Virginia (Stafford) Anderson Van Peenen ’33 on October 25, 2022. Virginia met her future husband, Robert Hart Anderson ’30, while both were attending Kalamazoo College. They were married in 1934, at the Little Church Around the Corner in New York City. They were blessed with three children. Robert passed, after a long illness, in 1950. She began her teaching career in 1950, at Harding, McKinley and Milwood elementary schools in Kalamazoo, and in 1953, earned her master’s degree in education from Western Michigan University. While building a new home on Indian Lake near Vicksburg after retirement, she reconnected with a former K friend, Edward Van Peenen ’33, through Miller Lumber Co. The two married on July 14, 1966, and enjoyed life at the lake home and traveling together. Edward sadly passed away at age 91. Virginia moved to Cary, North Carolina, to live with her daughter. Virginia enjoyed her Bible study group, Sharing Table, at the First United Methodist Church of Cary. She also enjoyed her Kalamazoo Bridge Club, travel, reading, conversation, phone calls, religious discussions and learning, friendship, and most of all, family. A 100th birthday celebration included more than 50 members of her family at a beach house at the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Her 109th birthday included a 60-car drive-by while she sat in a big chair outside, with horns honking and decorated cars escorted by police and fire trucks. On her 110th birthday, she traveled to Myrtle Beach to join 52 family members from all over the country to celebrate. In addition to her husbands, Robert and Edward, Virginia was also preceded in death by her brothers, including Howard Emory Stafford ’39, her stepson, Edward Van Peenen II ’62, brother-in-law, Donald T. Anderson ’33, and sister-in-law, Ruth Schlobohm Anderson ’36. Virginia is survived by her three children, including Robert Terry Anderson ’59, a stepdaughter, nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Carol (Pletcher) Grady ’49 on November 30, 2022. Carol graduated from Kalamazoo College with a degree in music. She married Albert Grady ’49 on June 17, 1950. Carol worked at Immaculata University in Pennsylvania, where she helped and inspired students and staff. She was a gifted pianist and enjoyed playing the piano, visiting with neighbors, working in her yard and traveling with or to see family. Referred to by her family as St. Carol, she had a wonderful smile, and her kindness made everyone glad to be near her. Carol was predeceased by her husband, Albert. She is survived by three children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Robert Hopkins ’51 on February 19, 2020. Bob studied English at Kalamazoo College, where he played tennis, and he received his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. He was a professor emeritus of English at the University of California, Davis.
Norma (Monroe) Johnston ’51 on November 10, 2022. Norma earned her B.A. from Kalamazoo College, where she met the love of her life, Robert Johnston ’48. Norma was a kindergarten teacher at Jack and Jill Kindergarten and launched one of the first Head Start programs in Southern Indiana. She later became assistant director to the Clark County Child Welfare Department. In her later years, Norma enjoyed being a docent at the Speed Museum, Farmington and then Historic Spanish Point in Sarasota. She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Bob. She is survived by her son, daughter, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Marguerite Ellen Laansma Kaweck ’51 on November 9, 2022, at Hillside Terrace Retirement Community in Ann Arbor. She attended K and the University of Michigan and was passionate about her work as an elementary school teacher in Carman and Houghton Lake school districts. She worked to secure a fair wage for teachers, who were mostly women at that time, while serving as a teachers’ union representative. She was clear her children could be anything they wanted, especially the girls, and helped motivate them to do exactly that. Family was very important to her, and she moved to Florida to support her parents at the end of their lives. Marguerite enjoyed music, walking in the woods, canoeing, birdwatching and ice cream, and had a great sense of humor. A lecturer for Weight Watchers, she was a wonderful cook and was always talking about what was for dinner while eating lunch. She was famous among her friends later in life for her singing and her jokes. Marguerite was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Kaweck, and her former husband, John Laansma. She is survived by her three children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Joyce W. (Rickman) Smith ’51 on September 20, 2022. Joyce graduated from Kalamazoo College with a degree in English literature. While attending college, Joyce met her future husband, Stephen Smith ’49, at a church social in Kalamazoo. Steve’s work as a physicist at the National Bureau of Standards brought the Smith family to Boulder, Colorado, in 1962. Steve and Joyce raised five sons. Joyce was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Boulder for many years. She enjoyed singing in the choir, playing in the bell choir and participating in church and social activities. Joyce was active with the Boulder Democratic Party. Through Steve’s work, Joyce was able to travel the world and meet people from a variety of cultures. She generously hosted many visiting scholars and scientists in her home throughout the years. During the summers, Joyce loved spending time at her Bay View, Michigan, cottage. This was her “happy place,” where she participated in the Women’s Council, played croquet, enjoyed swimming in Little Traverse Bay, attended musical performances and concerts, found solace in church services, and rocked in her wicker chair on the front porch greeting Chautauqua neighbors as they walked by. As the cottage’s third-generation owner, Joyce had a lifetime of special memories in this summer home. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Steve, eldest son, David, and second son, Jeffrey. She is survived by three sons and four grandchildren.
