In Memoriam Archives
- JAMES (TIM) RITCHIE '56
- CONSTANCE FULLER '66
- ROGER C. BACON '54
- JAMES MCKENZIE BIERMAN '45
- STANHOPE BLUNT ‘41
- JOHN MARSHALL BUDD, JR. '53
- MALCOLM E. CAMMACK '43
- JAMES DELOS "JIM" CLARK ‘61
- JOHN DOAR '40
- W. THOMAS “TOM” DOAR ’39
- CHANNING DONAHOWER ’63
- ELISE ROSENBERRY DONOHUE ‘55
- ROBERT DRECHSEL
- GEORGE ROLAND EARL '55
- JETTABEE A. EDMAN '50
- MARGARET BARBER FELD '45
- BILL FRENZEL ‘46
- HELEN MCGOVERN FRYE, '52
- HARRY GASTON JR. ‘81
- DONALD (DON) M GRIFFITHS ‘50
- DONALD HARRIS '48
- GRACE "MARLY" MARLENE HASKINS ‘50
- LEO HAUSER '51
- POLLY BANCROFT HEBBLE ‘50
- ELIZA HERMAN '89
- FRANK M. HILTON ’51
- GAIL V. HOGG ‘53
- SARAH ELIZABETH BEALS "SALLY" HOLZBACH ‘43
- JOHN (JOCK) ORDWAY IRVINE '60
- ANDREW CHARLES JENSEN '92
- ELEANOR MAY (BRATNOBER) JOYCE '50
- BARBARA JUDSON '46
- ALICE HUBBARD LIPTAK '42
- JAMES MAIRS ’57
- THOMAS GARDNER MAIRS ‘40
- PATRICIA (APPEL) MALLOY ‘46
- JOHN EDWARD MIDDLEBROOK '44
- DONNA RIEDEL MIRICK '36
- CHARLES MORRISON '48
- JOEL NASH ‘56
- FREDERICK JAMES NEHER ‘43
- RICHARD OBER ’73
- MICHAEL ALEXANDER O'BRIEN '40
- BARBARA O'SHAUGHNESSY '40
- MARGARET (PEGGY) LOVERING PARKER ‘36
- WILLIAM PEET '62
- LAURA DEAN PLATT ‘41
- LUTHER T. PRINCE, JR.
- SARAH LOVEGROVE BAKER "SALLY" ROSS ‘41
- JENNIFER ROY ’84
- NEAL W. SEDGWICK ‘46
- JOAN L. SHAPIRO ‘55
- DAVID SIMS
- ALIDA BUTLER STANGE '45
- JANET S. STEPHENS '38
- JOAN ELLEN TRENERRY ‘66
- PETER VAUGHAN ‘55
- CONSTANCE SHEPARD WALSH '62
- WILLIAM WARD '54
- RICHMOND "DICK" WARNER, JR. '43
- CARL L. WESCHCKE '48
- ELIZABETH MOORE WHITMAN '35
- PELINA M. WILSON '91
- CYNTHIA CLARK WOODWARD ‘51
- AMY TOBIN ’87
- THOMAS WALVOOD OSBORN ’50
- STEPHEN OLSON ’69
- HARRY TALBOT NEIMEYER '57
- REVEREND MARY ALLISON (BIGELOW) MCMILLAN ’37
- RICHARD "DICK" HARRIS ’50
- DAVID GOINS '64
- ELIZABETH “LIZ” DOUGLIS (FRIEDMAN) ‘54
- ELLEN SELL BRYNTESON ’74
- JAMES P. BROWN '47
- ROBERT 'BOB' BRATNOBER ’46
- CAROLINE BAILLON BOWERSOX ‘77
- ALLEN HOLMES
- NANCY MAIRS GEPHART ’45
- FREDERICK KEILLOR '17
- PETER BOVEY '63
- RICHARD BANCROFT, JR. '45
- ELIZABETH DECOSTER MOSELEY '44
- PETER FRENZEL '54
- JOHN AHERN JR. '41
- PETER ANSON '45
- HENRY ZIETLOW '18
- THOMAS TONGEN '59
- GEORGE BENZ '58
- ROB WOUTAT, FORMER FACULTY
- PARKER KEENAN "TED" BAGLEY '55
- CHRISTOPHER ARTHUR KUSSKE '71
- CHARLES MOSS III '86
- MICHAEL (SANDY) O'BRIEN JR. '67
- MARK ROBINSON '89
- RICHARD REITZ '53
- WINSLOW BRIGGS '46
- CLIFFORD CAINE - ASSISTANT HEADMASTER
- THOMAS HAUSER '59
- JOSEPH "JEFF" LEVY '55
- JUDITH BLAKE '53
- ROBERT MAIRS '45
- HERBERT WARD '66
- ELIZABETH TURNER '37
- CHARLIE KNUTSON '97
- ALEXANDRA O. BJORKLUND '45
- ROBERT EBERT II '76
- KI KI GORE - FORMER FACULTY
- BOB JEWETT - FORMER FACULTY
JAMES (TIM) RITCHIE '56
James Timothy Ritchie, age 79, of Chicago and Chesterton, IN, died on Monday, August 14, 2017 at the hospice unit of the Rush Medical Center in Chicago.
Tim was born on March 23, 1938 in St. Paul, MN to Dr. Wallace P. Ritchie and Alice Otis Ritchie. He graduated from the St. Paul Academy in 1956 and received his BA degree from Yale University in 1960 and his JD degree from the University of Chicago Law School in 1963.
He joined the Legal Department of the Northern Trust Bank in April 1964 and had a distinguished career spanning 34 years in tax law and estate planning. He became Trust Counsel in 1982 and Associate General Counsel in 1994. In 1997 he was awarded the Austin Fleming Distinguished Service Award by the Chicago Estate Planning Council for his significant contributions to estate planning practice. Tim also prided himself as a member of the chorus line in the Chicago Bar Association annual Bar Show for many years.
Tim had a passion for the natural environment and especially lakeshore protection and preservation, reinforced by his residence at Dune Acres in Chesterton, IN on the shores of Lake Michigan and his beloved summer cabin on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota. Following his retirement from the Northern Trust in 1998, he joined the Board of Openlands, the noted Chicago area organization dedicated to protecting the natural and open spaces of the region. He retired as Vice Board Chair after almost 20 years on the Board. He also served nine years on the Board of the Nature Conservancy of Indiana. His colleagues at both organizations praised his passion, energy, wisdom, kindness, humor, and generosity.
Tim loved travel, opera, reading, hiking, golf and the daily crossword puzzle of multiple newspapers. He was a patron of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Santa Fe Opera and the Chicago Symphony.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his partner of 45 years Richard Brannan. He is survived by his brothers Dr. Wallace P. Ritchie '53, Jr. of Minneapolis, MN and Daniel G. Ritchie '60 and sister-in-law Alicia S. Ritchie of Washington, DC, five nephews and nieces and seven grand-nephews and nieces.
CONSTANCE FULLER '66
Constance June Fuller, age 64, of White Bear Lake Died Peacefully on Christmas Eve, 2012, Survived by mother Carol, son Benjamin Biddle '04, brother Frank (Sue), sisters Gerry and Lynn (Craig Kent), and niece Katherine Glover. Preceded in death by her father Benjamin. Connie came of age when opportunities for women were limited and partly because of that was devoted to issues of peace and justice. She was an MBA and CPA and used those skills in volunteer work, especially for Women Against Military Madness. She found ways every day to work for a better world and was open, fearless and devoted to all that was important in her life. She was tireless and engaged people with her good humor, warmth and amiability, and even those who disagreed with her viewpoints left as friends. Memorial service at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch St., (east side of Hwy 61 at County Road F). Memorials preferred to Women Against Military Madness and Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance.
ROGER C. BACON '54
Mr. Roger (Rod) Bacon passed away on Saturday October 10, 2015 at the age of 79.
Rod was a member of the class of 1954 and was incredibly active during his time at St. Paul Academy. He was a member of the Rifle Club, Drama Club, Glee Club and A Cappella choir, played on the varsity football and hockey teams and was the captain of the varsity tennis team.
Following his time at SPA, Rod studied engineering at the University of Minnesota and then went on to Columbia University. After serving in the United States Army Reserves from 1959-1960, he returned to Columbia where he earned a degree in Experimental Psychology.
Rod enjoyed a long and diverse career, participating in some truly unique projects across multiple fields. Early in his professional life, Roger engaged in medical and scientific studies. During the late 1960's he was the director of primate training for UCLA and NASA's joint biosatellite program, the third phase of which launched a monkey into space and provided crucial data about how to best equip astronauts for such travel.
Later in life, Roger widened his area of expertise and spent most of the 1970's doing woodwork for various decorative furniture warehouses in Hollywood. He continued to work in the sciences as well, doing laboratory research for the VA in Brentwood, California, and promoting behavioral enrichment for captive animals. His love of animals is something he maintained his entire life, and during his later years he worked as a dog trainer, an occupation he held until his passing.
Rod was a wonderful and vibrant part of the St. Paul Academy community. He was a regular presence at reunions and other school events, and was a committed supporter of the school. He will be missed by many. Rod was preceded in death by his brother, Jack ('50) who passed away in 2004 and his twin brother, Don, (‘54), who passed away in 2013.
JAMES MCKENZIE BIERMAN '45
At the age of 90, Jim Bierman died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on September 20.
Born in West Point, MS on June 21, 1926 to Clara and Bernie Bierman, Jim grew up in Minnesota. After serving in the US Navy during WWII, he earned a degree in Chemistry from the U of M, was a member of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and won a letter in football in 1947 and 1948. He worked as a Material and Process engineer, first for Honeywell and then 30 years for Litton Aerospace. Among the things he enjoyed most were volunteer work, canoeing, camping and anything outdoors, traveling, especially by car, spending time with his friends, dancing and listening to Big Band music, and hanging out at home with his family.
Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Bierman ’42, and is survived by Ingred Kelley, his wife of 60 years; son, Michael James; and daughter, Joan Kelley and son-in-law, Matthew Diezel.
STANHOPE BLUNT ‘41
Stanhope Blunt, still mobile and living at home at 93, died July 20, 2015 from complications from a fall.
Stanhope was born March 22, 1922 in La Junta, CO, but raised in St. Paul, MN where he attended St. Paul Academy as a young man. He later attended Northwestern University and Carlton College before enlisting in the Army Air Force in 1943. From his base in Italy, he flew 34 combat missions as flight navigator in B-24 bombers.
After the war, Stan graduated BBA from the University of Minnesota, and then traveled to California on a job search doing short stints driving an armored mail truck for the San Francisco Post Office; working at a lumber camp, and playing piano in an Oakland waterfront saloon.
Stan returned home to St. Paul in 1948, and landed the job as the first St. Paul employee of Western Airlines when they extended service into the Twin Cities. During his ten year stint there, he progressed from ticket agent to regional sales manager of the California based carrier, before switching careers in 1958.
After the airlines, Stan joined Minneapolis based advertising agency Campbell Mithun, as a trainee, and would spend the rest of his working years with this firm including a six year period managing their Denver office (1963 to 1969). After returning to Minneapolis headquarters, Stan was made President in 1970 and then Chairman/CEO in 1974, when he headed a group who bought out founder, Ray Mithun. With billings tripled since the Mithun buyout, Campbell Mithun joined the Ted Bates Agency (New York) in 1978 to afford clients better international capabilities. Until his retirement in 1984, Stan continued as Campbell Mithun's Chairman and CEO and as a member of the Bates executive committee in New York City.
Since retiring, he split his time between Minneapolis and Marco Island, FL. His many hobbies included piano, painting, golf, travel, writing, hunting, and fishing. He became the founding president of the Madeleine Island Golf Club; co-founded Arctic Lodge Ltd., one of the earliest fly-in fishing camps in northern Saskatchewan; produced a videotape on golf legend Gene Sarazen, and authored two books, one a family genealogy, and the other on his WW II experiences. Stan also dedicated his time to his community, serving on the local boards of the hospital, symphony, United Way, and others.
He is survived by his wife, Ann McDermaid Blunt; his son, Douglass and wife, Angela Blunt of Uniontown, OH; his son, Brian and wife, Lavonne, and their son, Cooper Blunt of Missoula, MT; and daughter, Melissa and her husband, Chuck Leonard, also of Missoula. His first wife, Barbara Douglass Blunt, died in 1995.
JOHN MARSHALL BUDD, JR. '53
John Marshall Budd, Jr. passed away on November 15, 2016 in Colorado Springs.
As the son of a railroad man, John lived in many locations before the family settled in St. Paul, MN in 1949. John graduated from St. Paul Academy and Yale University, earning a master's in electrical engineering. He married Smith College graduate Barbara Tews in 1957, soon relocating to Minneapolis and joining Honeywell as an engineer. In 1973 he moved his family to Colorado Springs, again with Honeywell. John served on several community boards while at Honeywell including many years as president of Pikes Peak United Way. After 35 years of distinguished service, he retired from Honeywell but not from community leadership.
Inspired by friends and leaders in cultural and social service, John started Budd Management Consulting with a mission to improve care for developmentally disabled adults. It became a passion for the remainder of his life. Other passions included camping, dogs, bluegrass, and beach picnics. Endlessly curious, he was fascinated by subjects ranging from quantum physics and cyber security to the Pony Express and mathematics of music. John was enthusiastic, engaging, a great source of encouragement to those around him. In 2014, John lost his wife of 57 years. Yet he never stopped working with disabled adults, appreciating the arts, delving into diverse studies, tinkering to improve things, and enjoying friends and family.
He is survived by his daughter Elizabeth B. Ellmann (Stephen), sons John M. Budd III, Peter B. Budd (Jenna Zark), Benjamin B. Budd, grandsons Noah Budd, Jack Budd and step-grandson Joshua Kowitz.
MALCOLM E. CAMMACK '43
Malcolm Cammack passed away at the Cammack Family Farm on Thursday, September 24, 2015.
Malcolm's passing came just six days shy of his 91st birthday. Never one to want a fuss made over him, it was his wish that his obituary read: "He died and a service was held yesterday."
He is survived by his bride of 66 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Bancroft Cammack '47, his children and their spouses: Huck '69 (Chrissie), Richie '70 (Ann), Elizabeth "Binkie" Closmore '71 (Greg), Debbie Muller '75 (Rob), Sally Miesen '82 (Jack), and Julie Backer '91 (Brigg), as well as by his 17 grandchildren, and his four great grandchildren.
JAMES DELOS "JIM" CLARK ‘61
Jim Clark passed away on January 9, 2015, at the age of 72. A beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend, Jim will be remembered for his integrity, his intelligence, his thoughtfulness, and his spirituality.
Jim was a graduate of St. Paul Academy (class of 1961), where he made many lifelong friends, and later attended the U of M. He worked as an analyst at 3M and contributed two decades of service to the State of Minnesota as a senior systems programmer in network management, and he loved music, travel, and lively conversation.
Jim was preceded in death by father Frank Clark, mother Evelyn Donahower (nee Broe), and stepfather John Donahower; and is survived by sons Benjamin (Andrea) and Samuel Clark and their mother, Christine Dahl; sisters Linsay Meisner-Jensen and Perry Perry ‘59; stepsisters Lynn (Fred) Levine ‘61 and Deborah Donahower; stepbrother Channing Donahower ‘63; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
JOHN DOAR '40
John Doar '40, who graduated from SPA and went on to become one of the nation's preeminent voices against segregation in the south, died on November 11 at the age of 92. Read the obituary in the New York Times.
Mr. Doar graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1940 and attended Princeton University and the University of California-Berkeley Law School. He served as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Justice from 1960 to 1967, playing a role in some of the most important political moments of that time. In 1962, he stood by James Meredith’s side as he integrated the University of Mississippi. In 1963, he stood in front of an angry mob in Jackson, Mississippi, after the murder of Medgar Evers and stopped even more violence from taking place that day. In 1964, he was the first federal official notified of the disappearance of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner, in events which were later depicted in the movie Mississippi Burning. Doar was the federal prosecutor who secured the convictions in that case, and he was instrumental in drafting the Voting Rights Act signed into law by President Johnson in 1965. He left the government in the waning months of the Johnson administration, returning in 1974 as Chief Counsel for the United States House Committee on the Judiciary, which was then investigating the Watergate scandal and preparing articles of impeachment against Richard Nixon. He served as senior counsel with the law firm Doar Rieck Kaley & Mack in New York until just before his death.
He returned to SPA in 2011 to deliver the Commencement address, speaking to the Class of 2011 about his career as a public servant. A year later, he was one of 13 individuals selected by President Barack Obama to receive the 2012 Presidential Medal of Freedom.
"We talk a great deal in this country about the virtue of public service, but it is rare to have as clear an example of the power of public service as John Doar," said SPA Head of School Bryn Roberts. "Through his personal actions and his unfailing commitment to upholding the legal and moral standards to which this country aspires, Mr. Doar had a discernible impact on modern American history. Our overwhelming pride in claiming him as an SPA graduate is now joined with a profound sadness in learning of his passing."
John is survived by his children, Burke, Gael, Michael, and Robert; his brother W.T. Doar ’39, his nephews Tom ’69 and Pat ‘83, and his niece Kathleen ’66.
W. THOMAS “TOM” DOAR ’39
Tom Doar loved to pretend he was a country bumpkin lawyer from rural Wisconsin. But he was a savvy businessman who played a key role in helping WCCO-TV become a nationally recognized powerhouse of public affairs journalism in the 1970s and 1980s.
Doar, former chairman of MTC Properties Inc. that owned the television and radio station and who was active on many civic boards, died on June 20. He was 95.
“He was a gentle giant in broadcasting,” said Ron Handberg, news director and then general manager at Channel 4 between 1971 and 1989. “He stood guard at the door of good journalism in those days, and protected us from outside interference and advertisers and politicians and just allowed us to do our jobs.”
Doar was born and raised in New Richmond, Wis., and educated at St. Paul Academy, the University of Colorado and the University of Wisconsin Law School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II between 1943 and 1946, and joined his father’s law practice in 1947. His marriage to his first wife, Patricia, in 1948 lasted 59 years until her death.
“He was an optimist,” said his daughter, Kathleen. “He was always singing ‘Oh, What a Beautiful Morning’ and toasting us kids with his orange juice.”
Doar was soft-spoken, unassuming and humble, she said, but well-known in New Richmond where he earned the nickname “The Inspector” because of his strong interest in questioning people and getting to know them. He maintained the law practice there, but was increasingly drawn into the media and business world of the Twin Cities.
By marriage, he joined the Murphy family that owned part of the Minneapolis Tribune and part of Midwest Radio Television Inc., license holder for WCCO radio and television. Ridder Publications and Minneapolis Star and Tribune owner John Cowles Jr. also owned part of the broadcasting company.
As president of the family’s holding company from 1969 to 1980, Doar figured out a way for the cross-ownership of WCCO to be simplified through swapping ownership interests and a buyout, so that the broadcast company could separate from the newspapers in 1976. Doar became chairman of the newly formed MTC Properties Inc. in 1980 that owned 100 percent of WCCO until after he retired in 1990.
Nancy Mate, former researcher and director of the WCCO-TV public affairs unit, said Doar explained his family’s ownership role as “being willing to let broadcasters run the stations without a lot of interference.”
