Summer 2021 Courier Obituaries
Obituaries
1940
Jane Dunlap Hagge, 103, of Hankinson, North Dakota, on January 19. Jane lived most of her life in Cedar Rapids and was a lifelong, dedicated member of First Congregational United Church of Christ. She was active in the community, volunteering at St. Luke's Hospital, YWCA and her PEO chapter. Through her volunteer work with the YWCA, she helped establish the first women's shelter in Cedar Rapids. She also was a strong supporter of the Iowana Council of Campfire Girls. Jane is survived by six children, Joanne Dunnick, Barbara Trom, Douglas Rice, Nancy Woodley, Mary Ketelsen and Tina Pace; two daughters-in-law; 21 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
1943
Grace Douma Shaw, 98, of Middleton, Wisconsin, on December 17. After graduating from Coe, Grace taught high school history and directed the women’s dorm at Coe. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where she eventually became the assistant to the dean of women. She met and married Joseph Lee Shaw and left to raise three children, returning to the campus in 1963 as assistant dean in the College of Letters and Science and later becoming the assistant director of the Faculty Advising Service, a position she held until her retirement in 1990. Grace volunteered with many organizations, serving as the moderator of First Congregational United Church of Christ and organizing many book sales for Friends of the Madison Public Library. She is survived by her children, Ruth Striegel, Jonathan Shaw and David Shaw; her brother, Wallace Douma; four grandchildren; five nieces; and four nephews.
Kathryn Fleu Foulkes, 99, of Rock Island, Illinois, on February 1. Kathryn worked as an office manager in the Dietetics and Nutrition Department of University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics while her husband, Robert Foulkes ’40, finished his post-doctoral work. Kathryn was an active woman and was involved in many organizations. She was a 75-plus-year member of Chi Omega Sorority; a member of Quad City Pan-Hellenic; a past president of the Putnam Museum Guild, which organized seven bus trips to the King Tut exhibit at the Field Museum in Chicago in the late 1970s; a member of the Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society and Rock Island County Historical Society; a past member of the Davenport Rainbow Assembly, where she received their Grand Cross; served as president of Rock Island Rainbow Mother's Club; a current 50-plus-year member of Orion OES; and an associate member of Moline Hi-12 and Kaaba Shrine. She also belonged to the Quad City Botanical Center; American Association of University Women; AUW; Republican Women of Rock Island County; was a charter member of the Cornish Welsh Heritage Society of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois; German American Heritage Center in Davenport, Iowa; Iowa Welsh Society, Welsh Gymanfa Ganu Association of Wisconsin; and Welsh North American Association. Genealogy was a major interest of Kathryn’s, and she would work on it while accompanying Robert to the Cymdeithas Madog Welsh Language Schools. She traveled extensively with Robert to places such as Wales, England, Ireland, the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Germany on a tour of their ancestral homesteads. She is survived by her daughter, Gwen Foulkes; a cousin; and Robert’s three nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert.
1944
Frank “Richard” Whitters, 98, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on December 12. Richard served as a turret gunner in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He earned three Air Medals, five battle stars to the Asiatic Pacific Medal, the American Defense Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal, in addition to other awards and citations. Following his service, Richard returned to Iowa and attended the University of Iowa, graduating in 1948. While attending the university, he also met his wife, Frances. He started his own construction company, Whitters Home Builders, and built more than 600 homes over more than 40 years, helping many families to own homes for the first time and developing numerous neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids during the post-war decades. As his family got older, he bought a small farm in 1967 to provide the space and resources for them to raise corn and cattle and to camp, hunt and fish. He was active in and generously supported various church and community causes, including the Salvation Army, The Arc and later Discovery Living on behalf of his son, Sam, who thrived with Down syndrome until his death in 2005. Richard is survived by eight of his children, Tim Whitters, Mark Whitters, Al Whitters, Gina Kerwin, Matthew Whitters, Eric Whitters, Laurie Matlin and Janet Nowakowski; 18 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
1947
June Henrichs Buol, 94, of Scotch Grove, Iowa, on November 3. Throughout her life, June worked at Energy Manufacturing, Yeastex, Kromminga Motors, Fred Iben Excavating, Lasso E RV Inc., Dee Gosling & Company, Job Service of Iowa and Jones Regional Medical Center. In addition to these jobs, she was very proud to have worked at Balster’s Implement and Parts Company from 1952-2009. June and her husband, Robert, farmed in the Scotch Grove area. She was a founding member of Midland Council of Churches and a founding member of the Scotch Grove Pinochle club. She was the treasurer at Scotch Grove Presbyterian Church for many years and was a correspondent for the Monticello Express. June is survived by five daughters, Janet Buol, Jeri Smith, Jill Krapfl, Jayne Lyons and Jacqueline Buol; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law; three chosen sisters of her heart; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Audrey Hubner Timm, 93, of Rock Island, Illinois, on November 30. Audrey was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church where she participated in various organizations and Bible studies. She is survived by her children, John Timm, Barbara Rauh and Robert Timm; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Edwin Timm ’47.
1948
Ruth Burlton Lamb, 93, of Robins, Iowa, on November 4. Ruth married Laddie “Bud” Lamb. She served as the Kennedy Booster Club treasurer for 43 years. She is survived by her daughters, Cindy Watson and Pam Kloubec; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Dorothy Gill Barnes, 93, of Worthington, Ohio, on November 23. Dorothy studied at Coe, Minneapolis School of Art, Cranbrook Academy and University of Iowa, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art education. She taught at Parsons College where she met her husband, Marshall, and moved to Ohio when he joined the faculty at The Ohio State University. As her family grew, Dorothy continued to explore a variety of art forms including ceramics, basketry and textiles. She spent a year teaching industrial arts at Worthington Junior High School and was an instructor for many years at Capital University in Bexley. She began to exhibit basketry and other artworks internationally, and as her work evolved, she became widely known for innovative sculpture using natural materials including bark, wood and stone. She was a sought-after art instructor and mentor who often would collaborate with or trade pieces with artists who used other media. She taught and participated in residencies and workshops in Denmark, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Canada, as well as throughout the United States. She continued to work with students as a visiting artist in the glass area of the Department of Art at The Ohio State University until 2018. Dorothy had a long history of activism in the civil rights and anti-war movements. She supported environmental conservation, Honduras Hope and Habitat for Humanity, where she was a longtime volunteer. Dorothy was a fellow of the American Craft Council and received lifetime achievement awards from the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the National Basketry Organization. Other awards include the Raymond J. Hanley Award, Outstanding Artist Educator from Penland School of Craft, an Individual Artist Governor's Award for the Arts in Ohio and four Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowships. Her work is in the collections of the Columbus Museum of Art, de Young Museum of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Mint Museum, Museum of Arts and Design (New York), Racine Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian's American Art Museum, among others. She also exhibited her work in the comprehensive retrospective “In Nature” held at the Mansfield Arts Center in 2018 and in a major mid-career survey “From the Woods” hosted by The Ohio Craft Museum in 1999. Her work is represented by browngrotta arts in Wilton, Connecticut. Dorothy is survived by her children, David, Gordon, Ted and Juliet Barnes; a sister, Mary Teschner; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jo Ann Miller Reese, 94, of Springville, Iowa, on October 24. In addition to Coe, Jo Ann attended Iowa State University. She married Clarence Tudeen, who predeceased her, and later married Harold Reese, who also preceded her in death. She worked at Killian's Department Store in downtown Cedar Rapids and Lindale Mall for 10 years as a supervisor of the Ready to Wear department, then as a transporter at Mercy Hospital in the Radiation Center before working as a certified nursing aide providing home health for Gentiva Home Health for many years, retiring in 2009. She was an active member of the Springville Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder and deacon for many years as well as being part of the United Presbyterian Women's group. She also was a member of the Springville Garden Club, Book Club and Red Hat Society. Jo Ann is survived by two sons, Stephen and John Tudeen; two daughters, Patricia Harris and Melinda Hoyt; 13 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.