L. J. “Midge” Verplank ’52 on December 16, 2022. Midge attended Florida Southern and Kalamazoo College before being drafted by the Army. He later earned his M.B.A. at the University of Michigan. He worked in Chicago selling bonds before joining his father and uncles in the family business, Verplank Coal and Ice Co., now known as Verplank Family Holding Co. Midge firmly believed business exists for the betterment of the community. Midge was a humble and relaxed man who gave guidance, support and coaching to many family members and friends. He was an animal lover and will be missed by many furry friends. Midge had a love for water from a young age. He sailed inland scows and offshore competitively for more than 75 years. He made several transatlantic crossings on his sailing vessels while competing in sailing races both domestically and abroad. Midge was a generous man. He took immense pride in his association with friends, business associates, community members and family, always giving to those in need. He was very involved in many charitable, volunteer and philanthropic organizations. Midge was an active member of the Spring Lake Yacht Club, the Western Michigan Yachting Association, the Spring Lake Country Club, Spring Lake Rotary, West Michigan Sailing Association, Bitter End Yacht Club and Seven Seas Yachting Association. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Mary Lynn. Midge is survived by two children, two stepchildren and their mother, and three grandchildren.
Nancy C. (Murch) Carrington ’53 on October 19, 2022. Eldest child of Andrew Murch ’29 and Grace Murch ’27, Nancy majored in biology at K. She raised three children in Marshall, Michigan, with her husband, Carl Carrington, a pharmacist. She joined Trinity Episcopal Church, became an active member of the American Association of University Women, and worked to raise funds for the American Cancer Society of Calhoun County. Later, she moved to Kalamazoo and worked for the Kalamazoo Nature Center, founded by Dr. Louis Batts, her college professor whom she so admired. Here, she followed her passion for wildlife and the outdoors, bird watching and botany. Above all, she loved her children, supporting their interests and well-being tirelessly. She taught them to swim and to fish, to cook and keep house, and ferried them to art and music lessons and summer camps. She taught them to enjoy all things outdoors and in nature, in all weather, to appreciate music and the fine arts, to know the value of practice, and to find nourishment in beauty and balance. She taught them to wonder, to see beyond, to smile warmly and to laugh. She encouraged them to do their best, to be gracious and kind. By her example, she showed how to carry on with wit, spirit and love despite the challenges everyone faces. She was predeceased by her brothers, including John Murch ’54. Nancy is remembered by her sisters, including Mary M. McLean ’61, her three children, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Paul Schutter ’55 on December 11, 2022. Paul attended Kalamazoo College, where he played football. He served his country honorably in the United States Army. After completing his service, he returned to Western Michigan University, where he participated in football and track and held a shot-put record. Paul later earned a master’s degree in education and taught at Vicksburg Public Schools. He was a driver’s education teacher and coached football, track and golf for Vicksburg. After retirement, he also coached track at Gull Lake High School. He was a member of the Vicksburg United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir, and the Vicksburg Lions Club. He was active in the Senior Olympics and enjoyed spending time at the cottage in Twin Lake and at home on Indian Lake. On April 20, 1956, Paul was united in marriage to Marilyn McMaster, who survives. He is also survived by three children, nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Lois (Frey) Crane ’56 on February 18, 2022. After graduating from Kalamazoo College with a B.A. in mathematics, Lois received her master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan. She worked for the Parke-Davis Research Library, the University of Toledo Libraries and rural school district libraries. Lois worked at the Wichita Art Museum Library for 22 years, retiring as director. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, David Crane ’56, two daughters, and one grandchild.