The station produced “Moore on Sunday,” a weekly magazine-style program during the 1970s hosted by popular anchor Dave Moore. That evolved into prime-time documentaries in the 1980s and I-team investigative reports on news shows. “It was an extraordinary commitment to public affairs for almost 20 years,” Mate said.
The programs broke new ground by focusing on such topics as child sexual abuse, gay rights, Vietnam, and the performance of Hennepin County judges and Minneapolis housing inspectors.
The stories were provocative and yielded a slew of national awards, but also generated sponsor complaints and occasional lawsuits, Handberg said. “We came under a lot of fire from a lot of directions, but Tom Doar was always there to have our backs.”
Doar was also instrumental in changing architects for the station’s downtown headquarters, built in 1982.
Doar is survived by his second wife, Jean Selvig of Naples, Fla.; daughter Kathleen ‘66 and sons Tom ‘69 of Chicago and Patrick ’83 of New Richmond, Wis.; six grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
CHANNING DONAHOWER ’63
Channing Donahower ’63 passed away after a brief illness on October 12 at the Golden Living Center in Roseville.
Chan was born in Springfield, MO on April 27, 1945. He was a graduate of the St. Paul Academy and of Colorado College. He worked for Standard Conveyor Company and later for Michael Sales in St. Paul.
He is survived by his sisters, Lynn Levine ’61 of New York, Deborah Donahower of Napa, CA, step sisters Perry Clark Perry ’59 of British Columbia and Linsay Clark Meisner-Jensen of Switzerland, as well as 8 nieces and nephews, a great nephew and a great niece. He was an active member of the White Bear Lake Unitarian-Universalist Church.
ELISE ROSENBERRY DONOHUE ‘55
Elise Rosenberry Donohue was born on July 9th, 1937 and passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on May 21st, 2015.
All fondly remember a woman whose life was characterized both by the breadth but also the depth of her relationships from the Clyde Park Cow Belles to the Vassar Club of New York City. Present in all things were both her love of the land rooted in over forty years of cattle ranching in Montana and her deep appreciation for ideas, the arts and the life of the mind recognized in her being awarded an honorary doctorate from Montana State University and service on the board of Minnesota Public Radio. All who met Elise sensed a soul as deep and rich as the soil of her native Minnesota and a spirit as vast as the big sky of her adopted Montana.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Sarah-Maud Weyerhaeuser Sivertsen ‘25 and her father, Walter S. Rosenberry, Jr. and by her brothers Walter ‘49 and Charley ‘51. She is survived by her children Edward (Beverly) Phares of Athens, Georgia; Elise Phares of Bozeman, Montana; and Robert (Robin) Phares of Big Timber, Montana; her sister, Lucy (Jim) Jones ‘59 of Wayzata, Minnesota; and five grandchildren: Rob Phares, Anne (Bill) Anderson, John Phares, Lauren Phares and Lucy Phares; her first husband Robert (Peg) Phares of Denver, Colorado and her step-father, Robert Sivertsen of St. Paul, Minnesota; and friends and extended family too numerous to mention.
ROBERT DRECHSEL
GEORGE ROLAND EARL '55
George Earl passed away in his Florida home on October 29, 2015 at the age of 78.
George was born in St. Paul and attended St. Paul Academy where, at 6'7", he was known to his classmates as "Big George." As a senior George was acknowledged by his peers as being the biggest contributor to the class. He was an accomplished athlete, playing varsity football, hockey, and golf, but was also a talented musician; he was a member of the glee club and the a capella choir and was believed by many of his fellow Acads to have a future as a bass player.
After graduating from St. Paul Academy, George enrolled at the University of Minnesota. Upon completing his studies, he passionately pursued his career and was a decades-long member of the Chicago Board of Trade and Minneapolis Grain Exchange. His commitment to his profession was profound, and he worked until his final days.
George revered fast moving vehicles including motorcycles, snowmobiles, speedboats and cars. He played golf and was an avid bridge player. He had a unique way of creating special bonds with people of all ages throughout his life. He was funny, generous, kind and perhaps the most organized person on the planet. He was forever devoted to the love of his life, Clover, who passed away in 2008. To his extended family he was a beloved uncle and the greatest Simon, leading them in competitive games of Simon Says.
He leaves behind four adoring daughters, Clover Earl '78 (Tom Zell), Lisa Desmarais (Michael), Christy White '81 (Phil) and Karen Reis '86 (Peter), His eight grandchildren will miss their Boppa who taught them everything they needed to know to be astute poker players.
JETTABEE A. EDMAN '50
Jettabee Ann Christenson Edman passed away in her Heritage Village home on Wednesday August 29, 2012, at the age of 79.
Mrs. Edman was born in Lancaster, Wisconsin on January 2, 1933 to parents Otto and Thelma Christenson. The family later moved to St. Paul, where Jettabee attended Summit School. She was an incredibly active student serving as President of her senior class and President of the French Club. She also participated in plays, the a cappella choir and the school's yearbook, The Flame. She was highly regarded by her classmates and known for her keen humor.
Upon graduating from Summit School in 1950, Jettabee pursued a degree in English from Brown University, studied art at the Rhode Island School of Design, and eventually earned an MA in Counseling from St. Joseph's College.
After college, Jettabee married music professor, Austin B. Caswell. She later married Silas Ward Gould Edman, with whom she lived and loved for forty years. The two resided in Chicago, on Long Island, in Connecticut, South Carolina, and even Brazil.
Jettabee enjoyed an engaging career in retail at Lord & Taylor, but still had time to put her fine arts education to good use as an accomplished oil painter. Those close to Jettabee describe her as deeply insightful. She was sincerely interested in everyone in her life and loved nature, music, laughter, and good friends.
Jettabee was preceded in death by her husband, Silas, who passed away in 2005. She is survived by her four children, Lisa Christenson Caswell, Austin Baldwin Edman, David Radcliffe Edman '79, and Silas Ward Gould Edman Jr., as well as their partners and children, Lisa, Louise, Cathy, Adriana, Samuel, Charles, Gabriela, Diego, and her younger brother, Gregory. She will be greatly missed.
MARGARET BARBER FELD '45
Margaret Barber Feld died peacefully at home in the early morning hours of September 24, 2016 surrounded by family, just shy of her 90th birthday. She leaves behind a legacy of family and friends. Maggie's door, like her heart, was always open and she loved many as her own; they loved her back just as much.
Born and raised in Minnesota, Maggie attended The Summit School, where she made friends she would treasure for the next 85 years. She attended Vassar College during the war, then married and started her family, placing roots in Portland, Oregon, and San Francisco before settling in Mill Valley in 1970. Once rooted in Mill Valley, she worked as a medical secretary before retiring in the late 1970s. She treated the patients like she treated all others with concern and love, often going out of her way to provide transportation, meals or companionship to those in need. She volunteered regularly at The Family Store thrift shop to support the Family Service Agency of Marin. She remained always strong in her Episcopal faith, and was active at the Church of Our Saviour.
Maggie is survived by her children, John O. Merrill III (Kay); Alison Doughty (Bill); Jennifer Martin (Fred); Lindsey Kauffman (Kevin); Charles Merrill (Karrie); and Katherine Alvarez (Bob). She treasured her grandchildren: Rachel Rosales (Carlos); Jake Merrill; Austin Martin; Bill Doughty, Jr. (Stephanie); Patrick Kauffman; Daniel Alvarez (Brooke); and Bradley Alvarez. More recently, she delighted in visits from her great-grandchildren: Chloe, Carlitos, Landon and Samaira. Maggie was preceded in death by her husband, Irving Feld, and grandchildren Kevin and Cameron.
BILL FRENZEL ‘46
Bill Frenzel died November 17, 2014 at his home in Virginia just outside Washington with his family by his side, according to an announcement from the Economic Club of Minnesota, which he cofounded. He was 86.
Frenzel voluntarily left Congress after serving 10 terms, though his career afterward was about as active and interesting as it was when he was a leading member of the House Budget and Ways and Means committees in the 1970s and 1980s.
He served as a special adviser to Democratic President Bill Clinton to help pass the North American Free Trade Agreement in the 1990s. The next president, Republican George W. Bush, tapped Frenzel for the Social Security Commission and the Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations. Frenzel was a guest scholar at the Brookings Institution and an alternate member of the House of Representatives Office of Congressional Ethics.
Frenzel never believed politicians should stay on Capitol Hill forever. With each new Congress, he introduced legislation, which never went anywhere, to limit service in the House to nine two-year terms. When he announced in 1990 that he would not seek an 11th term, he said he was sick of the Republican Party being in the “seemingly permanent minority” and he wanted to be useful elsewhere.
Frenzel was known for his doodles, drawn while he was in meetings or on the phone. People all over Capitol Hill have “Frenzel doodles” pinned near their desks.
After he left the House, Frenzel was encouraged by prominent members of his party, including Boschwitz, to run for governor. Frenzel opted to stay near the Hill and continue working on trade issues.
One of his most noteworthy achievements came while working for the Clinton White House: getting members of his own party to support NAFTA. Frenzel said in later interviews that he set up shop in an office on the House side and met with every Republican caucus member to convince them free trade with Mexico and Canada was a good idea.
Frenzel was succeeded by Jim Ramstad, also a Republican, who called Frenzel “the last of an endangered species” of people who truly relished working across the aisle; “He was highly respected for his moderation. He personified bipartisanship,” Ramstad said. Earlier this year, the Mexican government bestowed on Frenzel the highest honor it can give noncitizens — the Order of the Aztec Eagle, presented by Mexican Ambassador Eduardo Medina Mora for Frenzel’s work on NAFTA.
Bill was born in St. Paul on July 31, 1928, and graduated high school from St. Paul Academy. He received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Dartmouth College and served in the Naval Reserve during the Korean War. He served eight years in the Minnesota Legislature before he was elected to Congress in 1970.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Paula, and his brother Thomas ’49. Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruthy, three daughters, Debby, Mitty, and Pam; and his brothers Bob ’44 and Peter ’54.
HELEN MCGOVERN FRYE, '52
Helen McGovern Frye passed away peacefully on December 21st, 2015 at the age of 81 due to complications resulting from chronic lung disease.
A native of St. Paul, Helen grew up on Summit Avenue and graduated from Summit School in 1952. She was a vibrant member of that community, serving as photography editor of the yearbook, The Flame, President of the Drama Club, and as a member of the Summit Singers. She also played both varsity basketball and volleyball, and along with a few classmates, was an enthusiastic tennis player. Helen was known among her classmates for her wit, delightful freckles, and tendency for shenanigans. She remained connected to the school for the majority of her life, serving for many years as a class agent.
Helen completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota, graduating with a degree in anthropology. In 1956, she married Richard (Dick) Frye and the two of them were blessed with three incredible children of whose success Helen was infinitely proud.
Helen was an active volunteer. She was a member of the Friends of the Sibley Historic Site, and was a constant fixture at local elections when she would serve as a judge. Helen loved reading and antiques and was an avid conversationalist, surrounding herself with smart funny people and she enjoyed hitting the court with her tennis team, the Killer B's.
She is survived by her husband, Richard Frye; children Rich (Aurora), Jane Lerbs (Jamie) and Betsy Pitschka; and grandchildren Diego, Mauricio, Austin and Betsey.
Those who knew Helen will remember her for being wise, fun, smart, elegant, and, most importantly for a life well lived.
HARRY GASTON JR. ‘81
Harry Gaston Jr ’81 passed away on February 27, 2016 at the age of 52 after a fiercely fought battle. Harry died with the same grace, dignity, faith, bravery and love for family with which he lived his life.
His million watt smile, easy going way and contagious laugh will be missed forever by loved ones.
The West Side, Blessed Trinity, Saint Paul Academy and Summit School, and several sports teams have lost a beloved and loyal friend.
He is survived by his wife and best friend Amy; young daughters, Kathleen and Cassidy Lou; beloved mother, Amparo; sister, Becky Symons (Jordan) and countless other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his father and West Side dignitary Harry, Sr.
DONALD (DON) M GRIFFITHS ‘50
Donald (Don) Griffiths ’50 passed away on February 2, 2016. Born on February 16, 1931, Don was a lifelong resident of St. Paul.
A proud attendee of St. Paul Academy and Northwood School in Lake Placid, Don eventually went on to study at the University of Minnesota, and to serve on the US Air Force. Known by his friends and family to be a master at bridge and backgammon, Don was a spirited sports fan and Minnesota Gophers loyalist, as well as a dog lover.
Don was preceded in death by M.L. & Dorothy Griffiths, and his infant son Dale. He is survived by children, Kim (Bruce) Strahlman, Jill Griffiths (Larry Pogemiller), Guy Griffiths; grandchildren, Sean, Sky Li ‘18, Jia, & Ryan; former wife, Janet Carpenter; and many dear neighbors and friends.
DONALD HARRIS '48
Donald Harris passed away on March 29, 2016. Donald Harris was an American composer born April 7, 1931, in St. Paul, Minnesota to the late Barney and Hattie Harris. Donald served as an administrator at the New England Conservatory of Music (1967-77) and as Dean of the Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford (1977-88), before becoming Dean of the College of the Arts and professor of music at The Ohio State University (1988-1997). After a thirty-year career as a senior-level administrator in higher education and the arts, he stepped down as Dean and rejoined the OSU faculty in composition. Harris earned his bachelors and master's degrees in composition from The University of Michigan. From 1954 until 1968, Harris lived in Paris where he was a music consultant to the United States Information Serivce and produced the city's first postwar Festival of contemporary American Music. Harris received numerous commissions, including the Serge Koussevitzky Music Foundation, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Radio France, and the Cleveland Orchestra. Harris is past president of The International Council of Fine Arts Deans (ICFAD) and served on the boards of BalletMet, Columbus Symphony Orchestra and the Martin Luther King Center. He was currently serving on the board on The Johnstone Fund for New Music. Harris was twice honored with the OSU School of Music's Distinguished Service Award. Aside from all the accolades and awards bestowed upon Donald, he will be remembered by most as a genuine, kind man who was a mentor to many. Donald is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; sons, Daniel Yves (Tracy) and Jeremy William (Aileen); daughters, Leanne Moulton of Amherst, MA, and Kristine (Bob) Phillips of Stratford, CT; grandchildren, Marc, Spencer, Sophia, and Amelia Harris, Aubrey Mae Moulton, and Carrie Phillips; great-granddaughter Marleigh Hope; brother L.R. "Buddy" (Natalie) Harris of Palm Springs, CA; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by his borther Jim Harris.
GRACE "MARLY" MARLENE HASKINS ‘50
(Marly) Deutsch Haskins was born on October 8, 1932 and at the age of 83, passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster.
Born in New York City, Marly moved with her family at an early age to St. Paul MN, where her father was employed as an interior decorator, and her mother taught high school English. After grade school, Marly attended Summit School, earning her diploma in 1950. She completed her BA degree in English at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, later earning an MA in school administration from UW-Madison. She returned to Minnesota after Skidmore and became a school teacher in Pine City. In 1955, through a mutual acquaintance, she met an Air Force officer stationed at Chamberlain Field in St Paul, the man who would become the love of her life and future husband. After she and Darrel married October 28, 1957, they moved to Darrel's hometown of Lancaster, WI.
Marly was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy ‘24 (Dunn) and Clarence Deutsch, her grandparents Evaline and William W (Billy) Dunn, and her favorite aunt Jane Graw. She is survived by her four grandchildren, whom she loved dearly: Amelia Rolf and Nolan Rolf of Plymouth, MN, Alex Haskins, Carl (Laura) Geczy-Haskins; her children Sheila (Troy) Rolf and Bill (Lisa Swanson) Haskins, and her loving husband of almost 59 years, Darrel.
LEO HAUSER '51
Leo Hauser ‘51 passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 1, 2014. Leo was born October 13, 1932 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1951 and later received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota in 1955. He married Helen Elizabeth Bros in 1957. Leo was an Officer in the Coast Guard where he and his new wife spent his deployment in Puerto Rico. After serving in the Coast Guard, Leo worked as a Product Manager in the cake mix division of General Mills. He often joked how he loved being the tester for his products.
After General Mills, Leo entered the world of finance, taking positions with Piper, Jaffrey & Hopwood, and H. Hentz & Co. and ultimately owned his own seat on the New York Stock Exchange. After selling his seat on the Exchange for a then record amount, Leo returned to the Twin Cities and put his incredibly positive energy to work by creating Personal Dynamics, a self-development company, with partner, Bob Conklin. In 1976 he was voted the president of the American Society for Training and Development, and appointed by then President Ford to the U.S. Department of Education Life-Long Learning Committee.
As an internationally known motivational speaker and trainer, Leo started Hauser Productions and published, "Five Steps to Success" to help share his expertise in self-development with the world. "Five Steps to Success" has been translated into several languages. The last several years, Leo has been enjoying his retirement and spending time with his wife of 57 years, his children and grandchildren.
Leo is survived by his wife Helen; son Leopold Hauser IV; daughters, Elizabeth Cameron, and Sara Hauser; grandchildren Leopold Hauser V, Max Hauser, and Elena Cameron; brother Thomas Hauser ‘59. He is preceded in death by his parents Leopold and Marian and grandson Timmy. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Academy and Summit School.
POLLY BANCROFT HEBBLE ‘50
Polly Bancroft Hebble ‘50, died at the age of 84 on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016.
Polly was born on March 22, 1932 to Richard H. & Pauline S. Bancroft in St Paul, Minn., where she attended Summit School. She spent two years at Connecticut College and in 1954 graduated from the University of Minnesota. While attending Connecticut College, she met Charles “Chuck” M. Hebble, Jr. and they were married on Sept 2, 1954. During their first year of marriage, they lived in La Jolla, Calif. while Chuck served in the Navy and later returned to St. Paul where they resided for 14 years. While raising her four children, Polly was an active member of The Junior League of St. Paul and often volunteered for the Children’s Hospital Association. They attended the House of Hope Presbyterian Church, the same church where they were married.
In 1970, Chuck’s career brought the family to Hanover. There Polly briefly worked for the Dartmouth College athletic ticket office and volunteered at the Pink Smock gift shop at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital. She also served on the hospital auxiliary board, including a term as president. She and Chuck were active members of the Church of Christ at Dartmouth College.
Prior to moving to Kendal at Hanover, Polly and Chuck divided their time between Ticklenaked Pond in Ryegate, Vt. and Palm Island, Fla., both places where Polly could share her love of nature and spend time with her children and grandchildren. Family was of the upmost importance to Polly. She was devoted to her ten grandchildren and delighted in exploring the seashore and hiking around the pond, always teaching and sharing her appreciation of the outdoors. Polly was an avid birder (and a rare bird herself!). Many hours were spent playing croquet, Uno, and doing jigsaw puzzles with her family and friends. She loved antiquing, sudokus, and reading. Polly enjoyed a special relationship with each grandchild and they all have no doubt their “Gagi” loved them the best.
Polly enjoyed years of playing tennis and annually hosted her tennis friends, “the Hanover Ladies,” at Palm Island for tennis, sun and fun. Polly and Chuck were active travelers, whether it was driving to visit their children and grandchildren (as they hated to miss any activity, game or recital) or exploring the world together. They enjoyed skiing, sailing, summers at Hiawatha, and jaunts world-wide. A highlight for Polly was their trip to the Galapagos Islands so she could see a Blue Footed Booby in person. Their doors were never closed to friends or family as they welcomed company wherever they were, and they never travelled without making a new friend or two (or ten!).
