Spring 2024 Courier Obituaries

Obituaries

1942

Barbara Platt Hughes, 102, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on October 8, 2023. Barbara attended Coe College from 1939 to 1940. She then worked as a secretary for La Plant Choate, Fruehauf, Terry Durin Company and Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids. Barbara married Gerald Ard in 1943. During the following years, they lived in Albuquerque and Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Honolulu, Hawaii. While in Albuquerque, Barbara worked as a secretary for the New Mexico State Fair for eleven years. Barbara loved the desert Southwest, including its art, pottery, jewelry and turquoise. In 1971, while they were living in Merritt Island, Florida, Jerry died of a heart attack. Barbara returned to Cedar Rapids and cared for her mother and aunt. She volunteered at St. Luke’s UnityPoint Hospital, was a member of P.E.O. and First Presbyterian Church. In 1987, Barbara married Ralph Hughes and inherited a family. Barbara and Ralph enjoyed traveling in his motor home to various southwestern states, attending Iowa football games and spending time with Ralph’s family. Ralph passed away in 1996, and Barbara moved into Deer Ridge/Meth Wick Community that summer where she enjoyed spending time with her sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Harley Ransom, attending many activities and social functions. Barbara made many close friends in the Meth Wick Community. She also enjoyed attending Cedar Rapids Municipal Band and Orchestra Iowa concerts and playing scrabble. She is survived by her stepchildren, Ellen Engstrom, Gene Stanley Ann (Robert) Schley, Evan (Chip) Hughes and Carol Pohlman; three nephews and generations of step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

1943

Rose Marie Blomquist Kohl, 101, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, on September 28, 2023. Rose Marie was born, raised and graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids. In 1942, she married John Kohl ’42 just before he left for three years of military service in the South Pacific during World War II. While he was away, she taught school in Muscatine, Iowa. Upon his return at the end of the war, they began the family that was to always remain the center of her life, and she was a particularly dedicated and caring wife and mother. From her youth when she read to the blind to her old age when she mentored elementary school children, Rose Marie demonstrated her concern for others. Throughout her life she was a volunteer or part-time worker in some of the most constructive institutions in society: churches, schools, libraries and hospitals. She came from a highly educated family, and learning was always important to her. She had been a superb student when young and was always an avid reader. Her example inspired all her children. Aside from reading, she enjoyed craft shows, quilting, golf (which she played until she was 88) and, perhaps most of all, woodland walks in Michigan parks. In retirement, she was active in a number of organizations, especially the Kalamazoo Newcomers Group, the Ladies Library Association and Westwood United Methodist Church. She was always optimistic and loved to be around cheerful people. Rose Marie was predeceased by John, her husband of 70 years, but she is survived by her four children, Judy (Terry) Michitsch, Lawrence (Maureen) Kohl, Janet (Thomas) Clemons and Thomas (Patti) Kohl; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

1949

Charles “Chuck” Shafer, 96, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on November 12, 2023. Chuck joined the Army Air Corps at age 17 during World War II. He completed his education at Coe College where he was a math major and a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Chuck was married to Betty Svoboda in 1950, and they were fortunate to have 73 years together. Chuck and Betty lived for 38 years in the Coralville Lake area. In 2015, they moved to the Meth-Wick Community. Chuck’s entire career was spent in purchasing and he retired as purchasing manager at Rockwell Goss in 1991. He loved all sports on TV but especially looked forward to football season. He also enjoyed building projects, crossword puzzles, cooking and reading. He enjoyed the many family vacations in Park Rapids, Minnesota, and the Lake of the Ozarks with his children and their families. Chuck loved animals of all kinds and faithfully fed all of the wild birds and squirrels. He was a loving, devoted and caring husband, father and grandfather. Chuck is survived by his wife Betty; two sons, Scott (Pam) Shafer and Michael (Terri) Shafer; daughter, Debra (Doug) Rogers; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and one niece and nephew.

1953

Geraldine “Jerry” Hendryx Healy, 100, of Belle Plaine, Iowa, on October 2, 2023. Jerry joined the Navy (WAVES) when she was 20 years old. Afterward, she met her future husband Clifford Rinehart ’52 at the University of Nebraska. They both transferred to Coe College and earned their bachelor’s degrees. The couple had three children, and they were later divorced. Jerry spent more than two decades working for the United States Post Office in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1982, Jerry was united in marriage to Joseph Healy; the couple met while they were both serving in the Navy. They moved to Vinton in 1983. She became a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Vinton. Jerry and Joe both were very active in their community. They were dedicated advocates for older adults in Benton County and throughout Iowa and participated in the Older Iowans Legislature. Jerry enjoyed people, volunteering in her community, and did many hours of volunteering. Jerry is survived by her son, Michael (Phyllis) Rinehart; eleven grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and many great-great-grandchildren.

John “Jack” Stewart, 92, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on August 23, 2023. John attended Coe College where he played football and basketball. After graduating from Coe, he served in the Air Force, then he spent his entire career working for Collins Radio/Rockwell where eventually he became the director of purchasing. John was an avid golfer and enjoyed cycling, exercising and cheering for the Hawkeyes and the Cubs. He spent countless hours volunteering at McKinley middle school’s basketball program and ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. John was strong-willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He loved going to his Fort Dodge high school class reunions, as did the rest of his class. Anyone who came into John’s orbit became aware they were in the presence of a man who was warm, generous, funny and direct. This is reflected through life’s work, his kids and grandkids. John is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Gertrude “Trudy” Stewart. He is survived by his children, Bob (Lynn), David (Suzanne) and Ann; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

1955

Austin Fernow, 90, of Grundy Center, Iowa, on September 22, 2023. Austin grew up in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Coe College in 1955 with a sociology degree, followed by a series of family moves during a 22-year Air Force career. Military duties featured computer programming and radar intercept control. Austin attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, earning the Bronze Star and other service awards. In 1976, Austin retired from military service, assuming the role of equipment manager for Evans Farms. Throughout his life, Austin was involved with Boy Scouts of America, as a Scout himself (achieving the rank of Eagle Scout), a volunteer in many leadership positions and the recipient of many awards including the Silver Beaver. He is survived by his wife, Judith Ruppelt Fernow ’56; children, Jean (Don) Garaventa, Nathan (Deb) and Douglas (Ruth); five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

