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
- JANET BUCKBEE '44
- 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
- RUTHANNA FRANEY '41
- 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
- MARJORIE OKES URBAN '44
- MARY HILL FRENCH '34
- WESLEY SCHULTZ, FORMER FACULTY
- ELLEN SALISBURY (DAGGETT) NEDVED '48
- ROBERT (BOB) VERHEY '61
- DALE MARTIN '77
- JOANNA VICTOR '51
- PETER STRYKER '70
- MARY L. WALSH '59
- LUCY HARRISON GEHAN '67
- JUDITH NEDVED KUNZ '72
- JOANNE BROWN WRIGHT '42
- GLENNA M. PRICE '47
- JOHN CALVIN NEIMEYER, JR. '46
- CHRISTOPHER JAMES '88
- BARBARA SONKOWSKY - FORMER FACULTY
- ELIZABETH "BETTY" BANCROFT CAMMACK '47
- ANNE LOVERING ELSINGER '42
- DOROTHY “DOTTY” AMES TURNER OLUND '61
- AUGUSTUS WILSON "BILL" CLAPP III '49
- PHILLIP J. AMELUXEN '56
- MORGEN (SKIP) RASMUSSEN '63
- ELIZABETH “BETSY” NYE SUTER '43
- JOHN BLACKBURN KINKEAD '49
- HORACE "HOD" IRVINE II '55
- JOHN TATE JR. '42
- JULIE BURG RIST '71
- ARNOLD "ARNIE" BOCKSTRUCK '46
- LOWRY SMITH '47
- PIERCE MACKAY '61
- BETTY VAUGHAN '40
- ROSAMOND LLOYD '42
- ELIZABETH "LEE" FOBES MURPHY '59
- DOROTHY GRIFFITH MACDONALD '50
- THOMAS READ - FORMER HEAD OF SCHOOL
- JOHN TOWLE '50
- TIMOTHY BLODGETT '47
- R. JAMES GESELL '53
- GEORGIA SOMMERS WRIGHT '55
- NANCY FINBERG KURIMAY '58
- MARGUERITE HAMM "PEGGY, MIMI" LEMMON '49
- JOHN WORKS, JR. '62
- MICHAEL DRISCOLL '60
- VICTORIA CROSS '60
- WILLIAM 'BUZZ' MENOLD, JR. '62
- SARAH MAY '98
- SARAH AMES ELLIS '42
- PATRICIA SWENEY HART '51
- JOHN JACKSON '45
- BRENDA RAUDENBUSH GRIFFIN '56
- BETH MINER, COMMUNITY MEMBER
- KATHARINE (ROE) CROSS '70
- BRUCE QUICK '61
- BETTY WOLD JOHNSON '39
- JAMES STRONGE '49
- DIANE DEVITT-KUSHNER '57
- ALEXANDER JOHNSON '04
- JOHN HOLMAN '53
- WALTER ANDREWS JR. '57
- JULIANA GRIGGS MARTY '49
- TODD ANDERSON '98
- CYNTHIA NERENBERG PECK '71
- HUGH K. SCHILLING '43
- LEWIS "BUDDY" HARRIS '45
- PETER BUTLER '49
- CYNTHIA STOLTZE HARDISON '45
- PHILIP MARGOLIS '42
- JAMES ANDREWS '63
- SAMUEL JOY '52
- CLARISSA BOCKSTRUCK COLE '50
- H. WILLIAM SHOEMAKER '66
- SYDNEY WOLD '43
- BETTY PARSONS TENNANT '45
- CATHERINE MYERS BUSCHER '51
- ETHEL W. GRIGGS '59
- KATHERINE LEVIN STENSLIE '70
- MARTHA FULTON '43
- RICHARD TONGEN '55
- RUSSELL GREENHAGEN - FORMER FACULTY
- ROBERT BEMENT, JR. '67
- FREDERICK THEODORE 'TED' WEYERHAEUSER '49
- BONNIE LANGFORD HOOVER '48
- CHAUNCEY GRIGGS III '55
- RUSSELL COLLINS, JR. '51
- JOANN AALFS '41
- CHRISTOPHER CARDOZO '66
- JEFFREY UPDEGRAFF '66
- EMMY LOU JACOBSON '45
- DIANE WACHTLER KOOB '67
- JOHN "JACK" THERA '68
- ROBERT "BOB" FRENZEL '44
- MARTIN VEINSREIDERIS '94
- ALICE TIBBETTS '16
- JAMES MASLON '44
- ALFRED SEDGWICK '45
- RHONDA ANDERSON GORDON '71
- HAROLD "TODD" FREEMAN III '59
- EDWARD HAMM, SR. '55
- RICHARD “SARGE” KYLE '55
- WILLIAM MOTTER III '59
- SHIRLEY WILLIAMS, BARONESS WILLIAMS OF CROSBY '47
- WILLIAM BIERMAN, JR. '68
- JEFFREY TYLER SR. '66
- GEORGIA RAY LINDEKE '44
- MARY MARTHALER '81
- JEAN HART '52
- LINDA TOWLE '57
- LESLIE HARPOLE '82
- STUART GOLDBARG '65
- JUDITH GIDDENS WHITE '64
- DEAN ALEXANDER '52
- LAURENCE "MIKE" BUTLER '51
- RICHARD PRYOR '53
- NANCY GAVER PRIEDEMAN '46
- RACHEL IVES '95
- DAVID HERR '68
- JAMES WALLACE, III '52
- CATHERINE "KITTY" (WOLFF) HARTZELL '48
- PETER SHEPARD '65
- RICHARD DUNN '46
- FREDERICK "RICK" DRISCOLL '54
- PIERS LEWIS '49
- JOSEPH "TOM" MARVER '66
- JAMES NEHER '54
- ELISABETH GELDEN - FORMER FACULTY
- MIRIAM CHAYA (CARDOZO) CHARNEY '81
- JEFFREY ROSS '75
- WALLACE PARKS RITCHIE, JR. '53
- SARA "SALLY" (MOORE) ALLEN '52
- JOHN "JACK" STAFFORD, SR. '54
- GEORGE RICHARD SLADE '48
- JOHN JOSEPH SCHLENK, JR. '49
- PERRIN BROWN LILLY '41
- AUDRAE NORRIS GRUBER '49
- CLINTON ABBOTT, JR. '42
- RUSSELL HAIGH - FORMER STAFF
- GRETCHEN RICHTER LAW '49
- PRISCILLA “POLLY” NYE DICKSON '45
- MARLENE HEGER BIXBY '53
- KARL BURTON '65
- VICKI BECHIK HICKMAN '63
- WILLIAM BEADIE '58
- MALCOM MCDONALD, COMMUNITY MEMBER
- PETER MAIRS '80
- EDITH NYE MACMULLEN '47
- SAMUEL MAIRS '61
- GEORGE C. ROTH, JR. '61
- ANNE HARTLEY '48
- ARIEL WELCH DICKERMAN '52
- RICHARD "DICK" STRAND '51
- OTTO BRUCE CHRISTENSON '68
- DEBORAH "DEBBIE" BUTLER BANCROFT '48
- JAMES STEVENSON, III '53
- ROBERT "BOB" GARDNER '56
- CAROLINE PEET JOHNSTON '48
- JANE DAVIS BENNETT '59
- PHILIP FITZPATRICK '63
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.
JANET BUCKBEE '44
Buckbee, Janette "Deedee" Age 90 of White Bear Lake, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2016. Survived by children, Mark (Marcia) DeCoster of CA, Jeff (Molly) DeCoster of Grant, Winkie (Gary) Koecher of St. Croix Falls, Fritzi (Danny) Marzolf of Highland Park, Julie DeCoster of White Bear Township; 13 grand-children; 11 great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at St. John in the Wilderness Church, 2175 1st St., White Bear Lake, on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 3:00 with Visitation one hour prior to the Service. Interment at a later date at Acacia Park Cemetery of Mendota Heights. Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Association or Health Partners Hospice.
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.
RUTHANNA FRANEY '41
Ruthanna Franey, 95, a 50-plus-year resident of Cedar Rapids, died Aug. 11, 2018, in La Quinta, Calif. Lovingly called Thanna by her many friends and family, she was born in Hays, Kan., on May 22, 1923, the only child of William D. and Ruth Benning Weidlein. Growing up in Minnesota, Carleton College and the University of Minnesota served as a springboard for embracing a full life of many facets and interests. She married William Franey in 1958 and they were together until his death in 2010.
As a member of the Junior League, Thanna found an opportunity for involvement in community projects. Among many talents was her skill at knitting and mentoring family and friends who wanted to try it. With her husband, Dr. William Franey (family M.D.), they were the original district commissioners of the Timber Pony Club, United States Pony Club. She served as national examiner for the U.S. Pony Club. The Franeys participated in various equestrian activities and events such as the Cedar Rapids Charity Horse Show.
Ruthanna is survived by her daughter, Becky Ross of Palm Desert, Calif.; sons, John (Diana) Ross of Cedar Rapids and Bill (Annette) Ross of Palo Alto, Calif.; grandchildren, Capt. Arron Franey of Ft. Lee, Va., Andrew (Jodee) Ross of Cedar Rapids and Natalie Ross (Andrew Donovan) of Seattle, Wash.; two great-grandchildren; former brother-in-law, George Ross of Cedar Rapids; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Franey; and her stepsons, William and Robert Franey.
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
MARJORIE OKES URBAN '44
Marjorie Okes Headley Wood Urban, Gone Golfin' After nearly 93 years of a life well played, Marge Urban reached the 19th hole June 5, 2019. Marge was born in St Paul, Minnesota, where her competitive spirit was honed at an early age as the youngest of four sisters first vying for their father's attention and then that of the boys at St Paul Academy. (Not coincidentally, Mom and her sister both ended up marrying Headley cousins from SPA).
At 18, she channeled her competitive nature in the pool becoming the 100-yard freestyle National Champion. If not for WWII, she would have represented the USA in the London 1944 Olympics. As a young war bride, Mom "immigrated" to the Northwest and proceeded to raise a family across a series of Weyerhaeuser mill towns throughout Washington and Oregon while supporting her husband's burgeoning career. Life changed abruptly when she was widowed at an early age with three children to take care of.
Mom was a big believer in education and was a role model for lifelong learning. As a widow on a limited budget, she managed to fund our college educations while also returning to school herself, years after attending Vassar and the University of Minnesota. At the same graduation ceremony where her eldest daughter received her BA, Mom received a master's degree from the University of Washington. She took an incredible journey from her work as a kindergarten teacher at Annie Wright Seminary to ultimately serve as the Dean of Women at Everett Community College.
Mom was an avid golfer and played throughout the Northwest, Hawaii and Arizona. Club championships at both the Tacoma Country & Golf Club and Kona Country Club and nailing seven holes-in-one were only a few of the highlights during her long golf career. True to her competitive spirit, she offered $100 to any of us who beat her in golf and $50 to any winner in tennis. Mom remains the family golf champion; although Alexis did cash in many years ago with a tennis win.
Mom's volunteer work and hobbies spanned a wide spectrum: swim coach, Tacoma Art Museum president, Everett Junior League president, NW boating adventures, book clubs, dog shows, and garden club president. But she ultimately landed on the study of art which continued into her last years. Her world travels influenced her beginning art, but studies of still life florals became her favorite subject in later life. We all have various Urban originals hanging on our walls!
Mom was a keen and successful money manager. She delighted in gathering up her winnings (pennies, nickels and dimes) at the Merrill Garden card tables almost as much as she delighted in her daily 1 PM teleconference with her stockbroker which continued until her last day. She instilled the value of savings in all her children and gets credit for introducing us to the concept of the 401K she matched every dollar we earned doing summer jobs that remained saved for a year.
Our mother was something of a philosopher as well. We all received a variety of letters over the years sharing her views on our life choices; although, by her own admission, she didn't necessarily always practice what she preached. She was famous for her quotes such as "just don't.", "don't alienate yourself from society" and "keep your options open", followed by the corollary and sage "don't have too many options". "Family is everything" was her most recurrent phrase in her last years.
Mom was known for her distinctive laugh and her naughty joke telling. That inhaling laugh followed by the exhaling combination of a cackle and a bellow will live on, echoing in our memories as though she were still entertaining downstairs well after our bedtime when we would hear it reverberating off the living room walls and through the floorboards. We will always be reminded of her, as at least half of her descendants carry that laugh gene in one form or another, as well as a determined will and fierce competitiveness. We will continue to bellow and guffaw at each other over the absurdities and ironies of life while also trying to best one another in various sports, board and card games. Mom outlived three husbands - Richard K. Headley, Ivan D. Wood, and Frederic K. Urban - and innumerable boyfriends. She is predeceased by her sisters Josephine ’35, Edith ’38, and Mary ’39. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Alexis (and Dennis) Hlavacek, Steven (and Susan) Headley, and Barbara (and Nicholas) Malden, as well as seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. We also want to give a special thank you to Melanie Sonneman and Denise Vail for the loving care and companionship they gave to Mom during her years at Merrill Garden. .and now with some time, Mom will be urging us all to "go ahead and play through!"
MARY HILL FRENCH '34
Mary-Hill French, a geologist who prepared bomb target maps for the U.S. Army Air Force in World War II, became the first woman professional hired by the iron-mining industry in northern Minnesota, and collaborated for more than half a century in the research and writings of her husband, a NASA geologist and planetary scientist, died on July 26, 2019 in Bethesda, Maryland. She was 102 years old. Her husband, Bevan M. French, said that the cause of death was complications from a pulmonary infection.
Originally intending to become either a lawyer or a journalist (preferably an international reporter) when she arrived at college in 1934, Ms. French instead majored in geology after a freshman course with an exciting and inspiring professor. Needing tuition money, she happily accepted the job of geology lab instructor, and the die was cast. During the eight decades after graduation, she continually and energetically combined a wide range of different activities into a long and active life: graduate study, engineering work for a mining company, marriage, family, travel, and service to a wide range of scientific, educational, and social organizations. Since 1967, she was also a constant colleague, collaborator, and editor in the research, professional travels, publications, and educational activities of her second husband, Bevan M. French, now a retired NASA geologist, planetary scientist, and program administrator.
Mary-Hill French was born Mary-Hill Kueffner, on November 14, 1916 in St. Paul, MN, the daughter of William and Helen Kueffner. She attended local schools, including Summit School in St. Paul, then attended Carleton College in Northfield, MN, receiving a B.A. in 1938 Magna Cum Laude with a major in Geology. She subsequently received an M.A. in Geology from Carleton, then began work on a Ph.D. degree at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.
In 1942, during World War II, she was recruited by the U.S. Army Air Force Information Service and served a year at the Army Map Service in Washington, D.C., an institution which she and her young colleagues referred to as the “Map Trap”. The duties of this group of young scientists were to review available maps to obtain information about military sites in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and to construct target maps that the U.S. Army Air Corps could use in bombing missions. She combined these grim activities with the youthful exploration of wartime Washington (to the extent possible during severe gas rationing) and with the enthusiasm shared by a group of similar young people who were making a contribution to America’s war effort.
In 1943, Mary-Hill Kueffner resigned from the Air Force to marry Tappan Childs, a civil engineer from St. Paul, MN. She spent the rest of the war years moving with her husband from one military construction site to another, passing through such locations as Leadville, CO; Colorado Springs, CO; and Rough and Ready Island, CA, meeting a wide variety of Americans and learning such survival skills as boiling water at high altitude (use a pressure cooker) and getting a stuck car out of a mudhole (wait for the evening freeze, then drive out). After the War, the family (now including three children) settled in Hibbing, MN, a northern Minnesota town on the Mesabi Iron Range mining district, where Ms. Childs continued to raise her family and also found time to serve as President of the local chapter of the League of Women Voters and the American Association of University Women (AAUW).
With the sudden death of her husband in 1957, from an accidental fall at home, Ms. Childs found a geological position with Pickands Mather, an iron-mining company on the Mesabi Range. She was the first woman to be employed in a professional capacity by an iron-mining company and probably one of the first women to be employed professionally in the overall mining industry. She worked actively, with many male colleagues at Pickands Mather and other iron-mining companies, on developing the so-called “taconite process”, a series of technical procedures that made it possible to economically extract the low-grade iron ores that still remained after the removal of the high-grade “direct shipping” ores that had originally fueled the development of the Mesabi Range and other iron ranges in the region. This successful development of the complicated process, involving the conversion of fine-grained ores into pellets that could be used in existing blast furnaces, was largely responsible for preserving iron mining as a continuing economic activity on the Mesabi Range and in many similar mining districts in Wisconsin and Michigan. During her work, Ms. Childs became a member, and one of a few women, in the American Association of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers (AIME), presented papers on her work at national meetings, and published her results in the Association’s technical books and other publications.
Although working in a virtually all-male environment, she experienced little difficulty or friction on the job. She later recalled that “at first, my colleagues, from engineers to workmen, were skeptical about having a woman working with them, but before long that changed, and they became very protective of me. The workmen delighted in telling me dirty jokes, which I never understood, but I kept trying to laugh at what might be the right places, and these attempts amused them even more. Confidence gained, I realized that being unique could be good, and I started wearing a red dress to meetings.”
At a geological meeting in 1965, Ms. Childs met Bevan M. French, a NASA geologist who was giving a paper on his Ph.D. research on the rocks of the Mesabi Range. They were married in 1967 and settled in Chevy Chase, MD, where Dr. French continued a long career with NASA, including participation in the Apollo Program of moon landings, research on terrestrial meteorite impact craters, and the management of NASA’s scientific research on lunar samples and meteorites. In addition to remaining heavily involved in Dr. French’s scientific activities and popular publications (including The Moon Book, published by Penguin Books in 1976), Ms. French participated in Welcome to Washington, a group which provided joint educational and social activities for local residents and foreign visitors, and in the Geological Society of Washington, a local professional group, in which she served for two years as a member of the Council and as Assistant Treasurer for a year. The couple also travelled widely for scientific meetings, geological field studies, and tourism, visiting 32 different countries during their marriage. In addition to several visits to Austria, where Dr. French was a Visiting Professor at the University of Vienna, the couple spent a sabbatical year (1981-1982) in South Africa studying ancient meteorite impact craters and getting a close and detailed experience of the country during the apartheid era. In her 70s and 80s, Ms. French continued to participate in geological field excursions, including trips through the Australian and Namibian deserts.
Asked in an interview about what shaped her life, Ms. French answered, “Curiosity and the Depression, which meant a constant need for money, cheerfulness, and a sense of responsibility. So many people helped me that I wanted in return to help them and any others who might need money as I had. And there was the enjoyment of all the good things; each thing kept me looking forward to the next.”
Survivors include: Bevan M. French, her husband of 51 years, two sons, one daughter, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
WESLEY SCHULTZ, FORMER FACULTY
ELLEN SALISBURY (DAGGETT) NEDVED '48
Ellen Salisbury (Daggett) Nedved ’48, age 87 of St. Paul, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2018. Preceded in death by husband, Donald J. Nedved; parents Albert Henry Daggett and Ruth Soule Daggett; siblings John Daggett and Judith Daggett Kalafat ’51; daughter Judith Nedved Clausen Kunz ’72 and granddaughter Nicole Brand. Survived by sons James A. Nedved (Paula), Jonathan P. Nedved ’75 (Jan) and Christopher D. Nedved (Elaine); nieces Lisa Kalafat, Amy Kalafat Pinotti, Kelly Kalafat Maurer; grandchildren Adam Clausen (Amy), Alex Clausen, Elliott Clausen, Austin Nedved, Cassie Nedved, Jamie Nedved, Nicholas Nedved, Lindsey Nedved Goembel (Tom), great-grandchild Olivia Goembel, and Samantha Smith (daughter of Chris).
Ellen was a real lady possessed of a very irreverent wit. Her great love was gourmet cooking (she once planned to approach Julia Child as co-author of a child's cookbook). Ellen missed her beloved Don, tended her African violets, loved her friends, children and grandchildren, the Episcopal Church, entertaining, backgammon, antiques and family history, marveling how ancestor George Soule landed at Plymouth Rock and thank God survived. Many thanks to the fine caring staff at the Episcopal Church Home and Grace Home Health and Hospice.
ROBERT (BOB) VERHEY '61
Bob Verhey, age 75, of Santa Ynez, California, died peacefully of complications from pancreatic cancer on September 8, 2018. Preceded in death by his parents, Seymour and Jane Verhey. Survived by his wife, Carol Johnson of Santa Ynez, CA; three siblings, Jim (Annie) Verhey ’65 of Napa, CA, Tom (Linda) Verhey ’68 of Charleston, SC and Fred (Victoria) Verhey ’70 of San Francisco, CA; children, Bob (Nancy) Verhey ’86 of Inver Grove Heights, MN and Anne Paquet of Cary, NC; and five grandchildren, Allie ’18, Jennie ’19, Bobby ’21 and Tommy ’23 Verhey, and Jonathan Paquet. He was a very loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Bob was born and raised in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota. He graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1961. Bob earned his BA from Duke University in 1965 and his MBA from Dartmouth College in 1967. Bob had a very diverse professional career as a corporate leader, entrepreneur, business coach and professor. Bob was a manager for Xerox Corporation in Rochester, New York (1968) and manager for Memorex in Acadia, California (1969 to 1971). From 1972 to 1980, Bob resided in Tiburon, California as VP of Finance for Fibreboard Corporation. In the following decades he launched numerous companies in a variety of industries in San Francisco, Hilton Head Island, SC and Alexandria, VA. Bob eventually became an expert in healthcare and veterans affairs. He was Director of Strategic Planning at the American Red Cross and launched and managed numerous non-profit companies for veterans.
In his later years, Bob moved to Santa Barbara and eventually Santa Ynez, where he was primarily a business coach for many start-up companies and individuals. He also was a business and communications professor at UC Berkeley, Georgia Southern University and Santa Barbara City College. Bob had an incredibly diverse life! He loved all sports; including following the 49ers, Warriors, Nationals and Capitols. He travelled throughout the world and attended numerous Olympics and world class sporting events. He also was an avid skier, tennis player and golfer. He was an extremely optimistic and outgoing individual who gave an enormous amount of time to charity, teaching and coaching. He also spent significant time with his grand-children, nieces and nephews. His positive outlook on life will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.
DALE MARTIN '77
Dale Martin, age 59, formerly of the Twin Cities Metropolitan area, passed away November 9, 2018 at his home in Naperville, IL surrounded by his family. Dale is survived by wife Betsy and children Andrew and Kelsey; his brother Earl and family. He is preceded in death by his parents Patricia R. and Albert F. Martin; his brother Paul ’75 (Lillian); nephew Shawn and niece Kitana. Dale attended St. Paul Academy and Summit School, Gustavus Adolphus College, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Thomas University and Walden University. Dale worked at Sperry/Unisys, Cargill and Temple & Associates.
JOANNA VICTOR '51
Joanna Victor, age 84, of Lilydale, passed away on December 4, 2018. Joanna was born on December 31, 1933 to Frank Jr. and Helen (Reilly) Rarig in St. Paul, Minnesota. Joanna's lifelong career was teaching history at St. Paul Academy and Summit School. Joanna was a loving mother, who enjoyed spending summers at her Deer Lake home.
Joanna is preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Hugo Victor Jr. ’46, who passed in 1997. She also is preceded in death by her long-term companion: Raymond Rantala, who passed in April of this year. Joanna is survived by her daughters: Elizabeth (Mark) Victor-Slind ’78, Carolyn (Howard) Lee ’80, Pamela (David) Libertini ’80, grandchildren: Reilly (Nicholas) Karlisch, Robin Slind, Matthew (Kate Lommel) Slind, Victoria (Nicholas) Hausladen, Timothy Libertini, Robert Libertini, great-grandchildren: William and Natalia Karlisch, and Brayden Brix, siblings: Marty Rarig ’56, Patricia (Jack) Peverill, as well as beloved nieces, nephews, and many other family members and friends.
PETER STRYKER '70
Peter Barrett Stryker, 66, husband of the late Sally Stryker, passed away Thursday, July 5, 2018. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, he was a son of the late John Stryker and Mary Stryker Lewandowski. Peter attended St. Paul Academy and Summit School. He is preceded in death by his brother, Charles Stryker ’67. He is survived by one daughter, Kathleen Stryker of Mauldin; son, Christian Stryker and wife, Tasha, of Rock Hill; two grandchildren, Alice and Harper Stryker; and his brother James Stryker ’66.
MARY L. WALSH '59
Mary (Mueller) Walsh ’59, age 78, of Mendota Heights, died August 27, 2018. Mary is a graduate of Summit School and Northwestern University with a B.A. in music. Preceded in death by husband, Lorence, and numerous beloved pets. Survived by children, Lori (Roger) Cawley and Christopher (Megan) Walsh; grand children, Mary, Sarah and Dylan Cawley and Evelyn Walsh; brother, Robert W. (Joey) Mueller, Jr.
LUCY HARRISON GEHAN '67
Lucy (Harrison) Gehan was born February 9, 1949 in Minneapolis. She died peacefully, surrounded by family on August 11, 2018 in Saint Paul after a courageous battle with cancer. Lucy is survived by her husband Mark, son Mark (Jamie), daughter Alice. Also survived by her brothers Scott (Nancy), Mark (Susan), sister Julie (Dennis) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Lucy is survived by one sweet granddaughter, also named Lucy.
Lucy graduated from Summit School and the University of Colorado. She worked as a mother, designer and gardener. She loved to paint, play tennis, pick wildflowers and ride horses. She loved her family, friends, the XZ Ranch, and her dogs.
JUDITH NEDVED KUNZ '72
JOANNE BROWN WRIGHT '42
Joanne Brown Wright ’42, age 93, died peacefully May 29, 2018, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Born June 4, 1924, to Montreville Jay & Minnie Stinchfield Brown and welcomed by her three sisters, Katherine, Louise, and Marney ’41. Married for 55 years to Theodore Douglas (T.D.) Wright ’41. Survived by her children Peter ’67, John (Jane Gehan), Alice ’72 (Dan Taylor), Sarah (Ted Iwaszek), and Charlotte (Bill Pritz); grandchildren Eric, Eileen, Florence, Clara, Lindsay, Natalie, Ester, Rose, Julia, Zoe, and Charlie; and great grandchildren, Mirabelle, Phoebe, and Emma. Joanne's life revolved lovingly around family and art.
GLENNA M. PRICE '47
Glenna M. Price ’47, age 88 of White Bear Lake. Loving Mom, Grandma & Sister passed away peacefully on June 15, 2018. Glenna was born and raised in St. Paul. She graduated from Summit School in 1947 and Skidmore College in 1951. She grew up to become an outdoorswoman and was good at anything she set her mind to. Her passions included gardening, collecting wildflowers, fishing, golfing, hunting, mushroom hunting, showing horses, and horseback riding.
Glenna is preceded in death by husband, Milton D. Price Jr. ’45; children, Milton D. Price III, Deborah Price; parents, Glen & Josephine Millard.
She is survived by daughters, Georgia (Rich) Mottl, Pam Ira; daughter-in-law, Mary Price; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; siblings, George Millard ’48, Josephine Chervenak ’51; many nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends.
JOHN CALVIN NEIMEYER, JR. '46
Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, caregiver, and dear friend, John Calvin Neimeyer, Jr., age 90 passed away on May 23, 2019 with his loving family by his side. He is survived by his wife Karin; two children; John Neimeyer and Martha (John) Gart; his grandchildren Evan and Jillian; great-grandchildren Colin and Jade; sister Nancy ’49 (Ted ’49) Weyerhaeuser and their extended family; and his sister-in-law Martha (Roy) Johnson. He is preceded in death by parents, Catherine and John Calvin Neimeyer, Sr.
John was born in Duluth, Minnesota on June 4, 1928, and was raised in St. Paul. He graduated from St. Paul Academy, now St. Paul Academy and Summit School. He earned degrees in Economics and History from Amherst College in Massachusetts, where he was a Delta Upsilon, and then served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. After the War, he settled in Edina, Minnesota and spent the entirety of his career in the building products industry and in the 1970s, co-founded Residential Products Marketers.
John was known for the way his customers, employees and industry contacts became his life-long friends. The sport of football was an enduring joy in John's life - both as a player and a spectator. He captained both his high school and college football teams. He also made the U.S. Army team as a running back when he was serving in the 120th Combat Engineer Battalion attached to the 45th Infantry Division of the Army during the Korean War. John's became the number one team and was destined to play in what was known as "the Rice Bowl" in Tokyo, Japan just as team members were deployed to Korea.
As a five-decade season ticket holder for the Minnesota Vikings, John missed only a handful of games. He recently purchased his season tickets for the 2019/2020 season with great anticipation. Well into his late 80's, John was a passionate duck hunter. Every October for more than 50 years, he traveled north to Canada, and for half those years, to the Delta Marsh of Canada's Lake Manitoba, called one of the world's great gathering places for migratory waterfowl. He was equally dedicated to the sport of skiing, and it was, in fact while skiing that he met Karin his wife of 64 years. John happily skied with his family into his late 70s, taking his last run at Vail at the age of 79 with his family.
John will be remembered and missed for how he nurtured friendships - a gift that was passed down from his parents. He loved attending his weekly lunches with industry partners, tri-weekly lunches with close friends, monthly lunches with former St. Paul Academy classmates. He never missed reunions with the 45th Infantry and often visited his Army buddies in New York City. John was a loyal, dedicated, family man who lovingly cared for his wife during her illness. Always a gentleman, like his father before him, he was unwaveringly optimistic and had a kind word to say about everyone he met.
CHRISTOPHER JAMES '88
Christopher Allen James, age 47, of Seattle, WA, previously of Minneapolis, MN, passed away July 25, 2018 from complications following surgery. Christopher grew up in St. Paul, MN and attended Saint Paul Academy and Summit School, where he excelled in art and in theater. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Art History and Theater from Sarah Lawrence College in 1992, and a Master's degree in Arts Administration from Saint Mary's University of MN in 1997.
Christopher worked as a marketing and public relations director for many major non-profit organizations, including the Ted Mann Concert Hall, the University Libraries, and the Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota; the Loft Literary Center and the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis; and the Seattle Public Theater in Seattle, WA. Recently, he had begun a new and exciting job as Director of Gallery 110 in Seattle. Christopher was also a teacher, helping both undergraduate and graduate students learn about arts administration, nonprofit management, marketing, and PR. He founded and ran the Fully Reciprocal Theater Company and was a member of the Minneapolis cowboy yodeling band Rope Trick.
Throughout his life, Christopher loved good writing. He read plays and poetry voraciously and often sent friends just the right quote. He railed against bad grammar and "obnoxiously overused phrases," to the delight of his Facebook friends. He was an excellent cook, even as a child, and produced delicious food while always making a terrible mess in the kitchen. He loved to travel. He had a sharp wit and came up with hysterical puns and impersonations, making his friends and family laugh.
Christopher is survived by his loving husband, Joe Carl; his parents, Donald and Suzanne James; his sister, Cynthia (Scott) Murdoch ’82; his niece, Emily Macaluso ’09 (Tony Guerra) and his nephew, Philip Macaluso ’10; and many other relatives and dear friends.
BARBARA SONKOWSKY - FORMER FACULTY
Barbara L. Sonkowsky passed away peacefully at her home in North Oaks, Minnesota on Tuesday, September 17, 2019. She was 87 years of age.
As a teacher, she taught Latin and English at St. Paul Academy and Summit School for many years. She was born and raised in Appleton, Wisconsin and she was a graduate of Lawrence College.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Robert Sonkowsky, and by her parents, Victor and Lulla Zierke. She is survived by her brother, Edward Zierke (Nancy); brother in-law, Donald Sonkowsky (Sandy); three children Paul Sonkowsky '75 (Amy Woo), Steven Sonkowsky, Michael Sonkowsky '81 (Anne Bekker); five grandchildren Crystal Quarberg (Shawn), Daniel Sonkowsky (Shelly), Lauren Martin (Phillip), Dominic and Gabriel Sonkowsky; great grandchildren Victoria Quarberg, Aubrey Sonkowsky, Aiden Sonkowsky, and Gemma Martin; Evelyn Hansen; nieces, Karen Rodman, Kristine Nabilcy (Kyle); great niece, Delaney Rodman; nephews and friends.
ELIZABETH "BETTY" BANCROFT CAMMACK '47
Elizabeth Bancroft “Betty” Cammack '47, passed away September 17, 2019. Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Betty went to Summit School. She attended the University of Minnesota where she found the love of her life, husband of 66 years, Malcolm Cammack ’43. Together they created a life rooted in family, surrounded by friends and filled with adventure, camaraderie, service and a love for the outdoors.
Betty nurtured her family, friends and community as she did her garden; making everyone feel instantly welcome. Whether at their first home in Crocus Hill, or as proprietors of the Commodore Hotel or at the cherished family Farm, Betty was a consummate host. Always a lover of any sport or game that brought friends and family together, from an egg toss to badminton or just a clever game of charades.
She generously supported many charities and organizations with her time and talent: St. Paul Academy's PTA, St. Paul Garden Club, Hope Academy, Junior League of St. Paul, St. Paul Children's Hospital… to name just a few. She is preceded in death by her husband Malcolm ’43. Survived by her 6 children and their spouses: Huck ’69 & Chrissie ’69 Cammack, Richie ’70 & Ann Cammack, Elizabeth ’71 "Binkie" & Greg Closmore, Deb ’75 & Rob Muller, Sally ’82 & Jack Miesen and Julie ’91 & Brigg Backer as well as her most adored 17 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
ANNE LOVERING ELSINGER '42
Anne Lovering Elsinger, 1925 ~ 2019, Passed away peacefully August 25th. Born January 9, 1925. Preceded in death by husbands William F. Napier and Joseph Elsinger ’42 and by daughter Debbie Kemp ’67. Survived by children: Patty Napier ’65, Chrissie Cammack ’69 (Huck), and Bill Napier; by her seven grandchildren and eight great grand children who brought her endless hours of joy and laughter, and the adoration was mutual. She will be remembered for her enduring love of family, her enthusiasm for golf, tennis, gardening, playing bridge with the girls, and entertaining friends and family. She was an avid Twins and Vikings fan and a very vocal "coach" from the comfort of her home. Anne graduated from Summit School and attended Wellesley College; she was also a long standing member of the White Bear Yacht Club.
