Ruthellen (Smith) McCurley ’53 on October 26, 2024, in Kalamazoo. Ruthellen taught piano at home and at Kalamazoo College. In 1953, Ruthellen was united in marriage to Rollin “Ron” McCurley. Ruthellen shared her musical talent and abilities as past president of the Kalamazoo Area Music Teachers Association and as the music director, pianist and organist as well as a lifelong member of the Kalamazoo Community of Christ Church. She enjoyed many hobbies, such as playing the piano, ballroom dancing with Ron, reading novels, traveling, fishing and daily walks. Surviving Ruthellen are two children; four grandchildren, including Valerie Cochran ’02; and four great-grandchildren.
Evelyn (Biek) Davis ’54 on January 16, 2025. At K, Evelyn earned a degree in English and met a dashing young man, Don Davis ’55, who became her life’s love and partner. Evelyn and Don married in 1955, and Evelyn worked as a teacher until the arrival of their first child in 1956. By 1966, they settled in East Lansing with their four children. Evelyn’s children grew up with stories of life at K: smuggling trays from Saga to slide down the hill on the quad; driving to town in “Black Beauty,” a vintage Packard sedan owned by roommate Billie Jo Tanner ’54; visiting hours on Sunday afternoons at Trowbridge women’s dorm—doors open!—under the watchful eye of housemother Mrs. Mordhorst; and required chapel every Friday. She and Don formed friendships at K that lasted her entire life. Evelyn and Don shared extraordinary travel experiences, among them New Zealand, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya, where they celebrated their 80th birthdays. Evelyn’s favorite destination of all, however, was their cottage on Long Lake, the family gathering place. She kept track of four small children during Don’s medical education and later volunteered at the kids’ schools, cheered at swimming meets, and attended music recitals, choir concerts, plays and graduations. Evelyn belonged to AAUW, was secretary of the Ingham County Medical Society Women’s Auxiliary and, later, the State Society’s treasurer; she was an elder of The People’s Church, and board member of several organizations dedicated to helping families and children. Evelyn and Don relied on one another throughout their lives together in a true partnership. Leaving her much too soon was beloved son John Davis. Surviving are three children, including Susan Davis ’83; eight grandchildren (some of whom lovingly call her “Grandmuffin”); their spouses; and seven great-grandchildren.
Charles True Goodsell ’54 on November 24, 2024. After graduating from K, Charles served in the U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Corps in Berlin, after which he became an intern at the Bureau of the Budget in Washington, D.C. Newly married, he went on to receive a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard University in 1961, beginning his long and distinguished academic career. A resident of Blacksburg, Virginia, since 1978, Charles was a professor at Virginia Tech for the Center of Public Administration and Policy for 24 years and served as director from 1986–91. He retired from teaching in 2002, becoming professor emeritus. His lifelong love of learning, teaching, writing and inspiring others led him to publish 12 books, 90 scholarly articles and two dozen book chapters and speak at over 50 public engagements. His dear wife, Mary Elizabeth Goodsell, died in 2019. He is survived by two daughters, a son-in-law and five grandchildren.
Herbert Allan Grench ’54 on December 19, 2024. At K, an ornithology class sparked a lifelong passion for birding and for his classmate Norma Durham ’56. He graduated with a degree in physics before earning his master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in the same field. He married Norma while at school there in 1954. Several years later, Paul, their first son, was born. After a year at Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago, Herb took a nuclear physics research job at Lockheed in Palo Alto, California. There they had their second son, Bruce. Herb was an ardent conservationist. He served as a Palo Alto planning commission member, a leader in the local Audubon society chapter and on the Committee for Green Foothills. He changed careers in 1973, taking a job as the first general manager for the Midpeninsula Open Space District. He helped preserve 30,000 acres of wild land and create the Peninsula Open Space Trust. In 2015, his work was commemorated when a trail and lookout at the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve was named in his honor. After he retired, he led group tours for the Sierra Club in far-flung places including Ecuador, Chile, Tanzania and the wildlands and rivers of the United States, including rafting in Alaska and the Grand Canyon. He showed many people the joys of nature, birding, hiking, fishing and travel—none more than his sons and grandchildren, who maintain his sense of adventure and care for wild places. He was preceded in death by his son Bruce. He is survived by his wife, Norma; son Paul; and five grandchildren.
