahanger ’59, Fort Myers, Florida, Oct. 21, 2018. After Grinnell, Vibert earned his M.D. from the University of Rochester and then worked as a solo family practitioner in Churchville, New York, for nearly 30 years. In 2004, he became a physician at the Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Fort Myers, where he practiced until his retirement. A visionary who foresaw the future of electronic medical records systems, Vibert designed and implemented his own computer records platform in his Churchville practice.

    Carol Fleck Couchenour ’60, Grayson, Georgia, June 10, 2018. She is survived by her husband Joseph Couchenour, her brother David Fleck ’58, two children, and three grandchildren.

    Linda Owens Drennan ’60, Ames, Iowa, June 11, 2018. Linda attended Grinnell for two years before marrying Galen Drennan in 1958. She worked as a secretary at Iowa State University for 23 years. Linda was a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church and Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She enjoyed reading, traveling, and volunteering at the local hospital. She is survived by her husband, sister Sharon Owens ’63, two sons, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. 

    S. Joseph Nassif ’60, Winter Park, Florida, Nov. 23, 2018. After Grinnell, Joe earned an MFA from Yale University’s School of Drama and doctorate in theatre history and criticism from the University of Denver. He served as the executive director of the Pittsburgh Playhouse, general manager of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and chairman of the theatre and dance department at Point Park College in Pittsburgh before finding his home at Rollins College in Orlando, Florida. An actor, director, and educator, Joe served as the chair of the Rollins theatre and dance department for more than two decades and produced more than 100 plays in the college’s storied Annie Russell Theatre. He served on his Grinnell class committee from 2004 to 2010. Joe is survived by his two children and four grandchildren. 

    Grant Fairbanks ’61, Camarillo, California, July 7, 2017. Grant majored in physics at Grinnell and was an outstanding cross country and track runner. He then earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry from MIT. In 1962, he married his college sweetheart Ellen Wolz ’63, with whom he had two daughters. Grant worked as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School, where he published important research on gel staining techniques, research which is still widely used and extensively cited in scientific papers. Grant moved to the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, where he ran a research lab for 20 years. During that time, he received several awards for his work, including one from the American Cancer Society, and an Alumni Award from Grinnell for his work in red cell membrane research. After retiring, Grant renewed a friendship with a high school classmate, Mary Rawcliffe, and they married in 2003. He is survived by his wife Mary, sister Janet Fairbanks Thomas ’64, two daughters, including Katherine Fairbanks Sargent ’91, a stepdaughter, and six grandchildren.

    Cameron B. Hendershot ’62, Evanston, Illinois, Aug. 27, 2017. Cameron served as a social studies teacher to generations at Dalton School in New York City. He was an avid reader of The New York Times and other newspapers and was particularly fond of the crossword puzzles. He is survived by his wife Marilyn Moss, two stepchildren, and four grandchildren. 

    Ronald K. Goodenow ’63, Northborough, Massachusetts, Oct. 28, 2018. After attending Grinnell, Ron received a master’s from the University of Wyoming. He served on the Grinnell admissions staff while completing a Ph.D. in the history of education from the University of California, Berkeley. He joined the faculty of State University of New York at Buffalo and later Trinity College, focusing his scholarship on race relations and urbanicity in educational history. After leaving academia, he became a consultant, developing training programs for technology companies, but continued to publish scholarly articles. Ron was an avid photographer and loved jazz and classical music, gardening, canoeing, railroads, travel, meeting new people, getting together with friends, and talking politics. He was an active member of Rotary International. He is survived by his wife Carol Shaver Goodenow ’64, two daughters, and three grandchildren.

    Harriet E. Hoffman ’64, Arlington, Massachusetts, Nov. 5, 2018. Harriet died after a yearlong battle with acute myeloid leukemia. She worked at Harvard for more than 40 years in the department of economics, serving as the editor of its Quarterly Journal of Economics for many years. 

    Nancy Wolf Rosenblum ’64, Milford, Connecticut, Oct. 20, 2018. Nancy studied journalism at Grinnell and Oklahoma State University and earned a master’s in social work from Fordham University. For more than 30 years, she ran a private practice providing counseling services. Nancy was an avid tennis and bridge player who loved to garden and lived her last years avoiding winters, always with a book to read. She is survived by her sister, Sally Wolf Robinson ’65, daughter, two stepchildren, and three grandchildren. 

    Hertha Farmer Chellevold ’65, Mesa, Arizona, May 2018. 

    Gwendolen Grant Bivens ’67, Atlanta, Georgia, Jan. 4, 2018. After attending Grinnell, Gwen earned a J.D. at Ohio State University. She became the first female assistant city attorney for Battle Creek, Michigan. She went on to serve many years with the Environmental Protection Agency, winning numerous awards for her work on oil pipeline and watershed pollution cases.  Fluent in Spanish, Gwen also represented the EPA in Central America on uniform water pollution regulations. She is survived by three children and three grandchildren. 

    Avram Machtiger ’74, Pittsburgh, Nov. 30, 2018. At Grinnell, Avram majored in psychology and elementary education. He then earned two master’s degrees from the the University of Pittsburgh. Avram served as a member of the Alumni Council from 2004 to 2010, member of his class committee from 2004 to 2017, and GRASP volunteer from 1998 to 2017. He is survived by his partner Lathe Haynes.

    Brian S. Gratch ’83, Evanston, Illinois, Nov. 24, 2018. Brian earned an MBA from Kellogg School of Management after graduating from Grinnell, where he met the love of his life, Michelle Ney ’85. His professional career spanned the worlds of marketing and technology, starting at Motorola Mobility and recently as chief marketing officer of Xaptum. Brian had a profound love of travel and exploration, and he enjoyed spending summers at his family’s Montana home hiking and exploring. More than anything, Brian adored his family, relishing in time spent sharing stories and laughter, as well as music from his jazz collection. He is survived by his wife, four children, niece Hannah Ney ’10, and nephew Jesse Ney ’13.

