Winter 2023 Obituaries
Obituaries
1950
Charles “Chuck” Elias, 97, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, on December 22. Chuck married Mary Rose O’Connor in 1946 in Cedar Rapids, and they were an example of faith-filled married life until “Migs” passed away in 2006. Chuck was a U.S. Marine in World War II and was present on Mt. Suribachi when the flag was raised on Iwo Jima. He was awarded two Purple Hearts during his service, as well as other campaign medals. He graduated from Coe College and was inducted into the Coe College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990 due to his success as a football player and member of the coaching staff for several years. Accepting a coaching position at Marshall University High School brought Chuck and Migs to Minneapolis. He and his coaching staff had great success coaching football at Central High School, winning two city championships. Chuck coached other sports as well as teaching science and was inducted into the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He eventually moved into administration and was assistant principal at Edison and Washburn High Schools in Minneapolis. Chuck was active to the end. He loved golfing, dancing and music, staying physically fit and active through the activities at Friendship Village, watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and spending time with people. Most important to him was his Catholic faith and his family. His was truly “a life well-lived.” He is survived by his daughter, Joan (Tony) Bauer; three grandchildren, Amy (Jim) Conway, John (Kelli) and Tom; and six great-grandchildren.
1951
Helen Taggart Birkemeier, 93, of Spring Green, Wisconsin, on October 6. Helen studied piano and organ as a child, beginning to play professionally while in high school and majoring in music at Coe College. She met her future husband William Birkemeier, a young engineer at Collins Radio, while a student and Helen graduated early so they could marry. She worked for a year at AC Nielson Co. until her sons Dick and Jim came along, quitting her job to be a full-time mom and continue her organ work. Daughter Christine joined them in 1957 in Lafayette, Indiana. The family moved to Madison, Wisconsin, in 1960 when Bill was hired as a professor of electrical engineering at University of Wisconsin. They joined Covenant Presbyterian Church, which was central in the family’s life. Helen took a job as organist at the church, and she and Bill traveled with church groups to Haiti to rebuild a clinic and the Holy Land. Helen shared her passion for music with her children, teaching them to play piano. She had a huge heart and wanted to help other children who were less fortunate. She volunteered as a music therapist at the Central Wisconsin Colony for the severely handicapped, and she and Bill provided foster care for disadvantaged children, welcoming Dianne Smith, Donna Plymesser and Catt Piotrowsky into their family. She also loved dogs, the outdoors, camping and gardening. In 1972, Helen and Bill purchased a 300-acre farm north of Spring Green, Wisconsin, moving to the Timbergreen Farm, as they called it, permanently after Bill’s retirement. Helen successfully turned a patch of woods into a “garden” of wildflowers, and her spring wildflower sales became regional events attracting thousands of buyers. Helen’s love of nature led her to become a writer for the Spring Green newspaper with her weekly column, “Woodland Walker’s Guide.” She also self-published several short books. Helen and Bill were fixtures in the Spring Green community, joined the Christ Lutheran Church and hosted annual family gatherings at Timbergreen Farm for thirty years. When Bill began to show symptoms of dementia in 2019, the two moved into The Meadows, a memory assisted-living home.
James Ka’upena Wong Jr., 93, of Waianae, Hawaii, on September 24. He was an educator, Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner and the most prominent male chanter of his generation. Wong graduated from the Kamehameha School for Boys in 1947 and from Coe College in 1951. His training as a chanter began the following year after he returned to Hawaii and was introduced to Mary Kawena Pukui. With Pukui’s guidance he became a master chanter, learned dozens of chants and dances and became one of the few qualified players of the ancient Hawaiian musical “implements.” He was the foremost player of the ‘ukeke (musical bow) of his generation. Wong became one of the standard-bearers of traditional Hawaiian music in the decades following statehood in 1959. He wrote his first song, “Alika Spoehr Hula,” in 1961 and recorded his first album, “Folk Songs of Hawaii,” in 1963. Wong also performed at the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island in 1964 and chanted at the unveiling of the statue of King Kamehameha in Washington, D.C., in 1969. Wong set an example for later generations of chanters and male hula dancers when he wore a traditional Hawaiian malo rather than post-Missionary Western attire for the dedication of the Hokule‘a voyaging canoe in 1976. “He brought legitimacy to any ceremony, any function he was at,” said Kamehameha Schools community strategist Hailama Farden. Wong received a Na Hoku Hanohano Award in 1993 for his work annotating an anthology of recordings by kumu hula Maiki Aiu Lake. He received the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, was selected for a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship in 2005, and was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame in 2008. His niece, Haunani Denhart, said that her uncle never let the accolades “go to his head” and recalled fondly his “graciousness and knowledge of Hawaiian (language) and Hawaiiana (Hawaiian culture).” He always felt a spirit of dedication for his work and the attitude of being a lifelong student. He is survived by his niece, Haunani Denhart.
