In Memory Spring 2026

Joan Hartman ’50 on August 12, 2025, in Kalamazoo. Joan attended Kalamazoo College and transferred to Michigan State University, completing her bachelor’s degree in dietetics. She did internships at Henry Ford Hospital and at the University of Michigan Hospital. Her working life began at the Michigan State University Union in their food service. She married Paul Hartman of Sandusky, Ohio, on December 8, 1956, in Lansing. Throughout their marriage, they lived at the Kellogg Biological Station at Gull Lake in Michigan, in Comstock, Michigan, and in Columbia, South Carolina. She took a hiatus from working to raise their three children. She returned to work later in life, first for the U.S. Census Bureau and then as a dietitian for the Veterans Administration both in Battle Creek, Michigan, and in Columbia. Joan volunteered over 6,000 hours at Palmetto Health-Richland in Columbia in retirement and was a faithful member of the Episcopal Church. Joan and Paul enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad. They enjoyed time at their condo on Hilton Head Island and many cruising adventures. Their adventurous spirit was instilled in their children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband. Joan is survived by three children, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Marguerite A. Johnson ’50 on October 4, 2025. Prior to her demise, she was heard to say, “I’ve had a good run.” The photograph is ancient but much prettier than the driver’s license picture. Marguerite was born on August 24, 1928, in Indianapolis to Otto N. and Henrietta (Kuhn) Johnson. Two weeks later, Henrietta passed away, and Marguerite was raised by her father’s brother and family, Syver and Millie Johnson, and their daughters. In 1941, Marguerite’s father married Enid Hammond. Marguerite graduated from South Bend Central High School in January 1946 and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College in 1950. She obtained her master’s degree in library science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1968. Marguerite served with the United States Army as a civilian in the Special Service Division in Asia and Europe for a period of 10 years. After attending graduate school, Marguerite worked for the East Albemarle Regional Library in North Carolina, the Speedway Public Library in Indiana, State Farm Insurance in South Bend, and Holy Cross Health System in South Bend. Marguerite’s interests included traveling, gardening, photography, cooking, and continuing education. She traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, and the United States and volunteered at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and Indiana Legal Services. Marguerite is preceded in death by her parents, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, as well as her enigmatic cat, Billie Jeanette. She is survived by Barbara Taylor, Kathryn Busch, Cindy Busch, William Beghtel, Robert Beghtel, Sharon Clem, several cousins, and her special friend, Rebecca Ballentine. *Note: This obituary was written by Marguerite herself.

Thomas Cameron Willson ’52 on July 26, 2025. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Tom led a fulfilling life marked by personal integrity, professional accomplishment, and a deep love for people and connection. He attended Kalamazoo College, where he excelled in both tennis and basketball, and went on to earn his law degree from the University of Michigan. Tom practiced law for a decade in Chicago before briefly working in the legal department of a restaurant franchise in Fort Lauderdale. Eventually, he found his true calling in the real estate business, spending 47 fulfilling years in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a place he came to love dearly. He later settled in Gainesville, Florida, where he spent his final years. A lifelong and highly skilled tennis player, Tom competed in—and won—numerous state, regional, and national tournaments. He was inducted into the North Carolina Tennis Association Tennis Hall of Fame. While he cherished the competition, it was the friendships and camaraderie that meant the most to him. Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Ann Willson, her three sons and eight grandchildren, as well as his own three sons and a grandchild. His wit and unwavering kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

John Alexander McColl ’53 on October 1, 2025. John spent his childhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a few memorable years living in Texas with family during the Depression. John went on to attend Kalamazoo College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He was accepted into medical school at the University of Michigan. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery and was proud to train and work with Dr. Homer Stryker, M.D. He practiced orthopedics in Kalamazoo at Borgess Medical Center and the Michigan Orthopedic Clinic throughout his entire career, also serving as an adjunct professor with MSU/KCMS. It was at the University of Michigan that John met Patricia Ann Grove, the love of his life. They married on December 28, 1956, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with devotion, adventure, and family. During his residency, John and Pat moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where they established roots and raised their four children. Family life was full and joyful, with many cherished summers at the family cottages on Guernsey and Pine Lakes. John and Pat loved boating, camping, traveling, and above all, time spent together with family. Some of their happiest memories came from sailing on the Great Lakes and in the Gulf of Mexico. John loved to tinker and spent many hours in his workshop building models, taking things apart to figure out how they worked, and putting them back together. Both John and Pat obtained their private pilot licenses and flew many short trips for fun and adventures. After retirement, John and Pat enjoyed winters in Punta Gorda, Florida, soaking up sunshine and salty air at their condo and on their sailboats. They delighted in hosting family gatherings, flying grandchildren down for spring break visits, and late nights playing cards with friends. They frequently sailed to local Gulf beaches for shelling and birdwatching. Beyond Florida, they enjoyed traveling across the U.S. and Canada, from Alaska to Hawaii, and overseas to the Irish and Scottish isles. Following Pat’s passing in 2012, John continued to live at Friendship Village in Kalamazoo, where he found peace tending to the woods, gardens, and enjoying time outdoors. His quiet strength, warmth, and love for family will be deeply missed. John was preceded in death by his wife and his daughter Beth. He is survived by three children, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and his loyal companion, Chihuahua Nacho.