DOROTHY “DOTTY” AMES TURNER OLUND '61
Dorothy “Dotty” Ames Turner Olund Age 75, of Sarona, WI died Monday, July 29, 2019 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on November 25, 1943 in St. Paul, MN to Samuel '30 and Mildred (Olson) Turner. Dorothy graduated from Summit School in 1961 and received her Bachelor’s of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1965. She was married to Lloyd Olund on July 10, 1965 in St. Paul, MN.
Dotty was an elementary school teacher in New Jersey and later, she became the Religious Education Director for the First Unitarian Church in Des Moines, IA for many years. She took great care of her children when they were growing up and still made time to be actively involved with The League of Women Voters and the American Red Cross along with being a strong advocate for special needs children.
She loved playing tennis and bridge, gardening, traveling, spoiling her pets, going on long walks chatting with her discussion group at church and spending hours talking on the phone or in person.
Dotty is survived by her husband of 54 years, Lloyd Olund of Sarona, WI; three daughters, Liz (Mike) Lichtenberger of Carlsbad, CA, Lesley Olund of Des Moines, Iowa, and Laura Olund (Scott Stegh) of Menomonee Falls, WI; two grandchildren, Hannah and Lauren Lichtenberger; three sisters, Cathy Turner Boykin '59 of Arlington Heights, IL, Susie Turner Lynch '63 of Laguna Hills, CA and Betsy Turner '65 of St. Paul, MN along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel ’30 and Mildred Turner.
AUGUSTUS WILSON "BILL" CLAPP III '49
Age 87, of St Paul Passed away peacefully August 18 with his family by his side. Preceded in death by parents, Betty ’22 and Augustus Clapp, Jr, and brother, John Sanborn Clapp ’53. Survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sharon, 5 daughters Nancy (Reid) Hardenbergh ’71, Ginny (Bill) Buell ’73, Becky (Jon) Haven ’76, Katie Clapp (Mark Ward) ’82, Merritt (Craig) Clapp-Smith ’87, 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, with another on the way.
Born November 10, 1931 in Longview, WA, Bill grew up in St. Paul, spending his boyhood summers on the St. Croix River in Copas, MN. He continued that summer tradition for most of his adult life. He was a graduate of St Paul Academy ('49), Harvard University ('53), and the U of MN Law School ('73). He worked with the Weyerhaeuser Company until 1969, then began a second career after law school, joining the Minnesota Attorney Generals' office where he specialized in laws protecting wetlands and water.
In retirement, Bill continued working to protect the natural resources that he loved and, in turn, taught his daughters to love. He spearheaded an effort to save hundreds of acres along the St. Croix, now the Standing Cedars Community Land Trust, and also contributed pro bono legal work and astute vision for numerous nonprofits, including, the St. Croix River Association, MN Center for Environmental Advocacy, Sierra Club, and the MN Land Trust.
PHILLIP J. AMELUXEN '56
Phillip Ameluxen, age 82 of Eagan, beloved father & grandfather passed away August 13, 2019. Preceded by wife Catherine; parents Frederick and Bernice. Survived by daughter Mary (Geo) Giuliani; son Brad (Cheryl) Ameluxen; grand children Bradner, Kaitlin, Kristin and Nicole; brother Brad ’44. Phil attended St. Paul Academy and served proudly in the US Army from 1957-1959. He will be missed by his family, many friends, and neighbors with their four legged companions.
MORGEN (SKIP) RASMUSSEN '63
Morgen (Skip) Rasmussen, age 75, died on August 7th of cancer surrounded by family in Barcelona, Spain. Morgen, son of Roy and Evelyn Rasmussen was a former Marine and specialized as a consultant both in the U.S and England. He graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1963. He is survived by his wife Asuncion, son Heath, grandsons Nil and Jon, all of Barcelona, and brother Boyd ’66 (Wink) of Gainesville, Florida.
ELIZABETH “BETSY” NYE SUTER '43
Elizabeth "Betsy" Nye Suter, long-time resident of Concord, Massachusetts and also of North Chatham, Massachusetts in the summers and Green Valley, Arizona in the winters, died Sunday, May 26th, 2019, at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln MA, of multiple causes. She was 93.
Betsy was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota on September 6th, 1925, to the late Carl Merryman Nye and Edith Seabury Nye of Saint Paul, later of North Chatham (from 1947 until their deaths). She is survived by her two younger sisters, both in their nineties, Priscilla Nye "Polly" Dickson ’45 of North Chatham (formerly of Weston, MA), and Edith Nye "Edie" MacMullen ’47 of Amherst, MA (formerly of Clinton, CT and Weston, MA). She was predeceased by her husband of fifty-two years (until his death), Philip Hales "Phil" Suter, in 2003.
Betsy graduated from the Summit School (for girls) in Saint Paul, which she attended for thirteen years, from kindergarten through the 12th grade. She then attended Vassar College for three years before graduating from Barnard College in 1951 with a major in art history. Between Vassar and Barnard, she lived and worked in Cambridge, Massachusetts where she met her husband then at the Harvard Law School, and she traveled to Europe, sailing in both directions aboard so-called "student ships," luxury liners which had been converted to troop ships during the Second World War, then to ships for young people eager to tour Europe after the War.
Betsy was married on September 1st, 1951 at the Church of the Holy Spirit in South Orleans, Massachusetts. She and her husband spent the first several years of their marriage in Brattleboro and Dummerston, Vermont, where he began his law career. In 1955 they moved to Concord, Massachusetts, which was to become their home for the rest of their lives, after his career took him to Boston, Massachusetts.
Four children ensued throughout the 1950's, all of whom survive their parents: Philip Nye "Phil" Suter of Peterborough New Hampshire, Elizabeth Suter "Libby" Bohanon of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Bradley R. "Brad" Suter of Melvin Village, New Hampshire, and Emily Suter Ransford of Carbondale, Colorado. Betsy is also survived by six grandchildren, Charles Nye "Charley" Suter of Belmont, New Hampshire, Philip Bradley "Brad" Suter of Wakefield, Massachusetts, Angus John Bohanon of Boulder, Colorado, Kelsey Hales Bohanon of Golden, British Columbia, Canada, Jesse Kassler Ransford and Carly Suter Ransford, both of Carbondale, Colorado, numerous nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews, and her Maine Coon cat, Henry.
The Suter family were members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Concord, where Betsy volunteered as a Sunday School Teacher for about ten years, mostly during the years, mostly in the 1960s, that her children were students there. She and husband Phil joined the TAGs (Trinity Adult Group), and Betsy joined the Altar Guild, of which she was a member for over fifty years, until her death. Betsy volunteered, for many years, to help sort and sell the books donated to the church for its annual "Fayre." Betsy was especially proud, in retrospect, that she let herself be talked in to donating the current church sign outside the Sanctuary in memory of husband Phil, which sign has become in recent years another of the symbols of the parish.
In Green Valley, Arizona, Betsy was a member and volunteer, in the office and for their annual Tour of Homes fund-raiser, of St. Francis in the Valley Episcopal Church.
Betsy also volunteered at the Alcott Elementary School in Concord from 1967 to 1969, when her children were students there, as a member of the Alcott-Ripley PTA.
The Suters were members of the Concord Country Club and the Chatham Yacht Club, both of which Betsy remained a member until her death, and Betsy was also a long-time member of the Garden Club of Concord, also until her death.
Betsy's first volunteer job was as the first-ever volunteer at Emerson Hospital in Concord, as a member of the Junior League of Boston (Concord area), which had undertaken to provide volunteers among its members, though Emerson had not previously used any volunteers at all. Betsy was also involved in the Junior League's project on the Lyman House (The Vale) of Waltham.
Betsy was an active member, committee chairman and member of the board of the League of Women Voters in Concord, involved in many of their projects. She also served on the board of the Vassar Club of Boston from 1964 to 1970.
She was also persuaded by a neighbor to join a new mental health organization founded by Abigail Adams Eliot of Concord (originally of Boston), later the Walden Guidance Association. From 1963 until 1979, she served as a volunteer, then soon on the board, as secretary, and finally as president. As president, she rebuffed an overture from Emerson Hospital to merge with it. In 1979, she served on the board and as president of the Concord Area Mental Health Center.
Finally, Betsy turned her attention to interests closer to her heart, and volunteered at the Concord Antiquarian Society when the Society (now the Concord Museum) was just starting to use volunteers. Soon, the volunteers formed the Ladies' Committee, of which Betsy was a member, to better organize themselves. She volunteered: in the Museum Shop from when that was in a closet; arranging flowers from when that was done out of another closet; as a part-time docent; and for numerous fund-raising events, for many years.
In Chatham, Betsy was for many years a docent in the Stallknecht Mural Barn at the Atwood Museum, conducting numerous tours, though rarely mentioning during them that it was her mother who played an instrumental role, commemorated by a plaque and portrait of her mother at the now less often used entrance to the Mural Barn, in securing the murals and barn for the Museum.
As extensive as these various volunteer jobs and board positions were, however, Betsy was most proud of her job of many years for which she was paid, from 1968, as a part-time research assistant to the late Margaret Henderson Floyd, architectural historian, engaged primarily on an architectural survey of Weston MA when Mrs. Floyd was Chairman of the Weston Historical Commission, and on research for a book on John Hubbard Sturgis, prominent 19th century Boston architect, which resulted in an unpublished manuscript by Mrs. Floyd. Betsy was an occasional lecturer on architectural history, her greatest passion which began to eclipse her interest in art history even during her college years.
Betsy was proud to be descended from the Nyes of the Benjamin Nye Homestead in East Sandwich, Massachusetts, John and Priscilla Alden of the Mayflower and Plymouth Colony fame, and Samuel Seabury, the first Episcopal bishop of the new United States, who has recently regained some renown by appearing, briefly, in the modern musical Hamilton. Betsy's interest in her heritage eventually led her to research it by traipsing through graveyards and Town Halls, husband Phil in tow, in search of ancestors, preparatory to joining the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in Massachusetts, soon serving on its board. Betsy was also a member of the Chilton Club of Boston.
Betsy enjoyed sailing with various family members in Chatham, and cruising with a group of Marshall Catboat owners from Chatham with husband Phil aboard their 18' Marshall Catboat, which they named "Saunterer" after a quotation from Henry David Thoreau about the value of sauntering, an apt description of their cruising style, and which is still owned by the family.
Betsy also enjoyed skiing and especially tennis, which she played weekly, year-round, well into her eighties. She traveled extensively throughout her life, especially to Europe and the Caribbean, but also to Asia, Africa, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Alaska and throughout North America.
A lover of animals, miniatures, games, children's toys, books, traditional furniture and furnishings, a good time, humor, good grammar, good causes and chocolate, among many other things, Betsy was well-liked and attracted many friends throughout her life. Her own assessment of her long life she summed up, in a typically self-deprecating manner, with a quote which she attributed to Garrison Keillor, a fellow St. Paul Minnesotan: "It's been an ordinary life. And it's good enough, it's good enough."
JOHN BLACKBURN KINKEAD '49
John Blackburn Kinkead '49 passed away peacefully on Tuesday October 1, 2019 at age 89, surrounded by his loving family. He spent his lifetime as an innovator in the golf course and turf industry, starting two companies- Kinco and Turfco while working at the family company National Mower started by his father – This year his family is celebrating 100 years of working in the golf and turf industry. He had an Innovative spirit with numerous patents in his name who loved nothing more than to work on his cars – especially when they were in pieces on a garage floor. Interests included history and politics (lifelong member of Republican Party) working on the campaigns of Eisenhower, Goldwater and Reagan and educating the public about the dangers of communism in Cuba and the Captive Nations through Conservative Citizens.
He and his wife loved to travel. Member of the GCSAA–Golf Course Superintendents Association since 1956; Classic Car Club of America and Rolls Royce Owners Club, The GYRO, an investment club, and The Informal Club. Served as a board member for the Carpenter Nature Center. Graduate of Saint Paul Academy and Washington and Lee University. But his greatest passion was for his family. He made being a good and honorable man, a dependable friend and loving father and respected business owner look so easy. He loved being at the family cabin on the St. Croix and hosted many picnics with neighbors, friends and family. He was a true gentleman with a sparkle in his eye and a kindness to all those he met.
Survived by his loving wife, Judy; daughters, Kas (Marty Babcock), Laura (Richard Neuner); sons, George ’81 (Jennifer), Scott ’87 (Betsy); and grandchildren, Michael, Catherine, Ben, John ’11, Payton ’15, Mason ’17, Ellie and Brooke, and great-grandson, Anthony. Visitation at 3-6pm Sunday, October 6 at O'Halloran & Murphy Funeral Home, 575 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul. Memorial Service 2pm Monday October 7 at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 60 N Kent St, St Paul, with reception following. Private Burial Oakland Cemetery.
HORACE "HOD" IRVINE II '55
Horace "Hod" Irvine II died peacefully at his home on White Bear Lake on October, 14, 2019. Hod is remembered as a highly successful electronics industry leader, an enthusiastic lover and builder of Opera in the United States, as an avid sailor, skier, golfer and tennis player, and someone who worked and played hard. He was loving, fun, smart, mischievous, and driven. He was an optimist and loved life. He enjoyed his family immensely. We all remember his hearty, spontaneous laugh.
Hod was raised in White Bear Lake, MN and attended Saint Paul Academy, St. Paul's School, and Princeton University. In 1965 Hod and his wife, Sandra, moved to Boston to attend Harvard Business School. In 1966 he started Hadco Corporation which through his vision, leadership and salesmanship became the largest printed circuit board company in the United States. His leadership helped pioneer a booming electronic industry. While in Boston, he also supported the Arts. His enthusiasm, knowledge and extraordinary love for opera compelled him to use his visionary business talents as Board Chair to be a driving force behind the spectacular growth and success of the Boston Lyric Opera. He was on the Board through the end of his life. He was deeply committed to supporting new and emerging artists that are now singing in operas around the world.
In addition to the BLO, Hod was a founding board member of the now prominent Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, and he served on the board of National Opera Institute as President. He also served on the boards of the The Minnesota Opera, The American Repertory Theatre, and Opera America.
Hod had many loves. He was married three times to Sandra, Andrea and Cassandra. His later years were with his lifelong friend, Anne Wooliever. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas ’29 and Sally ’29 Irvine, and two brothers, Tom Irvine ’53 and Jock Irvine ’60. He is survived by sister Jill Crow ’61 and brother Bill Irvine ’67. Hod is also survived by his children, Hod Irvine III (Cynthia), Julia Madore, Kathryn Playa, Kevin Irvine, John Irvine, Cate Irvine, Andrew (Linda) Irvine and Molly Irvine. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Hod also leaves behind his exceptional assistant and devoted caregiver of nearly 12 years, Hood Kanaabi, who empowered Hod, despite significant health challenges, to continue to live his life to the fullest. A private family memorial service was held.
JOHN TATE JR. '42
John T. Tate, a mathematician who explained many fundamental ideas in the theory of numbers, many of which now bear his name, and who won the 2010 Abel Prize, a top math award modeled after the Nobels, died on Oct. 16 at his home in Lexington, Mass. He was 94.
His death was confirmed by Harvard University, where he taught for many years.
Number theory is, in large part, the study of finding solutions to equations that cast insight into the fundamental properties of integers. But instead of solving equations one by one, theorists like Dr. Tate look for underlying patterns in similar equations and develop tools to tackle them.
“Tate is really the person who laid the big bricks in that theory,” said Kenneth A. Ribet, a mathematician at the University of California, Berkeley, and a former a graduate student of Dr. Tate’s.
For example, Fermat’s Last Theorem, a seemingly simple statement made by the French mathematician Pierre de Fermat in 1637, is a problem of number theory. Fermat asserted that equations of the form aⁿ + bⁿ = cⁿ do not have solutions when n is an integer greater than 2 and a, b and c are positive integers.
Dr. Tate did not play a direct role in coming up with a proof. That was done in the 1995 by Andrew Wiles, then at Princeton University.
“John would deny he had any role in it,” said John H. Coates, an emeritus mathematics professor at the University of Cambridge in England who was a colleague of Dr. Tate’s at Harvard in the early 1970s and who later served as Dr. Wiles’s thesis adviser at Cambridge. “He was very modest, but nevertheless some of his ideas are lurking behind that.”
Reference to Dr. Tate’s results appear throughout Dr. Wiles’s proof, beginning on the second page.
Dr. Tate laid the groundwork for a wide range of abstract but fundamental concepts that now bear his name, among them the Tate module, the Tate curve, the Tate cycle, the Hodge-Tate decompositions, the Tate cohomology, the Serre-Tate parameter, the Lubin-Tate group, the Tate trace, the Shafarevich-Tate group and the Néron-Tate height.
“The list goes on and on,” the Abel Prize committee said in its citation honoring Dr. Tate in 2010. “Many of the major lines of research in algebraic number theory and arithmetic geometry are only possible because of the incisive contribution and illuminating insight of John Tate. He has truly left a conspicuous imprint on modern mathematics.”
In an interview published in Notices of the American Mathematical Society after he won the Abel, Dr. Tate, as modest as ever, still talked of himself as unexceptional. He noted that he had initially studied physics in graduate school, because he had read a book about some of the great mathematicians in history and “I knew I wasn’t in their league.”
“I thought,” he continued, “that unless I was, I wouldn’t really be able to do much in mathematics. I didn’t realize that a less talented person could still contribute effectively.”
John Torrence Tate was born in Minneapolis on March 13, 1925. His father, also named John Torrence Tate, was a professor of physics at the University of Minnesota; his mother, Lois (Fossler) Tate, was a high school English teacher. Tate graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1942. While in college at Harvard, he volunteered for a naval officer training program in which he learned meteorology and did mine-sweeping research.
He graduated from Harvard in 1946 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He was discharged from the Navy the same year without ever having stepped on a ship.
He then started graduate school at Princeton. “Since my father was a physicist, that field seemed more human and accessible to me,” Dr. Tate recalled in the American Mathematical Society interview, “and I thought that was a safer way to go, where I might contribute more.”
After one term he realized that his true interest was mathematics and switched departments, completing his doctoral degree in 1950. In his thesis, Dr. Tate recast a 1920 finding by the German mathematician Erich Hecke, and though it did not prove a new result, it opened up new avenues of inquiry for other mathematicians.
“Tate gave it an entirely new spin,” said Benedict Gross, a mathematician at the University of California, San Diego, and another of Dr. Tate’s graduate students. “It was really a fundamental reformulation.”
Dr. Tate published relatively few papers, but the ones he did publish were clear and concise and held fundamental findings. “When he finished thinking about a subject, it was understood,” Dr. Gross said. “There were no loose ends lying around.”
After completing his doctorate, Dr. Tate worked as a research assistant and an instructor at Princeton and then as a visiting professor at Columbia. He became a professor at Harvard in 1954 and remained there for 36 years. He moved to the University of Texas in 1990 and retired in 2009. He returned to Harvard as an emeritus professor.
Dr. Tate’s honors included the American Mathematical Society’s Steele Prize for Lifetime Achievement in 1995. In 2002, he shared the prestigious Wolf Prize in Mathematics. He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Tate married Carol Perpente in 1988. She survives him, as do three daughters, Jennifer Tate, Valerie Clausen and Amanda Tine; six grandchildren; and one great-grandson. His first marriage, to Karin Artin, ended in divorce.
Dr. Tate relished the beauty of mathematics but realized it was not something that could be easily shared with those not in his field.
“Unfortunately it’s only beautiful to the initiated, to the people who do it,” he said in the American Mathematical Society interview. “It can’t really be understood or appreciated much on a popular level the way music can. You don’t have to be a composer to enjoy music, but in mathematics you do.
“That’s a really big drawback of the profession. A non-mathematician has to make a big effort to appreciate our work; it’s almost impossible.”
JULIE BURG RIST '71
ARNOLD "ARNIE" BOCKSTRUCK '46
Arnold H. “Arnie” Bockstruck '46 joined his beloved wife Jessie in heaven at the age of 91 on October 28. Arnie is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Clarissa Bockstruck and his wife, Jessie. He is survived by his sister, Clarissa Cole ’50; his children Betsy (Duey) Erlien ’74 and Rob (Jane) Bockstruck; grandchildren, Tayler, Chase, Kelsey, Derek, Brianna, Connor, Cate; and three great- grandchildren.
Arnie was born on Christmas Day, 1927 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is a proud graduate of St. Paul Academy and Dartmouth College. Upon graduation from college, he served as an officer in the Navy during the Korean War. It was during his time in the service that he met the love of his life, Jessie Mary Roberts under a Banyan tree in Honolulu. They were wed in California in 1953 and enjoyed 58 happy years together. Together they returned to St. Paul where Arnie followed in his grandfather's and father's footsteps joining Bockstruck Jewelers.
Arnie was involved in many civic activities throughout the city of St. Paul. He was truly known as a "mover and shaker" in the city. He was President of the St. Paul Athletic Club; Prime Minister of the St. Paul Winter Carnival; President of the St. Paul Rotary Club; and Chairman of the St Paul Chamber of Commerce, a member of the St. Paul Jaycees, and a member of the Inijiska Social Club for 61 years. Arnie also was a significant influence nationally in the jewelry industry. He was honored to serve on the Board of Governors of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). In addition, he is a past president and former trustee of the American Gem Society (AGS). In 1990 Arnie received the prestigious Shipley award. This national award is presented to one recipient annually by the AGS for demonstrating outstanding service to society, and for his significant contribution to the science of gemology and for exemplifying the high purposes, objectives and ideals of the Society in the community.
In their later years, Arnie and Jessie enjoyed spending their winters in Indian Wells, California. Arnie was an accomplished golfer and enjoyed many rounds at Somerset and Indian Wells Country Clubs (and even two hole-in-ones!).
A special thanks to Timber Hills staff, Health East Hospice, Dr. Jim Giefer and his caregivers Paulette Lewis and Theo Olson.
LOWRY SMITH '47
Lowry Smith passed away on October 25, 2019, in Tucson AZ surrounded by loving family.
Lowry was born on April 23, 1929, in Saint Paul MN to Lowry Smith and Ada Mayall Smith. He lived his early years in Saint Paul and graduated from St Paul Academy in 1947. He attended the University of Colorado and graduated in 1952 with a BS degree in business.
Lowry moved to Sioux City IA after marrying Nancy Jane Bekins whom he met at CU. They parented three sons, Christian, Forrest and Kambert before dissolving their marriage in 1974.
Lowry worked for and eventually managed multiple Sioux City Bekins companies before retiring in 1994. He was a committed community volunteer serving on the boards of Morningside College, Boy Scouts of America, SC Industrial Development Council, United Way, SC Rotary Club, Security National Corp, Security National Bank, St Luke’s Health Systems, Tax Research Conference and Tegra Corp.
In 1975 Lowry married LeIla Tyler. Their love of the mountains led them to build a home in Crested Butte CO. During his time there Lowry served on the board of the CB Land Trust. Many friends will also remember buying numerous tickets from him for the annual Rotary Rubber Ducky Race.
Lowry was a warm, patient and generous man. He had a lifelong passion for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Throughout his life he actively participated in many sports including hiking, biking, skiing and tennis. He enjoyed his retirement years in Crested Butte & SaddleBrooke AZ. Lowry set an amazing example of how to love your family & friends and live your life with integrity.
Lowry will be lovingly remembered by his wife LeIla, his sons Christian (Julie), Forrest (Dawn) and their children Dillon and Jarrod (Ashley), Kambert (Melissa) and their children Landon (Josie), Cale, Lindsey and Tanner.
Lowry was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Henry Mayall Smith ’38. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Crested Butte CO.
PIERCE MACKAY '61
Pierce Boynton MacKay, age 77, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of St. Paul, MN and Cleveland, OH, went home to Heaven on Wednesday, October 9, 2019. Pierce was born on Wednesday, January 28, 1942 in Minneapolis to the late John Grant MacKay, Sr. and Rhoda Elizabeth (Pierce) MacKay. In addition to his parents, Pierce is preceded in death by his two brothers: John Grant MacKay, Jr. '53 and David Scott MacKay '58.
Pierce’s survivors include his wife of 54 years, Willian “Billie” (Hershe) MacKay '61; his two children: John Grant MacKay, III and his wife, Amy, of Lancaster, Kathryn Elizabeth Bostdorf and her husband, Matthew, of Lancaster; his six grandchildren: Kyle Gordon, Brandon Gordon, Gabriel Bostdorf, Theodore Bostdorf, Remington MacKay, Finley MacKay; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved canine companion, Jesse.
Pierce graduated from St. Paul Academy in Minnesota as part of the class of 1961 and from the University of Minnesota in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969 in the Medical Service Corps where he was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. He received a Master’s of Public Administration in 1971 from Cornell University and a certificate in health systems management and health policy & management from Harvard University in 1979. Pierce retired from Rehab Systems Company in Camp Hill, after five years of service working as the senior vice president. He felt very grateful for the ability to retire at the age of 50 and travel all over the world with his wife. Pierce was a former member of Camp Hill United Methodist Church. Pierce served as a former board member with Homeland Center and Bethany Village. In his younger years, Pierce enjoyed playing ice hockey and football. Later in life, he was quite the outdoorsman with a love of fishing, hunting, and golf. Pierce could also be found outside cleaning up leaves from the yard. As the “Leaf Ambassador”, he always made sure there was not a single leaf left behind.
Pierce was very outgoing and happy; he was often described as, “the life of the party.” He remained a very generous and caring, yet humble man throughout his whole life. Pierce touched an overwhelming amount of lives, whether he was known as, “PB”, “Big Red”, or “Fierce Pierce”, the impact he made will never be forgotten.
BETTY VAUGHAN '40
Elizabeth “Betty” Vaughan joined her husband on November 7, 2019. Preceded in death by husband, James; sister, Judith Leslie; parents, Judith and John Corning. Survived by sons, Jim ’68 and John. Betty was an avid tennis player, horse rider, author, wife, and beloved mom. Betty was a graduate of Summit School. A special thank you to the Ladies of Home Instead Senior Care and the staff of Sholom Home East, St. Paul.
ROSAMOND LLOYD '42
Rosamond (Roz) Mayo Lloyd, 94, beloved wife of Barton Lloyd and mother of four, died peacefully at Carol Woods Retirement Community in Chapel Hill, Sept. 3, 2019.
She was born November 26, 1924 to Walter Lewis and Sarah Joslin Mayo in St. Paul, MN where she attended the Summit School. She attended the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota where she studied piano and graduated summa cum laude. She married Lt. Barton Myers Lloyd and, after WWII, lived in Alexandria, Virginia where she eventually worked as an administrative assistant under Mstislav Rostropovich at the National Symphony. After moving to Needham MA in 1978, she worked in the development office of Wellesley College.
Rosamond moved to North Carolina after the death of Barton, and lived at Carol Woods for the past 19 years where she enjoyed spending time with friends and family, playing bridge and attending musical performances.
Rosamond was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, Walter Mayo '29 and her sister, Janet Biddle '29. She is survived and is missed by her children, Barton (Buz) Lloyd Jr., Sarah Wolf (Charles), John Lloyd (Sue Budin), Victoria Boreyko (John), 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
ELIZABETH "LEE" FOBES MURPHY '59
Elizabeth “Lee” Fobes Murphy of Saint Paul, MN, age 78, died Friday, December 13, 2019, after a brave battle with multiple myeloma. She left this world surrounded by her loving family. Born and raised in Saint Paul, MN, she was a sister to the late Patricia Scott ’54 and Clover Earl ’56. Lee attended Summit School (class of 1959) and Centenary College (class of 1961). She will be remembered for her love of flower arranging, a passion she shared with her sister Clover ’56.
Lee was a resident of Sarasota, FL where she lived with her late husband, James Murphy, for 30 years. They enjoyed attending the symphony and supporting the arts. Her volunteer activities included reading to children and she was an active member of the Plymouth Harbor Retirement Community. Lee was an adoring and devoted mother and grandmother. Survived by her sons Todd ’81, Scott and Brad ’86 Ward; daughters-in-law Lindy ’84, Sarah and Missy; and grandchildren Hailey, Elizabeth, Lindsay, Laurel, Lucy, TJ and Oliver; brother, Frank; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service and reception will be held at The Lakes at Stillwater, 107 Bridgewater Way, Stillwater, MN on December 27, 2019 at 3 p.m. Lee’s family would like to thank the outstanding staff at the Lakes at Stillwater, Lakeview Hospice and all of the family and friends, near and far, who were of great support.
DOROTHY GRIFFITH MACDONALD '50
Age 88 of St. Paul, MN Born in Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, died at the Episcopal Church Home December 19, 2019 after living with a debilitating disease for over two decades. Preceded in death by father Herbert Troyte Griffith, mother Gladys Laura Briggs, brother Cecil Troyte Griffith (Mary), first husband Richard Harlan Kuhn, and second husband Arthur Royce MacDonald. Survived by children Laura '75, Christopher '77 (LeeAnn), and Thomas William Kuhn (Mariann); Bradley (Barbara) MacDonald, ZeeAnn (Max) Mason, and Sally (Charlie) Sand; grandchildren Hannah, Josie, and Joshua (Dana) Kuhn, Helen (Paul Greer) MacDonald, Daniel (Laura Sponseller) MacDonald, Cora (Adam) Finley, Lucy and Margaret Mason, and Jack Sand; 7 great-grandchildren, 4 nieces, 1 nephew, many cousins, family members and friends. Retired from Burlington Northern as a corporate travel agent after 20 years. Her life was one full of adventure, love, and connection with people from all backgrounds. Her circle of family and friends continued to grow and deepen until the end. The family extends heartfelt thanks to all the staff who cared for Dorothy at The Gardens/ECH and her team from Grace Hospice.
THOMAS READ - FORMER HEAD OF SCHOOL
8/15/23 - 12/21/19 Known for trademark bowties, horn rim glasses, and a no-nonsense demeanor, Thomas Read drew his last breath peacefully in Plano, TX. Survived by his formidable wife of 68 years, Joan; by three children, Bookie '70 (Richard Orr), David, and Timothy (Anna), four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and three accomplished sisters, Nancy Coville, Helen Steele, and JoAnne Floyd. One of five children, he was homeschooled and entered Harvard Class of '49 at age seventeen, earning a BA in Biochemical Studies. He earned a MA in Math from the University of Toledo, and a CSA from Harvard Graduate School of education as a Bush Fellow. He was an avid outdoorsman, skier, and tennis player, a lover of books and travel, and a terrible driver. He worked in five independent schools as a teacher, coach, administrator, and Headmaster of three schools over thirty-five years. He was very proud of his work from 1967 to 1974 with St. Paul Civic leaders, parents, and philanthropists on the merger of Summit School and Saint Paul Academy, the building program, and subsequent service as Headmaster of SPASS. As President of Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) for eleven years he oversaw evaluation and accreditation for more than 160 schools in a fifteen-state region. He focused on service to boards of trustees. He worked with the Hawaii Department of Education to deregulate private schools from direct state control; including organizing a new private school organization for Hawaii. As a volunteer at Executive Service Corps of Chicago, he worked with non-profit clients in strategic planning, board development, and revenue generation, and conducted over a hundred workshops. He received ESC's Platinum Service for more than ten thousand hours of volunteer service. He has served as a trustee for more than fifteen schools and non-profit organizations and worked for fifteen years with the U S Department of Education and the Council for American Private Education in the Exemplary Schools Recognition Program (Blue Ribbon Schools). He has chosen to be cremated and interred in his childhood home of Tamworth, NH.
JOHN TOWLE '50
John passed away on Dec 28, 2019. He resided in Port Townsend, WA with his wife Janet and 5 children. John was captain of the SPA hockey team his senior year, then went on to Dartmouth where he received his bachelors degree 1954. John is also survived by his twin brother William '50 who is residing in Nashville, TN.
TIMOTHY BLODGETT '47
Timothy Baker Blodgett died Thursday January 2, age 90, at his home in Concord. He was born on August 13,1929 in St. Paul, MN. He graduated from St. Paul Academy. After Williams College, he served in the Air Force during the Korean War, editing the Elgin Air Force base newspaper. Tim met Becky Driscoll '51 of St. Paul, fell in love and got engaged within a month. They were married in June 1956 and were together for 61 years until Becky's death in August, 2017. Tim began his formal journalism career as a cub reporter for The Worcester Evening Gazette. Became a business reporter then editor at The Minneapolis Star and then spent 25 years at The Harvard Business Review. He retired in 1991 as the magazine's Executive Editor. Nothing made Tim happier than to be surrounded by his family at his summer home on Kezar Lake in Maine. After hiking, sailing and a good meal with his kids and grandkids, hed retire to the screen porch with a book and the calls of owls and loons. Tim and Becky lived in Concord for 50 years and were dedicated volunteers and patrons to the First Parish Church in Concord, the Concord Free Public Library, the Boston Lyric Opera and many other organizations. He loved his friends, music, opera and art and traveling the world. A life-long voracious reader, Tim kept a list of every book read since the age of 9. The final list has 3090 books which can be found here: https://bit.ly/2KeqfRv. Tim is survived by four children: Sarah Blodgett of Concord, Amy Walker (Jonathan) of Chevy Chase, MD, Jeff (Emily) of St. Paul and Katie Celi (Peter) of Harvard, MA. As well as eight grandchildren, Josh Buxbaum (Ruth), Eleanor Buxbaum, Gretchen and Chris Walker, Tim '10 and Jack '13 Blodgett and Jake and Anna Duffy. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Tim's life during a memorial service in First Parish, 20 Lexington Road, Concord Center on Saturday, February 22nd at 10:30 a.m. Private burial will be at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord. Concord's Town Flag will fly at half-staff on Saturday, February 22nd in recognition of his faithful service to our country in the U.S. Air Force.
R. JAMES GESELL '53
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and community leader, died on December 21, 2019. Born August 14, 1935, to Freda and Russell M. Gesell, in Saint Paul MN, a city Jim called home his entire life.