1952
Kirk Wade Hansen, 91, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, on September 25. Kirk excelled at athletic and musical activities as a child and performed in many local productions. He saluted nine members of his community by playing Taps on his coronet at their funerals during World War II. Kirk graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, where he studied business, wrestled and joined Lambda Chi Alpha. He then served in the United States Air Force as a first lieutenant stationed in England, before following his father into the insurance industry. He worked for General Adjustment Bureau, which is now GAB Robins North America, Inc., for over 40 years until he retired as regional vice president. While working in Fort Dodge, Iowa, a mutual friend introduced Kirk to a lovely schoolteacher named Alice Ann Taylor. They were wed in 1955 and enjoyed 64 years of marriage, having a daughter Judy and son David. They moved with Kirk’s career to several towns throughout Iowa, including Burlington and Des Moines. The family also lived in Omaha, Nebraska and Indianapolis, Indiana before moving to the Detroit area in 1972 and joining First United Methodist Church of Birmingham. As Kirk progressed up through the corporate ranks, his family remained his top priority. Both Kirk and Ann instilled a love of reading and a strong work ethic in their children and attended their performances and sporting events with enthusiastic pride. He coached his son’s baseball, basketball and football teams. Kirk enjoyed golfing, skiing and fishing for walleye and northern perch near Chapleau, Ontario. He was a patriotic American citizen, a good neighbor and a loyal friend. He loved listening to music, especially Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops. Kirk was a loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. Kirk is survived by his daughter, Judy Hansen (Mark) Peters; son David (Laura MacKay) Hansen; four grandsons, Benjamin Peters and Matthew, Jacob and Zachary Hansen; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dr. David C. Priest, 90, of Asheville, North Carolina, on September 25, 2021. David graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Coe College and later served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He earned his doctorate in chemistry from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and was an avid Tarheel fan. His career as a chemist was dedicated to the advancement of polyurethane polymer foam of which he holds dozens of patents spanning his 36-year career with Union Carbide, Reeves Brothers and Carpenter Chemical Company. After retiring, he and Janice moved to Asheville, North Carolina, where David was an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and volunteer for Meals on Wheels. David and his wife, Janice Pipes Priest, traveled the globe during their 63 years together and hosted an annual family beach trip to Ocean Isle, North Carolina, for the past 25 years. He was an avid reader, U.S. history scholar and vegetable gardener. He found great enjoyment in observing the natural world around him, in tune with even the simplest cycles in nature. David’s pride was his grandchildren with whom he shared his passion for learning. He was always there to celebrate their achievements or offer encouragement during life’s valleys. David is survived by his children, Beth (Rick) Dudley, Bill (Debbie) Priest and Mark Priest; six grandchildren and one great-grandson.
1953
Paul Hansen, 91, of Tucson, Arizona, on July 26. Paul graduated from Evanston High School and Coe College. He served in the United States Air Force as a lieutenant and married Harriet “Sis” Brooks ’55. Paul returned to Milwaukee where his entrepreneurial spirit helped him acquire and grow a variety of businesses. Paul moved his family to Seattle, Washington, eventually retiring in Ketchum, Idaho, and Tucson, Arizona, with his wife, Jane Hansen. An avid skier and golfer into his eighties, his perfect day would include skiing or golf, beer, peanuts, popcorn, ice cream and chocolate chip cookies. Paul is survived by his wife Jane, son Eric Hansen, daughter Brooke Hansen (Jim) Doyle, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
1955
Bruce Thomas Caldwell, 88, of Renton, Washington, on February 14. Bruce Thomas Caldwell was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and raised as a Christian in the Methodist Presbyterian Church. He graduated from Coe College with a degree in mathematics and chemistry, obtained his law degree from the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville, and received his LLM from the University of Texas - Austin. Bruce joined the United States Air Force where he had a very successful career spanning over 26 years. He loved to fly and as a pilot, he saw more beautiful horizons and sunsets than most people could ever dream about. He lived in Renton, Washington, for almost 40 years. He was known by all to be a kind, generous and humble family man having raised two families in his lifetime, and he was loved and cherished by all. Bruce is survived by his wife Shu Lin Caldwell; five sons, Leigh, Larry, Steve, Thomas and William; seven grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Harriet “Sis” Brooks Jackson, 88, of Langley, Washington, on September 26. Sis attended Coe College and raised her children in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Sis spent the last half of her life as a “snowbird,” alternating seasons between the Pacific Northwest and the Southern California desert areas. Sis avidly volunteered for the Delta Delta Delta sorority and Junior League; served as a docent at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington; served as a 40-year docent and Board member at the Living Desert in Palm Desert, California, and founded the Literary Society of the Desert, a book and journalism group for high school students. A lifelong athlete, she enjoyed golf and tennis, rarely turned down a good hike, rafted and hiked the Grand Canyon more than once. She rarely turned down a good hike - having rafted and hiked the Grand Canyon more than once. Sis is survived by her sister Ann Fawcett, son Eric Hansen, daughter Brooke (Jim) Doyle, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Major General Charles D. Metcalf, 88, of Oakwood, Ohio, on October 29, 2021. He was born in 1933 in Anamosa, Iowa. General Metcalf was a proud member of the United States Air Force for 36 years. Post retirement, he served as director of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Patricia; daughters, Christin (Robert) Ellis and Karen (Joseph) Veneziano; four grandchildren and many dear friends.