Bible study was important to Polly throughout her life. Her faith was ever present and helped sustain both her and her family and friends. Many thanks to all, especially the caring staff at Kendal at Hanover, who made her journey so peaceful.
Polly is survived by Chuck, her husband of 62 years; and four children: Mary Ryder ‘73 and husband, David of Rosemont, Penn., Charles III and his wife, Lou Ann of Mount Pleasant, S.C., John and his wife, Julie of Sudbury, Mass. and Thomas and his wife, Kelly of Naples, Fla.; also, her 10 grandchildren: Jesse Ryder, Nicholas Ryder (and wife, Christina), and Samuel Ryder; Caitlin Hebble Crocket (and husband, David) and Sara Hebble; Thomas Hebble (and wife, Rachel), Patrick Hebble and Emily Hebble; and Taylor Hebble and Paige Hebble. She also leaves her three siblings: Richard “Dick” Bancroft, Jr. ‘45 (and wife, Deborah ‘48), Elizabeth Cammack ‘47, and Mary Field ‘52 (and husband, Chuck); as well as her sister in-law, Joan “PeeWee” Haydock; and many loved nieces and nephews.
ELIZA HERMAN '89
Eliza Herman passed away on October 14, 2015.
After graduating from SPA, Eliza went on study at Macalester College. She worked at the University of Minnesota in the Center for Farm Financial Manager, Department of Applied Economics. At the U of M, Eliza helped coordinate workshops and other educational resources designed to help farmers make optimal business decisions. Her team was recently recognized by the University's Extension Dean for their service to farmers in navigating changes resulting from the 2014 Farm Bill.
Eliza is survived by her parents, Robert K. and Carolyn Herman, and her sister Tory Herman '85.
FRANK M. HILTON ’51
At the age of 85, Frank Hilton away peacefully August 19, 2016.
He will be sadly missed by wife of 64 years, Peggy ‘50; children, Cliff (Joan) and Bonnie (Matt) Burks; grandchildren, Elliot and Tony (Erin); great-grandchildren, Audrey and Brianna; brother, Tom (Jan); sister, Betty (Don) Dawson; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
Frank was a member of St. Paul Pass and Heron Lake Gun Clubs and was a longtime owner of Goldwood Boarding Kennels. Among his many passions were training Hunting and Field Trial dogs, and raising pure bred Golden Retrievers.
GAIL V. HOGG ‘53
Gail Hogg, of Minneapolis, died peacefully & surrounded by love on September 4, 2014, after a brief illness.
Predeceased by her beloved husband, best friend, and fellow pea-in-the-pod Jim Hogg, Gail was a caring and proud matriarch of her three daughters, Delene Lambert, Leslie Pritchett, and Jennifer Lick, her four sons, Bill Hogg, Alan Hogg, Andy Pugh, and Peter Hogg, and their collective eleven grandchildren.
Gail, the daughter of Hugo and Mary Victor and a life-long resident of the Twin Cities, was born in St. Paul on June 15, 1935. She attended Summit School and the University of Minnesota, graduating college with a degree in psychology.
Gail had many interests, was always learning, and never went anywhere without a book. She enjoyed traveling all over the world, embracing different cultures and making friends wherever she went. She loved being with her faithful dogs and her many dear friends. Above all she adored her children and grandchildren. Even at the end, Gail's optimism and sheer will were unbowed. Never one to let anything slow her down, four days before her death she was earnestly planning "the trip of a lifetime" to the Galapagos Islands, saying she could use something to look forward to.
SARAH ELIZABETH BEALS "SALLY" HOLZBACH ‘43
Sarah Elizabeth "Sally" Beals Holzbach, 91, died peacefully in her home Monday, July 25, 2016. She was born to Dr. Hugh and Kate Beals in St. Paul, MN and attended Summit School. She went to Mary Baldwin College in VA for two years, returning home to complete her studies at the University of MN. Discovering that she preferred Virginia winters over Minnesota's, Sally set about to find herself a Virginian. Through a mutual friend, Sally met Henry, who was the youngest Major in the Army at the time...and a Virginian! They married and found a secluded piece of wooded acreage on the Warwick River, where they roughed-it in an Army tent while building their home. They raised four children and when the nest began to empty, Sally pursued nursing and become an LPN, working at Eastern State Hospital for a number of years.
Sally was a lively, outgoing, seemingly ageless soul who was always up for an adventure. She never knew a stranger, and her sparkly nature earned her friends across all generations. She was an expert photographer, avid bridge player, world traveler, and philanthropist. Sally had been involved in theatre since her youth and maintained that interest throughout her life. She had a special bond with the local community theatre crowd. For the past twenty years, she has photographed hundreds of rehearsals, and created customized portfolios for all the cast members. Photo-documenting special events and moments in the lives of others was one of Sally's passions. The camera was always clicking, and if there wasn't an event, she would create one.
Having played very little with dolls as a child, she made up for it in later years, searching garage sales and thrift stores for Barbies and other props for "photo shoots" in her elaborately designed table-top scenes. The resulting vignettes were used to create handmade cards for her many friends and acquaintances. She liked to keep the postman busy "and people should get something in the mail besides bills," she often said. Sally's two favorite festive occasions were St. Patrick's Day and Halloween, for which she decorated to the hilt. When her children were school-age, she and Henry designed many elaborate haunted houses for school carnivals, fundraisers, and other community events. All her life, Sally could not pass a piano without being compelled to play the one song she had been taught as a child..."Isle of Capri." Her fingers had memorized it, she told us - but as she got older, her fingers got more forgetful. That song is forever endearingly ingrained in our memories, missed notes and all.
Sally was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Beals; husband of 67 years, Lt. Col. Henry Holzbach, Jr.; and son, Robert "Windy" Holzbach. She is survived by her son, Charles Holzbach; her daughters, Sarah Starr (Allan), and Kate Holzback; her granddaughter, Kelly Hamilton (Keith); and her three great-grandchildren, Keith, Keenan and Kendrick. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Sally's many friends and extended family members for their ongoing love and support.
JOHN (JOCK) ORDWAY IRVINE '60
On Saturday, October 1, 2016, the world lost one of the kindest, most generous souls to grace our lives. John (Jock) Ordway Irvine's life was marked throughout by service and philanthropy, including a seat on the boards of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the United Hospital Foundation, Hazelden, and Camp Widjiwagan. He was co-founder of the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. He also was an avid sports fan, especially in his support of University of Minnesota Gopher athletics and as part owner of the Minnesota Fighting Saints.
Jock Irvine was born February 16, 1941, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was the son of Thomas E. Irvine ‘29 and Sally Ordway Irvine ‘29. He was educated at St. Paul Academy and Hobart College, and was a longtime resident of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and Stuart, Florida.
Jock was an avid hunter and fisherman, having been named angler of the year at Sailfish Point. Jock's greatest passion, however, was sailing, where his talent and dedication to yacht race management earned him national recognition. He was the recipient of the Inland Lake Yachting Association's Ed Malone Trophy, the Bilge Pullers Cannon Trophy, US Sailing's Hanson Award, and the White Bear Yacht Club's Goyer Memorial Trophy, each organization's highest honor for service in race management.
Jock is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Harriette "Twinks" Irvine; their daughter, Heather Irvine Capuano ‘86, and son, Roger ’89 (Teri) Irvine; their grandchildren Will and Angie Capuano and Chloe, Carter, and Charlotte Irvine; and sister Jill Crow ‘61 and brothers William Irvine ‘67 and Horace "Hod" Irvine ‘55. He is preceded in death by his brother Thomas E. Irvine ‘53.
Jock was an honorable gentleman, known for his kindness and love of a practical joke. Jock and Twinks's remarkable philanthropy touched many lives. He will be remembered always as one of those rare persons who give with no thought of reward or recognition.
ANDREW CHARLES JENSEN '92
Mr. Andrew Jensen passed away unexpectedly on November 5, 2015 at the age of 42.
As a student at SPA, Andrew was part of the fencing team. He was also a dominating force on the Quiz Bowl team, and their undefeated season his junior year earned Andrew a trip to the state tournament. This passion for learning and knowledge that he demonstrated early in life stayed with him, and he was a regular at local trivia gatherings until his passing.
Andrew's intellectual pursuits also extended to the Military History Book Club at the HarMar Mall Barnes & Noble, and various online forums devoted to history and politics. He was also an avid fan of war gaming and swing dancing. Andrew will be missed for his wicked wit, wry sense of humor and his encyclopedic knowledge of military history.
He was a brilliant, kind and gentle person.
ELEANOR MAY (BRATNOBER) JOYCE '50
Ellie passed away on July 1, 2015. Ellie was born May 25, 1932 and was a St. Paul native who graduated from Summit School in 1950. She resided in Santa Fe, NM for the last 15 years.
Ellie is survived by her brother Robert Bratnober ‘46, sister Carol Thrush ‘54, daughter Anne, son Peter & family, son John, and son Paul & family.
BARBARA JUDSON '46
ALICE HUBBARD LIPTAK '42
Alice Liptak passed away peacefully at her home on September 25, 2015.
Alice was a graduate of Summit School with the class of 1942. She was a wonderful, loving person who was always ready to lend others a helping hand. She was also a true lover of animals.
Alice is survived by her son, Michael; brother, Stanley; as well as nieces, nephews and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Alice Rochford; father, Stanley; brother, Richard; husband, Michael; and Molly.
She will be missed by many.
JAMES MAIRS ’57
(1939-2016) died recently in Westhampton, NY. He was born in St. Paul and lived in NYC since graduating from college. His career in publishing included senior positions and editor with W.W. Norton Publishing & Company, a privately held mostly employee-owned house supporting respected academic, non-fiction, and fictional works. Jim followed his "retirement" by forming a private press, Quantuck Lane Press. He assisted hundreds of authors including Pete Seeger (folksinger), and John Silber (Boston University), Bruce Catton, plus celebrated historical, non-fiction, and graphic originators.
Following the early passing of his father, James L. Mairs, Jim's mother Alice Klein Mairs ‘29 married Frederick Bradford of St. Paul. Jim and his sister Bonnie (Alice) grew up in Mendota Heights. He graduated from Saint Paul Academy and Dartmouth, beginning his career with Norton serving a "college route" in the Midwest, driving a despised Chevy II to visit with publishing academics. In later years, Jim acquired autos and boat(s) more to his liking, including co-ownership of a sailing vessel built and owned by the late Gen. George Patton. The boat, named “When and If”, was Patton's dream for retirement which he ultimately never attained. Jim and his partners acquired the vessel at favorable price after it had been tossed onto rocks by a hurricane.
He leaves his family including his wife Gina Webster and four children: Nina Mairs, Alexandra Tart, Anna Mairs, and Will Mairs plus four splendid grandchildren. His sister Bonnie ‘54, and brothers, Fred ‘63 and John ‘64 Bradford, live in NYC, LA, and Mpls. The extended family includes two disturbed cats and a one-eyed gecko, all under constant medical care. Memorial services are planned sometime in September.
THOMAS GARDNER MAIRS ‘40
Thomas Gardner Mairs ‘40, a lifelong resident of St. Paul, Minnesota, was born on May 27, 1922 and died peacefully on August 6, 2016 at Pillars Hospice Home. Tom graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1940 and attended Yale University prior to serving in the Armed Forces during World War ll. He worked all his life as an administrative manager at Champion International Paper retiring in 1982 from his position as an administrative manager of R & D. He served as a Trustee or Director of the Mardag Foundation, Saint Paul Philharmonic, United Theological Seminary, Dodge Nature Center, Society of Packaging and Handling Engineers, Public Education Fund of the Saint Paul Foundation, Gyro Club of St. Paul, Somerset Country Club, and as an Elder and Deacon in the Presbyterian Church, member of the Government Relations Committee of the MN Council of Foundations and Community Representative at DARTS. The accomplishments he was most proud of, however, were his four children, taking care of his home, the biographies of his parents, and being the Junior MN State Trapshooting Champion at age 15. Thomas is preceded in death by his wife Marjorie P., son Thomas S., parents Mary G. and Samuel Mairs, brothers Samuel Gardner, George Goodell and Robert Whitaker, sister Mary Anne Ober, several nieces and nephews and many dear friends. He is survived by daughter Nancy Mairs Daly (Peter) and grandchildren Sam and Mary Daly, son Robert G. (Jill) and step-granddaughter Natalie Smith, and son Peter E. (Cheryl), and several nieces and nephews.
PATRICIA (APPEL) MALLOY ‘46
Patricia (Appel) Malloy ‘46 died on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 of complications from Bronchiectasis, after a long illness.
She was born on February 12, 1929 to Monte Appel, assistant Attorney General under Billy Mitchell and President Theodore Roosevelt, and Gladys McGrew Appel. She was married to John Washington Davidge, Jr., in June 1949. During the next 20 years she became very involved in the civic life of Washington, DC. Among her volunteer activities were President of the Madeira Alumnae Association, Board Member and President of the Hillcrest Children's Center, which at that time was the Department of Psychiatry of Children's Hospital, and President of the Junior League of Washington from 1964 to 1966. After returning to school to obtain her BA from American University and Masters in Social Work at Catholic University, she had a career over twenty years as a Clinical Social Worker, as a psychotherapist specializing in couples and family therapy and worked for three years as the Chief Social Worker at the Washington Home Hospice, from 1985-1988. She was divorced in 1975 and remarried on March 6, 1982 to Dr. Bernard Mathis Malloy.
She leaves four children: John W. Davidge III (Deborah Lott) of New York City, Nicholas Davidge and his wife Jill, of Charleston, South Carolina and Franconia, New Hampshire, Katharine Weeks Davidge (John Dorfman) of Newton, Massachusetts and Dorsey Davidge or McLean, Virginia and two beloved step-children, Elizabeth Malloy (Dan Sturman) of Los Angeles and Bart Malloy and his wife Susan of El Cerrito, California and 11 grandchildren: John Davidge IV and Alexandra Davidge, of New York City; Henry and William Davidge of New Haven, Connecticut; Tom, Anna and Jamie Davidge of Newton, Massachusetts; Cate and Daisy Chapin of McLean, Virginia and Jack and Matt Malloy of El Cerrito, California.
JOHN EDWARD MIDDLEBROOK '44
John Middlebrook was born in St. Paul on September 14, 1926 and died in Bloomington, MN on May 25, 2015. His father Bill was the Vice President of the University of Minnesota while his mother Margaret ran both the household and her husband's busy social schedule. John grew up during the dominance of Golden Gopher football and remembered vividly the players of the 5 National champion teams between 1934 and 1941. Academics were heavily emphasized in the Middlebrook household and John was an exceptional student. In 1940 he became ill with rheumatic fever and missed the entire school year. When he returned to school at St. Paul Academy in 1941, he completed both 8th and 9th grade in one year. This has never been accomplished, before or since, at SPA. While at SPA he met Harry Gregg, the outgoing and unrestrained opposite to John's shy and twice thinking personality. They became best friends for life.
John immediately enlisted in the US Navy after graduating from SPA in 1944. By 1945 he was with the US Fleet in the South Pacific. After the war John entered college, first at St. Thomas and then at the University of Minnesota. At the "U" he met and fell in love with Phyllis Canfield and they married in 1948. They began raising a family and John began medical school at the "U" during which time he also enlisted in the US Army, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain. Upon graduation he was assigned to a MASH unit in Korea but that was deferred as he by then had 2 young children. His unit was overrun in 1953 with complete loss of life. This both haunted him and made him grateful for every day he had for the rest of his life. John was a true member of The Greatest Generation. John became an Internal Medicine Specialist ultimately forming a long term medical practice, Hedrick, Mullin & Middlebrook.
From 1955 to 1974 he was team doctor for the U of M Varsity Basketball team. In the 1970s he was Chief of Staff at St Mary's Hospital. In the 1980s John became a senior physician at Group Health and continued to perform US Army physicals well into his retirement. In his early 50's John also discovered that he was actually a good athlete and became an avid skier, golfer and tennis player. He also rediscovered his abilities as a bridge and poker player. Most important, after all his years of dedicated and demanding work as a Doctor, he and Phyllis were able to enjoy more time together including weeks at their cabin on Madeline Island, winters in San Miguel de allende, Mexico and then later in their lives, many hours at hockey rinks where they became St. Paul Academy and St. Paul United's greatest hockey grandparents.
After 66 years together it is no surprise that following Phyllis's death in October 2014 John died so soon after. John was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Phyllis, his parents Bill and Margaret, his brother Bill and grandchildren Alex and Analise. He is survived by his sisters Ann and Margaret, his children Joan (Michael), Bill, Geoff (Sachiko), Chris (Cathryn) and Apophia (Steve), his grandchildren Seanan, Leslie, Clea, Ian ‘10, Delaney ‘11, Mary and Silas as well as 6 great grandchildren.
DONNA RIEDEL MIRICK '36
Donna Riedel Mirick, Summit School Class of 1936, passed away on January 2nd after a brief illness.
Donna was active in many organizations even late into her life, including the PEO sisterhood Chapter BC, St. Paul College Club, the Ramsey County Historical Society, The Woman's Club of Minneapolis, and the Town and Country Club. Her church circle at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church disbanded 30 years ago but the members just kept meeting anyway up until 3 years ago. She attended Camp Lake Hubert as a little girl and was proud to send her granddaughters there and her grandsons to Camp Lincoln. She was an alumna and supporter of Summit School and Smith College. Her kind and gracious nature never deserted her, even in her final illness.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Mirick, and her sister Janet Riedel Whitney ’38; and survived by her sons James (Mary), Dustin (Zella), grandchildren Ed (Katie), Gudrun, Nora Guerrera (Chris), Robert, and Sarah, and great-grandchildren Degory, Lily Guerrera, and Zoe.
CHARLES MORRISON '48
Charles Morrison was born September 7, 1929 in London, England, to Charles and Christina Skene Morrison (nee Mackie), both of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. For ten years, he lived in South Kensington.
During World War II, Charles and his sisters, Jean and Sheila, were evacuated from London for safety to the village of Grantchester. There he met Hugh Hughes, a Cambridge architect, and his wife Mary, who arranged for him to be evacuated to the United States. The Hughes family were the owners of the Tower Windmill at Burnham Overy Staithe in Norfolk, England.
In 1940, after spending a short-time in London during the Blitz, Charles crossed the Atlantic on the RMS Antonia in the last convoy of ships evacuating children. Convoys were stopped after German U-boats attacked and sunk one of the ships, the SS City of Benares. Charles then traveled by train to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he met Elizabeth and Norris Jackson (AAunt Betty and Uncle Non@) and their two daughters, Leila and Kit. While Charles was in Minnesota during the war, his younger sister Sheila lived in the Glasgow area of Scotland and his older sister, Jean, was drafted at age 18 to work in a factory as a capstan lathe operator making munitions.
In 1945, Charles returned to England and in 1948-49, he completed his national service, working for the Army Public Relations Office in Trieste, Italy. From 1950-1956, he worked as a reporter and feature writer for the Lincolnshire Echo and the Birmingham Gazette in England. In 1956, at the invitation of the Jackson family, he returned to Minnesota and settled permanently in the United States, becoming a citizen in 1962.