Margaret (Wong) Hwang ’55 on December 23, 2024, in Evansville, Indiana. Margaret was born in Yangon, Myanmar (formerly known as Rangoon, Burma). During World War II, her family fled to southern China, where she finished high school. In 1951, she moved to the United States to study at Kalamazoo College, where she earned her degree in biochemistry. Margaret worked as a lab technician after graduation. She married Yu-Tang Hwang in 1961 and enjoyed being a homemaker once her children were born. In 1968, Yu-Tang’s work moved them to Clinton, Iowa, where her children grew up. Later, they moved to Shorewood, Illinois, when Yu-Tang was transferred for his work. They moved to Evansville in 2007, after her husband retired, to be close to their eldest daughter. Margaret enjoyed cooking for her family, singing in her church choir, doing various arts and crafts, bird watching with her husband and traveling all over the world. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years. Margaret is survived by three daughters and two grandchildren.
Robert Charles Bellinger ’57 on September 11, 2024, in Long Beach, California.
Sally (Smith) Bobertz ’57 on August 6, 2024, in Winter Park, Florida, after a courageous struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and congestive heart failure. The first college graduate in her immediate family, she earned a B.A. in psychology and a teacher’s certificate from Kalamazoo College. Throughout her college years, she was distinguished by her winning personality, her academic accomplishments and her leadership skills. It was at K that Sally met Roger Bobertz ’59, her loving husband for 65 years. Sally and Roger spent their married life together in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Connecticut, Texas and Florida. In her early “empty nest” years, Sally applied her leadership skills by becoming the first woman moderator of the First Congregational Church of Fairfield, Connecticut, founded in 1640. Later, she continued her interest in teaching by directing a preschool and then by living out a lifelong dream and becoming a reference librarian at a municipal library. In their retirement years, Sally and Roger became enthusiastic travelers, in their RV, in their single-engine airplane and on numerous cruises throughout the world. Sally was an accomplished and happy person who led a full and adventuresome life. Sally was predeceased by her oldest son, Bradley. She is survived by her husband, Roger; her son Matthew; and two grandsons.
Victor Landeryou ’57 on August 20, 2024, in Wardsboro, Vermont.
Hugh Frederick Mehaffie Jr. ’57 on January 1, 2025. He was a kind, caring and loyal man who thoroughly enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Hugh had a playful sense of humor and laughed easily. Hugh and his wife, Connie, loved watching the glorious sunsets over Lake Michigan together. He worked with his father at the Bond Supply Co. after getting his master’s degree from the University of Michigan and took over when his father retired. He was involved in plumbing trade organizations and enjoyed traveling to their conventions. Hugh retired in 1998 and took up jewelry and furniture making and volunteered at the Gilmore Car Museum. He was active in various foundations, including the Park Club Historic Foundation, the Hugh and Constance Mehaffie Foundation, and the George and Amy Monroe Foundation. He is survived by a half bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin and his wife of 61 years, Connie; two daughters; two sons; and five grandchildren.
Carole (Oliver) Shick ’57 on November 1, 2024. Carole received her teaching degree from Kalamazoo College. She moved to Beaverton, Oregon, in 1965, and met Donald Edward Shick, the love of her life. They were married on February 14, 1969. She worked most of her 30-plus year career in the Beaverton School District as a teacher and librarian. Carole’s love of her community led her to serve eight years on the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District Board, followed by eight years as a Beaverton city councilor. She loved her cats, quilting, gardening, doing puzzles and reading to her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Grandma with the books.” Carole was preceded in death by her husband, Don. She is survived by her six sons, 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Ronald Nelson Kilgore ’58 on January 19, 2025. Ron graduated from K and the American Bankers Association National Trust School. He worked at First National Bank, started the trust department at Industrial State Bank, and worked at American National Bank for 19 years before starting the trust operations at Arcadia Bank. In 1997, he was approached to help create a new Michigan Chartered Bank that would focus on fiduciary and wealth management services only. Out of that relationship and collaboration was born Greenleaf Trust. Ron served as chief executive officer and senior trust officer, secretary of the board of directors, and secretary of the