Summer 2019 Courier Obituaries
Obituaries
1939
Gertrude Ilten Schmidt, 101, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on October 25. Gertrude taught business at Whitten and Stanley Consolidated Schools and taught German at Maquoketa Valley High School. She earned a master’s degree in adult education in 1972 and worked for the University of Iowa Conference Center until she retired in 1983. She volunteered with the Red Cross, Voter Election Assistance, Lutheran Women's Missionary League, American Legion Auxiliary, Kappa Delta Sorority, PEO Sisterhood and several churches. Gertrude is survived by a daughter, Kathleen; three brothers; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
1940
Roy McHugh, 103, of Pittsburgh, PA, on February 25. Roy worked at the Cedar Rapids Gazette upon graduating from Coe and shortly thereafter served in the U.S. Army for over three years during World War II. He returned to the Gazette briefly after the war before taking a job with the Pittsburgh Press, where he worked as a sportswriter, sports columnist, sports editor and general columnist for over 30 years. He continued to write up until the last few years of his life and co-authored the book "Ruanaidh: The Story of Art Rooney and his Clan" with Pittsburgh Steelers Vice President Art Rooney Jr. He is survived by three cousins and a niece.
1943
Ruth Anne Stritesky Archibald, 96, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on February 3. Ruth was a homemaker for most of her life and volunteered at Mercy Hospital for many years in the gift shop. She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of America and St. Mary's Society. Ruth is survived by two sons, Steve and Jim Archibald; eight grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
1945
Doris Bernhard Moellering, 95, of Garnavillo, IA, on January 27. Doris worked in food service at the Garnavillo School for 33 years. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, American Legion Auxiliary and numerous card clubs. After retirement she traveled with a local tour group to numerous European countries and much of the United States. Doris is survived by three daughters, Lou Ratliff, Ann Diffenderfer and Sara Pattison; three sons, A. Walter, Robert and Jon Moellering; 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Ruthanne Herrald Taylor, 95, of Ottumwa, IA, on November 28. Ruthanne taught drama and speech at Winterset High School and Ottumwa High School. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Shakespeare Club, Art Club, PEO Chapter HQ, Order of the Eastern Star, Wapello White Shrine No. 4 and the National and Iowa Coca-Cola Collectors Clubs. Ruthanne is survived by two daughters, Jan Lloyd and Debbie Huffman; a son, Phil Taylor Jr.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
George Ross, 95, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on January 8. George taught at Marion Rural Independent and Franklin Junior High School. He went on to earn a master's degree at the University of Iowa, followed by a doctorate in research and development. George became the director of research at the Cedar Rapids Community School District until his retirement. He was a member of HAGGIS, the Danish Brotherhood, Phi Delta Kappa and Indian Creek Nature Center, and continued to substitute teach after he retired. George is survived by two daughters, Nancy Christensen and Patti Knutson; two sons, Lachlan and David Ross; a brother, Donald Ross; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
1946
Mildred Kopecky Thomsen, 94, of Clear Lake, IA, on November 1. Millie began teaching band and vocal music at Ventura and taught at many area schools including Thornton, Kensett, Rock Falls, Joice and Garner. She was a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church and the Mason City History Club. Millie is survived by a son, Brian Thomsen; four grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
1947
Arda Mae Cox Caldwell, 93, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on October 4. Arda Mae worked as a stewardess with United Airlines. She was active in the El Kahir Shrine Ladies Auxiliary, Shrine Widows Club, St. Paul's United Methodist Church, VFW Ladies Auxiliary and Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, and was a longtime volunteer at Mercy Hospital. Arda Mae is survived by a son, Roger Caldwell; two grandchildren; and 13 grandchildren.
Marilyn Hoersch Bard, 93, of Cherry Hill, NJ, on October 16. Marilyn enjoyed collecting antique dolls and was a past president of the Letitia Penn and Elizabeth Haddon doll clubs. She was a devoted baseball fan who rarely missed watching a Cubs or Phillies game. Marilyn is survived by two sons, Kip and Scott Bard; a daughter, Karen Bard; a sister, Dorothy Salvon; three grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Bard ’46.
1948
Diane Marshall Schupp, 94, of Des Moines, IA, on February 7. Diane graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She was a member of PEO Chapter HM, Mercy Hospital Guild, Junior League and the Delta Gamma sorority. She was an avid supporter of the arts in Des Moines as well as the public library, St Augustin's and Dowling Catholic High School. Diane is survived by four sons, Joseph, Jon, Timothy and Daniel Schupp; three daughters, Julie Carpenter, Lisa Hubbell and Mary Farhi; a brother, Hal Marshall; 31 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
1949
Bess Bales Popp, 90, of Lincoln, NE, on January 23. Bess made it her life’s mission to promote alternative health care and actively campaigned to ban smoking in public places. She was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. Bess is survived by a son, Jeff; a daughter, Julie; and eight grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Kenny Popp ’49.