Phyllis Wise Kurtz, 94, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on November 14. Phyllis married Donald Kurtz and moved to Naperville, Illinois, where she began her lifelong career as an elementary school teacher, including three decades in Eau Claire. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire in 1966. After she retired, she taught English to Hmong immigrants in Eau Claire. Professionally, she belonged to the Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK) teacher sorority and Eau Claire Area Retired Educators Association. She was an active member of First Congregational Church where she sang in the Senior Choir, taught Sunday school, participated in Altar Guild and Kindred Spirits book group, funded the establishment of the Creation Justice program and tirelessly promoted environmental, peace and justice initiatives. Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Janet Kurtz; one grandchild; and two great-grandchildren.
1949
John Aten, 95, of Lake Forest, Illinois, on January 27. Prior to attending Coe, John attended Iowa State College (now Iowa State University) and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1943-1946 as a B-29 crew member in the 21st Bomber Command of the Asian-Pacific theater. Following his service, he attended Coe, married Gertrude Dell and completed his undergraduate education at the University of Iowa. After post-graduate microbiology studies, he moved to Libertyville, Illinois, with his family in 1950 to begin employment with Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago, retiring in 1980. John is a founding member and elder of Hope Evangelical Presbyterian Church and a former 50-year active member, deacon and elder of First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville. He was active in the Boy Scouts and several professional societies associated with his work at Abbott. John is survived by his son, John Dell; and two grandchildren.
Barbara Bennett Hyer, 94, of Anchorage, Alaska, on February 10, 2020. Prior to attending Coe, Barbara moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the FBI and obtained her private pilot’s license in 1944, a remarkable accomplishment for a woman in that era. She returned to Iowa to attend college and satisfy the requirements to become a stewardess with Northwest Airlines and was stationed in Spokane, Washington. She married Roland Hyer and started a family, then began working for the superintendent of West Valley School District. While balancing the demands of wife, mother and working full time, she returned to Eastern Washington University to attend night classes and summer school. Over the course of several determined years, she earned her bachelor's degree in education, followed by a master's degree in guidance and counseling. She taught for 10 years in the West Valley School District, then moved on as a guidance counselor for 20 years in Spokane School District 81, retiring in 1987. Throughout retirement, Barbara and Roland traveled to Alaska every summer for over 20 years, and Barbara earned an Alaska Trophy Class Certificate for catching a 65-pound king salmon. She volunteered at Faith Bible Church and was involved in numerous professional organizations such as Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society, Christian Business and Professional Women's Council and Alpha Gamma Delta. Barbara is survived by her son, Terry; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her compassionate caregiver, Linda Roedl.
Gladys Conley Collette, 92, of Anoka, Minnesota, on October 29. Gladys taught in Anoka Hennepin School district for 35 years until her retirement from Mississippi Elementary School. She volunteered and was a member of the choir at Anoka United Methodist Church. Gladys is survived by her husband of 71 years, Rufus “Bud” Collette ’50; her children, Cheryl Collette Weismann ’72, Randy, Chris and Patty; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Robert Connell, 97, of Alma, Michigan, on April 23, 2020.
Richard Havlik, 92, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on December 11. Richard played football at Coe. He worked as a geophysicist in the oil industry and traveled all over the world. He returned to Cedar Rapids in 1970 and was involved with commercial real estate. Richard is survived by his wife of over 67 years, Alicia; his sons, Ric Havlik and Joseph Havlik ’78 and his wife, Sheree Whitters Havlik ’80; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Elinor Kanaske Day, 93, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on December 10. After graduating from Coe, Elinor worked as a reporter for the Cedar Rapids Gazette. She later earned her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Iowa. She became chief communications officer for the Cedar Rapids Public Schools and subsequently directed the communications programs for two different Cedar Rapids-based insurance companies and Mount Mercy College (now Mount Mercy University). She started and ran her own public relations consulting firm on two separate occasions and was the co-founder and first president of the Cedar Valley Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. She also wrote and/or edited five books. In the community, Elinor served as a library board member, helping to win private and public bond approval of a new public library after five public bond issues had failed previously. She was active with the Catherine McAuley Center and United Way of Linn County and served on advisory boards for Discovery Living and the regional Salvation Army. She stayed connected to Coe throughout her life, volunteering as a class representative and class reunion chair, serving as chair of the advisory board for the Coe Partners Program and receiving the Alumni Award of Merit in 1999. Elinor is survived by three sons, James, Jonathan Day ’78 and Tom; a daughter, Ann Day Freeman ’83; a sister, Thama; eight grandchildren, including Janey Day ’17; a niece; and a nephew. She was predeceased by her husband, Jim Day ’48.
Gwendolyn Mix, 96, of Des Moines, Iowa, on November 30. Gwen was deaf from birth and earned her degree from Coe without the aid of an interpreter — she relied on sitting up front in her classes and studying the notes from helpful classmates. After graduation, she trained at a Catholic hospital in Dubuque to become a lab technician. She returned to Des Moines and worked in the hematology lab, the microbiology lab and the blood bank at Methodist Hospital until she retired in 1980. Gwen frequently attended performances at the Civic Center and the Des Moines Community Playhouse, which had American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for the benefit of deaf attendees. To help the deaf community, she donated to the Civic Center and the Playhouse to help provide ASL interpreters for their performances and educational programs. Her commitment to helping the deaf community also led her to support several deaf organizations and to teach ASL to members of Grace United Methodist Church and fellow residents where she lived. Her legacy will live on with the funding she will provide to a college training program for ASL interpreters. Her generosity extended beyond the deaf community, as she contributed to many nonprofits helping the homeless, children and animals. Gwen loved to visit local parks, especially Yellow Banks and Easter Lake, and she wanted to share her love of nature with others. Easter Lake now has two pollinator gardens, one handicapped accessible, and Jester Park has the Petra Alward Bouldering Room, all made possible by Gwen. An adventurer at heart, Gwen often traveled on her own or with friends and always encouraged others to do the same. She visited all 50 states and several European, Asian and Latin American countries. Her journeys also included New Zealand and Australia. Gwen is survived by her extended family and many friends.
Mary Neff, 91, wife of the late John Neff ’49, of Atlanta, Georgia, on February 3. Mary earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Purdue University. She worked in the mathematical research department at Bell Telephone Laboratories and earned her doctorate in mathematics from the University of Florida in 1956. She became the first female faculty member at John Carroll University, an all-male Jesuit school. Mary later became a mathematics professor at Emory University, where she mentored numerous students and was the program director of the NSF Summer Program for High Ability Secondary School Students. She was actively involved in state and national organizations that promoted the teaching of mathematics. Mary served as a trustee of Coe College, completing her husband’s term after John passed away in 1998. She was subsequently named an honorary trustee for the rest of her life.
Gloria Peterson, 93, of Omaha, Nebraska, on January 8. Gloria met her husband, Norman, after moving to Chicago, and they moved to Sioux City, Iowa, in 1956 and raised two daughters. She was an active member of Augustana Lutheran Church. In 1984, Gloria and Norman retired to Bella Vista, Arkansas, and Gloria continued her church involvement as a member of United Lutheran, where she retained her membership. The final four years of her life were spent at Immanuel Lakeside Lighthouse community in Omaha. Gloria is survived by her daughters, Kristine Peterson and Kim Coleman; and two grandchildren.