trust committee. Upon his retirement in 2023, he was appointed senior executive vice president, senior trust officer emeritus and board of director emeritus. He was a man of high integrity and remained humble through his many accomplishments. Ron was selfless and lived a life of service. He served honorably in the U.S. Army. He was affiliated with the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum (Air Zoo) since its inception. Ron served as trustee of the Dorothy U. Dalton Foundation, the Suzanne U.D. Parish Foundation and the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation. He was past president of the Gull Lake Country Club and a member and longtime treasurer of the Kalamazoo Rotary Club. Ron was a self-taught and avid sailor and a passionate and qualified golfer. Ron was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Suzanne “Suzy” Kilgore. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Richard Charles Newberg ’58 on October 23, 2024. Dick attended Kalamazoo College for a year. He was a member of the tennis team (defeated then-top ranked Notre Dame) and the freshman basketball team, before transferring to the University of Mississippi, where he was the first tennis player awarded an athletic scholarship. Upon graduating with a degree in accounting, Dick accepted a job in Little Rock, Ark., and later earned his CPA designation. Eventually, he opened his own private practice. Dick often joked that his “boss had a lenient inclement weather policy,” which was his way of saying he was going to play tennis. Dick was a member of the Little Rock Racquet Club for many years, serving on the Board of Directors. Another of Dick’s passions was fly fishing. In 1977, he played an instrumental role in stocking the Little Red River with brown trout. The fish tales and stories of his athletic accomplishments escalated in 2009, as Dick’s high school basketball team was inducted into the Mason County, Michigan, Sports Hall of Fame. His “legend” grew in 2018, when his tennis team was inducted into the Kalamazoo College Athletic Hall of Fame. He became a published author in 2023, with a book about his grandfather’s heroic act in the stormy waters of Lake Michigan. Dick is survived by Sandy, his wife of 47 years; two children; and four grandchildren.
Jon M. Clapp ’59 on November 16, 2024. Jon entered General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) to pursue engineering, then continued at Kalamazoo College for a B.A. in philosophy. He earned a Master of Divinity at Oberlin College and a master’s in guidance and counseling from Wayne State University. He served as an ordained minister in the United Methodist churches of Nardin Park, Farmington Hills, Michigan; Lola Valley, Redford, Michigan; and Clarkston, Michigan, where he served from 1972–2006. He was a dedicated caseworker for Oakland County Juvenile Court from 1973–98. He was a caring and creative person who read extensively, sang in the Oakland Community Chorus, and was self-taught in classical music, photography, woodworking, macrame, painting and astronomy. Jon loved traveling with his family and spending time at their cottage in northern Michigan. Jon will be remembered for his faith, patience, kindness and good humor. Jon was the devoted husband for 61 years to Karen Baird Clapp, beloved father to two daughters and grandfather to three.
Ralph Edward Kenyon ’59 on September 17, 2024. Ed was married to Carole G. Kenyon for 59 years. They were named in their St. Clair High School yearbook as “cutest couple” and dated all through college while attending different Michigan colleges until they married. Ed had lived in Port Charlotte, Florida, since 1991. An avid outdoorsman, Ed grew up waterfowl hunting and fishing and loved fishing Charlotte Harbor for snook and redfish. Ed’s entire professional career was spent with the former General Foods, now Kraft Heinz, where he earned multiple patents, including a first for freeze-dried fruit in cereal, Shake ‘N Bake coating, Stove Top stuffing and JELL-O products. Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carole, in 2019. He is survived by his son, daughter and two grandchildren.
Allan M. Payson ’59 on August 26, 2024.
Norman Bruce Douglas ’60 on November 14, 2024. Norman studied and played football at Kalamazoo College and then earned a B.A. from Western Michigan University. Norm was a skilled machinist and metrologist, and he carried those abilities into the classrooms where he was regarded as a great instructor by his students. He built a distinguished career, contributing significantly to Kalamazoo Valley Community College, WMU School of Engineering, General Motors, Body by Fisher Division, and the Kellogg Company. At GM, he helped to institute a Learning Center. In 2010, he was awarded the first ever Outstanding Service designation for his instructional service to the WMU Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. Norm is survived by his spouse, Judith Zahn Douglas; a daughter; a son; and two granddaughters.