David C. Allen ’53 on November 10, 2025. David grew up in Kalamazoo, where he graduated from Central High School. After several years at Kalamazoo College studying pre-med and pre-engineering, David selflessly enlisted in the United States Navy in January of 1952. He proudly served his country during the Korean conflict until his honorable discharge in 1955. He then finished his education at Western Michigan University and Michigan State University. On December 12, 1959, in East Lansing, he married Lois Margaret Jorgensen. Together they raised two children and enjoyed over 65 years as captain and admiral on their life’s voyage. Both certified as educators, David and Lois moved to Lake Ann, Michigan, in the late 1960s where he taught at Interlochen Arts Academy. In 1975, they moved north to Traverse City, where Lois taught third and fourth grade and David taught senior high mathematics for Traverse City Area Public Schools. He retired in 1988. David and Lois were devoted longtime members of Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City. David served as Secretary of his son’s Boy Scout troop for many years and was a member of the Maritime Heritage Association. He and Lois served many years as Cherry Festival Ambassadors. In retirement, David obtained his private pilot’s license and became a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Notably, in his last year on earth, he was given the opportunity to fly a plane one more time, a memorable experience for the entire family. After his family, David’s second love in life was the water. He sailed his entire life and eventually obtained a sailing charter license, becoming a certified captain. He and Lois traveled the Great Lakes in a series of vessels they named “Recess,” and both crewed on the schooner “Madeline.” In addition to sailing, David and Lois shared a love of travel, visiting all 50 states together as well as making a number of overseas trips to Europe. Norway was a favorite destination, having made a lifelong friend in the Norwegian exchange student they hosted from 1972 to 1973. David is remembered for his outgoing and friendly personality and his many areas of expertise, including construction and woodworking. His genuine compassion for others and competitive spirit will forever be remembered and cherished. Surviving is his wife, Lois; two children; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Robert Glenn Millard ’53 on July 3, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Bob attended Kalamazoo Central High School, where he played football and graduated in 1949. He went on to attend Kalamazoo College, playing football for two seasons before enlisting in the United States Air Force in late 1950. While stationed in Dayton, Ohio, Bob met Rose, the love of his life. They married in July 1954 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and shared over 60 years of marriage until her passing in 2015. After returning to Kalamazoo, Bob earned a Bachelor of Science in business from Western Michigan University in 1957. His professional career began with National Cash Register and Birmingham Proser. He later joined Simpson Paper Company in Vicksburg, Michigan, and eventually moved to the company’s corporate offices in San Francisco, California. Over the course of 31 years, Bob rose to the position of vice president of operations, overseeing 11 paper mills nationwide. He was an active member of many trade and technical organizations in the paper industry. Following his retirement in 1990, Bob and Rose remained in Alamo, California, where they were longtime members of Round Hill Country Club. Together, they enjoyed golf, travel, and the company of good friends. In 1997, they returned to Michigan and made their home on Gull Lake, where Bob was a proud member of the Gull Lake Country Club for 30 years. Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Rose, and his son, Thomas. He is survived by his two daughters, his three grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends who will miss him deeply. Bob will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love for his family, quiet generosity, and the dignity with which he lived his life—from the Air Force to the boardroom, and from the fairways to his cherished family gatherings.

James “Jim” Harding Fowler ’56 on June 23, 2025. Jim was, above all, a devoted family man—deeply loved as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was cherished and respected for decades as an educator, community leader, counselor, coach, mentor. From an early age, Jim enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and playing sports. He quickly distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete, excelling in tennis through Kalamazoo’s elite programs. He was nationally ranked and competed in the Boys’ 16 and 18 National Tournaments. At Kalamazoo College, he was a four-year varsity athlete in both football and tennis. As captain of the 1956 tennis team, he led them to a national ranking of 24th, and he was nationally ranked in both singles and doubles. That team was also inducted into the Kalamazoo College Athletic Hall of Fame. As a multisport athlete, he quarterbacked the football team and was even invited to try out for the Washington NFL team as a punter. Jim received a master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan in 1972 and has been a lifelong Michigan Wolverine football fan. Jim’s greatest success, however, was meeting Barbara Ann McCabe ’57 at K. They were married during their senior year, on February 2, 1957. After graduating, Jim and Barb set out to start their lives together as teachers and community leaders in Petoskey, Michigan. Jim coached football and tennis at Petoskey High School before being recruited to Flint, Michigan, in 1964 to lead the Flint Tennis Commission, and he became known as an incredible ambassador for the game of tennis. He taught and coached at Flint Northwestern High School and then became athletic director at Flint Northern High School. Title IX was enacted during Jim’s tenure as AD, and he fully embraced women’s athletics, the needed programmatic changes, and equal support of coaches and athletes. Under his leadership, Flint Northern’s teams won 10 state championships, and multiple athletes achieved individual honors as state champions. During the summers, Jim was a tennis coach and teaching professional, primarily at the Flint Swim and Racquet Club. Over his career, he spent countless hours on the courts teaching at all levels, running tournaments, and coaching kids in events all over the Midwest. Jim retired in 1984 and became a partner in the Genesee Valley Tennis Club in Flint, where he continued coaching and mentoring many future state champions and collegiate players. Later, Jim and Barbara returned to northern Michigan, settling in Glen Arbor. There, Jim ran the tennis program at The Homestead Resort, helped coach the Glen Arbor High School tennis team, and was active on the Glen Arbor Park Board and in other community initiatives. Jim’s legacy is one of tireless community service and leadership. He received many honors, including formal recognition from the Flint and Glen Arbor Township communities. He was named “Flint’s Outstanding Educator” in 1969, inducted into the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1998, and received the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame Special Service Award in 2003. His most enduring legacy is as a role model, the example he set for all who knew him, a priceless gift that will inspire generations to come. Family reunions, camping trips, education, sports, community, church, service, and hard work were always priorities for Jim. Strong in his Christian faith, he was active in the United Methodist Church, serving as a youth program director and on multiple boards supporting the church’s mission. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Ann; his children, all four of whom are doctors, Jeffrey ’81 (Leslie), Daniel ’83 (Linda ’84), Jeanne Livernois (Robert), and Christopher ’94 (Gretchen); eleven grandchildren (including Kelsey Esposito ’07); and twelve great-grandchildren. 

 John C. Frueh ’56 on September 1, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Sally (Smith) Bobertz ’57 on August 6, 2024, in Winter Park, Florida after a courageous struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and congestive heart failure. Sally attended Kalamazoo College, where, as the first college graduate in her immediate family, she earned a B.A. in psychology, and a teacher’s certificate. Throughout her college years, she was distinguished by her winning personality, by her academic accomplishments, and her leadership skills. It was also at Kalamazoo 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, and in their early years were blessed with the birth of two sons, Bradley and Matthew. 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. Above all, she was a happy person. She was happy with herself, and, with her wonderful smile, her inner happiness spread to all around her.

P. Richard Taylor ’58 on September 16, 2024, in Port Orchard, Washington.

Roger Bobertz ’59 on September 9, 2025, after a lengthy struggle with heart failure and cancer-related complications. Roger received his primary education in the Philadelphia area as well as boarding school on the island of Jamaica. He then went on to earn a B.A. from Kalamazoo College at the young age of 20. While Roger was pursuing his bachelor’s degree at K, he met Sally Smith ’57, his loving wife of 65 years. Roger and Sally were married in June of 1959 and remained married until her death in August of 2024. After graduating from K, Roger studied at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and obtained his MBA in 1961, after which he began his career with Union Carbide. He quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the corporation’s director of compensation. In 1986, opportunity came knocking, and Roger left Union Carbide for the position of staff vice president at Scott Paper Company, which he held until his retirement in 1994. Roger spent his retirement years enjoying one adventure after another. He and Sally traveled North America in their RV and visited dozens of countries around the world. While air travel was frequently used during their adventures, their preferred mode of transport was cruise ships. It was not uncommon for them to book their next cruise while on their current one. Roger’s energy in retirement was not limited to travel. He was an avid model railroader and constructed a living room-sized layout. He also obtained a private pilot’s license and purchased a beautiful Mooney airplane. Roger had a passion for golf and played the Old Course at St. Andrews, even scoring a birdie 3 on the famous 18th hole! Throughout his life, Roger was active in the community and church. His many leadership roles included HOA president, church deacon, president of the Kerr County Texas Airport Board, and president of the Westminster Resident Council. Most recently, he was chairman of the Westminster Health Committee. Roger’s sense of humor, kindness, patience, and leadership will be missed by all who knew him. Roger was predeceased by his parents, his wife, and their older son Bradley. He is survived by his younger son Matthew, Matthew’s wife, their three children, as well as Bradley’s wife Carol and their two children.