Marcia Lynne (Johnston) Morrison ’58 on October 17, 2022. Marcia pursued her love of music at K, where she studied voice and organ and sang in the annual Bach Festival, graduating with a major in music education and a minor in Spanish. Marcia’s parents tasked her with finding a beautiful birthstone ring for her college graduation. She made a visit to Paul E. Morrison Jewelers and asked to see their peridot rings. A young Howard Morrison came forward to assist the dark-haired co-ed with the big brown eyes and found himself quite smitten. Together they designed a lovely custom ring, and their courtship began. On August 2, 1958, they were married. Marcia’s music career spanned 14 years with Kalamazoo Public Schools, teaching at Northglade, Parkwood-Upjohn and Lincoln elementary schools and South Junior High School. By 1971, she and Howard had four young kids of their own, and she accepted the newly created position of organist and choirmaster of St. Luke’s Girls Choir in Kalamazoo. During her many years at St. Luke’s, she led her singers in weekly services, annual concerts and group performances with other churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan. She was a member of the American Guild of Organists and enjoyed attending the annual conventions. Marcia’s artistic and creative nature was expressed through her extraordinary sewing, fine tailoring, knitting, embroidery, interior design and landscape projects. Marcia loved to travel. As a young mother in the late ’60s, Marcia took flying lessons and earned her private pilot’s license. She and her co-pilot Ruth Eismann competed in the Michigan Powder Puff Derby. Her love, artistry and musical talent live on in the four children and six grandchildren she leaves behind. Marcia was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Howard.
George W. Macleod ’60 on November 3, 2022. George was a member of the football and track teams at Kalamazoo College. After receiving his B.A. from K, George received an M.S. in zoology and botany along with a teacher certification at Michigan State University. In 1962, he was hired by Parchment Public Schools to teach science and coach basketball at the middle school and assist with coaching the varsity high school football team. The following year, George moved to the high school to teach biology, where he remained for 32 years. His summer months were spent painting houses. In 2020, he was inducted into the Parchment Community Hall of Fame. George married the love of his life, Linda Kaye Tifft, in August 1962. At Stockbridge United Methodist Church, he was the historian, basketball coach and member of the Asbury group. He was a member of the Kalamazoo Antique Bottle Club and the Kalamazoo Antiques Club, librarian for the Kalamazoo Audubon Society, president of the Kalamazoo Science Foundation, historian for the West Main Hill Neighborhood Association, and a volunteer at the Western Michigan University Archives. In 1970, George and Linda purchased 10 acres outside of Hastings, Michigan, known as “The Farm.” The Macleod household had an abundant supply of unique pets, including rats, tarantulas, snakes and turtles. George’s last words were, “I’ve had a good life,” and that is what he would wish for everyone. George was preceded in death by one brother, David Macleod ’59. George leaves behind his wife, two sons and daughters-in-law, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two brothers, Garrard Macleod ’56 and Robert Macleod ’57.
