C. Roger Nelson ’37, Bethesda, Md., July 25, 2016. Roger grew up on an Iowa farm during the Great Depression, and his family could not afford to send him to college. However, Roger’s high school principal recognized his abilities and convinced a childless friend to fund his first two years at Grinnell. Roger went on to win the Archibald Prize, given annually to the senior with the highest grade-point average in the graduating class. After graduation, Roger earned a master’s in political science as well as a law degree from Columbia University before serving for a year as law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harlan F. Stone. During World War II, Roger was appointed to the Military Intelligence Service, where he was one of four officers chosen to represent the War Department and senior Army officers during the hearings of the Joint Committee of Congress on the Investigation of the Pearl Harbor Attack. For the next 40 years, he engaged in the private practice of law in Washington, D.C. Roger also served on the 1937 class committee and was appointed class fund director. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Elizabeth Campbell Nelson, as well as a son, daughter, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Eleanor Meyers Butterfield ’39, Metamora, Ill., Aug. 25, 2016. Eleanor will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and joyful, adventurous spirit. After graduating from Grinnell, she attended Chicago Theological Seminary for a year before working as youth director at YWCAs in Dubuque, Iowa, and Bay City, Mich. A resident of Bay City for 54 years, Eleanor was active in the YWCA, the First Congregational Church, and Boy and Girl Scouts. Survivors include her son and daughter, two grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and a sister, Evelyn Meyers Badger ’44.
Julia Bridge Knouse ’40, Davenport, Iowa, Aug. 18, 2016. Born in South Korea, Julia graduated from Grinnell and went on to create the court reporting program at AIC Business College in Davenport. She was a great listener who was compassionate to all. Survivors include her daughter, three sons, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Kent B. Hampton ’42, Findlay, Ohio, July 23, 2016. Kent, former vice president and general counsel of Marathon Oil Company, will be remembered for his dedication to work, his sense of humor, his low-key style, and his respect for others. After graduating from Grinnell, he served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres in World War II as a navigator aboard an amphibious craft and a destroyer escort. Kent earned a law degree from the University of Michigan, joined Ohio Oil Co. (now Marathon), and went on to lead the legal team that thwarted Mobil Oil’s attempted takeover of Marathon in 1981–82. After retiring in 1983, he served as counsel to various civic activities and charities in Findlay, Ohio and expanded his family’s six-generation farm near Lerna, Ill. Kent is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marilyn McCool Hampton ’44, son Kent Hampton ’69, daughter April Ann Lehman, and three grandchildren.
Betty Tinnes Skonnord ’42, Naples, Fla., Aug. 1, 2016. Betty spent her youth in Grinnell and graduated with honors from Grinnell College. In 1967, she and her late husband Birger moved to Naples, Fla., and formed a real estate company. Betty was a member of the Florida Association of Realtors, Naples Area Board of Realtors, the Royal Poinciana Golf Club, and the League of Women Voters.
Catherine Herejk Burrows ’43, Belle Plaine, Iowa, Jan. 11, 2016. Catherine was a loving mother and an active member of her community. She is survived by two children, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Richard L. Fort ’44, Lead, S.D., Sept. 13, 2016. Over the course of his life, Dick was a decorated World War II cryptanalyst, a humanities teacher at Wilbur Wright College, and a lifelong painter, sculptor, composer, and environmentalist. He was best known as a leader of two decades-long environmental projects. Dick and fellow cross-country skiers worked with the U.S. Forest Service to create the Eagle Cliff cross-country ski area in the Northern Hills of South Dakota, and he was also a founding member of ACTion for the Environment, formed to protect the Black Hills from damage threatened by open-pit gold mining.
William B. Palmer ’45, Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., Oct. 17, 2015. Bill believed in hard work, honesty, and fairness to others. Born and raised in Grinnell, he attended Grinnell College for a short time before serving in the U.S. Navy as a pilot, where his duties included flying the Navy baseball team to games during World War II. After the war, he graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in aeronautical engineering. Bill married his wife Josephine and moved to California. There, he began a 40-year career in the aerospace industry, receiving accolades for his design work on commercial aircraft landing gear and for structural components on NASA spacecraft. Bill is survived by two daughters, a brother, five grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Lillian Ackerman Cook ’46, Burbank, Calif., Dec. 19, 2015.