Jim is survived by his wife, Teddy (Rene Ziegler), children Heidi (John Edgerton), Peter (Liz Flink), Andrew (Sthitie Bom), and Charlie (Kerry Benefield), as well as grandchildren, Ryan, Logan, Madelin, Samuel, James, and August.
Jim attended Douglas School, St. Paul Academy, and was a very proud alum of the University of MN (where he met Teddy on the steps of Walter Library). He also graduated from Wm. Mitchell College of Law. To the end of his days he remained a Gopher fan!
Jim led BankCherokee (formerly known as Cherokee State Bank) for over 50 years, most recently as Chair of the Board. The Bank’s commitment to its customers and to the community are some of Jim’s greatest legacies. He was a longtime supporter of Neighborhood House, having served on their Board several times, as well as being an Honorary Board Member. He was a founding member of ORYG Gyro, past Treasurer of the MN Bankers Association, a member of WSP Kiwanis, as well as many other organizations.
Jim and Teddy loved to travel, enjoying the beauty of art, new places, great food and music. They loved time spent at their home in Franconia and on the St. Croix.
Jim is remembered by those who knew him for his warmth, kindness and sense of humor as well as his generous spirit.
A very special thanks to the staff of Sholom Home (Saint Paul) and the Sholom Hospice for their tender care of Jim.
GEORGIA SOMMERS WRIGHT '55
Georgia Sommers Wright died at home on December 20. Preceded in death by her husband, David, she is survived by her daughter, Beth (Anne Graham); siblings Edward Sommers '56 (Jane), Crosby Sommers '61 (Barbara), and Anne Louise Micena '64 (John); nieces, nephews, and other extended family members; and many good friends.
Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Georgia attended Summit School and earned her BA from Swarthmore College, her PhD in art history from Columbia University, and her MBA from the University of California, Berkeley. She taught at Stanford University, UC Davis, Mills College, and UC Berkeley, among others. She combined her expertise in medieval art with her business degree through her company Video Monuments, which produced the award-winning educational films "Light on the Stone: The Medieval Church at Vezelay" and "Three English Cathedrals: Norwich, Lincoln, Wells."
Since the 1980s Georgia was active in the Bay Area-based Institute for Historical Study, serving as newsletter editor for many years and president for several terms. She was also co-founder of the National Coalition for Independent Scholars. Through newsletter articles, conference presentations, and homemade T-shirts and buttons proclaiming, "I'm not a bum; I'm an independent scholar," she advocated for broader respect for the work done by scholars outside of academic settings.
After the 1991 Oakland fire, she became more active in her Claremont Hills neighborhood, joining the Vicente Canyon Hillside Foundation board and advocating for land preservation to slow development.
For as long as she was able, Georgia walked her dog on the Jordan fire trail in Strawberry Canyon, making many friends and appreciating the beauty of the Oakland hills. She was an active member of Save Strawberry Canyon and Claremont Preservation Coalition. She used her background in video production to educate the local community about environmental threats and the importance of biodiversity.
Georgia supported many progressive causes, including abortion access, gun control, and LGBTQ rights. She made friends from all walks of life. She believed in justice and equality, and she treated everyone she met as a human being deserving respect and dignity.
NANCY FINBERG KURIMAY '58
MARGUERITE HAMM "PEGGY, MIMI" LEMMON '49
January 2, 1932 - January 5, 2020 Age 88, of Bayport, Formerly of St. Paul. Our Mom and Mimi passed away at home in her Croixdale apartment. Though not unexpected, her passing was fast and peaceful, and she was surrounded by her loving family. Preceded in death by parents Gilbert and Muriel Hamm. She is survived by sister Midge Kirwan '54 (Bill), son Todd Hansen (Audrey) and daughter Kimberly Brody (Jim), grandchildren Karin Taylor (Chris), Eric Hansen (Rachel), Lindsie Katz (Morgan) and Jeremy Katz, and five great-grandchildren.
Peggy was a proud member of Summit School class of 1949 and maintained relationships with her classmates to the end of her life. She had several career iterations, each one taking advantage of her creativity and passion. She worked for the Minnesota State Legislature, operated her own catering business for 11 years, and ran the Alumni House at Macalester College.
Throughout the years she made close friends that spanned generations. Her proudest accomplishments, however, were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved them dearly, and celebrated her 88th birthday together with family the evening before she passed. The family gathered again hours later to usher her on to her next adventure. She is deeply appreciated and deeply missed. She will be laid to rest next to her parents and grandparents at Acacia Park Cemetery.
JOHN WORKS, JR. '62
Age 75, Died peacefully on January 9, 2020 at his home, the Greystone in St. Louis. Born August 25, 1944 in St. Paul Minnesota, he was the first child of John Arthur Works, Sr. and Sarah Lorraine Works (Cumming). He attended St. Paul Academy and Yale University, graduated with honors in 1966, and received a Master's and PhD from University of Wisconsin in African History.
His academic career spanned the globe from Maiduguri University, Nigeria to University of MO, St. Louis, where he retired as an Associate Professor of African History in 1997. He is survived by his husband Howard L. Logan, of St. Louis, his brother Robert F. Works ’65, of Grand Cayman Island, and his sister Sarah W. Freeman ’72, Mendota Heights, MN, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
MICHAEL DRISCOLL '60
VICTORIA CROSS '60
Completed her earthly journey in the presence of loving family and friends at the HealthEast Pillars Hospice, Oakdale on August 29, 2019; age 77. Vicki was preceded in death by her parents, R. Thomas and Gerardine (Geri) Thompson Valleau of St. Paul. She will be sadly missed by her devoted husband of 24 years, David Cross; her sons Erik (Vicki) Bergstedt and Hans Bergstedt; step-children Heidi (Jim) Helgeson, Janine Cross and Karen (Bruce) Fogelberg; six step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren; her brother Robert (Kathy) Valleau, niece, Holly (James) Nobles and nephew, Michael Valleau in addition to loving cousins Geraldine McCloud Albers, Janet McCloud, Chris Jones, Tom Lydon, Bill Lydon and Eric, Tony, Hoddy and Mark Thompson and many friends.
Vicki was born and grew up in St. Paul; attended Summit School, the University of Colorado and the University of Minnesota. Her first employment was in retail sales at the Gokey Company, a St. Paul sporting goods family business founded by her grandfather, Horace Thompson. Later she worked for many years as a successful realtor with Realty World/Century 21 in Stillwater. As a family farm owner in Southwestern Minnesota she developed a lasting working and personal relationship with the staff at Fairland Management Co. in Windom which spanned decades.
Vicki was actively involved with her beloved Church of the Ascension; Stillwater Lion's Club (first woman president); the Primrose Club; Stillwater Library; and the St. Croix River Association. She loved nature and the outdoors and had a special attachment to places on or near the water. During her retirement years she often revisited Franconia (a hamlet just south of Taylors Falls) and recalled the joy of her youth spending summers with family and friends, having daily access to the St. Croix River. The North Shore of Lake Superior was her favorite recreation and vacation destination for many years but later her vacation choices were expanded to include Sanibel and Amelia Island, FL, Door County, WI and the California Central Coast. As always, Vicki shared these wonderful times with family and many friends who were so special to her. Vicki lived, she laughed, she loved. She brought people together, all of whom were better from knowing her. Her energetic (and at times irreverent!) spirit will be missed by all who knew this remarkable woman. We were indeed blessed by her living presence.
WILLIAM 'BUZZ' MENOLD, JR. '62
William Frederick Menold, Jr., better known as “Buzz,” passed peacefully at age 75 after a six-year battle with Leukemia on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020 at his home in Burke, Virginia. He was a loving husband and father who dedicated 47 years service to his country.
He grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, attended St. Paul Academy and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1966. He majored in Journalism, where he sharpened his natural abilities of perception, interpretation, analysis and concise communication. His keen intellect and endless curiosity made him a prolific reader of history, the arts, music, film and even pop culture. Throughout his life, his family and coworkers relied on his counsel to solve life challenges or refine policy positions.
He met Mary Jo, his wife of 52 years, while he was in the University of Minnesota’s Air Force ROTC program and she was in the Angel Flight. They married Sept. 2, 1967 and embarked on a seven-year career in the Air Force. He started as Intelligence Officer in Offutt AFB, NB, where his sons Christopher and Daniel were born. He volunteered for a one-year deployment to Nakhom Phanom AB, Thailand, where he provided unit level Intelligence support to OV-10 Forward Air Controllers during the Vietnam War. His next assignment was to the Pacific Air Force Headquarters, Hickam AFB, Hawaii, where his daughter Jessica was born and many lifelong family friendships were developed. He broadened his career by becoming a Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Crew Commander at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota. The tour was cut short in early 1975 when he was hired by the State Department and he began his career as a Foreign Service Officer.
His initial assignment in Washington D.C. was with the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency delegation working conventional arms control in Europe. In 1977 our family moved to the Bonn, Germany embassy compound on the banks of the Rhine river. When he was not working Berlin policy with our Western Allies, he took our family on trips, exposing us to different cultures, languages, historic cities, castles and beautiful country sides.
From 1979-1983, he returned to Washington D.C. where he started his career-long focus as a Political-Military Officer involved with arms control policy and negotiations. At the Office of the United Nations (UN) Political Affairs, he served on delegations to the UN General Assembly. He moved to the Office of NATO affairs where he formulated policy on Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces in Europe.
He was assigned as the Political Military Officer at The Hague, Netherlands from 1983-1986. He successfully helped secure the agreement of the Dutch government to base U.S. cruise missiles as part of NATO’s security strategy. It was a particularly sensitive issue in the context of cold war tensions and a rising anti-nuclear sentiment across Europe. This overseas assignment also had a lasting positive impact on his children, who were in their influential teen and pre-teen years. His family all remember this time fondly.
He returned to Washington from 1986-1991, holding three positions. As the Deputy Head of the Multilateral Affairs Desk, Office of Soviet Affairs, he prepared postion papers, planned and executed numerous US-Soviet ministerial meetings and served two rounds in bilateral working groups for the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START). He was a senior watch officer, then became the Officer in Charge, Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) affairs, where he guided US-FRG dialogue leading to agreements on German reunification.
His last overseas assignment as the Acting Chief of the Embassy Moscow Arms Control Implementation Unit in 1992-1994 was particularly eventful. He supported nuclear weapon inspection visits and worked with Russian Government Agencies to develop programs for the safe dismantlement of Russian nuclear weapons. He got to inspect Russian missiles bigger than the ICBM he once crewed in the Air Force, and visited vast underground tunnels at the Novaya Zemlya nuclear test site. It was a time of instability after the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union. On the morning of Oct. 4, 1993 he watched tanks roll a few blocks past their apartment, take positions before the White House (Parliament) and begin firing during the Russian Constitutional Crisis.
He returned to Washington D.C. in the Office of Regional Nonproliferation to represent the State Department in interagency nuclear smuggling sub-working group, designed the US approach to the 1996 Moscow nuclear summit, and designed and ran the interagency nuclear smuggling incident response group. In November 1997 he retired as a Foreign Service Officer and was hired as a State Department Civil Service Employee.
In his civil service time, he helped secure signature of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and coordinated bureau policy on negotiations for a Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty. During his years at the State Department in Washington, he was a delegate to numerous UN General Assembly and other international meetings concerned with arms control, disarmament, and nuclear nonproliferation. His organizational skill and writing ability led him to be chosen frequently as Executive Secretary of these delegations. He also served as point man for the US Government’s consideration of nuclear weapon-free zones, another approach to the prevention of nuclear weapons proliferation. In all these activities he earned the respect of his colleagues for his intelligence, hard work, and unflappability. In 2015 he retired to focus on his health.
For the last six years, he demonstrated courage, hope, dedication and perseverance as he endured challenging medical treatments. His fighting spirit gained him time to build more precious memories and to share joyful experiences with his family. We celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary, a baptism and numerous family holidays. One short week before his passing, he shared a wonderfully warm and grateful dinner surrounded by his loved ones.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. William Frederick Menold, Sr. and Jean Shirley (Johnson) Menold. He is survived by his wife Mary Jo (Martin) Menold and his children Christopher (wife Caroline and daughter Madeline), Daniel (wife Deanna) and Jessica (husband Jon, son William and daughter Hannah). He was a wonderful, loving husband and father, and he will be celebrated in our hearts forever.
SARAH MAY '98
The School was recently notified that Sarah May passed away on January 15, 2020. Sarah graduated from St. Paul Academy and Summit School in 1998. Her brother, Daniel, also attended and graduated in 1996. From a note shared by her friends, “Sarah was a very special and kind person, a true friend to many. She brought laughter to all the spaces she was in. We are so lucky to have had her in our lives. We love Sarah May and appreciate all she gave us just by being who she was”.
SARAH AMES ELLIS '42
ELLIS--Sarah Ames. Age 95, died peacefully in Ossining, NY, on March 9, 2020. Much loved for her compassion and empathy, admired for her intelligence and courage, and honored for her independence, she will long be remembered as a pioneering woman who cherished her family and friends, pursued career goals in the face of adversity and was intensely inquisitive about the world. Born in St. Paul, MN, in 1925, to Charles Lesley and Linda (Baker) Ames, she attended the Summit School. She started college but left to join the Women's Army Corps. After the war, she graduated from Barnard College. She married Francis M. Ellis in 1947 and started a masters program in social work at Columbia University, but she left to raise her children. She completed her degree in 1964 and worked at Bellevue Hospital as a psychiatric social worker. She later joined the craniofacial unit at NYU Medical Center. She obtained psychoanalytic training from the Institute for Contemporary in Psychology and in 1982 a doctorate in psychology at the New School for Social Research. She was a Clinical Instructor in Psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine. She also conducted a psychotherapy practice in Greenwich Village. Her first marriage ended in divorce. In 1990, she married Adam Yarmolinsky and moved to Washington, DC, where she continued her psychotherapy practice and was an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences at George Washington's School of Medicine. Adam Yarmolinsky died in 2000. Throughout her life, she traveled extensively, including baboon watching in Africa, archaeological digging in Israel and navigating the Hudson in a houseboat. She is survived by her children: Carolyn Terry Ellis, Francis L. Ellis, and Nathan A. Ellis; five grandchildren: Carolyn Wise, Burke Wise, Sarah M. Ellis, Brienne Ellis and Rosalind Ellis; three great-grandchildren, James and Benjamin McElhone and Harold Lake Wise III; and sister Mary Wolff. A memorial service is planned for August over Zoom.
PATRICIA SWENEY HART '51
June 25, 1933-April 2, 2020 Daughter of William Homer Sweney (Mike) of St. Louis, MO and Mary Glyde Griggs (Moe) of Saint Paul, MN. Half-siblings from Mike's first marriage to Phoebe Warren: Phoebe Sweney Woolley, Alice Sweney Weed, William Homer Sweney Jr. (Bill); half-siblings from Moe's first marriage to John Edward Barbey: John Edward Barbey Jr., Pierre Griggs Barbey and Mary Glyde Barbey (Molly): all pre-deceased.
Pat was very athletic, energetic and mischievous. She grew up on Fairmount Ave in Crocus Hill. Apart from 2 years in Louisville, KY during WWII, the Sweney family lived in St. Paul through Pat's youth. They spent holidays in Snowball, a lakeside compound near Cable, WI and on Madeline Island, where Mike bought an old farmhouse on Nebraska Row. Pat attended Summit School (St. Paul), Rosemary Hall (Wallingford, CT Class of 1951), Vassar College, and the University of Minnesota (BA in English, Class of 1955).
Pat met Thomas Tryon Hart (of Cazenovia, NY) while he was in MN visiting his Yale roommate, Chester Simmons. Pat and Tom were married Dec 22, 1958 at House of Hope Presbyterian Church. They honey-mooned at the Chateau Madeline on Madeline Island; the couple enjoyed the Island and returned every summer until Tom's death. Pat and Tom moved to Detroit, MI where they spent 10 years and had 4 kids. The Hart family also lived in Washington DC (1969-'73) and Grand Rapids, MI (1973-'76). While in DC, Pat and Tom became social activists, marching for peace, writing for change, supporting the arts, all the while throwing enormous parties.
After Tom's death from cancer in 1975, Pat moved back to her hometown, St. Paul, with 4 young kids in tow. She bought a lovely Victorian home on Fairmont Ave., just blocks from where she grew up. She saw all kids through high school before marrying Albert Scheffer Lang '45 (aka Scheffer) Dec 1989. Pat and ASL also bought a house on Crocus Hill, located between the two houses where they each grew up. Pat and Scheffer made very good travel companions. ASL had a ranch near Havre, MO, which they loved visiting. They hiked the Scottish highlands several times. In fact, Pat was very proud of her Scottish heritage. Pat gave generously of her time and money to various non-profits and served on boards of several, including Camp Widjiwagan and the Schubert Club. Pat teamed with friends Ella Slade '51 and Kathy Skor to open The Music Room (1984-'94), a small retail music shop in the atrium of the newly renovated Landmark Center. After Scheffer's death in 2003, Pat lived in various locations in St. Paul, until her final move to Dunwoody, GA, in 2018, to be closer to her daughter Becky.
Pat died at home, peacefully in her sleep, from complications of Alzheimer's Disease and the Covid-19 virus. Pat is survived by 4 children and 9 grandchildren: Mary Glyde Hart (King) '77 of Seattle, WA and her son Griffin; Richard Philip Hart III '79 of Tulsa, OK, his wife Alvina O'Brien, and their children Becca, Tommy and Julia; Rebecca Howard Hart '82 of Decatur, GA, her husband Dr. Peter McElroy, and their daughters Fiona and Madelyn; Peter Tryon Hart '85 of Portland, ME, his wife Heather Courtice, and their kids Phoebe, Henry and Lucy. The family encourages donations in her memory to Camp Widjiwagan or ANY local cause that promotes peace, supports the performing arts, or conserves the natural environment. Her remains have been cremated and will be interred in the Hart family plot in Troy, NY, where she will rest beside her first husband Tom. There will be a memorial service at Olivet Church, time/date tba, where we will invite her many admirers to share a story, raise a glass, dance a jig, and eat some caramel corn in her honor.
JOHN JACKSON '45
Age 92, of Inver Grove Heights Died April 5, 2020. He was a proud graduate of St. Paul Academy and attended Princeton University. He served in World War II and the Korean War and was a lifelong member of House of Hope Presbyterian Church. He was devoted to his family and community, humble in nature, treated people with dignity and respect and possessed an incredibly infectious laugh. He loved travels near and far with Polly, his SPA classmates, his many golf buddies, Encampment Forest and Somerset Country Club. He especially loved being a part of his grandchildren's lives.
John is survived by his wife Polly, sister Henny (Jackson) Schoeller ’51, sons David ’72 (Cynthia) and Peter ’76 (Beth), daughter Lisa (Jackson) Swanson ’81 (Jim) and 6 grandchildren, Blake, Carolyn, Emily ’07, Peggy ’11, Drew, Sara and 2 great grandchildren, Graham and Beckett. Preceded in death by his sisters Meg ’43 and Lucy ’48, and grandson, Derek. He spent his entire career working for Waldorf and Champion International paper companies and proudly served his community as a volunteer and board member for several organizations. A service will be planned at a later time. Please consider donations to St. Paul Academy & Summit School or The Evans Scholars Foundation.
BRENDA RAUDENBUSH GRIFFIN '56
May 25, 1938 – April 4, 2020 Preceded in death by parents David ’24 & Patsy Raudenbush and sister Lucy Raudenbush Rush ’65, Brenda is survived by children Hal (Maria) & granddaughter Kayla Griffin, David Griffin, Heather Griffin, Sasha Griffin, brother Peter (Helen) Raudenbush ’53, sister Hilary (Fritz ’66) Magnuson ’59 and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Born in St. Paul, MN, Brenda is a graduate of Summit School (1956) and Smith College (1960). For most of her adult life, she and her late husband Harry Leigh Griffin lived and raised their family in Atlanta, GA. Brenda was active in community affairs, education, adult literacy, helping those less fortunate and supporting her deep faith. She served as a hospice chaplain and Lay Cistercian.
She loved all genres of music and always sang with both enthusiasm and great joy. She was an avid reader and loved movies from all eras. Her creative world included writing – two of her written works have been published, poetry, crafting hand-made greeting cards and photography. She was a lifelong student with a wide variety of interests.
In her later life, she and her beloved partner Tom Stramoski traveled extensively and enjoyed camping in the wildernesses of our National Parks from Alaska to Texas and the Florida coast. Hers was a life of grace and all those whose lives were touched by her have been enriched and will miss her caring nature, clever humor and joie de vivre. She will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. A private service will be held at a future date to be named. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Brenda's name to the charity of your choice.
BETH MINER, COMMUNITY MEMBER
Just weeks before her 60th wedding anniversary Beth died of complications related to her five year struggle with Alzheimer's. She is survived by her husband, Ran Miner; her son, Tim Miner '83 (Ellen Montgomery); daughter, Elzabeth Lampert '87; along with four grand children, Seth and Stella Miner, Zoe and Ivy Lampert; and brother, Jim Kidd.
Born in Rochester, New York in 1938, Beth was the youngest of five children born to Elzabeth and Howard Kidd. Active during her high school years she acquired a passion for equestrian sports and horsemanship which remained throughout her life. Beth attended Hollins College and graduated in 1960. Weeks later she married Ran Miner and moved to North Carolina and became a Marine Corps wife and a Red Cross volunteer. Upon completion of military service the couple moved to St. Paul, Minnesota. Her introduction to Minnesota included a role as an impartial observer in the famous 1962 Governors' recount and a job pumping gas at the neighborhood Standard station. By 1969 she was the mother of two children, Tim and Elzabeth, whose athletic interests included national travel. Beth was a wonderful and supportive mom in her children's pursuits.
In 1978 the family lived for a year in Canberra, Australia on a Teacher Exchange Program. Her time in Australia led to a desire for a more rural life and in 1981 the family purchased farm land in Hugo where they built a new home and barn. With grown children she decided to be competitive on the horse show circuit which led to an interest in the governance of equestrian sports. She chaired the Minnesota Hunter Jumper Association and the regional zone of the American Horse Show Association (now USEF). Additionally Beth was instrumental in the formation of United States Hunter Jumper Association and served on its Board for a number of years. She took pride in helping to maintain the Minnesota Harvest Horse Show at the State Fair Grounds. Beth was a competitive rider who was also just as happy riding for pleasure with the Long Lake Hunt. She never lost sight of the remarkable bond between horse and rider. With beautiful blue eyes and a smile to match, Beth made friends easily. She was always positive, loving, inquisitive, caring, open minded and a risk-taker. She loved to dance, excelled at needlepoint, cherished her corgis and honored nature. She lived a life of consequence.
Beth's family thanks all who have been so supportive these last few years. She has chosen to donate her body to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program. Some time in the future plan to ride to a celebration honoring her wonderful and meaningful life.
KATHARINE (ROE) CROSS '70
Katharine (Roe) Cross, 68 of Clyde Park, MT passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at The Springs in Bozeman.
Kathy was always energetic, fun, and mischievous. Her many wonderful friends and family grieve her loss to her 15-year brave battle against cancer. She was a fighter and made the best of it. In spite of it!
Kathy was born March 22, 1952 as the youngest child of John H. (Jack) and Katharine A. (Tinker) Roe ’32, along with 4 brothers, and grew up at Belfield Farm on Sunfish Lake, just south of St. Paul, MN. She graduated from St. Paul Academy-Summit School, followed by Colorado State University and an equestrian school. As a lover of all animals large and small, she became a veterinarian’s technician, at which she worked for many years.
Kathy and Norton Cross ’56 were married in 1982 and lived in Stillwater, MN until retiring in 2004, and fulfilling a lifelong dream, moved to a home with acreage north of Clyde Park, MT overlooking a trout stream. Of course, not to overlook horse stable and pasture.
Besides making many new Montana friends, they rejoined old friends who had also moved there. Kathy served her community in Meals on Wheels and in the Wilsall Foundation. A good athlete and outdoors woman, Kathy enjoyed skiing, tennis, golf, riding and pack trips, adoption of 2 rescue burros, fishing and hunting trips with groups of friends, and training her own series of Gordon Setter (each more goofy than its predecessor). She and Norton also shared a zesty for gardening and for travel.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, John H. Roe ’58 and James B. Roe ’64.
She is survived by her husband, Norton Cross; two brothers, Tom A. (Margaret) Roe ’59, William H. Roe (Elizabeth Cole) ’62; sisters-in-law, Sandra B. Roe ’59, Chris Roe ’65; stepchildren, Peter (Lisa) Cross, Miles (Julie) Cross, and Elizabeth Cross; many nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren throughout the country. All of whom will miss her dearly.
Service dates are to be determined.
Memorial contributions may be made to, St. Paul Academy and Summit School, 1712 Randolph Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105. Wilsall Foundation INC., PO Box 333 Wilsall, MT 59086. Promotes community interaction, and welfare, support residents in unforeseeable need, higher education scholarships. Support community traditions and events.
BRUCE QUICK '61
Age 77 Passed away peacefully on April 25, 2020 with some of his beloved family members around him in Anderson, California. Preceded in death by Henry and LaReine Quick and grandson Zachary Quick. Survived by his wife, Judy Quick (Fechter); children Geoff, Todd, Jason and Kirsten; twelve grandchildren: Sean, Ryan, Sheena, Tiara, Jordan, Lianna, Hailey, Brooke, Jasmyn, Sophia, Kai and Hannah; his six siblings: Connie, Pete, Craig, Dean, Cynthia and April. Bruce was born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1943. He graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1961. He also attended the University of Minnesota. He and his family lived in Western Australia for 26 years. His ashes will be scattered at his beloved Gull Lake, MN at a future date.
BETTY WOLD JOHNSON '39
Betty Wold Johnson, matriarch of the Johnson Family and a renowned philanthropist, died peacefully on May 5. She was 99. Mrs. Johnson, or Betty as she liked to be called, was one of the most celebrated philanthropists of her generation, supporting many Princeton and New York arts and science institutions, including the McCarter Theatre, the Nature Conservancy of New Jersey, the Liberty Science Center, the Arts Council of Princeton, the Princeton Public Library, the New York City Opera, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Lincoln Center. In 2008, she donated $11 million to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the single largest individual gift in the Newark arts center's history. She was drawn to the arts because, as she put it, they "feed the spirit." Betty also supported many health organizations, funding the rebuilding of Princeton Hospital and, through Project Renewal, supported aid to the homeless and programs providing mobile health services to those in need.
She was conscious of the need to promote the health of her community following a legacy which had started with the Johnson family years before. "There was a generosity about her spirit that you don't see often, particularly in philanthropy," said her son, Woody Johnson, currently the United States Ambassador to Great Britain and Northern Ireland. "But she was very careful and very savvy in that she would say, 'I'll match whatever you give.' She signed every check. I learned so much from my mother. She was correct 99.9 percent of the time, starting from my earliest memories." She viewed philanthropy as her job, running an organization's Board meetings like any seasoned CEO. She was intellectually curious. When offered novel ideas, she looked to find ways to put those ideas into practice. Unlike so many philanthropists, Mrs. Johnson preferred to give anonymously. She cared more about being able to help an organization raise more money than being able to promote herself. She recognized that others would be interested in funding high profile projects but few are likely to support cleaning the carpets and mending the drapes. Her gifts were significant but were largely unknown except to the recipients.
Understanding her innate humility, but insisting on providing her with recognition, the nursing school at UMDNJ proudly displayed the plaque they had placed in the basement. It read, "Betty's Boiler Room". Ken Farber, president of the Lupus Research Alliance, met Mrs. Johnson in the mid 1980s, when he was executive of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Mrs. Johnson was a generous donor. She later recruited him to head the Lupus Research Alliance, after a granddaughter developed the condition. "The Johnson family got us going with multi-million dollar gifts," Mr. Farber recalled. "Then quietly, Betty made an additional personal gift of over 50 million dollars."
During World War II, she enlisted in the Navy's WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) after the attack on Pearl Harbor. She was stationed in Corpus Christi, TX and helped train young fighter pilots in flight simulators at Rhode Island's Naval Air Station. During the war she met and married Robert Wood Johnson III, the grandson of Robert Wood Johnson, founder of the Johnson and Johnson Company. They had five children before his death in 1970 at age 50.
In 1978, she married Douglas Bushnell. In addition to her charm and graciousness, she was a noted beauty. "She always looked great," said Woody. "She always got dressed at 8am and came downstairs fully dressed, even when she was 99. The only day she didn't do that was the Monday before she died." She had an inner fortitude that saw her through many of life's challenges. Even at her advanced age, she would insist upon walking across a large parking lot rather than be dropped off at the door. Woody attributes it to her midwestern roots. "She had that hearty Minnesota attitude where you don't complain and you don't explain - you just carry on and get the job done," he said. "She'd say, 'If you're cold, put your jacket on. If you're hot, take it off.' And that was about it." Another son, Christopher Johnson, the CEO of the New York Jets, agrees. "When you live 99 years experiencing so many twists and turns of American history, you live through some interesting times, and unfortunately some tragic times," he said. "The Depression and the death of her parents, three of her five children and two husbands. She would talk to my friends who had lost a child and help them through that. Somehow she knew how to help people through their grief."
Along with philanthropy and her family, she was a passionate lover of football. The game had always been part of her life; she spent her formative years listening to and attending Golden Gophers games with her father, Dr. Karl Christian Wold. "She told me that every Saturday afternoon she sat on the couch with her father and listened, and later watched, University of Minnesota football games," said Neil Burmeister, who worked as a senior financial advisor to the family for over 40 years, and had weekly phone conversations with Mrs. Johnson, just to chat. When the option to buy the New York Jets arose, she was intrigued. "I said, 'It will be fun for you,'" Mr. Burmeister recalled. "She said, 'No. It will hold the family together. We can all have a single purpose and we can go to the games together and the grandchildren will love it. I'll get to see them. It'll be glue for the family.'" But the family didn't just include her biological relatives, it grew to include the team itself. Ms. Johnson used to refer to Jets players as her "grandchildren." She was beloved by the coaches and the players, which was unique for someone in her position. "When I found out that Mrs. Johnson had passed, I got really quiet and sad and had to take a moment and sit there for a little while," said former American football running back Curtis Martin, a New York Jet Hall of Famer. "The ongoing joke was that she was my girlfriend. I've always thought of her as such a wonderful human being. Every time I went to a Jets game after I retired, I wanted to go up to the suite just to see her." Quarterback Josh McCown felt similarly, despite only having played for the Jets for two years. "I appreciated how down to earth she was, and how easy it was to talk to her and how warm she made me feel," he said. "I've experienced ownership groups who didn't talk to players. So, for her to interact and talk with us was a big deal. Given who she was and the status she had, her humility and graciousness was a big deal."
Despite having friends of all ages and from all walks of life, she was proudly independent, living alone on her farm in Hopewell, New Jersey until the day she died. She drove a car until age 93 and stayed active by going to the gym and doing chores around the farm. "I called up within the last two years and was told that she was out on the tractor mowing the fields," Christopher recalled with a laugh. "A few months ago I called and was told she was at the gym - the local gym in town! "She was still meeting with people until the Coronavirus lockdown," he added. "With medical researchers, artists, musicians, environmentalists, trying to figure out ways to make the world a better place."
Along with her two sons, Mrs. Johnson is survived by 13 grandchildren. On her 99th birthday on January 31, she had one wish. "I better live a long time because there's so much to do," she said. "That wasn't the first time she said it," said Christopher. "She's been saying this for a while. She knew there was no time to waste. And she didn't waste it."
JAMES STRONGE '49
Stronge, James Jonathan Passed away on 5/14/2020 at the age of 88. Preceded in death by parents, Florence and Sidney Stronge; first wife, Jennifer; and sister, Sidney Taylor. Survived by wife, Marlene; his children, Bill (Linda), Elizabeth (Glen) and Laura; grandchildren, Aaron, Devin, Nicholas, Ashley, and Jenna; Marlene's children, John (Annissa), Mary Jo, Jim (Cherri), Tom (Cindy), Gary (Monica), and Julie; and nine grandchildren. Jim grew up in St. Paul and attended St. Paul Academy. He played sports and raced boats (Rogota WBL). He has maintained lasting friendships with classmates from SPA. He graduated from Yale University in Civil Engineering. He then attended Navy OCS and became Lieutenant JG. He started his own business with one classmate from Yale and one from Harvard, called "Cavrok", which lasted 5 years before they sold to Alcoa Aluminum. He enjoyed his successful career of 34 years with 3M and retired as Group Vice President. He served on many boards of local businesses. Jim was an avid golfer (since he was 10 years old), he loved to read, and he enjoyed card games. He was also a wonderful wood worker and made furniture, lamps, etc. He started Stronge Family Foundation for giving. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Special thank you to Waverly Gardens for wonderful care following a hemorrhagic stroke in April of 2013. Private family burial. Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Foundation, Salvation Army or donor's choice.
DIANE DEVITT-KUSHNER '57
Diane (Bement) Devitt-Kushner passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, May 18, 2020 at her home in Austin, Texas.
Born on December 19, 1938 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Herbert and June Bement, Diane attended the Summit School, Mount Holyoke College and the University of Minnesota, majoring in psychology and French. After working in St. Paul as a social worker for many years, she met and married Robert (Bob) Devitt in 1968 and together they had three kids. The family moved to Austin in 1984.
Diane was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She befriended everyone she met and was known for her compassionate nature, love of nature, and wonderful sense of humor, which kept her laughing despite some health challenges later in life.
Diane was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Bob. She is survived by her children Robert Devitt, Carolyn and husband Brian DeRoeck, Tom and wife Susan Devitt; grandchildren Jack and Grant DeRoeck, Hattie, Robert, and William Devitt. She is also survived by her husband of 9 years, Jack Kushner, as well as Jack’s son Kevin, wife Brittany and their children Alexander, Madison, and Cassandra. Many loving extended family members and friends will miss Diane dearly, as well as her cherished dogs Cuddles and Sam.
In keeping with her wishes, a family service will be held at a later date. Any memorial contributions may be made to The Rise School of Austin or the Austin Humane Society.