    James M. Howard ’91, Clifden, Ireland, July 6, 2018. Jamie died after a brief illness in County Galway, his home for more than 20 years. He loved traveling, live music, and meeting friends in pubs. Jamie worked as a freelance photographer and was the official events photographer for the Clifden Arts Festival. Jamie was a GRASP volunteer from 2006 to 2017. He is survived by his two brothers. 

    Tasman “Taz” Grout ’16, Lawrence, Kansas, Oct. 15, 2018. Taz died unexpectedly of a ruptured aneurysm one week after her 25th birthday. She grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, and graduated from Grinnell with a degree in anthropology and Spanish. An avid traveler, she visited more than 30 countries and made friends all over the world. She put her Spanish to good use, working with Spanish-speaking families as a match specialist and big sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She is survived by her mother, three fathers, eight sisters, and one brother. 

Winter 2018

  • Beryl Wellborn, Grinnell, Iowa, Oct. 7, 2018. During the summer following graduation from Cantril (Iowa) High School in 1942, Beryl attended Parsons College and earned his teaching certificate. He was 17 when he started teaching at a country school. His oldest student was in eighth grade, a 14-year-old. Beryl served for two years with the U.S. Army in France before completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and taught school in several Iowa cities. He joined the Grinnell College faculty in 1958 and retired 28 years later. He served for two decades on the board of the Iowa Valley Community College; as IVCC board president, he played a pivotal role in advancing facilities projects there. A dedicated and generous member of the Grinnell community, Beryl also volunteered on the Stewart Library Board, the Grinnell-Newburg School Board, and the S.E.E.D. Committee. Beryl received an honorary degree from IVCC when he retired from the board, and Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad recognized him in 1984 for his outstanding record of community service. Beryl’s great contributions to the community and its colleges will be missed. Survivors include his wife Deena McKim Wellborn, a son, a daughter, three stepchildren, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

  • Edward M. Moore, Silver Spring, Maryland, Aug. 18, 2018. Ed died at home following a cerebral hemorrhage. A native of Macon, Georgia, he graduated from the University of the South (Sewanee). He received his doctorate from Harvard University in 1968 and joined the faculty of Grinnell College in 1967. A scholar of Shakespeare, Ed taught an extremely popular Introduction to Shakespeare course and every other year offered an advanced seminar on some aspect of Shakespeare’s works. He also taught in the humanities program and a course in Southern literature; Eudora Welty and Flannery O’Connor were two of his favorite authors. His edition of Harley Granville-Barker’s Prefaces to Shakespeare (Harvard University Press, 1974) became a standard work in the field. Ed chaired the Department of English several times. He retired from the faculty in 2006. The College is grateful for his many contributions to Grinnell and to the lives of our students. Ed is survived by his son, his daughter and son-in-law, and two grandchildren. A memorial fund at Grinnell College has been established in Ed’s name; contributions will go to acquisitions for Burling Library. 

  • Georgia Dentel, Grinnell, Iowa, Oct. 5, 2018. Georgia grew up in Ackley, Iowa, and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Iowa. While at the University of Iowa, she was a member of the concert band and a member of the first University of Iowa Marching band to admit women. She was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She received her master’s in education from Colorado College. Georgia began her teaching career at Vinton High School, Vinton, Iowa. She assumed the position of dean of freshman women at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. In 1960 she became an administrator for Grinnell College. Georgia produced the College’s performing arts and public events programs for 41 years, presenting over 1,000 concerts to the College community. The superior quality of the programming produced by Georgia and her student committees at Grinnell College has been documented by artists and arts publications over the past 40 years. Students honored her by electing her an honorary member of the Grinnell College class of 1977. Her work was recognized most recently in the Fall 2015 issue of The Grinnell Magazine. See magazine.grinnell.edu/news/rock-and-roll-and-beyond.

  • George E. Oetjen ’41, Albert Lea, Minnesota, Jan. 7, 2018. After graduation, George began employment with Sears Roebuck. He married Winifred George at Herrick Chapel in 1943. George served in the U.S. Army beginning in 1943 and remained active as a reservist until 1990, when he retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. George was actively involved in the First Presbyterian Church of Albert Lea, where he served as deacon, elder, and trustee. He was an accomplished woodworker and loved nature, gardening, and tennis. He is survived by four children, including Christine Oetjen ’68, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. 

    Meredith Madsen Matlack ’44, Los Alamos, New Mexico, July 9, 2017. Meredith met her husband George Miller Matlack ’43 when they were chemistry majors at Grinnell, and they married in 1943. She worked as a blood technician before moving to Los Alamos in 1949. Meredith created art with ink, thread, and fabric, made women’s clothing, and specialized in calligraphy and embroidery. She also was an active member of the Los Alamos Garden Club, co-edited a book on high-altitude gardening, sang with the Los Alamos Choral Society, and enjoyed driving her sports cars. Meredith served as a mentor to hundreds of young women through the Order of Rainbow for Girls, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Los Alamos P.E.O. She is survived by three children, six grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

    Suzanne Hiller Glen ’45, Woodridge, Illinois, June 28, 2018. She is survived by her two sons and daughter, as well as six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

    Mary Neel Pedersen ’46, Katy, Texas, July 18, 2018.

    Mary Dewey King ’47, Urbandale, Iowa, July 12, 2018. Born in Schaller, Iowa, Mary attended Grinnell College and graduated from Gregg Business College. In 1946 she married her high school sweetheart, Herbert L. King, with whom she had five children. Mary was an active member of local churches in Storm Lake and the P.E.O. Sisterhood and worked as a homemaker and a secretary. She enjoyed traveling to Arizona and took great pride in her family and rooting for the Chicago Cubs. She is survived by her five children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. 