1956

Barbara “Barb” Hayes Egland, 88, of Mason, Ohio, on April 9, 2023. After being born in Chicago, Barbara moved with her parents to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she attended high school and graduated from Coe College. After college, she worked in Bettendorf, Iowa, as a junior high school teacher where she taught history and English, directed school plays and coached the debate team. Upon moving to Battle Creek in 1967, she became an active volunteer with the Battle Creek Civic Theatre and the Leila Hospital Auxiliary. She served as chairperson and several other chair roles for the Leila Follies. For many years she also served as publicity chair for Leila Auxiliary, later known as the Battle Creek Health System Auxiliary and currently Bronson Battle Creek. She served as president of the Southwest District and on the state board of the Michigan Association of Healthcare Advocates. She also worked as a coordinator for Art Goes to School for the Battle Creek Art Center and a member of the Downtown Development Authority and the Lakeview Downtown Development Authority. She was an active and long-time member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, serving on a number of committees and hosting many church parties in her home. Outside of her volunteer activities, she enjoyed gardening, attending movies and plays, entertaining and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Barbara is survived by her husband of 61 years, Franklin Egland; her two children, Michael (Marissa) Egland and Linda (Douglas) Bledsoe; a brother, Russell (Marcia) Hayes, Jr.; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Robert “Bud” Vail, 89, of Spokane, Washington, on October 10, 2023. Bud grew up in Cedar Rapids, earned his bachelor’s degree from Coe College, attended graduate school at Columbia University and served in the Navy. Bud worked in hospitals in Honolulu, Hawaii; Chicago, Illinois, and Seattle and Spokane, Washington. He enjoyed a variety of hobbies including watercolor painting, jogging, tennis, skiing and singing. He embraced life with enthusiasm. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Bud’s compassionate nature and welcoming smile are not forgotten. He will be remembered for his kind spirit, thoughtfulness, generosity, laughter and love he shared. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Marie; their children, Mike (Heather), Tim (Dori), Robert (Jaimes) and Juliette; his sister, Mary; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

1959

Garlene Splichal Knight, 86, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on September 4, 2023. Garlene was born into a close knit multi-generational Czech emigrant household where the cultural traditions and language were a part of daily life. She had a special relationship with her grandparents and was their frequent companion to many Czech community activities. Garlene was a nice gal with a beautiful smile, a lighthearted demeanor and a friendly and outgoing personality. Therefore, her life was filled with many friends and a lot of fun! She attended Garfield School, Franklin High School and Coe College. Summers were spent visiting her West grandparents in Mechanicsville. While there she attended a dance at Hi Way Gardens and met Keeran “Fuzz” Knight of Anamosa. They married at St. Matthew Catholic Church and had a baby baptized there in about each of the next three years. She worked for a time at Iowa National and thereafter Garlene was a busy and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and good neighbor. Her children and grandchildren counted on her for many things which she always provided with ease and without hesitation. She participated in many groups where fellowship and good times were central to the activities. She achieved lifetime membership in the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Torchbearer Delta Chapter, where she was once selected as their Queen candidate; served as a Mercy Hospital volunteer for nearly 40 years and was a president of the Twin Pines Women’s Golf Association. Garlene was known to be lucky across many anecdotes. She and Fuzz attended the Iowa Limestone Producers Association annual convention for many years and with their ILPA friends helped to plan and carry out the “Rockbuster’s Ball.” Garlene always saw to it that they were decked out in full costume keeping with whatever the creative theme might have been. Grandma Garlene cherished her grandchildren and enthusiastically attended their many sporting events, concerts and other activities. Several vacation spots became especially close to her heart, because she and Fuzz were able to spend time with their grandchildren there. For years they never missed a chance to ski with them in Aspen, Colorado, or walk the beaches of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. It was a highlight of her life to have been able to visit her relatives in the Czech Republic. She is survived by her brother, “Butch;” her husband of 65 years, Keeran “Fuzz” Knight; her children, Julie (David ’91) Wiedner ’81, Tom (Karen) Knight ’83 and Nancy (Kevin ’82) Raue ’84; five grandchildren; great-granddaughter, Pepper Mae; her sisters and brother in-law; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives and her family in the Czech Republic.

Dimis “Dee” Ehninger Wyman, 85, of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, on August 28, 2023. Dee excelled in school, sports, and music. She attended Coe College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in botany and was a founder of the Coe College W.I.T.C.H.E.S., a secret organization for Coe College women, in 1956. Dee went on to the University of Minnesota and obtained a Master’s in Library Science. She worked tirelessly for many jobs in science, notably for Stanley Shapiro in his laboratory at Argonne National Laboratory, helping publish several scientific papers. She worked at the library of George Williams College in Downers Grove and then as a technical editor at Argonne National Laboratory. Outside of work, she spent a great deal of energy helping her friends and colleagues by editing dissertations, books and projects. She was especially proud of the work that she did on “Gerda’s Story,” a memoir of her friend Gerda Nothmann. At George Williams College, Dee met her husband, Richard Lee Wyman, who came with a four-year-old son, Blair David. Dee and Dick were married in 1973, and she lovingly adopted Blair shortly after. Dee and Dick together became known for their compassion towards humanity. Dee helped older friends and family when they were in need. Dee and Dick housed a Muslim family uprooted by the Balkan Wars in the ’90s until they were able to establish themselves. They often volunteered for outreach programs sponsored by St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church. Besides a love of sports, particularly college basketball, Dee had a true affinity for music. She played the clarinet for Downers Grove North High School, DuPage Symphony and a woodwind quintet, but her true musical passion was singing. She sang for the Downers Grove Choral Society for many years and served as the president. She also sang in many churches, sometimes several different ones on the same Sunday. She was a lifelong fan and dedicated supporter of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. As a young adult, Dee traveled to Europe and fell in love with Greece, returning many times. Through Plan International, she adopted a beloved foster child, Vasiliki. Dee continued to have a relationship with her and her family throughout her life, even when the foster program ended upon Vasiliki reaching adulthood. Dee went to Greece repeatedly, taking family and friends to visit her Greek family, often joining them at weddings and christenings. She is survived by her son Blair (Linda) Wyman ’90, nieces Dana Ehninger and Mimi (Allan) Fallow, cousins and countless friends.