1956
John W. McDonald, 87, of Lakeland, Florida, on March 7. John was born in Belvidere, Illinois, in 1934.He was a man of God and loved the Lord. John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marilyn McDonald; sons Jeff (Terri) McDonald and Jim (Darcy) McDonald; four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
1957
Dr. Vernon “Vern” W. Seltrecht, 87, of Lincolnshire, Illinois, on October 23. Vern experienced 51 years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Lois Floyd Seltrecht ’57, and was the beloved father of his two children, Dennis and Jennifer. Vern graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University in 1961. He joined the Terry Animal Hospital in Wilmette where he practiced for 49 years, first as an employee and then as an owner. He was loved and respected by his staff, his patients and their owners. Vern pitched for the Center Point High School baseball team, Upper Iowa University and the Iowa Manufacturing team of the M&J semi-pro league. He also was an avid fisherman, golfer and Blackhawk fan, holding tickets for 45 years. Vern is survived by his children and three brothers, Carl, Merle and David.
1958
Ray V. Hewitt, 89, of Clear Lake, Iowa, on September 19. Ray attended and graduated from Clear Lake High School, where he met the love of his life, Amy Arneson. They remained inseparable from middle school until her death in 2010, married for over 50 years. Ray began attending the University of Iowa, but that stint was interrupted by his proud service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his service, he returned to graduate from Coe College and pursue a career in banking. He worked for several regional banking organizations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, rising through the ranks to be named president of the Marine Bank of Waukesha, Wisconsin. In 1973, he returned home to North Iowa to become CEO of Clear Lake Bank & Trust Co. During his 50 years of devoted service, Ray led Clear Lake Bank & Trust Co. to quadruple its size, employ 100 North Iowans and ultimately become one of the most successful Iowa banks. Ray insisted the company focus first and foremost on employees and their job satisfaction, a priority which continues to this day. He stepped down as CEO in 1998, but remained actively involved in the bank's strategic direction. Ray served in leadership roles with the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, North Iowa Economic Development Corp., North Iowa Mercy Hospital and the United Methodist Church of Clear Lake. He will be fondly remembered for his fantastic sense of humor, and he was always quick with a joke. Ray had many other diverse interests including watching boxing, music, his Poodles, food, Green Bay Packers, traveling to Florida and his family most of all. Ray is survived by three children, Julie (Scott) Stauffacher, Carrie (Paul) Nichols and Mark (Daina) Hewitt, nine grandchildren and an ever-growing number of great-grandchildren.
1959
Gwendolyn LaVonne Haugen Sheeley, 85, of Iowa City, Iowa, on November 5. Gwen attended Coe College, where she met English major and budding poet Stuart Sheeley ’58. Gwen and Stu were married in 1957 in Burlington, Iowa, and had two sons, Bryan and Matthew. They moved to Coralville, Iowa, in 1970 where Gwen served as the assistant director of Coralville Parks and Recreation for over 30 years. Gwen, also known as “Direction Giver,” left behind an undeniable impact and legacy on the city. She developed a number of marketing campaigns that improved the quality of life for Coralville residents. She was also the creative genius behind a number of special events including Super Bowl Sundae, Harvest Moon Festival, Olympic Torch Parade, the annual Christmas light display and 30 years of Music in the Park concerts. Gwen’s dedication and service to the city of Coralville remains unparalleled. Gwen loved dogs, as well as anything and everything related to sports. She loved a good vodka martini while sitting on the porch. She was an avid bridge, cribbage and gin rummy player. She was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, mother-in-law, dog-sitter and friend. Gwen is survived by her two sons; two sisters, Beverly Williams and Mary Lou Meuler; two daughters-in-law; four grandchildren; a great-grandson and countless nieces and nephews.