    Gerald D. Carpenter ’49, Des Moines, Iowa, March 23, 2018. 

    Frederick P. Patton ’49, Rock Island, Illinois, Jan. 21, 2018. Born in Mason City, Iowa, Fred served in the Army during World War II. After Grinnell, he graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law and moved to Rock Island, where he raised a family with his wife Norma Patton and worked as an Illinois Circuit Court judge. Fred had a lifelong passion for boating, sailing, and traveling. He is survived by two daughters and two sons, six grandchildren, and his great-granddaughter. 

    Helen Quirk Regan ’49, Berwyn, Illinois, Jan. 13, 2018. Helen lived a musical life with her husband Jack Joseph. She is survived by her three sons.

    Marilyn Kegg Anderson ’50, Sun City Center, Florida, June 4, 2018. Marilyn was born in St. Louis County, Missouri, and after Grinnell she married Curtis R. Anderson. The couple moved to Granville, Ohio, where she worked as an elementary school teacher and director of an architectural museum. Marilyn held leadership positions and participated in a wide variety of organizations, including the League of Women Voters, Red Hat Society, and gardening clubs. She was also a dedicated musician and an active member of the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, Florida, where she retired. Marilyn is survived by her daughter and two sons, as well as four grandchildren.  

    J. Penrod “Rod” Jones ’50, Maitland, Florida, June 29, 2018. Rod was born in Racine, Wisconsin, and grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan. After graduating from high school, Rod served as a Naval Corpsman until his honorable discharge in 1946. After Grinnell, he began a long career in the printing industry. He married his wife Mary Voell Jones in 1957, beginning a 60-year partnership. They later moved to Orlando, Florida, where Rod served as the president of the Printing Industries of Florida. Outside of his career, he was committed to helping others through the YMCA and embraced religion as a member of various churches. “Captain Rod,” as he was known by many, shared his passion for water through sailing, fishing, painting, and running boat tours. He is survived by his wife Mary, four daughters, and six grandchildren. 

    Marilyn Wales McCaman ’50, Healdsburg, California, April 6, 2018. The McCaman Faculty Office in the Robert Noyce ’49 Science Center is named in her honor. 

    Diana Magill Rupprecht ’50, Barnegat, New Jersey, Aug. 30, 2018. Diana graduated from Grinnell with a degree in French and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She was awarded a fellowship to Columbia University, where she earned a master’s in library science. Diana then worked in the Library of Congress before moving to New Jersey, where she worked at the East Orange Public Library for 22 years. She especially enjoyed reading, solving crossword puzzles, and traveling to historic sites, particularly those with lighthouses. She is survived by four children and three grandsons.

    Charles “Chuck” E. Burd ’51, Harlingen, Texas, Sept. 26, 2018. Chuck served in U.S. Army intelligence from 1951–1954. He worked in important leadership positions for numerous financial institutions in Iowa, including Peoples Mutual Savings and Loan, American Federal Savings and Loan, and Banc Iowa. Chuck was also chairman of the board of St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. He retired to Harlingen, Texas, where he was elected mayor in 1998. He enjoyed golfing, boating, fishing, traveling and family events. Survivors include his sister, Beverly Burd Stubbee ’48, three sons, and four grandchildren. 

    Ann DuBois Dripps ’51, Onekama, Michigan, July 16, 2018. Ann attended Grinnell College and Washington University before graduating from Harris College. She taught in the St. Louis public schools for 25 years. Ann was married to her husband Roy Dripps for 61 years. A lifelong reader, she especially enjoyed hosting holiday celebrations and gardening at her summer home in Michigan. She is survived by three sons, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

    Paul G. James ’51, West Des Moines, Iowa, Aug. 19, 2018. Paul served in the Army and was stationed in Germany before he returned home and attended Grinnell College and Drake University. He earned his law degree from the University of Iowa and practiced law with his father for several years before becoming part owner of A-1 Beltmann Moving & Storage. He then began investing in residential real estate, which became his full-time career. Paul married Marilyn Bloomburg in 1957. He is survived by two daughters and two sons, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. 

    Kenneth R. MacCowan ’51, Des Plaines, Illinois, July 30, 2017. 

    Franc P. Daniels ’52, Bemidji, Minnesota, Sept. 30, 2018. Franc married his wife Janet Lucille Hansen in 1950, and they raised their family together in Minnesota. Franc and Janet welcomed several foster children in addition to their own children. Franc was an inventor, entrepreneur, and businessman, holding several patents for his inventions. He loved outdoor sports and activities, including hunting, fishing, skiing, swimming, scuba diving, hockey, motorcycles, horseback riding, and flying planes. He is survived by six children, 19 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

    Barbara Betz Nelson ’52, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, May 22, 2018. Barb graduated from Grinnell with a degree in social work. After graduating, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert Scofield Nelson. Barb touched the lives of many young people through her work as a youth director at her Presbyterian church and as a museum volunteer. She also worked to provide educational opportunities for female students worldwide as a member of P.E.O. International. She also traveled to Europe and Asia frequently, living for three years in Middlesex, England. She is survived by two children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. 

    William H. Porter ’52, Sheridan, Wyoming, June 28, 2018. Bill served in the U.S. Army in Japan before graduating from Grinnell. He went on to work for First National Bank in Sheridan, from which he retired as vice president. Bill took great pride in his yard and rose garden and enjoyed photography. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, numerous Masonic organizations, and the Big Horn Lions Club. Survivors include his sister, Mary Porter Wyly ’62, two sons, and a grandson. 