ALEXANDER JOHNSON '04
Alexander Duncan Johnson passed away on May 20, 2020. He is survived by his mother Judy, father Bruce, sister Kakia ’98, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved him deeply and dearly. His cousins looked up to him literally and figuratively, and all of us will feel his absence in ways we can't yet know.
We are not sure how we will do without his laser wit, single raised-eyebrow commentary, self-contained wisdom, and moments of mischief. He claimed his scones were easy to make and he could cajole the most ardent carnivore to eat kale, but took special satisfaction in the 2-for-1 at White Castle.
He was an avid soccer fan, walker, yoga student, and quiet philosopher. Alex found joy in a multitude of things: creating elaborate Halloween costumes, playing soccer and tennis, appreciating and making music, skiing, relishing good food, and being a true friend to his friends.
Recently Alex returned to school, rekindled his saxophone playing, and was studying French. In deep and understated ways, he inspired those lucky enough to know him with his courage, kindness, and unwillingness to compromise the truth. After learning about Martin Luther King in second grade, Alex came home and said, "When I get to heaven, do you think Martin Luther King would let me be his helper since we have the same exact birthday?" We think he's got the job.
Private interment at Lakewood Cemetery June 1. When we are able, we will all gather to honor Alex with a celebration of his life. Memorials preferred to The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Minnesota, or The Sanneh Foundation.
JOHN HOLMAN '53
Age 85, passed away June 13, 2020 at Waverly Gardens in Minnesota with family by his side. John was born on December 4, 1934 in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Martha ’22 and James Holman. After graduating from St. Paul Academy, where he captained the football team, John went east and began what would become a proud lifetime relationship with his beloved Williams College. Despite his modest stature, he starred as a defenseman on the Williams hockey team and was elected co-captain his senior year.
He married his high school sweetheart, Kay Stoddard ’53, following his sophomore year. After graduation, they moved back to St. Paul where he began selling industrial equipment and then transitioned to the warehouse business. In 1986, he raised the capital to purchase his own warehouse, which became Alltemp Distribution Company, and later expanded into business records storage. He worked at Alltemp until his retirement. After Kay died in 1995, John married Marna Corra.
Over the years, John was active in a number of trade associations as well as Jaycees and Rotary and served on the board of several non-profits. John was a generous benefactor to St. Paul Children's Hospital, SteppingStone Theatre, and Williams College, where he served as the class treasurer for several years. John was a very active person and rarely sat down. There were always never-ending projects to do, and he would enlist anyone around him to help. In addition to hockey, John loved skiing. His greatest athletic passion, however, was tennis and he enjoyed the game until his legs would no longer let him. For John, there was nothing like playing tennis first thing in the morning followed by a cold beer and conversation with friends who shared his enthusiasm for the game. John also loved boating, often taking his 42-foot Grand Banks trawler up and down the east coast to visit old friends and of course making new ones. He would occasionally take the boat to the Bahamas or up the west coast of Florida.
John's favorite place on earth was his cabin in Marine On St. Croix, MN, where he spent his summers since 1962. John shared the property with his parents and his sister, Martie Norton. Though still summering in Marine, later in life he lived in a tennis community in Vero Beach, Florida, where-always looking for a project-he started a kayak program. John was predeceased by both of his wives.
He is survived by his four daughters, Sue Holman-Sutich ’76 (Mark), Mary Vance ’78 (Mike), Martie Herrick ’81 (Brian), and Josie Holman ’82 (Gerry Mrosla), two step-sons, Henry Corra, and Andy Corra and their families, as well as 9 grandchildren, RJ, Jonathan, Matthew, Katie, Kelly, Jack, Alexandra, Michael, Christopher, and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Martie Norton ’48, nieces, nephew, their children, as well as honorary family member, Bea Williams-Wilson, who was his caregiver, friend, and life-saver for over three years. He will be missed dearly by a host of friends and by his cat, Oakland. We will have a celebration of life with family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Croix River Association.
WALTER ANDREWS JR. '57
Walter Andrews was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 23, 1939 to Louise Seeger Andrews and Walter G. Andrews, Sr. He died from cancer on May 31, 2020.
Walter grew up in the outskirts of Saint Paul, Minnesota and graduated from the Saint Paul Academy in 1957. He graduated in 1961 from Carleton College in Northfield Minnesota with a major in English. At Carleton he met and married Melinda Kohler, the love of his life. After college Walter and Melinda traveled to Istanbul Turkey, where Walter became interested in Turkish language and culture. He went on to the University of Michigan where he earned an MA in English and a PhD in Turkish Language and Literature.
Walter and Melinda came to Bellevue, Washington in 1968 to begin his life-long career at the University of Washington, where he was a founding member of the Near East Language and Culture (NELC) department. As Professor Emeritus, he continued to actively teach and do research until days before he died.
Walter was a leading scholar in the field of Ottoman Turkish Literature and published widely. In the words of his colleague Selim Kuru "Walter reintroduced Ottoman Turkish poetry into the larger fields of literature and history. These works were the first major English language commentaries on Ottoman literary tradition published in more than 60 years."
In 2006 Walter received The Lighthouse Award by the Department of Near Eastern Studies at the University of Michigan. The award reads "This alumnus has demonstrated years of dedication to the field of Near Eastern Studies. His work in furthering the field has been substantial and original. He has helped shape the scholarly community and shines as one of its brightest members."
He was a beloved teacher and mentor, receiving the Middle Eastern Studies Association Mentoring Award in 2008 and an Undergraduate Research Mentor Award at the University of Washington in 2018.
Walter was an innovator in the field of digital humanities beginning with the Ottoman Text Archive Project in the early 1980's and continuing with his recent work in the Newbook Digital Texts division of the NELC department. He collaborated with several other scholars using digital techniques to study the works of Baki, a famous Ottoman poet.
Walter received an Order of Merit of the Republic of Turkey in 2016, and a Long Time Service Award from the Turkish American Cultural Association (TACAWA) in the same year for his services in promotion of Turkish and Ottoman culture and literature.
Walter was an active and dedicated member of East Shore Unitarian Church where his lay ministry was dedicated to nurturing young people for over 50 years. Walter engaged children and youth through song, story, and plays. He wrote many plays and developed curriculum introducing children to Bible stories that affirmed Unitarian Universalist values. Walter embodied the best of what it means to be a UU: humility, grace, a fierce love of the faith and an understanding that our job here is to make the world better for our children and grandchildren.
Walter loved children, loved to play, and was in constant motion. If he wasn't in the woods leading a group of kids on a scavenger hunt, he was on the golf course or tennis court, running, riding, hiking, and generally making mischief with a twinkle in his eye. He was a gifted athlete, a talented poet, an amateur flutist, a skilled woodworker, a loyal friend to many, and a loving family man.
He is survived by his wife and dedicated partner of 60 years, Melinda, daughters Lisa Stilwell and Pam Sheffield, sons-in-law Mike Stilwell and Harley Sheffield, grandchildren Kristin Rossman, Madeline Machotka, and Max Sheffield, grandsons-in-law Mike Rossman and Satoshi Yamamoto, great-grandson Royce Andrews Rossman, brother Jim Andrews, and sister Martha Andrews ’58.
We close with a stanza of Walter's poetry:
I would speak of death
to you, and mean
Of you, and love,
And life.
There will be a virtual memorial service on Saturday July 11, at 10 am Seattle time. To register for the service, visit the East Shore Unitarian Church webpage (ESUC.org)
JULIANA GRIGGS MARTY '49
Juliana Stevens Griggs Marty, Resident of San Mateo, CA Feb 26, 1931 – June 2, 2020 Julie was born in St. Paul, Minnesota to Benjamin Glyde Griggs and Martha Dodgson Baker Griggs. She graduated from Summit School (Class of 1949); some of her fondest memories were of learning French and reading Shakespeare. After two years at Connecticut College, where she studied child development, Julie Griggs married Sam Marty in 1951. They lived all over the country before settling in San Mateo, where they raised four children and grew their wide circle of friends.
Julie loved to connect people and was truly a natural extrovert! She was an active volunteer and leader in her community with the consummate gift of hospitality. She participated in the following organizations, often from the President's chair: Florence Crittendon Home for Unwed Mothers, Mission Hospice Auxiliary, Pals for (Cerebral) Palsy, San Francisco Symphony League, Peninsula Hospital Auxiliary, Decorator's Show House (SF Bay Area), Altar Guild at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and Hillsborough Circle.
Julie was "Mrs. St. Paul's" to her rector and the entire congregation; she deeply loved her church and ran everything from the Rummage Sale to the Daughters of the King Bible/book study/prayer group. Julie loved bridge and crosswords, travel and spending time with family, playing Broadway show tunes on the piano (and singing!) for singalongs, entertaining large gatherings in her home, ice skating in the winter, tennis in the summer and always laughing joyously. She was a dear and loyal companion to her many longtime friends. The Lord was her strength and her song, and she is now reunited with her sweetheart, Dr. Sam Marty.
Julie was preceded in death by: sisters Elizabeth "Betsy" Griggs Clark ’41, Martha "Patsy" Griggs Drewry ’43 and Mary Wells "Wellsie" Griggs Mack ’51; brother Benjamin Glyde Griggs ’46, Jr.; grandson Timothy James Gomann; and husband Dr. Samuel C. Marty, Jr. She is survived by: children Elizabeth "Lucy" Marty Goman (Monmouth, OR), Clinton Griggs Marty (Burlingame, CA), Julia "Judy" Marty Johnson (Brea, CA) and Madeline Marty Feeley (El Cerrito, CA); grandchildren William "B.J." Arthur Johnson, Jr. (Orange, CA), Heather Johnson De Los Reyes (Riverside, CA), Bethany Johnson Bowers (Tigard, OR), Nicholas Edward Goman (Tokyo, Japan), Jessica Elizabeth Goman (Seattle, WA), Emily Glyde Feeley (Brooklyn, NY), Deirdre Elizabeth Feeley (Oakland, CA) and Davis Nolan Feeley (El Cerrito, CA); and great-grandchildren Benjamin Isaac Bowers and Madeline Joyce Bowers (Tigard, OR).
Rev. Thomas Skillings, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Burlingame, will preside over a Zoom memorial service on Saturday, August 8th. For more details, please contact the church or family members at: dr.judylep@gmail.com. Julie's ashes will rest in the Columbarium at St. Paul's Church, Burlingame. Donations may be given to: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Burlingame; Mission Hospice of San Mateo; Coyote Point Museum, San Mateo.
TODD ANDERSON '98
CYNTHIA NERENBERG PECK '71
HUGH K. SCHILLING '43
Hugh Kehne Schilling died peacefully at his home in Fountain Hills, AZ on September 22 at the age of 95. Hugh is survived by his children Terryl (Terry) Schilling Gilberstadt (David) ’70 of St. Paul, MN, Hugh (Hutch) K. Schilling, Jr. (Carol) of Cape Coral, FL, and Lynn Schilling Brown (Charlie) ’73 of Bay City, WI; grandchildren Meredith Miller (Mike), Jacquelyn Wiedemer (Eric), Hugh (Hank) K. Schilling, III, Dorothy Tiernan (Andrew), Emogene Cataldo (Kai), Edward (Ned) Brown ’01, Samuel Brown and, Hugh Thomas Brown; six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife of 66 years Margaret Simons Schilling (Peg) ’43; parents - Paul and Ruth Schilling; brother, Paul ’41; sister, Jean (Ricketts) ’39; and many close friends.
Born March 14, 1925, Minneapolis, MN. Hugh graduated from Saint Paul Academy in 1943. Following high school, Hugh enrolled in the Army Air Corps cadet program and trained in the gunnery school. He served in WWII from 1943-1946 flying missions over Japan, working fire-control gun turrets on a B-29. He married Margaret Simons on January 6, 1951 and they resided in St. Paul, Minnesota while raising their three children. Hugh proudly served until his death as Chairman of the Board of Horton Holding, Inc., a private family owned manufacturer of engine cooling systems he started in 1951 after purchasing the assets of Horton Manufacturing, Co., Inc. Hugh's persistence, engineering skills and business acumen led Horton to become a global leader in the manufacturing of engine cooling systems serving a variety of markets. He was a true entrepreneur holding 21 patents. He enjoyed sharing his business experience by sponsoring mentorships and educational partnerships over the years.
Hugh was a dedicated civic leader and philanthropist over the course of his lifetime. He shared his knowledge and support on a number of companies and non-profit boards some of which include Presbyterian Homes, Junior Achievement, Children's Home Society, Northern Star Council Boy Scouts, United Theological Seminary, Metropolitan Airports Commission, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Malt-o-Meal, Rapinwax Paper Co., Durkee Atwood and Second Norwest Bank (now Wells Fargo Bank.)
A family service has been held in Arizona and a Memorial Service is planned for a future date. Memorials can be sent to Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest, 1745 University Ave W., St. Paul, MN 55104, Hospice of the Valley, 16117 N. 76th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 or donor's choice.
LEWIS "BUDDY" HARRIS '45
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on September 28, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Buddy was born on January 15, 1927 to Barney W. and Hattie Harris, and grew up in St. Paul, MN with brothers he adored, Joseph "Jimmy" ’40 and Donald ’48. He graduated from St. Paul Academy, and attended the University of Minnesota before serving in the United States Army Air Force.
In February 1950 he married Natalie Krasnow, of blessed memory, his loving wife of 69 years, and made their home in the Highland Park section of St. Paul, where they raised their three children, Lynn, Barney ’73 and Joanne, as he lovingly called "LBJ". Buddy spent over 40 years in the family steel business, Paper Calmenson & Co., serving as its Executive Vice President. He retired with Natalie to Palm Springs, CA., a place they spent so many happy years, playing golf, walking in the neighborhood and entertaining family and friends. 5:30 in the afternoon was a cherished time as they would unwind, relax and recount their activities of the day, celebrating their wonderful life together with cheese and crackers and a cocktail. They resided there until 2016, moving back to the Twin Cities to be closer to family.
Buddy was an avid golfer, horse racing fan and lifelong sports enthusiast. He had a great eye for picking the horses or calling a football game. His favorite teams depended on what schools his grandchildren attended; his loyalty lay with them. Affectionately called "LR" by his children and grandchildren, LR always looked forward to family time together and family trips. Buddy was a dear friend to so many; he cherished his friendships and made sure to call and check in to see how everyone was doing. With his loving sense of humor he put a smile on everyone's face. A true gentleman to all who knew him. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted son, husband and father, with an ability to find and spread joy and positivity in his life.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Natalie K. Harris; parents, Barney W. & Hattie Harris; siblings, Joseph C. "Jimmy” ’40 & Nancy Harris and Donald Harris ’48. Survived by his children, Lynn & Leonard Snyder, Barney ’73 & Pamela Harris and Joanne & Bruce Levy; grandchildren, Tracy Snyder, Robyn & Justin Anderson, Shauna & Lars Carlsen, Carly & Nathan Sessions, Andrew & Ariel Levy, David Harris and Halley Harris; 7 great grandchildren; in-laws Brian & Judith Krasnow and Marilyn Harris; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. We are thankful for the assistance Buddy received during the last few years from David, Vera, Heidi and members of the staff at Knollwood Place. A private funeral service was held on October 1st at Mount Zion Temple Cemetery in St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Harris Family Fund at Mount Zion Temple St. Paul, Sholom Foundation Minneapolis or donor's favorite charity. May his memory forever be a blessing.
PETER BUTLER '49
Peter Butler of St. Paul, MN Entered eternal rest on September 27, 2020. Reunited with his wife of 58 years, Sandra (Kamman); parents Patrick, Sr. and Aimée; sister Kate (Butler) Peterson and siblings-in-law Robert Flotten, Patty Ryan Kamman and Hall Peterson. Survived by brother Patrick, Jr. (Patricia) ’49; his wife's siblings Suzanne (Robert) Flotten and James (Elizabeth) Kamman; children John (Sara Rottunda) ’78, Suzanne (favorite son-in-law Andrew) LeFevour, Paul (Barbara Thrasher) ’82, and Peter K. ’85; grandchildren Bridget (Patrick), Elise ’09, Andrew (Murphy), Madeline ’11, Kathleen, Mary Clare, Emmett, Cassidy and Jediah; great-grandaughter Evelyn, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Peter was a life-long St. Paulite who graduated from St. Paul Academy and Yale University. He proudly served in the U.S. Army before joining the family business. Peter served on the boards of the Hazelden Foundation, Collegeville Institute, College of St. Thomas, St. John's University, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and other organizations, often with his father. Peter and Sandy enjoyed the company of many life-long friends, entertaining at their home, visiting with friends in Sanibel and attending fund raisers. Peter was a member of the "Old Goats" ski club; ran a marathon in every state and Canadian province; organized the "Easy Does It" five miler at Hazelden's Pioneer House from 1982-2006; played bridge four times a week; was a master waffle chef; had a pet duck as a child; knew three corny jokes; laughed until he lost a contact lens and drove a model T to high school. He was never one to complain or criticize others. His proudest accomplishment was becoming a grandfather and being part of his grandchildren's lives. We are thankful for his example of a strong faith and concern for others. A special thank-you to Carondelet Village's wonderfully caring staff and residents. A family only ceremony will be held later this month.
CYNTHIA STOLTZE HARDISON '45
Cynthia Ann Stoltze Hardison died September 9, 2020, in Raleigh, NC. She was born a U.S. citizen in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, on February 9, 1928, to Norris Sanborn Stoltze and Frances Virtue Stoltze. Her father opened lumber yards following the route of The Great Northern Railroad opening the northern plains to settlement, and her mother was a nurse.
From her early days of joining in on a morning ride of a cattle drive, to spending time with her cousins on the McIntyre Ranch in nearby Magrath, Alberta, Cynthia developed a healthy respect for the West, which evolved into her love of John Wayne movies. She loved the outdoors and the wildlife that inhabits it.
Cynthia’s hobbies were many. She was an accomplished water-color artist and needle-pointer, and she was a chocolate connoisseur. But her favorite hobby was playing her accordion. She learned to play the accordion as a child, and she loved to play it when friends and guests visited.
She attended primary school in Lethbridge and graduated high school from The Summit School in St. Paul, MN. She attended Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA and then transferred to Stanford University from which, she graduated cum laude.
After Stanford, she attended Northwestern University's Medical School from which, she graduated AOA (national medical honor society). Following an internship at Northwestern, she completed a fellowship in internal medicine, specializing in hematology and oncology, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. While at Mayo, she also received a MS degree from the University of Minnesota winning the Judson Daland Award for Excellence in Clinical Medicine. During this time, she became interested in Sjogren’s Syndrome and published extensively on that disease.
Upon completing her fellowship, Cynthia joined the Mayo Clinic as a consultant in the Section of Hematology, where she was the first female to be added to Mayo's clinical staff as a consultant.
She married Dr. Joseph H. Hardison, Jr. in 1961, and they moved to Raleigh in 1964. Together, they founded Raleigh Internal Medicine Associates, where she specialized in hematology and oncology until 1989, when she retired. During her career, she served as a hematology consultant to the Journal of the American Medical Association, President of the American College of Gastroenterology Women's Auxiliary, as a board member of the local National Muscular Sclerosis Society chapter, and as a board member of the N.C. Symphony Foundation.
Her greatest joys in life were her faith in God, her family, practicing medicine, and her many friends. She read voraciously and derived great pleasure from her memberships in the Olla Podrida Book Club and the Monday Luncheon and Literary Society. She also enjoyed her membership in the St. Christopher's Club.
Cynthia was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and will be missed greatly by all.
She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph H. Hardison, Jr., her parents, and her two brothers, Frank V. Stoltze and William N. Stoltze. She is survived by her three children, Joseph H. Hardison, III and wife De, Sanborn Stoltze Hardison, Anna Katherine Hardison, and by two grandchildren, Taylor Ann Hardison and Joseph H. Hardison, IV.
A private burial service will be held at the Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to White Memorial Church or to Hospice of Wake County.
PHILIP MARGOLIS '42
Dr. Philip M. Margolis July 7, 1925, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Died Thursday, October 14, 2020 at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Dr. Margolis, or Phil, was born in Lima, Ohio and moved to St. Paul Minnesota at the age of 3 months. He was the older of two sons to Harry Sterling Margolis, a long serving Rabbi and his mother, Clara Brunner Margolis. Phil attended St. Paul Academy, excelling in academics and sports, primarily baseball. He attended the University of Minnesota, receiving both his bachelors and medical degrees. He did his residency in psychiatry at the Veterans Administration and was a research fellow at Harvard University. After teaching at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Margolis accepted a position at the University of Chicago, as Chief of the Psychiatric Inpatient Service. He also served as a consultant to the Chicago Police Department and as a Senior Psychiatric Consultant to the US Peace Corps.
In 1966 Dr. Margolis moved his family to Ann Arbor to become the founding Executive Director of the Washtenaw County Community Mental Health Center and a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan Medical School. Later Dr. Margolis became the Associate Chief of Clinical Affairs at the University of Michigan Health System, and Director of the Forensic Psychiatric Program. After serving the University community for over 50 years , Dr. Margolis was awarded Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry by the Regents of the University of Michigan. He continued to consult and serve patients into his 90th year.
Dr. Margolis' history of public service to both local and national professional organizations is long and varied. He served on the Board of Trustees and Secretary of the American Psychiatric Association; President of the Senior Psychiatrists of the APA; President of the Midwest Chapter of the American Association of Psychiatry and the Law; Board Member of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States. He was an influential leader of the Michigan Psychiatric Society, serving as president and holding many committee chairmanships. Last year the Michigan Psychiatric Society recognized Phil's extraordinary contributions to the state's mental health by establishing the Philip M. Margolis, MD Achievement Award, presented annually to those making outstanding contributions and showing dedication to the MPS.
Locally Dr. Margolis served as President of the Washtenaw County Medical Society, was on the University of Michigan Civil Liberties Board and the University Senate Advisory Committee of University Affairs . He worked for decades with the Washtenaw County prosecutor's office and attorneys around the state offering his highly sought after expertise in forensic psychiatry and the law. He was known as a formidable but unflappable expert witness in front of the jury. Dr. Phil was among the founders of Temple Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor, and a half-century member of the Racquet club of Ann Arbor.
Phil Margolis was the founder and chair of the Ethics Committee at the University of Michigan and created the Raymond W. Waggoner Lectureship on Ethics and Values in Medicine in 1996. Dr. Margolis took pride in honoring his mentor by featuring national experts on ethics and values in medicine. He and his wife Nancy were hosted the speakers, inviting them into their home and managing the annual lectureship for 22 years.
Dr. Phil was also a devoted football fan of the University of Michigan and the Minnesota Vikings. One of his pastimes included sending letters to the various head coaches of his favorite teams over the years offering sage advice on how they could produce better winning seasons! He was the inspirational youth baseball coach for many years for his sons' teams giving legendary pep talks before each game.
Phil enjoyed doing NY Times crosswords, attending the symphony, dancing with Nancy, watching old movies and cheering along to college fight songs. He loved his family most, his work and students next. Dinner times and Sunday brunches were family and friend priorities. All were welcome in his home.
Phil Margolis was the compassionate consummate psychiatrist, who spent his life seeking to better our mental health systems, training its practitioners, and improving his patients' mental health. He was the cool nerd with a quick wit and disarming sense of humor. He had a gift for people and for gab, and was known for writing long winded but hilarious and very 'punny' poems.
Dr. Margolis is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy Nupuf Margolis, whom he met on a blind date while in Chicago, announcing that same night that they would marry. And they did marry on July 26, 1959. Phil and Nancy had four children, Cynthia, Marc (Liz Nowland-Margolis) of Ann Arbor, David (Susan Exposito Margolis) of Portland, OR and Laurence (Haley Lee Margolis) of Ann Arbor, grandchildren, Taylor (Allison Vial Margolis), Nicholas, Jackson (Ann Arbor), Levi, Isaac (Portland, OR), Sarah Ashley, Hannah Ruth and Joseph (Ann Arbor). He is also survived by his brothers-in law Dr. Michael (Edith) Nupuf (Oswego, NY) and Dr. Robert Nupuf (Los Angeles, CA) sister-in-law Diane Margolis (Boston, MA) as well as nephews, cousins and many close family friends. Dr. Margolis was preceded in death by his daughter Cynthia, parents, brother Richard '47, in-laws Dr. Joseph and Ruth Nupuf, and brother-in-law Richard Nupuf.
JAMES ANDREWS '63
James Lee (Jim) Andrews was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on January 11, 1944. He was adopted by Louise Seeger Andrews and Walter G. Andrews when he was 4. He died of cancer on September 9, 2020.
Jim grew up on the outskirts of Saint Paul, Minnesota where he graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1963. He attended Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin. In 1965 while at Beloit, Jim was accepted into a program called Junior Year in Heidelberg, Germany. He met his future wife Ursula during this year in Heidelberg, and she was the love of his life. They took a fun adventure road trip together, travelling through Italy and into Turkey in the early spring of 1966 and got engaged shortly thereafter. The Andrews family invited Ursula to come to the United States to attend Beloit College Jim’s senior year and Jim and Ursula were married in spring of 1967. Jim graduated from Beloit in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and shortly thereafter Ursula and Jim’s daughter Helene was born. Jim went on to get a Master’s Degree in German from the University of Wisconsin.
After finishing his Master’s degree, the young family moved to Washington State where Jim attended the University of Washington and was certified as a teacher of German. His continued education at the University of Washington included a master’s degree in educational psychology, as well as a certification to teach history. During this time, in 1969, the family grew to include a second daughter named Kirsten. Jim was hired by the Shoreline school district in Seattle as a middle school German teacher and later taught in Puyallup for several years.
Wanting to tap into his artistic and creative side, Jim and Ursula moved the family to Germany for 10 months in 1973, so he could train with a glazer who had experience in stained glass window making. The family moved back to Seattle for a short time, and again relocated to Germany a second time in 1975 so Jim could attend a 2-year course in stained glass design and manufacture at the glass school in Hadamar, Germany. In 1977 after completing the course, the family returned to Seattle where he started the planning to open a stained glass studio.
Jim’s dream was realized in 1979 when the family moved to Stanwood, Washington into a custom designed house on 20 acres with a glass workshop. During the time in Stanwood, Jim met some well-known German glass designers and worked as an interpreter and assistant to several of these international stained glass masters at the Pilchuck School. Jim and Ursula generously shared their home and extended their hospitality to many of these masters and formed long-lasting friendships with them. Jim’s stained glass work can be seen locally at the Stanwood Library where he created a large beautiful stained glass window with important town dates and a timeline silkscreened onto the glass. He also designed numerous stained glass windows for family and friends. In 1990, Jim was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which affected his fine motor control and made it challenging for him to employ his craft.
Having 20 acres allowed Jim and Ursula to plant many fruit trees, build a beautiful garden, and own some livestock. Jim enjoyed working in the yard, especially large jobs involving his beloved tractor, tools and wood splitter. The family would split and stack several cords a year to heat the house.
Jim really enjoyed learning new things and welcomed the chance to expand his knowledge base every day. His memory for facts was as remarkable as his love of a good joke. He could always bring a lightness and sense of humor and playfulness to any situation. Jim also loved children, especially his two girls. Jim was a natural teacher and enjoyed sharing his knowledge. He also enjoyed some woodworking, building a cradle for the girls, and collecting N gauge trains (he has over 100 cars and engines!). He was a gifted scholar and tutor, creative thinker, and a kind, loving and loyal family man. Jim often commented that each day was beautiful, and that he had been so fortunate in his life to meet and marry Ursula.
Jim is survived by his wife Ursula, daughters Helene Andrews-Polymenis and Kirsten Andrews, son-in-law Michael Polymenis, grandchildren Aggela and Athena Polymenis, and sister Martha Andrews.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, https://www.nationalmssociety.org/ or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, https://www.pancan.org/. Thank you!
SAMUEL JOY '52
Samuel Mason Joy
December 9, 1934 – September 23, 2020
Twas the 9th of December when Sam Joy arrived,
To his parents Bill Mason and Elsie his bride.
Big brother Billy was their other offspring,
Later, Auntie and Charlie took Sam under their wing.
Sam traveled the West with Auntie and Charlie
Driving a Packard on roads that were gnarly!
St. Paul Academy, Central High and Macalester,
Mustered to educate Sam Joy the jester!
In ‘59 he married June Dell.
For 61 years their marriage was swell.
First came Liz, then Charlie, then Andy,
Four black labradors too, that were naughty and dandy!
Five grandkids came next, first Alex then Crosby;
Tyler and Grace, then Mason with glee.
All are great kids, Sam was proud of them all.
They cherish times with Grandpa, both large and small.
Sam’s known for his jokes, his wit, and his smile
Which helped in curling, and in business with guile.
His passions were many – golf, skiing, and sailing
Don’t talk when he’s putting or suffer his scolding!
A suit and a tie prevailed many years,
But a stint as an artist brought many cheers.
He was equally comfortable in camo and blinds,
Pheasants and ducks were wonderful finds.
Lake Ida was home to many adventures,
In cabins, in boats, and campfires together.
Skiing, and fishing were favorite past times.
With great friends and family, and even some rhymes!
Sam was famous for poems for family and friends,
It only makes sense to provide one at his end.
We love you and miss you, you’re one of a kind
Our husband and father, a memorable find…..
CLARISSA BOCKSTRUCK COLE '50
Clarissa Bockstruck Cole, age 88, of St. Paul and Bald Eagle Lake, passed away from natural causes on Friday, October 23. Clarissa was born and raised in St Paul. She was a granddaughter of Henry and Clara Bockstruck who founded Bockstruck Jewelers. She graduated from Summit School and received a teaching degree from Stephens College in MO and an LPN degree from the LA School of Nursing. Clarissa moved to the San Francisco area where she married Bud Cole and raised her son Pete. After many years in CA, she moved back to MN in 1990 and purchased a home on Bald Eagle Lake. She was a wonderfully creative person, gifted artist and prolific poet. The legacy of her art will live in our hearts forever. Clarissa loved life, family, people, the arts and animals. She was a very generous person.
Meeting Clarissa was always a memorable event. She could fill a room with her boisterous presence, her smile and unique laughter. Preceded in death by her parents, Herb and Clarissa (Connie) Bockstruck; her brother and sister-in-law, Arnie '46 & Jessie Bockstruck; and her son, Pete Cole. Survived by niece, Betsy Bockstruck Erlien (Duey); nephew, Rob Bockstruck (Jane); 1st cousin, Marlene Bockstruck Talarico and son David; nephew, David Cole; niece, Susan Cole and great and great-great nieces and nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers or memorials, Clarissa would want you to practice kindness to people and animals and grow the love you share.
H. WILLIAM SHOEMAKER '66
Bill passed away peacefully on October 29, 2020. Born in Kansas City, MO and raised in Saint Paul, Bill was a caring son and outstanding brother. Bill graduated from S.P.A., attended the U of M, and worked as a surety bond underwriter and manager for more than four decades. He loved connecting to nature on bike rides and walking the dog with friends and family.
Bill explored the world in his twenties and later became a proud father and wonderful role model to three kids who adored him and loved hearing stories from his youth. He and his wife Annie taught their kids compassion, respect, and how to love your neighbor. A very hard worker, Bill never bragged or boasted; he was authentic, modest and totally unpretentious. He meditated daily for the last 45 years, and was a kind, thoughtful and emotional person. Everyone who met him was swept up by his easy-going, inclusive personality. He had a wonderful sense of humor, infectious laugh, and an ability to take joy in the simple things in life. He loved seeing live music, reading the paper, watching his kids play baseball, and staying busy around the house or in the yard with a dog by his side.
His friends and family will miss his warm smile, sunny disposition and ability to make everyone feel welcome. We are so grateful for the time we had with him. Survived by wife, Annie Gehan, children Sam (Paige Geck), Jimmy and Mary Shoemaker, sisters Linda Blyth ’61 and Annie (Floyd) Moore and many adoring nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents Dorothy and Jacques Shoemaker. Instead of flowers, please consider donating to St. Paul Midway Baseball or College Possible. A celebration of this wonderful man's life will be held at a later date.
SYDNEY WOLD '43
We are sad to announce that on August 25, 2020, at the age of 94, Sidney R Wold (Danville, Kentucky) passed away.
He was predeceased by : his parents, May Belle Lundgren and Karl Christian Wold; his wife Barbara Armstrong Wold; and his siblings, Betty Wold Johnson '39, Mary Louise Strong '40 and Keith Clinton Wold '42.
He is survived by : his children, Gretchen Wold (Thomas Martin) of New York, NY and Chris Wold (Teri Abram) of Plano, TX; his granddaughter Olivia Wold of Dallas, TX; and his sister-in-law Elaine Johnson Wold of Boca Raton, FL. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
BETTY PARSONS TENNANT '45
Betty Ann Parsons Tennant, 93, passed away on September 19, 2020 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Park Rapids, MN.
Betty was born on December 16, 1926 to Joe and Antoinette Parsons in Toronto, Canada. She married Robert Tennant in 1947. They celebrated 70 years of marriage in August 2017. She lived in St. Paul, MN, Stillwater, MN (36 years), and Park Rapids, MN (28 years). They wintered in Port Aransas, TX for several years.
Betty enjoyed knitting, quilting, sewing, playing cards, and family gatherings. She was active in Park Rapids hospital auxiliary for several years.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband Robert (2017), her sister Janet, her sister-in-law Jean Tennant Friend, and daughter in-law Deb (Christopher).
Betty is survived by her five children. Robert Jr. (Pam), Beaudette, MN.; Tonia Parsons Tennant Borgeson (Jim), Lake Nebagamon, WI.; Christopher, Park Rapids, MN.; Peter (Annie), St. Croix Beach, MN; and Patrick (Connie), Fort Collins, CO. She has six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
CATHERINE MYERS BUSCHER '51
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to all who knew her. Age 87 of St. Paul on 11/3/20. Preceded in death by husband Herbert ’51 (2011). Survived by children Mari (Londi) Romero ’76, Stephen ’79 (Jennifer), Geoffrey ’80 (Belinda) and Andrew ’83 (Béatrice); grandchildren, Sarah (Niall), Lizzie, Christina, Helen, Henry, Louis, Lucille and Axel; great-grandchild, James; and sister Caroline Myers Baillon ’53.