He received his BA, magna cum laude, from the University of Minnesota in 1960, and his MA and PhD in anthropology from the University of Chicago in 1962 and 1965.
Charles met his wife Mary at International House at the University of Chicago in 1961 and they were married in 1962. In 1963, Charles and Mary traveled to India where Charles did field work, funded by the Ford Foundation, for his doctoral dissertation, which analyzed the political system of two small villages in what is now Haryana State in north India. In 1967-68, they returned to India with their daughter Leila. On that trip, Charles researched aspects of social interactions in Ambala. Between sessions of field work in India, he also did much library and archival research on aspects of the British colonial period in the region, examining the ethnographic work of a small group of British administrators.
Charles was a professor of anthropology and associate dean at Michigan State University, in East Lansing, from 1972-1999, and was part of the anthropology faculty at the University of Rochester, New York, from 1965-1972.
Charles enjoyed sailing and in the 1990's he and Mary owned a Flying Scot called Capella and sailed at Portage Yacht Club, Portage Lake, near Dexter, Michigan. He was also a talented artist, working in watercolor and mixed media and exhibiting work with the Mid Michigan Art Guild and in several private collections.
Charles is survived by his wife Mary, son Ian, daughter-in-law, Jules Eckersley, and grandchildren Amelia and Jasper, all of Oak Park, Illinois, and daughter, Leila, of Arlington, Virginia.
JOEL NASH ‘56
Joel David Nash passed away on October 10, 2012 at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
He was born on August 8, 1939 in Rochester, Minnesota. His parents were Leo A. Nash, MD, and Helen Marie Arnquist Nash. He grew up in Fargo, North Dakota and St. Paul, Minnesota. Joel attended St. Paul Academy, Harvard College (at age 16), and the University of Minnesota where he received BA, BS, and MD degrees. He interned at the University of New Mexico Medical School. He served two years in the U.S. Army at McAfee Army Hospital on White Sands Missile Range as a General Medical Officer and as Chief of Professional Services. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. Following active duty, Joel returned to the University of Minnesota for dermatology training and served in the SS01 U.S. Army Reserve Hospital. On completion of his education, he returned to Albuquerque and joined the Lovelace Clinic Staff, retiring in 2001 after 31 years. He had also been on the clinical faculty of the UNM Dermatology Department since its founding in 1973 and retained a keen interest in education.
He is survived by his wife, Lori Nash; and two daughters, Leslie Nash Kilstofte (Mark Kilstofte) of Greenville, South Carolina, and Andrea Nash (Michelle King) of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is also survived by three sisters, Jill Nash of Buffalo, New York, Sally Nash Meyfarth (Philip Meyfarth) of Macedonia, Ohio, and Wendy Nash Keller of Albuquerque, New Mexico; as well as nephew Ethan Mitchell of New York City, New York, nephew Michael Keller of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and niece Abby Keller, also of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Joel was beloved by his patients, family and friends. His contribution to the practice of dermatology was immeasurable; his love of cars, especially Corvairs, was a lifelong passion; his black "This is Not an Abandoned Car" GMC was known throughout the region; and his knowledge and ability to have an in-depth dialogue on almost every subject simply amazed everyone he met.
FREDERICK JAMES NEHER ‘43
Age 90, of Oak Park Heights, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, March 13, 2015, at Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota. Fred had a long and wonderful life.
Fred was born to Frederick and Cecilia (Kilbane) Neher of St. Paul, Minnesota in February 1925. He graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1943 and like many patriotic young men at the time promptly enlisted in the US Army. He was selected for the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) as an officer candidate and started his studies at the University of Puget Sound in the fall of 1943. Unfortunately, due to the dire need for combat troops, ASTP was cut at the start of 1944 and Fred was transferred as a combat replacement into the armored infantry with Patton's 11th Armored Division. He survived the 11th Armored Division's push from France into Germany and was wounded after the Battle of the Bulge. After recovering, Fred used his fluent German language skills in the OSS to round up fugitive German officers. Fred was always proud of his participation in this great endeavor. After returning home, and discharge from the Army in 1945, Fred resumed his education at Harvard College under the GI Bill. He earned his medical degree at Harvard in 1952 and began his surgical residency at the University of Minnesota under Dr. Richard Varko. Fred even participated in the first open-heart surgical procedure with Dr. Varko in 1952. It was an exciting time for Fred and the surgical team at the University, and he also met a young surgical nurse, Phyllis Rybak, whom he married in 1958. Fred and Phyllis settled in St. Paul where they raised their family and Fred went into private practice. He specialized in vascular surgery and became chief of staff at St. Joseph's and United Hospitals and a member of the Minnesota Medical Association. He continued his lifelong passion for the outdoors and enjoyed Minnesota fishing, hunting, bird watching and hiking. Fred and Phyllis built a lake house near Detroit Lakes and spent 30 years vacationing there with family and their dogs. They also traveled frequently to Bavaria to visit their German relatives and visited their children and grandchildren in Boston, Idaho, California, Texas, Louisiana, Brazil, England and Australia. Fred was a loving husband, wonderful father, a great teacher and a loyal friend.
He is survived by his five children, Frederick ‘77 (Mickey) Neher of Mahtomedi, MN, Kurt ‘79 (Luisa) Neher of Ojai, CA, Lise ‘81 (Dan) Revers of Weston, MA, Erick ‘82 (Heather) Neher of Idaho Falls, ID, and Konrad Neher of Center City, MN; his brother, Jim ‘54 (Kathe) Neher of St. Paul, MN; as well as ten grandchildren ranging in age from 6 to 26. Fred's loving wife of 55 years, Phyllis (Rybak) Neher of New Prague, Minnesota, passed away in November of 2013.
RICHARD OBER ’73
Richard Ober ’73 passed away at the age of 61 on May 31, 2016.
He was a graduate of St. Paul Academy and Summit School and the University of Denver majoring in Accounting. His work career spanned several different jobs and companies including Seagate Technology, the Union Gospel Mission, and Jefferson Lines; however, his passion was always working on cars and engines and he returned to that work with a job at Metro Transit in the service area repairing buses. He gave freely of his time and energy, spending 25 years on the board of directors of the Mardag Foundation, the Advisory Committee of the Management Improvement Fund at the St. Paul Foundation and was an active member of Calvary Church. He loved working on old cars, skiing, sailing, and taking walks with his wife.
Richard was preceded in death by parents, Stephen ‘40 and Mary Anne ‘41. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; daughters, Kelsey (John), and Leah; son, Benjamin; step-daughter, Krystle (Benny); grand children, Ysabella, John, Paul, and Vivienne; his brother, Tim ‘75 (Gayle); niece, nephew, and many cousins and friends.
MICHAEL ALEXANDER O'BRIEN '40
Michael O’Brien ‘40 passed away on October 20, 2014 at the age of 94 after a five year struggle with Alzheimer's. Michael's great grandparents came from Ireland and settled on Madeline Island in 1857. A lifelong St. Paul resident, Michael attended St. Paul Academy and enlisted in the Army Air Force and became a B-24 pilot during WWII. He was awarded the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. Following the war, Michael became the luckiest man in St. Paul when he met Polly Goodrich. They were married in 1947 and raised their family in Highland Park. Michael had a career in the insurance business and pursued his other great loves (in addition to his wife and family): flying, spending summers on his beloved Madeline Island, lawn mowers, extra thick chocolate malts, Polly's chocolate sauce, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, Hershey Bars, Milky Ways, you get the idea.
Michael was preceded in death by parents Christopher Dillon and Mary Foley O'Brien, siblings Christopher '32, Mary Louise '31, Thomas, Jessie '35, and Craig '42. Survived by wife of 67 years Polly, children: Sandy and Judy and their children Drew (Carrie Valverde), Tara (Rob) Cain, Katie (Benjamin) Dillon; Craig '70 and Maureen and their family; Elizabeth '73 & Olav & their family; 8 great grandchildren many, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family wishes to express its utmost gratitude to all the staff at the Minnesota Vet's Home for the wonderful, diligent, and sensitive care they provided to Michael and all the veterans in their care.
BARBARA O'SHAUGHNESSY '40
Barbara J. O'Shaughnessy passed away peacefully on September 20, 2014 at the age of 92 surrounded by her children. Born on July 5th, 1922 in Austin, Minnesota to Clara and Clifford Streeter, she spent most of her youth in St. Paul, Minnesota. She attended Mills College in Oakland, CA and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1944. After graduation, Barbara volunteered for the US Army in California scheduling transportation home for soldiers on leave.
Barbara married Donald E. O'Shaughnessy in 1946 and moved to Midland, Texas in 1950. She was very active in various aspects of the community in Midland from St. Ann's Church and School to the Midland Community Theatre where she performed in numerous plays. She also served on the boards of the I.A. O'Shaughnessy Foundation, Midland College Foundation and was a Governor Emeritus of the Midland Memorial Foundation at Midland Memorial Hospital. A natural athlete, Barbara was an excellent golfer and tennis player. She and Don enjoyed traveling, and she remained curious and up to date on local and world events until her death.
Barbara was a surrogate mom to many and a genuine friend to all. She leaves a lifetime of treasured memories and a legacy of love, laughter, wit and grace. Barbara will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her six children: Karen, Steve, Mike, Dan, Peggy and Kaki O'Shaughnessy, 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Don, and her granddaughter, Nicole DeBerge and grandson, Chance DeBerge. The family would like to thank all her thoughtful and loving friends and those caretakers who have compassionately helped care for Barbara, most recently including: Simona and Nohe Gonzalez, Raquel Gonzalez, Lucy Gutierrez, Kim Claiborne, Teresa Zermeno, Griselda Gaytan, Bill Britt and in particular, Hospice of Midland.
MARGARET (PEGGY) LOVERING PARKER ‘36
Margaret (Peggy) Lovering Parker, a former resident of Wellesley Hills for 45 years, and most recently at North Hill in Needham, died on February 3, 2015 at Pines Edge Skilled Nursing Facility at North Hill. She was 96.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Harry D. and Margaret Rockwell Lovering. She attended Summit School and then went on to the University of Minnesota, where she belonged to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. She was a member of the Altar Guild at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and a Sustainer of the Wellesley Garden Study Group.
Mrs. Parker is predeceased by her loving husband, Arthur Seymour Parker, M.D., with whom she shared 63 years of marriage. She is survived by four children, Anne Stommes and her husband, Leon, Stephen Parker and his wife, Linda, David Parker and his wife, Karen, and James Parker; five grandchildren, Benjamin Parker and his wife, Tracey, Stacey Parker, Andrew Parker, Madeline Parker and Katharine Parker; and four great grandchildren, Logan, Mason, Braden and Brooklyn Parker. Her sister, Anne Elsinger ‘42 of North Oaks, also survives her.
WILLIAM PEET '62
William Peet passed away in Kansas City, MO on January 8, 2015, from pancreatic cancer. Bill was the creator of Dr. Peet's Talkwriter, an early literacy software program. He attended St. Paul Academy and spent summers on Madeline Island. After graduating from Amherst College, he served 4 years in the Peace Corps on Ifaluk Atoll in Micronesia. He earned his PhD in sociolinguistics from the University of Hawaii where he and his first wife Corrine Yamamoto Peet raised their daughter Noelani.
Bill had a passion for singing songs of love and social justice with his guitar, and playing classical piano. He was a keen sailor, windsurfer, water-skiier, jogger, and enjoyed flying small aircraft. Survived by wife and musical and professional partner Libby (Lancaster) Peet; daughter Noelani Peet (Anton Russell); sisters Elizabeth (Peet) Runge ‘67; Sarah (Peet) Renner; and grandsons Andreas Rezaei and Dylan Russell; and stepchildren Lori and Daniel Hardee. A local memorial will be held next summer.
LAURA DEAN PLATT ‘41
Laura Dean Platt, Summit Class of 1941, passed away on October 9, 2014.
Laura was born in St. Paul on September 13, 1923 to Muriel Smith and Winter Dean. Laura did graduate work in Medieval History at the University of Minnesota. She served on the Board of the Madeline Island Music Camp, the Ethical Practices Commission for the City of St. Paul and for Common Cause of Minnesota.
She is survived by children, Robin Roderick ‘64, Timothy Platt ‘66 and Märta Silber, Nancy ‘67 and Bill Jones, Katherine Platt ‘68, and Stephen Platt; grandchildren Anders, Daniel, Emily, and Charlie Platt, Sarah and Annie Straubinger, Nicolas and Valentina Capula; great-grandchildren Oscar and Benjamin Capula. She is also survived by Craig Woolley and a brother, Ed Dean ‘53. She was preceded in death by husband, Lawrence Platt ‘43, 1996, daughter-in-law, Runa Berglund, 1988, son-in-law, Mark Roderick, 1998, and brothers, Alden ‘44, Bud ‘42, and Bill Dean ‘53.
LUTHER T. PRINCE, JR.
Luther T. Prince Jr. passed away on November 24, 2014.
A native Texan educated at MIT, Luther was recruited by Honeywell in 1953. In 1967 Prince became CEO of Ault, Inc., spearheading its growth until he retired. Luther served on the Board of Trustees at St. Paul Academy and Summit School from 1991-1997. He was the first African American inducted into the Minnesota Business Hall of Fame.
A life-long tinkerer, his children fondly remember him building his own electronics, and conceiving humorous inventions.
Prince is predeceased by his parents, and by Evelyn Berryman Prince, his beloved wife of 40 years. He is survived by his children Linda, Terry, Kathy, Karen, and his grandchildren Kapria ‘97, Aris, and Dakota. The memorial will be private.
SARAH LOVEGROVE BAKER "SALLY" ROSS ‘41
Sally Ross of St. Paul, died peacefully in her home surrounded by family on August 5, 2015.
Sally was born on April 16, 1923 and was a proud and devoted lifelong resident of St. Paul. After graduating from Summit School in 1941, she went to Smith College in Northampton, MA and graduated in 1945. That same year, she met her loving husband of 67 years, Ham Ross, at a house party on Madeline Island. Ham and Sally were married on November 29, 1947 in St. Paul and began their family life together. Sally was a lifelong learner and reader, with an incredible mind and natural curiosity. For 52 years she was a member of a women's seminar that studied literature, poetry, and history, all taught by college professors. She read two newspapers every day and returned to the University of Minnesota to get an additional degree in landscape design in 1979 inspired by her love of gardening. For 30 years, she spent many happy days with her fingers in the dirt as a professional landscape designer in partnership with David Murphy, Bluebird Landscaping, hand selecting each plant for her clients at Bachman's Wholesale in Lakeville where all the staff knew her by name. She placed every plant as if it was a child to be loved. Many friendships and political debates began over a flat of vinca rosea. She was a devoted member of the Woody Plant Society and the St. Paul Garden Club.
Sally had an enduring passion for volunteerism, her community, and social justice causes. She served on numerous boards, including; Capital Community Service, Children's Home Society, Face-to-Face, Family Service, Friends of the St. Paul Library, The New Century Club, Northland College, Planned Parenthood, St. Paul Council of Arts and Sciences, The Science Museum, Summit School, and Unity Unitarian Church. From a young age, Sally had a great sense of community responsibility, and she and Ham both believed strongly that making the world a better place was their job to do. Perhaps her favorite collaboration was the Ross Group, a group of St. Paul women leaders who met weekly to discuss the vibrancy and health of their community. The group even caught the notice of the Daily Show's Jon Stewart when they protested the placement of the Peanuts characters in Rice Park.
The most important things in Sally's life were her family and her countless dear friends. She and Ham truly savored their time with both. Sally was preceded in death by her husband Hamilton, her parents Ada and James Baker, and her brother Bartlett. She is survived by her four children James ‘71 (Camille Didier ‘72), Hamilton ‘72 (Constance Tiesberg), Sarah Caruso ‘77 (Richard Hurrelbrink), and Mary ‘81 (Jon Berg). She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Sally's family would like to say a special thanks to Diana Lerbs for her incredible care and devotion. They shared a very special bond. The family also wants to thank everyone at the Episcopal Homes of Minnesota for their devoted support of both parents.
JENNIFER ROY ’84
Rev. Jennifer "Jena" Jean of Winchester, MA died peacefully at home on June 13, 2016, at age 49, after a four year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by immediate family who love her deeply.
Born in St. Paul, MN, Jena graduated from St. Paul Academy and Summit School, Dartmouth College, and Andover Newton Theological School. After an early career in business in NYC, she settled in Winchester to raise her family. She was a longtime member of First Congregational Church, and an active volunteer in community affairs. Most recently, she worked as an interfaith chaplain at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and ministered to others walking with the Outdoor Church, counseling at the Children's Room, teaching at Germaine Lawrence, and leading worship in many churches. A loving mother to Max and Mimi, and to dogs Bella and Joe, she enjoyed the outdoors, the Red Sox, a good book, and laughter. Jena and family were deeply grateful for all the support of wonderful friends, the MGH medical team, and hospice caregivers. A service to celebrate Jena's well-lived life will be on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Winchester.
Jena is survived by her two children, Max Roy Thompson of Tacoma and Madeline Roy Thompson of Winchester, their father Marc Thompson, her mother Barbara Blanch Roy, her siblings Heidi (Robert) Hubbard, Beth ‘90 (Oliver) Jenkyn, and Christopher (Amber) Roy, and a large extended family. Preceded in death by grandparents Ted "Pap" and Jean "Gram" Blanch, and father Dr. Philemon C. Roy, Jr ‘58.
NEAL W. SEDGWICK ‘46
Age 87, of Minnetonka passed away July 30, 2016. Preceded in death by parents Alfred and Mabel Sedgwick. Neal was born January 24, 1929 in Fall River, MA. He moved to St. Paul early in life where he attended St. Paul Academy and Macalester College. Neal worked for Great Northern Railroad as an accountant. He retired in 1968 and followed his passions of mountain climbing, history, science, astronomy and investing. His climbing accomplishments include summiting Mt. Rainier. Neal had an encyclopedic mind and everyone enjoyed conversation with him.
Neal was a wonderful brother, uncle and friend. Survived by brother, Al ‘45; nieces and nephews; Ann and JC Savage, Elizabeth Sedgwick and Ken Bechler, Sara Sedgwick, Richard and Linda Sedgwick; 6 grand nephews and nieces; 1 great nephew; sister in law Lynn Carroll and special friend Rose Braden.
JOAN L. SHAPIRO ‘55
Joan passed away in Mendota Heights on November 29, 2014. She was preceded in death by her parents Rosalind and Harry Shaprio, and her brother Mort ‘53. Joan was an alumna of Summit School Class of 1955, and Wellesley College Class of 1959.
Joan served as a faculty member at Summit School from 1964-1968. She served as a Board Member for St. Paul Academy and Summit School in 1980. Joan was also a former Board Member of St. Paul Red Cross, Family Service of St. Paul, Vail Place, United Hospital Foundation, Jewish Family Service of St. Paul, Friends of Gillette, St. Paul Ramsey Hospital Volunteer Service and DARTS.
DAVID SIMS
ALIDA BUTLER STANGE '45
Alida Butler Stange passed away on October 4 at the age of 87.