Sandra “Sandy” Jane Ashby Zeman, 85, of Mooresville, Indiana, on October 17. Sandy was born in LaSalle, the fourth of six daughters. She went to Coe College and obtained a secretarial degree, becoming a legal secretary for the remainder of her working life. Sandy’s first marriage gave her two daughters, Kristi and Kelly. Her second marriage was to Franklin “Bud” V. Zeman in 1991. Sandy moved around quite a bit in her adult years, living in Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, Maine, and finally settling in Mooresville and Camby, Indiana, where she spent many happy years living on the lake. Everywhere she lived, she made wonderful friends with her neighbors, many of whom she stayed close with for years. She often talked with her sisters every day. She had an amazing wit, sense of humor and vocabulary. She loved Bud’s homemade wine, music, a good laugh, reading, crossword puzzles, card games, cribbage and movies. She was a selfless, wonderful mom and mimi. Sandy is survived by three sisters, Joanne, Barbara “Bobbi” and Linda; her daughters, Kristi (Mike) Ross and Kelly (Mike) Harrity; stepsons, Mike Zeman, Bob (Becky) Zeman, Andrew (Gloria) Zeman and Mark (Tracey) Zeman; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
1961
David “Birdie” N. Johnson, 83, of Belle Plaine, Iowa, on October 25. Birdie met the love of his life while in the first grade, Sharon Jane Rusk, whom he told his mother he was going to marry. Birdie graduated from Belle Plaine High School with the Class of 1957. Birdie and Sharon married in 1957, and they had two sons, Doug and Drew. Following school, Birdie worked for his father at Raleigh Johnson Motors in Belle Plaine, of which he became a partner with his brother Dean. In 1984, he purchased Marengo Motors, which he operated for many years until he sold and retired. Following retirement, he continued to work part-time for Thys Automotive. Birdie enjoyed golfing, his outings to Arizona and spending time outdoors proudly taking care of his yard. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching Iowa, Iowa State and UNI play, whether on TV or in person. Above all, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Birdie valued friendship and liked to socialize, always looking forward to the Class of 1957 get-togethers. He was a member of the Belle Plaine Fire Department, Christ United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Belle Plaine Country Club, Marengo Kiwanis and Rotary. Birdie is survived by his brother, Dean (Mardell) Johnson; sister-in-law, Norrine (Lonnie) Kahler; sons, Doug (Janet) Johnson and Drew (Susie) Johnson; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; many beloved family members and friends.
James “Jim” Leon Werner, 81, of Charlotte, North Carolina, on January 26, 2021. Jim graduated from Coe College and entered the physical therapy program at the University of Iowa. Upon completion, he served in the U.S. Public Health Service for six years and then went into private practice where he helped many patients over a long career. In his leisure time, Jim enjoyed golf, fishing and sports. Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Connie Kappmeyer ’63; his daughter Lisa (Jeff ’85) Salaway ’87; grandchildren Haley (Brett) Burleigh and Brandon Salaway; great-grandson Jack Burleigh; brother David Werner; sister Janis Werner and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
1962
Wayne Jackson, 85, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on November 3. Wayne graduated from Roosevelt High School in Cedar Rapids and Coe College with a degree in teaching. In 1958, Wayne was united in marriage to Janet Mae Boyle ’60 in Cedar Rapids. He was an elementary physical education teacher for 34 years and served as Marion playground director for 12 years. For 22 years, Wayne detasseled corn during the summers, involving over a thousand kids. He announced and supervised athletic events, coached girls’ basketball and drove a school bus. Wayne ran nine marathons and 75 races. He attended Creekside Bible Church and loved gospel music, singing with choirs, quartets and the Cedar Rapids Symphony. Wayne enjoyed being with his grandchildren and family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Wayne is survived by his wife of 64 years, Janet Jackson; sister Roseann Devening; three children, Natalee (Aaron) Uran, Roxanne (Steve) Ross and Doug (Jennifer) Jackson; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
1963
Larry Elias Ellingson, 80, of Howell, Michigan, on August 29. Larry grew up in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Jefferson High School. He attended Coe College for two years and transferred to Westmar College from which he graduated. In 1962 Larry married Mary Gloege, and the two raised four children. They moved to East Lansing in 1963 where Larry attended Michigan State University for two years. After school he took a job with General Motors in Flint, Michigan. In 1972, Larry changed jobs and worked as a revenue officer for the Internal Revenue Service for 30 years until retiring. He received the Albert Gallatin Award for outstanding service to the IRS. In retirement he worked at Marquette Mountain Ski Hill. His hobbies were gardening and woodworking. He was an active church member. Larry is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Nancy (John) Wilson, Bridgid (Kevin) Rooney, Charles (Patricia) Ellingson and Benjamin Ellingson; seven grandchildren; sisters, Karen (Butch) Gaddis and Linda (Jack) Biedenbach; numerous nieces and nephews.
