In Memoriam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rolf Arvidson ’48, Seattle, November 2017.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mary Lou Clotfelter

Former director of the Grinnell College Reading Laboratory

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

Kenneth A. Christiansen

Professor Emeritus of Biology

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

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

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

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

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

Samuel 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.