Mary Ellen (Steketee) Fischer ’61 on January 19, 2023, after a short illness. Mary Ellen met and married David W. Fischer ’59 while at Kalamazoo College. After graduation, she earned a master’s degree in the teaching of math and science from Western Michigan University. Her first teaching job was in Hartland, Michigan. After returning to Kalamazoo, she taught in Comstock and Three Rivers schools, the adult education program of Kalamazoo Public Schools and at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Mary Ellen was a dedicated teacher. She is remembered for teaching advanced math to select groups of early elementary students. She also entertained her children during car trips by teaching them to solve “puzzles” taken from a ninth-grade algebra book, making math a game. Children in the neighborhood remember her taking all of them to the library, movies, swimming and Dairy Queen. Teaching and sometimes organizing vacation Bible school was a favorite summertime activity for several decades. She enjoyed Bible studies and was active in Community Bible Study and Bible Study Fellowship for many years. Choral music was also one of her great joys, which she shared with her husband. They both sang in church choirs for almost 50 years and enjoyed attending choral workshops. She sang in the Kalamazoo Community Chorale, a women’s group, for 25 years. Mary Ellen is survived by her husband, David, daughter Joan M. Fischer ’86, son Mark W.F. Fischer ’89 and his wife Annemarie Fischer ’89, and two grandchildren.
Thomas Reed ’61 on October 9, 2022. An avid athlete, Tom earned a scholarship to attend K and play baseball. He spent a year at the University of California-Berkeley before returning home to attend the University of Michigan, where he earned a B.A. in English literature. Tom was also a proud graduate of the U of M Medical School. Tom completed his surgical residency at U.C. San Francisco in the 1960s. He served as a U.S. Army surgeon stationed in Germany with his first wife, Sandi, and young sons. Returning to California, Tom briefly practiced surgery in Marin County before settling in Santa Rosa with his wife and sons and practicing general and vascular surgery. He served as the elected chief of surgery at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and was an early and skilled adopter of angioplasty. Tom was also a respected member of the UCSF Naffziger Society, a medical society dedicated to excellence in surgery. In 1987, Tom married his soulmate, Mary, and became stepfather to her adult children. Tom and Mary explored the Pacific Northwest and the Southwest and went on many scuba diving adventures. They cherished times kayaking and hiking with family and friends at their second home on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Tom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2010. He met the trials of his failing health with grace and courage for 12 years. Tom is survived by his wife of 35 years, Mary, two sons, two stepchildren and seven grandchildren.
Kenneth Fredrick Bartley ’62 on January 2, 2023, of pancreatic cancer. Ken met the love of his life, Carol, while attending K in 1959, while she was studying to be a nurse. They married in Kalamazoo in 1962. Ken attended Johns Hopkins University for his master’s degree in education and University of Michigan in the physics Ph.D. program. They moved their young family to Charlevoix and bought a 40-acre farm in 1973. He taught computers, math and science at Charlevoix High School for more than 30 years. In the summers, he built houses and hired his students as employees. He taught at Concord Academy until his retirement in 2013. KB was a self-taught jack-of-all-trades and never shied away from trying something new, no matter his age. Throughout his life he pursued many things, such as magic tricks, getting his pilot’s license, camping with his grandkids, writing a book (Texting the Almighty, Schuler Books, 2017) welding, tap dancing, playing and tuning pianos, teaching his grandkids how to jump waves on a jet ski, and even taking up the bagpipes only a few years ago. In Ken’s words, we should all remember that “life is good!” and the song he often referenced and lived by, I Did It My Way. Ken is survived by three daughters and seven grandchildren.
Daniel Joseph Kozera Jr. ’62 on January 1, 2021. Dan played baseball at K for four years and created lifelong friendships during a semester in Germany. He went on to Valparaiso Law School. On December 18, 1965, Dan married the love of his life, Mary Grant Colgrove, in Tecumseh, Michigan. They later moved to the Grand Rapids area in 1966, after Dan completed law school. Dan became a successful lawyer and was several times voted the best in the profession by the American Bar Association. Throughout his life, Dan loved gatherings of family and friends at the family cottage on Bills Lake, a nap in the hammock, a good Winston Churchill biography, the chance to ski a long blue run, and a round of golf with friends at Blythefield Country Club, where he was a member for 47 years. In his later years, Dan developed a passion for yoga, often amazing his granddaughters with feats seemingly impossible for a man his age. Dan’s friends at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church also became central to his life. He enjoyed weekly Tuesday breakfast meetings with the “gang,” and most importantly, fellowship. Dan was preceded in death by an infant son, Joseph Grant, who passed away in 1968. Dan’s wife, Mary, passed away on June 25, 2022, from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. Survivors include two sons and four grandchildren.