1960

Susan Hummel Anderson, 84, of Raleigh, North Carolina, on January 13, 2023.

Lorraine Lundgren Ferrell, 85, of Des Moines, Iowa, on March 27, 2023. Lorraine graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, received her bachelor’s degree from Coe College and later attained her master’s degree in education. She met and married Duane Kopecky in 1960, and they both taught at Center Point, Central City, Wilton and eventually Waukee High School. She retired in 1999 after 30 years of teaching. She married Jerry Ferrell in 1988 in Des Moines where they made their home for the next 35 years. Lorraine enjoyed knitting, crocheting and following the wrestling exploits of her sons, grandsons and great-grandsons. She was an avid Iowa State fan. Lorraine will be remembered for insisting that half the high school population in Waukee read Shakespeare at least one time in their life. She is survived by her husband, Jerry Ferrell; two sons, Steven (Kelly) Kopecky and Scott “Sparky” (Julie) Kopecky; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

1961

Gordon Russell, 84, of Carroll Valley, Pennsylvania, on October 27, 2023. Gordon attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA, where he excelled in academics, was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity and Sachem (men’s academic honor society) and participated in track and field as a sprinter. It was at Coe where Gordon met his beloved Barbara Finger ’61. Gordon graduated from Coe in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in history. He and Barbara were married in 1961 before moving to Maryland so Gordon could attend graduate school at the University of Maryland. There, he received a master’s degree in American history in 1964 and pursued Ph.D. work from 1966 to 1967. During his time at the university, he was a teaching assistant and part-time instructor of American history and was elected to Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society. It was also during this time Gordon became a diehard fan of the Maryland Terrapins men’s basketball team, buying season tickets and attending many games over the next several decades. Gordon began his teaching career at High Point High School, in Beltsville, Maryland, where he taught Advanced Placement U.S. History from 1966 until his retirement in 1995. The perfect blend of teacher and scholar, Gordon was well respected by his students and members of the social studies department for his incredible knowledge of U.S. history. He also became a mentor to many Prince George’s County Public School teachers who taught AP U.S. History. Gordon’s students received many accolades over the years, including eleven students named as Outstanding Student Historian by the United States Capitol Historical Society. Gordon himself received several awards during his teaching career including the Outstanding Teacher/Historian of the Washington, D.C. Metro Area by the United States Capitol Historical Society, Outstanding Teacher in Prince George’s County by the PG County Chamber of Commerce and Resolutions of Commendation from both the Maryland State Legislature and the Maryland State Senate for Excellence in Teaching of American History. Following a much-deserved retirement, Gordon and his wife settled just outside Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Carroll Valley where they became active members of the Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church, where Gordon was also a Deacon. Gordon was an active and committed volunteer with the Gettysburg Soup Kitchen and the Fairfield/Carroll Valley Meals on Wheels program for over 20 years. Living in Pennsylvania helped forge Gordon’s love of the area’s apple orchards, culminating in he and Barbara building their retirement home in an old apple orchard. Naturally, Gordon became an apple expert, and they became his calling card, as he regularly gifted baskets of his favorite, often obscure, heirloom varieties to his friends and family. Gordon will be missed beyond measure by his family, friends and teaching colleagues. He was a good man, a wonderful father and grandfather, a brilliant educator and historian and a lover of all sports and apples. He is survived by brothers, Stanley Russell and Paul (Mary) Russell, sister-in-law Gina Sarcone Russell; children, Shannon (Joe) Bowman and Shawn (Imelda) Russell; two grandchildren; niece and two great-nephews.

1962

Larry Fink, 82, of Martin’s Creek, Pennsylvania, on November 25, 2023. Brooklyn-born Larry and his sister, Elizabeth, were raised with a strong sense of social justice and an eye for inequality. He was 13 when the family moved to West Hempstead on Long Island. By then he was taking photos and won a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye camera in a contest. He attended Stockbridge School, a progressive boarding school in Massachusetts, and Coe College before heading to Greenwich Village. Larry’s early photography work in the late 1950s chronicled the second-generation Beats who were his cohort in the East Village, the jazz musicians he adored and the protagonists of the civil rights and antiwar movements. In the early 1970s he turned to overt social commentary, infiltrating the society benefits, debutante parties and watering holes of Manhattan’s privileged. He was fueled both by curiosity and his rage at the privileged class. A few years later, he and his wife at the time, the painter Joan Snyder, moved to a farm in Pennsylvania, where he began photographing his charismatic neighbors called the Sabatines who embraced him as one of their own. His marriage to Joan Snyder, in 1969, ended in divorce, as did his second marriage to Pia Staniek. Professionally, Larry paired the tales of these two worlds of the New York elite and the lively, messy domesticity of the Sabatines in a collection of photographs he called “Social Graces,” which was shown in an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in 1979 and published in a book of the same title in 1984. “Social Graces” placed him firmly in the photographic canon. Larry taught at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, New York University and Yale before joining the photography department at Bard College in 1988. He taught there for three decades and retired in 2017. He was the recipient of two Guggenheim fellowships in 1976 and 1979, and his work is in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art, among many other institutions in the United States and abroad. He worked on assignment for numerous publications, including Manhattan, Inc., Vanity Fair and The New York Times, and was the author of 12 books. Throughout his life, he maintained the persona of a Beat, which extended to his conversation, a stream of consciousness punctuated by harmonica playing, to his emails to his pedagogy. He was a kinetic photographer whose intimate black-and-white on-the-fly portraits of rural Pennsylvanians, Manhattan society figures, Hollywood royalty, boxers, musicians, fashion models and many others were both social commentary on class and privilege and an exuberant document of the human condition. He is survived by his wife, the artist Martha Posner whom he married in 2000, his daughter Molly Snyder-Fink and a grandson.