Alfred John “Red” Gemrich ’60 on September 28, 2024, at home in Delton, Michigan. Al received a master’s degree from Western Michigan University, and his J.D. from Yale University. He practiced more than 59 years as an attorney in the Kalamazoo area, including the last 12 years from his home. Al loved being in nature, hunting and living on his 235-acre farm. He served on the Kalamazoo College Board of Trustees from 1975–93. Al married Jean M. Pease on February 1, 1975. Al was preceded in death by two stepsons, Greg and Mark Pease. He is survived by his wife, Jean; his children, Alexander Gemrich ’83 (Sarah Crittenden ’83), Anna Gemrich ’86, and Andrew Gemrich ’90; two stepsons, including Adam Pease ’90; 17 grandchildren, including Cameron Schneberger ’15, Maxwell Schneberger ’18 and Zoe Schneberger ’22; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Donald S. McClure ’60 on August 23, 2024, in Novi, Michigan. Don spent two years as a math major at Wesleyan University before transferring to K as an English major. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and earned a master’s degree from Western Michigan University and a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. Don taught at Sparta High School in Sparta, Michigan, for three years and at Indiana University of Pennsylvania for 33 years, where he was chair of the English department for the last five years. He credited his Kalamazoo College time in Germany for inspiring him to host eight high school exchange students over the years. Don actively supported local recycling group Pollution Solution and his children’s interest in swimming. Always interested in cars, he built a yellow Sebring kit car using a Mustang Cobra chassis. Don taught himself carpentry after he and his wife, Susan, bought a small cottage on Crockery Lake in Conklin, Michigan, and discovered half the floor was rotten. Over the years, he built garages, remodeled their home in Pennsylvania, and built furniture as well as a 12-by-22-foot model train layout. He enjoyed his summers on Lake Michigan salmon fishing. A member at Trinity United Methodist Church, he shared teaching the Good Samaritan Class and sang in the choir. After retirement, Don and Susan traveled to all the continents; saw elephants, Hadrian’s Wall, Notre Dame and a monastery in the sky; flew over Victoria Falls; and used the London tube. Don is survived by his wife, Susan; three children; five grandchildren; and his sister, Joan McClure Post ’67.
E. Joyce Coryell ’61 on July 5, 2024.
Jane Catherine (Ayers) Walsh ’61 on April 4, 2023. Jane taught in the Ida, Michigan, school system for two years and was a research assistant at Michigan State University for 37 years before her retirement in 2002. She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter AG. She was blessed to have traveled to all the places on her wish list in the United States and abroad. Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; son Steve; and sister Liz. She is survived by her son Greg; three grandchildren; and two sisters, including Mary Stockard ’63.
Arthur Page Hartman ’62 on December 10, 2024. A modern-day polymath, he was previously sighted elbow-deep in hydraulics with his tie slung over his shoulder, deep in a quiet wood with a shotgun in the crook of his arm, asleep beneath an intimidating nonfiction publication or ankle-deep in his woodshop sawdust. He graduated from South Haven High School and went on to earn a degree in botany from Michigan State University. His career in regional sales of automotive industry hydraulics meant he knew every road, lane and sleeper-hit restaurant in Southwestern Michigan and Northern Indiana, but what he lived for were his garden, orchids, peonies, hunting and woodworking. He married Patricia King in 1965, and they celebrated 59 years together, traveling and gardening side by side. They made their first home in Sandusky, Michigan, before settling in Mattawan. Simultaneously able to build ornate pieces of antique-reproduction furniture by hand, solve complex physics problems, create new variant peony hybrids, explore ecosystems of Peruvian jungle butterfly species and discuss details of early steam locomotives and their expansion westward, his quest for learning knew no bounds. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his son; his daughter; and his granddaughter.
Gary P. Corpron ’63 on July 19, 2024.
John Martin Grandin ’63 on November 18, 2024. John received an M.A. in teaching from Wesleyan University and a Ph.D. in Germanic studies from the University of Michigan. His 40 years of service at the University of Rhode Island (URI) began in the German department in 1970. John created the German Summer School of the Atlantic to prepare students for study abroad, established a cross-disciplinary forum for engineering, and served as associate dean of students and curriculum, followed by acting dean of arts and science. John helped establish and direct the International Engineering Program (IEP) at URI, was co-chair of the IEP Advisory Board for many years and kept in contact with former students during travels to Germany, France, Italy, Spain and China. A living and learning house for IEP students was named for John. The Federal Republic of Germany awarded John its highest civilian honor for his service in transatlantic relations between the United States and Germany—the Bundesverdienstkreuz, the Federal Cross of Merit. In 2019, John was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Engineering from URI. He was a member of the Kingston Congregational Church for many years and a deacon. John loved to be at the family cottage in Ocean Park, Maine, for a walk to the beach, a swim in the cold Atlantic, body surfing and long walks at low tide. John balanced silliness with tenderness and support for his family. John was very proud of his Swedish heritage. He appreciated the mechanics and design of antique cars and trucks. His Lewy body dementia was difficult to observe but he handled his disease with dignity. John is survived by Carol, his wife of 59 years; a son; a daughter; and three grandchildren.