Shirley L. Dutton ’46, Mount Prospect, Ill., May 10, 2016. Shirley was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church and a retired secretary for the Chicago Bar Association. She was a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, and great-aunt.
Carmen J. Elsner ’48, Little Chute, Wis., June 28, 2015. Carmen was a lifelong First Congregational Church member who loved to play the cello. After retiring from a long career in journalism, Carmen continued to play cello in the Madison and Appleton orchestras and often loaned her child-sized cello out to boys and girls who were starting to learn music. She is survived by her sister and many nieces and nephews.
Dorothy Bremicker Hendricks ’48, St. Joseph, Mo., June 6, 2015. Dorothy was the devoted matriarch of her loving family. Friends and family in the many places she has lived will remember her charismatic personality and contagious smile. Survivors include her daughter and son.
Mary Kelly Hollosy ’48, St. Marys, Ga., May 25, 2016. Mary Ellen was a devout Catholic who enjoyed gardening, reading, volunteering, decorating, telling stories to her children and grandchildren, and spending time with her many friends. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Chuck, a son, two daughters, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Julie Tregaskis Kreiensieck ’48, Boise, Idaho, April 5, 2015.
Robert J. Muyskens ’48, Bradenton, Fla., Jan. 30, 2016. Robert, a Navy veteran, was a salesman for Foster Medical Group for 20 years. He is survived by a son, two daughters, and two granddaughters.
Mary McMurray Pigot ’48, Head of St. Margaret’s Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada, Sept. 10, 2015. Mary was a vivacious, warmhearted woman who loved life, the performing arts, her garden, her family and friends, and games of any sort. Survivors include her sister Barbara McMurray Rickey ’42, niece Ann McMurray Balderson ’62, and nephew Tom McMurray ’64.
Dorothy Morris Smith ’48, Tallahassee, Fla., June 25, 2015.
Barbara Smith Gunderson ’49, Sun City West, Ariz., Feb. 11, 2016.
James L. Morrison ’49, Cocoa, Fla., May 20, 2016.
LaRue Dietz Travlos ’49, Sioux Falls, S.D., Sept. 18, 2016. LaRue grew up in Manning, Iowa, before attending Grinnell College. She later transferred to the University of Iowa, where she graduated with a degree in nursing. Over her lifetime, LaRue worked as a registered nurse; director of nurses for a nursing home in Waterloo, Iowa; and a health care facilities inspector for the state of South Dakota. LaRue is survived by her husband Speros, four daughters, three sons, 11 grandchildren, and a sister.
Ada Carney Mazza ’51, Vero Beach, Fla., June 20, 2016. Ada taught voice and piano and worked as a secretary until retiring in 1993 to Barefoot Bay, Fla. There, she cultivated her love of art and became an accomplished watercolorist. Ada was a warm, caring, and supportive wife and mother who always carried on her Midwestern values. She is survived by her three sons, granddaughter, and stepbrother.
Margaret Threlkeld Williamson ’51, Winter Park, Fla., Jan. 15, 2016. Meg, who attended Grinnell for one year before transferring to Simpson College, was known for her love of family, singing, and her Alpha Chi Omega sorority sisters. Meg is survived by her husband Jack, their son and daughter, a grandson, two great-granddaughters, many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Dr. Robert G. Zeitler ’51, Tampa, Fla., May 20, 2016. Bob was a compassionate, intelligent, and loving psychiatrist and family man with a “bon vivant” appetite for life. After graduating from Grinnell (Phi Beta Kappa), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kan., Bob and his wife Joyce moved to Florida, where they raised four daughters. He practiced psychiatry until 2010, including many years as medical director at Anclote Manor in Tarpon and Clearwater, Fla. In addition to his passion for helping others, Bob loved classical music, O-gauge model trains, and playing the guitar. He is survived by four daughters, three sons-in-law, and nine grandchildren, all of whom have inherited his love of learning and life.