Jean Johnson Sidner, 83, of Tehachapi, California, on October 2, 2023. Jean married Arthur Sidner in 1965, and they had four children, Aaron, Alison, Michael and Jeffrey. She graduated from Coe College in 1962 and began working as an occupational therapist in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After raising her children, she returned to seminary and received her Master of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary in 2000 and served as a pastor in several congregations of the United Methodist Church in Minnesota. In 2018, she moved to Tehachapi, California, and has served as pastor at Kern River United Methodist Church in Kernville, California, since 2020. Jean loved her Lord and loved being a pastor. She will be greatly missed by her family, church family and friends. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She is survived by her brother, John Johnson; her husband, Arthur Sidner; children, Aaron Sidner, Alison Barlow, Michael Sidner and Jeffrey Sidner; seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Marion “Mimi” Wright Stang, 82, of Salem, Oregon, on September 16, 2023. Mimi attended Coe College, where she majored in business administration and met Ted Stang ’60. They were married in 1960 and celebrated 63 years together. Following eight years as an Air Force officer’s wife, they settled in Salem, Oregon, in 1968. Mimi was involved in many charitable organizations during her life, including holding many leadership roles. She was a 39-year member of Salem-Keizer Assistance League, Library Foundation Board, Lee Mission Cemetery Board, Oregon Archives, Santiam Girl Scout Board, National Daughters of the American Revolution and King’s Valley Association. She was a 55 year member of the Salem United Methodist Church for 55 years and Alpha Xi Delta sorority for 65 years. She always had a kind word and affectionate smile for all. She is survived by her husband, Ted, her children, Terri (David) and Toby (Cindy) and three grandchildren.

Walter White, 82, of Xenia, Ohio, on June 14, 2023. Walter grew up in Madrid, Iowa, where he met and married Susan, his wife of 59 years. He and Susan moved to Crystal Lake, Illinois, where they raised a family. He worked for Kemper Insurance and was active in the community and church. After retirement, they moved to Xenia to be near family, and they attended and were active at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan; his daughters, Jennifer (Jeff) Stinson and Karen White; his granddaughter, Jessica Stinson; his two sisters, Peggy Eigler and Phyllis (Jack) Anderson, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

1963

Frank Bonvino, 81, of Naples, Florida, on November 22, 2023. Frank graduated from Pelham High School where he was named to the All-County football team and was later offered a minor league MLB contract with the Boston Red Sox. He opted instead to attend college where he met Margo Russ ’65, the love of his life and wife for over 60 years. They married in 1963. He graduated from Coe College, where he served as president of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. Upon graduation, he attended law school at the University of Minnesota and later William Mitchell College of Law. He worked as an attorney and served as general counsel for the International Multifoods Corporation. He received numerous awards as an attorney and took great pride in mentoring young professionals. He was also active in coaching baseball and touched the lives and helped the careers of many young athletes in his adopted home of Edina, Minnesota, where he lived from 1973 to 2004. In 2005, he received the Alumni Award of Merit from Coe College. He also served as president of the Wilderness Golf Community, where he has resided for the past 20 years. Frank is survived by his wife Margo; children, Chris (Trudy) and Tracy (Rob) Black; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Robert “Bob” Turpin, 82, of Phoenix, Arizona, on September 7, 2023. Bob attended Coe College, where he met his wife, Alleene “Polly” Pollitz ’64. While at Coe, he sang in the choir, played football and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He earned his degree in both history and business administration. He later went to San Diego State College for his master’s degree. After graduating from Coe, Bob joined the U.S. Navy and attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. He began his active service on the USS Galveston (CLG-3) in Japan and spent three tours in the coastal waters of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He continued his 31-year Naval career in the Navy Reserve and was promoted to Captain in 1980, retiring in 1994. He was most proud of his work with the Naval War College Foundation, the Joe Foss Institute and many other military organizations. He was inducted into the Arizona Veterans’ Hall of Fame in 2015. His dedication to our country was inspiring and a testament to his character. In 1970, Bob joined the Harris Bank in Chicago as a portfolio manager and was later sent to Scottsdale, Arizona, to open the Harris Trust Company of Arizona as president. After leaving the bank in 1982, he co-started Turpin-Fischer Investment Advisors. He raised capital for various investments and community service organizations throughout his life. Bob was very involved in Valley Presbyterian Church as a prominent member of the choir, a deacon, an elder and a foundation member. Starting in 1987, he also served as a member of the Coe College Board of Trustees for five years. Bob was the recipient of the Coe Alumni Award of Merit in 2003. He had a remarkable ability to make everyone around him feel valued and cherished. His generosity knew no bounds, and he was always there to help a friend or offer a word of encouragement. Bob cherished his role as a grandfather, imparting his wisdom and values and always being a source of endless support, guidance and love. Bob adored his wife, Polly, and was always incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren, speaking of their accomplishments with the highest regard and a little exaggeration. Bob is survived by his wife of over 58 years, Polly Turpin, his daughter Julie Turpin Dillon (Dave Darby), his son Scott (Hannah) Turpin, his sister Ann Turpin Thayer, Becky and Mike Pollitz and his four grandchildren.