Mark Robert Millsom ’59 on May 11, 2025. Mark attended Carleton College and graduated from Kalamazoo College, where he excelled in academics and athletics, specifically track and field and cross country. While growing up in Jackson, Michigan, he lived across the street from Sharon Morrey, whom he would later marry in March 1956. They would spend the next 60 years happily together raising their four sons. The family moved from Michigan to Salt Lake City, Utah, and finally settled in Rancho Bernardo, California, in 1969. After graduating from Kalamazoo College, Mark built a successful career in pharmaceutical and optical industry management. After retiring from the optical industry, he worked well into his late 70s as owner/operator of DAT Management. Beyond his professional achievements, Mark was an avid golfer, playing well into his 80s. He loved nothing more than to coach and watch his sons and granddaughters play in numerous sports. Mark and his late wife, Sharon, enjoyed playing bridge, cribbage, and traveling the world. Mark will be remembered for his love of family, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and annual Holiday Bowl tailgating. Mark was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, son Andrew, and daughter-in-law Susan. Mark is survived by three sons, three granddaughters, and six great-grandchildren.

Ann (Wagner) Inderbitzin ’60 on August 9, 2025, in Durham, North Carolina.

Allen C. Pixley ’60 on August 13, 2025. Allen lived in South Haven while attending Kalamazoo College for two years before enrolling at Ottawa University in Kansas, where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science. He returned to Kalamazoo to earn his teaching certificate at Western Michigan University. Allen was drawn to jobs that involved doing what he loved best: talking to people. His summer job of driving a taxi in college led to him meeting his future wife. In 1963, Allen married the former Sylvia Kay Katherler. Together, the couple welcomed two daughters into the world. For many years, he shared his passion for history by teaching at Jefferson High School. He was also a sales manager at Klines Department Store, a Wyandotte Bank manager, and a real estate agent through Better Homes and Gardens. But Allen’s favorite “job” was assisting his wife with her exhibit at art fairs across the country. Allen was very active in his church, Trinity Episcopal of Monroe, acting as lay minister and treasurer for many years. Starting at a young age, Allen loved to sing, both in church and on stage. He was a founding member of the Chamber Singers of Monroe in 1967 and sang with them until 1992. He also sang Barbershop through SPEBSQSA and received his 61st-year anniversary pin from the Barbershop Harmony Society this past March. He sang lead in his quartet “The Long and the Short of It” for over two decades. Allen sponsored a high school scholarship to encourage students to pursue Barbershop singing. As a member of the Floral City Harmonizers, Allen proudly competed in many state competitions, most recently in spring 2025. His passing was preceded by his parents and his older sister, Mary Catharine Pixley ’59. His memory is cherished by those he leaves behind, including his loving wife of sixty-two years, Sylvia; his two daughters; his younger sister, Zaide E. Pixley (John Fink); a niece; and two nephews.

David George Whittingham ’60 on January 17, 2026. Dave served in the United States Marine Corps and carried the discipline, resilience, and standards forged at Parris Island throughout his life. Those values shaped how he worked, taught, competed, and showed up for others. Dave graduated from Kalamazoo College and Indiana University, building an academic foundation that supported a lifelong commitment to learning and teaching. For more than thirty years, Dave taught high school mathematics, spending most of his career at Steamboat Springs High School, after beginning at Burroughs High School in China Lake, California, where he met Rosemary, who was also a teacher. He loved coaching track while at Burroughs and during his early years in Steamboat, mentoring student-athletes with the same high expectations and steady encouragement he brought to the classroom. Students from the 1960s through the 1990s continued to write to him decades later, a testament to the lasting impact of his teaching and care. Dave was, at heart, a competitor. He trained hard, raced often, and liked to win. He completed two Boston Marathons and countless road races, approaching each with preparation, focus, and determination. Competition—whether against the clock or the runner beside him—brought out his sharpest edge and greatest joy. Dave delighted in his children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to brag about his daughters. He traveled to nearly every away basketball game and track meet, often driving two to three hours each way, even when the tension of close competition meant he couldn’t sit through the most exciting moments. Camping trips—especially the annual, weeklong journey to West Fork Lake—were legendary. For more than thirty years, Dave and his wife, Rosemary, served together as caretakers of the Steamboat Springs Cemetery, and they took great care in keeping the grounds pristine, especially for Memorial Day. It was quiet, meaningful work rooted in respect and stewardship. In his later years, Dave lived with Alzheimer’s disease. Even as his memories faded, his love of mathematics endured. He could still quickly answer questions like, “What’s one-third of 27?” Dave documented life carefully and was determined to get the perfect photo, often embarrassing his daughters in the process, most memorably by showing up to parachute training at the Air Force Academy with his long lens. Known for his strong character and integrity, he also had a mischievous side and often quoted his grandmother: “Don’t be too good, or you won’t have any fun.” Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Rosemary; his two daughters; and his five grandchildren.

Mary Lee (Hanson) Kerley ’61 on August 29, 2025. While at Kalamazoo College, Mary was mentored by Dr. Wen Chao Chen, whom she cites as one of her greatest teachers. She received a Light Scholarship to study abroad in France, and on the return boat trip, she met another student, John Kerley ’61, her future husband. She said that John was “the love of my life.” The two married in 1962 after Mary completed her library science degree and John finished his first year of medical school. While in Detroit, they honeymooned in the Midwest, had a house with beautiful tulips and dahlias, marched with the Freedom Riders, and enjoyed the first of what were to be 63 sweet years of marriage. In 1966, John joined the Navy, and the family was sent to Coronado, California. While John served in Vietnam, their first child, Sarah, was born. Their second child, Eric, was born a year and a half later. Throughout her life, Mary remained steadfast in her commitment to promoting reading and literature, working at both the Coronado Public and High School Libraries. While working at the Elementary School Reading Center, she became a strong believer in phonics. Mary explains that watching a child learn to sound out letters, to words, to meaning, is “one of life’s greatest miracles.” Her family would estimate that Mary read thousands of books in her life. According to Mary, the happiest day of her life was when Sarah and Eric graduated college (one day apart). Alongside John, she traveled to all corners of the world and most cherished trips across Spain, Italy, and Turkey. Mary lived a rich social life, and her friends at church, water yoga, and book club were especially cherished. As requested by her friend, Blossom Sanger, Mary asks, “If you want to make me smile, take a lonesome friend out to dinner—have a good drink, toast to me, and tell a really funny joke. And charge the dinner to me.” Mary is survived by her husband, John, her daughter and son, and five grandchildren, including Cruz Kerley ’25.