Patricia Tanner O’Neall, 93, of Hatchechubbee, Alabama, on November 30. Patricia completed graduate work in the management training program at Radcliff College in 1950. Throughout her career she worked as a machinist at Minnesota Filler, a store clerk at Hamilton Stores in Yellowstone National Park, a counselor at the Annex of Freshmen Women at Coe, a counselor for the Camp Fire Girls, a clerk at J.C. Penney stores, a waitress at Maid-Rite in Cedar Rapids, in the actuarial department at New England Mutual Insurance Company in Boston, in quality control and production scheduling at Champion Lamp Company in Massachusetts, as a sales clerk and bookkeeper at Owantonna Hatchery in Minnesota and also worked at Fairchild Engine & Airplane Corporation and Atlas Engineering Corporation in Tennessee. Patricia and her husband, John, owned two world-champion bird dogs, and Patricia was the first female field trialer in the Field Trials Association of America. She also attended Hatchechubbee Baptist Church.
Mary Ellen Vavra Lander, 93, of Columbus, Ohio, on December 4. Mary Ellen earned her master’s degree in music education from Kansas State University, where she met her husband, Wayne. Throughout her career as a piano teacher, she brought the joy of music to a crowd of children and adults. After their retirements, Mary Ellen and Wayne took extended RV trips to National Parks, mostly in the western U.S., Alaska, Florida and Canada. Mary Ellen belonged to the choral group of her local chapter of the American Association of University Women. She was a longtime member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Columbus. She volunteered as a teacher of adult literacy and children's peace school; supported low-income housing, voting campaigns, mental health and addiction services; and served as a docent with the Columbus Zoo and Columbus Metro Parks, to name a few. She and Wayne were nominated for Citizens of the World awards by their friends. Mary Ellen is survived by her children, Linette Lander, Janet Hoyt and Patricia Kronk; her sister, Shirley Wood; four grandchildren; and cousins, nieces and nephews.
1950
John Lorenz, 92, of Bullhead City, Arizona, on December 21. John served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, then returned to his hometown of Clinton, Iowa, and worked as a chemist at DuPont. He was active in Western Star Lodge No. 100 and served as worshipful master in 1964. He was active at St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he served as congregational president for eight years. He was elected to the Iowa Synod Board of the Lutheran Church in America, serving eight years and on the Bishops Committee for the merger of the Lutheran churches. After retirement from DuPont, he moved to California and worked as parish coordinator at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Laguna Hills and was a dispatcher for the Leisure World Security organization. He joined Zelzah Shrine in Las Vegas in 2005. John is survived by his wife, Carolyn S. Berry Lorenz.
Darlene Neprash Lodge, 91, of Decatur, Georgia, on December 24. After attending Coe, Darlene earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Wheaton College. She then attended graduate school at New York Theological Seminary and the University of Iowa School of Social Work. She was a social worker for 14 years and retired as a taxpayer service specialist after 13 years with the Internal Revenue Service. After retirement, she volunteered at Our House in Decatur, a day care center for homeless children. Later in Pickens County, she and her husband, Donald Lodge ’54, were active in the Marble Valley Historical Society, Sharptop Arts and Crafts Association and Sassafras Literary Society. Returning to the Atlanta area, she played the accordion monthly in a volunteer group at Mountain View Personal Care Home. Darlene is survived by her husband, Donald; three daughters from her first marriage to Carroll D. Payne, Lynette Payne, Sandra Payne and Karen Payne Morris; four stepchildren, John W. Lodge, Jeffery G. Lodge, Elizabeth Ann Lodge Hesskamp and Stuart W. Lodge; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
1951
Phyllis Hamilton Babb, 91, of Southbury, Connecticut, on October 2. At Coe, Phyllis was elected class beauty queen and met her husband, Robert Babb ’51. She taught elementary school in Westfield, New Jersey for 25 years. She moved to Southbury in 1993 to be closer to her daughter. She often planned and hosted social gatherings in Heritage Village and played piano at the Lutheran Church of Oxford. She later moved to Pomperaug Woods. Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Patti Harris; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Robert.
Daryl Northrop, 91, of Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 26. Daryl served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1951-1953, spending most of his service at the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in California. He worked at Bankers Life in Des Moines, Iowa, and United Way in Fort Wayne, Indiana, retiring from United Way in Indianapolis in 1991. He married Marjorie Keyworth Northrop, and they later divorced. He was a member of the Church of Christ, Scientist where he met his second wife, Iris Valeen Swartout. He supported the Christian Science church by serving on several boards and committees and also contributed to numerous charities. Daryl is survived by his son, Daryl Alexander Northrop; stepson, Patrick Charles Yarusso; many Swartout stepchildren and grandchildren; and four nieces and nephews.
1952
George Dostal, 92, of Palm Desert, California, on December 6. George served in the U.S. Marine Corps. After going through boot camp at Camp Pendleton, he spent two years’ active duty in China. He then attended Coe on the GI Bill, where he met his wife, Lois Danford Dostal ’52. After graduating from Coe, he did graduate work at Iowa State University. George spent 27 years in the U.S. Air Force in Tactical Air Command. He was a navigator and helped flight test the F-4 Phantom, F-111 and B-1 bomber, among others during his career. He did a tour in Vietnam in 1968-1969 and flew F-4 Phantoms out of Tan Son Nhat Air Force Base in Saigon. His final tour before retirement from the Air Force was at Edwards Air Force Base. He then worked for Boeing for 14 years, mostly in the B-1 bomber program. After retiring from Boeing, George and Lois lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from 1989-2016. He moved to Palm Desert in 2016 to be near family. George is survived by his sons, Steve, Casey and John; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Lois.
LaDonna Hora, 89, of Clutier, Iowa, on October 29. LaDonna earned her nursing degree from St. Luke’s in Cedar Rapids. She worked as a nurse in Cedar Rapids for a short time, then moved to Oregon and continued working in nursing. She later moved back to Iowa and worked at the Oakdale Sanatorium and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics until retiring. She was a member of the Clutier Legion Auxiliary. LaDonna is survived by several cousins.
Lois Strother Davis, 89, of Lisbon, Iowa, on January 2. Lois married John “Hank” Harley Davis Jr., settled into farm life north of Mount Vernon and raised three children. Lois and Hank later divorced. She tended to her family's needs as her kids grew up and also cultivated her own involvement in philanthropic organizations. Her enthusiasm of the arts was reflected in her support of Orchestra Iowa and Theatre Cedar Rapids, as well as performing with a local professional choir, the Cantata Singers, for numerous years. She was a member of PEO Chapter IH, Beethoven Club, Cedar Rapids Symphony Guild and Alpha Xi Delta Sorority Alumnae, and she proudly served as president of each of these organizations. Lois’s faith and dedication to Christ Episcopal Church was boundless, and she served on various boards through the years and as senior warden of the Vestry. A 60-year choir veteran, she also directed the children's choir for several years. What started as a music volunteer project at Tanager Place (a nonprofit residential mental health treatment facility for children) eventually evolved into a 20-year career in music therapy. The program started from nothing and transformed into the mainstream curriculum, all under Lois's diligence. She got involved in the Strother Society thanks to her sister-in-law's interest in genealogy, and in the 1980s, she attended the first (present day) Strother Reunion in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She worked her way through the ranks, ultimately becoming president of the Strother Society. Lois loved to travel; some of her favorite trips included her church choir touring and performing at cathedrals in the United Kingdom and a rare genealogy trek to the United Kingdom for a Strother Conference. Retirement found Lois residing at Cottage Grove Place, after leaving her cherished Mount Vernon farm home of 66 years. Other residents delighted, and oftentimes requested, to hear her play her baby grand piano. One of her last opportunities had been involvement in a mentoring program at Washington High School where she continued her lifelong love of learning and helping others to learn. Lois is survived by her three children, Ann, Jay and Kate Davis Bair ’81; her brother, Richard Strother; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
1953
Robert Coppess, 93, of Center Junction, Iowa, on February 28. Robert served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He married Patricia Crock and was a lifetime farmer, raising both crops and livestock. In earlier years, he sold Moorman’s Feed. He was an avid aviator and was a private pilot for over 55 years. He was a lifelong member of the Stanwood Union Church and was a past commander of the Hegarty-Busching Legion Post 348 in Stanwood. He is survived by his sons, Robert M. (Max) III, Michael W., David L., W. Brent, Brian B. and Cameron S.; his daughter, M. Dawn; 19 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Bruce Dunn, 89, of Orinda, California, on October 16. Bruce served as a captain in the United States Air Force Reserve; his military service included a tour of duty in Germany in the mid-1950s. After his service, he moved west and began his professional career in property and casualty insurance claims as an adjuster trainee in the Los Angeles office of Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in 1957. He joined Industrial Indemnity Company not long after and in the late 1960s transferred to Industrial Indemnity's San Francisco headquarters where he ultimately retired in 1991 as a senior vice president. During his career, Bruce was a member of the International Association of Insurance Counsel and was a past president of the Pacific Claim Executives Association. He also served on the Industry Advisory Council of National Association of the Independent Insurance Adjusters and was a past chairman of the Claims Advisory Committee for the state of California Department of Insurance Fraud Bureau. Bruce is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ann; his son, Tom; and two grandchildren.