1965

Dorothy Perry Blazek, 81, of Grinnell, Iowa, on October 6, 2023. Moving across Iowa during her childhood, Dottie graduated valedictorian of her 1960 high school class in Madrid, Iowa, where she also participated in basketball, drama club and plays, speech club, band, chorus and many solo and small group competitions at the local, district and state levels. Dottie entered a five-year course program at Coe College and St. Luke’s Nursing School, where she received her bachelor’s degree from St. Luke’s and passed the state board in May 1965. While a student, Dottie met her future husband, Franklin Blazek ’64. After graduating, she accepted a teaching position at Freeport Nursing School in Freeport, Illinois. In 1966, she became a certified registered nurse and was united in marriage to Frank. The couple lived in many locations in Illinois, Arkansas, Texas and Colorado. While in Illinois, they had three children: Danni Sue, Felisa Louise and Jonathan Kyle Blazek. Dottie received her master’s degree at Rush University in Chicago in 1966 and later her Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree. When the couple moved to Colorado, they started raising their youngest granddaughter, Hevyn Michele Blazek, as well as llamas and some ponies for Hevyn to ride. Nursing and caring for people were her lifetime career and passion, where she always served with love, and Dottie retired as a hospice nurse. Retirement led her and Frank back to Iowa, where they joined the Mayflower Community in Grinnell in 2016. Dottie had countless hours of service and participated in many activities, including the United Methodist Church, Bible study groups at both the Mayflower and church, the Grinnell Oratorical Society and other choral groups. She was an avid reader, many times finishing three or four books weekly and reading the Bible and daily devotional guide every morning. She is survived by her children, Danni Blazek (Victor Hodges), Felisa Blazek and Jonathan Blazek; her sister Sylvia (Paul) Hain; her step-daughter Vickie Blazek Hill; her daughter-in-law Geraldine Blazek and fourteen grandchildren.

Sandra “Sandy” Swearingen Bockman, 78, of Elgin, Illinois, on July 25, 2022. Sandy was a beloved member of the Hosanna! Lutheran Church community in St. Charles and an inspirational long-time teacher at St. Edward High School in Elgin. Sandy brought joy to so many people. She loved being together with her family, laughing with friends and being a mentor for her students. She was vibrant, insightful, funny, sincere and had a passion for connecting with people. She never stopped making new friends. Her love and energy left an imprint that will truly never be forgotten. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Ralph; children Todd (Dresden), Teag (Jennifer) and Nicole (Bert) and five grandchildren.

Robert “Bob” Brizzolara, 80, of Huntley, Illinois, on October 26, 2023. Robert was born on June 22, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Indiana University and Coe College. He worked for Harris Bank and served in the U.S. Army.

Gene Knight, 81, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on October 3, 2023. Gene attended Coe College, where he joined the ROTC. Gene married Paula Wieneke in 1963. They moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where he started at the Postal Service as a letter carrier. Upon returning to Cedar Rapids, he continued at the Post Office for the next 30 years, retiring in 1998. He then went on to work in the IT department at Quick Verse and finally Rockwell Collins where he retired for a second time. Gene always put family first, from adventures with his eight brothers, to his children and grandchildren. He always enjoyed any time he could spend with friends and family, watching Cubs games, playing cards, bowling and traveling. He passed on his love of games and computers. Gene enjoyed Christmastime for both shopping and participating in Operation Christmas Child with Paula. He is survived by his daughter, Therese (Thomas) Knight-High; son, Joe (Jennie) Knight; three grandchildren; his brothers, Paul, Dean (Suzanne), Michael, Patrick (Diana), Daniel (Vickie) and Dennis Knight; his sister-in-law, Dotti Knight, as well as his nieces and nephews.

1966

Sherlyn Shupe Hunter, 79, of Pasadena, California, on July 9, 2023. Sheryln earned her bachelor’s degree and her teaching certificate from Coe College. She drove to California in her ’68 convertible VW to pursue her career and raise a family. She loved music, was active in church, enjoyed the outdoors and visited family and friends in Iowa. As a bilingual second-grade teacher in El Monte and San Gabriel school districts, Sheryln brought a sense of whimsy to her students and a passion for reading and creativity. While teaching adult English Second Language (ESL) courses, she made new friends from around the world and shared their cultures and cuisines with her family. Sheryln celebrated holidays with colorful fashion and home decor, raised her sons to be open-minded individuals and celebrated their college graduations, careers and marriages. She traveled the world and moved to San Clemente to fulfill her dream of living by the ocean, enjoying her sunlit garden oasis and visits with lifelong friends and four granddaughters who brought her tremendous joy. Throughout her life, Sheryln survived tornados, snowstorms, earthquakes, a house fire, cancer and COVID-19, but finally succumbed to an ill-fated battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She is survived by her sons, David Hunter and Andrew Hunter; four granddaughters and her sister, Susan Shupe.

Margaret “Peggy” Shank, 79, of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, on November 17, 2023. Peggy graduated from Coe College in 1966, where she received dual major degrees with honors. Peggy went on to teach in the Cleveland area for five years. While that was rewarding, Peggy decided she wanted a new challenge, so off she went to teach at a women’s school in Lagos, Nigeria. Upon her return to the United States several years later, she worked at various positions in Washington, D.C. Peggy is survived by her son David, her sister, Nancy (Fred) and five nephews.

1967

Katherine “Kathy” Bihl, 78, of Lexington, Kentucky, on November 14, 2023. Kathy attended Coe College, the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, earning her master’s degrees in math, arts and teaching and counseling, as well as  her AMI Montessori elementary teaching credential completed in Washington, D.C. Kathy taught math and Montessori elementary at Community Montessori School at schools in Lexington, Kentucky, and Florida, retiring from Spady Elementary School in 2004. In retirement, she volunteered tutoring elementary students. She shared her love of music by teaching flute, piano and recorder, singing in choir and performing recorder and flute with friends in informal ensembles. She also performed with various music groups like the Center for Old Music in the New World and Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, with which she traveled multiple times to perform and enjoy the music and environs of Europe. Kathy was active in her spiritual home at Good Shepherd, as well as deepening her religious experiences and expression through classes, personal reading, reflection and practice. She was active in book discussion, Bible study, dinner and dream reflection groups. She was also physically active through swimming, practicing yoga and walking her dog Buddy regularly. She is survived by her son Jesse Bihl-Lubin; her daughter Katherine E. Beth Olshewsky (Tim Thibault); one grandson, Etienne Thibault; her nephews; niece and their children.