Barbara (Lape) Zabel ’61 on November 30, 2025. Barbara attended Kalamazoo College, and in the summer of 1958, she was one of the first Kalamazoo students to spend the summer in Bonn, Germany, as a study abroad student. She earned her B.A. in mathematics from K in 1961. While living in Boston in the early 1960s, Barbara worked for the famed astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin at Harvard University, first as an administrative assistant, but then also using her mathematical and computational skills to help with the astronomy itself. She was particularly proud of the work she did with Dr. Payne-Gaposchkin. Barbara also worked for several years as a travel agent in Huntingdon, first for the Weimer-Oller Travel Agency and then for the Gateway Travel Agency. She loved being able to help people both in good times and in their times of crisis. Perhaps her favorite job was that of mother. For many years, she was a stay-at-home mother, raising her two daughters. She also loved to cook and was known to create amazing meals by just “throwing things together.” A common response to “please cook that again” was “I’m not sure what I did.” In 1989, she married the love of her life, Rudolf Zabel, and moved to Burgsteinfurt, Germany, to be with him. They were married for 32 happy years. They loved to travel and took many trips throughout Europe and the United States. When they were at home, you could often find them on weekends biking throughout the countryside near their home. They also took immense joy in being grandparents. Religion was very important to Barbara, and in Huntingdon, she faithfully attended the Stone Church of the Brethren, serving on numerous committees over the years and teaching Sunday school. In Burgsteinfurt, she attended the Evangelische (Protestant) Church regularly, helping with philanthropic efforts, including volunteering with Rudolf at the local food pantry, which became especially meaningful to her. Helping others was a guiding thread throughout her life, and she found deep purpose in this work. She also helped start a Bible study group that continued for many years. Music was also a big part of Barbara’s life. She started as a piano accompanist for both her high school and college choirs and continued to play piano her entire life just for fun. In Huntingdon, she began performing on recorder with the Moore Street Pro Musica group and continued to perform with several recorder groups in Germany. Shortly after moving to Germany, she arranged to trade babysitting the church organist’s children for organ lessons. She became officially certified and worked as one of several church organists for the various Protestant churches. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband. Left behind to remember her are her two daughters and four grandchildren.

Diane (White) Doyle ’62 on January 13, 2026. Diane grew up in Arlington, Virginia, and graduated from Kalamazoo College with a B.A. in psychology. There, she met her husband, Richard “Dick” Doyle ’63, and they were married in 1963. The couple moved to Chicago so Dick could attend the University of Chicago Law School, and then moved to Greeley, Colorado, for Dick to join a law practice there. The couple welcomed their first child, Heather, in 1968, followed by Sean in 1972. Diane was a committed homemaker and mother, but in 1980, she returned to school to become a teacher, earning her M.A. in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1982. Diane taught in Greeley’s School District Six for twenty-five years, with teaching positions in first grade, third grade, and fourth grade. She was known for her commitment to books and literacy and to teaching local/Colorado history. Upon Diane’s retirement in 2006, she refocused on community volunteering, serving at First Christian Church, Northern Colorado Medical Center, Chappelow Elementary School, and at the Colorado State Capitol. The pandemic and her 2021 diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease curtailed her activities, and in 2023, Diane moved from Greeley to be near Sean’s family in Oregon and then later in California, until her death. Diane is survived by her two children and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick.

Richard H. Matthews ’62 on April 3, 2024. Richard married the love of his life, Barbara Cannon ’65, on Aug. 24, 1963. The couple celebrated their 60th anniversary last August. Richard received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Michigan and his M.D. from Ohio State University. His residency in radiation oncology was completed at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Richard devoted his career to cancer research and the treatment of patients, as well as the mentoring of many graduate-level students in medicine and medical biochemistry. Every student mentored by Dr. Matthews was enriched by that experience. He and his students published over 100 articles in scholarly journals and presented their research at many scholarly meetings around the world. Richard retired from Harvard Medical School in 2006. He and Barbara moved to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to be near family. He enjoyed and excelled at patient care, and he began traveling with Barbara to places in need of radiation oncology coverage. He treated cancer patients in eight states until he was 79 years old. Survivors include his wife, Barbara; two children; and two brothers, including Robert (Carol) Matthews ’64 of Fairfax, Virginia.

Robert “Bob” H. Poel ’62 on August 4, 2025, almost one year after being diagnosed with ALS. Bob was born in Kalamazoo and raised in Comstock, and as a young man, he worked in the celery fields—he derived a lot of joy late in life creating and presenting the history of celery growing in Kalamazoo. At the urging of his guidance counselor, he became the first person in his extended family to attend college, graduating from Kalamazoo College with a degree in physics. While in college, he was a volunteer firefighter with the Comstock Fire Department and worked at Hoekstra’s Hardware Store. He obtained his master’s degree from Western Michigan University and embarked on a science teaching career starting in Battle Creek. In 1965, he married Mary Jo Weaver, and they spent nearly 60 years together. In the 1960s, American science education underwent significant reform, largely driven by the Sputnik crisis and the subsequent push for technological advancement. Bob wanted to be a part of developing a new, inquiry-based science curriculum. He completed a Ph.D. in science education in 1970 under the mentorship of George and Jacqueline Mallinson at WMU. He was then hired at WMU and eventually became the director of the Center for Science Education. The focus of his teaching and work was on hands-on learning and critical thinking, and this led him to work with many prospective teachers in West Michigan. He also held sabbatical positions in San Diego and Liberia, West Africa. Bob had a lifelong love and interest in gardening that intensified when he retired in 2005; he then graduated from the Master Gardener program at MSU. He had an extensive home garden and participated in many community gardens, culminating in his work at the Pine Island Church garden where the gardeners grew many tons of fresh vegetables for the food bank. Bob was an avid reader, baker, runner, and bicyclist. He always had a strong sense of adventure and openness to new people, experiences, and ways of thinking. He was a faithful follower of Christ, and his faith journey included Grace Christian Reformed Church, North Park Reformed Church, Pine Island Presbyterian Church, and First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Nancy Jane (Fredrickson) Taylor ’62 on December 27, 2024, at The Overlook in Charlton, Massachusetts. After graduation that September, she married Dennis Taylor ’62. They moved to Huntsville, Alabama, for two years and then relocated to Brevard County, Florida, where they lived for 54 years. While in Florida, Nancy was very active in her church and held many positions, including teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and serving as the church clerk, Vacation Bible School director, and Wednesday night fellowship supper coordinator. She also enjoyed singing in the adult choir, playing in and leading the ladies’ handbell choir, and chaperoning youth group trips. In the community, Nancy worked with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, ran a voting precinct, and served thousands of meals with the Florida disaster relief program. While doing all of this, she was busy raising her and Dennis’s two children, and she stayed very involved in their lives through their school, church, and sports activities. She spent a great deal of time on her favorite hobby of sewing, and eventually, she started a business, “Taylor Made Dressmaking and Alterations,” which became a thriving and quite busy concern. In 2019, Nancy and Dennis moved to Massachusetts to be nearer to their children and grandchildren. She is survived by her beloved husband Dennis, two children, and four grandchildren. 