Stephen M. Lipman ’63 on July 7, 2022. After K, Steve received his Bachelor of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Andover Newton Theological School. He married Grace Marie Smith ’64 of Washington, D.C., and they celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on June 5, 2022. Steve served churches in Portland, Maine; Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts; Cuba, New York; and Lake Worth, Florida. The second half of Steve’s career was spent in chaplaincy. He was a chaplain at Hospice of Palm Beach County, Jupiter Medical Center and Vitas Hospice. Steve was also an adjunct professor at Palm Beach Community College, where he taught courses on death and dying. Throughout his long career in ministry, Steve served on many boards and committees and was deeply committed to social justice issues. Following retirement, Steve and Grace enjoyed spending their summers in western New York at the Chautauqua Institution. Steve was a kind and compassionate soul who never met a stranger. He had a passion for service and loved the simple joy of making people smile. Steve is survived by his loving wife, Grace, two children, and five grandchildren.
C. Scott McSwain ’68 on August 27, 2022. Scott received a bachelor’s degree in economics and business from K and later earned an M.B.A. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He worked many years in the advertising industry and owned and operated C.S. McSwain Creative Services. Scott served in the U.S. Army from January 1969 to February 1970, during the Vietnam War. Scott liked working with computers and recent technology. He also enjoyed attending concerts and ball games. He was a longtime resident of San Carlos, California.
Jacqueline Merle Lowrie Read ’68 on June 27, 2022, after a courageous and extensive battle with cancer. Jackie graduated from Kalamazoo College with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and the University of Oklahoma with a master’s degree in library science. Jackie was first and foremost a mother and homemaker, which included providing temporary foster care for many needy children while caring for her own. She was also very proud of her career as a librarian in several cities. Her hobbies included spending time with family, reading, crocheting, baking, genealogy, gardening and community service. She is survived by her four children and 11 grandchildren.
William M. Sevald ’69 on November 13, 2022. Bill played varsity baseball and football at Kalamazoo College, spending a semester abroad in England and graduating with a B.A. in history with honors. After graduation, Bill moved to San Francisco, where he gained employment as a computer programmer, organizational change project leader, financial consultant and bank auditor. When he wasn’t auditing banks, he relentlessly pursued his goal of competing in an Olympic marathon, just missing the U.S. trial qualifying time at the age of 35. He stage-directed locally produced operas to critical acclaim. Bill also held a movie credit for a Bruce Dern sports drama titled On the Edge. So much more than an extra or stand-in, he was in many memorable scenes as the “tough but fair” and exceptionally clean-shaven race competitor Matt Singleton. Bill published three novels: The Stuttering Jock’s Opera in 2016, Fishermen from Heaven in 2018, and Sika in 2021, as well as numerous essays on a wide variety of subjects.
William Hugh Siehr ’69 on October 2, 2022, following complications of a stroke he suffered on September 14, 2022. Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Linda, three children, and eight cherished grandchildren as well as other family, dear friends and his loyal dog, Crosby. Bill will forever be missed.
Roderick Eugene Day ’71 on January 8, 2023, from complications related to cancer. Rod graduated from Kalamazoo College, where he played tennis, met his wife, Shonnee (Jones) Day ’72, and made dear friends. Since graduation, he reunited often with his college friends, Scott, Rick, JP, Dan, Jerry and Tim. Rod took great joy and pride in coaching his daughters and their teammates from T-ball through varsity softball, and he was known for patiently encouraging every athlete’s strengths and confidence. He also enthusiastically supported his daughters’ various interests, attending every competition and event. During his career, Rod was a teacher, stockbroker and an insurance agent, eventually owning his own agency. Rod liked watching and playing sports, cooking, listening to music, playing euchre (everyone wanted him as their partner) and picking vegetables in his backyard garden. He was known for his sharp memory— able to reminisce with the best of them. Rod was loved by family and friends and is deeply missed. He is predeceased by his daughter Andrea and survived by his wife of 49 years, Shonnee, and his daughters Kaitlyn and Margaux.