Kathleen McCarthy Petersen Anderson ’53, Orem, Utah, Sept. 17, 2016. Kathleen grew up on a farm in Madelia, Minn., before attending Grinnell College, where she met her first husband, Arthur J. Petersen ’51. They returned to Madelia, raised four children, farmed for many years, and ran a hobby business selling stamps, postcards, and Indian jewelry. Some years after Art passed away from a sudden illness in 1989, Kathleen met and married Parley G. Anderson, who also had been widowed. They were active volunteers at the Orem Senior Friendship Center and received multiple awards for their dedication to the community. Survivors include her son, three daughters, 11 children, 11 great-grandchildren and two brothers, as well as five stepsons and their families.
Constance Matson Ferwerda ’54, Kenosha, Wis., Aug. 12, 2016. Connie was an enthusiastic social activist whose dedicated work continues to better the lives of many. Over her lifetime, she founded eight social service programs and organizations and was a driving force behind the creation of many others. For her efforts and achievements, Connie received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in 1997. In 2016, she received the Susan B. Anthony Lifetime Achievement award in Kenosha. Survivors include her husband Dr. James Ferwerda, a son, two daughters, three grandsons, and many relatives and friends.
Susan Riley Jarrett ’54, St. Louis, July 17, 2016. Susan was a class agent who served on the 1954 class committee and received an Alumni Award in 2004. Survivors include her husband Thomas, daughter Elaine Jarrett ’77, son T. Barry Jarrett ’83, and a granddaughter.
Paul R. Jones ’56, Adel, Iowa, Sept. 20, 2016. Paul was a passionate educator who worked for many years as a teacher, coach, administrator, principal, and superintendent at schools across Iowa. He was also an accomplished athlete, serving as captain of Grinnell’s football team before taking time off to serve in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Korean War. Later in life, he served on numerous boards and civic organizations, finding special satisfaction serving as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for youth in central Iowa. Paul also loved nurturing his garden, raising Angus cattle, and congregating with friends over card games and at the fitness club. He is survived by his wife Janice, a daughter, three sons, two stepsons, 13 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Peter A. Kizer ’56, Naples, Fla., Aug. 24, 2016. Peter was an accomplished broadcast manager who was beloved by his family, friends, and those who worked for him. After graduating from Grinnell with a major in English/journalism and serving four years in the Air Force, Peter joined a radio station in Grand Rapids, Mich., rose through the ranks, and made his mark as a top manager at WDIV-TV (Channel 4) in Detroit. He went on to lead stations all over the country, eventually owning a group of seven TV stations and two radio stations. Survivors include his wife Kay Ungamells Kizer ’56, three children, and 10 grandchildren.
Robert M. Allguire ’57, Tallapoosa, Ga., Jan. 12, 2015. Robert was an Army veteran and pharmacist who operated Keely Drug in Crosby, Minn. He was involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and enjoyed hunting with his son, golfing with his brother, painting, and vacationing in Orlando, Fla. Robert is survived by his son, daughter, grandson, two great-grandchildren, and a brother.
Robert L. Briden ’58, Waterloo, Iowa, Sept. 8, 2016. After attending Grinnell and Gates College, Robert partnered with his parents to grow WMB Marine. Later in life, he founded a businessmen’s group, BNI (now known as Cedar Valley Networking), as well as the Iowa Marine Dealers Association. In his spare time, Robert played trumpet in a band and was involved with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Exchange Club, and Jaycees. He is survived by his wife Rosilda, two sons, three grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Robert O. Curvey ’58, Munster, Ind., July 12, 2016. Robert is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty Brodd Curvey ’58, their son and daughter, and four grandchildren.
Geraldine Beaty King ’58, St. Paul, Minn., July 18, 2016. Geraldine, an active member of the American Library Association, taught library science at St. Catherine’s University and worked at many libraries throughout her career. An avid and accomplished knitter who regularly donated knitted items to charity, she also loved teddy bears, traveling, and the many cats she shared with her late husband John. Geraldine is survived by her sister, three nieces, and one nephew.
Jo Ann Ossian Monroe ’60, Burlington, Iowa, April 13, 2016. Jo was a teacher, a night manager at the Burlington Shelter for Battered Women, and active in the Democratic Party throughout her life. She was also a voracious reader who taught the joy of reading to her children, students, and everyone she encountered. Jo is survived by two sons, two daughters, two foster daughters, a brother, and many friends.