    Eloise Brown Raffety ’52, Grinnell, Iowa, Oct. 15, 2018. Eloise attended Grinnell for two years and earned a degree in home economics from Iowa State University. After Eloise married her husband Maynard L. Raffety, they lived for a time in Alaska and New York before they returned to Iowa to operate a grain and dairy farm while raising their family. Eloise served as the director of Grinnell’s senior day care center, was active in the First Baptist Church, 4-H, the Grinnell League of Women Voters, P.E.O., and the Grinnell Town and Country Singers. She is survived by four children, including Marilyn Raffety Kennett ’83; 10 grandchildren, including Jennifer Peek ’13; four great-grandchildren; and her sister-in-law, Carolyn Raffety Knutson ’55. 

    Ruth Sears Hiersemann ’53, Ventura, California, Oct. 30, 2017. Ruth graduated from Grinnell and obtained her master’s degree at Northwestern University. She served as a speech and language pathologist in the Inglewood and Los Angeles County school districts. Much of her life revolved around her church community, and she found many “children of the heart” through her work as education director at First Presbyterian Church of Inglewood, encouraging them to love books and reading. Ruth embraced people from all backgrounds, traveled to every continent except Australia, and loved plants, gardening, and animals. 

    John I. Schlossman ’53, Winnetka, Illinois, Aug. 14, 2018. John attended Grinnell before graduating with a degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota and a master’s in architecture from MIT in 1956. He worked as a respected architect for Loebl Schlossman & Hackl until his retirement. He served as director for the Young Men’s Jewish Council in Chicago and as a fellow at the Art Institute of Chicago. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley Rhodes Schlossman, one daughter, two sons, and seven grandchildren.

    James Hartley ’54, Clinton, Washington, Sept. 10, 2018. Jim studied journalism at Grinnell and met Louise Johnson Hartley ’53, whom he married one week after he graduated. He served in the U.S. Air Force for two years before moving to Washington to work in public relations for Simpson Timber. Jim embraced the Northwest lifestyle, barbecuing salmon, hiking, boating in the San Juan islands, and bird hunting with his Labrador retrievers. In addition to raising their four children, Jim and Lou shared a love of golf, biking, and traveling, making annual visits to Kauai. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, four children, four grandchildren, and his Lab, Katy.

    Milton L. Meigs ’54, Lake Forest, Illinois, June 28, 2018. Milton studied economics at Grinnell and joined the U.S. Navy as a cadet upon graduating. He obtained the rank of lieutenant, served as a fighter pilot, and continued his military career as a pilot in the U.S. Naval Reserves. After his military service, he pursued a successful career as a financial analyst and retired as executive vice president of the credit rating division of Duff & Phelps. After retiring, he enjoyed his family, travel, playing golf, music, art, and singing in his church choir. Milton was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest. He is survived by his wife JoAnn, his daughter, five stepchildren, and nine grandchildren.

    Roger Perry ’54, Indian Wells, California, July 12, 2018. Roger died at his home after a battle with prostate cancer. While at Grinnell, Roger majored in speech, was president of the Student Council (1953–54) and a member of the Men’s Glee Club. He was a composer and very involved in musical productions, including the satire Up a Tree. He served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force before signing a contract with Desilu Studios and going on to a long career as an actor in television, film, and theatre. His best-remembered roles are on Falcon Crest, Facts of Life, and Harrigan and Son. He sidelined as a composer and songwriter for Los Angeles theatre productions, including a mid-1980s musical version of George Bernard Shaw’s You Never Can Tell, which also featured his actress-wife Joyce Bulifant. He is survived by his wife, two children, and one grandchild.

    John P. Sturtz ’55, Green Valley, Arizona, Sept. 9, 2018. John met his wife Bonnie Watters ’55 at Grinnell. He earned a master’s in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota and worked for General Electric Co. as a nuclear engineer for 35 years. John traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and many foreign countries on all seven continents. He was a clever woodworker, talented choral and instrumental musician, and outdoor enthusiast. John was an active member of Desert Hills Lutheran Church and volunteered with many service organizations throughout his life. He is survived by his wife, four children, and five grandchildren.

    Earl W. Zniewski ’55, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, July 31, 2018. After Grinnell, Earl attended the University of Minnesota and served in the Army between 1954 and 1956, stationed in Germany. In 1960, he married Elizabeth Smith, and together they had five children. Earl worked at Rex Granite for 54 years with his brothers. In 1990, Earl married again to Jan DeBerry Lafferty. He served as a member and leader of the Monument Builders of North America, American Monument Association, and St. John’s Episcopal Church. Earl enjoyed the outdoors and playing games, whether with cards or on his iPhone, volunteered at St. Cloud Hospital, and cherished time spent with family and friends, especially summers at Leech Lake. He is survived by his wife Jan, five children, two stepchildren, 20 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

    Patricia Brors Ballman ’56, Utica, New York, Oct. 3, 2018. Patricia met her husband Robert Ballman ’55 at Grinnell. She enjoyed a long career working as a librarian in Tennessee and as manager of a bookstore in New York. Patricia was a member of Community Cornerstone Church and loved spending time with her family, reading, camping, playing piano, writing, and talking for hours on the phone with friends. She is survived by three children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. 

    John H. Jansen ’56, Laguna Woods, California, Aug. 24, 2018. 

    Nancy Miller Maddox ’56, Palm Desert, California, March 12, 2018. Nancy graduated from Grinnell with a major in history and married her husband Jerry Maddox ’56 on Feb. 2, 1957. They were married for 61 years. She worked as clerk of the U.S. Tax Court in Los Angeles. She had a love for travel and was an accomplished sailor. In her later years, she preferred sailing on cruise ships and experienced many ports of call. She is survived by her husband, two children, and one grandchild. 