James McGrew, 92, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on December 10. Before attending Coe, James attended Iowa State University and Cornell College, where he met his wife, Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Jacobi. Throughout his career, James was a school bus driver and a math teacher, and he retired as a production manager from the Square D Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Palatine, Illinois. After retirement, he became a business financial advisor. He handled bookkeeping for his wife’s business, Mary Louise Interiors, and for dear family members and worked for many years as an H&R Block seasonal tax preparer. While in Cedar Rapids, James was a vibrant member of First Lutheran Church, serving as a choir member and youth leader, and he wrote a centennial history of the church. He had a love for music and enjoyed singing and playing the piano, trombone, guitar and ukulele. He also "red-capped" in the Meth-Wick transportation system and held a leadership role for the Brendel Hill neighborhood. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mary Lou; his daughters, Sara Ellison and Claudia McCoy; his sister, Lillian Stuhr; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many dear nieces and nephews.
Richard Smith, 89, of Phoenix, Arizona, on January 4. After attending Coe, Richard earned his bachelor’s and medical degrees from the University of Iowa. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and began practicing medicine, treating his fellow airmen and their families. After the service, he joined a family medicine practice in Mesa, Arizona. Richard worked in Mesa for over 50 years and established a burgeoning practice of devoted, loving and grateful patients. He retired at the age of 80 but continued to treat family, friends and anybody who requested help. He was an avid tennis player and owned and flew his own airplane. Richard is survived by his wife, Joan; his sons, Sam and Matt; his stepdaughters, Robin Grandinetti and Dayna Hall; his sister, Cheryl Winter; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
1954
Shirley Brooks Sachs, 88, of Wellington, Florida, on August 5.
Donald Lodge, 88, of Decatur, Georgia, on January 6. Donald served in the U.S. Army in Austria and England. He earned his master’s degree in marketing from the University of Iowa. Throughout his career, he worked at the Iowa Department of Business Development, Georgia Tech, Boise Cascade, Inland Steel, the State Department of New York at Plattsburgh and the Georgia Department of Industry and Trade. His work in economic development took him to the Philippines, South Korea, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Donald was an Eagle Scout. An avid model railroader, he had a number of articles published in national rail magazines. His rail photos were published in four books. He replicated a model railroad of 1954 Cedar Rapids and eventually donated it to the Cedar Rapids Historical Society. An accomplished amateur photographer, his works were juried into a number of exhibits and galleries in Ohio and Georgia. In Pickens County, Donald and his wife, Darlene Neprash Lodge ’50, were active in the Marble Valley Historical Society, Sharptop Arts and Crafts Association and Sassafras Literary Society. He also was an active volunteer in a multitude of capacities while in residence at Wesley Woods Towers in Decatur. He is survived by his children from his first marriage to Jennifer Atchison: John Lodge, Jeffrey Lodge, Ann Hesskamp and Stuart Lodge; his stepdaughters, Lynnette Payne, Sandra Payne and Karen Payne Morris; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Darlene.
1955
Richard Dickson, 86, of Napa, California, on March 13, 2020. After attending Coe, Richard graduated from the University of Iowa and served in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California, where he met his wife, Lillian Machado. While at Travis, Richard played on the Air Force baseball team, and after his discharge from service, he received many offers as a pitcher, ultimately signing with the Milwaukee Braves. He changed careers and went into law enforcement followed by a very successful career as an executive at many manufacturing companies from Campbell Soup to Tri Valley Growers. He and Lillian took an early retirement and moved to Napa Valley where they built and ran Dickson Napa Ranch. They produced award-winning Regina olive oil and grew Merlot and Cabernet grapes. Richard is survived by his five children, Anne, Rich, Matt, Greg and Tim; and his sister, Joyce Tomberrlin.
1956
Joann Cook Iverson, 86, of Spokane, Washington, on September 11. Before attending Coe, Joann attended the University of Iowa. While at Coe, she met her husband, Richard Iverson ’57. Joann’s first teaching job was in a first-grade class in Barrington, Illinois, in 1956. She eventually found her way to Evergreen Elementary School in Spokane, where she taught for almost 20 years, retiring in 1997. She welcomed exchange students and refugees and worked to support community members in need through her positions on the Social Concerns Committee and the Parish Board at St. Ann's Church, where she was a parishioner. She enjoyed creating ceramics and studied painting later in life, leaving behind beautiful watercolors and pottery to remember her by. Joann is survived by her husband, Richard; six children, Mark, Christina, Paul, Jon, Amy and Mary; and 11 grandchildren.
Jean Donaldson Greener, 87, of Foley, Minnesota, on January 19. After attending Coe, Jean returned home to Foley to marry her high school sweetheart, Wayne. In 1954, Wayne was drafted into the army. Following a two-year tour of duty in Texas, the couple returned to their dairy farm in rural Foley, where they spent the remainder of their 67 years of marriage raising their six children and welcoming their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jean was a dedicated housewife and talented seamstress. She worked part time at the Foley Nursing Center and Home Care compassionately caring for others' needs. As a longtime member of Estes Brook Evangelical Church, she became a beloved preschool program teacher. During her retirement years, she continued to pursue her passion for community service through volunteering at the local Cross Center food shelf. Jean is survived by her husband, Wayne; her children, Tim Greener, Wendy Johnson, Jennifer Greener, Lonnie Greener and Julie Vance; three sisters, Betty Cheeley, Janet Watkins and Susan Fagan; 17 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren with three more on the way.
Robert “Boyd” Harris, 89, of Rio Verde, Arizona, on October 7. Before attending Coe, Boyd served four years in the U.S. Navy as an enlisted member of the Naval Aircrew. After his service discharge, Boyd took advantage of the GI Bill and first attended Coe, where he played football, and later attended the University of Iowa, where he wrestled. While at the University of Iowa, Boyd met his first wife, Janice Fenton, who passed away in 1997. Boyd worked as director of sales for Tetra Pak and as international director of marketing for Cherry Burrell. Both jobs allowed him to travel, which was one of his greatest passions. Another of his interests was fishing, especially in the Pacific Northwest, and he once won the World Salmon Fishing Contest, Coho Division, in Vancouver. Later in life he met his second wife, Mary Kaliban, while living in Arizona. Boyd is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughters, Shelley Richardson, Amy Decker and Holly Cannon; seven grandchildren; Mary's children, Keri Sipe, Michael Kaliban and Mark Kaliban; and their children and grandchildren.
William O’Hara, 86, of Waterloo, Iowa, on October 26. At Coe, William met his wife, Joyce Nugent O’Hara ’56. After attending Coe, William joined the U.S. military and was stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After his service, he and Joyce returned to Cedar Rapids where they raised a family, and William worked at Merchants National Bank for 40 years, eventually retiring to Albuquerque. William was a longtime member of St. Matthew Church in Cedar Rapids and Prince of Peace in Albuquerque. He volunteered at Prince of Peace for 15 years. William is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joyce; his children, Kathleen Maddox, Jannien Weiner and Louis O'Hara; six grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, family members and friends.