Olive Carano Crew, 91, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on March 7. Olive was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Rapids, serving as a deacon and elder, as well as a member of the choir for over 70 years. She volunteered regularly at St. Luke’s Hospital, was a member of PEO Chapter FO and was involved with Orchestra Iowa. Olive is survived by a daughter, Barbara Livingston; a son, David Crew ’78; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Marilyn Grimsell Van Antwerp, 91, of Reno, NV, in December 2017. Marilyn graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in sociology. She was a Girl Scout leader, a member of PEO and an award-winning artist. Marilyn is survived by her husband of 69 years, James “J.F.” Van Antwerp ’49; a daughter, Mary Keil; a son, James Van Antwerp; a sister, Mimi Malis; three grandchildren; and a stepgrandchild.
Jane Taylor Fisher of Cedar Rapids, IA, on December 12. Jane worked for the Cedar Rapids Gazette for 40 years, retiring in 1986. She was a member of Ashley Chapter DAR, life member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and a member of the Cedar Rapids Softball Hall of Fame. Jane is survived by two nieces; a nephew; a great-niece; two great-nieces; and two great-nephews.
1950
Jack Albert, 94, of Marshall, MN, on January 29. Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 and transferred to the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. At the close of the war, he was stationed in Japan facilitating injured U.S. POWs returning to the states for medical care. After leaving the Army, Jack returned home to Cedar Rapids to work at the family business. He and his wife, Betty Albert, owned and operated Albert's Cleaners and Prince Albert Formal Wear, along with several other businesses in the city over the years. In 1977 he moved to La Crosse, WI, where he and Betty owned and operated Boulevard Cleaners until his retirement in 1987. Jack served on the airport commissions in Cedar Rapids and Marshall and was a member of the Beta Theta Phi fraternity at the University of Iowa. Jack is survived by two daughters, Deborah Albert and Susan Strautz; a son, John Albert Jr.; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Jim Corell, 90, of Buffalo, WY, on March 7. Jim worked as a vice president at People’s Bank in Cedar Rapids. He moved to Buffalo, WY, in 1976 and owned and operated the Mexican Steer Restaurant until 1987. He was a member of the Shriner's Horse Patrol and was an avid supporter of the Occidental Jam and the Buffalo Blue Grass Festival. Jim is survived by three sons, Jeff, Charles and David Corell; two daughters, Tricia Berlinger and Elizabeth Brown; two stepsons, Bob Ruby and Jerry Ruby; two stepdaughters, Vicki Atter and Donnie McCarthy; a sister, Ann Coleman; 12 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Rose Mary Jennings Miner, 90, of Garrison, IA, on March 12. Rose Mary taught Spanish, vocal and instrumental music at several schools and at the Iowa Braille School until she retired in 1999. She was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Vinton, where she was the church organist for many years. Rose Mary was also an alumnae of Mount Mercy University and received a Distinguished Alumni Award from Mount Mercy in 1977. Rose Mary is survived by her husband of 59 years, Virgil Miner; a son, David Miner; a daughter, Mary Sheeley; four grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Verne Long, 93, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on August 19. Verne served in the U.S. Navy as a radar man 3rd class, serving on the ship Bandara from 1943 to 1946. He worked for Penford in Cedar Rapids. Verne is survived by a surrogate daughter, Lesta Sarazin; a sister, Pat Hartle; and many nieces and nephews.
Jim Tisdale, 93, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on February 21. Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. He worked for Iowa Electric Co. in DeWitt, Atlantic and Clarinda until the mid-1960s, when he joined the fundraising staff at Coe College. In the mid-1970s, he joined St. Luke's Hospital as director of fundraising and public relations. He later founded his own company, James M. Tisdale and Associates, serving smaller hospitals in the Midwest, retiring in 1987. Jim was actively involved with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, serving as assistant director of Camp Waubeek while he attended Coe. He later headed the Scouts' Kee-Bu-Aw Indian Dancers and served as a scoutmaster for troops in DeWitt, Atlantic and Clarinda. Jim was a deacon and trustee for Kenwood Park Presbyterian Church. He was an original member and past president of the Cedar Rapids Literary Club, a member of Bowman Woods Gourmet Club and served on the board of trustees for Geneva Towers. He also served Lions International in many capacities throughout his life, including being the secretary-treasurer for his local club. In 1994, he was awarded Lion of the Year, later receiving the Warren Coleman Honorary Award from the Lions Clubs of Iowa. Jim is survived by his wife of 28 years, Anneliese; four sons, Kent Tisdale, Larry Gardner, Kirt Tisdale ’76, and Gary Tisdale ’72 and his wife, Linda Gardner Tisdale ’74; three daughters, Terri Tisdale Ferguson ’74, Linda Tisdale and Lorena Potter; 17 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Jeanne Olson Tisdale ’51.