    Carol Replogle Nielsen ’56, Grinnell, Iowa, Aug. 6, 2018. Carol died peacefully in her apartment in Grinnell’s Mayflower Community after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. After graduating from Grinnell, Carol lived in a number of cities before returning to Grinnell permanently in 1969. She frequently traveled around the country with fellow Grinnell graduates. For 27 years, Carol directed and taught in the Grinnell College Preschool Laboratory. She received an Alumni Award from the College in 2006 and served on her class committee from 2004 to 2018. Deeply involved in the Grinnell community, Carol was the first woman president of the Grinnell-Newburg School Board of Education and was an active member of the League of Women Voters, the Grinnell Historical Museum Board, and the United Church of Christ. Carol will be remembered for her welcoming smile and generous spirit. She is survived by three sons. 

    John E. Turner ’58, Buffalo Grove, Illinois, July 7, 2018. Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, John attended Grinnell College, served in the Army, and graduated from Coe College with a degree in economics. He pursued interests in photography, astronomy, classical music, and nature. John is survived by his wife Lydie and his daughter. 

    Peter T. Way ’58, Keene, Virginia, Oct. 6, 2018. Peter attended Grinnell before he joined the Virginia Theological Seminary. He worked as a teacher at the Blue Ridge School and founded the Tros-Dale Home for Boys, the first group home in Virginia. Peter married his wife Elizabeth Crockett Way in 1964 and then served as a school board member, a county supervisor for Albemarle County, and in the Virginia state House of Delegates. He is survived by his wife, four children, 11 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. 

    Helen Jean Smith Clem ’60, Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, Sept. 28, 2018. Helen is survived by her husband Robert Clem ’57 and son Steve Clem ’92.

    Susan Hamamoto ’61, San Carlos, California, July 24, 2018. Susan graduated from Grinnell and earned her M.S. in biology from Brown University. After spending a year traveling the world, she taught English in Germany, then moved to Berkeley, where she worked as a researcher in various labs at the University of California, Berkeley, until her retirement in 2011. Susan loved to cook and enjoy a glass of wine with friends or tend to her garden. An avid runner and hiker, she finished the Honolulu Marathon, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, and did yoga at Machu Picchu. Susan studied Ikebana at the Oakland Buddhist Temple and was an active member of the Orinda Hiking Club. She is survived by her two daughters and sister, Amy Hamamoto Faulconer ’59. 

    Vivian Kogan Benn ’62, East Thetford, Vermont, July 17, 2018. Vivian, born in Egypt, fled with her family during the Israel War of Independence, eventually settling in Illinois. After Grinnell, she earned a doctorate from Brown University and began her teaching career at Dartmouth College. She was one of the first female members of the faculty and continued her career there as a professor of French literature and language until she retired in 2012. She met her husband Bernie Benn when he was a Peace Corps trainee, and they shared in their interests for politics, world events, the arts, good food, and travel. Beyond her teaching, Vivian was a devoted mother, grandmother, and wife, and had a wonderful sense of humor. Survivors include her sister, Sheila Kogan ’66, her husband, two children, and two grandchildren. 

    Charles P. Olander ’62, Leesburg, Alabama, April 14, 2018. Charles graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and became a professor of biology at Jacksonville State University, retiring in 2005. He was honored with professor emeritus status, which he held until his death. Charles is survived by his wife Donna Olander, four children, and four grandchildren.

    Jane Edwards Nottberg ’63, Loveland, Colorado, July 19, 2018. Jane died in her home after a battle with cancer. She majored in physics at Grinnell and she went on to complete a graduate degree in math at Boston University. After several years working for Kodak in Rochester, New York, Jane moved to Colorado Springs, where she met her husband, Gus, after picking him up as a skiing hitchhiker on the Pikes Peak Highway. They shared a love for the outdoors and traveled around the country in their motorhome. Jane loved wildflowers and photography, played golf, and was a dedicated member of the Loveland P.E.O. She is survived by her husband, sister Martha Edwards Woodworth ’66, daughter, two sons, niece Kathryn Zimmerman ’83, 10 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. 

    Judith Johnson Roode ’64, St. Paul, Minnesota, Aug. 25, 2018. Judith worked as a professor at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, leaving behind an inspiring body of work and a lasting influence on many other artists. Her works were displayed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Walker Art Center, and Weisman Art Museum, among other institutions. She was respected and loved for her affectionate intensity, unsparing honesty, and uproarious laughter. 

    Robert Carey Johnson ’65, Charleston, South Carolina, June 2, 2018. Robert graduated from Grinnell and earned his doctorate from the University of Kansas. He then worked at Yale University through a postgraduate fellowship before moving to Charleston in 1970, along with his high school sweetheart and forever spouse, Diane. They raised two sons, and Robert shared with them his love of adventure and zest for life. He enjoyed bringing people together, creating memories with friends and family, and indulging his grandchildren. Robert loved science, homemaking, storytelling, food, and turning the smallest occasions into celebrations. He is survived by his wife, brother, two sons, and four grandchildren. 

    Alexanderia “Sandra” Swerdfeger Lapollo ’69, Amherst, Massachusetts, March 23, 2018. Sandra lived in Amherst since 1991 and served as the executive director of the Chicopee Council on Aging for more than 20 years, receiving numerous awards during her tenure. She enjoyed gardening, reading, cooking and sharing food with loved ones, and was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and Green Bay Packers. Sandra is survived by her three sons. 