1964
Robert McInerny, 81, of Lincoln, Nebraska, on September 18. Robert received a bachelor’s degree from Coe College and spent his career in broadcasting, managing radio stations in Waterloo, Iowa; Tallahassee, Florida and Lincoln, Nebraska. He married Sara Lippitt in 1968 in Rockford, Illinois. He was a true outdoorsman. Some of his greatest joys in life were spending time in the duck blind, fishing and deep-sea fishing in the Florida Keys, hunting and training German Shorthaired pointing dogs. He was fortunate to spend time with his son, son-in-law and grandsons and pass along his love for the outdoors. Robert was also an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Nebraska Cornhuskers and Iowa Hawkeyes. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Jesup, Iowa and served on the memorial committee. He enjoyed eating chocolate, gardening, cooking and playing duplicate bridge. He was former president of the Lincoln Duplicate Bridge Club and a member of the American Contract Bridge League, where he achieved Life Master status. The last several years in Iowa he forged deep relationships with the Amish community, and even had a hitching post built in his yard for the Amish to hitch up their horse and buggy when they came to visit. He is survived by his wife, Sara McInerny; son Christopher (Heidi) McInerny; his daughter Amy (John) Andersen ’96 and five grandchildren.
1966
June Webb Silliman, 90, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on October 14. June was born in 1932 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and grew up in New London, Wisconsin. She was a dedicated second-grade teacher and an active amateur archeologist. Her academic studies included Cornell College, University of Wisconsin and Coe College. She is survived by her husband, Charles; three children, Anna, Matthew and Emily; and two grandchildren, Carolyn and Margaret.
1967
George Andrew Harper, 76, of Columbia, South Carolina, on November 22. George was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. He attended the University of Illinois and the University of Madrid, graduating from Coe College in 1967. The same year, George was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps. He seized the opportunity to become a naval aviator and attended flight school in Pensacola, Florida. Thereafter he was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. He served two tours in Vietnam in 1969 and 1972 as an F-4 fighter pilot with VMFA-333, achieving the rank of Captain. Among many accomplishments during his military service was his graduation from the Navy Fighter Weapons School (also known as Top Gun) in 1973. After leaving active duty, George attended University of South Carolina Law School where he served as managing editor of the South Carolina Law Review and was a member of the Order of Wig and Robe. He was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 1979. George practiced labor and employment his entire career, first with Thompson Mann & Hutson in Greenville, South Carolina, and later with Jackson Lewis in Dallas, Atlanta and Greenville. In 1999, he attended his twentieth law school reunion at the home of classmate Corky Erwin; in May 2000, they married and moved to Columbia, South Carolina. He continued to practice law until his retirement in 2022. George’s service in the Marine Corps defined his life in countless ways. He often said the only experience approaching the thrill of flying a high-performance airplane was trying a case against a worthy adversary before a jury. He was blessed to enjoy both experiences hundreds of times. He was also a passionate golf player, skilled photographer and voracious reader of history and current events. He was a member of the Edisto Island Yacht Club and the Orangeburg Country Club. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sue (“Corky”) Erwin Harper; his children Robert (Lisa) Johnston Harper, Katharine (Ken) Anderson Harper Klein and George (Annie) Andrew Harper III; five grandsons; siblings, John (Doris) Robb Harper and Margaret (Joan) Ann Harper; numerous nieces and nephews.
1970
Thomas George McCuskey, 74, of Keokuk, Iowa, on September 8. Tom attended Coe College, where he majored in political science and was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He also worked as a photographer and writer for the college newspaper, the Coe Cosmos, and served as its editor for two years. He was married to Barbara Pollack ’72 from 1970 to 1994. After graduating from Coe in 1970, he spent a year at Southern Illinois University studying history and received his law degree from Drake University in 1974. Tom practiced law in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines for 35 years. He also taught in the paralegal program at Kirkwood Community College for over a decade. He loved teaching, interacting with his students and helping them further their ambitions. He moved to Keokuk in 2009 and worked at Johnson-Schmidt for several years. Tom was a sports enthusiast, attending Iowa football and basketball games and rooting for his hometown Cleveland teams. He also loved to travel and attended the Olympic Games in Rome, Montreal, Los Angeles, Seoul, Barcelona and Atlanta. He passed on his love of travel to his children by including them on family trips domestic and abroad. Tom’s other interests included photography, history, politics, cars, collecting antiques, cooking and his bulldogs Nelson and Abigail. He was an avid reader, especially of current events, and enjoyed sitting on his deck overlooking the Mississippi. However, visiting his grandchildren was always “Papa Mac’s” favorite pastime. He is survived by his “loving committed partner,” as he liked to say, Martha Marsot; children, Erin (Joshua Gustafson) McCuskey, David McCuskey and Ian (Melissa Newman) McCuskey; three grandchildren; several cousins and other extended family.