Nancy Miller Woodmansee, 87, of Burlington, Wisconsin, on March 8. Nancy and her husband, Gene, lived in Rockford, Illinois, and Phoenix, Arizona, before moving to Burlington in 1985. She taught for a few years in the Elgin area and then worked as a research analyst for Runzheimer. She was of the Christian Scientist faith. Nancy is survived by her husband, Gene; her children, Mara DeGrave and John Woodmansee; her sister, Doris Schmitendorf; and one grandchild.
Milton “Ed” White, 87, of Sun City, Arizona, on July 6. Ed served and retired as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force. He was an active member in the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years and was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He also was a Shriner and played trombone and euphonium in several musical ensembles in the Sun City and Phoenix area. Ed is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, David White, Kathryn Corbman and Timothy White; and five grandchildren.
1957
Agnes La Fontaine Golda, 88, of Orlando, Florida, on December 18. Agnes became a schoolteacher before she met her husband, Dick. The couple initially settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, and then moved to the Detroit, Michigan, area and raised four children. In 1972, the family moved to Longwood, Florida, and Agnes went back to teaching. In later years, she worked at Balfour Rings and also at Seminole Community College in the adult literacy program. She also was very active in her church. Agnes is survived by her four children; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Roy Seyller, 92, of Elgin, Illinois, on January 2. Roy served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was employed for 28 years for E. M. Melahn Construction Company before retiring in 1989. He was a longtime member of Wesley United Methodist Church, serving as the treasurer and financial secretary for many years. Roy is survived by his wife, Linda (Ludwig) Seyller; and many loving nieces, nephews and good friends.
Barbara Vomacka Woito, 85, of Lincoln, Nebraska, on December 26. Barbara was an avid tennis player, bowler and bridge player, earning the Silver Life Masters bridge level. She loved to travel and go on adventures with family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Bill; her son, David Woito; her daughters, Karen Rieners and Lisa Petty; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law.
1958
Harry Halberstadt, 85, of Rockford, Illinois, on November 11. Harry served in the U.S. Army National Guard. He worked in sales for over 20 years for Quality Paper before going to Tek Matic, where he worked in shipping and receiving. He was a lifelong member of Evans United Methodist Church and was a member of the Masons at E.F.W. Ellis Lodge No. 633. Harry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Peggy; his children, Douglas Halberstadt, Tera Wenner and Darrin Halberstadt; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
James Leger, 84, of Cambridge, Ohio, on January 22. After graduating from Coe, James earned his commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He enjoyed a 28-year career in the U.S. Air Force, where he flew refueling tankers, bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. He completed three tours of duty during the Vietnam War, for which he earned a Bronze Star Medal for saving local villagers and fellow servicemen. He also earned a Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Meritorious Service Medal, among others. He retired as a commanding officer with the rank of colonel in 1984. James had a second career as a teacher, first as a substitute teacher at Buckeye Trail, then later as a high school teacher and social studies department chair at Meadowbrook High School until he retired in 2008. He and his wife, Billie Von (Palmer), built their retirement home in Cambridge. James is survived by his two daughters, Michelle Leger and Krystn Opava; his sister, Rosemary (Leger) Leslie; and two grandchildren.
Albert “Al” Pursell, 84, of Lewisville, Texas, on December 7. At Coe, Al played on the basketball team, earning All-American honors in 1957 and induction into the Coe College Athletics Hall of Fame in 1973. He spent his professional career as a physical education teacher and coach. Al is survived by a daughter, Barb Flanagan; a son, Bob Pursell; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
John Ugolini, 95, of Highland Park, Illinois, on February 10. John served two years in the U.S. Army and played on the Army basketball and softball teams stateside. He married Patricia Skidmore Ugolini, and they raised two children together. John was a local Highland Park firefighter and paramedic for 30 years, earning the rank of lieutenant, and was self-employed as a landscaper on his days off. Upon retirement from the fire department, he worked for the Highland Park Park District for several years, then worked part time at Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association, working with teens and adults with disabilities and earning several accolades, including Employee of the Year during his decade-long tenure there. In his 70s, John became employed as a Highland Park crossing guard for District 112 and endured the Illinois winters to ensure the children of the community made it safely to and from school. He valued work, staying active and giving back to the community and did not fully retire until three years ago. He was well known for his athletic prowess, on the basketball court as well as on the 16-inch diamond. John is survived by his two children, Katie Ugolini and Tom Ugolini; his siblings, Francis Ugolini, Dolores Hoffman, Zora Ugolini Herr and Rick Ugolini; and three grandchildren.
1959
Donald Beck, 83, of Danville, Iowa, on February 17. At Coe, Donald played football under the direction of coach Marv Levy ’50. Donald served in the U.S. Marines from 1956-1958. He was a lifelong farmer and also built Wasau homes with Matthews Construction Company and worked in production at the Iowa Ordnance Plant. He had a passion for agriculture and was involved in many farming organizations. He was a 4-H leader and a member of the L.C. Co-op, Iowa Pork Producers and SEI Hay Growers Association. During the 1980s he developed the Farm Support Group. He also was active in his community through the SEI Youth for Christ group, as a Little League coach and as a member of the Masonic Lodge, where he held many chairs. In the 1970s, he took part in the Nicaragua Church Building Project Mission trip. Donald is survived by his wife, Virginia Beck; four children, Elaine Beck, Dave Beck, Doug Beck and Julie Snavely; two sisters, Marleen Beck and Marjorie Gibson; and 14 grandchildren.
Richard Sandercock, 84, of Lake Ozark, Missouri, on March 10. Richard earned his master’s degree in business administration from Auburn University. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 30 years. He started out as a flight safety officer and worked his way up to colonel and commander of the 381st strategic missile wing at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas. He retired from Strategic Air Command in Omaha, Nebraska. Richard is survived by his wife of 62 years, Roberta Arthur Sandercock ’58; two sons, Mike and Mark Sandercock; a brother, James Sandercock; and many other relatives and friends.
1960
Leroy Blackledge, 89, of Tucson, Arizona, on January 10. Leroy served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Korean War and was discharged with the rating of air controlman petty officer second class. He later served two years with the Iowa Air National Guard and was discharged as a tech sergeant. In addition to Coe, he attended Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa) and Kansas State Teachers College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. Leroy taught in the Geary County, Kansas, school district for four years prior to attending the University of Kansas, where he earned his master’s degree in American history. He then moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where he taught for nearly 30 years prior to retiring. During his career, he was active in his profession, serving two terms as treasurer of the Des Moines Education Association and later two terms as vice president. After retiring, he served as treasurer of the Des Moines Area Retired School Personnel Association. He was an active member of the Windsor Heights Church in Des Moines where he served as elder and lector. Leroy is survived by his son, Scott Martin Blackledge; his daughter, Kristine Marie Lehto; a brother, Harold J. (Jim) Blackledge; a sister, Janet Blackledge; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Carolyn Charipar Blackledge ’55.
Charlotte Crees, 100, of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, on January 4. Charlotte began teaching elementary school in 1940. After teaching for 35 years in Iowa and two years in Lincoln, Nebraska, she retired in 1977. She was a lifetime member of both the Eastern Star and National Education Association and a member of Horseshoe Bend United Methodist Church. She participated in many choirs, a bell choir and the women's circle, both in Iowa and Arkansas. While in Horseshoe Bend, Charlotte spent many years being "the Avon lady." For many years, she was active with TeleCare, both as a caller and then as a recipient of daily calls. Charlotte is survived by her nephew, Jerry Crees; her niece, Judy Crees; two godsons; and many close and wonderful family members and friends.