Barent “Peter” Landstreet ’64 on December 23, 2024, surrounded by family at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, to the closing notes of Mahler’s 2nd Symphony. Peter was a dedicated professor of sociology and Latin American studies at York University prior to his retirement and the co-founder of the Centre for Research on Latin America and the Caribbean. He was also a passionate advocate for democracy and human rights in Latin America, particularly Chile during the Pinochet regime. Peter touched many lives, from the graduate students he supervised, to the Chilean refugees he aided and activists he supported, to all the many other people he encountered throughout his life. His outgoing nature, intense curiosity and love of humanity meant that he made friends wherever he went. He is survived by his wife, Marijke Oudegeest; two daughters; two stepsons; nine grandchildren; and other family, including his brother Stephen Landstreet ’70 and his sister-in-law Barbara Harris ’70.
John S. Bolin ’65 on September 10, 2024, in Arlington, Virginia, with his wife, Sandra (Blaine) Bolin ’65 by his side. John and Sandra were married one week after graduating from K. They decided to marry during their junior year abroad while John was in Bonn, Germany, and Sandra was in Caen, France. In 1970, following graduate school in Michigan, John became a professor at Berea College in Kentucky. Berea became their cherished home for more than 50 years. There they made lifelong friends and supported the college’s commitments to racial equality and educational opportunity for the economically disadvantaged and underserved across Appalachia and beyond. During his tenure as professor and dean, John taught classes in theatre history, design, speech, acting, literature and general studies. He directed over 50 plays from 1970 to retirement in 2009. John’s love of theatre began at K, where Nelda Balch mentored him and obtained approval for a theatre major, of which he was the first graduate. Under his direction, a theatre major became available to Berea students. He was proud of his students’ work and believed in the power of theatre to nurture empathy and awareness of the human condition. John’s book, Full-Length Plays Produced at Berea College, 1892 to 2006, documents the growth and success of the Berea College theatre program. At Berea, John served as dean of the faculty and on the Board of Education for the community school. He was one of the founders of the Berea Arts Council. He and Sandra enjoyed travel, opera, Scottish terriers, the works of William Morris, gardening and time with family. He is survived by his wife, Sandra; son Nathaniel Bolin ’94; a granddaughter; brother Bruce Bolin ’68 and sister-in-law Janet Bolin ’68.
Gary Wild ’65 on October 30, 2024, peacefully in his home in Hawaii, surrounded by his children. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lee Summers Wild ’65.
Susan Ruth (Cope) Ekstrom ’68 on December 6, 2024, in St. Ignace, Michigan. Susan’s academic journey was a testament to her lifelong passion for learning. Susan graduated cum laude from K and was one of three Upper Peninsula students to receive the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. A fierce supporter of all women, while at graduate school at Michigan State University, Susan co-founded the Consumer Task Force on the Childbearing Year, an educational support group for new parents. After graduating with her first master’s degree in philosophy, Susan began her job as a legislative analyst at the Michigan House of Representatives in Lansing, Michigan, where she worked until retiring to complete her second master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan. Susan was a beloved wife, mother and friend, whose curiosity, intellect and compassion left a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to know her. She is survived by her husband and high school sweetheart, Maurice Ekstrom, with whom she shared a loving partnership for more than 60 years; her son; and her daughter.
Donald Gooding Mason Jr. ’68 on November 4, 2024. Don attended Kalamazoo College, Indiana University Bloomington and Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, where he attained his bachelor’s degree. He continued his education over the years at Trine University. Don began his career as a draftsman for John Doyle and Associates. He then worked for the Indiana Department of Transportation from 1989–2005. He transferred to the Steuben County Surveyors Office and finished his career as a land surveyor and civil engineer, retiring in 2020. He was a member of Angola Congregational Church, where he sang in the choir. Surviving are his former spouse, Jill; two sons; and two grandchildren.