1951
Chet Casali, 91, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on January 14. Chet worked at Heritage E.R.A. and for Skogman Realty as a Realtor for several years. He later served as the executive director for the YMCA for 21 years. He was the Iowa State Handball Champion of two years and enjoyed golf and woodworking. He proudly served in the Marine Corps and was a member of the Marine Corps League, American Legion and Iowa High School Athletic Association. Chet and his late wife Helen Wilson Casali ’49 received the Coe College Distinguished Service Award in 2004. He is survived by a daughter, Julie Casali Bellon ’78; two sons, Michael Casali ’75 and John Casali ’77; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Helen.
Barbara McCready Hamblin of Tequesta, FL. Barbara is survived by two sons, Allen Hamblin ’75 and Paul Hamblin ’79; a daughter, Nancy Hamblin Evans ’71 and her husband, Coe trustee Jack Evans ’70; and three grandsons, Matthew, Peter and Will Evans. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Hamblin ’48.
Bess Pisney McCann, 90, of Fair Oaks, CA, on November 7. Bess earned her degree in elementary education from the Iowa State Teachers College in 1950. She taught kindergarten in Marion, IA, for two years and taught at various U.S. Air Force bases where her husband, Col. Bill McCann, was stationed for the remainder of her career. She became a member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority while she attended Coe. Bess is survived by her husband of 66 years, Bill; four sons, Kevin, Scott, Brian and Chris McCann; five grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
Margie Schneider White, 89, of Fremont, CA, on October 12. Margie and her husband, the late Phillip White ’52, owned and operated the Phillip B. White Insurance Agency for many years. She was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. Margie is survived by two daughters, Julia Pickett Robinson and Suzanne White; five sons, Bruce, Brian, David, Jeffrey and Paul White; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Richard Yager, 90, of Miami, FL, on November 23. Richard served in the U.S. Army during the end of WWII and the Korean occupation. He was a sports reporter for the Cedar Rapids Gazette and the Des Moines Register while he attended Coe. He earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Boston University and became staff reporter for the Providence Journal and later for the Mansfield News in Mansfield, MA, for several years. Richard received the prestigious National News Photo Award from Sigma Delta Chi in 1956. In July 1960 he opened the Miami Herald News Bureau in Fort Myers, FL, followed by two years as assistant editor at the Fort Lauderdale News Bureau. While at the Herald he supervised the Annual Silver Knights Program and 30 community programs for many years. Richard later became a popular reporter and editor for the Kendall Gazette, Community Newspapers for 10 years. He was also a member of the West Kendall Citizens Advisory Committee. Richard is survived by his wife, Barbara Yager; a son, Jonathan Yager; and many nieces and nephews.
1952
Lois Brockman Boquist, 89, of Marion, IA, on March 1. Lois worked for Northwestern Bell AT&T in Cedar Rapids, retiring as a business office supervisor in 1984. She was a member of the Telephone Company Pioneers and PEO Chapter CS. Lois is survived by a daughter, Margaret Beardall; a son, Richard Boquist; two grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Chuck Boquist ’51.
Ginny Maxfield Lansing, 89, of Chapel Hill, NC, on January 22. Ginny was a homemaker until 1970 when she began working for the IRS. She volunteered with the Girls Scouts and Red Cross. Ginny is survived by a daughter, Becky VanLier; three sons, Steve, Tim and Doug Lansing; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, James Lansing ’51.
1954
Helen Dalamaggas, 86, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on December 23. Helen began her career at Collins Radio and later decided she wanted to become a teacher. She taught for 25 years at several schools in Iowa and Illinois, including Jefferson and Roosevelt schools in Cedar Rapids. Helen is survived by two nephews; and many other relatives.
Marta Downie Zipperer, 86, of Roanoke, TX, on October 10. Marta worked for Dr. Joan Robertson Cross for over 20 years. She was a member of the Keller Garden Club and Kellar Woman’s Club. Marta is survived by her husband of 63 years, Richard Zipperer; two daughters, Beth Hoppe and Stephanie Willms; an adopted son, Tim Wade; a brother, Steve Downie; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
1955
Greta Hanson Van Fleet, 86, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on February 1. Greta worked as a secretary in the pediatric ward at St. Luke’s Hospital for 41 years. She was active with the Cedar Rapids Kernels Baseball Association and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001. Greta is survived by her husband, John Van Fleet ’56; a son, Steve Van Fleet ’81; two daughters, Terri Jendra and Michele Blaylock; a brother, Denny Hanson; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Thomas Hopkins, 84, of Pflugerville, TX, on January 5. Thomas had a 22-year career in the U.S. Air, serving in Vietnam and earning numerous decorations and awards, as well as teaching Freshman ROTC at Wichita State University. In the years after he retired from the Air Force, he worked as an Amway distributor, regional vice president and registered securities principal for A.L. Williams and owned EZ Motor Home Referral. Thomas volunteered in his community as a Cub Scout master, runaway and suicide hotline counselor, tax counselor for AARP Tax-Aide and driver and treasurer for Round Rock Caregivers. He was active in his church as well, serving on several committees, leading Bible study groups and singing in the choir. He was also an award-winning photographer. Thomas is survived by his partner, Nancy Hollingsworth; three sons, Kenneth, Steven and Edwin; a daughter, Cynthia; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty Tribbey Hopkins ’56.