Alida was born and raised in St. Paul and attended Summit School before graduating from the Garrison Forest School in Baltimore, Maryland. As a student at Summit School, Alida was a member of the modern dance club and was thought by her classmates to have a future in music. Her affinity for culture stayed with her all her life; she was a perceptive and informed lover of art and a connoisseur of French culture and cuisine. Alida was a generous supporter of conservationist organizations and liberal political causes. She was also a committed tennis player, and continued to hit the court well into her 80's.
Alida is preceded in death by her husband, the late G. Robert Strange, a professor of English at Tufts University. She is survived by her sister Allison Butler '43 of Kennet Square, PA, her brother David Butler '48 of Denver, and her stepchildren Maren Stange of New York City, Margit Stange of Berkeley, CA, and Eric Stange of Arlington. She is also survived by her grandchildren Alex and Mia Stange, and Clara Hobson, and nieces Marna Matthews, Maeve Matthews, Anne Butler, Molly Butler, and Kate Butler, and her nephews Scott Matthews, Lawrence Butler and Peter Butler, as well as many cousins.
JANET S. STEPHENS '38
Janet Stephens, 89 of Edina, Minnesota, passed away on June 16, 2009. She was born on August 28, 1919, in St. Paul, MN. Janet was a 1938 graduate of Summit Academy and later attended the University of Minnesota where she belonged to the ALPHA PHI sorority.
Janet was united in marriage to the love of her life Winfield Stephens Jr., on September 19, 1939. The couple were members of the Minikahda and Edina Country Club. They loved to travel and wintered in Florida and Mazatlan, Mexico. Janet had a fun-loving spirit and a great sense of humor right up till the end. She was always a lady and entered her final years with grace and dignity. Janet loved all of her family, friends and her dogs. She has now joined her loved ones in heaven. May they all rest in peace.
Janet's family would like to thank the staff at Colonial Acres for their loving care. Thank you to Laura for her healing hands and thank you Dolly for taking care of another angel. Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Winfield; parents, Emogene and Harry Simons; brother, Jim Simons; daughter, Bonnie Rock; son-in-law, John Rock; and best friend, Joyce Price. She is survived by daughters, Pamela (Pete), Stephanie (Bob), Kristine (Bill), and Janney (Rick); son, Winfield (Nancy); 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Peggy Schilling '43 (Hugh '43); and many nieces and nephews.
JOAN ELLEN TRENERRY ‘66
Joan Trenerry passed away on Friday, December 30, 2016. Born in April 1948, Joan is a graduate of Summit School, and St. Catherine's University.
Joan was a bowler extraordinaire, and a life-long tennis player. She loved animals and art and turned that enthusiasm into an animal portrait business. She had a thriving sweater business, creating beautiful patterns and designs. She doted on her pug, Arni. She was rich in her friends, who made her final days filled with care and love. A special thank you to Kelly and Karen from Baywood Home Health Care, who surrounded her with genuine love and care.
Joan is survived by her sister, Kitty Reveal, brother-in-law, Chip Reveal, nieces, Genna, Adri and Danielle. She was preceded in death by her son Andrew Mathos. She was loved and will be missed.
PETER VAUGHAN ‘55
Peter Vaughan, who would have been 77 on Friday, died over the weekend at his French home in the Loire Valley. Vaughan had moved to France with his wife, Dana Wood, after retiring from the Star Tribune. They lived in a country manse in Saint-Senoch, in central France, where Vaughan was able to indulge his tastes for good wine and food.
Born in London, Vaughan and his mother moved to St. Paul when he was a child. His father, Tom Vaughan, was an amateur theater enthusiast who became a critic himself after he retired from an academic career.
Peter Vaughan graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1955 and received degrees from Yale and the London School of Economics. He started his career at the Minneapolis Star as a reporter, winning an award in 1974 for working on a team that investigated the value and reliability of auto repairs. It was as a theater critic, though, that he was remembered best.
In a valedictory when he left the Star Tribune, Vaughan called theater “a unique forum to probe the political, social and personal forces that shape our lives.”
“Probably the most disappointing aspect of Twin Cities theater is how often good, even exceptional work, is ignored by audiences,” he wrote. “One might argue that we have too much theater and that the exceptional often gets lost, but I fear that too often, people shun theater for the very reasons I am attracted to it.”
Peter was preceded in death by his daughter, Rachel ’80. He is survived by his wife, Dana, her daughter, Tiffany, two sons from his first marriage, Tom and Jeremy ’87,and his sister Felicity Swayze ’55 (Townsend).
CONSTANCE SHEPARD WALSH '62
Constance Shepard Walsh died on Monday afternoon, September 12, 2016, at home surrounded by her loving family after a four year battle with cancer. Born in Bronxville, NY and a native of St. Paul, Minnesota, she was one of five children of Blake and Nancy Shepard; she moved to Buffalo in 1973.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, John N. Walsh, III; her daughter, Kyle, and son, Blake; her sisters Nan ‘60, Christy and Alison (Jeff); her brother, Blake ‘76 (Ann); her sisters-in-law Demi (Rob), Debbie (Mike) and Amy (Barney); her mother-in-law, Sally Keating Walsh, and by the fourteen nephews and nieces she so loved.
WILLIAM WARD '54
William “Pete” Ward was born in St. Paul, MN on November 20, 1936. He died peacefully surrounded by family on July 4, 2015 at his home, Elkhart Ranch, near Wilsall, Montana.
Pete attended SPA from 1945 until his graduation. He excelled in every sport that caught his attention, however, it was in baseball that he hit his stride where he received four varsity letters and captained the squad his senior year. He attended the University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a B.S. degree from the Wharton School in 1958.
Following college, Pete began a varied business career that included stints at 3M, Minnesota Plastics Co., Dain, Kalman, & Quail, and the Gokey Company. He later became an independent financial adviser and investor in a variety of ventures.
Pete had a passion for the outdoors that only intensified as he grew older. Hunting, fishing, bird dogs, and conservation were of special interest. Soon after his marriage to Margaret Miller in 2000, the couple established permanent residence at Elkhart Ranch in Montana. There he could step out the door and be in the middle of much that he loved most.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents, William, Sr. ’28 and Mary Clapp Ward ’27. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Ward. Pete and his first wife, the former Victoria Galloway ’55 had three children who also survive him: William, III (Marie); Andrew ’80 (Amy); and Wendy ’82: Grandchildren; Kristi, William, IV (Hillary), David, Larkin and Caleb. He is survived by brothers Charles ‘56 (Susan Rose ‘57), John ’58 (Margaret) and former stepson, Brian Green ’87.
Pete was deeply committed to the SPA/Summit community. He served on the Board of Trustees and the Alumni/ae Council.
RICHMOND "DICK" WARNER, JR. '43
Dick Warner Jr., of Wellesley passed away in his sleep on December 14, 2015, two days after his 90th birthday. Mr. Warner was born in 1925, the only son of Richmond P. and Winifred (Holbert) Warner of St. Paul, MN.
Following his graduation from SPA, Dick enlisted in the Army Air Corps, and was in the course of his training when WWII came to an end. He later earned his B.A. from Connecticut's Trinity College in 1950 and then began working for American Hoist and Derrick in St. Paul. Dick met his future wife, Patricia Peck of Douglaston, NY (Mount Holyoke, '48), while they were both in college. They were engaged in Alta, Utah before marrying June 4, 1955.
By 1961 Dick and Patricia had settled in Wellesley where, three years later, Dick acquired Child Life Play Specialties, Inc. His lifelong passion for woodworking prompted his purchase of the company, which was well known at the time for manufacturing the then-ubiquitous green wooden swing sets.
As owner and president of Child Life, he expanded the product line, designed the popular Space Trolley, and grew the company from a one-man operation in a garage to a factory with more than 40 employees at the time of his retirement in 1989.
Dick and his cherished wife, Pat, became dedicated advocated of the American contemporary crafts movement, producing work in a variety of media including, wood, glass, ceramics, fiber and metal. The Warners were active members of their local arts community and counted many artists as friends and frequent visitors to their Wellesley home.
Dick fostered a love of nature that was irresistible and infectious. In addition to skiing at Alta, across New England, and his extensive travels with his wife, he also hiked and climbed throughout the White Mountains and Baxter State Park. He was a member of the 4000 Footer Club and a founding member of the "Men of Caliber." He remained an enthusiastic trekker and boatman in the Grand Canyon well into his 80's.
Mr. Warner is survived by his wife, Patirica; daughter Anne Costello (Patirck) of Auburndale; son Chuck Warner (Sally Cragin); and four grandchildren: Jillian and Amelia Costello, and Christopher and Jet Warner. His family is grateful to the entire staff of Epoch of Weston for their attentiveness and care throughout 2015.
CARL L. WESCHCKE '48
Carl Weschcke, a national figure in the new age religious community and a publisher of books on the occult, died last weekend at age 85.
Weschcke, who lived in Woodbury, was well-known in St. Paul for moving into the supposedly haunted Chauncey Griggs mansion on Summit Avenue in the 1960s and for popularizing the Wiccan religion -- he was said to be the first self-described witch in the Saintly City.
With his wife, Sandra, Weschcke owned Woodbury-based Llewellyn Worldwide, which publishes books on the occult and new age religious texts. Weschcke was involved in the company's operations until shortly before his Nov. 7 death.
"He was physically frail but his mind was very sharp," Llewellyn publicist Kat Sanborn said. "He really was a gracious and beloved person here. He's sorely missed by those of us who have known him for years."
Born in 1930 and raised in St. Paul, Weschcke graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1948 and then went on to Babson College in Wellesley, MA. After completing his studies with a bachelor's in business administration, he joined his parents' pharmaceutical business. At age 28, he left to pursue a career in the paranormal. He bought Llewellyn in 1961, moving it from Portland, Ore., to the Twin Cities.
Already established as the oldest New Age publisher in the country, Llewellyn grew under Weschcke's leadership to become the largest, too.
In 1964, Weschcke bought the Chauncey Griggs mansion at 476 Summit Ave., which was rumored to be haunted. He claimed to have a number of strange experiences there. In 1969, two Pioneer Press reporters and a photographer spent a night in the house at Weschcke's invitation. The three men left before dawn, saying there was "no prize on earth that could get us to spend a single night alone in that great stone house."
After Carl and Sandra Weschcke married in 1972, the couple shared running the publishing business. They moved out of the Griggs house in 1977 and relocated to Marine on St. Croix before finally settling in Woodbury.
Weschcke co-wrote 10 books on psychic empowerment and other New Age subjects.
Weschcke also was involved with the Minnesota chapters of the NAACP and the ACLU.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra; his son, Gabe; his daughter-in-law, Michele; and three grandchildren.
ELIZABETH MOORE WHITMAN '35
Elizabeth Moore Whitman passed away on August 7, 2014. Betty was born on January 22, 1918, in St Paul and attended Summit School. She adored her father, Frank Emerson Whitman, who, she said, let her children learn from their own mistakes. Her mother, Edith, gave Betty her love of history and of birds. Betty had an older brother, Albert '29, and a younger brother, Allen '43. Her family spent summers at White Bear Lake. Many of her favorite childhood memories were of swimming and being with family at their summer cottage.
She graduated from Vassar College and Columbia University with a Master of Arts in Religious Education. Betty visited the rainforest of Costa Rica and the island of Sri Lanka, walked the Great Wall of China and climbed to Manchu Picchu -- just to name a few of the many places she traveled.
Betty directed religious education programs in Minneapolis, in Dayton, Ohio, and in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. When she returned to St. Paul, she developed the program at Unity Church with Rev. Arthur Foote.
She built a home in Afton on a hill wooded with oak and overlooking grassland. Serving on the Afton Planning Commission and officiating at elections, she was actively involved in community. When young neighbors visited, she offered ginger ale, cookies and wisdom. She loved the beauty of the seasons -- even winter when shoveling snow from a very long driveway. She found solace and joy in being in nature, observing wildlife, especially birds.
PELINA M. WILSON '91
Pelina Wilson passed away on December 1, 2014 at the age of 42. Pelina was a graduate of St. Paul Academy and Summit School, class of 1991. She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She is survived by her parents, William "Bill" and Willie Mae Wilson; brother, Bertrand ‘83 (Cindy ‘83); niece, Naomi; and a host of relatives and friends. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at the Spielman Mortuary, 344 W. University Avenue, St. Paul. Service to follow at 11 a.m. Inurnment in Historic Oakland Cemetery.
CYNTHIA CLARK WOODWARD ‘51
AMY TOBIN ’87
At the age of 47, Amy Tobin died after a long and valiant battle with breast cancer on January 14, 2017. She leaves behind her beloved son, Liam Tobin; parents, John and Marie Tobin; sister, Lisa Tobin ’78; nephew, Ian Tennant; and many wonderful relatives and countless friends. She was pre-deceased by her much-loved brother, James ’77, and her grandparents.
Amy's unique gifts were discovered early, she read the paper with Papa at age 3 and sat down at the piano and began playing shortly thereafter. As she developed her musical talent she discovered her true joy was the violin. Amy was a graduate of St. Paul Academy & Summit School and Boston University. She often noted the key people who influenced her musical development, including the inspirational influence of Mrs. Reher, Doug Overland, Mary West and Roman Tottenberg. Her musical interests and abilities were eclectic and she has collaborated with many gifted musicians. She served as the concertmaster of the St. Paul Civic Symphony and played with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. She will be missed by her tango group. Those that have heard Amy perform have been moved and inspired and are grateful to her for making the world a more harmonious place in which to live. After the unexpected death of her favorite brother, James, she chose to embark on a new course of study and graduated summa cum laude as a medical technician and has thoroughly enjoyed her team at Allina Health Systems.
Living with an incurable disease like cancer is challenging at best. Amy did it with style, grace, a ready smile and kindness toward others even when she was losing her battle. Her greatest joy has been watching her son grow and realize his own personal gifts and talents. He has begun his own musical journey on both the cello and French horn. A heartfelt thank you to all who have cared for her, especially the Oncology team on 2W at Unity and Dr. King of Minnesota Oncology.
THOMAS WALVOOD OSBORN ’50
Thomas Walvoord Osborn, 84, passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at his home in Laguna Beach, California.
Tom was born July 19, 1932 to Stephen and Lillian Osborn, the younger of two brothers. He graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1950 and Northwestern University in 1958.
Tom served in the Army as a member of the Army Jazz band, stationed in the US and Germany. Later he worked for Ecolab, launching their still popular Finish dishwasher detergent and was also an entrepreneur, marketing consultant, and Vice President of Marketing at the American Management Association. He also volunteered for several different causes including assisting small businesses with business planning. He continued to play music until his death and was an accomplished painter.
Tom is survived by his wife, Valerie Osborn; along with four children Edward and Masami Osborn of Houston: Texas, Nicholas Osborn of Chicago, Illinois, Benjamin Osborn of Minneapolis Minnesota, and Gillian Osborn of New Orleans, Louisiana; four stepchildren, Vanessa Sinclair, Toby Bonner-Davies, Richard Bonner-Davies and Bronwen Hunter; 16 Grandchildren; and one brother, Merritt Osborn ’46 of Cleveland, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Penelope Francis Osborn.
Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday, April 5th at Laguna Presbyterian Church at 1pm with Reverend Dr. Kathy Sizer presiding over the service. A second service will be scheduled at a future date in St. Paul, Minnesota.
STEPHEN OLSON ’69
Stephen Olson ’69, passed away on Friday, July 21, 2017.
Stephen was born November 20, 1951, in Empire Township, Minnesota. He attended St. Paul Academy. After graduation, he enrolled at Middlebury College where he was the editor-in-chief of The Middlebury Campus.
Despite his love of the slopes and rock of Vermont, the prairies called. He returned home to continue his education at the University of Minnesota. Despite his heavy course load, his dedication to the printed word and exposition of truth kept him busy as an investigative reporter at a Minneapolis newspaper.
In 1978, Stephen moved to Maine, the state he had fallen in love with while working at the Maine Times in 1972 between school years. The rest is history — Stephen developed into the hard-hitting, swashbuckling, joke-loving "Steve from Belfast". He was by far the most Mainer-man to ever come out of a farm on the prairies. It wasn't too long before he met and married Julia Misner; together they raised two children, Skyler and Clare.
He sailed as a captain on traditional schooners and large tonnage vessels, as well as an engineer on tugboats. He was a bluewater merchant mariner, steamship bosun, and owner/captain of the Balmy Days.
When not on the high seas, Stephen worked as a marine surveyor for the self-named Olson Marine Service, surveying yachts, fishing vessels, workboats and many of the Maine schooner fleet.
As a freelance journalist, he wrote feature articles for Small Boat Journal, National Fisherman, Professional Boatbuilder, WoodenBoat Magazine, and the local papers. He was also an author of a children's book based on a bedtime story he created for his son and daughter.
He was a devoted husband, father, friend, community and school board member. He was a teacher, an original thinker, a lover of ideas.
His parents, Robert Frederick Olson and Janine DeCoster, and his three siblings, Maren (Olson) Mitchell, Evelyn Olson, and Robert Olson Jr., predeceased him. He is survived by his wife Julia Olson, children Skyler and Clare, step-sister Tara Butler, sister-in-law Torie Olson, 10 nieces and nephews, and 12 grandnieces and nephews.
HARRY TALBOT NEIMEYER '57
Age 77 Of St. Paul Harry Talbot Neimeyer passed away peacefully on May 23, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert "Harry" and Patricia (Shea) Neimeyer, and brother, Peter Neimeyer. Harry is survived by his sister, Julia (Richard) Moe; daughter, Sarah Neimeyer (Joseph Warren), sons, Slater (Cindy) Tai and Charlie (Jane) Neimeyer; five grandchildren, and former wife, Helene "Lenie" Smith. Born on May 25, 1939, Harry was raised in Duluth, Minnesota. He graduated from St. Paul Academy (1957), Amherst College (1961), and the University of Minnesota Law School (1964). Harry practiced law at Stringer & Rohleder in St. Paul for more than 40 years, and served as the mayor of Afton, Minnesota while living there in the early 1970s. Harry was an avid tennis and hockey player, who enjoyed long walks along the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers. His lifelong loves were Duluth and Lake Superior, where he was happiest skipping stones and watching the ore boats. A celebration of Harry's life will be held on Saturday, June 17, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 317 on Rice Park (formerly the Minnesota Club) at 317 Washington Street, St. Paul, 55102. Valet provided. Harry's family wishes to thank those who cared for him at Rakhma during his last years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Harry's honor to Rakhma Homes, 4953 Aldrich Ave. S., Minneapolis, 55419.
REVEREND MARY ALLISON (BIGELOW) MCMILLAN ’37
Reverend Mary Allison Bigelow “Molly” McMillan, born July 30, 1919, died peacefully February 16, 2017, in her apartment at the EagleCrest Presbyterian Home in Roseville.
Baptized at the House of Hope Presbyterian Church, Molly grew up in a family that cared deeply about church and community. She attended Summit School and Vassar College, graduating in 1941 with a degree in physics. She met her future husband while singing in the choir at House of Hope. She and Dick were married June 26, 1943 and raised five children, Rick ’62, Charlie ’63, Doug ’68, Allison ’70 and Anne ’74. Music remained an important part of family life for Dick, Molly and their children. When Dick died in 1995, Molly commissioned Minnesota composer Stephen Paulus to create an opera, The Three Hermits, as a memorial. (Paulus, in turn, dedicated the opera's most memorable chorus, "The Pilgrims' Hymn," to Molly.)