Richard Durning, 78, of Chicago, Illinois, on July 23, 2023. After graduating from Coe College, Dick worked a year as a Vista Volunteer in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He came to Chicago as a part of the Teacher Corps, earning his master’s degree and going on to work as a public school teacher for over 10 years. While taking photography classes at Jane Addams Hull House, he met Lina Cramer. They married in 1978, and their son Nathaniel was born in 1983. The family moved to Evanston, Illinois, in 1986 and lived there until 2015, when they returned to Chicago. After leaving teaching, Dick devoted himself to fundraising for nonprofit organizations, raising millions of dollars over the years. He retired in his early sixties. Dick and Lina then created their consulting business, The Wisdom Exchange, which worked with individuals, organizations and communities to involve all stakeholders, address pressing concerns and increase capacity to secure financial support within a space of integrity, engagement, joy and invitation. He always made a point of getting to know people through generous listening and powerful questions. Dick’s commitment to progressive and democratic causes was profound. He was esteemed by activist colleagues as a role model who always had more time for calling and canvassing, learning and getting people to open up by listening to them with curiosity and care. Dick and Lina traveled widely, developing friendships and professional networks wherever they went. In retirement, their travels included Bhutan, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, Laos, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Ecuador, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Belize, Turkey, Italy, Scotland, The Netherlands, Belgium and to the original Durning settlement in Nova Scotia. One of his last travels was a spontaneous trip to Iceland to experience erupting volcanoes. Dick had a variety of physical fitness passions. In his twenties, he bicycled through northern Europe including the Alps and the British Isles. Later in life, he rode in Colorado and throughout the Midwest. Dick ran a marathon at 65, hiked Cape Town’s Table Mountain at 72 and remained committed to practicing rollerblading. Guests of the Durning-Cramer household enjoyed his cooking and hospitality. He explored new recipes, loved hosting friends and family and was famous for his smoothies. Dick’s family meant the world to him. He was a devoted husband and father. Following his sister’s untimely death, Dick was lovingly committed to her children and grandchildren.

1969

Mary Ziegler Hill, 76, of Tinton Falls, New Jersey, on November 17, 2023. Mary graduated from Coe College in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in education. She began her career as an elementary school teacher that year in September and taught 40 years in the Long Branch school system at Broadway, Gregory, Conrow and Elberon schools. She enjoyed the challenges of first, second and fifth grades. Mary was an avid reader and devotee of professional football, but most of all enjoyed collecting dolls and stuffed animals and attending to them. Mary was extremely active as a volunteer with the Ocean Township Historical Association. She is survived by her cousins Albert Strasburger, Andrew Strasburger, John Strasburger and Karen Strasburger and her brother-in-law Lester Mathis.

Louis Rodl, 75, of Phoenix, Arizona, on August 12, 2023. Lou was known by many names: husband, dad, papa, “Mr. Roth” by his high school math students and while he served as an athletic director, “Coach” by his football players and “hey, Ref!” while officiating women’s youth volleyball. Lou is survived by his wife of 45 years, Linda; his daughters, Rebecca (Bernard) Nguyen and Patricia (Kevin) O’Driscoll; two grandsons and his twin brother, Larry (Ginny) Rodl  and their three children.

Judith “Judy” Blake Thompson, 76, of Spotsylvania, Virginia, on August 31, 2023. Judy attended Coe College, where she excelled and graduated summa cum laude and as a Phi Beta Kappa member. She also developed lifelong friends from her sorority, Alpha Xi Delta. After graduating, Judy embarked on a career in education, specializing in teaching kids with special needs. In 1972, Judy met the love of her life, Barry, and they were spouses and best friends for the next 51 years. She followed Barry across the country and overseas on his Air Force assignments to teach in Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Florida, Virginia and Germany. Across these travels, Judy earned her master’s degree from Texas Tech University in 1977 and her doctorate in education from Arizona State University in 1989. She felt the call to go into school administration and was named elementary school assistant principal in 1992 and then principal of Garfield Elementary in 1994 in Springfield, Virginia. She led her school for eleven years through her philosophy of collegiality rather than top-down decisions. Her passion and leadership culminated in her being one of three finalists for Principal of the Year in one of the largest school districts in the country. More importantly, she nurtured many young teachers, established lifelong friendships and roamed the halls connecting with so many students, many of whom stayed in touch long after finishing elementary school. In 2007, Judy retired in name only when she and Barry moved to Fawn Lake, a community west of Fredericksburg where she helped mentor aspiring principals as an associate professor at Columbia University in New York City. She and Barry took in a large number of plays and musicals in the city as well as traveled extensively to Europe, South America and throughout the U.S. She was active in her local church as a coordinator for monthly meals at the local emergency shelter, established an endowment program and represented the church in the community’s Interfaith Council. She enjoyed bridge, golf (sort of) and socializing with her friends. Whether it was making Barry a better person, teaching her kids what being a good citizen is about or volunteering at the local council against sexual assault, she put her whole self into it. Judy’s legacy of caring and generosity as an educator, loving family member, cherished friend and passionate volunteer will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing her. She is survived by her husband, Barry; her two children, Blake (Miritte) and Lia (Trent); three grandchildren; her sister, Kathy (Jon); numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

1974

Dennis Fox, 71, of Ankeny, Iowa, on November 25, 2023. Dennis received a bachelor’s degree in physics from Coe College in 1974, a master’s degree in physics from University of Iowa in 1977, a Master of Divinity from University of Dubuque in 1984 and a Master’s in Hebrew Bible back at the University of Iowa in 2000. Starting his career as a student pastor in Wisconsin at South Wayne and Woodford United Methodist Churches, he soon moved back to Iowa. He served at United Methodist Churches in East Dubuque, Keosauqua, Calamus, Grand Mount, Cedar Rapids and Washington, Iowa. He also taught world religions at Iowa Wesleyan and ESL at Kirkwood Community College. Dennis and Julie Poulsen were married in 1987. Starting in 1999, he worked as a UNIX systems administrator for two decades across Internet Navigator, Rockwell Collins, John Deere and Pioneer/Dupont/Corteva. Dennis loved working on computers, learning and working in modern and ancient languages, writing, preaching, solving problems, sarcasm, reading, studying, praying and teaching. He had a deep faith in God and Christ and an endless curiosity about various religions and holy texts. He was a lifelong learner whose heart was filled with passion for social justice. He delighted in helping Iowans learn about Islam, and he corrected much misinformation in the field of religion. Dennis loved photography, woodworking, playing guitar and bass, motorcycles and his pickup trucks. Dennis is survived by his wife Julia Poulsen; his sons Isaac ’12 and James; his brother Dale (Carolynn) Fox; his aunt Carol Fox O’Neill and other family.