Chloris Meyers Patrick, 86, of Ann Arbor, MI, on January 2. Chloris earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Iowa. She taught piano lessons to hundreds of students over the years and was an active member of her church in Ann Arbor, serving in numerous musical capacities. Chloris is survived by a daughter, Ellen Patrick; two sons, David and Joel Patrick; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
1956
Clay Dawson, 84, of Long Grove, IA, on December 20. Clay was drafted into the U.S. Army where he became an instructor of missile electronics. Following his service, he earned his Master of Music degree from Louisiana State University. Clay was the director of choral activities at Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) in Kirksville, MO, for 28 years and also served as the choir director at First Christian Church. After retiring from NMSU, Clay became the choir director for St. John’s Methodist Church in Davenport. He also worked part time at the Scott County Library and helped with the Bookmobile for a number of years. Clay developed a passion for horticulture that led him to establish Dawson’s Gardens when he lived in Kirksville, and he was a member of the Illowa Orchid Society, the Cedar Valley Iris and Day Lily Society and was a Master Gardener. He was also a member of National Association of Teachers of Singing, American Choral Directors Association, Missouri Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Conference, Quester's and was the province governor of the Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity and the state president of the Missouri Choral Directors Association. Clay is survived by his wife, Kathy Morgan Dawson ’56; two daughters, Anne Dawson and Vicki Schaeffer; a brother, Theodore Dawson; and many nieces and nephews.
Chuck Strasburger, 84, of The Woodlands, TX, on November 10. Chuck had a career in the commercial refrigeration industry, working for numerous companies and finishing his career at Hussman Corp. He was a member of The Woodlands Country Club and enjoyed playing golf. Chuck is survived by his wife, Frankie Moser Strasburger ’57; two daughters, Julie Medved and Lisa Spinks; a brother, Steven Strasburger; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Randall Vick, 88, of Fairfax, VA, on December 30. Randall served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He earned his MBA from Loyola University of Chicago in 1968. Randall worked as a railroad executive with the Rock Island Railroad in Chicago and Southern Railroad in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Beginning in 1975, he enjoyed a 20-year career as an economist with the World Bank in Washington, D.C. During that time, Randall also served as an adjunct professor at American University and also the University of Virginia Extension Campus. He was active in the National Association of Purchasing Managers and also served as president of the Mantua Homeowners Association. Randall is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carol Lentz Vick ’56; a son, Stephen; a half sister, Linda; and two granddaughters.
1957
Barbara Orelup Bacon, 83, of Canton, MA, on October 2. Barbara worked for the Canton Public Schools. She was a member of Wampatuck Country Club in Canton for many years and served on the Women’s Handicap Committee. Barbara is survived by three sons, Mike, Tim and Tom Bacon; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Kendall "Jack" Robinson, 83, of Winter Haven, FL, on August 27. Jack was an instrumental band director for many years in Wisconsin and Iowa. After retiring from teaching, he worked as a sports columnist for three years at the Waukon Newspaper in Waukon, IA, and had his own painting and staining business. He was a member of the Coe College Symphony Orchestra and Coe College Band. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Anne; a daughter, Roxanne Barsamian; a son, Randy Robinson; a sister, Ruth Landis; four grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Barbara Sare Rudd, 82, of Plano, TX, on February 6.
1959
Carole Hadland Ward, 80, of Jacksonville, FL, on August 30, 2017. Carole was a member of Hidden Hills Country Club for many years and enjoyed playing tennis and golf. She is survived by her husband, Jim Ward ’58; two sons, Scott and Richard Ward; a daughter, Stephanie Hargrove; two brothers, Ken and Steve Hadland; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Helen McLaughlin, 81, of St. Paul, MN, on November 21. Helen pursued her master’s degree in German from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. She is survived by two daughters, Sheri Beck and Cindy DeRuyter; a son, Liam Cook; a brother, Harry McLaughlin; and three grandchildren.
H. Wesley Sunderman, 81, of Indianapolis, IN, on April 10, 2018. Wesley earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Des Moines University in 1968. He retired in 2017. Wesley is survived by his wife of 49 years, Michal Sunderman; two children, Sean Sunderman and Robin Cappert; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Hubert Sunderman ’62.
1960
Shirley Lorenz Stewart, 79, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on January 7. Shirley began her career as a teacher before taking a position with Family Services Agency in Cedar Rapids. She moved on to the corporate offices of Family Services of America in Milwaukee, WI, and finished her career as president and CEO of Bethany for Children & Families in Davenport, IA. Shirley held leadership roles in the local chapter of American Association of University Women, Chi Omega sorority, and Washington High School Booster Club. Later in life she earned her MPA from Iowa State University. Shirley is survived by five sons, Brian, Grant, Mark, Scott and David Stewart ’90 and his wife, JoAnn Corrigan Stewart ’90; a brother, Gayle Lorenz; and seven grandchildren.