    Jody Ziesmer O’Donnell ’73, Kansas City, Missouri, May 6, 2018. Jody attended Grinnell College before graduating from Iowa State University. She then moved with her husband, Michael, to Pocatello, Idaho, where Jody worked as a speech and language pathologist. She earned her master’s degree in speech language pathology from Idaho State University, and was known for her compassion and dedication to improving the lives of children with communication needs. After she retired, Jody began a second career as an assistant professor in the communication sciences and disorders department at Idaho State. She also served as president of the Idaho Speech Language and Hearing Association and was appointed to the Speech and Hearing Services Licensure Board by Idaho’s governor. Jody is survived by her mother Kathleen.

Fall 2018

  • 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. 

Summer 2018

  • 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.

Spring 2018

  • 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

    Kenneth A. Christiansen head shotKenneth A. Christiansen, professor emeritus of biology, died Nov. 26, 2017, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. He was 93.

    Ken’s storied career at Grinnell began in 1955. His courses included general biology, zoology, evolution, ecology, sociobiology, invertebrate zoology, insect biology, parasitology, and marine biology. In 1962 Ken was named Harry Waldo Norris Professor of Biology and in 1994 professor emeritus.

    His research, beginning with his doctoral dissertation, focused on the evolution and taxonomy of Collembola, an order of arthropods found almost everywhere in the world. He wrote more than 100 papers and co-authored two books. 

    After retiring from active teaching in 1989, Ken discovered that he missed teaching, so in 1990 he taught for a semester at Nanjing University. While he was in China, he enjoyed collecting cave Collembola in various regions of the country. He remained active in research until 2012.

    During World War II, Ken served as forward observer for a 2nd Armored Division mortar platoon and received two Bronze Stars. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston University and his doctorate from Harvard University. Before coming to Grinnell, he taught at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon and at Smith College. 

    In support of his work, he received many grants from the National Science Foundation, the American Philosophical Society, the Sloan Foundation,  and others. 

    Ken was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the Society for the Study of Evolution, the Society of Systematic Zoology, the American Entomological Society, the International Society of Soil Zoology, the Cambridge Entomological Society, and Sigma Xi. He was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science since 1965; a correspondent of the Museum of Paris; an Explorer’s Club fellow since 1979; and a fellow of the National Speleological Society. He received the Iowa Academy of Science Award of Merit and the Iowa Governor’s Science Medal for Science Teaching. He served on the Iowa Governor’s Science Advisory Council and as a panelist for the National Research Council and Environmental Protection Agency. In 1991 he was honored by the National Speleological Society as one of the four founders of modern biospeleology, the study of cave organisms and ecosystems.

    He is survived by his son Eric Christiansen of Portland, Ore.; his daughters and sons-in-law Karen and Kirk Worrall of Parkdale, Ore., Paula Christiansen ’79 and Jose Gonzalez of Chicago, and Diane Christiansen ’81 and Stephen Dawson of Chicago; five grandchildren including Eva Dawson ’14 and Isabella Gonzalez ’18; and one great-grandchild. His wife Phyllis Smith Christiansen died Feb. 11 in Grinnell. She was 90.

    Fred A. Little ’53

    Life Trustee

    Fred Little headshotGrinnell 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.

Winter 2017

  • Robert H. Douglass ’39, Iola, Wis., Nov. 18, 2016. Born in Hayward, Wis., Robert attended both Grinnell College and University of Wisconsin-Stout. After earning his B.S. at Stout, he went on to receive his master’s degree in education. Robert taught industrial arts at public schools for 19 years before transitioning to a job with the U.S. State Department establishing vocational education schools. This took him to many countries around the world, including Panama, Vietnam, Thailand, and Afghanistan. Robert returned to Wisconsin for his retirement, where he passed the time woodworking in his basement, writing about his life, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. He is survived by three children, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

    Anita Harrison Dawson ’40, Lake Oswego, Ore., July 6, 2017. Anita died at the age of 99 doing what she loved best — reading a history book. She majored in piano performance and history at Grinnell and taught public school music, history, and math. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and traveling. Survivors include her two children, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, niece Anita Harrison Beutel ’69, and many other nieces and nephews.

    Jack W. Frye ’43, Charles City, Iowa, Aug. 2, 2017. Jack was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, and graduated from Grinnell in 1943. He then served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in China before returning to school to study law at the University of Iowa. While in Iowa City, he ran into an old friend from Grinnell, Helen Matthews ’43, and they married in 1949. They were together for 64 years until her death in 2014. Jack practiced law in Iowa, serving as county attorney for about 14 years before being appointed an Iowa District Court judge in 1973. He is survived by two children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. 

    Edward E. Shackelford ’43, Corpus Christi, Texas, Sept. 22, 2017. After studying economics at Grinnell, Ed served in the Army Air Corps in World War II. His subsequent military career was spent in the Air Force Security Service, where he was trained in cryptology and Russian language. Ed loved music, and in his free time he enjoyed playing cards, golfing, and growing roses. He is survived by two children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

    Mary Stoeber Richards ’44, Exeter, N.H., June 17, 2017. After attending Grinnell, Mary moved to Los Angeles to await the return of husband William C. Richards Jr. while he served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. She worked as a real estate agent until she retired with William to their lake house in New Hampshire in 1986. Mary was interested in politics and enjoyed golfing and spending time outdoors. She is survived by two children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

    William D. Voiers ’44, Eureka Springs, Ark., April 3, 2017. Bill served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the South Pacific in World War II before going on to found speaker recognition company Dynastat in 1974. He was a member of the Acoustical Society of America, the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, and a former board member of his local animal shelter. His research on the mating rituals of darters was presented all around the world. He died as he wished, wearing his Hawaiian shirt and shorts. Bill is survived by his wife Virginia Voiers, seven children, and four grandchildren.