James Howard Jackson ’71 on December 25, 2022. Jim majored in religion at Kalamazoo College. In 1972, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he lived for 40 years. He earned a Master of Library Science at the University of Maryland in 1976. He worked at the American Medical Association for three decades as its librarian and then membership director for its political action committee. He returned to Kalamazoo in 2011, where he worked on campaigns for Michigan Sen. Sean McCann and was active in the local Democratic Party. Jim loved to cook and was an avid reader and history buff. He had a great sense of humor, and he loved to make other people laugh and to laugh with them. In his last years, he enjoyed watching movies, reading, playing tennis and spending time with his children and friends from the gym. He is survived by two children and a granddaughter.
Andrea Joan Hess ’72 on January 1, 2023. After working in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Deerfield, Illinois, Andrea settled in San Diego. Her California adventures included hiking and camping in the Eastern Sierra. Summer found Andrea enjoying time lakeside at her Michigan family cottage. Beach walks with family were a priority. She was an avid traveler, and Andrea and her sister enjoyed many journeys together. With her visit to Stonehenge and to the Scottish Highlands in 2022, Andrea relished experiencing areas she had researched early in her life. Fascinated by the world around her, she was an avid photographer. Andrea is remembered for her integrity and joyful spirit.
Jeffrey Webber ’75 on December 27, 2022. Jeff was a graduate of Kalamazoo College and Boston College, where he earned an M.B.A. His long career as a financial and systems analyst took him to Ford Motor Co., Barnes & Noble, and IBM. He moved to Ardsley-on-Hudson, New York, in 2000. Jeff will be remembered by many for his empathetic nature and a willingness to listen to others. He loved chess and card games, Cape Cod and the Rhode Island shoreline, and frequent visits to his parents for long talks and favorite dishes from his mother’s kitchen. After retiring in 2015, Jeff enjoyed researching family history, serving as treasurer of his building’s co-op board and competing in online bridge tournaments, where he became a sought-after partner. He derived a particular satisfaction from teaching English to young Israelis, both online and in-person during annual stays in that country. At the time of his death, he was planning his next teaching visit.
Susan Betty Stone ’78 on January 4, 2019. She received a bachelor’s degree in biology from K.
James D. Gould ’81 on August 1, 2022.
Dale Lee Smith ’84 on December 2, 2022, suddenly and unexpectedly. He was one of three brothers who attended Kalamazoo College (Rick ’82 and Brad ’91). After graduating from K with a bachelor’s degree in economics, Dale went on to earn a master’s degree in finance from Eastern Michigan University and a J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He practiced law in his hometown of Adrian, Michigan, until his passing. Dale loved spending time on the lake, hitting the links, blasting music of all genres (especially reggae), traveling, frequenting Detroit Red Wings games, and attending the Big 10 men’s basketball tournament, where he enjoyed rooting for both University of Michigan and Michigan State University. Most of all, he loved his daughters: having them join him out on the sandbar, meet up for a college football tailgate, or simply sit and play cards after a long summer day. Dale was a consistent participant in K homecoming events and maintained a group of friends from his days at K. His time at K was one of his life’s highlights. He is survived by his two daughters and the rest of his extended family.
Faculty, Staff and Friends of the College
Leatha Suzann (Phelps) Burris on October 24, 2022, on her 75th birthday. An avid reader, Leatha enjoyed her time working in the library setting, first in the Lee County (Florida) Library System, then at the Kalamazoo College Upjohn Library. At K, Leatha started as the evening circulation assistant, switched to document delivery specialist in 2004, and retired in 2017. Library staff described Leatha as “sassy” as well as “committed, wise, with a good sense of humor.” She was supportive of students employed in the library and her file contained many thank-you notes from students, including one that thanked her for being understanding and a good listener. She was known for making care packages with snacks for students at the end of each term. Her greatest pleasure was cheering for her grandkids at football games, cheer competitions and on the soccer field. She found joy volunteering at Paramount Charter Academy and SMASH. She is survived by her daughter and two grandchildren.