Molly was deeply involved in her community. She became president of the St. Paul Junior League in 1957 and served as regional director of the Association of Junior Leagues of America from 1959-1961. In 1962 she received a mayoral appointment to the Ramsey County Welfare Board, and she was a member of the St. Paul Health and Welfare Planning Committee during the 1960s. She was the first woman elected a trustee of the Wilder Foundation and served as a trustee of the F.R. Bigelow Foundation. In the early 1970s she enrolled at United Seminary, receiving her divinity degree and, in 1978, becoming one of the half-dozen earliest women to be ordained as a Presbyterian minister in the Twin Cities. Her work at House of Hope and Central Presbyterian Church yielded scores of thoughtful sermons. The Bigelow Chapel at United Seminary stands as a tribute to her commitment to the school, which she served as interim president, president, and board chair. She received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 1989, after her service as board chair. She served on the boards of the Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research and the Presbyterian Homes Foundation.
She was the recipient of five community awards, including two from the United Way as well as the YWCA award for Leadership in Community Service, the Distinguished Alumna Award from Saint Paul Academy and Summit School, and the Sisterhood Award for Humanitarian Service from the National Conference of Christians and Jews. In 2007, at the age of 88, Molly was chosen Fund Raiser of the Year for the state of Minnesota for her leadership in the People Incorporated capital campaign, and she still found the time to teach two bible classes at EagleCrest.
Funeral services will be held at The House of Hope at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 25, 2017.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Allison Bigelow and Charles Henry Bigelow, and her husband Richard McMillan. She is survived by her five children Richard ’62 (Barbara), Charles ’63 (Ronni), Douglas ’68 (Ann), Allison ’70 (Mark) and Anne ’74 (Edward), fifteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
RICHARD "DICK" HARRIS ’50
At the age of 85, Richard “Dick” Harris ‘50 passed away peacefully on March 15, 2017.
Dick was a graduate of SPA and Yale University. He had a great passion for golf and jazz, and always enjoyed a good martini. He loved painting & writing, authoring 4 books. He spent many years in the family business, B.W. Harris Manufacturing. Upon retiring, he created a golf catalogue of unique gift items. Dick served on numerous boards; USGA Museum Committee, was the President of the MN Golf Association, Outward Bound, and he was a rotary member. His only regret was he never had a hole-in-one!
Dick is preceded in death by his parents Charlie & Sylvia. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Dee Dee; his sister, Jane Wilmer; his children, Wendy (James) Shapiro, Richie (Jack Palmquist), Danny ’77 (Ann), Todd ’81 (Laura); his dog, Louie; and his 6 grandchildren.
DAVID GOINS '64
David Goins passed away on May 13, 2017. Born November 11, 1946, David was a graduate of St. Paul Academy and attended Harvard University.
David attended SPA for 3 years. In his senior year he was co-captain of the football team and won the MISL Heavyweight Wrestling Championship. David went on to live in San Diego, CA and became the manager of one of San Diego’s drug rehabilitation programs, Cal Works.
David is survived by his brother James ’63.
ELIZABETH “LIZ” DOUGLIS (FRIEDMAN) ‘54
Liz Douglis passed away on February 6, 2017 in Phoenix following a lengthy illness.
Liz was born in St. Paul in 1936 to parents, Ferne and Dr. Louis Friedman. After graduating from Summit School she attended Boston University and Bank Street College.
Liz was a long-time advocate for women's reproductive freedom, and formerly worked for several health clinics in the Philadelphia area. She moved to Arizona in 1992, where she was a docent at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and was appointed to the Foster Care Review Board in Maricopa County.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Philip; and son Tom Douglis (Brenda) of Denver; daughters Emily Whooley (Kevin) of Ipswich, Massachusetts, and Sarah Douglis (Marc Yaggi) of Pound Ridge, New York; as well as five adored grandchildren: Connor, Sean and Delaney Whooley, Jack and Summer Yaggi. She is also survived by her sister, Cynthia Sutton ‘57, of Cazenovia NY. Her ashes will be scattered by her family in Pound Ridge, New York, at a later date. Liz’s friends and family ask that you eat a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup in her memory and you can visit http://www.hansenmortuary.com for condolences.
ELLEN SELL BRYNTESON ’74
Ellen Sell Brynteson ’74 passed away on March 1, 2017 while vacationing with her husband Richard Brynteson '73 in Mexico.
Ellen was an amazing wife and mother, grandmother, wonderful daughter, and aunt. Ellen had a golden, vibrant heart that lost its beat too soon. Her radiance lit up every room, Ellen would go above, beyond, and the extra mile for her friends, neighbors, and family.
Ellen was a graduate of the St. Paul Academy and Summit School, studied at Ohio Wesleyan University and the University of Minnesota, where she earned her bachelor's degree in social work. Ellen shared her many talents in a career that spanned the country from San Francisco to New York to Washington D.C. She was an active member of the Century Club, past member of the league, and a former trustee of her alma mater, St. Paul Academy and Summit School.
Ellen was preceded in death by father, Donald Miller Sell. She is survived by husband, Richard ’73, step-children, Jeshua (Talia) Livstrom and Illana Livstrom (Dennis Walsh); grand children, Anika, Selena, and Leo Livstrom; mother, Estelle; brothers, Mark, John ’70, and Matthew Sell (Gwen Leifeld); sister, Susan Sell ’75 (Doug Abrahms); nephews and nieces, David, Max, Emily, and Rebecca Sell, Nicholas and Timothy Abrahms; mother-in-law, Pat Brynteson, and many other relatives and friends.
Ellen’s memorial service will be held Friday, March 10 at 1 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 60 Kent St. St. Paul. Memorials preferred to the Ellen Sell Memorial, St. Paul Academy and Summit School.
JAMES P. BROWN '47
James P. Brown passed away March 8, 2017 at the Miller Healthcare Center in Kankakee.
Jim was born in St. Paul on June 8, 1929 to parents Cyrus P. and Dorothy E. Brown. While a student at SPA, Jim played football, hockey and baseball, and exercised an interest in athletics as the Sports Editor of the Now and Then. He later earned his B.A. from Williams College and also attended Harvard University.
Jim served as a captain and platoon leader in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity; Kankakee Lions Club, where he was president twice; Boy Scouts of America, where he was past district chairman; Rainbow Council, where he was vice president and treasurer; and New Horizons Band, where he enjoyed playing the trumpet.
As an adult Jim had a very fruitful career, working as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Roper Corporation, and later as a financial consultant for Shearson, Smith Barney and Cambridge Investments. In his spare time, Jim followed sports. He was an avid tennis player with a wicked serve, a fly fisherman and occasional golfer.
The real joy in Jim’s life came from his wife, Eve, friends and family. The moment Jim laid eyes on Eve, he knew she was the one and only. After their marriage in Chicago and honeymoon in New Orleans, the rest is history. Family meant everything to Jim. There never was a phone call or visit that didn't end with "I love you" and his special third-finger salute. From travel adventures (including Caribbean cruises, Europe, Hawaii and Mexico), cheering on his girls and grandchildren in their sporting endeavors, 60-second morning Word Jumble, daily breakfast outings with Eve, his "not often enough" trips to Minnesota to visit family and pals, and everything he did in between, Jim never wasted a minute of living a full life.
Although he will not physically be a part of the family's future adventures, he will be in their hearts sharing every single moment.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barb; and brother, Cy (Shirley) Brown. He is survived by his beloved wife,; daughters, Elizabeth (Sergio) Murer and Jennifer (Paul) St. Clair, and his four grandchildren Alex, Molly, Rachael and Ryan, who lovingly referred to him as “Papa Jim;” his nieces, Kathie Brown, Leslie (Ed) O’Donnell ; and great-nephew, Curtis (Keri) Olufson.
Until Jim's very last breath, he lived by the famous words of Winston Churchill, "Never, never, never give up." You were a fighter, Jim, and your spirit will live on in all of us, his family and friends said.
ROBERT 'BOB' BRATNOBER ’46
Robert H. "Bob" Bratnober entered eternal life with his Lord and Savior March 8, 2017 at the age of 89.
Bob was born January 11, 1928, and lived a life of service to God by serving others in a family business, at Hope Church Richfield, on the boards of Goodwill Industries, Presbyterian Homes, the Union Gospel Mission, United Hospital and more.
Bob was preceded in death by wife Susan, and his sister Ellie Joyce ’50. Bob is survived by sister, Carol Thrush; children Laura (Michael) Taylor, Justin ’75 (Pat); grandchildren Jonathan (Lisa) Taylor, Jessica (Ben Schmit) Taylor, Jenna (Jeff) Anderson, Gretchen (Tony) Kjorstad, Karl (Jamie) Bratnober; 14 great grandchildren.
CAROLINE BAILLON BOWERSOX ‘77
Caroline Baillon Bowersox of St. Mary’s Point, MN passed away on May 23, 2017.
Caroline was a devoted mother and a dedicated professional, spending over 40 years as an accountant for the Baillon Company. Her kind nature and loving heart endeared her to everyone in her life, and she will be deeply missed.
Caroline was preceded in death by her father Austin (John) ’46. She is survived by her husband Scott, children Blake, Chase, Reid, Genevieve and Grant, granddaughter Charlotte, mother Caroline ’53 and siblings Paul (Jean) ’78, Peter ’81, Catherine Freesmeier (Joe), Alexandra Luloff (Gary) and Frances, and many nieces and nephews.
ALLEN HOLMES
Dr. Allen Holmes, 80, passed away on Sunday, July 23rd from complications of Lupus. Allen was Schilling Professor of Mathematics at St. Paul Academy for over forty years. He fueled his students' interest in math, astronomy, and computers, and often led extracurricular activities such as bicycle rides or astronomy field trips. Among his passions were his family, computers and graphing calculators, the Detroit Tigers, and the Mississippi River Valley in Wabasha, where he resided after retiring. He loved music and enjoyed singing and playing many instruments. At SPA, he enjoyed playing his string bass with the jazz band and in musical productions. He will be deeply missed.
NANCY MAIRS GEPHART ’45
Nancy Mairs Gephart ’45, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2017, at age 90. Preceded in death by her loving parents Jean McLeod Mairs; Louise Ritchie ’21 and George Alexander Mairs, Jr.; and brothers George III ’46 and Angus Mairs ’51 (Marge), and sister Jean McLean ’48 (Albert). Survived by her loving husband of 66 years, George Wesley Gephart; sons George Jr. (Elizabeth), Angus (Mary Stuart) and John; grandchildren Nolan Mangan (Greg), Nancy, Elizabeth, Alexander (Maura) and Charles Gephart; and great-grandchild Edward Mangan. Also survived by her loving brother Robert Mairs ’45 (Helen) and sister Louise Frankenbach ’47; 16 nieces and nephews, and their children; and a lifetime of wonderful friends.
FREDERICK KEILLOR '17
Frederick James Keillor "Freddy" Age 17, of St. Paul. He caught his first fish at age five, only to immediately and frantically work to save its life. When the fish died, he demanded a proper burial along the banks of the St. Croix River. Freddy had a St. Francis of Assisi-like love for animals, and a special affinity for St. Jude's hopeless cases. Recently, a group of orphaned ducklings met a similar fate as that first fish, but not before he'd toiled for weeks trying to offer the motherly care they needed.
Frederick Keillor's earthy journey ended much too early on Monday at the age of seventeen, leaving behind many questions as well as countless comforting memories of a gentle, sensitive soul who never balked at helping out all animals, humans included. A brilliant mind who excelled at St. Paul Academy (even when he overslept), Freddy could master a debate class one year and win an anthropology poetry contest the next. Freddy spoke Chinese and built his own computer at the age of ten. A voracious reader and painter, his canvases revealed works that showcased his artistic gifts. He'd looked forward to prom and spoke glowingly of his date. Just last weekend Freddy was discussing college choices.
Drawn to water and nature, he wasn't solitary. Freddy was wonderful with children even as a small child. His preschool teacher remarked that she felt comfortable leaving the room if Freddy was there. The streets of St. Paul are slightly quieter this week. His proficient whistling is silenced, as is the SUV carrying Freddy and his mother, windows open, blasting 80s music, both of them singing along with off-key abandon. We'd like to think the Big Next for Freddy is an outdoor picnic populated with all the animals he tried to save over the years, past pets (including Gus), and a new brood to care for. Nearby will sit all of those who went before him, including his grandmother Mary and great- grandmother Elsie, all the while surrounded by the pile of mismatched shoes he was always losing and a big tree to climb, like the one he mastered at age seven to get a better view of the river.
Freddy is survived by his mother, Tiffany Hanssen; father, Jason Keillor; stepfather, Chris Longley; brother, Charlie Keillor '20; step-siblings, Kit, Mari and Charlie Longley; paternal grandfather G. Keillor (Jenny Nilsson); Aunt Maia Keillor; maternal grandmother Julie Hanssen; countless extended family and close friends; and a ball python named Steve, who is hereafter available for adoption by a new caring family.
PETER BOVEY '63
Peter Bovey, 73, died suddenly at his Oak Park home on July 12, 2018 with his wife and daughter by his side. The son of Frank Alden Bovey, II and Shirley Elfman Bovey, he grew up in the St. Paul, Minnesota area and attended St. Paul Academy. His father was a renowned scientist who worked for many years at Bell Labs.
Mr. Bovey attended Harvard College and then earned his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He spent years building houses in Vermont, Arizona and Maine, where he acquired his architect stamp. The new technologies that became available in the 1980s enabled him to open a computer business, Micrographics, in Chicago. Around this time, he married Ruth, his wife of 30 years. They eventually moved to Oak Park where his interest in architecture was revived and he opened Oak Park Renovations.
A pacifist and activist against the Vietnam War, he participated in many protests, and opposed the recent political changes. For some years, he studied Eastern philosophies, including Zen Buddhism and the teachings of Meher Baba. Friends and family always looked forward to annual Hanukkah parties and seders his family hosted. He had a never-ending thirst for knowledge and an inexhaustible curiosity; his unique brilliance was complemented by his humble nature and keen sense of humor. Warm and helpful, he had a great love for reading, folk music, hiking, bird-watching, and nature (especially in Florida and Michigan where he loved to stay, his favorite spot being his porch in South Haven).
Peter Bovey is survived by his wife, Ruth Bovey; his children, Rebekah Bovey, Diantha Bovey, Solomon Bovey and Rachel Bovey; and his grandchildren, Saya and Lorik.
RICHARD BANCROFT, JR. '45
Richard (Dick) Bancroft, Jr. ’45 was born July 21, 1927 and passed away on July 16, 2018. Dick died peacefully at home just short of his 91st birthday. Preceded in death by his parents, Rich and Polly; his son, Bill ’73; and his sister Polly Hebbie ’50. He is survived by his wife, Debbie ’48; son, Hunter (Helga Lange) ’78; and daughters, Ann ’74, Carrie (Roberto Gutierrez) ’80 and Sarah (Andrew Bancroft-Howard) ’86. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Cammack ’47 and Mary Field ’52. Dick's cherished grandchildren are Alma, Maya and Saman Gutierrez and Morgan, Frank and Charlie Bancroft-Howard. Dick's family plans to hold a celebration to honor his life among his extensive friends and family to be announced in the near future.
ELIZABETH DECOSTER MOSELEY '44
Elizabeth (Wisty) DeCoster Moseley ’44 of Woods Hole, Massachusetts, died at the age of 92 on November 30, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. She was born in St. Paul, MN, and leaves behind daughters Christine Moseley Milloff (husband Mark) and Lisa Cole Moseley, and son Peter Livingston Moseley (wife Lisa). Her husband of 67 years, Thomas Clark Moseley, Sr., passed away just 2 months ago. Together they had 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren and were long-time residents of Darien, Connecticut; Naples, Florida; and Woods Hole, Massachusetts. She is predeceased by son Thomas Clark Moseley Jr, parents Marie & Donald W. DeCoster ’13, and 4 brothers: Donald ’39 (wife Carolyn), Douglas ’40 (wife Jean), Norman ’42, and Stephen ’51 (wife Anne).
Wisty graduated from Summit School and Wellesley College in 1948, majoring in Art History. After college, Wisty taught English in post-war Paris for a year, and later taught art in local Darien Schools. She worked as a commercial artist and art director with her own business—at home and later as co-founder of MS Advertising in Rowayton, CT. She was also a prolific writer and painter, with local exhibitions and the publication of poetry, short stories, and travel articles.
Her love for sailing began as a child on White Bear Lake in St. Paul, MN, and continued as a competitive sailor in Darien; more recently she enjoyed the sailing club "Water Lilies," at the Quisset Yacht Club in Falmouth, MA. She was an enthusiastic tennis player and golfer at Woods Hole Golf Club.
A frequent volunteer, Wisty was president of UNICEF in Stamford, Connecticut; Vice President of the Wellesley Club; chairperson of the Landscape Committee at Windstar Country Club in Naples, Florida; co-chair of G.O.P. for George H Bush Sr. in Fairfield County; and an active volunteer at the Junior League, League of Women Voters, AFS scholarships abroad, United Fund, Audubon Society, and Naples Garden Club. She was well-read, engaged in living life fully, and traveled with Tom around the globe and to the many plays, sports tournaments, and graduations of their children and grandchildren, often traveling great distances to be a part of every important family event. And over the years, she especially loved family reunions with her Minnesota family at Madeline Island, Wisconsin, and Sanibel Island, Florida.
Wisty was to all her extended family the grand matriarch, leading outings to the beach, lunches at the club, and hosting large get togethers where family gathered to bask in her positivity and love. She will be missed by all.
PETER FRENZEL '54
Peter Michael Justinian Frenzel, Wesleyan University Professor Emeritus, died at Middlesex Hospital on May 20, 2018 after a brief illness. He was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota on August 6, 1935, the fourth son of Paul and Paula Frenzel. He attended Saint Paul Academy and graduated from Yale University in 1958 with a BA in English. He received his Master of Arts from Middlebury College and his Ph.D. in German Language and Literature from University of Michigan. He did further graduate work at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany.
Following three years of teaching German at his preparatory school, he joined the German Department at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut in 1966. Some years after his attaining tenure, he was appointed Dean of Arts and Humanities for four years and, in his turn, was awarded the Marcus Taft Chair of the Department of German Language and Literature. He taught beginning and advanced German and worked with the Music Department and the Medieval Studies Department, which he helped organize and in which he taught with notable success. At Wesleyan, he was a Board member and then President of the Friends of Davison Art Center, Editor of the newsletter of the Susan and William Wasch Center for Retired Faculty and acted as Graduation Marshall for many years. He played glockenspiel in the Wesleyan Pep Band (No rehearsing; no marching.) He rang the Wesleyan bells for many years (under the typically modest name "Ernest Toller"), and was instrumental in acquisition and installation of seven new bells, thereby constituting a full carillon.