    Donald W. Martin ’49, Pleasanton, Calif., Aug. 24, 2017. Donald was born in Grinnell, Iowa, and studied English and journalism at Grinnell College. He worked in construction machinery before starting his own advertising agency in the 1970s. Donald was an avid pilot, and enjoyed writing, art, and golf. Survivors include his spouse Joyce Ogle Martin ’47, sibling Ruth Martin Minter ’51, three sons, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

    Marilyn Benson Tucker ’49, Marion, Iowa, May 8, 2017. Marilyn was born in Benson, Iowa, and taught second grade for over 25 years in Cedar Rapids. She was an Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed golf, bridge, and spending time with her family. She is survived by two sons, five grandchildren, and one great-grandson. 

    Carol Runnels Faerber ’51, Dallas, April 28, 2017. Carol showed her appreciation for history and literature by serving as a longtime member of societies in her community including the Lancaster Shakespeare Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is survived by her husband Gordon Faerber ’52, three sons, two granddaughters, and a great-grandson.

    Patricia Galey Hauser ’51, Elmira, N.Y., Aug. 30, 2017. Patricia was born in Chicago and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Grinnell, where she majored in German. Along with raising her own children, Pat sometimes took in foster babies. In her 50s, she trained as a nurse and began working at Bethany and St. Joseph’s Hospital assisting the elderly. Pat loved to sing and found a singing group to join wherever she lived. She was also a prizewinning quilter. Survivors include her spouse David Hauser ’52, three children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

    Alice Egan Hanson ’52, Golden, Colo., March 22, 2017. Allie worked as a teacher for five years before becoming a full-time mother. She adored the natural beauty of Colorado and enjoyed sculpting, painting, quilting, and reading fine literature. She had a hobby of collecting humorous obituaries. She is survived by her husband Jay Hanson, six children, 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

    W. Mayfield Marshall Jr. ’52, La Cañada Flintridge, Calif., Aug. 31, 2017. Mayfield served in the U.S. Navy in World War II and then attended Grinnell on the GI Bill. He worked in advertising in New York and California for several years. His interest in cars led him to 17 years with Datsun (Nissan). He is survived by his wife Sarah Kniering and three children.

    Lela Strovers Brush ’53, Indianapolis, Iowa, Aug. 24, 2017. 

    Patricia Flowers Farris ’53, Waukee, Iowa, Aug. 22, 2017. Patricia graduated from Grinnell with a B.A. in education in 1952. She was married a year later, and she and her husband Russell Olive worked as farmers in Iowa for many years. Patricia also worked in the Corning florist shop in the ’70s and ’80s and was a certified master gardener. After the death of her husband in 2004, she married an old high school friend, Paul Farris. She is survived by her husband, three children, five grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

    Sheldon E. Johnson ’53, Albuquerque, N.M., Aug. 31. 2017. Sheldon was a talented golfer, winning the Waseca (Minnesota) city championship in 1952. He attended Grinnell and graduated from Mankato State University before joining the U.S. Air Force. He spent 20 years with the Air Force, including a year in Vietnam as an AC-47 gunship pilot. He retired in 1974 and lived in Albuquerque. He enjoyed playing handbells at his church, camping, hiking, and classical music. Sheldon is survived by his wife Lee Johnson, three children, two stepchildren, and numerous nieces and grandchildren. 

    Carol Whitlow Boyle ’54, Sioux City, Iowa, July 23, 2017. After two years as an English major at Grinnell, Carol decided she would rather be a nurse than a novelist and transferred to the University of Iowa. She met her husband Don Boyle at the veterans’ hospital in Iowa City where he was also working. When the family moved to Sioux City, Carol stopped nursing and invested herself full time in raising her children. She was active in the local schools and societies, participating in the Parent-Teacher Association and helping to found a women’s investment club. She was known for her hospitality and warmth and passed on her love of reading to her children. She is survived by two daughters, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

    Peter Kizer ’57, Detroit, Aug. 24, 2016. After four years in the U.S. Air Force in Alaska in the late 1940s, Peter set his sights on TV and radio broadcasting. He studied journalism at Grinnell, beginning his career at a radio station in Grand Rapids, Mich., before launching into a career behind the camera as a manager. He then led several stations around the country before settling in at WDIV-TV in Detroit, where he eventually rose to vice president of broadcasting. Peter’s ultimate goal was to own stations, and at the height of his career he owned seven TV stations and two radio stations. He is survived by his wife Kay Ingamells Kizer ’56, three children, and 10 grandchildren. 

    Marilyn Jensen Crowl ’58, Council Bluffs, Iowa, March 3, 2017. Marilyn loved to garden, cook, play bridge, and spend time with her family and friends. Survivors include her spouse Richard Crowl ’57, three sons, and six grandchildren. 

    Carol Muller Brandt ’60, Petaluma, Calif., Sept. 30, 2016.

    Carol Flora Brooks ’60, Mount Hope, Ontario, Canada, Aug. 8, 2017. Survivors include her sister Kathryn Flora Rettkowski ’61, two children, and one granddaughter.

    Gordon P. Harding ’60, Randolph, Vt., April 23, 2017. Gordon began his journalism career with newspapers in Iowa, starting as a sports writer before transitioning to a highly successful career in photojournalism. He worked for nationally known newspapers throughout the 1960s. After moving to Vermont in the 1970s, he worked for The Herald of Randolph for many years. Along with his photography, he was known for being an excellent Volkswagen mechanic. Survivors include his daughter Jennifer Harding Swenson ’85, son-in-law James Swenson ’84, and three grandchildren. 

    Richard T. Scott ’60, Fort Collins, Colo., March 27, 2017. Richard double-majored in math and physics at Grinnell and received a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa. After college, he worked at his father’s mechanical contracting firm before starting his own contracting firm, Environmental Systems Construction Co. (ESCCO), in 1974. He later moved to Fort Collins, where he discovered a passion for designing retrofitted heating and air conditioning units to help preserve Colorado’s historic buildings. Richard enjoyed exploring Colorado with his wife Paula Meek Scott ’59 and their golden retrievers; they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2017. He is survived by his wife, his sister, two children, and many grandchildren.