1986

Paul Duncan, 58, of Lawrence, Kansas, on November 13, 2023. Paul was a driven, talented athlete who loved playing sports at Lake Wales High School before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in history with minors in political science and Chinese history at Coe College. In college, Paul played baseball, was known for being a jokester and prankster with his teammates, roommates and friends and met his wife, Michele Salinas ’88, before they married in June 1988. Throughout his life, Paul was known for his dry, witty humor, constant dad jokes and his knowledge of any topic or event. But most importantly, Paul was known as a family man. Michele and Paul spent the better part of 20 years watching their two daughters play soccer for local Lawrence and Kansas City teams. He could count on one hand how many soccer games he missed for both of his daughters. In his spare time, as a recent empty nester, Paul enjoyed reading for book club, mowing the lawn and grilling when it was nice outside. He and Michele often would walk their two dogs together and enjoyed watching University of Kansas basketball and football, and Sporting Kansas City soccer. He is survived by his wife, Michele; their two daughters, Kayla and Maria; his three sisters, Vickie, Renae and Laura; his parent sets, Rose and Jim, and C.W. and Priscilla. 

1987

John Burgess, 71, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on September 4, 2023. John attended college at Coe College, Iowa State University and the University of Iowa and remained a lifelong fan of those schools. He worked at General Mills for 28 years, retiring in 2011 after many years in management. John was an amazing guitar player and singer. Following his retirement, he enjoyed playing in his band, exercising, watching movies from any era and getting together with other General Mills employees, retired and active. He also continued to enjoy Hawkeye and Cyclone sporting events, from football to basketball to volleyball, and was a regular at Kernels baseball games. John was best known for his work in the community supporting the Especially for You Race, where he was a generous donor. His love for others was one of the many reasons it was easy to love John. Family was his number one priority and was evident in every conversation he had. He is survived by his children, Brenna Ebel and Joshua (Megan) Pedelty; his sisters, Cathy (Peter) Burgess, Molly (Dennis) Smith and Sarah Burgess; five granddaughters and three great-grandchildren.

1990

Barbara Coppock, 83, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on October 1, 2023. Barbara attended Drake University for two years, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She then transferred to the University of Iowa and was enrolled in the dental hygiene program. She married Dr. John Purdie in 1960, and they moved to Cedar Rapids and later divorced in 1989. Barbara believed that volunteerism is the rent one pays for the space they occupy in life. She served on numerous boards, including Cedar Rapids Parent’s Preschool, Children’s Theater, Junior League of Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre and the Cedar Rapids Garden Club. A great deal of her volunteer work involved Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and the Educational Puppetry Committee of the Junior League. She wrote five puppet shows, two of which were broadcast on local television. Later, Barbara attended Coe College, and in 1990 she received a degree in English and literature. In 1992 she married Bill Coppock. Upon Bill’s retirement, they moved to Aiken, South Carolina, where she discovered the joys of painting and golfing. After Bill’s death, she moved back to Cedar Rapids to be near her family until passing. Barbara was a gentle, generous, kind and loving woman with a wonderful sense of humor. She is survived by her children, Anne (Bill) Stamats and Geo (Heather) Purdie; three grandchildren; her stepsons, David (Sunshine) Coppock and Peter Coppock (Paul Newman); and siblings-in-law, Betsy (Greg) Sanger and Dave Mason.

1992

Sean Clancy, 57, of Washington Island, Wisconsin, on November 14, 2023. Sean was born in 1966 to Richard ’59 and Sally (Casey) Clancy ’57. Sean graduated from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids in 1984 before continuing his education in business at Coe College and the University of Iowa. Sean played competitive tennis in high school and college and coached younger kids during summers. Sean’s career in finance took him from the night desk at the Chicago Board of Trade to the top market clearinghouse, Merrill Lynch. He recently became a personal financial advisor with Lakeshore Financial Group in Chicago. Sean lived on the North Shore of Chicago for over 30 years before moving to Washington Island, Wisconsin, to be with his father. Over the years he always made time for free advice to friends and a few hopeful teenage kids who were ready to make it huge on Wall Street. Washington Island was always home for Sean, no matter what his address read. He drove from Chicago to Washington Island for summers and holidays and spent every summer of his youth on the Island, playing first base for the Islanders Little League team and giving back to the younger generation by coaching as an adult. Later in life, he served all Islanders with his quick humor as a spirited bartender at The Lighthouse, then Karly’s Bar. Friends could count on Sean to enjoy any aspect of the water with them, boating, sailing, or just sitting in the bay cracking beers and jokes. A fearless captain, he called nine-foot swells a light chop. He’d naturally take the helm when friends knew they were out of their depth. A fiercely loyal soul, he’d brave midnight seas to pick you up at Northport just to ensure you got to Nelson’s before last call. If Sean said he’d be there, you could be sure you’d soon see the masthead light bobbing up and down through the dark waves, regardless of what the parents had to say about it in the morning. His wit, wink and charm were unrivaled. From the golf course to Cubs, Packers and Hawkeye fan seats to backyard bonfires, Sean was there to toss a ball, pull the kids on tubes and lovingly tease his friends’ kids. He and his brother Tim loved each other with even deeper affection. Sean formed bonds with a special group of dear friends in grammar school, high school and college that grew and deepened throughout their lifetimes with weekly phone calls and long catch-up phone calls out of the blue. He was the shoulder and forever friend who turned tears into laughter. He is survived by his father, Richard “Dick” Clancy; brother, Tim Clancy; uncle, Leonard Clancy; “Aunt” Betsy Boshka; godchildren, MJ Ward and Ava Grace Underdahl; an entire generation of Island family kids and many dear friends.