1971
Nancy Showalter, 82, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on November 21.
1972
Karen Lee Mulherin Soteco, 75, of Marion, Iowa, on November 5. Karen graduated from Regis High School in Cedar Rapids in 1965. After Regis, she attended Coe College and Thunderbird College in Phoenix, Arizona, where she received her master’s degree. Through the years, Karen has worked as a social worker, insurance broker and dental hygienist. Her most recent job was director of economic development in Muscatine, where she worked until her retirement in 2010. Karen was a woman of many talents and passions. She enjoyed attending book club and reading as much as she could, and she had recently started taking guitar lessons. Karen loved to go to the movies with friends, playing games with her grandchildren and spending time with friends and family. Karen is survived by daughter Erin Soteco; son Brian (Esther) Soteco; sister Diane (Richard) Rezek; brother Michael (Nancy) Mulherin; five grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Steven Hicks, 69, of New Orleans, Louisiana, on September 4, 2020. Steven lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, with his wife after having retired from a highly-awarded 40-year advertising and political consulting career primarily based in Jackson, Mississippi. He was the author of five novels and seven New Orleans Dining Guides. He is survived by his wife Liliclaire; brother Paul (Jane) Hicks; two nephews; daughter Cecily (Jeff) Stevens and granddaughter Bridget.
1976
Laverne “Vern” G. Atwater, 70, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, on December 26. Vern was a graduate of Marion High School and Coe College. He loved his family, kettlebells, bikes, “The Far Side,” Motown music, traveling, shooting, politics and a good argument. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Libby and Kirk (Taylor); siblings, Sharon (Gary) Knapp, Sue Kelly and Larry (Sue Peterson ’98) Atwater ’82; and many nieces and nephews.
Carol Griffin Hammond, 67, of Saint Charles, Illinois, on October 14. Carol was born in San Francisco in 1954 and attended St. Joseph High School in Hilo, Hawaii. She relocated to Cedar Rapids to study religion in philosophy at Coe College. She married Gene Hammond in 1979, and their partnership was full of laughter, love, two children and more dramatic relocations including Roswell, Georgia; Naperville, Illinois, and San Diego, California. Carol loved helping students and served as a special education aide at Neuqua Valley High School, with English language learners at Scripps Ranch High School and as a testing assistant at Heartland Community College. She strived to live healthy, carefully journaling her blood sugar levels, living with Type 2 Diabetes. She taught her family to be endlessly optimistic and empathetic and to leave the Earth better than they found it. She understood that her blood — O negative — is the most needed type for transfusions, so she donated often. She will be remembered for her stories, kindness, love of plants and animals and warm smile. Carol lost Gene to cancer in 2006 after 26 years of marriage. When a pre-dawn electrical fire engulfed her apartment complex in 2018, she banged on doors to wake up her neighbors. The Bloomington, Illinois firefighters credited her with saving lives — everyone escaped without injury. She moved to Saint Charles, Illinois, to be closer to her grandson Peter. She is survived by her mother, Alexa Griffin; brothers, J.P. Griffin and Mike Griffin; daughter Elizabeth Hammond; son Griffin (Amy Stringwell) Hammond; grandson Peter and many dear friends.
1978
Daniel J. Murray, 72, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, on August 19. Dan served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971. He then went on to begin a 46-year career caring for others as a nurse. He graduated with his R.N. from Holy Name Hospital School of Nursing, bachelor’s degree in nursing from Coe College and master’s of business administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Dan devoted his life to helping others, and helping veterans was his particular passion. Between his regular nursing positions, he traveled the United States as a nurse, going everywhere from Texas to Maine to Barrow, Alaska. He worked at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, until he retired in June 2021. Even retired, Dan continued to work at Adams Memorial Hospital in Decatur, Indiana, and the Fort Wayne TinCaps baseball team. Dan loved life and people gravitated towards him everywhere he went. He was the life of the party with his dry sense of humor. All Dan ever wanted was to make other people happy and comfortable. His strong faith was his foundation as he continuously and selflessly helped others. His was a life well-lived and loved by so many. Dan was an amazing man, husband, brother, uncle, nurse and friend. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; sisters, Kathleen Lynch and Eileen Murray; nieces, Jennifer (Eric) Harrigan and Catherine (Dennis) Daly; nephews, Michael Nemeth and Michael Stubbmann; stepchildren, John (Meredith) Pollard, Janelle (Jacob) Didion and Meghan (Bernard) Pollard; many great-nieces, nephews and friends.