Allen (Al) Lloyd Dixon on November 29, 2022, following a brief illness and after suffering the loss of his eldest son, Matthew, one week earlier. Al was a member of the Kalamazoo College Board of Trustees from 1977-1982. Throughout his life, he also served as director or trustee for many other organizations, including First of America Bank, Bronson Methodist Hospital, the Greater Kalamazoo United Way, Junior Achievement and the Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce. He was a life member of the Masons. Throughout his career, he served as president of MasterCraft Corp., founder of excavating and trucking company A.L.D. Inc., and vice president, president and co-owner of Wright Coating Co. Al leaves behind his best friend and loving wife, Karen, with whom he spent nearly 24 years of matrimony, as well as a son, daughter, stepdaughter, two daughters-in-law, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and his affectionate cat, Reggie.
John Wesley Dobbs III on December 15, 2021. John completed a two-year term as associate provost of Kalamazoo College from September 1991 to September 1993. Prior to coming to K, John worked in the Detroit Public Schools, as assistant superintendent for the Michigan Department of Education, and as superintendent of Hempstead Public Schools in Hempstead, New York, and taught at Eastern University. During his time at K, he was responsible for recruiting minority faculty, staff and students; serving as a faculty mentor; and administering grants. He facilitated a Cultural Diversity Campus Coordinating Committee at a time when colleges in Michigan were grappling with racial tensions and confrontations. The committee’s goals included the recruitment and retention of minority students, faculty and staff, as well as developing ways to enhance the extracurricular and interpersonal campus climate. In 1992, under John’s leadership, the College launched a cultural diversity initiative designed to expose outstanding minority high school students to the college setting. Students spent a week on campus, participating in a variety of activities, such as self-esteem and group dynamics exercises at Pretty Lake Adventure Camp, in addition to introductions to admissions, study abroad and classes in several disciplines. At the end of his appointment at K, John accepted a position at the University of Michigan-Flint, retiring as provost of the School of Education there. John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mildred, and two children.
Rev. Otha Gilyard on December 1, 2022. Otha served on the Kalamazoo College Board of Trustees from 1979-1997 and received an honorary degree from Kalamazoo College. An Arkansas native, he accepted the call to Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Kalamazoo in 1975. In 1993, he became pastor-elect of Shiloh Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio. Otha was preceded in death by a child, Kareem. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Frieda, his daughter, two grandchildren and seven godchildren.
William E. LaMothe on September 21, 2022. Bill served on the Kalamazoo College Board of Trustees from 1976-1985 and from 1988-1990. He worked for 42 years at the Kellogg Co., 12 of them as chief executive officer, retiring as chairman emeritus in 1992. He retired from both the Board and Trust of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the company board in 2000. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, former member and past chairman of the Battle Creek Community Foundation, former member of the Art Council of Battle Creek, former member of the Economic Development Forum Steering Committee and former chairman of the Drug Free Workplace Steering Committee. He also served on the boards of Hillsdale College, Kimberly-Clark, Upjohn, Sears and Allstate. After retirement, Bill moved with his wife, Pat, to Ave Maria, Florida, where he remained active with membership in the Del Webb Veterans Club, the Ave Maria Knights of Columbus, the Ave Maria Catholic Church and the Catholic K-12 Academy. Bill lived his wedding vows to Pat with devotion and love until her death in 2021. He is survived by his six children.
Waldemar Schmeichel on December 16, 2022. Wally was a professor of religion at K from 1975 to 2009 and taught some 6,000 students during his tenure at K. A popular teacher and mentor, he received the Florence J. Lucasse Lectureship award for excellence in outstanding classroom teaching in 1988. A full obituary will appear in the fall issue of LuxEsto.