Richard “Dick” W. Compans ’63 on November 25, 2025. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marian. Dick was a cherished colleague, mentor, and friend whose impact on the field of virology and on all who worked with him will be felt for generations. Dick was the Microbiology and Immunology department chair at Emory University School of Medicine from 1992 until 2007, when he stepped down to lead the department’s first influenza center grant and program. A pioneering scientist, Dick received his Ph.D. in virology from The Rockefeller University, where he studied parainfluenza viruses. He continued his early work on influenza viruses as a postdoctoral fellow at the Australian National University. His academic career began at The Rockefeller University, where he rose from assistant to associate professor before joining the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1975 as a professor in the Department of Microbiology. In 1992, he was recruited to chair the Emory Microbiology and Immunology Department, a role he served in with distinction until 2007. Throughout his career, Dick made foundational contributions to understanding the structural organization of enveloped RNA viruses, the mechanisms governing viral glycoprotein trafficking, and the development of novel vaccine platforms. His work helped establish the principles of virus-like particle immunogens, mucosal immunity, and microneedle-based vaccination—areas that continue to shape modern vaccinology. His lab’s extensive use of the mouse model for vaccine evaluation set standards for influenza and viral vaccine research worldwide. Dick received numerous honors, including election as a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, a Humboldt Fellowship Award, the Dean’s Distinguished Faculty Lecture and Award, and the Georgia Research Alliance Catalyst Award. Over his prolific career, he published more than 530 scientific papers and maintained an h-index exceeding 100, reflecting the lasting influence of his discoveries. Beyond his research accomplishments, he helped Emory establish key partnerships with the Georgia Research Alliance and recruited many outstanding faculty members. He was a dedicated mentor who cared deeply about the success of his students, fellows, and colleagues, always working to ensure they thrived in the next stages of their careers. Dick received the Emeriti Club Citation of Merit from Kalamazoo College in 2021, which honors those who have demonstrated affection for the College through their loyalty and involvement in its activities and programs.

LaRay Denzer ’63 on September 7, 2025. LaRay’s life was marked by academic excellence and a profound dedication to the study of African history. LaRay earned her bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College in 1963. Her passion for African history led her to the University of Ghana in West Africa, where she obtained her master’s degree, and the University of Birmingham, where she got her Ph.D. in 1977. As a Fulbright Scholar from September 1982 to July 1983, LaRay’s research and contributions to the field of African studies were widely recognized and respected. Throughout her illustrious career, LaRay taught history at various universities in the United States and Nigeria, including an impactful 17-year tenure at the University of Ibadan. She also served as the editor-in-chief of the Program of African Studies at Northwestern University, where her leadership and scholarship left an indelible mark. LaRay’s research focused on the evolution of anglophone West African nationalist politics and gender dynamics during the colonial era and independence. She was a pioneering historian of women and gender studies in Africa, particularly Nigeria, and her work has been instrumental in women’s history becoming part of mainstream African scholarship. LaRay is survived by her siblings, numerous nieces and nephews, and extended academic family.

Margaret (Neelands) Walker ’65 on April 28, 2025, in White Plains, Maryland.

Robert D. Glazener ’66 on January 1, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Patricia D. (Moore) Huckabay ’66 on January 13, 2024, in Houston, Texas.

Olaf Virro ’66 on June 23, 2025. Olaf was born in Vändra, in war-torn Estonia. His early years were spent in Germany, where his family had fled as Soviet forces invaded Estonia. Following the death of his father in 1953, his mother emigrated with her four children to Michigan. Olaf excelled in school and attended Kalamazoo College on a National Merit Scholarship. Kalamazoo College was also where he met Anneliese Schliebusch ’66, an exchange student from Bonn, Germany, who became his beloved wife of 59 years. One of his favorite avocations was exchanging and solving mathematical puzzles with his lifelong college friends. Olaf earned his MBA from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business in 1968. Afterward, he spent his professional career in finance at Baxter International, a global health care company. He won gold medals for the highest CPA exam scores for both the United States and Illinois, a feat that earned him the nickname “The Supreme Court of Accounting” at Baxter. While there, he traveled extensively, establishing accounting systems at the company’s subsidiaries around the world. After Estonia regained independence from Soviet occupation around 1990, he acquired a former farm near Tartu and returned annually for five to six weeks, reconnecting with relatives and friends whom his parents had to leave behind during the war. After retiring from Baxter in 2000, Olaf and Anneliese moved from Evanston, Illinois, to Kentucky, where they had established a home in 1976, and she bred Icelandic horses. Olaf is survived by his devoted wife Anneliese; his son and daughter-in-law Meghan (Ray) ’99, and their two daughters.

Maris Rushevics ’68 on September 23, 2025. Maris was born in Senna, Germany, and in the early 1950s, his family immigrated to Kalamazoo after his father received a music grant from the Latvian church. Arriving in a new country as a young boy without knowing the English language, Maris quickly adapted, excelled in school, and even skipped a grade. Following high school, Maris went on to attend Kalamazoo College, where he earned a degree in philosophy. He then attended law school at UW-Madison in Wisconsin. Maris went on to accomplish much throughout his life. After moving to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Maris began his legal career as district attorney. He later practiced law for many years and served on the board of directors at Delta Dental, where he shared his knowledge and leadership. Beyond his professional achievements, Maris was deeply devoted to his family. He especially loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, and cherished opportunities to travel and explore new places with them. Maris is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl; his son; his four treasured grandchildren; and his stepson. Maris was preceded in death by his son, Gavin. His kindness, wisdom, and sense of humor will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew him.