Patricia “Pat” Kamerling Sealy, 81, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on December 14. Pat was married to James M. Sealy, who predeceased her. She was a member of PEO and an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Pat is survived by a daughter, Ann Sealy; two sons, Mike and David Sealy; a sister, Linda Peiper; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Wallace “Wally” Whigam, 82, of Desert Hot Springs, California, on December 23. Wally joined the Chicago Park District as a lifeguard, then a mate and quickly became captain of North Avenue Beach. He patrolled the shores of Lake Michigan for years. He found his calling when he started his financial career on the floor of The Midwest Stock Exchange and later excelled on the floor of The Chicago Board of Options Exchange. Wally was married to Frances "Fran" Beck Whigam, who predeceased him. Later in life, he moved to Desert Hot Springs and found a favorite friend and partner in crime, Benedetta Tucker, with whom he spent the last decade of his life. Wally is survived by three children, Lisa Whigam Finn, Linda Whigam Weber and William Whigam; and nine grandchildren.
1961
Constance Becker Lunde, 82, of Solon, Iowa, on October 20. While at Coe, Constance played French horn in marching band and was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She also met her first husband, Jack Sedlacek ’61. The couple had three children and later divorced. Constance worked as a teller at Solon State Bank for a short time, but her passion in life was her family. She loved being a homemaker, raising her three boys and then caring for their children. Constance is survived by her husband of 36 years, Ray Lunde; her children, Jeff, John and Jim Sedlacek; two brothers, Bob Paper and Doug Gingerich; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
David Bey, 86, of Nueva Gorgona, Panama, on February 17. David served with the Far East Command in the U.S. Army for three years during the Korean War. He worked for Altorfer Inc. for 36 years, retiring as vice president. He and his wife, Lisa, then worked together renovating and flipping homes, and he eventually became a realtor with Skogman Realty. In January 2016, he retired from Skogman and moved to Panama with Lisa. David was active in the Cedar Rapids community, serving on numerous boards and supporting various philanthropies. He was a past president of Elmcrest Country Club, United Cerebral Palsy and First Lutheran Church Council. He was a member of Mount Herman Lodge, El Kahir Shrine and the Cedar Rapids Royal Order of Jesters, for which he served as past director. In Panama, he served the local community with Spay the Strays and Libre de Basura and volunteered at a nearby orphanage. He was a strong man of faith and worshiped at Coronado Bible Church. David is survived by his wife, Lisa; a daughter, Emily C. Bey; two children from a previous marriage, Suzanne Hilton and Craig Bey; and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter, Kathy Bey Towe ’90.
1962
Carl Hoffman, 84, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on December 12. Before attending Coe, Carl worked briefly at Diamond V Mills in Cedar Rapids before serving in the U.S. Navy on a three-year "Kiddie Cruise," as he was only 17. He served as a radarman aboard the USS Los Angeles CA135 until he was honorably discharged in 1957. He attended Yankton College before transferring to Coe. After graduating from Coe, Carl worked at Collins Radio and National Data Processing as a computer operator before joining his father's insurance agency. He sold the business after 13 years to pursue his boyhood dream of driving an 18-wheeler across the country. In 1984, he began a 32-year career as a realtor in Cedar Rapids, first at Iowa Realty, then Skogman Realty, where he retired at age 80. Carl was devoted to his church family, serving faithfully throughout his life. He was a proud veteran and was thrilled to be a member of Eastern Iowa Honor Flight 29 in 2017. Carl is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elaine; his daughters, Renee Hoffman and Christy Kintzel; cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews and extended family members.
David Roser, 80, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on November 24. After attending Coe, David served in the U.S Air Force. He then moved to Seattle where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Washington. In 1994, he was ordained as elder in the Presbyterian Church USA and received his certificate of lay ministry at Whitworth College in 2006. He also was an active member of the Whitworth Presbyterian Church. He served as commissioned lay pastor at Spirit Lake Presbyterian Church for seven years. Following his retirement, he became a member of Hayden Bible Fellowship where he was active in men's Bible study and served as communion coordinator. David is survived by his wife, Liane Beauchamp Roser; a daughter, Heather Roser White; one grandchild; one great-grandchild; and Liane's children, Scott, Bruce, Lynn, Brian and Brandon.
Lamont “Monty” Stuhler, 81, of Cape Coral, Florida, on March 10, 2020. At Coe, Monty was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. He owned his own business, Midwest Bicycle Inc. Monty is survived by his daughter, Kathryn Stuhler; his sons, Michael and William Haugse; his sister, Renais Hill; four grandchildren; and Kathryn’s mother, Frances Bailey Fuerstneau ’64.
1963
Stuart Keeley, 79, of Bowling Green, Ohio, on December 2. Stuart earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Illinois. In 1967, he began his nearly 40-year teaching career at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), where he was active in helping to create the clinical psychology program. While he enjoyed teaching clinical psychology, his real passion was writing about, teaching and sharing critical thinking. With M. Neil Browne, he wrote the critical thinking textbook “Asking the Right Questions,” which is now in its 12th edition. He was a passionate teacher and critical-thinking advocate who believed in continuously updating and improving his skills as a teacher, mentor and writer. His teaching passion was recognized by the BGSU Board of Trustees who awarded him Distinguished Teaching Professor in 2000. Stuart is survived by his wife, Barb; and his four children, Kim Scherer, Mary Vasudeva, Teresa Keeley and Stuart James Keeley.
Donald Neblung, 79, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on March 2. Donald worked in the insurance industry with United Fire and Casualty and Transamerica and retired from Employers Mutual Insurance Company in 2006. He volunteered as a pitching coach for the Jefferson J-Hawks during the tenure of Larry Niemeyer and provided countless pitchers with lessons all winter and spring long. During the summer, you could always find him at a Jefferson or Prairie softball game, sitting in the bleachers, right behind the catcher. Donald is survived by his son, Scott Neblung; his daughter, Missy Kilbey; and four grandchildren.
1964
Mary Jo Votroubek, 78, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on November 2. Mary Jo taught music at the University of Iowa and St. Matthew Catholic School, as well as gave private piano and organ lessons. She was a faithful member of All Saints Catholic Church. Mary Jo is survived by a brother, Mike Votroubek; and friends.
1965
Leslie Wackher, 76, of St. Louis, Missouri, on April 24, 2020.
1968
William Schwandt, 86, of Springfield, Missouri, on August 17.
1969
Susan Clark Knudsen, 73, of Cape Coral, Florida, on January 23. Susan flew as an American Airlines flight attendant in the 1970s and in the 1980s and 1990s was a manager at various hotels in the hospitality industry, including the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Bill Knudsen ’67.
John Gohmann, 73, of Libertyville, Illinois, on December 13. John earned his MBA from Governor’s State University. A railroad enthusiast, John was first employed by the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway and later was a transportation consultant for the National Mediation Board. He also did consulting with railroads nationally with his company, Gohmann Associates. He was president and chairman of the Minnesota Commercial Railroad based in St. Paul, Minnesota, since 1987. He loved all railroads, especially his special short line, like few others. John is survived by his wife of 38 years, Rebecca "Becky" Gohmann; his daughter, Anne Villarreal; and two grandchildren.
1971
Larry Finley, 76, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on December 4. Before attending Coe, Larry attended the University of Iowa. He was in sales at Carpetland for many years. Larry is survived by a daughter, Kelly Finley; a son, Todd Finley; a sister, Diana Finley; two grandchildren; and a special friend, Joanna Bellach.