Catherine was passionately dedicated to her family and her philanthropic causes, which included board positions with the Science Museum of Minnesota, Freshwater Foundation, Junior League of St. Paul (president), Home Services, Children's Hospital Association, Employment Resources, Snowmass/Aspen Repertory Theatre, Snowmass Chapel and Community Center, Theatre Under the Jerome, and St. Paul Academy and Summit School. Catherine was a 1951 graduate of the Summit School and a 1955 graduate of Connecticut College. Cathy and Herb were avid skiers and active residents of Snowmass Village, CO for 20 years and, most recently, of Woodbury, MN. Cathy was last living in Coral Springs, FL.
Due to COVID-19, there will be a private Mass of Christian Burial, with a memorial for friends and family expected in 2021. Memorials are preferred to the Science Museum of Minnesota.
ETHEL W. GRIGGS '59
Ethel W. Griggs of Mahtomedi died suddenly at home on November 19, 2020 at the age of 79. She is survived by her life-long love, soulmate, and husband of 59 years, Chauncey W. Griggs ’55. Ethel is also survived by her two sons, Chauncey ’85 and his wife Eileen, and Bill ’88 and his wife Heather. "Nana" will be dearly missed by her five grandchildren whom she treasured: Lydia, Oliver, Liesel, Bennett, and Julia. Ethel's sisters Ariel Dickerman ’52, Barbara (Mike) Bliss ’55, Sally (Mark) Foster ’68 and Cynthia Mills ’70 (David) will also miss her as will her sisters-in-law, Ginny Magnuson ’59, and Gian Hartner ’63. She leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and dear friends.
Ethel graduated from Summit School and attended Smith College and the University of Minnesota. Ethel worked as a child psychologist for many years at Children's Hospital. After retirement she remained involved in a sand play therapy group. She was an avid, passionate gardener, both at her home and at her church. Ethel was a member of the St. Paul Garden Club and was active at Unity Unitarian Church and the New Century Club. She and Chauncey loved to sail, windsurf, spend time with friends, and they cherished their escape to sunny Bonaire every winter.
Ethel especially loved flowers, but since she is not here to enjoy them, please consider making a lasting donation to one of Ethel's favorite causes in her memory: St. Paul Academy, Habitat for Humanity, Planned Parenthood or the Girl Scouts.
KATHERINE LEVIN STENSLIE '70
Katherine Ann Levin Stenslie, age 67, St. Paul and Columbia Heights, died peacefully of complications of COVID-19 on December 1, 2020 with her husband at her bedside. Born in St. Paul December 20, 1952. Preceded in death by parents George Lloyd Levin and Mary Aberle Levin '40; mother-in-law Virginia Stenslie. Survived by loving and beloved husband Steven Stenslie; brothers William '68 (Gloria) Levin and Robert Levin '75; cousins Stephen (Kathryn) Aberle, Martha (Martin) Bean & Susan (Michael) Kraykowski and their families; brother-in-law Douglas (Renee) Stenslie; many friends all over the world and in cyberspace; canine companion Silas. A graduate of St. Paul Academy and Summit School, Oberlin College, Episcopal Divinity School and Brandeis University, Katherine was fluent in speaking and writing in many languages. She freely shared her senses of justice, aesthetics, and humor (including awful, groan-worthy puns). She loved opera, orchestral music, and travel. Her family so appreciated that she and Steve found one another and enjoyed these interests and more. Many thanks to the ICU team at Regions Hospital for their expert and compassionate care. Due to COVID concerns, services will be scheduled at a later date. Memorials preferred to the Mary Aberle Levin Scholarship Fund at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, Neighborhood House or donor's choice.
MARTHA FULTON '43
Age 95, of West Saint Paul, Minnesota and formerly of San Jose, California died after a brief illness on Thanksgiving November 26, 2020. Martha was an avid tennis player into her 90s and a life-long learner who enjoyed taking classes on a variety of subjects. She was actively involved with her family and friends and spent every Christmas with family in Minnesota. She was fiercely independent and loved driving; in the late 1950s she drove her Karmann Ghia round trip from Saint Paul to Alaska on the Alcan Highway. Martha was predeceased by her parents, Lua B. and Alfred M. Fulton and brothers, Alfred M. (Ruth) Fulton Jr. ’32 and Donald B. (Sara) Fulton ’41 and dear friend, Suzanne Skinner. She is survived by 8 nieces and nephews, Martha R. Fulton, Victoria F. (Mansel) Blackford, Keith Louise Fulton, Angus B. (Marjorie) Fulton, Nancy L. Fulton ’67, Deborah A. Fulton ’69, Alfred M. (Gail) Fulton III, Rebecca F. (Scott) Barnett, 15 great-nieces and nephews and 17 great-great-nieces and nephews. Martha graduated from Summit School and Northwestern University and taught elementary school for 30 years in the Cupertino Union School District, Santa Clara County, California. Martha will be buried alongside her parents in a private graveside service at Acacia Park Cemetery. There will be a celebration of her life post-vaccine, hopefully this summer.
RICHARD TONGEN '55
On Thursday, December 10, 2020, Richard (Dick) Ward Tongen, loving husband and father of five boys, passed away at age 83. Dick was born on December 22, 1936, in Minneapolis, MN to Lyle and Veda (Christianson) Tongen. He worked in a variety of executive roles at several insurance-related companies for more than 35 years, spending most of his career at The St. Paul Cos. in St. Paul, MN.
The family lake place in Minaki was always his special place and sanctuary that he loved to share with family and friends. A blissful day would likely start with pancakes, followed by some fishing with a relative, friend, or his well-loved pup Cullie. Then perhaps a nap on the screened-in porch after cleaning a limit worth of walleye - followed by cocktails with a "few" people and a fresh fish dinner. A grand day by anyone's measure.
Dick was preceded in death by his father Lyle, his mother Veda, his brothers Thomas ’59 and William ’68, and his son Todd (Karen). He is survived by his wife Lynn (Smillie), his sons, Ward (Nuk and Chue), Scott (Patti), Christopher and Nicholas (Özge), his sister Mary ’64 (Thomas Kirk), five grandchildren, one great-grand daughter, and other loving family members. The family would like to thank Allina Hospice White Bear Lake/NE Team for their exceptional, loving care. A private family ceremony will be held this summer in Minaki. In lieu of flowers, a memorial to Allina Hospice Care would be more than appreciated. Fare Thee Well, My Honey, Fare Thee Well
RUSSELL GREENHAGEN - FORMER FACULTY
Russell John Greenhagen Jr., 77, passed away Sunday, November 24, at his home in Jefferson City, MO. Following serious medical difficulties in 2013, he showed determination and fortitude as he dealt with an aftermath of health issues.
He was born in Brainerd, MN, to Hazel and Russell Greenhagen Sr. on May 16, 1942. He attended Edison High School in Minneapolis, where he especially loved history and English and singing bass in the Choral Club. He also attained the rank of Eagle Scout, and built a large newspaper route that he shared with his younger brothers.
In 1964 Russell graduated with honors from Macalester College, where he was president of his senior class. As a sophomore he was accepted into the University of Minnesota SPAN (Student Project for Amity among Nations) program. After studying Swahili and taking classes in East African culture and politics, Russell and eight other students from Minnesota colleges-including Karen Larvick, a student at Gustavus Adolphus College—spent the summer of 1963 In Tanganyika, a year before it became Tanzania. Russ and a fellow SPANer climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, a feat he repeated in the mid-70s when he went back to Tanzania with a group of his high school students.
Russell received a master of arts in East African history from Northwestern University in 1968, and soon thereafter moved with his wife and young daughter back to his hometown. He joined the faculty at St. Paul Academy, where he stayed for a decade, teaching history courses and chairing the department. During this period Russell greatly enjoyed camping, hiking, and cross country ski trips with family and friends, and he completed an Outward Bound course.
In 1979 Russell moved to Kansas City to teach at The Barstow School. But after some life changes in the mid-80s Russell decided it was time to follow another path that had always interested him: law. In 1986 Russell earned his J.D. from UMKC School of Law. He became a member of United States Arbitration and Mediation, specializing in alternative dispute resolution. In January 1995 Russell moved to Jefferson City to head a new mediation division for the Missouri Department of Labor. In 1997, Russell reunited with and married his old SPAN friend and love of his life, Karen Larvick.
In retirement Russ returned to teaching, as a part-time instructor at Moberly Area Community College and correctional institutions in Boonville and Vandalia. Russell was very active in his community, mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters, serving on the board of the YMCA and on the Lewis and Clark commission, and serving as a Stephen Minister and a church deacon with First Presbyterian Church. He and Karen made two church mission trips to Hungary and Ukraine, and traveled widely in Europe. They also enjoyed many trips in their RV. Russell was a voracious reader and loved his cat Indiana Jones and his dogs (Cricket, Prester John, Smokey, Blue, Tasha, Maggie, and Max).
Intellectually curious to the last, Russell chose to have his body donated to the University of Missouri Medical School for educational and research purposes.
Survivors include his wife, Karen; daughter, Holly Greenhagen (John Alsterda); stepdaughters, Claire, Camille Rose (Chapin), and Christine Sanders (Jeremy Getz); seven grandchildren, Jack, Annie, Kira, Grace, Adele, George and Carolena; and sister-in-law, Loretta Harmatuck (Don). He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert (Elaine) and Dennis (Cheryl), sister Donna (Maria), and first wife, Judy.
ROBERT BEMENT, JR. '67
Robert Bement, age 71, of Stillwater Passed away unexpectedly on December 27, 2020. He was born in St. Paul, MN, and was the eldest of three siblings, to Jane and Robert ’32 Bement. Rob grew up in Dellwood, MN and was an alumni of St. Paul Academy and Macalester College. Rob spent his career at Andersen Windows and when he retired, enjoyed traveling (especially to Hawaii), playing "Santa Rob" throughout the town, coaching girls high school lacrosse, and working on his tan by their backyard pool. He was a funny, smart, caring, generous person, an amazing husband, and a loving father who will be deeply missed. Rob was preceded in death by his mother, Jane (Kilroy); father, Robert Lansing Bement; and brother, Bradford (Sparky) Bement. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Donna (Bunker); children, Tanea (Dave) Thompson, Tristan Bement (Stephanie See); sister, Nanci (Dave) Voyda, along with many nieces, nephews, sisters/ brothers in-law, aunts, cousins and godchildren. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
FREDERICK THEODORE 'TED' WEYERHAEUSER '49
"Ted" Frederick Theodore Weyerhaeuser, age 89 of Mendota Heights died on December 24, 2020, after a fall on the ice outside his home. Ted was born in Duluth and spent his childhood in St. Paul, graduating from St. Paul Academy in 1949 and Yale University in 1953. After college, he married Nancy Lane Neimeyer ’49 who he first met in Kindergarten. They were married for 67 years. Ted spent three years as an officer in Naval Intelligence before beginning his career in Cloquet working for the Wood Conversion Co. (later Conwed Corporation). He eventually moved to St. Paul and rose to CEO of Conwed. Later, Ted was instrumental in developing and running the Clearwater Management Corporation, a registered advisory firm.
His business acumen lead to his service on the Boards of Potlatch Corporation, Arcata National Corporation, Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance, Norwest Corporation, and Rock Island Company. His values of family, faith, integrity and compassion were reflected in his dedication to the boards of many local non-profits, including the United Way, the St. Paul Community Foundation, the Union Gospel Mission, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Macalester College, and the House of Hope Presbyterian Church.
Ted will be remembered for his great love of family, friends and community. He was always a gentleman and blessed with a dry sense of humor. He brought a level-headedness and sense of responsibility to all that he did, providing a calming influence and good advice whether he was in the boardroom, working at home, or spending time with his children and grandchildren.
A leader and mentor, his commitment to family was demonstrated in his planning, care, love and consideration for each one of them. Many family, friends and work colleagues have expressed how they will miss his calm, steady leadership and kind heart. In addition to Nancy, Ted is survived by his children; Rick ’73 (Annie Brewster), Cathy ’75, Julia ’77 (Tim Heidmann), and David ’82; twelve grandchildren and one great grandson. Next summer we will gather with friends and family to celebrate a life well-lived. Well done, thou good and gracious servant. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to: St. Paul Academy, 1712 Randolph Avenue, St Paul, MN 55105. Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St Paul, MN 55102. Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, 690 Jackson St., St Paul, MN 55130.
BONNIE LANGFORD HOOVER '48
Bonnie Langford Hoover, 89, of Pagosa Springs, Colo., passed away peacefully on Jan. 1. A winner of 14 Pagosa Pines Golf Course Clubhouse championships, she chose New Year’s Day to finally join her late husband, Earl Hoover, on the golf course. A 5 p.m. cocktail was surely shared with her late son, Jack Cammack, as well. Bonnie loved to entertain and was known to host elaborate cocktail and dinner parties. She was a gracious hostess, an eager listener, and generous with her time and attention.
She passed her love of all things green and flowering on to her daughter-in-law, Mary Helen Cammack, and granddaughters-in-law, Codye Cammack and Laurel Cammack.
To her son, David Cammack, and grandsons, Jake Cammack, and Dan Cammack, she gave her love of wildlife as well as early morning duck and goose hunts in the freezing cold.
Bonnie loved sports and was a proud supporter of the Pagosa Pirates. For many years, she could be spotted in her Suburban, parked near the end-zone, honking her horn for the Pirates.
In addition to the Cammack family, she is survived by Earl Hoover’s three children, Barbara Hoover, John Hoover and Anne Ducharme-Jones.
There will be no memorial service, however, a private family golf tournament is planned when the grass turns green.
CHAUNCEY GRIGGS III '55
Chauncey Wright Griggs III, age 84 of Mahtomedi died at home on January 7, 2021. He was recently preceded in death by his life-long love, soulmate, and wife of 59 years, Ethel W. Griggs ’59. Chauncey is survived by his sons Chauncey ’85 (Eileen), and Bill ’88 (Heather), his grandchildren Lydia, Oliver, Liesel, Bennett, and Julia, sisters Ginny Magnuson ’59, and Gian Hartner ’63, and Ethel's sisters Ariel Dickerman ’52, Barbara (Mike) Bliss ’55, Sally (Mark) Foster ’68 and Cynthia Mills (David) ’70. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
Chauncey graduated from Saint Paul Academy and the University of Minnesota in mechanical engineering. He owned and operated Griggs Contracting for over 40 years, but his life revolved around his hobbies. He loved to work in the garage customizing cars, boats, and airplanes. He was an early adopter of the fixed wing sails in ice boating and land-sailing, constructing his own boat and wings. Chauncey was also a private pilot (venturing into acrobatic flying in his 7o's), catamaran racer, windsurfer, water skier, and inventor. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Chauncey and Ethel's favorite causes in his memory: Planned Parenthood, the Girl Scouts, or Habitat for Humanity.
RUSSELL COLLINS, JR. '51
Russell Maul Collins, Jr, 87 of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina died peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a long struggle with Dementia on February 6, 2021. He was born June 15, 1933 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was the son of the late Russell Maul Collins, Sr and Mary Carpenter Collins.
Russ graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1951 and received a Mathematics degree from MIT in 1955. After graduation he went to Germany to study Mathematics as a Fulbright Scholar at Muenster and Tubingen Universities where he fell in love with Karla Leow, the love of his life. They were married in St. Paul MN in 1956. Russ was a postgraduate student at the University of Minnesota and a Danforth Fellow pursuing a career as a Math Professor. While attending MIT in Boston he took a summer job at the John Hancock Life Insurance Company and became interested in Actuarial Science. After only 5 years he became a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. Russ worked as an actuary and executive officer of insurance companies and as an actuarial consultant in St. Paul, New York City and Philadelphia. He also taught Mathematics and Actuarial Science at various universities in those cities along with Newark, NJ and published several research and professional articles.
In addition to the Society of Actuaries, Russ was a member of the International Actuaries Association, the Academy of Actuaries, the National Association of Security Dealers, Lloyds of London, and the American Council of Life Insurance. He was a founding editor of the Actuarial Research Clearing House, a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and the MIT Educational Council.
Karla and Russ lived in St. Paul MN, Greenwich CT, Haverford PA and Manchester VT. After retirement in 1996 they moved to Hilton Head Island, SC where he enjoyed playing golf and singing Bass in the Choral Society, Barbershop Harmony Society and choirs for Island Lutheran Church and later Christ Lutheran Church. He had perfect pitch. Russ was an active volunteer for all his churches, the United Way, Salvation Army and Volunteers in Medicine. Russ judged Science Fairs and was a docent at Friends of Hildene in Manchester VT. Russ loved music, golf, playing piano, singing, fishing, and reading. His secret to a happy life in his own words was "My Christian faith, having a close family, consideration for others, and fulfillment of my responsibilities".
Russ was predeceased by his two younger brothers Bill ’53 and John ’57 Collins. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Karla, his children Russell (Susan Boggs), Richard (Kirsten), and Renate Williamson (Roger), and his grandchildren Megan Dora (Ray), Robyn Collins, Rusty Collins, Greg and Curtis Williamson, Mae, Ben and Anna Collins, and great granddaughter Thea Dora.
JOANN AALFS '41
Joann W. Aalfs, 97, of Northampton, died on February 3 at Linda Manor surrounded by loved ones. Her last words were “Thank You.” Her joyful spirit lives on. As Kahlil Gibran expressed, “it's not about disappearing into the ocean, but of becoming the ocean.” Born in St. Paul, Minnesota on March 29, 1923, she was an only child with many friends. She received a BA from Bennington College, and took graduate classes at Union Theological Seminary in NYC. Artist, educator, feminist and civil rights activist, Joann enjoyed a generous life of learning, laughing, and sharing her compassionate gifts. Beloved mother and friend, she taught her children to love and create art, to question the status quo, and to work for justice for all.
Joann was a community-builder. Improvising at the piano in Linda Manor's lobby, she would take time to converse with people and thank them for listening. She was a visual artist who created paintings, puppets, hooked yarn tapestries, and luminous flower gardens; a pianist, singer, and rhythm-maker; a graceful mover who delighted in outdoor activities; and a scholar who delved into a wide variety of topics. She was involved in organizing women's consciousness-raising groups in the western MA area, and also in New Bedford, MA where she was a founding member of a women's center in 1972. Joann is listed in an extensive resource book entitled Feminists Who Changed America 1963-1975. She was a participant and longtime member of Valley Women's Martial Arts in Easthampton, the Northampton Music School, the Senior Center, the River Valley Coop, lesbian potluck discussion groups, and more.
Joann is pre-deceased by her former husband, John Aalfs, and by her daughter, Linden Aalfs Welch. She is survived by her son Mark Aalfs and wife Bernadette Joolen of Seattle, WA; grandson Homer Aalfs of Seattle, WA; son Tom Aalfs of Cornwall, NY; grandson Daniel Aalfs of Wasilla, AK; daughter Janet Aalfs and wife Janis Totty of Northampton, MA; and longtime cherished friends.
Joann's family wishes to extend huge gratitude to staff and residents of Linda Manor in Leeds for the skillful loving care and friendships that inspired her to blossom into the last years of her life.
CHRISTOPHER CARDOZO '66
Christopher Cardozo, age 72, of Minneapolis died peacefully on February 21st, 2021. Chris was an American art collector, curator, photographer, art entrepreneur, author and publisher. He graduated from St. Paul Academy and the University of Minnesota with a BFA (photography and film) and a Juris Doctor degree. Chris was a widely exhibited photographer whose personal work is in many public and private collections. Chris dedicated much of his life to preserving the work of Edward S. Curtis, the renowned ethnographer and photographer of Native peoples across North America. Throughout his life Chris wove into the fabric of his life a passion for nature and its creatures, often explored in his photographic work.
Chris is survived by his beloved mother Patricia; siblings Julie, Claudia ’67 and Jeffrey ’69; niece Brittany Lease (Lewis) and their children Alden, Ben and Milo. Chris has ten goddaughters and godsons with whom he shared many years of companionship and mentoring. A memorial service will be held at a future date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the First Peoples Fund or Wildlife Rehabili-tation Center MN.
JEFFREY UPDEGRAFF '66
Dr. Jeffrey Gilbert Updegraff passed away peacefully on December 9, 2020, at his home in Fort Collins with his beloved wife of 41 years, Shireen, and his sons, Trevor and Trent, by his side.
Jeff was born in 1948 to Betti Laurel Updegraff and David Maule Updegraff. He grew up in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, with his two sisters. As a young man, he was a gifted student and athlete and developed a love of science and nature that carried throughout his life. He attended Saint Paul Academy, the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and moved to Denver in 1970 to attend medical school at the University of Colorado. He began his 35-year career as an emergency physician in Boulder where he met the love of his life, whom he married in 1979, and had his two sons. He moved to Fort Collins in 1984 and spent 30 years serving his community in the Emergency Room at Poudre Valley Hospital. He was a compassionate physician who believed deeply in the equality of all people and dedicated himself to caring for all those whose lives he touched.
He pursued his passions with the same dedication and especially loved spending time fly fishing, gardening, hiking and skiing in the Rockies, climbing mountains, and bird hunting with his Labrador retrievers. He was drawn to the rivers and wide-open spaces of the West and loved spending time with his family and many dear friends. Those who knew and loved him will always remember his selfless kindness, integrity, warmth, and bright smile.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Shireen Updegraff, of Fort Collins, his sons Trevor Ross Updegraff of Denver and Trent David Updegraff of Maui, Hawaii, his sisters Jan Baulsir of Westminster, CO, and Wendy Updegraff of Fort Collins, his mother-in-law Margaret Millward Blood of Fort Collins, his brothers- and sister-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, and friends near and far. He was preceded in death by his parents, Betti and Dave, and his father-in-law, Archer Kent Blood.
Jeff's family plans to hold a celebration of his life as soon as it is safe to gather. The family wishes to thank those who cared for him throughout his battle with cancer and all who have shared their love and support. In lieu of flowers, Jeff would be humbled by donations to charitable organizations such as the Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, or any humanitarian cause, in honor of his life and living memory.
EMMY LOU JACOBSON '45
Loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, teacher, neighbor, and good friend, Emmy Lou Jacobson, passed away peacefully at 93 on March 6, 2021.
Born in St. Paul, MN, Emmy was the youngest of three siblings. She had a wonderful childhood building lifelong relationships at Summit School (St. Paul Academy and Summit School) and Mills College. Emmy later went back to school at Macalester College for her teaching degree and the University of MN for her master's degree in special education. Her education and love for teaching led to her career as a teacher. As a single mother, Emmy raised her two daughters near her brother and sister-in-law and their sons, creating even stronger family bonds.
Her youthfulness was everywhere, from her love of travel - Africa, Europe, and especially the North Shore - to her calendar, which was always full of visiting new restaurants, attending upcoming events, or just getting together with a friend. Emmy even tried to keep up with the latest trends and technology, most of the time amusing her family and friends. She always had a book to read, always called on your birthday, and stayed in close contact with everyone she loved.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Abraham and Hazel Levy, brothers; Victor (Alice) and Russell Levy; and nephew John Levy. She is survived by her two daughters Avreayl (Linda Trahan) Jacobson and Patty (Randy) Tucker; her nephews Victor (Sue) and William Levy; her granddaughter Kate (Greg) Sicher; her beloved great-grandchildren Emmie and Lewis Sicher; and numerous cousins and friends.
DIANE WACHTLER KOOB '67
Diane Wachtler Koob, age 71, of Somers Point, NJ, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2021 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on May 20, 1949 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Irma H. Wachtler and Dr. Raymond J. Wachtler. She attended public schools until 1963 when she matriculated in the Summit School, now known as St. Paul Academy and Summit School.
Her Minnesota roots and childhood friends have always remained a treasured part of her life. After two years at Skidmore College in New York, she returned to finish her BA in modern European intellectual history at the University of Minnesota. While there she joined Delta Gamma Sorority and graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. After her undergraduate studies, Diane worked and traveled for two years before returning to the University of Minnesota where she completed a Master's degree in Modern European History and helped lead undergraduate courses as a teaching assistant. Following an experience of being called into ministry, she changed her vocational goal from academics to the pastorate. She completed a Masters of Divinity at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities while serving in student pastor positions which included her home church, Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis. She was ordained in the Minnesota Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1979.
In her last year of seminary, while doing chaplaincy work at Hennepin County Medical Center, she met Gerry Koob, a former Jesuit Priest. They married in 1980 while she was serving Excelsior United Methodist Church in Excelsior, Minnesota. They had two daughters, Jennifer and Robin. After five years they moved to New Jersey where Gerry joined her in the United Methodist ministry. Diane served as a local pastor in a number of different churches (including Central United Methodist church in Linwood) and as a District Superintendent. After the birth of their first grandchild, Diane and Gerry retired to the Jersey Shore, living in Somers Point. During retirement, Diane was active in the Ocean Heights Presbyterian Church, the AAUW, the Somers Point Democratic Club, gardening, and, of course, grand parenting. Diane is survived by her beloved husband, Gerard Joseph Koob, her daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Sean Rothwell from Linwood as well as her daughter Robin and son-in-law Stephen Cull, Manchester, UK. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Kathy Wachtler, their sons and grandchildren, and many dear friends and cousins. Finally, she is survived by her granddaughter Grace Rothwell and her grandson Luke Rothwell, the joys of her life.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make donations to Ocean Heights Presbyterian Church, to your local AAUW branch, to environmental groups, or to any charity that speaks to your heart.
JOHN "JACK" THERA '68
Born May 1, 1949 to John Martin Thera and Carol Ann Frautschi in St. Paul, MN. He attended St. Paul Academy through high school and then he headed to the University of Montana at Bozeman where he studied mechanical engineering and aeronautical engineering, graduating in June 1971 summa cum laude. He was hired by Texaco and moved to Craig, CO, where he soon met and married Sue Pannetier, the love of his life. Before long they were transferred to Saudi Arabia to work for Aramco, the world's largest oil company and began their great adventure.
They traveled the world, enjoying all the sights and sounds for seven years before returning to Denver, CO where Jack worked for Occidental Petroleum. They loved Colorado and all its beauty but seven years later they were off again to the Sultanate of Oman, a small oil-rich country in the Mideast. Jack and Sue loved Oman with its friendly people and beautiful sights. Jack worked hard for Occidental and became an expert in horizontal drilling, where he held several world records. After visiting over 50 different countries while overseas, they returned to Minnesota in 1997 to make their home and spend time with Jack's mom, Carol, before she passed away in December 2000. Jack returned to the Mideast working 28 days on then 28 days back in Minnesota. He did stints in Oman, Qatar and even Norway before returning home for good in 2005.
Jack and Sue decided to train their dogs as therapy dogs, taking them to nursing homes, schools and hospitals, never missing their Monday outings. Sharing their dogs brought them great love and joy as well as bringing happiness to all they visited. Jack also loved breakfast with the boys on Tuesday mornings and working in the woods battling burdock and buckthorn. Besides Jack's beloved wife of nearly 48 years and his dog Jaycee, he leaves behind two nephews, Dave and Robo, as well as many cousins, great neighbors and friends. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his dogs Mickey, Grizzley, Sunny, Jazzi and Mandy. A celebration of Jack's life will be held at a later date.
ROBERT "BOB" FRENZEL '44
Robert “Bob” Frenzel, 94, formerly of Erie and Fairview, died in his sleep on April 11, 2021 in Shorewood Wisconsin, after a martini and dinner with his daughter’s family. He had been diagnosed with IPF several years ago, and it had begun to take its toll on him.
If only everyone could live and die like he did. He was born in St. Paul, MN in 1926, the first of four boys. He attended St. Paul Academy for high school, where he excelled at football, basketball and swimming. He joined the Navy upon graduation but became ill with rheumatic fever in boot camp and convalesced in San Diego. He majored in engineering at MIT, and received his MBA from Syracuse University.
He met his wife Kathleen in Syracuse, NY. After honeymooning at western ski resorts, they spent 52 happy years together, cheerfully moving with their children as Bob was transferred from state to state with his job with GE. In 1983 Bob accepted a position with Elgin Electronics in Erie, and he and Kathleen bought a house on the lake in Fairview and “settled down” for the next 25 years. He loved designing their gardens, running and cross country skiing in the woods, and cocktails at the lake at sunset. Kathleen and Bob traveled extensively, both overseas and in the US, often to visit their far-flung offspring. They enjoyed hiking and skiing near their vacation home at Stratton Mountain, Vermont.
If you were lucky enough to visit the Frenzel’s on Admiral Drive, you already know what a talented gardener he was. If not, you can find the extensive gardens at the Smithsonian Archives of American Gardens “Fairview: The Frenzel Garden”.
After Kathleen’s death in 2010 he lived at Spring Hill where he enjoyed the community there, as well as dinners with his friends at the Erie Club, lunches at Kahkwa, and his dinner club. Last summer, he moved to Milwaukee to live with his daughter Heidi’s family. There, he read two newspapers cover to cover every morning, entertained the family with stories from his life, and cheered his grandchildren in football and cross-country. He remained cheerful and unfailingly polite to the very end.
He is predeceased by his wife Kathleen and daughter Sarah. He is survived by his children Tom (Meghan), Heidi (Scott) and Michael (Caroline), and honorary son Charlie (Brittain). His grandchildren brought him much joy: Henry, Jake, George, Caroline, Audrey, Amelia, Robert and Joseph.
Friends are invited to a graveside service on Saturday June 12th, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Whispering Pines Cremation Garden, located at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc. Wintergreen, 2532 Norcross Road, Erie, PA 16510. No flowers please, but if you knew Bob and would like to honor him, make yourself a martini, and head outside to a garden to watch a sunset.
MARTIN VEINSREIDERIS '94
ALICE TIBBETTS '16
JAMES MASLON '44
James I Maslon a gentle, kind Midwesterner with the most beautiful blue eyes was born on February 2nd, 1927 in Minneapolis, MN.to Samuel H. Maslon and Evelyn Schanfield. Raised from an early age by Luella Rykoff Maslon. Jim died at home in Venice on January 19th, 2021 from cancer. He loved country western music, a good steak, J&B scotch, July 4th: the L.A. Dodgers but most of all he loved his family
Jim was in the Navy in world war II and went back to MIT to get his degree in business. He worked in the Soy bean processing business in Mankato, Mn. Then moved to L.A to work for S.E. Rykoff & Co. to create their manufacturing department.
Jim proudly served as President of JVS, an organization he has been involved with for 45 years, and was a board member and long supporter of the Venice Family Clinic Like his father he was a very charitable man.
When Jim retired, he continued his love of sail boat racing first kindled on the lakes in Minnesotta. He raced boats up and down the coast and to Mexico under the Del Rey Yacht Club Burgee, where he was a member for over 55 years.
He is predeceased by his beloved sisters Patty Maslon and Enid Starr and his first wife, Margery Finn Maslon. He is survived by his wife of over 40 years Laura Stevenson Maslon, and his children Sally, Hilary, Marny and Jimmy Maslon, his 5 grandchildren Naomi, Kamile (ron) , Lily, Zoe and Henry. And 8 great grandchildren: Kameron, Kai, Roger, Dolly, Conway, Tallulah, Lincoln and Calvin. He also leaves behind his sister in law Susan Brown and his nieces and nephews in Boston and the Brown families in Brooklyn and Rolling Hills.
Jim traveled to over 100 countries with his wife, Laura. He loved playing bridge and golf at Hillcrest and gin rummy at Del Rey Yacht club. A life- long animal lover, he adored his dogs, Sadie and Yogi. Dr. Luis Molina, Christine and Donavan were great caregivers. A special thank you to his longtime physician and friend, Dr. Michael Shwayder.
ALFRED SEDGWICK '45
Age 94, of Minneapolis Passed away April 27, 2021. Al was born February 17, 1927 in Charleston, S.C. to Alfred and Mabel Sedgwick. Their family moved to St. Paul where he attended St. Paul Academy. Al continued his education at Yale University and the University of Minnesota Law School. He practiced law at Northwestern National Bank and Rider Bennett Law. Al loved outdoor activities and was an avid nordic skier, participating in the American Birkebeiner until the age of 79. He also had a passion for the arts and music.
Preceded in death by his wife, The Honorable Susanne C. Sedgwick; granddaughter, Laura Sedgwick; brother, Neal Sedgwick '46. Survived by children Ann and JC Savage, Elizabeth Sedgwick and Ken Bechler, Sara Sedgwick, Richard and Linda Sedgwick; 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; sister in law Lynn Carroll. Private services will be held. Memorials to Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation or Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Susanne C. Sedgwick Scholarship Fund.
RHONDA ANDERSON GORDON '71
Remembering her Loving Smile
Through it all - through majesty and misery - Rhonda Gordon always trusted God and gave Him thanks for every new day.
Rhonda Jean Anderson Gordon, 67 of Shutesbury passed away peacefully at Cooley Dickinson Hospital after fighting a battle with cancer on September 27, 2020.
Rhonda was born June 5, 1953 in Springfield, Illinois. She attended the University of Massachusetts where she studied Organizational Leadership. She had a distinguished and successful career teaching, training and as a leadership and organizational development consultant with a focus on racial and social justice. Rhonda was a faculty member of the Leadership Institute of Seattle and a Senior Consultant with The Leadership Group offering consulting and training services to major corporations and non-profit organizations in the United States, Canada and post-apartheid South Africa. Rhonda retired from her consulting work in 1991 to work full-time at Hope Community Church, which had been led by her parents, the Reverend Laverne W. Anderson and Dr. Norma Jean Anderson since 1970.
This month marks Rhonda's 50th year of service at Hope Community Church. Over the years, her roles at Hope Community Church included Church Administrator, Educator, Vision Keeper, and Minister of Music.
Beginning in the 1990's Rhonda led and facilitated many powerful workshops and learning retreats at Hope Church about white skin privilege and internalized oppression, long before most of the world had even heard these terms. These also addressed systemic racism, class, gender and LGBTQ bias. The Amherst community also benefited from Rhonda's skill in engaging people around anti-racism and social justice. She facilitated programs for Amherst's Coming Together Anti-Racism Project, led local study groups among Black and White Christians, and conducted programs at the Jones Library teaching people to talk with each other about their experiences with race with unusual honesty and openness.Those who participated consistently reported being challenged, nurtured, and moved by Rhonda's spirit-filled commitment to justice and understanding.