Mark B. Severs ’69 on November 12, 2024. Mark earned a master’s in English literature from the University of Rochester and his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law, where he met his wife, Nancie. They were married in 1977. Mark and Nancie first lived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Mark quickly became a successful planning and zoning attorney, and their three sons were born. In 1989, the family moved to Hanover, New Hampshire. In addition to becoming a licensed member of the New Hampshire and Vermont bar associations, Mark became a Certified Financial Planner and worked as a wealth management consultant, remaining with the same firm for 25-plus years before retiring in 2018. Mark and Nancie lived in Hanover until 2010, when they moved to Lebanon, New Hampshire. Mark served the town of Hanover as trustee of trust funds and a member of the Hanover Planning Board. He also served as treasurer of the Grafton County United Way. Always inquisitive, reading and learning, Mark loved sports and played tennis his entire life. In July 2023, he was competitive in a tournament just weeks before he was diagnosed with the nonsmall cell lung cancer that would ultimately end his life. Kindred souls from the time they met in a legal ethics class, Nancie and Mark enriched each other’s lives. Mark embraced parenthood with joy and took great comfort in seeing the responsible adults his sons became. He adored his grandsons. In addition to traveling for tennis, Mark and Nancie explored Hawaii, Peru and Machu Picchu, the Galapagos and Belize, Thailand and Myanmar. Mark is survived by his wife, Nancie; three sons; and three grandchildren.
Thomas W. Thackara ’69 on October 2, 2024. Tom grew up in Kalamazoo and received a B.A. in German. He was awarded an M.A. in education from Middlebury College in Vermont, where he met his wife, the former Regina DiRienzo. Tom loved being a teacher and held several positions in the Midwest, including at the Howe Military School, Howe, Indiana. He relocated to Kingston, Pennsylvania, in 1979 to teach German and math at Wyoming Seminary and retired from his teaching career at G.A.R. High School in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He also taught at King’s College, Wilkes University and briefly at Head Start. He was employed for several years as an insurance agent with Mass Mutual Life Insurance Co. Tom was a member of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Kingston. He was an avid photographer and member and former president of the Wyoming Valley Camera Club. He was also a member of the Cultural Heritage Council of the National Environmental Policy Act. Throughout his life, Tom was involved with swimming, including as a swimming and diving coach, and took pride in his many years as a swim official, both at the District 2 and state levels. Tom also became a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey fan and seldom missed a home game. In addition to his wife of 50 years, Tom is survived by two sons and two grandchildren.
Eugene Roger Blue Jr. ’72 on December 17, 2024. Eugene received a scholarship to Kalamazoo College. While completing his degree from K, he studied abroad in Sierra Leone, West Africa, for six months. He showed interest in a wide array of disciplines at K and graduated with a degree in psychology. He found his calling in earning a Ph.D. in accounting and business administration from Michigan State University in 1997. While finishing his degree at MSU, he taught classes and achieved recognition for his participation in the Doctoral Consortium of the American Accounting Association. His accomplishments led him to a professorship at Governors State University in University Park, Illinois, from 1995–2000. In 1995, Eugene had a golf date with a college friend, Gregory Cleveland ’74, and his wife, Gloria. They introduced him to Ms. Joshlyn (Simmons) Williams, Gloria’s sister. Eugene and Joshlyn were married the next year. He became a great, loving and kind bonus father to Joshlyn’s children, Haley and Jonathan. The Williams-Blue family moved to Washington, D.C., in 2000. Eugene taught at Howard University from 2000–08, where he received the 2005 Faculty of the Year Award, and at George Mason University from 2010–14, Bowie State University in 2015, and Catholic University from 2015–16 before retiring. He was known for his personable character, intellectual wit and jovial humor. He enjoyed travel and good friends. Eugene leaves his wife, Joshlyn Williams-Blue, his stepchildren, and a host of friends and family to cherish his memory.
Martha “Mickey” Byrnes ’72 on September 23, 2024, following a fall in her home in Los Angeles. Mickey graduated from Kalamazoo College, which included study abroad in Liberia, Africa. She earned a graduate degree in library science from the University of Denver, then a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in Los Angeles. As a law librarian, she worked at the University of Utah Law School for three years before becoming the head of the research department at the U.S. Supreme Court Library in Washington, D.C. Her job brought her in contact with many political figures of the day. She even took exercise classes with Sandra Day O’Connor. Mickey married Christopher Markey in 1988 and moved to downtown Los Angeles. She worked as a staff attorney for the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in Pasadena. Mickey and Chris were frequent travelers to Ireland and Scotland to play golf. Her 26th floor apartment overlooked the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and she could look down on the Academy Awards crowds. Horses were Mickey’s passion. For many years, she volunteered to groom and ride horses at both Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles police equestrian stables. Mickey was a lifelong Democrat and avidly supported Kamala Harris.
Kenneth Frederick Winter ’74, of Safety Harbor, Florida, on August 28, 2024.