Georgina Becker Stenstrom ’60, Beloit, Wis., July 19, 2016. Georgina was a devoted environmentalist and a lifelong teacher. After graduating from Grinnell (Phi Beta Kappa) with honors in Spanish, she continued her studies at the University of Chicago, where she received her master’s in Spanish. Georgina taught Spanish at Milton College and University of Wisconsin, Rock County and was actively involved with the school board and library in Beloit. She and her husband loved visiting different parts of the country in their RV to examine geologic features. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Richard, and a son as well as a sister-in-law, brother-in-law, two nephews, and a niece.
Richard E. Barbour ’61, Centreville, Va., July 28, 2016. Dick was a highly decorated captain in the U.S. Navy. During his time at Grinnell, he displayed his leadership skills, serving as president of the Young Democrats, president of Clark Hall, and an All Midwest Conference Honorable Mention for Pioneer football. After graduating from Grinnell and the U.S. Naval War College, he embarked on a 28-year naval career that included tours in Vietnam, Pearl Harbor, and Seoul. Following his retirement, he worked for defense contractors in the Washington, D.C., area. Dick is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dolores, their three sons, four granddaughters, and a sister.
Kenneth W. Pierini ’62, Naples, Fla., April 29, 2016.
Mary Herman Drish ’65, Albuquerque, N.M., July 9, 2016. Mary was a visionary leader of the Girl Scouts who influenced organizational change in Chicago and throughout the nation. Over her 10 years as CEO of South Cook County Council of the Girl Scouts of America, Mary pioneered efforts to build the first indoor Scout camp, provide progressive programming for girls, and increase diversity awareness. She is survived by her daughter, son, and sister.
Walter G. Bradford ’68, Wilmette, Ill., July 30, 2016. Walter founded Bradford Organ Co. and was a beloved husband, brother, and uncle. Survivors include his wife Margaret, brother Lewis Bradford ’67, sister Sarah Bradford Frank ’75, and many nieces and nephews, including L. Addison Bradford ’97.
Dr. Anne Laughlin Kempf ’68, Tijeras, N.M., March 11, 2016. Anne, an osteopathic physician, enjoyed helping her patients, promoting traditional osteopathy, advancing medicine, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband C.J., three sons, a daughter, six grandchildren, a brother, a sister, and their families.
John C. Herr ’70, Charlottesville, Va., Sept. 17, 2016. John was an enterprising University of Virginia reproductive biologist who invented the home male fertility test and led the search for a male contraceptive. An accomplished scientist, John headed a lab that named more than 35 genes in the human genome; he founded several biotechnology companies specializing in in vitro fertilization, cancer, and contraception research and was listed as inventor on 64 different patents. At the time of his death, he was working on a new cancer treatment targeting a protein found on the surface of certain types of cancer cells. John will be remembered as not only a researcher, but also as an innovator and businessman who always sought to convert his research into products that could help the general public. He was passionate about helping others and changing people’s lives. Survivors include his wife, Mary Jo Haberman Herr ’68, sister Catharine Herr Van Nostrand ’59, and niece Maren Van Nostrand ’88.
John D. Gardner ’71, Mission, B.C. Canada, Sept. 3, 2016.
John Allen Turner ’74, Hanover Park, Ill., Aug. 12, 2015. A semitrailer driver for most of his life, John was a wonderful storyteller who loved history, beer, Fox News, and his Harley-Davidson. He is survived by two daughters, three grandchildren, a brother, a sister, and many friends.
Gordon B. Pfitzer ’82, Chino Hills, Calif., Sept. 26, 2016. Gordon was a devoted teacher and school administrator who worked in public schools for more than 30 years in Durango, Mexico, and in the Los Angeles area. For the past 12 years, he was principal of Merced Elementary School in West Covina, Calif., where he was beloved by teachers, staff, and students for his devotion to the job and his willingness to do whatever was necessary to provide schoolchildren with a safe, healthy, and productive learning environment. He was also a gifted cartoonist, a practice he employed in bilingual classrooms as a visual learning device and in illustrated greeting cards that he sent to family and friends. Gordon is survived by his wife Gabriela, their son Ian, two brothers, a sister, and their families.