Peter was a member of the Greater Middletown Preservation Trust, and served for six years on the building committee to restore the Wadsworth Mansion, where he later served as a docent. He was a Board member of the Connecticut Opera. He belonged to the Conversational Club, and performed with the local Gilbert and Sullivan troupe. His deep sense of humor and his unusual gift for rhyme and rhythm made him a master of doggerel and inventive verse, which he used on spirited occasions and recited with his singularly impressive voice. Not to be forgotten were his culinary gifts and especially "Famous Frenzel's Mustard", delivered to select friends at Christmastime. His love of opera and especially Richard Wagner's Ring Cycle sent him and Laurie to venues near and far. As a qualified "Ring Nut" he saw at least twenty productions of the four-opera cycle.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Laurie Neville Frenzel, grandchildren John Frenzel and Rita Frenzel, daughter Kim Frenzel and partner John Lucey, and his older brother Robert ’44. His brothers William ’46 and Thomas ’49 and children, Kathleen, Will and Paul predeceased him. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
JOHN AHERN JR. '41
John Ahern Jr. ’41, age 96, passed away on December 22, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Laura Ahern; and by siblings Lorle Cumming ’39 (Arthur), Rosemary Cochrane ’37 (Archie), Richard Ahern ’50 (Kay) and Lydia Moore ’50 (John). He is survived by his wife, Annette, of 70 years; three sons, John III (Denise), Phillip and Paul (Mary); five grandchildren and one great grandson. A brother, Walter Ahern ’45, resides in Cathedral City, California. John was a 1941 graduate of St. Paul Academy. After a year at Dartmouth College, his education was interrupted by WWII, during which he served as an officer on a destroyer in the Atlantic. He returned to graduate from the University of Minnesota.
John's eclectic and entrepreneurial business career drew him to various industries and services as Chairman, President, or owner of companies both domestic and abroad with diverse banking, commercial and charitable directorships along the way. Chronologically, John started in the hotel business and went on to movie theaters, package manufacturing, beauty salons and retirement homes. When not operating businesses, John ventured into developing real estate and more recently served as President of Oklahoma Woodland Owners Association. John's business connections brought knowledge and social pleasure through memberships in the Young Presidents Organization, World Presidents Organization and Chief Executives Organization.
John was an enthusiastic tennis player, indifferent golfer and avid skier on most of the world's great mountains; especially he loved racing sailboats on Lake Minnetonka and snorkeling thru the British Virgin Islands. Somewhat of a joiner, John and Annette's Florida home brought them many friends in the Delray Beach St. Andrews Club, The Palm Beach Circumnavigators Club and the Manlapan Yacht Club. In Minnesota, John and Annette spent more than 50 years hanging around the Lafayette Club and the Minneapolis Club. John cherished his friends in the Excelsior Rotary, the Ham 'n Eggs Breakfast Club, the Suburban Mens' Club and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Above all was his love for family, friends and country. John's lifelong co-participant and beloved companion in these ventures was Annette, his bride of 70 year. A memorial service will be held at St. Martin's-By-The-Lake at a later date to be determined. John wants to give a special thanks to the Park Nicollet hospice staff, and particularly Mary Spurling RN, for their wonderful care.
PETER ANSON '45
Peter Anson ’45 died peacefully Thursday, January 17, 2019 at age 91, surrounded by his wife Sally and 4 children, following a long struggle with dementia. Peter was born May 6, 1927 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Emerit and Olga Waller Anson and the brother of Cordelia Anson.
His love of exploration and travel began as a boy of just 7, when he accompanied his mother and grandmother on trips to China, India and Europe. In June 1945 he graduated from St. Paul Academy, which he had attended since kindergarten and where he developed many close lifelong friendships. Peter was drafted upon high school graduation and served in the Navy for one year before entering Princeton University in 1946. Following his Princeton graduation in 1950, Peter worked in Kewanee, Illinois and then New York City for Boss Manufacturing, his family's work glove manufacturing company. Realizing that work gloves were not his future, Peter studied law first in NYU night classes and in 1955 graduated from Yale Law School where he was a member of the Yale Law Review.
Peter married Sally Ankeny on July 21, 1955. He always said it was the best thing he ever did. Peter and Sally settled in New York City and Peter began his law career at Cravath, Swaine and Moore. Cathy, Michael and David were born during these years. In 1961 he and Sally returned "home" to Minnesota. Leslie joined the family and Peter joined Faegre & Benson as a corporate lawyer, later becoming a partner. Peter loved the intellectual, logical and problem-solving aspects of the law. He also served on the original planning and fundraising board of Minneapolis Children's Hospital and on the boards of Washburn Child Guidance Center and the Minnesota Nature Conservancy.
Following retirement in 1985, Peter embarked on many adventures, including five treks in the Himalayas and hiking expeditions in Morocco and Patagonia. His love of the history of exploration also led him, Sally and friends to the Arctic, the American West and Europe. Peter had a life-long love of learning and attended courses well in to his 80s. He was a voracious reader of history. He loved fixing and building things, he designed jewelry, could repair a car, build the best fires and pitch any tent and taught his children to do the same. He took them on countless camping, canoeing, fishing and hunting trips.
Peter's land near Marine on the St. Croix was his love and passion for decades. In order to protect it, he gifted it to the people of Minnesota as part of Wm. O'Brien State Park. Peter was a wonderful husband, a loving father and a great friend. He had a fabulous sense of humor, a strong sense of fairness and a deep sense of integrity.
Peter is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sally, and his children and grandchildren: Catherine(Peter Vaughan) Elliot, Angus, Carl; Michael (Nancy) Paul, Nora; David (Nancy) Colin, Trevor; Leslie von Wangenheim (Detlev) Theresa, Constantin, and one great-granddaughter (Molly Anson).
Our heartfelt thanks and deepest respect go to his caretakers Monica, Jean, Dee, Barb, Matt, Fatou, Margaret and Solomon whose care and affection made them part of our family and to Brighton Hospice.
HENRY ZIETLOW '18
To the SPA community,
I have sad news to report. We learned last night of the death of Henry Zietlow, a member of SPA’s Class of 2018 and Bowdoin College’s Class of 2022. Henry and his mother, Sarah, were driving near Hayward, Wisconsin on Monday morning when a driver in a truck lost control of his vehicle, swerved, and crashed into their car. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, road conditions may have been the cause of the accident, though they are continuing to investigate. Fortunately, Sarah’s injuries were not life-threatening and she was released from the hospital in Spooner after being treated by doctors.
Henry was a thoughtful and earnest young man. His father, Nathan, wrote to me on Monday evening and noted that SPA was an important part of Henry’s life and his family’s life (Nina, Henry’s sister, is a member of SPA’s Class of 2016). Henry, in his understated and quiet way, was immersed in life at school. He was an outstanding student with a particular love for science and Chinese, a talented violinist, and a “Widji kid." Many of our current students and faculty have fond personal memories of Henry, and I know that our entire community shares my sense of profound loss. It is time for us to remember Henry and to support each other at this moment of grief and tragedy.
Best,
Bryn S. Roberts
Head of School
THOMAS TONGEN '59
Thomas Tongen, age 78, passed away on January 30, 2019. Thomas was born September 22, 1940 and graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1959. Tom passed away peacefully with family at his side after a short illness. Tom and the family appreciated those who called and visited. He loved dogs, the cabin in Canada and beautiful old things. His family will share memories of Tom in private.
GEORGE BENZ '58
George Bremer Benz born on January 14, 1940, to George W. and Louise Bremer Benz ’25, in St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away on February 1, 2019 in St. Paul. He was a descendant of the Hamm’s Brewing, the Jacob Schmidt Brewing and Bremer Bank families. George was a graduate of The St. Paul Academy and Summit School in 1958, Williston Academy in 1959, University of Munich and Goethe Institute (Germany) in 1961, Colgate University in 1963, and The University of Minnesota Aeronautical Engineering and Business Law in 1965. George married Karen Bassett of Mora, MN in September, 1972. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Josephine Benz Carpenter ’53. George is survived by his sons, George and Theodore (Derek); daughters-in-law Stephanie and Elizabeth and 2 grandchildren, Theodore (Finn) and Hendry as well as a sister, Louise Benz Plank ’56 of Buffalo, WY.
George was the Chairman of the Board of American National Bank and Trust and Co-Chairman and CEO of American Bancorporation, Director of Commercial State Bank, Lake City State Bank, and American Bank and Trust of Moorhead. He was also CEO of George Benz and Sons and Owner of Oak Grove Dairy, and President and Director Jacob Schmidt Company. Along with his professional career, he cared deeply for many local associations serving as Vice President and Director Indianhead Council- Boy Scouts of America, Vice President and Director Minnesota Club, Vice President and Director Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Trustee Children’s Hospital of St. Paul, Treasurer and Director Ramsey County Lung association, Treasurer and Director Minnesota Society for Crippled Children and Adults, Trustee of the Courage Center Foundation, Director Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest, Director Optimist Club of St. Paul, and Founding Financial Advisor Mounds Park Academy. He also served on the boards of the United Arts Fund, the United Way Fund, Norwesco, Horton Manufacturing, Bellanca Aircraft Corporation, Quintero, White Bear Yacht Club, and Desert Mountain golf clubs.
George’s love of flying began at age sixteen when he earned his single engine pilot’s license. While attending Colgate he furthered his flying dreams by attaining his Commercial, Certified Flight instructor, air land and sea, multi engine and instrument ratings. He was Vice President and Director of Aqua Float Corporation, Vice President and Director of the Cessna dealership, Wings Inc. and then worked his way up to Vice President at Cessna Aircraft Company where he met the love of his life and co-pilot, Karen. Together they dedicated their lives to various philanthropic endeavors and traveled the seven continents. He shared his love of golf, winning the White Bear Yacht Club Invitational Championship as well as a Mr. and Mrs. Championship; his love of skiing by producing the film “Alta Man”; sailing, hunting, boating, fishing and hockey with his family.
ROB WOUTAT, FORMER FACULTY
Rob Woutat, book author and columnist for the Kitsap Sun newspaper, died on January 11, 2019. He was 80. A loving husband, father, teacher, community volunteer, and friend, Robwas born in 1938 to Philip H. and Helen Woutat. He grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota and earned degrees in literature from the University of North Dakota and the University of Iowa.
Rob married his first wife, Syb Sanders, in 1961, and together they raised two sons, Philip '81 and Jonno '85. For much of Rob’s working life, he taught literature and writing at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, where at various times he was also Dean of Students, coached track and cross country, directed plays, and led numerous wilderness expeditions.
In 1987, Rob moved to Bremerton, WA where he married Marilee Hansen and gained a stepson, Tracy. The couple met 27 years earlier during a university year in Vienna, Austria, and together Rob and Marilee went on to travel the world. They became beloved and influential members of the Kitsap community, with many friends, including dozens of exchange students that they took in over the years. In addition to being a weekly newspaper columnist at the Kitsap Sun for 15 years, Rob taught at Olympic College, was a commentator for KPLU radio, and worked for Washington Special Olympics. He wrote books including Dakota Boy: A Childhood in Memory, Indelible Gifts: The Story of a Twentieth Century American Family, and Rosalina’s Story: A Trail of Mayhem, as well as numerous essays and plays. He volunteered at Bremerton Foodline, Bremerton Symphony, Harrison Medical Center, the Literacy Council of Kitsap, and the Great Peninsula Conservancy.
Rob was a charming and thinking man, with a delightfully dry sense of humor. His kindness and curiosity led him to explore the human condition in his writings and his daily life. He loved classical music, cooking and entertaining, and especially enjoyed meaningful conversations with friends and family. Rob swam in the deep end of the pool emotionally and intellectually, and he moved energetically in the world. He loved to run and spend time outdoors.
Rob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul Woutat. Rob is survived by his wife of 32 years, Marilee Hansen; his sons, Philip Woutat '81 and Jonno Woutat '85 (and wife Sassy); his brother, Don Woutat; his stepson, Tracy Dethlefs (and wife Francine); and his grandson, Keon.
PARKER KEENAN "TED" BAGLEY '55
Parker Keenan "Ted" Bagley, 81, died peacefully on October 6, 2018, at Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge, Charlottesville, Virginia, with his children at his side. Parker was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 19, 1937. He graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1955 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Yale University in 1959. He went on to receive his M.D. degree from Temple University School of Medicine in 1966, and completed a residency in Radiology at University of Minnesota in 1972.
Dr. Bagley moved to Florida, and worked as a staff radiologist at St. Petersburg General Hospital before moving to Inverness, Florida in 1974. He was the first radiologist in Citrus County, and the sole radiologist for five years, which meant that he was called in at all hours to read x-ray films. After working at Citrus Memorial Hospital for 12 years, he established his own outpatient practice and continued to serve the community until his retirement in 2003. He was a member and vestryman of St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Inverness and also served on Rotary International. In his leisure time, he could be found out on his boat enjoying the water.
Dr. Bagley is survived by his children, Ann Bagley Willms and husband, Christopher of Charlottesville, Virginia, Donald Shepherd Bagley II and wife, Elizabeth Osterling Bagley of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Nina Parker Willms, Olivia Grace Willms, Donald Shepherd Bagley III, Ruth Elizabeth Bagley, Kathryn Ann Bagley, and Anna Jane Bagley; sister-in-law, Birdie Westerdahl; nephew, John Bagley; and niece, Linda Dornbach. He was predeceased by his parents, Donald Shepherd Bagley and Ruth Keenan Bagley; his brother, Donald Gibbs Bagley ’53; and his wife, Marcia Pappas Bagley. The family wishes to offer special thanks to the caring staff on Health Care 3 of Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge, Charlottesville.
CHRISTOPHER ARTHUR KUSSKE '71
Christopher Kusske, born January 15, 1953, passed away on October 17, 2018. Christopher lived a full, authentic and intentional life. He was game for anything. He graduated from St. Paul Academy and Summit School in 1971 where he excelled in Art, Music, Theater, and Cross Country.
Chris had an incredible effortless capacity to enjoy and learn from a vast variety of people; intellectuals, CEOs, gardeners, wait staff, and travelers along the way. He had a keen appetite for learning and loved to share his knowledge. From Christopher’s childhood through adulthood, he nurtured and loved friendships; many whom he had for more than 55 years. He welcomed a good conversation and was always interested in your perspective on life. He was thoughtful, considerate and consistent in his interactions with his friends and family. He was there when you needed him. His love for the earth, from the Boundary Waters to the Queen Charlotte Islands was an expression of his lifelong dedication to beauty. This love evolved into an incredible career in landscape design. The impact and the effect of his beautiful work will be felt globally for many generations.
Christopher was devoted to his family and friends. We will truly miss him. He is survived by his husband, Allen Kolkowitz, family, and friends throughout the world.
CHARLES MOSS III '86
Charles Moss III ’86, age 50 of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away February 14, 2019. Charlie attended St Paul Academy and Summit School, the University of California in Santa Barbara, and graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School. He became a psychiatrist after completing 6 years of residency in psychiatry and neurology at Tulane University in New Orleans. Charles is survived by his parents, Michael and Miriam Moss; brother, William Moss; sister-in-law, Ashleigh Moss and niece, Scarlet Moss. Charlie was fluent in Spanish, enjoyed skiing, mountain biking and fishing. He will be remembered for his intelligence, his amazing knowledge in many subjects, being very opinionated and for his twisted sense of humor. Memorials may be made to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Guild Incorporated or the charity of your choice.
MICHAEL (SANDY) O'BRIEN JR. '67
Michael "Sandy" O’Brien Jr., age 70, of Minnetonka, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 after an extensive illness, fighting side by side with his wife Judy. Preceded in death by his father, Michael A. O'Brien, Sr. ’40. Survived by his wife of 36 years, Judy; son, Andrew (Carrie Valverde) O'Brien; daughters, Tara (Rob) Cain and Katie (Benjamin) Dillon; mother, Polly O'Brien; brother, Craig O'Brien ’70; sister, Elizabeth O'Brien ’73; beloved grandchildren, Ella and Amelia Cain, Charlotte and Walker Dillon; and more cousins and close friends than can be counted.
A lifelong resident of St. Paul and Minnetonka, a big piece of Sandy's heart and soul resided on Madeline Island. Sandy's great-great-grandparents came from Ireland and settled on Madeline Island in 1857 and Sandy continued the lifelong family tradition of summering on Lake Superior, forging his fondest memories there. Sandy attended St. Paul Academy and the University of St. Thomas. Sandy and Judy reconnected after being high school sweethearts and married in 1983. Those that knew and loved Sandy consider this the best thing that ever happened to him. They raised their family in Minnetonka.
Sandy had a successful career in the commercial insurance business for 50 years; starting at Lloyds of London, joining his father's firm, Michael A. O'Brien & Associates, becoming an executive partner at W.A. Lang Co. and eventually retiring as vice president from Wells Fargo Insurance Services this past January. In addition to time spent with his family, Sandy loved to have a good time and pursued his other great loves of golfing, boating, watching Drew play hockey, arguing politics, eating cheeseburgers and malts while making the turn at The White Bear Yacht Club, and ending his days with a Mount Gay & Coke. The family wishes to express their utmost gratitude to all the staff at the Naples Community Hospital, the University of Minnesota, and NC Little Hospice in Edina.
MARK ROBINSON '89
Mark Jordan Robinson, 49, died Monday, April 15, 2019, from a heart attack in Madison, Wisconsin. Mark was born in 1970 in St. Paul to Yvonne (Robinson) Harrington and Jim Robinson. Mark grew up in the Rondo community and belonged to Pilgrim Baptist Church. Mr. Robinson, from first grade on, attended and graduated from St. Paul Academy and Summit School. He attended Morris Brown College in Atlanta, and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a major in African American and African Studies. He became fluent in Spanish. He was a young man of many talents.
As a child, Mark was a member of the Metropolitan Boys Choir that toured in the United States and Europe. He was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout. He took up skiing with a passion as a member of the Glende Ski Club. At SPA, Mark played basketball on its successful basketball teams. As a young professional Mark worked for years at Dayton’s, and later for Coach in Minneapolis and then in New York City. He was recruited as a financial consultant, returned to the Twin Cities and worked at the Wellness Center in St. Paul. Mark translated this experience into working with parent-community organizing in the greater metropolitan area. He moved to Middleton, Wisconsin consulting with public schools. At the time of his death Mr. Robinson operated an insurance agency.
Mark Jordan Robinson is survived in death by his parents Yvonne (nee Robinson) Harrington and James Robinson, his sister Kathleen (Robinson) Anderson and brother Dr. James Robinson; his three children Jordan Allen; Naya Robinson and Julian Robinson; nephew and nieces Carlos Anderson, Heather Anderson, and Ella Robinson; cousins Michelle Crushshon, Dion and Marie Michel-Crushshon; and his partner Katia Malone and her children Devin, Alana, and Ariella; and numerous other family members and friends.
RICHARD REITZ '53
Richard (Dick) Reitz ’53 was born December 17, 1934 and passed away on April 5, 2019. Son of Martin H. and Glady M. Reitz. Survived by wife Frances Niles Reitz, son Martin (and Madeleine Skypala), daughter Christine (and David) McDaniel, granddaughter Mattison McDaniel, and sister Nancy (and Everett) Rotenberry. He raced amateur class formula cars in the SCCA and enjoyed motorcycling his entire life. As a member of MSRA, he spent years modifying a 1947 Fiat Topolino into a much-admired street rod. He retired in 1994 after a 30-year career in the Electrical, Electronic Products, and Commercial Graphics Divisions at 3M. He continued an active life as best he could after a 2009 diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. Private ceremony and interment.