Christopher M. Gardner ’70 on December 30, 2025, in San Pedro, California.

Kathryn (Hammer) Kerman ’70 on July 28, 2025, in Keene, New Hampshire. Born in Los Alamos, New Mexico, Kathryn was a Quaker, farmer, educator, writer, an exceptional friend, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and a fierce advocate for children and nonviolent conflict resolution. After growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, and State College, Pennsylvania, she attended Kalamazoo College, where she met her future husband, Ed Kerman ’70. She received a teaching certificate from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and raised three children in rural Michigan and urban Philadelphia. She wrote pamphlets about homeschooling and Therapeutic Touch before becoming a faculty member at the Meeting School in Rindge, New Hampshire. Moving to a farm in Marlborough in 1996, she supported women farmers through the Small and Beginner Farmers of New Hampshire and aided mediation and conflict resolution through Cheshire Mediation and the Keene High School Peer Mediation program. She earned a master’s degree from Lesley University to support her conflict resolution work. Beyond her immediate family—her husband of 55 years, three children, two grandchildren, two sisters, and two brothers—she leaves behind a vast network of extended family, beloved friends, and colleagues who will miss her warmth, wisdom, advice, hearty laugh, and no-nonsense approach to life and relationships.

Nancy Ellen Sinclair ’70 on December 28, 2025. Nancy was born in Elkhart, Indiana, and her family eventually moved to Lake Bluff, Illinois, where Nancy grew up. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history from Kalamazoo College and then earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Nancy lived and worked most of her life in Chicago and appreciated the opportunities it provided. She loved the vibrancy of downtown, the ever-changing skyline, and the serenity of Lake Michigan. Nancy was an avid reader and wordsmith. Her sarcastic wit brought chuckles to the dinner table, and her candor was appreciated by those who had the privilege of knowing her. Nancy’s extensive career in social work spanned many areas, mostly focusing on supporting young mothers. She shaped programs at multiple organizations in her career, the final two being Saint Joseph Hospital and the Ounce of Prevention Fund. Nancy built community wherever she went, starting with her Methodist church youth group, continuing through her college study abroad program to West Africa, and later with the Northside Parents Network, Hawthorne PTA, 3600 Magnolia block party, her breakfast club, multiple book clubs, Tai Chi group, and most recently her grandmother’s group. One of Nancy’s great gifts was curating special experiences, whether it was planning most of the details for travel to new places with her husband, Sid, crafting a book of memories for goddaughter’s18th birthday, arranging a visit to Lincoln’s birthplace with her daughter-in-law, or turning their guest bedroom into a classroom for her granddaughters to play teacher with Nancy and Sid as the pupils. She found wonderful ways to make people feel seen, heard, and cared for. She is survived and celebrated by her husband of 50 years, Sidney Weseman ’69; two children, including Emily Weseman ’05; and two grandchildren.

Susan (Fake) Habel ’71 on November 24, 2025, after a tough battle with Parkinson’s. Sue was born and raised in Michigan. Her family moved to Birmensdorf, Switzerland, when Sue was in grade school. During this time, she learned German and traveled extensively. She returned to Michigan to finish high school and attend Kalamazoo College, where she studied in Sierra Leone and volunteered with Planned Parenthood. Unfortunately, malaria cut her journey short. After college in 1973, Sue married John Steward and moved to Chicago, where she earned her master’s degree and began her doctorate from the University of Chicago. She then returned to Kalamazoo College to teach in the Political Science Department while working on her doctorate. She was one of only three women in the department, and she was described as confident and a bit intimidating. As a student, she was known to be mouthy, exceptionally intelligent, and did not suffer fools gladly. Those who knew her well would say that description remained accurate throughout her life. By 1980, she had moved to White Plains, New York, gave birth to her daughter Maia, and became the executive director of White Plains Housing Information Services. This is where Sue’s career of service to the people of White Plains began. She advocated for homeowners, tenants, and landlords with the goal of neighborhood preservation and revitalization. In August of 1983, she married Bill Habel and became stepmom to Jennifer, Rebecca, and Jeff. Maia was thrilled to get three new siblings, and Sue loved her expanded family deeply. The family had many wonderful vacations to Bethany Beach in summer and ski trips in winter. One of her crowning achievements was creating a family costume set of all the Winnie the Pooh characters out of hanger wire and felt. Sue supported her kids through active involvement in their theatre shows and heading Maia’s Girl Scout troop for many years. Her tenacity, ambition, intellect, and compassion were noticed by the Community Development Office of the City of White Plains Planning Department, where she was hired as the deputy commissioner of planning from 1985 to 2001. In her 27 years with the city, Sue served as the first female commissioner of planning from 2002–11, executive director of the Urban Renewal Agency, and administrator of the Community Development Program and Section 8 Federal Housing Program. Sue was instrumental in the preparation, writing and implementation of two comprehensive plans, which charted the course for the development of White Plains over the past 25 years, resulting in the development of the Westchester Mall, City Center, Ritz Carlton, Renaissance Plaza, White Plains Performing Arts Center, and so much more. Her zoning expertise facilitated the reimagination of the office parks along the Platinum Mile of Westchester Avenue and the transformation of Winbrook public housing into a modern residential community. She developed regulations to protect the environment and created the Affordable Rental Housing Program. Sue was a hero in times of crisis. With professionalism and compassion, Sue assisted families in finding shelter after a fire at Grant Manor apartments (1998), and she mobilized a force to assist people displaced by Hurricane Katrina (2005). She also facilitated the construction of Franklin Windsor Senior Housing, assisted in the expansion of food distribution for families in need, and was always a friend to organizations that served the community. Sue worked tirelessly for the people, and her accomplishments, while great and many, were less important to her than the relationships that were built through her work. She appreciated the creativity, enthusiasm, professionalism, and friendship of the many developers, attorneys, engineers, architects, and community leaders that she worked with throughout her career, and she considered her City Hall colleagues family. She celebrated their successes and was supportive in times of sadness, whether professional or personal, and she always said, “family first.” With her own family, Sue traveled the world from Alaska and Russia to Costa Rica and the headwaters of the Amazon. Sue was a dedicated and imaginative grandmother who loved to spend time with her grandchildren. They were always excited to play with “Meme.” Sue is survived by her husband Bill; her four children; and her five grandchildren.

Rolf Kentner ’71 on May 20, 2020. Heidelberg, Germany.