Roger Allen Gerlach ’76 on November 7, 2024. Roger was approached by Kalamazoo College to be a student-athlete. There he set a state track record and completed a pre-med program. He then attended the University of Michigan medical school, where he met his wife, Carol. They married in 1978 and moved to Trufant, Michigan, where they adopted two daughters. Roger opened his own medical practice—one based on kindness and compassion. He offered home visits and did his best to provide care for those who truly needed him. He was a generous and selfless person. Roger loved rural life and tended a vegetable garden in the summers and kept chickens and ducks. He had a big heart for animals and, much to his wife’s chagrin, cared for any cat his daughter Jenna brought inside the house. He went on to work in the Carson City hospital emergency department and the Ionia state prison, from which he retired in 2019. During his retirement, he enjoyed hours of reading and spending time with his family. He was of sharp intellect and had a wonderful sense of humor. Roger is survived by his wife, Carol, and his daughters.
Kenneth Lyle Hill ’76 on November 2, 2024, in St. Paul, Minnesota, after a long struggle with complications from myasthenia gravis. Kenneth received a degree in speech and theatre from K and an M.F.A. at Trinity University in Texas. He remained deeply committed to his home state of Wisconsin. He tried to never miss a Green Bay Packers game; he found joy in Wisconsin’s nature; and he loved attending outdoor shows at the American Players Theater. Kenneth spent over 30 years as a theatre professor at the University of Wisconsin Fond du Lac and then Ripon College. At Ripon, Kenneth helped develop an exceptional liberal arts theatre program, along with his wife, Susan (McDaniel) Hill ’76, and colleagues. To many students, he was a mentor, a parent away from home, and a supporting presence when it was most needed. He also founded and then ran the Ripon Summer Players for over 20 years. He touched countless lives through his dedication, care, brilliant imagination and sense of humor. He was a gifted director, teacher, actor and singer. Kenneth’s love of teaching was only surpassed by his love of his family. Kenneth was always in attendance at his daughters’ concerts, dance recitals and plays, and was available at any hour of the day to offer advice, guidance and encouragement. He and Susan prioritized family by including their daughters in preparation for productions at Ripon College and looked forward to traveling to the Keweenaw Peninsula every summer with family. Later in life, Kenneth moved to Minneapolis to be closer to his two grandsons. He was surrounded by those he loved the most: his wife and partner in everything, Susan, and his two children and their spouses. He is also survived by two beloved grandchildren and his mother.
Robert Nevin Sinsheimer ’77 on October 5, 2024. Bob studied math and sociology at K, later earning a master’s in statistics at the University of Michigan. After arriving in Washington, D.C., for a job with the Census Bureau, Bob spent almost his entire career working for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Bob retired in 2010 from his role as chief of the office of IT security, then moved to Pittsburgh in 2014 to be near his son following the death of his wife, Gretchen Guelde ’77. An avid DIY-er and devoted family man, Bob was also a lover of music, games and good beer. An easygoing soul and good friend to those who knew him, he will be missed by all. He is survived by three children and seven grandchildren.
Susan M. Smoley ’77 on November 12, 2024. Susan studied economics and public policy at K, achieving Phi Beta Kappa honors. Upon graduating, Susan attended Essex University, United Kingdom in 1978 as a Rotary scholar. She then worked as an economist and project manager for the Army Corps of Engineers for 24 years while also earning an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago in 1989. Susan was deeply ingrained in the Orthodox Christian community, participating in Bible studies, choir, charity organizations, pilgrimages and conferences, especially the Saint Phoebe Center for the Holy Deaconess. Her faith and the community it fostered gave her the strength to live a full life during her courageous four-year battle with cancer. She met her husband, Peter Delgado, while studying at Essex University, and they were married in 1981 in Detroit. For over 43 years, Susan and Peter loved to travel, explore new experiences and engage in meaningful conversations with friends from all walks of life. Susan will be remembered for her devoted faith, ambition and kindness. She was a devoted wife and friend to Peter, and a loving mother to their son.