WINSLOW BRIGGS '46
Winslow Briggs, a professor emeritus of biological sciences who explained how seedlings grow toward light, died Feb. 11 at Stanford University Medical Center. He was 90.
Briggs established himself as a global leader in plant genetics and physiology, publishing landmark research on the molecular mechanisms that plants and other organisms use to sense and respond to light. He was remembered as a valuable colleague and friend.
“Winslow Briggs was a most generous and welcoming colleague for me when I joined the Stanford faculty in 1961,” said Philip Hanawalt, the Dr. Morris Herzstein Professor in Biology, Emeritus. “I appreciated his broad expertise in plant biology and he served importantly as an advisor to several of my graduate students.”
When a plant seedling germinates, it must be able to rapidly position itself to capture light as soon as it emerges from the soil. Briggs and his lab discovered and first characterized a pair of photo-sensitive receptors that mediate this response and enable the plant to grow toward the light so that it can convert solar energy, carbon dioxide and water into sugar – a process called photosynthesis.
Over the years, work by Briggs and others revealed that these two receptors contribute to a plant’s efficiency in other ways, including leaf growth and orientation, as well as the opening of the pores on a leaf’s surface through which it takes in the carbon dioxide needed to manufacture sugars.
“Winslow was a pioneer in understanding the role of light in plant development,” said Paul Ehrlich, the Bing Professor of Population Studies, Emeritus.
Briggs graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1946. He then arrived at Stanford University in 1955 as an instructor in biological sciences after receiving his PhD from Harvard University. He had risen to full professor by 1967, when he left Stanford to take a faculty position at Harvard. He returned to Stanford’s School of Humanities and Sciences in 1973, when he also became the director of the Department of Plant Biology at the Carnegie Institution, a position he held for two decades.
After retirement in 1993, Briggs remained extremely influential in science as he pursued research on photoreceptors in plants and bacteria until the day of his death. Most recently, his team was working on elucidating the role of photoreceptors in the process by which symbiotic root bacteria can provide nitrogen to certain plants.
“Plants are stationary, which means that they have to evolve complex methods to take advantage of every available resource, including sunlight,” explained Zhiyong Wang, acting director of Carnegie’s Department of Plant Biology. “Receptors such as those discovered by Winslow, found broadly in both plants and microbes, are a crucial part of not only how plants respond to and take advantage of their environmental conditions, but also how bacteria interact with their animal and plant hosts.”
Joe Berry, acting director of Carnegie’s Department of Global Ecology, noted that Briggs was also recognized in his youth as an intrepid mountaineer with first ascents of peaks in Canada and Alaska.
Briggs also volunteered for 40 years at Henry W. Coe State Park, about which he published a book of trails and where, in 2007, he organized volunteers to study recovery after a massive wildfire. During that time he discovered that chemicals in smoke stimulate the sprouting of seeds of rare plants that may lie dormant for many years until awoken by fire.
Briggs was a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the Botanical Society of America, the American Society of Plant Physiologists, the American Society of Photobiology, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the California Academy of Sciences.
In 2007, the American Society of Plant Biologists, of which he was president in 1975 and 1976, gave him the Adolph E. Gude, Jr. Award for his “service to the plant science community.” Two years later, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science awarded him the prestigious International Prize for Biology for his “outstanding contributions to the advancement of basic research.”
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ann, whom he met while they were students at Harvard, and by his daughters Marion, Lucia and Caroline, as well as four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
CLIFFORD CAINE - ASSISTANT HEADMASTER
Clifford James Caine, 84, died Thursday, April 12, 2018 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. Clifford was a 1955 graduate of Macalester College. He earned a law degree and a doctorate in American Studies from the University of Minnesota. He was the youth director at the House of Hope Church and an administrator and men's tennis coach at Macalester College. He spent the majority of his career at St. Paul Academy and Summit School as a college counselor and tennis coach. In 2007 he was inducted into the Minnesota Tennis Hall of Fame. He published two books concerning the college selection process and a book of poetry. He is survived by two brothers, Alan, Leicester, England and Stanley (Karen) Adrian, Michigan.
THOMAS HAUSER '59
Thomas Meskell Hauser, age 78, of Boca Grande, Florida and Dellwood, Minnesota, passed
away suddenly and unexpectedly on April 24, 2019. Tom was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota on
August 6, 1940. He graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1959 and later received a Bachelor's
degree in Business and Psychology from the University of Minnesota.
After graduating, Tom joined Federal Cartridge and later Honeywell. In 1969, Tom and two
friends founded Mentor Corporation, a medical products company. He was a Director, Vice
President and Treasurer. Mentor went public in 1970. Tom was the creative genius behind the
company in both marketing and product development. Inc. Magazine frequently rated Mentor as
one of the fastest growing companies in America. In 2009, Mentor was acquired by Johnson and
Johnson.
Tom leaves behind his loving wife of 38 years, Christine Pardee Hauser and son Thomas Jr., his
nieces Elizabeth (Hauser) Cameron, Sara Hauser and nephew, Leopold IV (Polo) Hauser. He is
pre-deceased by his parents Leopold A. Hauser, Jr. and Marion G. Hauser and his brother and
sister-in- law Leopold A. Hauser, III and Helen Bros Hauser.
JOSEPH "JEFF" LEVY '55
Joseph Fligelman "Jeff” Levy, age 82, of New Richmond, Wisconsin, died April 20, 2019 at Sacred
Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Jeff was born 4/20/1937 to Miriam F. Levy and Irving Levy
in Minneapolis, and raised in St. Paul, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson,
Daniel Levy. Jeff is survived by his loving wife, MaryEllen "Acey" Stewart, children: Adam, Joshua,
Noah (Judy) Levy, Nate (Summer) and Anna Stewart. Also survived by adored grandchildren:
Esther, Ava, Isaac and Clara Levy; Austin (Maria), James, Ethan, April Stewart ’08, Christina Sallis
’09 and Vaughn Hodge (Aaron); great- grandchildren: Emily Stewart, Alex and Sophie Ostrander and
Logan Hodge. Also survived by sister Judith Levy Sender(Ramon) and brother John Levy ’58;
brother by another mother, Wang Jiayong, of Hangzhou, China; as well as many cousins, friends and
in-laws who loved Jeff dearly.
Jeff attended St. Paul Academy, graduating from American High School in Mexico City, Mexico. He
studied at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, Northwestern
University, Evanston, Illinois and San Francisco State University. He began his college teaching
career at Moorhead State College in Moorhead, MN and retired from Metropolitan State in St. Paul,
MN in 1998. Jeff worked with many community groups throughout his life including the ARC of St.
Paul, the St. Paul Planning Commission, the Star Prairie Plan Commission, and was an active
participant in local and state political organizations.
Always a believer in life long learning, Jeff's love of languages and travel led to one of his best
adventures- the opportunity to travel to China, immerse himself in the culture, teach at the Banker's
College in Hangzhou, make many wonderful life-long friends, learn traditional Chinese painting and
calligraphy and grapple with the challenge of learning the Chinese language.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Kiddess, Dr. Stewart and the wonderful care givers at Sacred Heart
Hospital. Especially, nurse Ewa whose encouraging care, sense of humor and willingness to share
Jeff's love of the Russian language made his last days so good.
JUDITH BLAKE '53
Judith Blake, born September 1935, passed away April 16, 2019. Preceded in death by parents Ruth & H. William Blake, and ex husband John Medelman. Survived by brother William Blake, sons John & Blake Medelman, Blake's loving partner Lisa, daughter Kyle, grandchildren Hannah
& Ava, and friends throughout the world. Judy graduated from Summit School in 1953. Judy loved travel, visiting over 43 countries, including Zihuatanejo, Mexico with beloved sister-in-law Gady and friend Jean. Her favorite activity was visiting the family cabin at Marine with her extended Sharpe Family. A remembrance celebration is planned for mid summer.
ROBERT MAIRS '45
Robert Power Mairs passed away on May 15, 2019 after a brief illness. He is survived by wife Helen, daughters Heide ’78, Elizabeth ’80, Julia ’84, son Rob ’87 (Aimee), grandsons Joe and Will, sister Louise (Teedie) Frankenbach ’47, brother in law George W. Gephart, sister in law Doris (Topsy) Preus and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Robert Ellsworth Power '10, Louise Ritchie Mairs ’21 and George A. Mairs, Jr., four siblings and his beloved grandson Charles (Chip) Slater.
Born in St. Paul on June 9, 1927, Bob lost his father at an early age. A few years later his mother, with two young children, united the Power family with the widowed, George A. Mairs, Jr. and his four children. This was a wonderful marriage that forged strong, lifelong bonds among the six brothers and sisters.
Educated at St. Paul Academy, Yale University and the University of Minnesota, Bob served his country as a naval hospital corpsman near the end of World War II. Upon graduation from the University of Minnesota in 1950, Bob began his career with the St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company (currently Travelers, Inc.) where he served in many different roles over his 40 year career. Upon retirement, Bob was able to devote more of his energies to the causes and interests closest to his heart. In addition to honing his tennis game, he became involved with many organizations that have had a meaningful impact on his life including House of Hope Presbyterian Church, Great Decisions, Minnesota Land Trust, Mindstretch, Dodge Nature Center, and Compatible Technology.
Bob was an outdoorsman. From his lifelong love of Lake Superior’s North Shore and Encampment Forest Association, to hunting grouse and pheasant, fly fishing on the Brule River, and wood cutting in Marine on St. Croix, Bob was at home in nature. Bob had a positive impact on all of those with whom he came in contact. From his close knit family, to his cousins, his extended family at EFA, his SPA classmates, and co-workers, Bob developed and maintained strong relationships lasting his lifetime. Known as Bob, Bobby or Uncle Bobby, he was loved by many throughout his long and full life. He was mentally and physically active until his last days and he would not have wanted it any other way. We wish to thank the excellent caregivers from St. Joseph’s Hospital, Episcopal Church Home and HealthEast Hospice who took care of him in his final days. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 8 2019 at 1:00pm at the House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul. Memorials preferred to the Minnesota Land Trust Encampment River Area Conservation Fund, Dodge Nature Center, or St. Paul Academy.
HERBERT WARD '66
Herbert (Herb) Bigelow Ward, University of Minnesota and VAMC Cardio Thoracic Surgeon, husband, hockey dad, cattle rancher, world traveler and pretty darn good rock musician for his age, passed away on May 10 after a short battle with cancer. He was 71 years old.
He is survived by his wife Lori, son Charlie ’16 and daughter Jazz ’19. Also sisters Vida (Dejan) Dordevich, Kiki Platt and Charlene Nederlander, mother-in-law Nancy Harris, brother-in-law Michael (Corinna) Harris, as well as loving nephews Ward (Angela) Platt, Micha Dordevich, Charlie (Amy) Dordevich, Tony Harris and nieces Kristina Gustafson and Josie Harris.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Herb was a man of large appetites, literally and figuratively. Educated at St. Paul Academy and University of Minnesota (undergrad, medical school, PhD, surgery residency and CardioVascular Fellowship), Herb spent the greater part of 50 years of his life performing surgery, research and teaching at the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis VAMC. He was the Chief of CardioThoracic Surgery at the University of Minnesota. He was also awarded the Lillihei Chair by the Lillihei Heart Institute. Herb took great pleasure in training and educating surgeons and was fiercely loyal to anyone on his team or staff.
As the son of Charles Allen Ward and Yvette Hennig Ward, Herb spent childhood summers working at the Arizona family cattle ranch where he first learned to ride a horse and play the mandolin. Herb was a man of diverse interests and talents. He flew planes and helicopters. He was a lifelong Twins fan and Opera buff. He rounded up cattle and attended Wagner's entire Ring cycle. He heliskied the bumps, hunted grouse and caribou, studied astronomy, canoed and portaged through the Quetico, mountain biked in Moab, photographed everything, shot firearms and fireworks of all make and model, pulled tubers behind his boat, ran marathons, consume massive amounts of sushi, rode his motorcycle across Europe and the USA and gathered (persuaded, coerced) his family and friends for much of the above and for weeks of riding, music around the campfire, food, fireworks and fun. Herb was a devoted husband and father. Herb's band, One Brown Shoe, was scheduled to play at a roadhouse last weekend. It would have been a great show. He will be remembered for his generosity, loyalty to family and friends and outsize enthusiasm for life.
Celebration of Herb's Life will be on Friday, June 7 from 7-10 pm Promenade Ballroom, St. Paul Hotel. Valet parking and block of hotel rooms available. Memorials to: Herb Ward Award for Excellence in Teaching, University of MN Foundation, McNamara Alumni Center, Suite 500, 200 Oak Street SE, Mpls. MN 55455. Our heartfelt gratitude and love to the extraordinary Rose Kelly, Emily Bergsland, Robert Warren ’66, Lou Bartholome, Alice Medley, Cam Blodgett ’67, Mike Barrett, the VA Heart Team, the entire Harris family and so many dear friends who have given us immense support and love. Thank you all.
ELIZABETH TURNER '37
CHARLIE KNUTSON '97
On April 18, 2019 our Charlie Knutson '97 passed peacefully after a stylish and graceful, two year bout with colon cancer. Charlie lived and loved 80+ years worth in his short 40 years we had him with us. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Dotty, father, Robert Knutson ’65, sisters Tracy Knutson and Lindsay Bejblik ’95, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
ALEXANDRA O. BJORKLUND '45
Alexandra Bjorklund died on June 23, 2019. Preceded in death by her husbands J. Daniel McCarthy and Warren Bjorklund; also by her brother Robert F. Ordway ’50; and sister Pondie Nicholson Johnson ’47. She is survived by sons Edwin James (Susan ’76) McCarthy ’73, and Thomas Ordway McCarthy ’78; daughter Kathryn McCarthy (Ged) Parsons ’75; stepson Kurt Warren (Susan) Bjorklund; as well as 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Alexandra attended Summit School and later Dana Hall School.
ROBERT EBERT II '76
Robert H. Ebert II died of a cardiac arrest on June 17, 2019, at his home in North Little Rock, Arkansas, at the age of 61.
He was born in Little Rock on March 29, 1958, to Richard V. Ebert, M.D., and Shirley F. Ebert. He graduated from St. Paul Academy and Summit School (Minnesota) in 1976 and from Harvard College in 1981, with a B.A. in Biology. He received a M.A. in Neurobiology from the University of California at Berkeley. His Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and subsequently his M.D., were both from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).
Robert’s internship and residency in Psychiatry were at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa, and his fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry was at Duke University. His awards included the Richard V. Ebert Award from UAMS and an Outstanding Clinical Service award from the Department of Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma-Tulsa. He was certified in both Psychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Robert’s last and most rewarding academic position was as a geriatric psychiatrist at the Central Arkansas Veterans Administration Healthcare System and as a faculty member of the Department of Psychiatry, UAMS. He was an outstanding clinician and was highly respected by his colleagues and his patients.
He loved the outdoors and especially the North Woods of Wisconsin, often visiting the family summer home in Cornucopia, Wisconsin. He relished fishing in the icy water of Lake Superior and its tributaries. He was an avid reader of both fiction and nonfiction, and was an expert on Ernest Hemingway. He was having fun with his newest hobby, cooking classes.
Robert is survived by his siblings, Constance A. Ebert of St. Paul, Minnesota; Susan L. Ebert of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Richard V. Ebert, Jr., (Seyin) of Fayetteville, Arkansas; his half-brother, Michael H. Ebert, M.D., (Ellen) of Guilford, Connecticut; and his former wife, Margaret McLellan of Little Rock, Arkansas; as well as many nieces and nephews.
KI KI GORE - FORMER FACULTY
Ki Ki Gore, 85, longtime St. Anthony Park resident, died on June 25.
A friend to all she met, Ki Ki was born to Greek immigrants who landed at Ellis Island and settled in Evanston, Ill. She graduated from Evanston Township High School in 1951, then received her B.A. from Northwestern University in 1954 and two master’s degrees, in education and guidance and counseling, from Northwestern in 1956.
A lifelong student and teacher, Ki Ki also studied at the University of Mexico, Mexico City; the University of Colorado, Boulder; and Carleton College during school vacations to extend her own education.
Ki Ki began her teaching in 1954 at Evanston Township High School, Evanston, Ill., and went on to teach at Arlington High School and Prospect High School in Illinois; Westside High School, Omaha, Neb.; the YMCA of St. Paul; Como Park, Harding, and Central high schools in St. Paul, before ending her formal teaching career at St. Paul Academy and Summit School from 1985 to 1996.
Ki Ki was a multi-year nominee for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. She continued working at the University of Minnesota Boynton Health Service until 2016. Ki Ki taught adult Spanish classes from 1970 until shortly before she died.
Her involvement in and love for her beloved St. Anthony Park neighborhood was unparalleled. She sold baklava at the St. Anthony Park Arts Festival in the 1970s and cooked dinners for the St. Anthony Park Association in the early 1980s.
In 2013, Mayor Chris Coleman declared July 4th Warren and Ki Ki Gore Day in the city of St. Paul. On the same day, Warren and Ki Ki received the Spirit of the Park Award.
Ki Ki was preceded in death by her parents and sister, and her loving husband of 58 years, Warren Y. Gore. She is survived by daughter Lia (Frank Haluska), son Paul (Tracy Fischman), grandchildren Alex, Talia and Jacob; four nieces; brother-in-law Jim; sister-in-law Xenia; and countless friends, cousins, extended family, students, and colleagues on at least five continents.
BOB JEWETT - FORMER FACULTY
Below is a message from Head of School Bryn Roberts, which was sent to the community.
To the SPA community,
I write this morning with sad news. We learned late last week of the death of Bob Jewett, who retired from SPA in 2014 after teaching ceramics for 41 years. Bob passed away last Thursday, July 18, near his childhood home on Martha’s Vineyard after a long illness. Peggy, Bob’s wife, was with him at the time of his passing.
Bob was an extraordinary artist and teacher who introduced generations of SPA students to the practice of ceramics and the sublime joy of making art. He was beloved both by students and by his colleagues, with whom he worked tirelessly to build SPA’s fine arts curriculum and department over four decades. Today, our fine arts department is one of our signal strengths, and in many ways, our fine arts curriculum is a reflection of Bob’s fundamental goal as an art teacher: to give students the space to find and explore their own creative voices. In an interview with The Rubicon, our student newspaper, a few months before his retirement, Bob remembered his own introduction to ceramics: "When I first saw someone sit down at a wheel and pull a pot out of clay…it was the most magical thing I’d ever seen,” Bob said in the piece. That same magic took place every day in Bob’s ceramics classes, and we are profoundly grateful that he was a part of our community for so many years.
Before Bob’s death, the school was in the process of creating an award in his honor, which will be given annually to an Upper School student with exceptional talent in the clay arts. We are pleased that this award will continue to honor Bob’s legacy as an artist, a teacher, and a leader.
Memorial arrangements have not yet been confirmed, but we will let the community know when we learn of those details. In the meantime, I know you join me in keeping Peggy and all who loved Bob in your thoughts during this sad time.
Bryn S. Roberts
Head of School