1961
Jeannie Forrest Light, 80, of Lisbon, IA, on February 17. Jeannie and her husband were lifelong farmers in the Lisbon area. She was a 4-H leader and a member of Pork Producers, Twins Club and Lisbon United Methodist Church. Jeannie is survived by three sons, Bill, Dan and Tom Light; two daughters, Kathy Harmer and Kelly Skinner; 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Kathy Kerns Norris, 100, of Duluth, MN, on October 29. Kathy taught at the McGraw School, a one-room schoolhouse in Lyon County, IA, for seven years. She later taught in the Linn-Mar School District in Marion, IA, for 24 years, retiring in 1983. Kathy is survived by two daughters-in-law; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Myrna Lenoch Cooney, 81, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on November 15. Myrna began her teaching career in Cedar Rapids, teaching at Cleveland Elementary and Taft Middle School for 38 years. After retirement, she taught at Hamilton College and Kaplan University for 10 years, retiring for a second time on her 75th birthday. She was an active member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, participating in bell choirs and teaching and mentoring refugees. Myrna is survived by a son, Bill Mason; a sister, Kathleen Rathjen; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a niece; and a nephew.
Ralph Palmer, 79, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on November 23. Ralph worked for Wilson Foods, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and Theisen’s in his early years. In 1968 he began his long career with Ar-Jay Building Products, later known as The Ar-Jay Center, retiring in 2015. He was involved with many community organizations and was especially active with Camp Courageous and the Shrine. Ralph is survived by his wife, Linda Andrews Palmer ’62; two daughters, Cindy and Rebecca; a son, Jeff; and four grandchildren.
1962
Bob Lana, 79, of Marion, IA, on November 9. Bob spent most of his career in the newspaper business, first as an assistant sports editor for the Fort Dodge, IA, Messenger. He was on the sports staff of the Rockford, IL, newspaper and then went to work for the sports staff of the Cedar Rapids Gazette. In 1969 Bob was named editor-publisher of The Marion Sentinel, which he later bought and owned until 1985. He then worked for AT&T until retiring in 2004. Bob came out of retirement to be the sports editor of The Marion Times. He was inducted into the Marion High School Athletic Hall of Fame as a community member in 2010 and also received distinguished service awards from the Marion Jaycees and the Iowa Football Coaches Association in earlier years. Bob served as both a player and manager in the M & J baseball league at Daniels Park and was a high school and college baseball umpire for nearly 30 years, as well as a basketball official. He held memberships in the Marion Noon Lions Club, Phlat Erth Society, Indian Creek Country Club, Marion Retail Bureau, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Masonic Lodge, Consistory, El Kahir Shrine, Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, Phi Kappa Phi honorary journalism fraternity, Football Writers' Association of America and Mesa, AZ, Buckhorn Elks Club. He was also one of the inaugural Cedar Rapids Baseball Booster Club members and served many years as president. Bob is survived by a daughter, Laura Pasternak; two sons, Tim and Tom Lana; and nine grandchildren.
Dr. Bob “Thurny” Thurness, 79, of Marion, IA, on October 13. After graduating from Coe, Thurny went on to earn a master’s degree in health and physical education from South Dakota State University and later earned a master’s and doctorate in educational administration from the University of Iowa. Thurny spent 16 years as a teacher and coach at several high schools in eastern Iowa. He returned to Coe as a coach from 1981-89. He led the Kohawk football team to four conference division titles and two conference championships. He coached two regular season undefeated teams and Coe’s first NCAA playoff team, along with six All-American athletes, including his son, Dr. Brent Thurness ’90. During this time, he also served as the athletic director and head women’s softball coach, leading the team to five conference championships. Thurny was inducted into the Coe College Athletic Hall of Fame, Iowa High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Marion Athletic Hall of Fame and West Liberty High School Hall of Fame. After his coaching and teaching career ended, he worked on the restoration of the Marion Depot, served on the Marion History Cultural Center Task Force, Marion Historical Preservation Commission and worked on the family farm. Thurny is survived by his wife, Carol; a son, Brent; two daughters, Amy Thurness-Yazzie and Lisa Sanders; and 11 grandchildren.
1963
Martha Jones Kidd, 77, of West Des Moines, IA, on February 16. Martha is survived by her husband of 55 years, James Kidd ’63; a son, Jeff; a daughter, Kim; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
1964
Sharon Coleman, 75, of Marshalltown, IA, on August 30, 2017. Sharon is survived by three brothers, Don, Ron and Michael Coleman.
1965
Tom Good, 79, of Guttenberg, IA, on January 21. Tom served in the U.S. Air Force for over three years. He worked for Collins Radio and DC Taylor before going to work for Cedar Service Company doing building maintenance and building swimming pools. He bought into Northern Cedar Service Company in Mason City, IA, in 1976 and retired in 1995. After retiring, Tom drove part time for Wessells and Norseman Trucking Company until 2005. He was a 50-year member of the Blue Lodge 284 in Central City, IA, and a member of Marion Chapter 10 RAM in Marion, IA, Antioch Commandery 43 in Mason City, IA, Palestine Council 27 R & SM in Cedar Rapids, ASR Scottish Rite Temple, El Kahir Shrine, Guttenberg United Methodist Church and Guttenberg Country Club. Tom is survived by his wife, Joan Good; two daughters, Lawana Rothamel and Lanee Good; two grandchildren; a niece; and a nephew.