1981
Alicia Naylor Goehring, 61, of San Francisco, California, on August 23. Alicia received her bachelor’s degree in history and business from Coe College and her master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Ball State University. Alicia married Jerry Goehring ’81 in 1981. She had several remarkable achievements in her career starting with being the first director of the Burlington National Main Street Program. She served as director of the Bureau of Downtown Development, director of the Division of Historical Preservation and various other director positions at the Wisconsin Historical Society during her 32 years in Wisconsin. She then took a “retirement job” in San Francisco as executive director/CEO of the California Historical Society. She passed away after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Alicia is survived by her husband, Jerry; her three sisters, Jan (Peter) Allan, Pat (Bill) Larsen and Debbie (Andy) Opiekun; her brother-in-law, Duane; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
1983
Sally May, 74, of Poinciana, Florida, on November 5. Sally graduated from Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids and found employment at Quaker Oats, where she worked for over 30 years. During that time, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Coe College and master’s degree from University of Phoenix. Sally retired from Quaker Oats and moved to Florida to work with her brother Tim at his business, Florida RS Technology. Sally loved celebrating holidays with family where she was sure to have new dishes and lots of dessert. She and her husband Richard traveled the world, hitting all the continents. Sally was learning mahjong and had become an adept basket weaver. She enjoyed her friends and their outings at her community of Solivita. She is survived by husband, Richard May; daughter, Casandra (Matt) Coon; brother, Tim (Charlotte) Spacek and sisters, Judy (Juan) Aguilar and Leanne (Gene Portz) Spacek.
1986
William “Bill” Hull Drennan, 83, of Clear Lake, Iowa, on April 8, 2019. Bill attended Iowa State College, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in engineering operations. He met his bride-to-be, Nadine Sue Tesene in the Iowa State College student union. In 1960, Bill and Nadine married and moved to Cedar Rapids, where they lived for the next 29 years. In 1963, they took their most adventurous trip — touring Great Britain and Europe for the summer on “five dollars a day” in a blue VW bug purchased in Wolfsburg, Germany. It was a trip of a lifetime, and Bill and Nadine recently enjoyed finding their many postcards to family describing their travels. The two spent 58 years together — enjoying friends, cruises, their children and grandchildren, and a deep love for the Iowa land. Bill’s family always said he was born to be an engineer. He worked in engineering for Collins Radio, Divine Engineering and 25 years in milling engineering at Quaker Oats. He later received a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Coe College. After retirement, Bill and Nadine moved to his family farm where the Drennans have lived for 150 years. They later moved near Clear Lake to Nadine’s family farm. Bill and his brother, Hugh Hull Drennan, were close and embarked on many sailing adventures over the years. Bill was also known for his dry sense of humor and wit, analytical mind and love of sailing and Irish family history. He was a wonderful grandpa, loving husband and wonderful father. He is survived by his wife, Nadine; his daughters, Kathleen Sue (Kelly) Allen and Heather Lynn (James Bowles) Drennan; and five grandchildren.
1991
Jo Ann Kathryn R. Scheer, 88, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on September 28. Jo Ann was born on June 15, 1934. She is survived by two children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Former Trustees
Archibald “Arch” McClure, 99, of Evanston, Illinois, on August 6. Upon graduation from the Hotchkiss School in 1940 and Yale University in 1944, Archibald was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy. He served as a combat information center officer and later an executive officer on a destroyer with two convoy escort runs in the Atlantic and operations as a picket ship to support carrier task forces in the Pacific. Upon retirement from the Navy as a lieutenant in 1946, Arch joined the engineering department of the Quaker Oats Company and worked at plants in Memphis, Tennessee; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; St Joseph, Missouri, and eventually settling the family in Kenilworth, Illinois. He retired from Quaker as an executive vice president and director in 1979. He then served as vice president in administration of the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in Chicago until retirement in 1988. He served on the Board of Directors of the Quaker Oats Company, Holiday Inn, First Illinois Bank and Sciaky Brothers. He supported many charitable, educational and civic organizations such as National Boy Scouts, IIT and United Fund; served as president of School and Kenilworth Union Church Boards, Presbyterian Home and United Religions Initiative; and served on the Coe College Board of Trustees from 1970 to 1977. Arch was married to Sallie Van Norden for 40 years and was father to children, Archibald (Susie), John (Lisa), Sallie (Justin) Stanley and Marion (Gene) Cartwright. He has eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was then married to Anne Cunningham Downey for 28 years and was the stepfather to her five daughters, Wells (Henry) Hamilton, Place Tegland, Brooks (Rod) Newton, Susan McLean and Anne Wallace, eleven grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. Arch and Anne maintained residences in San Francisco, California; Harbor Springs, Michigan; Vero Beach, Florida, and Evanston, Illinois. Arch nearly made it to his 100th birthday on August 19. Family love remained as what mattered most to him.