    Linda S. Smiley ’60, Dallas, June 15, 2017. Linda attended Grinnell for a year before transferring to the University of Minnesota. She spent much of her life working at the YMCA, eventually serving as executive director of the YMCA in Mason City. Her interests included ballet and modern dance. She is survived by many friends and cousins.

    Gilbert B. Kelly ’61, Williamsburg, Va., July 18, 2017. Gilbert studied classics at Grinnell and received his Ph.D. in English from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He began his career teaching English at Bluefield College and the University of Nebraska before switching his focus to editing. Beginning in 1984, Gilbert served as managing editor of book publications for the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture for more than 30 years. He enjoyed collecting old typewriters and old cars and was known for his eccentric wit. He is survived by his daughter, two sisters, and many nieces and nephews. 

    Hiram James Maxmin ’64, Nobleboro, Maine, Jan. 25, 2016. Jim had a long and distinguished business career that included serving as the CEO of Laura Ashley and co-founding Demeter Entrepreneurs Support Network. He also co-wrote a book with his wife Shoshana Zuboff, published in 2004, titled The Support Economy: Why Corporations Are Failing Individuals and the Next Episode of Capitalism. Those who knew James spoke fondly of his generosity, compassion, and kindness. He was described as ahead of his time in the business world and as someone who was always willing to give his time to help others. He is survived by his wife and two children. 

    Rev. Stephen M. Johnson ’66, County Kerry, Ireland, Sept. 9, 2017. Stephen taught history and political science at Grinnell, as well as acting as an inaugural representative. During his lifetime, he also worked as a journalist, a PR writer, an entrepreneur, and a Unitarian minister. He arrived in Laramie, Wyo., for his first full ministry just before the infamous homophobic murder of Matthew Shepard. Stephen was a key leader of protests in the aftermath, which influenced the eventual passage of hate crime legislation. He returned to Grinnell for a class reunion in 2016 and described the experience as “magical.” He is survived by his wife Rev. Penny Thoms. 

    Cynthia Brust Moore ’66, Minneapolis, Sept. 1, 2017. Cynthia was a strong supporter of the Workers League and its successor, the Socialist Equality Movement. She wrote several hundred articles, largely dealing with worker’s struggles, under the pen name Cynthia Blake. Later in life, she became an advocate in the Minneapolis area for people with disabilities. She is survived by her brother, her son and daughter, and five grandsons.

    Dan W. Dodson Jr. ’68, Austin, Texas, Sept. 5, 2017. Dan served in the U.S. Army after graduating from Grinnell with a degree in political science. He earned a master’s degree in history and a law degree from the University of Texas. He was an active member of his community and served on a board of condominium owners in Austin. 

    Krystyna Neuman-Tisue ’68, Whitehall, Mich., July 29, 2017. Krystyna was a passionate civil rights activist and dropped out of college for a time to protest alongside Martin Luther King Jr. She received a master’s in early childhood education from the University of Illinois and worked with disadvantaged children in Chicago. She married, raised two adopted children, and lived abroad in Uruguay and Austria before returning to the United States in 2001. She is survived by her husband, two children, two stepchildren, two grandchildren, and her brother and sister. 

    Daniel E. Weiskopf  ’76, Park Forest, Ill., Feb. 28, 2017. Daniel played saxophone and loved jazz, food, and the Three Stooges. He was editorial production manager for Incontext Publishing Partners for 25 years. Daniel is survived by his mother, sister, and brother.

    Andrew M. Bursten ’79, Las Vegas, Aug. 2, 2017. Andrew worked as an accountant for a number of nonprofits, including the Special Olympics, the Washington Opera, and, most recently, the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University. He was also an accomplished viola player and played in a number of orchestras. Survivors include his sister Amy Bursten ’82.

    Susan K. Kahn ’82, Overland Park, Kan., June 6, 2017. Susan was a gifted software programmer who had a great sense of humor and enjoyed singing. She is survived by her mother, sister, brother, five nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and many cousins.

    Craig S. Taylor ’85, Los Angeles, May 22, 2016. Whether it was with his friends in the halls of the science building, or on football fields of the Midwest Conference, Craig always displayed a genuine love for people. Craig will be missed by all the Grinnellians of the early 1980s.

    Talent Takundwa ’11, Zimbabwe, July 27, 2017. Talent drowned in the river Spree in Berlin, Germany. He majored in math at Grinnell and was a math tutor in Berlin for high school and university students. He’d earned a master’s in math from Jacobs University in Bremen and was working on his doctorate at Free University of Berlin.

    Colin M. Carr ’12, Jamaica Plain, Mass., Aug. 1, 2017. Colin loved movies, books, and food. His thirst for learning led him to graduate school at the University of Chicago, where he was studying philosophy. He is survived by his parents, sister, brother, many cousins, and his cherished dog. 

    Samuel Baron

    Professor of Russian history

    Sam Barron speaking at Alumni Awards 2015Samuel Baron, Brooklyn, N.Y., Aug. 16, 2017. Sam was a professor of Russian history and taught at Grinnell College in the 1960s. He also taught at the University of California at San Diego and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Sam retired from UNC as a distinguished professor in 1986. The following year, the Samuel H. Baron Professorship was established. He wrote several books, three of which were published by Stanford University Press, as well as numerous articles. His best-known book, Plekhanov: The Father of Russian Marxism, was translated into Spanish, Japanese, and Russian. In 2013 he was a special guest of the class of 1963 for its 50th Reunion and spoke at its luncheon.