Daniel Patrick Morris ’81 on January 6, 2025, of a glioblastoma brain tumor. Dan was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, then began a global adventure with his family by moving to Indianapolis; Toronto; London; Florence, Italy; and along the way Dan explored dozens of other countries. Seeking his family roots, Dan returned to Michigan to attend Kalamazoo College. Following a misadventure where he inadvertently set fire to a dorm, Dan transferred to Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he successfully graduated without burning it to the ground. Dan was a store rep for Walgreens headquarters in Chicago, worked for a year in Rome, then opened two restaurants on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Following that, he managed Exxon’s operations on the island. Returning stateside, he became a neon artist in Grand Rapids, then helped “Keep Austin Weird” by being part of a team designing modernist, award-winning homes. Dan moved to Thailand, then Lithuania, before returning to Grand Rapids to reconnect with family. Everywhere he went he was a thriving artist and a consummate explorer of curiosities. Dan studied Arabic in Cairo, ran with the bulls in Pamplona, witnessed the sun setting over the Great Wall of China, gave guided tours of the demilitarized zone in Korea, volunteered at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, salvaged Soviet art from abandoned factories in Lithuania and much more. His final trip was to Cuba, where he reveled in his love for quality dark rum and discovered a passion for hand-rolled cigars. He was married five times, saying it was because he was a die-hard romantic.
Patrice Renee Fields ’04 on October 5, 2024.
Todd Jack Robosan ’06 on October 24, 2024, peacefully in his sleep in Philadelphia. Todd earned a B.A. in psychology with a minor in religion and studied abroad in France, where he stayed on to teach English for an additional year. He then traveled to Granada, West Indies, and attended St. George’s University with a focus on public health. Todd moved to Washington, D.C., and was a principal consultant working with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Todd was passionate about public health and enjoyed making a significant impact in his work, especially during the COVID-19 epidemic. Todd had multifaceted interests—a lover of books as well as sports. Todd was involved in soccer, diving, tennis and theatre in high school. In college, Todd was a member of the K Diving Team. He was an avid flag football player and a volunteer at an equestrian center where he shared his love for horses and worked with children. His culinary abilities were unsurpassed, and his cooking and baking skills were enjoyed by all. Todd is survived by his parents and half siblings and his loyal companion, Rye.
Faculty, Staff and Friends of the College
Susanne Marie Gibson on January 4, 2025, at her home in Kalamazoo after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. Sue began her career at K in 1987 as the music and chemistry secretary. She held various administrative roles, including personnel manager and administrative assistant to the provost, until her retirement in 2017. Sue played an instrumental role in maintaining the operations of the provost’s office. During her time at K, she forged many deep and meaningful friendships, particularly her close bond with her dear friend Carol Kennedy. Susanne volunteered her spare time to the PTA at her daughters’ schools, Girl Scouts, March of Dimes, the United Way and anywhere else she could make a difference. She was a generous person, always putting others before herself. Susanne was a lifelong reader, classic movie lover, gardener, excellent baker, pie-maker and a talented seamstress. She found immense joy in spending time with her four grandchildren, and she welcomed her bonus grandchild into the family with love. As Nana, she enjoyed sharing pool days, baking lessons, games and concerts, board games, trips to the library and bookstores, crafting and holiday meals. She loved family trips to Binder Park Zoo to feed the giraffes. She was a devoted pet owner and loved her dogs and granddogs. Susanne was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Gibson. She is survived by her two daughters and her grandchildren.
Jon A. Reeves on December 15, 2024, after a year-long journey with glioblastoma. Jon came to K as director of technical theatre in 2005 and served in various roles in the theatre and physical education departments until his retirement in 2022. His final exam for Stagecraft became his students’ hardest exam, something he was immensely proud of, all because of the knot tying. Jon designed and built hundreds of shows for area theatres and was a well-known blacksmith and metal artist who mentored many K students in the art of metal working. He was the owner of Combat Ready Art, a blacksmithing studio in downtown Kalamazoo. It was in the forge, seven years ago, that Jon met the love of his life, Jutta, when her son, Adam, started taking blacksmithing classes. Jon and Jutta were a love story for the ages. They showed each other that you didn’t have to change to be unconditionally loved. Jutta learned everything Jon would teach. And Jon would go along to photoshoots with Jutta and hold lights or umbrellas. Jon was a fixture in Kalamazoo, especially on the Kalamazoo Mall. He was often seen on the corner of South Street in front of the cigar shop, tattoos done by his dear friend Raven on full display, guitar in hand, playing music, not for money, but just to play. Jon lived a thousand lifetimes in his 62 years. His influence will live on in the physical art he created that can be seen throughout Kalamazoo, and, most especially, in the lives he changed, the skills he taught, and the unexpected paths he sent people on. Jon is survived by his wife, Jutta (Wilberding); his three stepchildren; his cats; cousins; lifelong friends; and the communities he created in theatre and the forge.