Faculty/Staff
Associate Professor of Business Administration and Economics Emeritus Dwight Wesley Hansen, 73, of Bellevue, Wisconsin, on November 26. Dwight was raised on his family’s farm, graduated from Superior High School and attended the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. During his freshman year, he met the love of his life, Janet Jo Harris, and the two married in 1971. Dwight taught accounting at Iowa State University for two years while earning his CPA and CMA. Professor Hansen’s service to Coe began in 1978, and he taught accounting courses for the college until his retirement in 2016. His success in the classroom was affirmed by a frequent best in the state pass rate on the CPA exam for Coe's accounting graduates and the distinguished careers in finance and accounting enjoyed by his many students. Dwight’s Christian faith and his family were always foremost in his life. In December 1977, Dwight and Jan were blessed with the arrival of their son, James Wesley Hansen, of whom Dwight was very proud. His love shined brightly to all who knew him, and friends, family and students alike gravitated to him. He was kind and caring, committed to his students and full of generosity to others. To know Dwight was to also appreciate his unbounded enthusiasm for all things Nebraska Cornhuskers and world travel. He and his wife Jan visited over 100 countries and he often mixed stories of his on-the-road adventures into his lectures. After retiring in 2015, Dwight and Jan moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, to be close to their son, daughter-in-law Erica and grandson Joseph. Dwight relished getting to teach Joseph during the COVID-19 pandemic, and taught him so much that Joseph was moved to the next grade for mathematics. Dwight had an exuberance for spending time with his grandson, was up for any activity and always looked for fun things they could do together. Dwight is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janet; his son, James Wesley (Erica) Hansen; grandson, Joseph; three sisters and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Professor of Philosophy Emeritus Peter McCormick, 79, of Scotts Valley, California, on August 29.
Peter held a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, a master’s in computer science from the University of Iowa and bachelor’s degrees from Cornell College and Oxford University. A Rhodes Scholar, Peter also studied at Oxford for three years, with additional support as a recipient of the Woodrow Wilson and Danforth graduate fellowships. He taught the students of Coe from 1974 until his retirement in 2018, working as a professor in the philosophy and computer science programs for almost half a century. During his Coe career, Peter held several roles beyond his teaching duties. He helped establish the honors program and served as the first honors program advisor in 1982. Peter was quick to see the transformative impact of computing and played a critical role in integrating the internet to campus operations as Coe’s first director of academic computing in 1994. Through this work, he helped create a campus-wide computer network connecting Coe to what was then the new technology of the internet. Peter firmly believed in a liberal arts education and vibrant campus experience, and in addition to constantly advocating for the importance of developing a breadth of knowledge, was a familiar presence at athletics and campus events. Beyond his incredible intellect, Peter was a gifted athlete. He will be missed.
Professor of Theatre Arts Emeritus Michael Erwin Pufall, 86, of Hartwell, Georgia, on October 9. Michael proudly served our country in the U.S. Army. He taught at Coe College from 1976 to 2000, shaping the lives of students and Coe’s theater productions for almost 25 years. Together with his wife Candace, who also taught in the theater department for over 20 years, the Pufalls were invested in providing a full and hands-on theater experience for their students and putting on first-rate productions that drew people to see their shows again and again. Michael continuously sought to improve his craft as an actor, and he was described as “an animated, witty person with a suitably dramatic voice” by the Cedar Rapids Gazette. More than anything, Michael and Candace cared about and were proud of their students, keeping in touch with alumni across the world. For his spirit, talent and dedication to his students and Coe College, Michael will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife Candace and siblings, Kathryn Sangiovanni and Peter Pufall.
Retired assistant alumni director and director of parent programs Kate Louise Rose, 72, of Mount Vernon, Iowa, on September 10. She graduated from Southwest High School and moved in with her brother Scott and his family after losing both her parents. She formed a particularly close bond with her nephews and niece during this time, a love that continued the rest of her life. In 1970, she married Richard Rose. They were members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, taking active roles in both the youth group and Camp Lawton. The Roses moved to Mount Vernon in 1983 and Kate took up causes near and dear to her heart, tirelessly fundraising for educational initiatives and performing volunteer work. Kate worked for Coe for approximately 20 years and strived to improve the alumni experience for generations of Kohawks through reunions, Homecoming and other special events programming. After her retirement in 2014, she remained active in the Coe community. She was an active, change-making force in the Cedar Rapids community for over 30 years, including co-founding a Reading Camp in partnership with the Jane Boyd Community House; serving as president and board member of Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group and Southeast Linn Community Center; and as a member of Exploring Inclusive Communities, Extraordinary Women, Entre Nous and the League of Women Voters. Kate is survived by her husband of 51 years, Richard; son Scott; Nicholas (Michaelann); four granddaughters and six nieces and nephews.