2013

Kathleen “Katie” Gibson-Young, 32, of Bonne Terre, Missouri, on November 9, 2023. Katie was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bonne Terre as well as valedictorian of the North County Class of 2009. Katie spent all four years playing high school varsity softball, where she was recognized as an all-state pitcher along with being selected to the KTJJ Dream Team. Katie went on to achieve her bachelor’s degree at Coe College with a minor in chemistry and a major in neuroscience in 2013. She later received her master’s degree at Rollins School of Public Health. Katie was employed at St. Louis Children’s Hospital at Washington University where she worked on the pediatric hematology and oncology team. She loved hunting, fishing, racing motocross, traveling and training dogs. Katie was an excellent cook and enjoyed creating new dishes, but she could never master baking. She was known as the love at first sight to anyone who met her. Katie is survived by her husband, Steven Young; her parents, Alan and Kim Gibson; her sister, Emily (Joshua) Barnett; her paternal grandparents, Wayne and Evelyn Gibson; mother in-law, Valerie Young; father in-law, Robert Young; extended family and friends.

Faculty/Staff

Professor of History Emerita Dr. Rosemary Carroll, 87, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, on September 15, 2023. Fascinated with history since her childhood, Rosemary was motivated to enter the profession of teaching through the encouragement of her father, Francis Carroll, and the model of her mother, Katherine Graham Carroll, a dedicated public school principal. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Brown University in 1957, master’s degree from Wesleyan University in 1962 and her Ph.D. in history from Rutgers University in 1968. She concluded her education in 1983 at the University of Iowa College of Law with a Doctor of Jurisprudence. She was an assistant professor at Notre Dame College before moving to Iowa and becoming the Henry and Margaret Haegg Distinguished Professor of History and chair of the history department at Coe College. Dr. Carroll was also an affirmative action officer, a pre-law advisor and a faculty representative for the Truman Foundation, the Rhodes Scholarship Trust and the British Marshall Scholarship. Her wealth of knowledge contributed to innumerable articles in academic journals. In light of her abundant talents, among many recognitions, Dr. Carroll was honored as the recipient of the Radcliffe-Hickes prize at Brown University, as an Olmstead fellow by the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and as reviewer for the National Endowment of the Humanities. She was included in the World’s Who’s Who of Women, Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in American Law. She was also designated as one of the two thousand outstanding scholars of the 20th century. In 2021, she was chosen as the featured honoree for the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement. Rosemary had a twinkle in her eye, a delightful dry humor, wide-ranging intelligence and a deeply meaningful faith. As a teacher, she inspired her students and colleagues by example through her excitement about learning, her spirit of fairness and her high standards of academic discipline. She focused her time beyond teaching on community projects such as serving on the board of directors for the Mental Health Associates, as president of the Women’s Leadership Training Institute and as volunteer legal counsel to help the poor in Cedar Rapids. Upon retirement, Rosemary lived in Stuart, Florida, and returned every year to her family home in Middletown, Rhode Island. She is survived by caring cousins and loving friends.

Professor of Business Administration and Economics Emeritus C. Michael “Mike” McDonald, 79, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on November 15, 2023. Mike graduated in 1962 from Jefferson High School where he was a National Merit Scholar and a varsity swimmer. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He then completed two years of law school before being drafted into the army during the Vietnam War. After returning from Vietnam, he was an owner/operator of McDonald Oil Company. Mike later returned to the University of Iowa and received his master’s degree in business as well as his CPA in 1981, before beginning his career as a college professor at Coe College in the business department. He retired in 2005 after almost 25 years of teaching. Mike was united in marriage to Lucinda Ritenour in 1966, and their union was blessed with three children, J.P., Katie and Josh. He was a devoted father that never missed an event for his children. He loved being a grandpa and took great pride in the accomplishments of his grandchildren. Mike was an avid reader throughout his life. He also devoted himself to service to others, working as volunteer treasurer of Foundation 2 Crisis Services for many years. He was an excellent cook and took pride in passing down family recipes. He was also an accomplished handyman who was proud of maintaining his home. Mike is survived by his children, J.P. (Sue) McDonald ’92, Katie McDonald Chism ’95 and Josh (Lauren) McDonald; seven grandchildren and three nephews.

Professor of Chemistry Emeritus Peter Wickham, 88, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on October 6, 2023. Peter graduated from Amherst College and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning a bachelor’s and Ph.D. in Chemistry. He married Louise Vail. After working as a pharmaceutical researcher in Albany, New York, for several years, he found his true calling as a professor of chemistry at Coe College. Pete taught there from 1969 until his retirement in 2000, helping countless students on their way to careers in science and medicine. In 1987, he was honored with the Charles J. Lynch Award for Outstanding Teaching, which is awarded by students. In 1998, he was granted an endowed chair and was named the Henry and Margaret Haegg Distinguished Professor of Chemistry. He also served as the chemistry department chair for nine years. Pete enjoyed birding and hiking in the woods in eastern Iowa. He also took birding trips across the U.S. and around the world with friends and family. He teamed up with friends to break records for the most species of birds seen in a 24-hour period in Iowa and neighboring states. In 1999, he wrote an influential editorial to The Gazette which helped save Wanatee Park (then Squaw Creek Park) from development, preserving the natural ecosystem in a beautiful area. Shortly after retiring, he and Louise reached their goal of seeing 100 species of birds in every state in the U.S. Pete had a smile and positive energy that lit up a room. He was known for his kindness, optimism and hilarious sense of humor, which frequently centered around puns. He is survived by his longtime special friend Eva Stark; siblings Virginia (Tom) Uhl, Sarah (Lou) Gicale and Chris (Stephanie); children Mark (Amy) and Nancy; three grandsons and many nephews, nieces and cousins.