On Sundays, the Spirit soared whenever Rhonda sang or was at the piano. Anyone blessed to hear Rhonda's musical testimony was twice blessed. She was a powerful gospel singer who sang loud and from deep within her soul combining her Pentecostal roots with modern gospel.
Rhonda was preceded by her parents, her brother, Laverne Anderson, Jr., and her sister Reverend Crystal L. Roberson. Rhonda is survived by her loving partner, Keith L Middleton, her son Ben A. Gordon, her daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Pablo Robles, her son and daughter-in-law Xinef and Sarah Mae Afriam, her brother, Pastor Emeritus Reverend Carlos W. Anderson, her brother and sister-in-law, Timothy and Karin Anderson Haley, the grandchildren she adored, Fernando, Shane, Leilani, Elan, and Xavi, as well as nephews, nieces, and extended family and the many beloved members of Hope Community Church.
Rhonda leaves us a legacy of truth, love and a commitment to serving God, her family and her community. Rhonda shared her wish that Hope Community Church, her family, and others join in funding an endowment to provide support to people with mental illness who have little or no support or services. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Hope Community Church Rhonda Gordon Endowment Fund at 20 Gaylord Street, Amherst MA 01002.
HAROLD "TODD" FREEMAN III '59
Todd was born in Saint Paul, MN on December 11, 1939 and passed on June 5, 2021. He attended Breck School and graduated from the Saint Paul Academy, elected student body president senior year. Graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont where he played varsity tennis, sang in the “Dissipated Eight“, was elected to Blue Key Honor Society and elected Student Association president senior year.
Todd volunteered with the Minneapolis Aquatennial Association and was a member of Toastmasters International, which he considered invaluable in controlling his stuttering. He worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and later became a Personal Trainer with the Northwest Athletic Club then Life Time Fitness at Crosstown. He fully retired in 2010. Fitness became an important part of his life because of hypertension. He began running and later racewalking. He presented speed walking classes at Edina Community Education Center, corporate seminars and made several local television appearances. He ran three marathons, race walked two and completed ten 31-mile American Birkebeiner cross country ski races. He enjoyed singing with the Valley Chamber Chorale in Stillwater for several decades and later with the Wayzata Community Church Chancel Choir. He also enjoyed wintering in Florida, pickle ball, biking, golfing and traveling internationally. Todd got his SCCA regional license and drove race cars at the old Donneybrook track in Brainerd. He competed in the International Ice Racing Association events, the Skip Barber Midwest Race Series and IMSA Firehawk Series. He valued the many friendships he made autocrossing locally and at SCCA events around the country. He trophied at the 1993, 1994, 2012 and 2015 National Championships and was most proud of winning his class at the 2017 Spring Nationals. Todd was blessed with a full life and is eternally thankful for his many dear friends and compassionate doctors and care givers.
He is survived by his brother Tim (Susan) Freeman ’60 of Moraga, CA, and nephews Scott (Kate) Freeman of Washington, D. C., and Mark (Megan) Freeman of St. Louis, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harold C. and Mary Elizabeth (Fobes) Freeman, Jr. Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society.
EDWARD HAMM, SR. '55
RICHARD “SARGE” KYLE '55
Richard H. "Sarge" Kyle. Passed away peacefully on June 22, 2021 surrounded by loving family and having been visited in recent weeks by numerous good friends and former colleagues. He was 84. Sarge was born in St. Paul, MN, on April 30, 1937 to Richard Erwin Kyle and Geraldine House Kyle ’24 and was a lifelong resident of White Bear Lake, MN. After attending St. Paul Academy and Williams College, Sarge earned his B.A. with honors from the University of Minnesota and his L.L.B. from the University of Minnesota Law School where he served as President of the Minnesota Law Review and was a member of the Order of the Coif.
After law school, Sarge served as law clerk to his mentor, the late Hon. Edward J. Devitt on the United States District Court. Sarge subsequently joined the St. Paul law firm of Briggs and Morgan where, except for a two-year stint as Minnesota Solicitor General, he practiced continuously until 1992, when he was nominated by President George H.W. Bush, and confirmed as Minnesota's 27th United States District Judge. He assumed senior status in 2005 and continued to carry a full caseload until he retired from active service in 2017. Sarge was a master of judicial administration. His hearings started on time, his cases moved swiftly, and his orders were clear and to the point. He presided over many trials during his nearly 30 years on the bench. He mentored dozens of law clerks and enjoyed walking the halls of the federal courthouse and downtown skyway system greeting colleagues, lawyers, and friends when court was not in session.
Off the bench, Sarge was a member of the Committee on Model Jury Instructions for the Eighth Circuit and a former member of the Judicial Conference Advisory Committee on Rules of Civil Procedure. He also oversaw the District's remodeling of the Warren E. Burger Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in St. Paul. At home, Sarge presided over a large and boisterous family. By his children, he will be remembered for guarding the house while they attended church with Jane; for anxiously and sometimes impatiently pacing the sidelines during high school sporting events; for early morning breakfasts at his favorite cafes; and for drive-through-the-night family car trips to Colorado and Florida. By his grandchildren, he will be remembered for rides on his John Deere lawn mower; for crushing handshakes until they cried uncle; for whisker burns; and for early Saturday morning Kowalski donut deliveries.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jane Foley Kyle, and five children: the Hon. Richard H. (Elizabeth Wittenberg) Kyle, Jr. ’80, Michael F. (Sara) Kyle ’81, D'Arcy Kyle ’83, Patrick G. (Susannah) Kyle ’85, and the Rev. Kathleen (Paul) Brusco ’88. He was blessed with ten grandchildren and one great-grandson: Peter ’11 and Joseph ’14 Kyle; Laura ’09 (Ryan) Thilquist and Helen ’12 Kyle; Ruby and Bug Kyle; Kyle, Maureen, Allison, and Norah Brusco; and Gavin Michael Thilquist, as well as two sisters, Sheila Kyle Cunningham and Geraldine (Bob) Kyle Bullard ’56, and one sister-in-law, Kay (Jonathan) Cook.
Sarge's family offers their heartfelt thanks to the staff of The Waters of White Bear Lake, MN, and The Pillars Hospice, Oakdale, MN, who compassionately cared for Sarge in his final months.
WILLIAM MOTTER III '59
January 25, 1941 - July 11, 2021
Will Motter was carried by the angels to Heaven on July 11, 2021.
Will was born on January 25th, 1941 in Houston TX. At the age of 5 he moved with his parents to St. Paul, MN. He was a graduate of St. Paul Academy and Union College. Will became a Kansas City resident in 1967 when he married Rozzie Hargis. A beloved husband, father and grandfather, Will had such great love and devotion for his family and friends. "A gentleman of impeccable integrity", he loved his fifty years in the insurance business, his golf games, his home, and his family days spent at hockey games, tennis tournaments and on the beach. His gentle, kind smile, his "thumbs up" expression and his outreached hand expressed Will's heartfelt gratitude for the many kindnesses to him, particularly when he needed a little extra help. Will was a blessing to all who knew him.
Will was preceded in death by his parents, Ellen Gorham Motter and William C. Motter, II. He is survived by his wife, Rozzie; his daughter, Helen Bowers; his son, William C. Motter, IV; his daughter-in-law, Jaime Motter; and his grandchildren, Mary Ellis and Davis Motter. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 16th at 2:00 p.m. at Visitation Church, 5141 Main, KCMO. A private family committal will follow in Forest Hill/Calvary Cemetery. Kind remembrance of Will may be shared with The First Tee of Greater Kansas City, St. Paul Academy and Summit School (MN), Visitation Church or The Westport Garden Club.
SHIRLEY WILLIAMS, BARONESS WILLIAMS OF CROSBY '47
Shirley Williams, Baroness Williams of Crosby, who has died aged 90 on April 12, 2021, was a liberal politician who was right at the heart of the profound ideological shifts in the political parties that began in the 1970s and arguably have still not been resolved today.
As one of the original ‘Gang of Four’ – the others were William Rodgers, David Owen and Roy Jenkins – she co-founded a new party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which for a brief moment looked like it might change the mould in the 1980s. It didn’t, but Williams remained a hugely influential and popular figure for many decades to come, unfussy and easy-going but robust and radical.
She was also consistent through turbulent times, which probably explains the relative position of the Labour party to her own beliefs. In the 1980s, she left Labour under Michael Foot because she said it was too left-wing, but in the 2000s, she criticised Labour under Tony Blair for being too right-wing and favourable to the free market.
She would have said it was the party that changed, not her, and certainly, she was guided by principles of social democracy that were founded in her radical childhood and remained intact with her for the rest of her life.
The radical principles came direct from her parents. Born Shirley Vivien Teresa Brittain Williams, her father, Sir George Catlin, was a political scientist and an unsuccessful Labour candidate, who would wheel Shirley to Labour meetings in a pram. Her mother was Vera Brittain, the prominent feminist and the celebrated author of Testament of Youth, the famous lyrical protest against the futility of the First World War.
It was a privileged childhood, with two live-in servants, but it was not necessarily easy. Vera was totally committed to her work and Shirley knew not to disturb her – “she was completely uninterruptible before 5pm unless there was a major fire,” Williams once said.
When the war broke out, the young Shirley was then evacuated to Minnesota and was separated from her parents from the age of nine to 13. On her return, she was sent to a boarding school in London, which she hated.
Her radicalism was already emerging though. She joined the Labour party at 16 – the earliest age you could do so – and became the Labour agent of Chelsea. She also worked a number of jobs, including land girl, and chambermaid, and while working as a waitress in Northumberland when she was 17, organised a strike and won higher wages for the staff.
She then won a scholarship to Oxford, where her interest in politics continued, and she became the first woman chairman of the University Labour Club. After university, having married fellow student Bernard Williams in 1955 – they had a daughter Becky – she worked for a brief time in journalism, on the Daily Mirror, before throwing herself into politics.
She stood twice for Labour in by-elections, in 1954 and 55, and then again in 1959 before eventually entering Parliament as MP for Hitchin in 1964. She was one of only 29 female MPs at the time and remembers going into the Ladies’ Room at the Commons to discover comfy sofas and an ironing board.
She was swiftly promoted to the lower ranks of government, although opinion was divided about her prospects. Some predicted that she could be the first female Prime Minister, but others thought at the time that her dishevelled and slightly disorganised appearance might work against her. Lady Astor, the first woman MP, is said to have told her: “You will never get anywhere in politics with hair like that.”
She began to make her mark, though. In 1966, as junior minister at the Ministry of Labour, she had to take over from Ray Gunter, the Secretary of State, when he fell ill, and dealt with the aftermath of the seamen’s strike. She is also remembered for her period as Education Secretary when she was responsible for the continuing implementation of comprehensive schools. She also served on Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee between 1970 and 1981
However, disillusionment with the party was setting in. Troubled by the leftward lurch of the movement she had belonged to pretty much her whole life, she quit to help form what was dreamed of as the all-conquering party of the centre ground. She felt she had no choice, but it meant she came to be reviled by the party’s left who denounced her as a traitor.
For a while, the prospects for the SDP looked very promising indeed. In 1981 Williams fought and won a by-election at Crosby to become the SDP’s first elected MP and the party was riding high in the polls. But after the Falklands War, Margaret Thatcher’s popularity recovered and Williams lost her seat in 1983.
The SDP project then collapsed amid recriminations and was subsumed into the Liberal Party which, through a series of name changes, finally became the Liberal Democrats.
Williams’ first marriage having collapsed, in the late 1980s she married Professor Richard Neustadt, a distinguished US academic and former adviser to Presidents Kennedy and Carter, and took up the post of Professor of Elective Politics in the John F Kennedy school of Government at Harvard University.
She became a life peeress in 1993 and sat in the House of Lords as a Liberal Democrat and continued to remain deeply immersed in the political scene. She said of herself that she had been “stuck with the same values for the last 50 years” but it was this consistency, delivered in a manner free of fuss or pomposity, that helped make her so popular.
In the autumn of 2004, she retired as the Liberal Democrat leader in the House of Lords and in her farewell speech to her party conference held out hope that the traditional divides of politics might yet change. “The mould may not yet be broken,” she said, “but the crack is dramatically widening.”
Baroness Williams is survived by her daughter Rebecca.
WILLIAM BIERMAN, JR. '68
Age 70, of Eagan, MN. Died peacefully on Friday, July 16, 2021 after a long battle with dementia. Bill was born on August 20, 1950 to Janice and William Bierman Sr. in Saint Paul, MN. After graduating from Saint Paul Academy in 1968, he went on to study political science at the University of Minnesota and law at Hamline University. After law school Bill worked as minority counsel for the State legislature, eventually going into private practice with a colleague. He worked for most of his career at the Minnesota State Department of Labor and Industry, Office of General Counsel, retiring in 2016.
Bill had a unique ability to connect with people and could have a conversation with anyone, anywhere. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He loved the outdoors and spending time at the lake. He always shared fond memories of canoeing at Camp Widjiwagan, and he loved to ski. There was no road trip too long. At home he enjoyed reading and listening to jazz.
Bill is survived by his former spouse Kathryn Bierman; their children William Bierman III (Leilani), Margaret Yurek (Daniel) and Thomas Bierman (Liz Windett); their grandchildren Alexander, Nathaniel and Penelope; long-time partner Ginny Prasek and her family; brother Richard Bierman (Pamela); sister Ann Syverson; aunt Ingrid Bierman; and a large and loving extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends, co-workers, acquaintances.
Memorials preferred to St. Mary's Episcopal Church or YMCA Camp Widjiwagan.
JEFFREY TYLER SR. '66
Jeffrey Allen Tyler, 72, a resident of Haverford, PA, died May 1, 2020, of complications from a stroke. Born in Pittsburgh, he was the second son of the late Richard D. and Irene B. Tyler. After a childhood spent in the Midwest, he was graduated with a BS in Marketing from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1970. He thereupon began a 50-year career in marketing, specializing in the information services and technology industries.
Beginning with his early development in New York, he founded and then sold a successful software company offering large applications software on IBM-based mainframe systems for the international banking community in New York. Following that, he then started a firm providing marketing management services in New York and the Philadelphia area, specializing in emerging tech companies in IT software and services.
Prior to his entrepreneurial career, he held senior positions with General Electric’s Information Services Company (GEISCO) in New York City, where he was responsible for sales strategies and marketing planning of GEISCO’s New Business Branch of the New York Banking District, in which he ranked as one of the top sales producers across the entire GEISCO Division of GE nationwide for six consecutive years. Later, he achieved top performance for the project solutions division (Idea Integration) of MPS Group, a $2 billion publicly traded IT professional services company.
In later years, taking up only semi-retirement, Jeff devoted himself to Small IT Business Growth Development, providing strategic sales, marketing, and operational management to emerging technology companies. Most recently, he served as Director of Account Management at Bison Analytics. When not serving the tech industry with his trademark boundless energy, imagination and commitment, Jeff was devoted to his wife Fran, his family, their remarkable garden, and his 50 year running avocation (which included several marathons). He organized family reunions, guitar jam sessions, and helped assemble a large throng of fellow fans to attend a favorite bluegrass group, The Seldom Scene, in Bucks County in January.
Jeff Tyler is survived by his beloved wife, together for nearly 28 years, Frances Pemberton Tyler, son Jeffrey A. Tyler, Jr., daughter Elizabeth D. Tyler Ford (Michael), stepchildren Sarah D. Quigley and J. Malcolm Quigley, and brothers Craig S. Tyler (Cynthia), Michael J. Tyler (Marianne) and Thomas E. Tyler (Belinda). Two brothers, Richard D. Tyler, Jr. '63 (Mary Jane) and Timothy C. Tyler, predeceased him in 1993 and 2017, respectively.
GEORGIA RAY LINDEKE '44
September 19, 1926 ~ July 21, 2021. Passed away peacefully at the age of 94 at Alton Memory Care in St. Paul. She was predeceased by her parents, Philip L. & Berenice S. Ray as well as her husband, Albert W. Lindeke Jr ’32. She is survived by her sister, Patricia Ray Saunders ’42 of Minneapolis and three children from her first marriage; Alida DeCoster ’69 (Perry Beider), Donald DeCoster ’72 and Claire DeCoster ’76; grandsons Nathan DeCoster and Louis Beider, and two great grandchildren. She is also survived by her Lindeke stepchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Georgia had an active volunteer and professional life, was a recognized leader in historic preservation, chaired the Historic Sites Committee of the city of St. Paul, was appointed executive director of the Bicentennial Commission and was a founding director of Minnesota Landmarks. She received an award from the Minnesota Architects Association and was honored in Washington DC for her contributions in preservation. She wrote and published extensively about St. Paul author Grace Flandrau.
MARY MARTHALER '81
Age 57, of St. Paul. Passed away June 15, 2020. Loving wife of Thomas Marthaler. Born April 28, 1963, Mary grew up in Birchwood Village with her parents Guy and MaryEtta Coursolle and siblings Andrea, Todd and Joe. On September 18, 1998 she married Thomas Marthaler. Mary was a spirit loved by everyone she met, and her infectious laugh could be heard from across a room. She loved her friends and family dearly, and was a devoted friend, aunt, sister, daughter and wife.
Mary was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Lou Adornato and Charles Marthaler; sisters-in-law, Cindy Coursolle and Pam Marthaller; mother and father-in-law, Gayle and Maurice Marthaler. Mary is survived by her husband, Tom; her sister, Andrea Adornato '79; and brothers, Todd Coursolle (Stephanie) and Joseph Coursolle (Denise); her parents, Guy and MaryEtta Coursolle; Tom's large family, 35 nieces and nephews, 39 grand nieces and nephews. Mary enjoyed her 20 year career at Ameriprise with much loved coworkers.
JEAN HART '52
Jean Elmquist Hart, age 88, Jean died peacefully on August 3, 2021. Preceded in death by parents Carl Valora and Nannette Jayne Elmquist; sisters Martha Cleveland ’47 and Nannette Dow ’56; and her husband of 63 years, B Clarence Hart. Survived by devoted children Nannette ’75, Kyle ’77 (Holly), Charles ’79 (Jennifer Lynn Dahlstrom) and Charlotte ’81 (Timothy Massad); dear grandchildren Kiernan, Anne ’10, Taylor, Henry ’13, Sky, Valora ’18, Emil, Aurora and Jayne.
Born in St Paul Minnesota July 7, 1933. Graduated from Summit School in 1952. Attended the University of Colorado Boulder from 1952-1954 and the Univ of Minnesota 1954-1955. Jean interrupted her college education to marry BC. It was love at first sight; BC wrote that he could not take his eyes off of Jean and although he had "no inkling" Jean saw him looking, Jean always contended that BC actually winked at her. BC concluded that if he "didn't wink, he should have."
Always ambitious and undeterred, Jean returned to college in her mid-40s and obtained her degree from Metro State University in 1979. She then went to work with the Saint Paul Foundation, serving as a Program Officer, Vice President, Senior Vice President and Deputy Director and finally as a Special Assignments Director before retiring in 2003. In 2004, Metro State selected Jean as Alumni of the Year in recognition of her 22 years with the Saint Paul Foundation and further leadership positions with the Bigelow Foundation, Mardag Foundation, Metropolitan State Foundation, Minnesota Children's Museum, Twin Cities Public Television, Science Museum of Minnesota, Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library and other community organizations. Favorite community projects included the Minnesota Adult Literacy Campaign, the Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, the Diversity Endowment Fund and the Supporting Diversity in Schools program. She valued her work with the Hmong and Native American communities. On the day of her semi-retirement, then Mayor, Norm Coleman, proclaimed JEAN E HART DAY for the significant and lasting service she provided to the community, which included 20+ years of volunteering at the St Paul Junior League (President 1970-1971) and serving on the Boards of Alumni and Directors at St Paul Academy and Summit School.
On retirement, Jean completed an extensive genealogy of her family. While Jean reveled in her professional life, her self-proclaimed "golden years" were those raising her four children in White Bear Lake, with summers spent at a special family vacation home she and BC created on an island in Lake Namakan. There Jean loved the wilderness setting and all the birds, animals and plants within it. She insisted on rustic accommodations and went so far as to refuse electric service when it became available throughout the park. She thought it an ideal place to corral her children during the turbulent '6os and '70s. Jean ran her family with a gentle, but firm touch. A single raised eyebrow was a big enough sign of her displeasure that children and grandchildren fell into line. Chores were renamed "funzie do-zies" to minimize grumbling. She called loved ones "lover buckets", was more enthusiastic about trips to the Science Museum or reading historical markers than anyone else, had paddleboat picnics on a big off-shore rock, allowed forbidden sugar on cereal, and had laugh attacks that we remember to this day.
Jean loved family traditions. We would all love one more Christmas on Lilac Lane. We will forever carry our loving memories of Jean as the vibrancy of her life fades. We take comfort that she will be with BC and she will forever be with us in spirit, continuing to be a loving protector and a model of determination and grace. Plan for service to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Voyageurs Conservancy or the Friends of the St Paul Public Library.
LINDA TOWLE '57
Linda Prudence Towle, age 80, beloved sister, aunt, cousin and friend passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 in Albuquerque, NM. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick J. '25 and Prudence M. Towle of St. Paul, MN and 2 brothers, Patrick J. Jr., of Phoenix, AZ and John M., Port of Townsend, WA. She is survived by a brother, William F. '50;14 nieces and nephews; 12 grand-nieces and nephews.
Linda will be remembered for her love of art, adventure, and a good laugh. She was an avid skier and instructor in Aspen, CO, a gourmet cook and caterer for many years, and a skilled fiber artist. She was also dedicated to singing in her church choir. Memorial donations may be made in Linda's name to St. Michael's and All Angels Church, 601 Montano Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107.
LESLIE HARPOLE '82
Leslie R. Harpole passed away on January 13, 2021, age 56. Beloved life partner of Nicholas Guarino; loving daughter of Patricia Green and the late Ellsworth Harpole; dear sister of Tracey (Vincent) Tillion '80 and Kimberly (Scott) Quale '85; daughter-in-law of Roy and Sally Guarino; sister-in-law of Adam (Megan), David (Melissa) Guarino, Lindsay (Adam) Cahill and Matthew Guarino; cherished aunt of Clement, Hunter, Ella, Jack, Taylor, Jackson, Cody, Cecelia and Harrison. Services will be private. If desired, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
STUART GOLDBARG '65
Below is an article published about Stu Goldbarg:
The first few times Phyllis Beatty met Stuart Goldbarg he didn’t make that big of an impression.
One meeting she recalls happened in the bar at W.A. Frost and Co. in St. Paul. That evening, Beatty and her best friend were having what she describes as a “snacky dinner” when Goldbarg walked in, accompanied by a group of friends from a local Toastmasters club.
Beatty’s best friend introduced her to Goldbarg, and later, she recalled her friend saying, “It’s really annoying. Every time I introduce you to him, you look like you’ve never met him before.” Beatty said she replied, with a laugh, “I guess he’s not that memorable.”
Later that evening, Beatty struck up a conversation with Goldbarg. She made sure her friend noticed. “I didn’t want her accusing me of ignoring him again,” she said.
From that point on, Beatty said that Goldbarg made up for his less-than-memorable first impression. Their conversation in the bar that night eventually blossomed into a romance, and the two married, living happily together for 37 years until he died Dec. 9, 2020 of COVID-19. Goldbarg was 73 years old.
For Beatty, the tragedy of her husband’s death was magnified by the fact that the virus’ highly transmissible nature meant that she couldn’t be by his side during his last days.
From the moment he was transported by ambulance to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Goldbarg and Beatty were separated. Restrictions set by the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention combined with severe PPE shortages meant that patients being treated for COVID could have no visitors in the hospital.
At first Goldbarg and Beatty spoke on the phone, but when doctors eventually put him on a respirator and he could no longer speak, the couple’s only communication was through one of two iPads available for use in the hospital’s busy ICU.
For Beatty, not being able to sit at Goldbarg’s bedside felt frustrating enough. Knowing that there were only two iPads available for all ICU patients felt tragic. While she wanted desperately to see her husband and hold his hand, she knew that there were many other families in the same situation.
“I couldn’t go visit Stuart,” Beatty said. “My only communication was through the iPad. But there wasn’t always one available.” She said she never blamed hospital workers for the shortage: Nurses and other providers ran themselves ragged to make sure that every family had access to the technology. It’s just that two iPads can only go so far.
“There was one day when I wanted to say goodnight to Stuart,” Beatty recalled. “It was 9 or 10 p.m. The iPad wasn’t available at the time. The nurse on duty said, ‘I will call you back in 10 minutes.’ He ran around the unit looking for the iPad and 10 minutes later he called me back on it. I was able to say goodnight.”
There were days when it looked like Goldbarg, who had lived with diabetes for several years, was going to pull through. But then his kidneys failed and his condition began to look dire. Through it all, Beatty knew she wanted to do something to show her appreciation for the providers who had worked so hard to care for him.
She thought about many ways to give thanks, but she kept coming around to one idea. She had been maintaining a CaringBridge site to keep friends and family updated on Goldbarg’s condition, and she decided to ask them to contribute to a fund so that they could help the hospital purchase more iPads to help patients in the ICU communicate with their loved ones.
“I thought this might be a way of providing support for the nursing staff and the doctors,” Beatty said. Having more iPads available on the unit could perhaps lift a little of the immense burden that the pandemic had forced on providers.
She remembered the nurse who ran around the hospital that night to find an iPad so she could say goodnight to her husband. “Nurses are busy,” she said. “They shouldn’t have to put their attention to finding an iPad. They should always have one available when they need it.”
‘Soulmates’
One of the things that Beatty admired most about her husband was the way he chose to live his life.
“He took care to live intentionally and to not regret anything,” she said. “He really lived a full life,”
Goldbarg’s idea of a full life didn’t include many of the traditional measures of success. “He didn’t put much stock in jobs,” Beatty said. “He was not driven by earning money. He was a writer of crime novels. He dabbled in antiquing. He was a deli manager. He didn’t really have a profession.” (In his own LinkedIn profile, Goldbarg described his career in a poetic manner, saying he had worked in “criminal law as an investigator and writer of ingenious briefs and appeals,” and added that he was, “intellectually adventurous with a wry sense of humor.”)
During his funeral, which was livestreamed online, Beatty said that Goldbarg’s rabbi found a good word to describe him. “She used the term ‘renaissance,’” Beatty recalled. “That’s a word people throw out, but he really was a renaissance guy. He was creative, thoughtful, provocative and tender.”
Goldbarg felt strongly that all people have a right to a safe and affordable home, and he was not afraid to act on this conviction. Beatty witnessed that belief in action many times.
“One day, in the first five years of our marriage, Stuart met this guy who was homeless,” she said. “He asked me if it was OK if he stayed with us. I said, ‘If you think it is an important thing to do, then fine.’ He lived with us for three or four months, then he left.” Over the course of their long marriage, Goldbarg invited other people to stay with them, including a neighbor who’d broken up with his wife and had been booted out of the house.
“That was part of Stuart’s way of being in the world,” Beatty said. “He was sensitive to other people’s troubles.”
Beatty said that over the years she and Goldbarg enjoyed going on adventures, even when those adventures didn’t take them very far. “We loved to get in the car and just go somewhere,” she said. “It didn’t matter where we were going. We often didn’t have a destination. Sometimes we’d drive to Stillwater, head out on highway 61, cross over and head down 35 on the Wisconsin side of the river. We’d just flip a coin, go somewhere and hang out.”
Beatty is clearly not a person prone to platitudes, but she paused and thought carefully before continuing. “People like to use the expression ‘soulmate,’” she said. “I don’t usually use that expression, but in talking with you now I’m thinking, I don’t know. Maybe Stuart and I were soulmates.”
One way to say thank you
During Goldbarg’s hospital stay, his isolated death and the lonely days that followed, Beatty felt driven to say thank you to all the hospital workers who cared for him while she could not.
One of those people was Paula Skarda, M.D., Goldbarg’s primary care physician of 25 years and a hospitalist at Regions. Skarda was on duty at the hospital one day when she saw that Goldbarg was in the ICU. She took over his care, and called Beatty with regular updates.
Skarda said she witnessed how the iPads helped the couple communicate when they were forced to be apart: “Every day while Stuart was in the hospital, Phyllis would call in on the iPad and just read to him, which was quite touching. She’d say goodnight and then do it again the next day.”
Skarda said that Beatty told her she wanted to do something to thank providers for their hard work. “She was one of those people who was constantly asking how they could help us,” she recalled. “You feel horrible for these families. You are able to be there all the time and yet they are not. Stuart was gravely ill and Phyllis would say to me, ‘What can I do for the staff?’”
Beatty explained that her focus on thanking hospital staff came from her sincere gratitude that they were willing to step in and care for her husband when she couldn’t. “Who else could love him?” Beatty asked. “I couldn’t be there.” In her absence, she said, nurses and doctors “brought really tender, loving care to Stuart.”
Skarda said she knew she wanted to be there to support her longtime patient and his wife. In difficult moments, she did her best to bridge the gap forced by visitation rules. Beatty told her she appreciated all she was doing for her husband.
“Phyllis would say to me, ‘It is OK because you’re holding his hand today,’” Skarda said. “It is heartbreaking because you don’t want to be the one holding his hand. You want it to be his wife.”
When it became clear that Goldbarg was going to die, Beatty asked his rabbi to perform vidui, a prayer of confession offered by a rabbi on behalf of the person as death approaches. The rabbi couldn’t be there in person, but the hospital allowed Beatty in for the ritual. She and Skarda sat together at his bedside.
It the prayer was done over the iPad. Skarda said. “It didn’t feel cheap. It actually felt intimate and genuine. It was Phyllis, myself and Stuart. The rabbi was on the iPad.”
On Goldbarg’s CaringBridge site, Beatty let his many friends and family members know about her plans and how they could contribute to the iPad fund. “I put it out there that this need existed,” she said. “There was a very large CaringBridge community. People said, ‘I’d contribute to that,’ and all of the sudden the checks started coming in.”
Once she’d collected the donations, Beatty presented them to staff at the Regions Hospital Foundation. Julie Schimelpfenig, director of major and planned giving for the foundation, said that the funds raised went to buy four iPads for the hospital’s ICU. Beatty wasn’t the only grateful family member who raised money for technology, she added: Before the pandemic hit, Regions had no iPads. Today there are 43, and every clinical unit in the hospital has at least one iPad that can be used to connect patients with family members.
“I think a patient and their families receive a deep level of satisfaction when they can give back,” Schimelpfenig said.
Beatty said she is pleased that a group of people who loved Goldbarg were able to do something that will help others stay connected to their loved ones.
Her husband, she said, “was an ordinary guy who lived an ordinary life in an ordinary house with an ordinary wife. He was not exceptional, not a gold-medal winner or a Pulitzer Prize-winner or even a Ph.D.”
But being ordinary doesn’t mean a person can’t have an impact on the world.
“Over time, ordinary people do extraordinary things,” Beatty said. When she gave her gift to the hospital, she said she wanted to make that clear: “Ordinary people need to know that they can make a difference, that there are extraordinary ways to contribute.”
JUDITH GIDDENS WHITE '64
Judith (Giddens) White, 75, of New Bern, passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at home. Judith was born on May 25, 1946 in St. Paul, Minnesota to the late, Paul Giddens and Marie Robins Giddens. She loved animals, Pepsi, collecting antiques and Christmas shopping year round.
She is survived by her brother, Thomas Giddens (Laurie), her nephew, David Giddens (Rhoda), her niece, Ellen Walsh (Brian) and her sister-in-law, Susan Giddens. Also survived by great nieces and nephews and many other friends. She is predeceased by her brother, Jackson Giddens.
The family would like to thank the Simmons family (Sheldon, Belinda and Samantha) for the love and support they have given Judy.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. She will be laid to rest in Meadville, PA with her parents. Online condolences can be made to www.cottenfuneralhome.com.
DEAN ALEXANDER '52
LAURENCE "MIKE" BUTLER '51
Laurence Michael "Mike" Butler, Jr. 88, of Anacortes, passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Frances (Smith) and Laurence Michael Butler, Sr. on March 11, 1933. He was a Yale Graduate with a Degree in History, and he received a Degree in Animal Science from the University of Colorado. He went into cattle ranching and later owned and operated a cattle ranch for 24 years before retiring. During the course of his life, he showed an enduring love of nature and animals. He was very concerned with the environment and the disparity of wealth around the world. Mike was an avid reader, always in pursuit of broadening his knowledge on subjects that appealed to him.
Mike met the love of his life, Lupita Varela in Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico. Lupita fondly remembers his passion for whistling which was very harmonious to listen to. He was a fluent Spanish speaker, and late in life he enjoyed meeting regularly with a Spanish language social group in Anacortes. He will be deeply missed.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sister, Debbie Bancroft ‘48; his beloved wife of 39 years, Lupita and their son Ben; four children from a previous marriage: Martha, Larry, Kate, and Meg; grandchildren: Lisa, Molly, Colin, Bridget, Emma, Dorcy, and Miya; and great grandchildren: Arlo and Felix.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests celebrating Mike's life by supporting forest restoration with a donation to Trees for a Change. There is a custom grove for Mike at www.treesforachange.com/custom-grove-of-trees
RICHARD PRYOR '53
Dick was born April 7, 1935, in Long Beach, CA. As his father was a Naval officer, he lived in Paris for his first 4 years and in numerous US cities before settling down in St. Paul. He was a graduate of St. Paul Academy and Macalester College. Dick was a professional risk manager and served in that capacity for several large companies including Northwest Airlines and Bemis Paper Company. He was very active in the St. Paul Jaycees, being on the Board of Directors as well as winning a Gold Key for his work with urban youth. He was a vestry member and treasurer of St. Mary's Episcopal Church for many years and served on the Board of Directors of his Townhouse Association. Dick coached youth football and Little League baseball. In spite of his philosophy that every child will play at least half a game regardless of ability, his teams were always first or second in the league. He was an avid golfer, having had two holes in one, and a longtime member of Hillcrest Country Club. Devoted as he was to his family, Dick would often say "they are my life". He will be remembered for his love of his family, work ethic, and ability to make people smile.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents Knight and Dorothy, brother Henry, and grandson Joshua Hoover. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Liz; children John (Debbie) Nauman, Jon (Laurie) Pryor, Ann (Tony) Andersen, Tim (Patty) Pryor and Michelle (Bob) Hoover; grandchildren Emily (Cam), Tom (Catherine), Elizabeth (Jason), Andrew (Sara), Sam (Lauren), Stephanie (Trevor), Sarah (Ben), Laura (Nick), Maria (Tyler), Julia, Elizabeth, Katelyn, Meg, Matthew and Clare; great grand children Aiden, Genevieve, Calvin, Alex, Jon, Charlotte, Griffin, Clementine, Asher, Silas, Graham, Harriette, Henry, Tony, Ned, Watson, Elliott, Rey, Sullivan and James; brother Austin (Dorothy) and sister-in-law Mary.
