In Memoriam

Fall 2017

  • Kenneth R. Schiff ’64, Erie, Pa., May 26, 2017. After Grinnell, Ken earned a master’s from Columbia University and a doctorate from the University of Denver. He taught English, literature, and creative writing at Mercyhurst University for 28 years, retiring in 2015. He wrote several books, including Passing Go, which was nominated for the National Book Award. Ken enjoyed biking, running, and Zen meditation. He is survived by his wife Marie Gray and two children.

  • Carli Dugan Tippett ’67, Upper Lake, Calif., May 4, 2017. Carli believed passionately in the power of small business and locally owned markets to build community. She was known for her compassion. She is survived by her three siblings and two sons. 

  • Richard A. Moskwa ’68, Roxbury, Vt., Sept. 17, 2016.

  • Rowland L. Parsons ’68, Indianapolis, March 17, 2017.

  • Stephen W. Rich ’68, St. Louis, June 26, 2017. Stephen is survived by his wife Sharon Rich, his two sons Steve and Kevin Rich ’97, and three grandchildren. 

  • David C. Skinner ’69, Bisbee, Ariz., June 4, 2017.

  • Christopher R. Owen ’70, Superior, Wis., Feb. 16, 2017. Chris served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and then went to work for CenturyTel, a telecommunications company in Wisconsin. In his retirement, Chris was a frequent car show attendee with his ’56 Buick convertible. He also volunteered at a local veterans’ museum. He is survived by his wife Julie Owen, four children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. 

  • Kate Lester Vasha ’70, Saguache, Colo., April 28, 2017.

  • John D. Watkins ’77, Des Moines, Iowa, April 14, 2017. After finishing his degree at Graceland University, John worked at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines on the Inpatient Adolescent Psychiatric Unit. John was passionate about education and often visited schools to share his love of reading with students. He also tutored students in mathematics. John is survived by his wife Priscilla Watkins and their daughter. 

  • Nathan Hadley ’93, Madison, Ind., June 1, 2017. Nathan died at age 45 after a long battle with chronic depression. He was a college and career-readiness coordinator for Madison Consolidated School Corp. He was also president of the board at the local Girls Inc., an advocacy group that equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers. Since graduating from Grinnell, he never missed the annual Super Bowl gathering of his best Grinnell buddies, whom he met during their first year in Rawson Hall. Survivors include his wife Kathryn Gold Hadley ’92.