Clarence Clearwater Toledo, 71, of Williams, Arizona, on December 28. After attending Coe, Clarence studied music at the New York Metropolitan Opera. He played guitar and sang professionally in numerous bands in New York City, including with Angelique and the Third World and Ruby and the Dykes. To learn more about Native music, he immersed himself in Native American life with the Lakota tribe and then returned to the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. Having been removed from his reservation home at age 6 and put into a mission school to assimilate him into American culture by prohibiting Navajo culture, Clarence spent the rest of his life rediscovering his traditional roots and building a music career to enlighten audiences to Native perspectives. He cultivated a unique sound by weaving classical, folk and indigenous music together. He learned traditional songs and brought them up to date with modern lyrics seeking fairness for humankind and protection for the land that continued to inspire him. He became proficient at singing in Spanish, French, German and in many indigenous languages. He traveled the country sharing his Diné culture by performing at numerous museums and schools. In 2002, he worked with Northern Arizona University researching indigenous Seri tribe music in Mexico. Flagstaff residents will remember his many performances at the Museum of Northern Arizona and in downtown Heritage Square. In 2005, Clarence climbed aboard the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams and became the first Native American among the strolling cowboy musicians on train trips to the canyon. He not only sang in different languages to the worldwide travelers, he enlightened passengers to the Native American perspectives of the Grand Canyon, a place where he felt at home. Clarence is survived by his wife, Kathleen Seekatz; his children, Adakai Toledo, Summer Toledo, Fashawna Toledo-Portillo and Dylan Toledo; a sister, Dr. Eulynda Toledo; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
1973
Michael “Mike” Janesch, 70, of Lincoln, Nebraska, on January 13. Mike played football at Coe. He completed graduate school at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He recently retired after a long career teaching and coaching for Lincoln Public Schools. He coached football at Raymond Central, Lincoln High School and East High School. He was an active member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Lincoln, and he was treasurer for the Rudge trust. Mike is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jane Ritter Janesch ’72; his daughters, Laura Reed and Ann Janesch; and two grandchildren, Natalie and Balin Reed.
1974
William Samuels, 68, of Kennewick, Washington, on September 2. William earned his doctorate in organic synthesis from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1980. After completing his doctorate, he worked for four years in the pulp and paper industry as a bleach chemist (two years at Union Camp in Virginia and two years with International Paper in New York). In 1984, he moved to Washington state as a postdoctoral research fellow at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). He was hired on as permanent staff in the Materials Science Department as a research scientist in 1987 and worked at PNNL for the next 25 years. William’s research touched on many areas of chemistry and materials science, but common themes were centered around polymer chemistry, composite materials, chemical modifications of materials and chemically modified surfaces. He employed these methodologies in a wide variety of applications, including thin film optical materials, chemical sensors, scrubber systems, airplane/runway deicers and biomedical applications. He retired from PNNL in December 2012. William's career as a research chemist was a productive one. He is listed as inventor on 11 U.S. patents and was an author on over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles. His work was impactful and was cited thousands of times by the scientific community, with four of his publications cited more than 100 times each. His work was recognized by two prestigious R&D 100 Awards and an Innovator of the Year Award from the American Chemical Society (Pacific Northwest Section). William used his research laboratory as a teaching tool and mentored a number of undergraduate and graduate students and postdocs over his years at PNNL. In addition, he served on 10 thesis committees for students working toward advanced degrees. William also taught chemistry in the classroom. While working at PNNL, he taught part time between 2000-2014, teaching a variety of chemistry courses at Washington State University Tri-Cities. After he retired from PNNL, he went on to a series of short-term teaching appointments at Whitworth University, St. Olaf College, Arizona State University Polytechnic and Grand Canyon University. He proved his versatility at the lectern and taught a wide variety of chemistry classes ranging from introductory freshman chemistry to graduate-level chemistry courses. William also loved soccer and played the sport for many years. He later coached over 20 youth soccer teams and refereed nearly 2,000 youth soccer matches. He also was a generous donor for many years to the National MS Society and Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
1978
Richard Reilly, 64, of Phillips, Wisconsin, on November 21. Richard was a well-respected dentist with a practice in Prentice, Wisconsin. His greatest accomplishment was the family he built with his wife, Eva Tavares Reilly ’79. Richard lived for taking whirlwind adventures to Lake of the Ozarks, Portugal, Hawaii, Colorado, Montana and Wisconsin favorites, Bayfield and Minocqua. He is survived by his wife, Eva; three children, Nikki Kinowski, Ryan Reilly and Corrie Drellack; his mom, Ruth Reilly; four brothers, Jeff Reilly, Dewey Reilly, Bobby Reilly, David Nickels; four grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces.
Mitchell “Mick” Rothlein, 63, of Manchester, Vermont, on October 31.
Steven Wright, 64, of Solon, Iowa, on December 6. Steven was elected mayor of Solon from 1980-1987 and was affectionately nicknamed “Mayor Steve.” He worked for Xerox Corporation as a systems analyst and senior project manager for 34 years, retiring in 2018. In 2001, he earned his MBA from Nova Southeastern University. In the early 1980s, Steven began to volunteer in the Solon community, primarily coaching youth sports. He coached all three of his children in multiple sports, sometimes running from one practice or game to another. His greatest passion and joy came from his volunteer coaching, and he truly made an impact on the lives of many youths in the Solon community. Steven is survived by his wife, Joan; three children, Andrew Wright, Allyson Larsen and Adam Wright ’10; two siblings, Jeffrey Wright and Lynda Irinaka; four grandchildren; a niece; a nephew; a sister-in-law; many cousins, extended family members and treasured friends; and his two beloved dogs.
1980
John McGee, 73, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on December 1. Before he attended Coe, John served in the U.S. Air Force. He attended Kirkwood Community College and worked for Rockwell Collins as an electronics test technician until his retirement in 2002. He was a gun enthusiast who enjoyed target shooting and reloading. John is survived by his wife, Sandy; his son, John "Twain" McGee II; and his daughter, Tracy LaBarr.
1982
Lila Andersen, 92, of Independence, Iowa, on December 3. Before attending Coe, Lila attended Cornell College. During that time, she met her husband, Junior Andersen, and they settled in Walker, Iowa. She was a bookkeeper for their family business, The Walker Creamery Company, and also was a broker for Andersen Realty. In the 1950s-1960s, she was a national winner of 25 Words or Less contests, winning a trip around the world, a trip to Paris, a ton of flour and a dream kitchen, among other things. Education was very important to Lila, and she passed her love of learning down through her family. All of her children and grandchildren attained college degrees, with most earning advanced degrees. Lila served with Junior on various Democratic committees for Linn County and worked for every election in Walker until 2018. Her poetry was featured in Lyrical Iowa, along with book reviews for several publications. After Junior’s passing in 2008, Lila began volunteering at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids. She rarely missed a Wednesday until her retirement in 2018 at the age of 90. She also created recycled upholstery fabric market bags and quilts that she gave away to hundreds of people. Lila is survived by four children, Linda Smith, Nancy Kula, Carol Paxhia and Dan Andersen; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
1985
John Schmidt, 82, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on January 26. John earned his master’s degree in counseling from the University of Northern Colorado and was a longtime teacher in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, teaching at both Roosevelt Junior High and Washington High School. He was a lifemaster with the American Duplicate Bridge Association and sang with the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale. John is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his daughter, Stephanie Hall; a brother, Conrad Schmidt; and two grandchildren.
1989
Annette Keup Baxter, 54, of Danville, Illinois, on October 3. After moving to Danville, Annette worked at Wendy’s during the daytime and was a nanny for a family in the evenings. She then began working at Herr's until they closed the doors in 2004. In 2005, she began working at McLane until she became ill in 2015. She attended Farmers Chapel. Annette is survived by two daughters, Kaitlin and Kylie Baxter; two sons, Dante and Devin Baxter; her parents, Sammy and Donna Keup; a brother, Michael Keup; a sister, Sarah Trover; seven grandchildren; four nieces; and a nephew.