NANCY GAVER PRIEDEMAN '46
Nancy Katharine Gaver Priedeman of Deephaven MN, died September 9th, 2021. Preceded in death by her husband William Priedeman Sr. '43, and parents Dorothea and Donald Gaver and brother Donald P Gaver Jr. '44. Survived by her children Katharine White (Charles), and William Priedeman Jr. (Marcia) and grandchildren David White (Christine), Andrew White (Kathryn Winder), Robert White, Molly Priedeman, Thomas Priedeman (Aly), Olivia Priedeman, Madelyn McMullen and Lauren McMullen and 6 great grandchildren. Nancy attended Summit School in St Paul, and Wellesley College, before marrying Bill. She was a member of the Junior League of Minneapolis, Encampment Forest Association and Lafayette Club. Private family interment. Memorials preferred to the Minneapolis Animal Humane Society or charity of choice.
RACHEL IVES '95
DAVID HERR '68
David Fulton Herr 1950-2021 Died on December 22, 2021 at age 71 after a six-month long struggle with ALS. He is mourned by his wife of 35 years, Mary Kay Herr (nee Strand), family, friends and colleagues.
Besides Mary Kay, he is survived by sons, Ehrland Akasha Truitt (Molly) of Santa Fe, NM and Alec Fulton Herr ’08 of Boulder, CO; grandsons, Reyes Lucero of Boulder, CO and Novic David Truitt of Santa Fe, NM; siblings, Susan Herr Hopwood ’64 (Howard) of Milwaukee, WI, Barbara Herr Harthorn ’69 (Roy) of Santa Barbara, CA, and Andrew Fulton Herr of Dallas, TX, as well as several nieces and nephews.
David was born July 13, 1950, in the old Miller Hospital and was a lifelong booster and resident of St. Paul. He attended Linwood Park School, St. Paul Academy, and graduated from Camarillo (Calif.) High School in 1968. He received a B.A. in Geology, English, and Political Science and an M.B.A. (Finance) from the University of Colorado at Boulder before relocating to St. Paul to attend law school at William Mitchell (now Mitchell Hamline College of Law), graduating with a J.D. cum laude in 1978. David clerked in Minnesota district court during law school, then began his career with the Minneapolis firm Robins, Kaplan. In 1981 he began his 40-year association with the Minneapolis firm Maslon, LLP, in their Litigation Group, where he became a highly regarded appellate lawyer, complex case litigator, and managing partner. He regularly argued cases in the Minnesota Appellate courts and the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
He had a lifelong commitment to giving back to the profession. As an adjunct professor at William Mitchell for more than 30 years, David taught litigation and trial practice and was a prolific author of textbooks on Minnesota and U.S. law. He also helped draft and amend the rules that govern Minnesota lawyers and judges in every facet of civil practice. On December 3, 2021, he was honored at a Lifetime Achievement Celebration that cited David's professionalism, visionary leadership, his love of appellate work, and his generous mentoring of students and young lawyers. He freely gave time and expertise to pro bono work such as serving on the boards of the Innocence Project of Minnesota, the Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society, the United Hospital Foundation, and the U.S. Fencing Association.
David was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He had broad interests, was a voracious reader, and with Mary Kay traveled widely, both internationally and on road trips to or with his family. David loved meeting people and he had a wide range of friends, taking great care to maintain those friendships over decades. David was a lifelong member of St. Paul's House of Hope Presbyterian Church, where a memorial service will be planned for spring '22. Those wishing to honor David could make a memorial gift to the ALS Association of Minnesota or the United Hospital Foundation.
JAMES WALLACE, III '52
James Mann III "Jim" Wallace, age 87, Eden Prairie, MN, 10/26/34-12/24/21. Preceded in death by parents Jack & Eleanor, sister Joan & her son Todd. Survived by wife Kate & daughter Anne (Jason), Children from previous marriage to Polly Olmstead ’54: Theo, Andy (Jeanne Cochran), Ben (Liz), grandchildren Julia, Peter, Katie, Jack. Many beloved nephews, cousins, family, and friends.
Born in Minneapolis, Jim lived in St. Paul, Stillwater, Minneapolis, & Eden Prairie. Attended SPA, MIT, U of M, & Stanford. Served in the Minnesota Air National Guard. A true renaissance man, Jim had an insatiable curiosity, was a voracious reader with vocabulary to match; loved literature, film, art, and poetry. He shared his passion for an uncommonly broad range of music, of which he had a deep knowledge, and collected a small museum's worth of instruments. Travel was a big part of Jim's life, working on the Empire Builder train as a teen, selling for Braniff and SAS, running Wallace Travel, and traveling the world for work and leisure. He loved canoeing, sailing, and scuba diving. A talented photographer, Jim chronicled our lives with stunning shots filling countless albums and drives, with cherished enlargements in friends' homes. Intrigued by genealogy, he created a digital family history, and recently, a memoir. An eloquent writer, communicator, and visionary manager, Jim did groundbreaking branding and advertising work for BBDO, Siegel+Gale, and Cargill. An advocate for equity, Jim would address ethical disparities head-on and form lasting bonds with friends and colleagues. He had a wit and style like no other.
Special thanks to the care team at Abbott NW Wound Clinic for many years of attentive care. No service to be held, per Jim's wishes. Memorials to the Ronald McDonald House.
CATHERINE "KITTY" (WOLFF) HARTZELL '48
Catherine Bowes Wolff "Kitty" Hartzell of Wayzata, died January 3, 2022. Kitty, born November 17, 1930, to Fred and Barbara Wolff. She married the love of her life Jim Hartzell and had 67 happy years together. Survived by three children, Katie Blevins ’70, Susan Vannelli (Greg), Jim Hartzell Jr. (Suzanne); sister Judy Briggs ’52; 13 Grandchildren; 22 Great Grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Jim.
Kitty volunteered with St Paul Jr League, Children's Hospital, and Assembly Ball among other organizations. She and Jim wintered in Florida and made many close friends there. Kitty was a member of House of Hope Presbyterian Church & First Presbyterian of Naples.
PETER SHEPARD '65
RICHARD DUNN '46
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of the eminent historian Richard S. Dunn who died on January 24, 2022, at the age of 93. He was the Roy F. and Jeannette P. Nichols Professor of American History Emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania, Director Emeritus of the McNeil Center for Early American Studies, and Co-Executive Officer Emeritus of the American Philosophical Society.
He was the author, among other books, of Sugar and Slaves: The Rise of the Planter Class in the English West Indies, 1624–1713, which first appeared in 1972 and was republished in 2000, and most recently A Tale of Two Plantations: Slave Life and Labor in Jamaica and Virginia (2014), a painstaking reconstruction of the individual and collective experiences of three generations of enslaved people on the sugar estates of Mesopotamia in Jamaica and Mount Airy in tidewater Virginia.
Professor Dunn passed away in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, due to the aftermath of a COVID infection surrounded by his family.
After 57 years of marriage, Mary Maples Dunn pre-deceased him in 2017. He is survived by his daughter Rebecca Cofrin Dunn of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, daughter-in-law Andrea Kurtz, granddaughter Cady B Marie Dunn, daughter Cecilia Elizabeth Dunn of Newton, Massachusetts, son-in-law Lee Campbell, and grandsons Benjamin Dunn Campbell and Frederic David Campbell as well as a brother-in-law, Frederic Maples S.J., two sisters-in law Helen Jean Arthur and Mary Ann Maples, and many beloved nephews and nieces.
FREDERICK "RICK" DRISCOLL '54
Frederick “Rick” Driscoll of Williamstown, Massachusetts. Beloved husband of Jeanne Driscoll, died of natural causes at home, surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 30, 2022. He was 86 years old. Although he had contended with various health issues in recent years, his death came with minimal suffering after he entered hospice care following a short stay at the hospital for a cerebral hemorrhage.
Rick was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of John Fiske Driscoll of St. Paul and Helen Russell Locke of Watertown, Massachusetts. With a great love for athletics and the outdoors, Rick enjoyed an active early life. He graduated from St. Paul Academy, where he was captain of his school's hockey team. He received his undergraduate degree from Williams College, class of '58, where he majored in English and played hockey, football, and track. He married his first wife, Carol Bratnober ’54, during his sophomore year at Williams and his first daughter, Jennifer, was born two weeks after graduation. Following college, Rick returned to St. Paul where he taught English, coached hockey, and served as an administrator at St. Paul Academy. After ten years there and the birth of three more daughters, Rick moved to Whitefish, Montana, where he taught English at a public high school and, with the help of his family, ran a 50-acre farm.
After a divorce in 1970, Rick received a Master's in Education and Administration from Gonzaga University, in Spokane, Washington. He then moved to upstate New York to work as an educational consultant at the Southern Tier Regional Education Center of New York State, where he met a colleague, Jeanne Bosson, and they were married in October 1972. He began a career as a headmaster, first at Denver Country Day School in Denver, Colorado, and then at The Green Vale School in Glen Head, New York. In the late 1970's, Rick returned to Williamstown, and began working at the Admissions Office of Williams College and then took an associate deanship at Southern Vermont College in Bennington, Vermont.
In May of 1984, Rick began his recovery from alcoholism which continued uninterrupted for the rest of his life. Maintaining his sobriety and helping other people with addiction would become a cornerstone of his life. Over the years he sponsored many recovering alcoholics and served on the board of the Brien Center for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services in Pittsfield, MA. In 1985, Rick became the founding Director of Sweetwood of Williamstown Retirement Community, where more recently he lived for the final two years of his life. Before retiring, Rick returned to education to become the Director of Admissions at the Hoosac School in Hoosick, NY for several years. Rick volunteered and contributed to various charitable organizations in the area, including serving on the boards of the Mt. Greylock ABC House, the Park-McCullough House of North Bennington, The Oldcastle Theater Company of Bennington, and as a campaign director of the Northern Berkshire United Way. Rick was always an avid sports fan and had a great passion for all things related to his alma mater. He was a consistent presence at Williams hockey games and banquets and was respected and appreciated by the teams. He was active in the Williams College Sideline Quarterback Club. He also attended many basketball and lacrosse games (especially when his granddaughter was playing). He was frequently instrumental in organizing Williams College Class of '58 alumni events and was remembered fondly by most everyone he knew from his college years.
Rick was predeceased by his sister, Rebecca Blodgett ’51, and husband Tim, and his great-grandson Otto Brown. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Genevieve "Jeanne" Driscoll; his brother, Andrew Driscoll ’59, and wife Svetlana; his daughters Jennifer Bell, and husband Daniel; Cindy Luna, and husband Richard; Molly Cisneros, and husband Danny; Julie Driscoll; his stepson, Matthew Bosson, and wife Leslie; as well as eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be planned for later in the year. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Brien Center for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services.
PIERS LEWIS '49
English professor, writer, family man, known for his scholarly interest in ideas (which often came with strong opinions), his adventurous spirit, and his humor, kindness, and generosity, died on December 1st, 2021, in St. Paul, surrounded by his family.
Piers was born December 13, 1930, first child of Georgiana (Ingersoll), a descendant of pioneering St. Paul and Red Wing families (Ingersolls, MacLarens, Densmores), and Herbert Lewis, the crusading editor of the Pioneer Press and Dispatch from 1949 to 1964. The elder Lewis played a key role in transforming St. Paul from a mob-ridden sanctuary for crooks, conmen and corrupt public officials into a model of good government. Piers credited his parents with his curiosity about the world, his social conscience, and his love of language. Much of Piers Lewis's life was spent defying conventional standards and expectations, and questioning received wisdom. He loved reasoned debate about words, ideas, and politics. Though at times he could be less than diplomatic, he possessed a rare ability to admit fault, to be persuaded by new information or a well-presented argument, and to laugh at himself. He approached the world with a skeptical but open mind. For those close to him, there never was a more delighted laugh, a warmer, more unreservedly generous, compassionate, and loyal heart. A bricoleur, he was fond of improvising fixes and accomplishing anything he could with come-alongs, wire, duct tape. He loved Cuban cigars, fly fishing, baseball, Fellini, WB Yeats, The Magic Flute, Don Quixote, New Orleans jazz, animals, good scotch, chess, photography, cooking dinners for everyday and large family gatherings, and spending time among his clan at the cabin his grandparents built on the St. Croix River. In the 1950s, he rode a motorcycle with sidecar across Europe with his sister and brother; he took part in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s March on Washington in 1963; exchanged love poems with his wife every Valentine's Day; wrote Shakespearean Questions, a book of essays for the common reader interested in Shakespeare; taught himself to dive from a high cliff into the sea; and took down a deer as a first time bow-hunter in his 70s. As an adolescent and young man, he worked for the Great Northern railroad as a gandy dancer in North Dakota; in an assembly line that stamped out refrigerator doors; and mucking out barns at the State Fair.
At the age of 15, Piers traveled alone from St. Paul to the Northwest Territories and worked on one of the last two sternwheelers on the Mackenzie River as it transported freight to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic coast. Piers graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1949, where he was a top student and played football, wrestled, and was a champion marksman and captain of the rifle team. He went on to Amherst College, where he studied philosophy, mathematics, and literature. He received a Ph.D in English Literature from Harvard in 1954. He won a Fulbright to study at Cambridge University, served in the U.S. Army in Germany, and taught English literature, first at Wellesley College, then at Bemidji State University, and finally at Metropolitan State University. In 1983-84 Piers taught at Hebei University in Baoding, PRC. Piers met the love of his life, Katherine Greene, at a spaghetti dinner he hosted with his roommates while at Harvard. She had recently returned from the Middle East and he overheard her talking about it; he was struck by the sound of her voice, her wit and adventurousness. Piers and Kathy raised four children. At a time when men who participated in caregiving were the rare exception, Piers was a hands-on father, sharing equally in changing, bathing, feeding and soothing their children. In grade school, college, graduate school, and in all of the institutions where Piers taught, he made lasting friendships. The people who counted Piers a friend and source of thoughtful conversations included the contractors, tree cutters, house painters, road graders and handymen he hired, as well as neighbors, colleagues, former students, and his adult childrens' friends. After he retired in 1995, wanting to read the Iliad and the Odyssey in their original language, he enrolled in Ancient Greek at the University of Minnesota. He also returned to studying what he called his "first love," mathematics. When he was 73, he decided to get his first tattoos, including the names and birthdates of his grandchildren on his forearm. As some grandparents pull photographs from wallets, Piers pulled up his sleeve. He was not only an adoring husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather, he was also a second father and mentor to many nieces and nephews. If anyone asked for his help, he was ready to provide what he could: rides to or from the airport, money to come home, letters of support, a place to land, a shoulder to lean on. He provided a sense of safety and reassurance that the world is an OK place, as long as you have love and family. Piers died just shy of his 91st birthday, after a decline of several years from Alzheimer's disease. When so much had been lost, he retained his humor and deep attachment to his family, as well as an ear for poetry and music.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert L. and Georgiana "Georgie" (Ingersoll) Lewis, and four dear first cousins, Janey Washburn '41, Bruce Ingersoll '59, Laura Ingersoll Johnson, and Alan Summersby Emmet. Piers is survived by his wife of 61 years Katherine G.; children Benjamin Lewis '79 (Krishnakali), Georgeanna Lewis '83 (Sean Toren), Katherine '86, and Rebecca; sister Georgiana "Genna" Anderson '51, and brother H. Finlay Lewis '56 (Willee); grandchildren Rohan Lewis and Bruno Toren; first cousins Ed Summersby (Judy) and Brenda Ingersoll; and many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and cousins; in-laws Tom and Margaret Greene and Fred and Ellie Horlbeck and their children and grandchildren; and former student and honorary family member, Ping Wang (Steve King).
JOSEPH "TOM" MARVER '66
Joseph “Tom” Marver, age 74, of Mendota Heights, passed away on February 20, 2022. Preceded in death by his parents, Hillard and Gloria Marver; and sister, Terry Gendler. Survived by children, Amity Joy Marver (Miki Carlson), Emily Marver and Dustin Marver; grandchildren, Braeden Marver, Eli Marver and Max Hillel Gilman; and brothers, Bill ’67 (Sheila) Marver and Dana (Rosalind) Marver. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to any of Tom's favorite organizations or donor's favorite charity.
JAMES NEHER '54
James "Jim" Neher, age 86 of St. Paul. Born on December 4, 1935. Jim died on February 15th, two days before his 60th anniversary. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Frederich and Cecelia Kilbane Neher, step-father Harry Nonnemacher, brother Dr. Fred Neher ’43, step-brothers Vincent and Harry Nonnemacher, Jr., uncle Arthur Neher and aunts Frances Neher and Mildred Hedrich. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Kate Mura, son Karl ’86, daughter Kati ’88, grandchildren Dominique and Olivia, cousin Barb Fritz, four nephews and a niece, several grand nephews and nieces and great grand nephews.
Jim was born and grew up in St. Paul. After graduating from St. Paul Academy in 1954 and Harvard in 1959 he spent eight years in advertising and sales promotion at 3M Company while serving in the Minnesota National Guard as a medic. After eloping in Chicago at Old St. Mary's Church with Bob and Nancy Culligan as attendants, they took up residence in St. Paul to raise a family. In 1968 Jim enrolled in William Mitchell College of Law serving as an investigator in the Minnesota Attorney General's office while in law school. He joined the tax litigation office in 1972 where he represented the state of Minnesota in a trial and appellate court practice spanning thirty-six years. The highlight of his legal career was a federal case originating in Minnesota and ending successfully in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Spurred by his wife, Jim spent a significant amount of his retirement years enjoying travel. In addition to annual visits to Door County Wisconsin with their grandchildren, they enjoyed other countries. His favorite places included Santa Fe, New Mexico and Mazatlan, Mexico. Visiting Mazatlan provided Jim with the opportunity to do volunteer work with a much-in-need animal shelter. Lest they be forgotten, important to Jim were the many furred and feathered members of his family. All of them were a source of joy to the entire family for many years.
Thanks to Drs Gregory Granrud, Denise Long and Ted Zukowski and their staffs for the excellent care Jim received over the years while dealing with cardiomyopathy. The family wishes to sincerely thank the administration, staff, and medical caregivers at Carondelet Village who provided extraordinary loving care during hospice. Memorials preferred to Second Chance Animal Rescue in White Bear Lake, Minnesota and Animal Humane Society, Minnesota. Visitation and Memorial Service will be in the spring.
ELISABETH GELDEN - FORMER FACULTY
Elisabeth “Lissa” Mary (Flinn) Gelden was born in 1938 in Minneapolis, MN and died Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at The Emeralds at Grand Rapids Assisted Living. As an infant, Lissa was adopted into the loving family of William Claude and Virginia (Brickley) Flinn of St. Paul, MN and baptized on July 10, 1938, at the Cathedral of St. Paul.
Lissa was the consummate storyteller and recounted, with humor, to all who would listen the many escapades and misadventures of her life. From growing up in St. Paul to summertime in Two Harbors, MN with grandparents and boarding school in Indiana. Following graduation from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Lissa embarked on a long elementary teaching career, most notably many years at St. Paul Academy and Summit School. Her philosophy of teaching involved play and fun as foundational for young students and her teaching bore much fruit, garnering praise from parents, staff, and students alike. Lissa married Leonard Gelden in 1978 and following retirement, they moved north of Grand Rapids to enjoy lake living until Leonard’s death.
Lissa had many passions...she loved being a positive and generous person, she loved her cats and dogs, she loved Pat and Donna Surface and the music they made, she loved to knit and made countless prayer shawls and baby sweaters, she loved her church and was highly involved in the worship life and activities of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids...and so much more. She was a dear person and will be missed but will always be remembered.
Lissa was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard; and brother, Michael Flinn. She is survived by her cousin, Betsy Brickley Adams and her family of Mill Valley, CA, as well as a niece, Pegge Papsco; and two nephews, Daniel and Peter Flinn.
Much appreciation and thanks to The Emeralds at Grand Rapids staff who made her life comfortable and fulfilling and, in her last months, many thanks to the Moments Hospice team for their excellent end-of-life-care.
MIRIAM CHAYA (CARDOZO) CHARNEY '81
Miriam Chaya (Cardozo) Charney, 59, passed away peacefully in her home on March 24th. She is survived by her beloved son, Joseph Charney, father, Richard N. Cardozo, sister, Rebecca Cardozo-Pfeiffer, and former husband, Adam Charney. She is preceded in death by her sister, Rachel Liba Cardozo and her mother, Arlene Rossen Cardozo. Miriam was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Law and attended both the University of Minnesota and Harvard University. Miriam was also a rabbi, a teacher, a lifelong learner, and a great friend. But the achievement Miriam was most proud of was bringing Joseph into the world. As a mother, Miriam was a warrior.
JEFFREY ROSS '75
Jeff Ross passed away on Wednesday, March 23, in Palm Springs, CA. He was sixty-five and contained multitudes. Born in St. Paul, he attended St. Paul Academy, Columbia University, and University of Minnesota Law School, and had a much-respected career as an attorney. Among those who will miss him are his children Max and Lydia, his grandchildren, and countless close friends.
WALLACE PARKS RITCHIE, JR. '53
Wallace Parks Ritchie Jr. MD, PhD died on Thursday, March 17th, 2022 at the age of 86 years. He was surrounded by his beloved children and his beloved aide, Lorraine Brumskine. Dr. Ritchie was a nationally renowned general surgeon and educator for over 50 years. He retired from his position as Executive Director of the American Board of Surgery in 2002.
Wallace was born on November 4th, 1935 in St. Paul, MN to Dr. Wallace P. Ritchie Sr ’23 and Alice Otis Ritchie. Dr. Ritchie Sr. was a Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota and his grandfather, Harry P. Ritchie, was also a general surgeon practicing in St. Paul. His great grandfather, A. Parks Ritchie, was the second dean of the University of Minnesota Medical School from 1897 to 1906. Dr. Ritchie graduated from Yale University in 1957 with a degree in history and from Johns Hopkins Medical School in 1961. He completed his surgical residency at the University of Minnesota along with earning his Phd in general surgery under the tutelage of Owen H. Wangensteen MD. Dr. Wangensteen was credited with creating a surgical program at the University of Minnesota that was nationally renowned for its innovation and challenging surgical program where Dr. Ritchie thrived. He was part of many surgical breakthroughs of the era including some of the first successful transplant surgeries ever performed in the United States.
He was drafted into the army in 1970 and served at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, MD where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. While there he devised more innovative and successful treatments for veterans returning from Vietnam suffering from bleeding peptic ulcers. He continued his research focused on gastric physiology and GI surgery as a Professor of Surgery at the University of Virginia from 1973 to 1984. While there he became known as one of the nation's foremost surgical scientists and was considered a world authority on peptic ulcer and other inflammatory conditions of the stomach. From 1984 to 1994 Dr. Ritchie served as Surgery Professor and Chair of Temple University Department of Surgery in Philadelphia. He was credited with shepherding the growth of the surgery department, presiding over the development of Philadelphia's first cardiac transplant program and integrating surgical research into the residency program enabling residents to present exceptional research at the yearly American College of Surgery meeting and other national surgical meetings.
Above all else, he loved teaching medical students and residents. His conferences were legendary, where his quick wit, incredible intellect and broad experience combined to both entertain and drive home important surgical concepts. In 2014 his former students, surgical residents and colleagues honored him with a presentation of his portrait to the Temple School of Medicine. "He taught us not just to be comfortable in the operating room but to thrive there" said Amy Goldberg, who now chairs the same Temple Surgery Department once held by her mentor. Dr. Ritchie retired from surgery in 1994 to serve as Executive Director of the American Board of Surgery until his retirement in 2002. He also served as president of both the Association for Academic Surgery and the Philadelphia Academy of Surgery. In addition, he published over 100 peer reviewed papers and contributed to numerous standard surgical textbooks. Most of all Dr. Ritchie's legacy lives on through the scores of medical students and surgeons he taught and trained including many who now hold leadership roles in academic medicine. He loved to teach and was so very honored that many of his former students have assisted in recently establishing a named lectureship at Temple University Medical School in his honor.
In retirement Wallace became a docent with the Architectural Society of Philadelphia and led architectural tours throughout the city he loved so much. He also traveled the world with his lovely wife Barbara and adored spending time with his four beloved grandchildren. His longtime friend and colleague Dr. Henry Buchwald remembered him as "a loyal friend, who gave liberally of his time and efforts. He will be thought of by his friends with a smile and gratitude for having known him." He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jewell Ritchie in 2014.
He is survived by his children, Stephanie Ritchie, David Ritchie and Jessica Ritchie McCarthy and his grandchildren Brittney Cockett-Ritchie, Taylor Ritchie, Jake McCarthy and Cameron McCarthy as well as his brother Daniel Ritchie ’60 of Washington, DC.
SARA "SALLY" (MOORE) ALLEN '52
Sally Moore Allen passed away on her own terms while surrounded by family and friends at home on April 4, 2022 after a 25-year battle with ovarian cancer.
Born and raised in St Paul, Sally and her family spent their summers in Dellwood. She was especially proud of her lifelong connection to White Bear Lake. Sally graduated from Summit School and remained close to her classmates throughout her adult life.
After meeting Bill Allen at an appliance and record store in White Bear Lake, the two married in 1957. In 1961 they purchased a newly built home on Floral Drive in White Bear Lake. There they raised their three children. After Bill’s passing in 1988, Sally stayed in their home until moving to senior housing in 2017. Realizing it was not a good fit, she began her search for a new place to call home. When she moved into the Arbors in White Bear Lake she knew she had found the right place.
Sally enjoyed volunteering, most notably serving as a board member and treasurer for the White Bear Lake Hockey and Skating Association in its early days. She was also a board member and president of the Miller Hospital Auxiliary, co-chairing a major fundraising campaign that was featured in the newspaper and on the television news.
Sally was an involved parent and grandparent. She was a fixture in the stands at countless hockey, football, basketball, baseball, softball and lacrosse games, as well as piano recitals and band concerts.
A woman of many talents, Sally always had a project or two in the works. An accomplished knitter, her needles were always near at hand. She continued to knit even as her eyesight was failing and had two projects on the needles when she passed. She was also a talented seamstress, cook and baker. She freely shared her time and talents, teaching family, friends and acquaintances how to knit, cook, and even how to swim.
A world traveler, Sally was particularly fond of Mexico, first visiting in 1985. After many trips to various locations, she lost her heart to Puerto Aventuras. There she discovered a community of snowbirds and Mexicans that became her second family. She spent time there every winter beginning in 2001, with the exception of 2021 due to the pandemic. She was able to return for a short visit only weeks before she passed.
Sally’s heart, home and pool were always open to people of all ages. Sally made friends easily, “collecting “ people wherever she went. She loved to host parties and was known for her house and pool parties that were attended by people of all ages. There were always extra faces at the table, on the porch and around the pool in White Bear Lake and Mexico.
Sally was proud to be considered a second mom or surrogate Grammy or Abuela to many children and young people, maintaining many of these relationships for years.
Sally was preceded in death by her husband William “Bill;” parents James “Jim” and Alice Moore ’25; brothers Albert “Dinty” and James “Jimmy”, and many beloved dogs and other pets. She is survived by her children Jamie (Diane) and Randy (Angela) Allen, and Sara (Andy) Schmitt; grandchildren Lucas (Stacy), Nathan (Emily), Garrett (Lindsey), and Carly (Tommy); great grandchild Dexter, her grand dogs, and many close friends.
Memorials preferred to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Huntington’s Disease Society of America, or Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance.
JOHN "JACK" STAFFORD, SR. '54
John "Jack" Marshall Stafford of Naples, FL and formerly of Edina, MN passed away peacefully, at home, on April 26, 2022, at age 85. He was preceded in death by his daughter Lisa Stafford French, parents Harriet Walker Abbott, William (Bill) H. Abbott, Marshall Stafford and Aunt Patricia Walker.
A loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend Jack will be remembered for his intellect, business savvy, humor and generosity. He had a love of sports, especially golf and tennis where he excelled, winning multiple Country Club tournaments in MN and FL. Jack loved throwing great parties and treating family and friends to great wine, food and entertaining stories.
Jack graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1954 and attended Yale University, graduating in June of 1958. Upon his graduation, he immediately returned to St. Paul to marry the love of his life Ardietta (Deta) Henry Ford ’54, a Wellesley alumna. Days later the couple relocated to CA where Jack reported to Camp Pendleton for duty as a Marine Corps Officer. Once Jack completed his military service in 1960, the couple moved to the Chicago area where Jack launched a highly successful business career that began at Leo Burnett, where he remained from 1960 - 1972. During that time, he advanced to Senior Vice President, Account Supervisor. In 1972, Jack became the VP of Marketing for Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in Louisville, KY, where he remained until 1975 when he was hired by Green Giant in MN as Senior Vice President. In 1979, Jack became the COO of Green Giant and upon the company's acquisition by Pillsbury became an Executive VP at Pillsbury from 1979 - 1984. Jack served as Chairman and CEO of Pillsbury from 1984 - 1988. In retirement, Jack served on the board of Cooper Industries, Michael Foods Inc., Minnetonka Cooperation, and Humanetics. He was also a noteworthy and avid investor. He and Deta have been generous supporters of The Salvation Army, The Mayo Clinic, AACRF, College Possible and The Philharmonic Center for the Arts.
Jack is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 64 years Deta ’54; his sons John (Beth) Stafford, Michael (Angela) Stafford; his grandsons Evan, Ryan and Connor Stafford; and his granddaughters, Heather and Anna Stafford. Jack's family will remember him for his integrity, determination, art of conversation and love of compounded interest. He and Deta also provided their family the gift of world-wide travel, where many lasting memories were made. A quintessential people person with a knack for making friends, Jack will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
GEORGE RICHARD SLADE '48
George Richard “Dick” Slade ’48 January 12, 1931 — April 30, 2022 of Minneapolis. Dick was born January 12, 1931 in Duluth to George Norman Slade ’20 and Elizabeth Carr Slade. He passed away April 30, 2022 in Minneapolis from complications of Alzheimer's dementia. Dick is survived by his wife Ella Carpenter Slade ’51, his children George Gilbert Slade ’79 of Minneapolis, Helen Carpenter Slade ’80 of Chicago (Joe Byrd), Andrew Hill Slade ’82 of Duluth (Sally Rauschenfels), and Molli Carr Slade ’81 of Roseville (Chris Bjorklund), and his grandchildren Juliet, Laura ’16, Milan, Cormac, Odin, Hans, Noah, Annabel and Olive. Dick was preceded in death by his brother Norman Timothy Slade ’57 and is survived by his brother James William Slade ’54 (Jenella) and sister Elizabeth ("Lee") Slade Driscoll ’50.
Dick's father worked for the Northern Pacific Railway and the family moved from Duluth to Glendive and Missoula, MT. The family settled at Fenlea Farm in Dellwood. Dick attended St. Paul Academy and graduated from Canterbury School in 1948. He graduated from Yale University in 1952. Dick married Mary Ella Carpenter of St. Paul on April 7, 1956 at St. Mary of the Lake Church in White Bear Lake. The family lived in Deephaven, Mound, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul. Dick's career path touched Northwestern National Bank (including eight years as President of Northwestern National Bank, St. Paul), the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and US Bank. Dick also served on many nonprofit boards, including the Wilder Foundation, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Ordway Music Theatre, James J. Hill Reference Library, Nature Conservancy, Minnesota Land Trust, Hamline University, St. Paul Urban League, and Lowertown Redevelopment Corporation.
His life was always more than his work. Dick enjoyed extensive travel, generally combined with outdoor adventures like woodcock hunting in Crimea, hiking across England or the Alps, a pilgrimage from Spain to Rome, and downhill skiing in the Rockies and Chile. The best adventures took place on Lake Superior's North Shore where he and Ella built a house and hosted memories for friends and family: hikes, ski trips, smelting, berry picking, picnics on the cobblestone beaches, and card games. Retirement signaled new challenges. He hiked the entire Superior Hiking Trail. He received a masters degree in liberal studies from Hamline University. He and Ella traveled to China, New Zealand, and Alaska. He got sober and rediscovered cookies. He wrote the book on Minnesota's major bank holding companies. Dick arrived at his 70th birthday party on cross country skis and got his first tattoo in honor of his and Ella's 60th anniversary. Dementia dimmed his gregarious banter. To the end he remained the curious, kind and loving gentle man he'd always been. The family would like to thank the caregiving staff at Abiitan Mill City and Ecumen Hospice.
JOHN JOSEPH SCHLENK, JR. '49
John J. Schlenk, Jr., 90, passed away on March 11, 2022 in Altamonte Springs, Florida. He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 26, 1931 to John Joseph and Frances Lord (West) Schlenk. He studied at St. Paul Academy in St. Paul and then Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He proudly served in the US Army from 1953-1955 in Frankfurt, Germany. He married Judy Stretton in 1964 in Barbados and they settled in Orlando, Florida where they had two daughters. John worked in the travel industry starting one of the first travel agencies in Central Florida called Caribbean Cruises. Later in life, he moved to Mount Dora, Florida - a community that he truly enjoyed.