Bruce Hop, 75, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on December 9. Bruce began his career at Collins Radio working on equipment for the Apollo moon missions. He then moved into the insurance industry, working for Travelers, MorAmerica, Berthel Fisher and finally Cincinnati Life Insurance Company where he was a senior regional director. He was a member of Cedar Rapids Ex Club, Elmcrest Country Club and First Lutheran Church. Bruce is survived by his wife, Cheryl; a daughter, Trisha Hop; a stepdaughter, Katie Brewer; two stepsons, Adam and Zachary Brewer; three brothers, Harvey, James and Karl Hop; a grandchild; and two stepgrandchildren.
Bruce Pangborn, 75, of Green Bay, WI, on December 5. Bruce earned his Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He also received a post-graduate degree in family systems and was trained at the Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence. Bruce was active on the synod and local levels in a variety of ministerial activities. He was involved in several intentional interim churches and established the Care and Counseling Center in a Chicago mall for individual counseling services. He was active in the Lake Largo Homeowners Association and served as its president for several years. Bruce is survived by his wife, Karen Johnson Pangborn ’68; a brother, Thomas Pangborn; several nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and -nephews.
1966
Barbara Tracy Lacasse, 76, of Lenoxdale, MA, on October 22. Barbara worked as a nurse at several hospitals and nursing homes including Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA. She devoted much of her time to visiting with and improving the lives of the sick and elderly and was active in her church. Barbara is survived by her husband, Tom Lacasse; a brother, John Tracy; a sister, Heather Johnsen; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
1968
Hugh Caldara, 73, of Stonington, CT, on October 18. Hugh served in the U.S. Navy after graduating from Coe and earned a master’s degree in history from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. He taught history, coached varsity football and hockey and was the athletic director for 41 years at The Gunnery School in Washington, CT. Hugh was inducted into the Gunnery School Athletic Hall of Fame and was a past president of the New England Prep School Athletic Council Football Coaches' Association, where an annual award was named in his honor. He was an avid sailor and active member of the Cruising Club of America, Storm Trysail Club, N.Y. Yacht Club and Wadawanuck Club in Stonington. Hugh is survived by his wife, Joanne.
Robert Cox, 72, of Gladbrook, IA, on January 6. Bob had a career as a social worker and helped many people find their way in life. He was an avid sports fan who especially loved the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs. Bob is survived by a son, Brad Cox; a daughter, Rebecca Zandarski; three brothers, Richard Cox ’57, Dave Cox ’57 and Dean Cox ’57; a sister, Joan Grabner; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, including Richard Cox ’93.
Brian Mlecko, 73, of Lockport, IL, on January 29. Brian served in the National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves. He earned his master’s degree in anatomy and physiology from Iowa State University in 1971 and earned his teaching degree from Portland State University in 1972. He taught high school for military families in Mannheim, Germany, and also taught in Portland, OR, before settling in Lockport and teaching chemistry and A.P. biology at Lockport Township High School for 20 years. Brian is survived by his wife of 47 years, Connie Mlecko; two sons, Douglas and Bradley Mlecko; a sister, Jerilyn Schmitz; two grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and -nephews.
1969
Chuck Snyder, 71, of Indianapolis, IN, on December 18. Chuck owned a classical music store in Indianapolis before moving to California and working at an optical company. He returned to Indianapolis and worked for the Civic Theatre for 23 years. He took great pride in his home and yard and received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Smithsonian Institution for his beautiful yard, which was also featured in Indianapolis Monthly Magazine.
1972
Craig Norton, 68, of Kent, OH, on October 20. Craig is survived by three sons, Aaron, Michael and Steve Norton; two brothers, Joseph and Tim Norton; and 11 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Sue Gramenz Norton ’73.
Stan Smith, 68, of Oxnard, CA, on October 13. Stan worked for Farmers Insurance Group for many years, retiring in 2007 as the executive vice president of property casualty operations. He served on the board of directors of Farmers Insurance Group, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Institute for Business and Home Safety and the Central Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in California. Stan was a trustee of Coe College, and he and his late wife, Anne Luberger Smith ’73, established the Lowry Fredrickson Endowed Psychology Fund. He is survived by two sons, David and William; and a daughter, Laura. He was predeceased by his wife, Anne.
1974
Bill Benda, 88, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on January 1. Bill served in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant in 1952. He worked as a draftsman for Collins Radio before earning his degree from Coe and returned to Rockwell Collins as a cost accountant, retiring in 1988. Bill is survived by his wife, Enid Benda; and three nieces.