Ann Elizabeth Towsley ’71 on January 10, 2026. She was a sixth-generation Midlander (Michigan), her ancestors having settled in Midland in the 1860s. After graduating from K, Ann went on to earn her teaching credentials at California’s Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena and taught in public schools in Los Angeles before moving to McMinnville, Oregon, in 1975 with the goal of starting a private school. After tutoring an increasing number of children, she cofounded Fifth Street School in 1976, based on progressive, child-centered learning for kindergarten through the sixth grade. Eight years later, when the number of Michigan nieces and nephews continued to grow, Ann returned to her home state. She earned a Doctor of Education at the University of Michigan in 1989 and went on to teach “teachers to teach” math at U of M-Flint until her retirement in 2001. While teaching there, she met her future husband, Donald W. Boys, and they married on June 22, 1991, in Midland. Upon retirement, they built their home on Wixom Lake. She continued her love of nurturing children, spending much of her time cooking and creating with her nieces and nephews, and later with their children. She is survived by her husband Donald, her stepson, her nieces and nephews who benefited so much from her love and attention, and 13 great-nieces and nephews.

Duane Douglas Harrison ’73 on June 29, 2025. Duane was born in San Antonio, Texas, and grew up in Detroit. After K, he received early acceptance into the University of Michigan’s Medical School, graduating in 1976. He completed a pediatric residency at the University of Michigan’s Mott Children’s Hospital, where he was chief resident in pediatrics. While chief resident, he was the assistant to the director of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Following his residency, Duane completed a fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Disease at Mott Children’s Hospital. During this time, he was also pursuing Ph.D. graduate training in epidemiology and biostatistics through the Rackham School of Graduate Studies at the School of Public Health, University of Michigan. He was then recruited to William Beaumont Hospital and served as both the chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and the medical director of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for eight years. From 1989–91, Duane completed a second fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University School of Medicine. He was then named chief of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Serving as chief, he held a special interest in caring for children with HIV, frequent infections, and asthma, and he received NIH and other grants to study HIV infection in pediatric populations. He is a past president of the Michigan Allergy and Asthma Society. In 1998, Duane left Children’s Hospital and joined Clarkston Allergy and Asthma in Clarkston, Michigan, until his retirement in 2014. Duane dedicated his life to medicine and to caring deeply for his patients. He was committed to helping underserved patients both in his hospital career and later through his satellite work in northern Michigan. Dr. Harrison had a quick, dry sense of humor that made everyone around him laugh. In his early years, Dr. Harrison loved playing the organ in church and biking through farm country. He loved classical music, learning about World War II history, and playing pinochle with his family. He was an avid reader and loved watching Tigers baseball games and University of Michigan football games. He was a wonderful cook who shared his love of family through large feasts at every family gathering. Dr. Harrison found peace and quiet at his cottage on Hubbard Lake, where he loved having a campfire and going for long boat rides around the lake. He was never without his beloved dogs throughout the years, always a golden retriever. Duane is survived by his wife, Cynthia L. Cookingham, M.D., his daughter Meredith, and his beloved golden retriever, Rosie. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Clare.

David Seaman ’73 on May 25, 2025. Dave was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and lived in Connecticut until his dad, a Navy man, got a job at Clear Air Force Station near Anderson, Alaska. They moved to Anchorage for his junior high school years, and his high school years were spent in New Hampshire at Phillips Exeter Academy. Dave spent six years in college (Kalamazoo College, Reed College, University of Alaska) until he decided he wanted to work with his hands. In Alaska, he began commercial fishing, built his first wooden skiff, and met his future wife. They raised two kids in Little Tutka Bay, in an old fishing barge built up into a home that floated on the high tide. Both family and “scow house” moved to Homer in the mid-1990s. Twenty years later, Dave purchased property in Little Tutka and moved back to his true home. Dave’s love of working with his hands and mind together made him a natural builder. Boats were his world. Dave was passionate about the old Bristol Bay double-ender fishing boats, restoring the Libby #76 in his Little Tutka boat shop and working with other like-minded people to sail it back to Naknek in Bristol Bay. Dave’s preservation of wooden boats and contributions to our Alaskan boatbuilding culture will continue through the boats he built and restored. Dave’s postal career as a rural mail carrier was a saga unto itself and kept him connected with the south side of Kachemak Bay for over 30 years. He was an excellent dad and “Grandpapapapa.” He was a good teacher, interested in the “whys” as much as the “hows.” He was a writer, an artist, a musician, and a philosopher. He was a stubborn, kind, and peaceable soul. He made and kept loyal friends throughout his lifetime. Dave is survived by his partner Carol, two children, and his granddaughter.  

Emily Jean Daniel ’74 on October 4, 2025. Emily passed away peacefully at home in Portland, Oregon, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Emily made a big life for herself, full of community and love. Her life was one marked by a spirit of adventure and a passion for helping others. She was born in Liberia to American parents who were science educators at Cuttington College. Upon the family’s return to the U.S. in 1953, they lived in Oxford, Ohio, where Emily graduated from Talawanda High School. She graduated from K with a degree in sociology. In college, Emily completed a study abroad semester, returning to Liberia to study at Cuttington College, and she also completed an internship in Philadelphia with the Movement for a New Society. After college, she lived in Philadelphia, where she fought for social justice as part of the women’s liberation movement and served as a juvenile court advocate for Women Organized Against Rape. While in Philadelphia, she found community through the Movement for a New Society, the Philadelphia Religious Society of Friends, and reevaluation counseling. After brief periods in Alabama and Texas, Emily settled in Frederick County, Maryland, where she raised her two children. In Frederick, she continued as a passionate advocate for women, children, and families through her work at Heartly House and for the Frederick County Health Department, developing and leading programs including Frederick Families First and the Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership. Emily was a founding member of what became Liberty Village Cohousing and was a resident for a number of years. Throughout her life, her deep love for the great outdoors and connection to family were apparent, with many holidays spent camping at state parks with her family. Later in life, she was drawn to the natural beauty and bicycle-friendly lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest and relocated to Portland, Oregon, where she became a beloved member of the Cascadia Commons cohousing community. In Oregon, she found a love for native plant gardening, cultivating her backyard into a beautiful native wetland. A lifelong learner, Emily earned her master’s degree in social work from Portland State University at the age of 61, and in the spring of 2025, she attended a Spanish language immersion program in Guatemala. Emily met her partner, Bud Reece, in 2024, and while their relationship was tragically cut short by Emily’s passing, their love and devotion to each other were clear to all who knew them. Emily lived a life cultivating the virtues of kindness, connection, and community, which she believed are so needed in the world today. Emily is survived by her partner Bud Reece, two children, and a grandson.