John was passionate about travel, classical music and opera, railroads, astronomy, and science. He was smart and worldly - having traveled around the world and having a keen interest in history. He had a dry sense of humor and often responded to questions with a quip…like “How are you feeling? With my hands” or “Do you have any questions? How high is up?”.
John is survived by his daughters Jessica (Vance) Guthrie and Diana Ades, his grandchildren Tristan Ades and Josie Ades, as well as his sister Martha Schlenk ’57. We will miss a loving father, grandfather (Gova), and brother.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Covenant House, Salvation Army, or the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra - all organizations that John supported throughout his lifetime.
PERRIN BROWN LILLY '41
Perrin Brown Lilly, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and civic leader, died peacefully at home on May 10, 2022, at age 99. Perrin was committed to a more empathetic, beautiful and progressive community in her hometown of St Paul. She spent a lifetime volunteering in service of those goals.
She was born in St Paul, Minnesota in 1923, and graduated from The Summit School. She attended Smith College and obtained her degree from the University of Minnesota in 1945. She was married to David Lilly ’35 for 68 years until his death in 2014. Always politically active, she was also a passionate volunteer for her schools and in her community. She believed that "to whom much was given, much was expected." She served on the board of Planned Parenthood of Minnesota; the Planned Parenthood Action Fund; the alumni association of SPA; the Walker Art Center; the Weisman Art Museum; St Paul Children's Service; and COMPAS. She was a founding member of the Minnesota Women's Campaign Fund; an enthusiastic supporter of the Women Candidate Development Coalition; New Foundations, the Cass Gilbert Society, the New Century Club and the Ross Group.
She is survived by her three children, David Lilly, Jr ’66 (Diane), Bruce Lilly ’70 (Paula) and Susanne Lilly Hutcheson ’73 (Zenas); her six grandchildren: Zenas Hutcheson IV ’04; Irene Fleury ’05 (Eric), Henry Hutcheson ’08 (Sarah); Austin Lilly ’08 (Adriana); Robert Lilly ’10; Perrin Hutcheson Arner ’12 (Geoffrey) and one great-grandchild, Adam David Fleury. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Planned Parenthood of North Central States or The Saint Paul Academy & Summit School.
AUDRAE NORRIS GRUBER '49
Audrae Margaret (Norris) Gruber ’49, age 90, of Brainerd, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 31, 2022. She was born on May 28, 1931, to Walter N. and Margaret F. (Weyh) Norris in St. Paul, Minnesota. She graduated from Summit School and Knox College and taught for 30 years in St. Paul Public Schools, serving in many advisory roles in addition to classroom teaching. She married Murray L. Johnson in 1952 and they had 3 children, Jeffrey, Scott, and Stephanie. She and her second husband, Paul Gruber, were married on a sailboat in 1983. When they retired they lived on Mille Lacs lake and then moved to Brainerd in 1998. For a number of years, she was a volunteer with Crisis Line, Hospice patient support, and promoted the H.S. Suicide Prevention program.
A member of the Brainerd Writers’ Alliance, she loved to write. She published a book of poetry and many articles in local and regional newspapers and magazines such as Lake Country Journal, Brainerd Dispatch, and Her Voice, and the Talking Stick anthologies.
She and Paul enjoyed fishing, camping, snowmobiling, and traveling together. They traveled extensively all over the U.S., Europe, Central America, Russia, and China. For a time she was co-owner of an antique store and always enjoyed thrifting and finding a great bargain.
Audrae is survived by her brother, Paul (Carol) Norris ’55, her children, Jeff (Kim) Johnson, Scott Johnson, and Stephanie Lee, stepdaughters Paula Mailer and Julie Gruber, grandchildren Elizabeth Wiley, Jesse Cartony, Katy (Ken) Noble and Mary Johnson, and great-grandchildren, Kieren and Pallas, Kai and Kaden, Brooklyn and Logan, Sophia, Cameron and Adrien, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Bob Norris, and husband Paul Gruber.
CLINTON ABBOTT, JR. '42
Clinton Seth Abbott, Jr, a 66 year resident of Winnetka, IL, passed away peacefully at home on November 18, 2020 after a brief illness at the age of 96.
Clint was born September 8, 1924 in St. Paul, MN. He graduated from St. Paul Academy (SPA) in 1942. He attended Yale University on a full academic scholarship and played on the varsity squash team all years, graduating in 1949 (class of 1945W). He served in the infantry in WWII and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. In 1949, he married his best friend’s sister, Mary Louise (Mary Lou) Robertson ’45, took a job with Life Magazine and moved to Chicago. He later worked in advertising for Standard, Rate and Data Service (SRDS) for 36 years until his retirement in 1992. Mary Lou passed away suddenly in 2002 and Clint found love and happiness again with longtime friend Madel Moore, whom he married in 2004.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Clinton Seth Sr. and Marion, wife Mary Lou and sister Peggy Billings. He is survived by his second wife, Madel, his brother, Jonathan Abbott ’47, his children David Seth (Seth) Abbott (Nancy), Marion (Marnie) Abbott Grisley (Tom), Kathryn Clinton (KC) Abbott (John), four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Clint was happiest doing anything and everything at Indian Hill Club in Winnetka and the Hillsboro Club in Pompano Beach, Florida. He played (and excelled at) tennis, golf, paddle tennis, squash, bridge, backgammon and poker. He was usually the oldest and worst-dressed competitor, but he was often the winner in every sport and game he played. He continued to play tennis, golf and bridge until the very end of his life and would still get upset with himself if he didn’t play well.
While Clint was exceedingly generous with love, affection, compliments, experiences, and time, he had a reputation for being “thrifty,” which he thoroughly enjoyed. He took pride in driving the oldest, most beat-up and rusted out car in the neighborhood and a moped scooter that was literally held together by duct tape. His family never let him live down the purchase of a 1980s poo-brown station wagon that did not have air conditioning, back windows that rolled down, or FM radio because those bells and whistles were too expensive. This did not go over well on long summer road trips with six passengers and luggage.
Another trait that Clint was known for was his timeliness, or, more accurately, earliness. One of his favorite sayings was “better to be (insert number of hours) early than one minute late.” It was not uncommon to arrive at the airport several hours before flight time. Pre-9/11. Family members got in the habit of carrying a book.
For all of Clint’s funny and sometimes annoying quirks, he will be best remembered as a loyal friend to many, a kind person, and a wonderful husband and father. He will be missed terribly, but he lived a long and happy life.
RUSSELL HAIGH - FORMER STAFF
GRETCHEN RICHTER LAW '49
PRISCILLA “POLLY” NYE DICKSON '45
Priscilla (Polly) Nye Dickson, 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 5, 2022, surrounded by her family in her home in North Chatham, MA.
The daughter of Carl M. and Edith S. Nye, Polly was born in St. Paul, MN in 1927, the middle of three sisters. Polly graduated from the Summit School in 1945 and went on to earn a BA in Physiological Chemistry from Smith College in 1949, a Masters in Social Work from Simmons College in 1952, and a Doctorate in Ministry from Episcopal Divinity School in 1992.
Polly worked as a social worker for ten years in Boston, MA, and Denver, CO, before marrying Edward M. Dickson in 1960 and moving to Weston, MA. Polly volunteered for many organizations, including the Boston Center for Blind Children (serving as Board Chair), METCO, and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, where she served as Warden and worked as Coordinator of Lay Ministry. She served on the Anti-Racism Task Force of the Diocese of Massachusetts, co-wrote the Episcopal Church’s first anti-racism manual, and led anti-racism workshops across the country. Polly also served on the board of the Episcopal City Mission and worked with the Hispanic Ministries of the Diocese. She was a founding member and organizer of the Weston/Wayland Interfaith Action Group. When she moved to Chatham, she became an active member of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, helping implement anti-racism curriculum there also.
Polly’s social activism took many forms, from anti-apartheid marches in the 1980’s to holding an anti-war sign weekly at an intersection in Weston in the 2000’s. As part of her opposition to U.S. involvement in Nicaragua, in 1986 she went to the war zone for two weeks with Witness for Peace. In June 2020, at the age of 93, she participated in a Black Lives Matter march on Cape Cod.
Polly focused much of her efforts on affordable housing. She and Ed donated 11 acres of land to build an 18-unit mixed income housing complex. After Dickson Meadows was completed in 2002, Polly co-founded the Weston Affordable Housing Foundation. In 2004, Polly was recognized by the Episcopal City Mission with the Bishop Morris F. Arnold Award for her social justice work and for Dickson Meadows: “Polly Dickson has been a perennial, gentle, loving presence, reminding her faith community of the prophetic call to ‘do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.’” In 2013 as part of the town of Weston’s 300th Commemoration, Polly and Ed were honored together as recipients of a J. Ward Carter Civic Award. The award’s text recognized Polly’s passion for “making Weston a more inclusive community” and described her as the” social conscience of the town,” especially for her “keen interest in building community by promoting greater understanding of religious, individual and cultural differences.”
Polly spent summers on Pleasant Bay on Cape Cod since 1941. She loved sailing and was an active member of Chatham Yacht Club, helping to run the races and winning the CYC Regatta Sportsmanship Award in 2021 for her years of dedication. She was also an avid supporter of Pleasant Bay Community Boating. Polly loved music and sang in the church choir for many decades. She played tennis well into her 80’s.
Polly was predeceased by her husband, Edward, and her sister Elizabeth Nye Suter ’43. She is survived by her sister, Edith Nye MacMullen ’47, of Amherst, MA, and her four children: Ted (Melissa) of Matthews, NC, Carol (Bruce Howlett) of East Montpelier, VT, Carl (Judith Jackson) of Madison, WI, and John (Bridget) of Brewster, MA. She is also survived by seven grandchildren.
MARLENE HEGER BIXBY '53
Marlene H. Bixby 86, of Bloomington, died on July 2, 2022 at the N.C. Little Hospice in Edina, Minnesota, after a brief illness. Marlene was born in St. Paul on May 22, 1936, daughter of Virginia and William Heger, and grew up in St. Paul alongside older brothers George and Fritz, both of whom preceded her in death. It was in St. Paul that she first met many lifelong friends, including her husband-to-be, Ned Bixby. Marlene first attended St. Paul public schools, and later attended Visitation, and then graduated from Summit School in 1953, kicking off decades-long friendships with her classmates at both schools.
Marlene went on to attend both Northwestern University and Macalester College, before her marriage to Ned on August 1, 1957. Marlene's loving partnership with Ned took them from Hanover, New Hampshire to Chicago, Minneapolis, Toronto, Toledo, and ultimately back "home" to Edina, with dozens of annual summer visits to Lake Minnetonka and Love Lake in Wisconsin along the way. Since 2000, Marlene spent much of each year with friends old and new at Casa Bonita, her home near Naples, Florida. With Ned, Marlene became a driving force for several high-impact organizations, most notably World Vision and Partners in Food Solutions. Through World Vision, Marlene supported construction and maintenance of seven schools in central Africa, helping to educate more than 10,000 young Zambians since 2001.
Marlene's strong commitment to volunteer work brought her smiling and witty presence to many causes, notably including Abbott-Northwestern Hospital, Children's Home Society and Edina-West High School. Above all, Marlene was a charming and funny friend, with a zest for music, including her second love, Tony Bennett. She was most content when playing charades or sharing some family lore, and could stop you in your tracks with a clever aside. Marlene's ability to put all around her at ease sustained an extraordinary web of true friendships over many decades.
Her nearly 60 year marriage was a standard-setter for others to emulate, until Ned's passing at age 80 in 2016. The dreams, talents, exploits and energy of her beloved grandchildren, and more recently, great- grandchildren, became central to her daily life for the last three decades. Marlene is survived by children Anne, of Edina, Scott (m. Kerry Bixby) of Medford, Oregon, and Tim (m. Heather Myers) of New York City; grandchildren Ben Miller (m. Julia Miller) and Kenzie Dowling (m. Jim Dowling), Scott Bixby (m. Andrew Keenan-Bolger) and William Bixby (m. Alyssa Bixby), Kate Bixby, and Jack Bixby; great-grandchildren Nicole, Andrea, Serena and Liv; and sister-in-law Audrey Bixby, of Tinton Falls, New Jersey.
KARL BURTON '65
VICKI BECHIK HICKMAN '63
On August 21, 2022, Vicki Bechik Hickman went to dwell in the house of the Lord. Vicki was born on a truly special day, May 8, 1945, in St. Paul, MN, to Anthony and Florence Bechik.
Vicki married her All American sweetheart, Bard Sr., on August 19, 1972. The two celebrated 50 years of marriage shortly before her passing.
Vicki will be remembered for her fierce independence and incredibly strong will. Vicki graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado where she enjoyed downhill skiing and exploring the great outdoors. Professionally, Vicki took tremendous pride in reaching the role of Vice President in the lending division for the First National Bank of Chicago. Vicki’s favorite client was commercial food giant, the Sara Lee Corporation, and she loved telling stories of working with senior leadership at the company.
Vicki enjoyed traveling the world including all corners of North America and Western Europe. Vicki was an avid golfer and achieved six holes in one, including two in the same week, during her distinguished career. Vicki was also President of the Nine Holers at Inverness Country Club for five years. Off the links, Vicki was known for her exceptional talents with a needle and thread and tending to a meticulously manicured garden. Most of all, Vicki was a voracious reader across many authors and genres. Following her retirement, Vicki was generous with her time and volunteered for a number of organizations including her parish, Epworth United Methodist Church, and her son’s alma mater, St. John’s Jesuit High School.
Vicki was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Michael Bechik ’59 and Andrea (Bechik) Plaugher ’57. Vicki is survived by her loving husband, son Bryan (April) Hickman in Bowling Green, four grandchildren; Bard Jr., James, Esmé, and Fox, along with nephews and nieces.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to all the caregivers and staff at The Grove at Oakleaf Village in Sylvania for their extraordinary care and compassion for Vicki over the past three and a half years. The family would also like to thank Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice for their diligent care and compassion in her final days.
WILLIAM BEADIE '58
William M. Beadie passed away peacefully at age 82 on August 21st, 2022. He graduated from St. Paul Academy (1958), Williams College (1962), and University of Minnesota Law School (1965). After completing his law degree, he served as law clerk for Walter F. Rogosheske, on the Minnesota State Supreme Court and then joined Moore, Costello, and Hart in 1966 where he continued to practice law for 42 years. His thoughtful approach to the law and willingness to give back to the profession earned him admission to the American College of Construction Lawyers. Even after retiring from his firm, Bill stayed active in the legal profession as an arbitrator and mediator throughout his life.
Bill was a living example of the principles he valued. The importance he placed on education motivated him to become an avid reader, participate on the St. Paul Academy and Summit School board of trustees, support Williams College, and serve as an adjunct professor teaching legal writing at William Mitchell Law School. Athletics were equally woven into his life. He loved hockey, which he played in high school, college, and adult leagues until he was 78. Even afterwards, he continued to skate regularly each winter. Bill created an ice rink in the backyard each winter when his boys were little to teach them how to skate and went on to coach all three of his sons' hockey teams, proving that he could have great patience when necessary. He was a skilled and long-time golfer, occasionally demonstrating that every-one's patience has a limit.
Aside from his professional and personal accomplishments, Bill was known for the deep, enduring relationships he formed with people, most of all, his wife Carol, whom he married in 1965. Bill and Carol traveled frequently, and often in the company of other friends and family. He believed in the value of a hand-written, thoughtful note, a curious mindset, and regular conversation.
Preceded in death by his parents, William McGregor Beadie and Helen Steele Beadie and brother, David Beadie ’54. Survived by his wife, Carol, his sons Guy ’86 (Lisa), Ryan (Molly), Bill ’91 (Jaymie), grandchildren (Carmen, Sabrina, Charlotte, and Ben), and sister-in-law (Karen). He will be greatly missed.
A service to celebrate Bill's life will be held at Town & Country Club at 300 N. Mississippi River Blvd. in St. Paul on Friday, September 2nd at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Paul Academy and Summit School or Williams College are welcomed.
MALCOM MCDONALD, COMMUNITY MEMBER
Malcolm McDonald, age 85, of St. Paul Passed away peacefully under hospice care at Sholom East midafternoon on August 25, 2022. Malcolm was a family man and a heartbeat of St. Paul's philanthropy. Happy to be in the background, his life was a quiet celebration of service to others. A friend, mentor, and confidant to many a Minnesotan looking to improve their community, his was a steady hand at the helm focused on our community's youth and their futures. Malcolm was an active and devoted half-century long parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church.
In his youth Malcolm attended Blake School. He graduated magna cum laude with Baccalaureate of Arts from Yale College in 1958, and completed an MBA at Harvard University in 1960. Malcolm then led a successful career first as a Vice President for First National Bank of St. Paul and then as a Director and Trustee for Space Center Inc. At passing Malcolm was the Executive Secretary of the Informal Club, and treasurer for both the friends of Fort Snelling and Yale oriented Bulldogs on the Lakes. He was also an active Emeriti of the Amherst Wilder Foundation, Minnesota State Fair Foundation, and Minnesota State Board of Investment Advisory Council. Malcolm had served on the boards of a variety of local philanthropies and civic organizations, examples include the Grotto Foundation, Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence, Starbase Minnesota, Minnesota Council of Churches Foundation, Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services, F. R. Bigelow Foundation, Afton Press, Blake School Alumni Board, and several Yale related organizations.
Throughout his life he also remained active politically with a focus on voter participation. Up to his last, Malcolm cared deeply about the St. Paul College and Way to Grow of Minneapolis. Malcolm's greatest hope was for every young person to have a fulfilling life. In 1959, Malcolm married Judith Ballard. She was a dedicated public servant and board member of People Inc, where she worked to improve care for people with mental health issues. Judy passed in 2003. In 2005, Malcolm married Patricia Johnston, founder of Johnston Publishing, and co-founder of the Afton Historical Society Press in 1993 with Duncan McMillan. Patricia passed away in 2018. Malcolm was a loving son, preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm B. and Ruth V. Stees McDonald, and younger brother George. Malcolm's surviving younger sister Helen, a twin to George, lovingly referred to Malcolm as the best big brother ever. Malcolm is also survived by his and wife Judith's children, Malcolm Scott '79 (Elizabeth Bley), Margaret '80, Philip '81, Scott's and wife Elizabeth's daughter Mackenzie, and Philip's late former wife Amanda's daughter Camile.
PETER MAIRS '80
Peter E. Mairs, age 60, of Mendota Heights, unexpectedly passed away September 26, 2022. Preceded in death by parents Thomas G. '40 and Marjorie P. Mairs and brother Thomas S. Mairs '67. Survived by loving wife Cheryl, sister Nancy (Peter) Daly '71, brother Robert (Jill) Mairs '73, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Pete enjoyed hiking in nature, road trips, and his volunteer work as a scenic carpenter for several local theater companies. Pete had a zeal for independent study and loved spending time with Cheryl.
EDITH NYE MACMULLEN '47
Dr. Edith MacMullen, educator, mentor and leader who inspired three decades of Yale University students, died at her home in Amherst, Massachusetts, at age 93.
In addition to serving as advisor for Yale’s Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree program which served adults who had started but never completed their college educations, for nearly thirty years, MacMullen was the Director of Teacher Preparation at Yale University. In that role, she led with iron determination, singular passion, and fierce intelligence—and inspired hundreds of students to study the history of education, do practice teaching in New Haven area schools, and enter the teaching vocation. Her courses—including “Methods” and “Schools, Communities and the Teacher”—were incredibly popular, and her office, the walls papered with postcards of appreciation from former students, served as a place undergraduates came for wisdom, challenge, compassion, and Kleenex. She challenged her students with a no-nonsense and no-time-for-fools love. As recounted in the book Work Hard. Be Nice, which tells the story of her former student David Levin entering teaching and eventually co-founding the Knowledge is Potential Power (KIPP) schools, she told him after he was turned down for a policy grant, “You don’t know enough to be a big policy planner. Go teach.” In an interview, she said, “We don’t sit and discuss education in the ivory tower.” Throughout her life she would receive letters thanking her: “You changed my life” was a statement she heard many times.
The author of In the Cause of True Education: Henry Barnard and Nineteenth Century School Reform (Yale University Press), MacMullen held two advanced degrees in history, an MA from Harvard University and a Ph.D. from Columbia University. In 1995, the Yale chapter of Phi Beta Kappa awarded her the William Clyde Devane Medal, which honors distinction in scholarship and undergraduate teaching. She was raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, the third of three sisters, and she attended the Summit School, which in 2007 awarded her their Distinguished Alumna Award.
Commitment to education and service was a constant in her life. She served on several State of Connecticut commissions, was co-founder of an experimental high school in the 1970s, a founding trustee of two charter schools in the 1990s and trustee at Vermont Academy, and served on her local Board of Education for nine years. She also was chair of the Teaching Committee for the Yale-China Association and traveled to China many times to train educators. In her retirement, she moved to Amherst (MA) and became an interpretive guide at Historic Deerfield and the Emily Dickinson Museum.
She was a powerful and loving mother to her four children, and a mother-figure to many more, especially neighborhood friends around the home in Clinton, CT. A woman of unflagging physical and intellectual energy, MacMullen was an avid and tireless gardener, weeding and planting perennial beds in her beautiful Amherst farmhouse until the week of her death. She was a lifelong sailor, well into her 80’s steering her 13’ Beetle Cat on her beloved Pleasant Bay in Chatham, Cape Cod, as she had when summering in her teenage years. She loved dogs, big ones, especially Newfies, as well as cats and whatever other creatures she rescued or her children brought home: an abandoned raccoon, a crow with a broken wing. She taught her daughters how to ride, and both became competitive equestrians, as did she after them. She read constantly, every day beginning with The New York Times, and she cared deeply about causes, especially gender equity and educational reform.
She often said that her proudest accomplishment was her four children, three of whom became private school educators and one a licensed clinical social worker.
She was predeceased by her sisters Betsy Suter '43 and Polly Dickson '45, daughter Polly MacMullen and leaves behind her former husband Ramsay MacMullen and his wife Peggy, children John “Sandy” MacMullen (Carla), Willy MacMullen (Pam), and Lukey MacMullen, as well as six beloved grandchildren, Alexa MacMullen, John MacMullen, Jessie Nuthmann, Angus MacMullen, Tom MacMullen, and Avery MacMullen.
SAMUEL MAIRS '61
Samuel Mairs, age 79, of North Oaks, passed away on October 14, 2022. He is survived by wife, JoAnn; children, Patrick (Shane) Fruth, Leanne Mairs, Sam Jr (Kim), Michelle (John) Mercier; son-in-law, Dan Dobbs; Sam and Lauren's mother, Judy Mairs; grandchildren, Michael, Amber, Olivia, Jack, Joe; great-grandson, Rowan; brother, George Mairs ’65. He was preceded in death by his parents, George ’32 and Florence; and daughter, Lauren Dobbs. Memorials preferred to food shelves.
GEORGE C. ROTH, JR. '61
George C. Roth, Jr. '61, In the midst of the holidays, the children of George C. Roth, Jr. wish to honor and celebrate their father. George died on October 24, after an extended hospitalization. The middle child of three, George was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on December 12, 1943. His parents, George, Sr. and Eleanor, raised George and his two sisters, Pat and Diane ’64, on Nebraska Avenue. As a child, he would listen to the lions roar at night in the nearby Como Park Zoo. Their family spent their summers relaxing at Bay Lake in northern Minnesota and exploring the West. George attended St. Paul Academy, finishing high school in 1961.
George graduated from Northwestern University in 1965, and then the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in 1969. As his father did, George became a surgeon.
Nearing the completion of his surgical training at the University of Washington in 1974, George and his former wife, Becki, stopped in Missoula during a summer road trip to Bay Lake. That chance visit opened the door for George to take a position as a general surgeon here. It also led to a wonderful life spent in western Montana.
George loved his children, Ashley, Andy, Craig, and Jeff. He spent countless summer afternoons pulling them water-skiing at Bay Lake. They golfed together, hunted pheasants in central Montana, and enjoyed countless other adventures along the way.
George took great pride in his work as a vascular surgeon. He worked for decades in the Missoula medical community, where he enjoyed many strong friendships. He was particularly appreciative of Jill Hart, his longtime assistant.
He loved the game of golf and he was a consummate chef. George loved to cook a great meal and enjoy it with a delicious bottle of wine, while sharing stories with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Roth; his former wife, Becki Fielding; his children, Ashley, Andy (Richelle), Craig, and Jeff (Lukia); his five grandchildren, whom he dearly loved, Samuel, Josie, Vivian, June, and Zadie; his sister Diane Roth of San Mateo, CA; and three nephews, David, Doug, and Kurt Erickson. Pat, George's older sister, predeceased him in 2021.
A final toast to you, Dad: Your family and friends dearly miss you.
ANNE HARTLEY '48
Anne Hartley passed away at age 92, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Originally from St. Paul and a student at Summit School, Anne graduated from the University of Minnesota with a fine arts degree before moving to New York City where she lived most of her adult life, reveling in the vibrancy of the people, the food, the arts, and the lovely chaos that filled her days.
She loved NYC! A clinical social worker at the VA for 40 years, Anne counseled veterans and their families and took great pride in her efforts. She did all of this with a fiercely independent spirit despite facing true personal adversity. Anne spent her last years at Catholic Elder Care in Minneapolis and thanks go to the staff who cared for Anne with dignity.
She remained wickedly smart up until her death and her insight and conversation will be missed. Preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Zita; and her siblings, Everett (Chuck) and Jane ’54. Memorials to Catholic Elder Care in Anne's name are appreciated. No formal services will be held.
ARIEL WELCH DICKERMAN '52
Ariel Welch Dickerman, age 88 of St. Paul, died on October 27, 2022. Preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Kent, and survived by her sisters, Barbara Bliss ’55, Cohasset, MA, Sally (Mark) Foster ’68, St. Paul, and Cynthia Mills ’70 (David Baird) Stillwater, MN. and her sisters-in-law Sally Brew, Los Altos, CA, and Betsy Darrah, Seattle, WA. Also survived by 15 nieces and nephews, and a multitude of much beloved great nieces and nephews. A celebration of Ariel's life will be held Friday, Nov. 11, at 2 PM at Unity Church-Unitarian, Portland and Grotto, St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Girl Scouts of River Valley, Planned Parenthood, Unity Church-Unitarian or donor's choice.
RICHARD "DICK" STRAND '51
OTTO BRUCE CHRISTENSON '68
DEBORAH "DEBBIE" BUTLER BANCROFT '48
Deborah Butler Bancroft (1930-2022) lived well and left us peacefully on November 6, 2022. Her children, Ann '74, Hunter '78 (Helga Lange), Carrie '80 (Roberto Gutiérrez), Sarah '86 (Andrew Bancroft-Howard) and her grandchildren (Maya, Alma, Morgan, Samán, Frank, and Charlie) cherish her spirit and rejoice in her long and joyful life. She is preceded in death by Richard (Dickie) Bancroft '45, husband for 63 years, dear son William (Bill) Bancroft '73 and her brother, Michael Butler '51. Debbie was graceful, loyal, adoring, compassionate and so very kind to so many people and creatures. She walked gently on this earth and her spirit will last through bundles of nieces and nephews, in-laws, distant family, dear and life-long friends, activists, and peace and justice-loving companions in her Twin Cities community and from around the world.
Donations in Debbie’s honor can be made to:
The Non-Violent Peace Force
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Planned Parenthood International
JAMES STEVENSON, III '53
Dr. James Edwin Stevenson died Sunday, November 6, 2022. He was born September 16, 1935, to James and Elizabeth Stevenson in St. Paul, MN. Preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Stevenson Thomas. He graduated from St. Paul Academy in 1953, from Yale University in 1957, and Northwestern Medical School in Chicago in 1961.
On September 8, 1973, he married Margaret Over Stevenson. After finishing a residency in pathology in 1966, he served for two years as a captain in the US Army. He then served one year with the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. Following residencies in internal medicine and cardiology, he started clinical practice in 1975, where he served patients for 43 years until his retirement in 2018. He was an active Mason. He loved playing classical piano and reading books on philosophy and religion. He loved spending time at the family cabin on Lake Hubert.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Margaret, and his nieces Julie Thomas, Carrie Thomas, and Megan Thomas.
ROBERT "BOB" GARDNER '56
Bob was born to Truman Perry Gardner and Roberta Galloway Gardner on March 7, 1938 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was a graduate of Saint Paul Academy and Yale University and also attended the University of Minnesota. Bob had a lifetime commitment to his Fraternity, Chi Psi where he was originally initiated both at the University of Minnesota and Yale University. Bob served as the President of Chi Psi while at Yale. After graduation, Bob served as the Chi Psi Executive Council Chairman. He also served on the Chi Psi Educational Trust, the Board of the Northwestern Chi Psi Educational Foundation, Inc., and the Board of the Alpha Nu Trust Fund, Inc. Chi Psi honored Bob’s lifelong commitment to service by awarding him the Distinguished Service Award which is their highest honor. Bob was also very active in local government and served on the Dellwood City Council and was elected the Mayor of Dellwood in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Bob was also active in the Wildwood Lion’s Club. Throughout his business life, he was the owner of several companies before his retirement. After his retirement, his interests centered on golf and travel (particularly if the destination had 18 holes). When he wasn’t travelling, Bob could be found on the White Bear Yacht Club golf course.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 61 years, Jacquelyn Broden Gardner, and his son, Charles. He is survived by his children, Stephen '82 (Cindy), Lucy Davis (Craig) and Herbert '86 (Shelley), grandchildren, Stephen, Anne, Wiley, Jackson, Peri, Chloe, Johnathan and his brother, James '59 (Joan). He is also survived by his beloved dogs, Charley and Abby.
Bob was loved by everyone who knew him and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He has now pulled his last pin, sunken his last putt and retired to the 19th hole to prepare for the next game.
Great Round, Bob!
CAROLINE PEET JOHNSTON '48
Caroline Peet Johnston, 91 of Wellington, Florida died peacefully at her home on May 15, 2022. She was born June 11, 1930, the daughter of William Fellows Peet and Caroline Scotten Peet of St. Paul, Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her husband and best friend of 61 years, Ralph Stuart Johnston. She is survived by her son Scott W. Johnston of Marshall, VA, daughter Caroline J. Keefe of Wilton, NH, her beloved Border Terrier, Charlie, and many cousins.
She graduated from Summit School/Saint Paul Academy; Saint Paul, MN. class of 1948 then went on to graduate from Carlton College with a Master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology. She spent her life dedicated to family, friends, animals and flowers. She treasured her years at Stonehall Farm in Middleburg, VA where she and Stuart raised Thoroughbred race horses and enjoyed Fox Hunting. She always had a zest for life while enjoying horseback riding, tennis, golf, deep sea fishing, skiing, watching polo and football. At her request, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Children’s Home Society of Palm Beach, Fl., A Nurses Registry Inc. Of West Palm Beach, FL., Trustbridge Hospice of Palm Beach, FL. Or a favorite animal rescue fund. “All is well” You are truly missed
JANE DAVIS BENNETT '59
Jane Davis Bennett, 1941-2022. Janie grew up in St. Paul Minnesota and attended Summit School. After graduating from Smith College, she joined Citicorp as an officer where she met her husband, Robert Bennett. She joined his international career and their family lived in India, Brazil, New York, and Finland. They settled in California where Janie earned a master's degree in Orientation and Mobility. She had a successful 15-year career supporting blind and low-vision veterans at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto. In 2000 they bought a mountain house in Truckee and moved to a retirement Community in Davis. After Robert's death in 2014, she continued to be active with volunteering and close friendships. Recently she was diagnosed with cancer and died December 1st.
She is survived by her son Robert P. Bennett (Merritt Hooper) and grandchildren, Randy and Kelly in Park City UT; her daughter Sarah J. Bennett (Vince Rodino) and grandsons, Jordan and Damon in Orinda CA; and two sisters, Sally '57 Patterson (Tom '57) and Mary Dewart '66 (Mac) and their families. Memorials preferred to St. Paul Academy and Summit School or YMCA Camp Widjiwagan.
PHILIP FITZPATRICK '63
Age 77, of Duluth, Minnesota, died on November 20, 2022, surrounded by love. The firstborn child of Persis and Joseph Fitzpatrick, he was devoted to his three younger brothers, leading them through escapades in North Oaks, Minnesota. With an enthusiasm for the natural world, he also led youth canoe camps (and forged lifelong friendship) as a young man in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
He received a BA in English (’67) from Harvard College, before beginning his teaching career at Wilmington Friends School in Delaware where he met and married Pamela Parker. They moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina when he joined the faculty at Carolina Friends School and it was there that their daughter, Courtney, was born, to whom he was a loving father. He also taught at Chewning Junior High School (Durham, NC), Marshall School (Duluth, MN), and Mesabi Range College (Virginia, MN), and held masters degrees from the Bread Loaf School of English and the University of Minnesota Duluth. On each stop he displayed a preternatural knack for forming enduring friendships. Driven by an unquenchable thirst for renewal, he arrived at each next enterprise with the heart of a poet. His early passions for baseball, literature, black labs, theater, and folk music never died, but it wasn’t until 1997 that he rekindled an early, backyard relationship with golf clubs and, through more friendship, fell in love with the game. During this time, he doubled down on his calling as a writer and in 2008 published his first book, A Beautiful Friendship: The Joy of Chasing Bogey Golf. His second book, Hawks on High: Everyday Miracles in a Hawk Ridge Season, was published in 2019.
He never stopped believing in the redemptive power of family and stepped into his most important role as “Bomma Phil” in 2015 when his grandson was born. He affected many lives and is survived by his daughter, Courtney Fitzpatrick (Sam Stephenson); former wife Pamela Fitzpatrick; grandson Parker Fitzpatrick Stephenson; brothers Jim ’66, John ’69 (Molly), and Charlie Fitzpatrick ’71; niece/nephews John, Sarah, and Dylan, a beloved extended family, and an exceptional network of friends and neighbors. The family wishes to express profound gratitude to everyone involved in the last year of Phil’s life, especially the community at Bayshore Residence and Rehab for their unique combination of care, compassion, and wisdom. A memorial service will be announced in the spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory or Zeitgeist in Duluth.