1991
Lyn Brodersen Cochran, 52, of Davenport, Iowa, on January 12. Lyn earned her master’s degree in modern European history from the University of Notre Dame in 1992 and her doctorate in education with an emphasis in leadership and policy studies from Iowa State University in 2008. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board. Lyn was a passionate professional who served community colleges and higher education for over 30 years. She served Western Iowa Tech Community College, Metropolitan Community College, Central Lakes College, University of Wisconsin-Richland, North Iowa Area Community College, Iowa State University Extension and most recently was president of Scott Community College. She loved the college, the students, faculty and staff. She was known for her innate skill to remember peoples’ names. Students felt honored and humbled to have the college president greet them by name and express kind words of encouragement. She was never too busy to spend quality time with students, lend an ear to a faculty member or mentor a rising professional. She believed deeply in the value of career and technical education and in the importance of creating a skilled workforce for the community. Her ease in striking up a conversation assisted in creating new partnerships, raising dollars for the college and moving initiatives forward. Her genuine interest in people, learning and creativity made her an exceptional leader. Her most cherished awards and honors came from recognitions bestowed by her students, including her 2020 Paragon Award for New College Presidents from the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Friends would describe Lyn as a Renaissance woman with her many talents and widely varied interests. She could quote 16th century European history one minute and discuss the inner workings of a V8 engine the next. She often could be found with her two Miniature Schnauzers, Lulu and Olaf, or helping to rescue other dogs. Lyn is survived by her husband, Douglas; her mother, Ann Brodersen; a half sister, Rosann Swarte; three stepchildren, Eric, Ethan and Charlie Cochran; two aunts; an uncle; and 10 cousins.
1993
Laura Townsend-Edler, 55, of Gladbrook, Iowa, on November 18. In addition to Coe, Laura attended the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychiatric nursing. In 1994, she and her husband, Doug Edler, moved to upstate New York where she worked as a psychiatric nurse. The couple moved back to Iowa in 1997, and Laura specialized in hospice and elder care. Laura is survived by her husband, Doug; her children, DaLeea Gahring, Dustin Edler, Dawn Edler, Andrew Townsend, Courtney Sweeney, Margaret "Meg" Edler and John Edler; a brother, Gary Townsend; a sister, Karen Kiburz; and five grandchildren.
1999
James “Jim” Daubenmier, 76, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on December 12. In addition to his degree from Coe, Jim also earned a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University. He worked in commercial real estate in the Cedar Rapids area for many years. He was a member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, was a past board member of the Cedar Rapids Community Health Free Clinic and served with Wycliffe Bible Translators. He also was a bike enthusiast, biking on multiple RAGBRAIs. He enjoyed skiing, participating in triathlons, traveling with his family and flying for over 40 years. He is survived by his wife, Diane; a daughter, Jeri Huyett; a son, Mark Daubenmier; a stepson, Andrew Merrell; three brothers, Ron, Mike and Steve Daubenmier; and 10 grandchildren.
2000
Morgan “Andrew” Small, 41, of Berwyn, Illinois, in spring 2019.
2003
Jamie Thomann, 39, of Fairfax, Iowa, on February 5. Jamie worked as a safety and compliance manager for Dakota Red Company in Cedar Rapids. She had previously worked in digital design for Read Photography and as a safety specialist for Highway Equipment Company in Cedar Rapids. Jamie enjoyed doing photography work in her spare time. She was active in sports, especially softball, kickball and bicycling. She rode RAGBRAI several times. Jamie is survived by her son, Grady Thomann; her parents, Ross and Jane Thomann; her brother, Jason Thomann; her sister, Jenny Humphreys; six nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
2024
Chloe Ojeda, 18, of Princeton, Minnesota, on February 11. Chloe was studying elementary education at Coe to become a school music teacher. She was a talented singer and had plans to try out for “America’s Got Talent” this summer. She enjoyed choir, and throughout high school she performed in show choir and was active in theater and drama. She performed in many plays, with one-act plays being her favorite. She was a huge Disney fan and enjoyed musicals, classic rock and show tunes. Chloe is survived by her father, Jon (Shannon) Ojeda; her mother, Lisa (Jade) West; three brothers, Alex Ojeda, Cray Nelson and Briggs West; four sisters, Kristina Waldron, Katlin (Kaylin) Waldron, Kassie Waldron and Kara Main; her grandparents, Cheryl and Jesse Ojeda, Verla and Roger Nelson, Kathleen and Michael Watson and Don and Bonnie West; great-grandfather, Lawrence Main; an uncle; five aunts; a nephew; and many cousins and other family members.
Faculty/Staff
Professor of Chemistry Emeritus Duane Carr, 88, of Grand Junction, Colorado, on January 28. Duane earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Western State Colorado (now Western Colorado University). He served two years in the Army, then moved to West Lafayette, Indiana, to attend Purdue University, where he earned his doctorate in chemistry. He and his family then moved to Cedar Rapids where he taught chemistry at Coe from 1961-1996. During his time at Coe, Duane took a two-year sabbatical in Ethiopia, Africa, where he taught at the Agricultural Technical Branch of Haile Selassie University. Upon retirement, Duane and his wife, Arleta, moved back to Grand Junction, where they were members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Valley. He volunteered at the Catholic Outreach Soup Kitchen and also helped the local homeless shelter. Duane is survived by his wife, Arleta; and his sons, Dan and Don Carr.
Former lecturer in music and New York Term onsite program co-director Murray Ralph, 88, of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, on April 8.
Former alumni office secretary Ruth Switzer, 93, of Hiawatha, Iowa, on November 7. In addition to Coe, Ruth worked as a secretary for the Martelle school superintendent, and later in life she rejoined the workforce as an administrative assistant at Rockwell Collins until her retirement. She met her husband, Bernie, while dancing to the 1940s swing music she loved at the Highway Gardens Ballroom in Stanwood, Iowa. Over the years, she enjoyed researching her genealogy, watching Lawrence Welk and spending time with her growing family. She is survived by her four daughters, Bonnie Reif, Beckie Williams, Joy Jackson and Susan Preston; a brother, Charles Martin; a sister, Margaret Koppenhaver; a daughter-in-law; two sisters-in-law; eight grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Former Howard Hall Professor of English Emeritus Neal Woodruff, 95, of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, on January 14. Neal earned his bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Kansas. He did his graduate work at Yale University, earning a master’s degree and doctorate in English literature. In 1952, he got his first teaching position in the Department of English at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. He taught there for 16 years, developing a teaching style that engaged students by asking questions and encouraging lively discussion, rather than giving traditional lectures. In 1968, Neal came to Coe and dedicated himself to teaching and curriculum development as the chair of the English Department, retiring in 1991. Coe students honored him several times in an annual poll to select the most popular professor on campus. A number of his students remain dear friends to this day. Neal was active in the Modern Language Association of America (MLA), the professional organization devoted to strengthening the teaching of language and literature. He was elected head of the Association of Departments of English within the MLA, where he advocated that professors teaching undergraduates should devote less effort to publishing academic papers and more to honing the art of teaching. Neal enjoyed traveling and learning about other lands and cultures, often through the lens of literature and the arts. He led a group of students on a foreign study trip to Russia, prompted by his interest in Russian literature, and ventured to China on an Elderhostel (now known as Road Scholar) trip with friends. He continued to travel well into retirement, visiting Europe numerous times and often participating in classes about art and culture. When he retired from Coe, Neal and his wife, Chris, bought a home in Lewisburg. He continued to share his love of literature with others, participating in a book club and a reading group. He was a longtime supporter and board member of the Union County Library, served on the Union County Planning Commission for a decade and a half and was involved in the Merrill W. Linn Land & Waterways Conservancy, which honored him with a service award in 2002. He was an active member of the Joseph Priestly Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Lewisburg. Neal had a great appreciation for the outdoors and especially enjoyed camping and time spent at his family’s cabin. For more than four decades, he often spent summers exploring America's wild and beautiful places with his family, crisscrossing the country in a succession of three different Volkswagen campers. Over time, he became an ardent conservationist. Neal is survived by his wife of 68 years, Chris; a daughter, Sukie; a son, David; two grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.