Jo Ann Ewert Mann, 76, of Ely, IA, on May 4, 2018. Jo Ann worked as a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and Kirkwood Community College. She later worked as a real estate agent, first as a sales associate at Lakeland Properties in Solon, IA, and then as a broker for Byers & Happel in Iowa City. Jo Ann is survived by three daughters, Gretchen Pudil Wetendorf ’88, Valerie Pudil and Corina Olinger; a sister, Carolyn Simpson; four grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
1976
Richard Rawson, 71, of Palo, IA, on November 28. Rick and his wife owned and operated a bed and breakfast and lawn-and-garden shop in Amana, IA, for nearly 27 years. He also owned Cedar Creek Trading Company in Lindale and Westdale malls in Cedar Rapids for over eight years. He retired in 2016 and moved to Palo. Rick is survived by his wife, Janice; two children, Abigail and Taylor; a brother, Thom Rawson; two sisters, Janet Metcalfe and Nancy Rawson-King; his stepmother, Delores; and several nieces and nephews.
1980
Barbara Hammer, 79, of Newton, IA, on October 16. Barbara earned her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Iowa in 1988. She held many jobs in the nursing field including working at hospitals and veterans’ homes, doing in-home health care and working as a nursing home supervisor. In later years she developed nursing curriculum and taught online courses through the University of Phoenix. Barbara was active in the Gerontological Nursing Association, including the American Nursing Association, and had written many chapters and articles in nursing texts and journals. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and had served as past regent. Barbara is survived by her husband, Dyer Hammer; two daughters, Dara Hanson and Theresa Daters; a son, Mike Hammer; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
1988
Kurt Friese, 54, of Iowa City, IA, on October 26. Kurt was an accomplished chef who had trained and then taught at the New England Culinary Institute. Throughout his life he worked as the executive chef and owner of Devotay in Iowa City, market manager for NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids, editor and publisher of Edible Iowa River Valley, founding leader of Slow Food Iowa, host of “Blue Plate Special” on Edible Communities Radio with his sister Christine Friese and was a Johnson County supervisor. He wrote the book “A Cook’s Journey: Slow Food in the Heartland” and co-authored the book “Chasing Chiles: Hot Spots along the Pepper Trail” with Gary Paul Nabhan and Kraig Kraft. He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Society in Iowa City. Kurt is survived by his wife, Kim McWane Friese ’88; two children, Devon and Taylor; his mother, Pat; and a sister, Christine.
Barton Knochenmus Jr., 65, of West Nanticoke, PA, on November 12. Barton served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Enterprise in the Persian Gulf War. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa and opened a law practice near Allentown, PA. He opened a secondary practice near Scranton, PA, and specialized in bankruptcy law. Barton is survived by three sisters, Sandy Kurimay, Sherry Solstad and Jill Sobol-Kerst; four brothers, M. Dale, J. Lee, J. Bart and J. Talmon Knochenmus; and a godson, Winston.
1989
Leila Ward, 59, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on January 8. Leila worked at Rockwell Collins for 22 years and then became a licensed realtor in Cedar Rapids, working briefly for Kopel Realty. She also received her paralegal license. Most recently, she worked as a supervisor at Amana Refrigeration. Leila is survived by her daughter, Mackenzie Marie Ward; bonus daughters, Machaley and Mariah Ward; a brother, Bobby Levy; three sisters, Carole Bernard-Freeman, Anita Derrick and Valorie McCall; two grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members.
1995
Cory Brown, 47, of Twin Lakes, WI, on October 29. Cory went through basic training in the U.S. Army with special training as a medic and served in the National Guard. He worked as a registered nurse for many years and earned his master’s degree in nursing from Concordia University. He then worked as a nurse practitioner for four years. Cory is survived by his wife of 24 years, Elisa Miller Brown ’96; two daughters, Carley and Natalea; his parents, Michael and Norine Brown; a brother, Keane Brown; and a sister, Kelly Metzger.
Mike Nainys, 45, of San Diego, CA, on October 10. Mike loved the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. He is survived by his parents, Chet and Joyce Nainys; a sister, Michelle Bunyer; a niece; and a nephew.
Faculty
Former music instructor Anita Bullard, 76, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on October 17. Anita graduated from the University of Illinois in 1965 and became a member of the Oklahoma City Symphony for five seasons. She earned her master’s degree from Louisiana State University in 1972. In 1973, Anita became the principal cellist of the Cedar Rapids Symphony and a member of the Symphony Quartet. She taught music appreciation and cello at Coe and later established her own private studio. She was a member of People’s Church and First Lutheran Church. Anita is survived by a niece; a nephew; and three great-nephews.
Former history professor Paul Glad, 92, of Middleton, WI, on November 3. Paul joined the U.S. Navy V-12 program after high school and earned his degree in naval science and tactics from Purdue University in 1947. He earned his master’s and doctorate in history from Indiana University. In addition to Coe, Paul taught history at Hastings College, Marburg University in Germany, University of Maryland, University of Graz in Austria, University of Clermont-Ferrand in France, University of Wisconsin, Chicago University and University of Oklahoma. His accomplishments included being a Fulbright professor, Guggenheim Professor, Merrick Scholar and Regents professor at the University of Oklahoma. He wrote numerous books and publications, several of which have been included in the White House library and Library of Congress. Paul is survived by his wife of 70 years, Carolyn; a daughter, Susan; three sons, Thomas, Richard and Steven; several grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
Former volleyball head coach Judy Graham, 70, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on November 25. Judy earned her teaching degree from Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa). She taught physical education in Edgewood, IA, served as a paraprofessional at Prairie schools in Cedar Rapids, was an aquatics director at two YMCAs and became the first female safety officer at Eastern Iowa Airport. She was a founding member of Echo Hill Presbyterian where she served as an elder and member of the choir. Judy is survived by two daughters, Jenny Hayes and Kimberly Kennedy; five grandchildren; two cousins; and a former spouse.
Former English professor Bruce Kellner, 88, of Lancaster, PA, on February 16. Bruce served in the U.S. Navy for four years. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Colorado College and his master’s degree from The Writers Workshop at the University of Iowa. In addition to Coe, Bruce taught at Hartwick College where he was also the director of theater activities and staged over 30 productions. He taught at Millersville University for the majority of his career, retiring as professor emeritus in 1991. He published 17 books and wrote three one-character plays. Bruce is survived by his wife, Margaret; a daughter, Kate Kellner Wilcox; a son, Hans Kellner; and a sister, Gloria Cameron.
Former philosophy professor Hal Kirschbaum, 76, of Berkeley, CA, on January 29. Hal earned his bachelor’s degree from Antioch College, his master’s degree from New York University and his doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley. Diagnosed at a young age with multiple sclerosis, Hal became an advocate for people with disabilities and was involved with the independent living movement. After teaching at Coe, he worked at UC Berkeley’s Center for Independent Living (CIL) from 1973 until 1982. His roles included running the first peer counseling program and a pioneering program on substance abuse and disability, as well as establishing Friends of CIL for the organization’s fundraising efforts. Hal also developed two disability studies graduate school programs at Antioch West and The Wright Institute. He was a Union Graduate School professor for doctoral students from 1978 to 1998. In 1982, Hal and his wife founded Through the Looking Glass (TLG), a Berkeley nonprofit dedicated to supporting parents, children and their families with disabilities. To better support the efforts of TLG, he earned a master’s degree in psychology and became a licensed marriage and family therapist. He served on TLG’s board of directors from 1982 until 2010. Hal is survived by his wife of 59 years, Megan; a daughter, Anya; a son, Noah; and three grandchildren.
Barbara Lehn, 86, of Cheshire, CT, on September 25. Barbara was the mother of late Coe professor Dan Lehn. She is survived by five sons, Stephan, David, Gregory, Randolph and Matthew Lehn; Dan’s wife, Lauri Werling Lehn ’97; three sisters, Jeannette Wood, Carolyn Carlisle and Diane Nagy; 20 grandchildren including Jake Vitense ’05; and eight great-grandchildren.
Former custodian Arlene McCauley, 85, of Cedar Rapids, IA, on November 3. Arlene owned two restaurants in Gladbrook, IA, Arlene’s Quick Lunch and Sunnyside Café, before moving to Cedar Rapids in 1959. She worked as a waitress at several restaurants and bars in Cedar Rapids and served on the HACAP board and Linn County advisory board. Arlene is survived by a daughter, Deanna Lewis; two sisters, Wilma Varner and Kathleen Schilling; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Former theater arts instructor Shakeeb "Joe" Nassif, 80, of Winter Park, FL, on November 23. Joe earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Grinnell College, his master’s degree from Yale University School of Drama and his doctorate in dramatic literature and criticism from the University of Denver. He taught and guest-directed at the University of Michigan, University of Montana and St. Bonaventure University. He was the producer and director of public affairs programs for Westinghouse Broadcasting Company in Pittsburgh, PA, and became the executive director of the Pittsburgh Playhouse and chair of theater and dance at Point Park College. He served as executive producer of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, which he helped found. Along with his brother, Joe owned and managed SJN & Sons property management company and operated the St. Elmo Hotel in Chautauqua, NY. Joe became the chair of the theater department at Rollins College in Florida and was director of the Arts at Rollins College program, retiring as professor emeritus in 2004. He moved to Cedar Rapids and remained involved in theater through his work at Coe, as well as through Mount Mercy University and The Old Creamery Theatre in Amana, IA. Joe received several awards throughout his lifetime. He was ordained as a sub-deacon in the Orthodox Church and held leadership roles within the archdiocese throughout his life. In Cedar Rapids, he served St. George Church as a board member, an Orthodox education instructor and scholarship adviser. Joe is survived by a son, Jonathan Nassif; a daughter, Alexandra Magargee; a brother, Nathan Nassif; a sister, Catherine Payvandi; four grandchildren; several nieces and nephews including Darius Payvandi ’05 and Cyrus Payvandi ’08; many cousins; and his former wife, Michelle McKenna.