Ronald Allen Klug ’74 on December 29, 2025. Ron was born in St. Joseph, Michigan. He attended Mount Pleasant School while helping out on the family farm in Sodus, harvesting strawberries, tomatoes, and grapes. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School and earned a degree in chemistry from Kalamazoo College. Following graduation, he started his career at the Northwest Indiana Criminology and Toxicology Laboratory in Gary, Indiana. After moving to South Haven, Michigan, to join Wycoff Chemical Company, he stayed in the same lab while outlasting Wycoff, Catalytica, DSM Pharmaceutical, and finally retiring from Albemarle in 2018. He was a servant of the Lord throughout his life in churches within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, primarily at St. Paul’s, Sodus; Our Shepherd, Crown Point, Indiana; and St. Paul, South Haven. Ron and his wife, JoAnn, married on February 12, 1977, in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. The first nine years of marriage were spent in Valparaiso, Indiana, before moving to South Haven. They enjoyed over 48 years of adventures together, raising four children. Countless hours were spent at sporting events, band concerts, horse shows, and driving to and from each event. Maintaining their home, store, and apartment house consumed the remainder of his free time. Ron was a lifelong baseball fan, always rooting for the Orioles—good years and bad. He had started playing sandlot ball in country grade schools, and later in life, he played in adult softball leagues and for the vintage baseball team, Douglas Dutchers. He also relaunched the Barkpeelers vintage baseball club in South Haven with his close friend, Rick Olsen. In retirement, his analytical skill set was used to research and find other 1970 BHHS classmates and teachers, preparing for their 50th and 55th class reunions, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Ron is survived by his wife, JoAnn; four children; nine grandchildren; his sisters; and his brother, Rick Klug ’73.

Gary Edward Wichman ’74 on August 3, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. Gary was a loving husband, father, grandfather, community leader and dedicated athlete. Gary graduated from Everett High School in Lansing, Michigan, where he played football, basketball, golf, and track. He attended Kalamazoo College, where he was the quarterback for the football team his freshman year, then transferred to Michigan State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree. Gary received his MBA from the University of Virginia. He was a tremendous athlete throughout his life. He played basketball, softball, and golf long into adulthood. He completed the Chicago Marathon and participated in 14 years of the Dick Allen Lansing to Mackinac bicycle ride, better known as the DALMAC. He shared his love of sports on and off the field. He coached youth football, basketball, and T-ball for many years. Gary was a strong community advocate and had a great passion for Eaton Rapids. He was instrumental in securing funds for Eaton Rapids’ downtown revitalization, creating the river walk, and bringing new businesses to the city of Eaton Rapids. Gary served (and founded) several Eaton Rapids governmental and community organizations. He worked for PNC Bank/National City/First of America/American Bank & Trust for over 40 years and was known for his strong work ethic and integrity while also creating humorous skits at company meetings. He was a music enthusiast and a gifted accordion player, air guitarist, and air drummer. He loved spending time in the Eaton Rapids Paddle Club, coordinating over 40 years of euchre tournaments, and spending time on Michigan’s lakes and shoreline. Gary purchased many kayaks for his 12 grandkids to enjoy at their family lake house. He loved swimming across the lake to visit his lifelong friend and playing instruments around the bonfire. Gary is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his three children; and 12 grandchildren.

Julie (Stevens) Ragan ’79 on October 16, 2025, in Englewood, Ohio. Julie obtained her bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College and her master’s degree from the University of Michigan. She worked for many years at Gudorf Law Group as a probate paralegal. Julie was a long-standing member of Shiloh Church, where she went on countless mission trips, including to Guatemala, Mississippi, and the Appalachia Service Project (ASP). She sang in the church and bell choir and was a part of the Rebuilding Together Dayton project. She was a highly intelligent individual who was always learning something new. A big part of her intellectual journey was watching Jeopardy! nightly with her husband and sons, playing Wordle every morning, being a formidable Scrabble player, and playing every word and board game imaginable. Above all, she loved spending time with her family. Julie is survived by her husband, Kimbal, and her two children.

Eileen E. Varin ’80 on June 9, 2024. Eileen was kind, patient, and full of grace. She was nonjudgmental, accepting, and an amazing listener. She made everyone feel loved and cared for. New acquaintances would find themselves telling her their life stories—including very personal details—the first time they met. Eileen was gifted. She did everything well and would have been successful in any career. Her choice was to work with children with learning difficulties. In 1985, she moved to San Rafael, California, to complete a master’s degree in psychotherapy with an internship at St. Vincent’s School for Boys. Upon completion of the degree, she was hired by the school as both a therapist and teacher at the Timothy Murphy School, St. Vincent’s on-campus K-8. After leaving St. Vincent’s, Eileen taught at the Tam Valley School for a year before joining Mark Day School (previously St. Mark’s School) where she worked until she retired. At Mark Day School, her primary job was as a learning specialist, and she worked with students with learning difficulties to help them overcome their challenges and be successful in school. The Marker, the school’s magazine, in memoriam to Eileen Varin, wrote: “She worked at Mark Day School for 28 years and was known for her kindness; her warmth and humor with students and colleagues alike; and her gentle and supportive approach.” Eileen loved her family and her pets, travel, the outdoors, listening to music, dancing, and spending undisturbed time alone reading a book. She was confident, strong, and independent, and when it came to decisions that she felt were important, she always chose the course that made sense to her—morally, fiscally, and intellectually. She often expressed gratitude for her happy childhood and fulfilling life. She is survived by her husband, Joshua Dimondstein.

Susan (Szabo) Mattano ’81 on September 5, 2025, after a valiant battle with cancer. Known affectionately as Sue, she was a beacon of light and hope to all. Born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in nearby Southfield, she attended her parents’ alma mater, Kalamazoo College, where she met her future husband, Len (Leonard) Mattano ’81, and made numerous lifelong friends. Majoring in biology and chemistry, she also studied Spanish and spent a semester abroad in Madrid. She continued her academic journey at the University of Michigan, earning her Ph.D. in pharmacology in 1987 and subsequently achieving board certification in toxicology. Ann Arbor was the couple’s home for 10 years, where they married and obtained their degrees before returning to Kalamazoo in 1991 for nearly two decades. Her educational achievements laid the foundation for an illustrious career in the pharmaceutical industry that spanned thirty-four years, initially at The Upjohn Company and ultimately at Pfizer Inc, near their current home in Mystic, Connecticut. Sue’s expertise in nonclinical regulatory strategy and compliance supported the registration and approval of innumerable drugs globally during the course of her career. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sue’s life was a living testament to the Roman Catholic faith to which she was deeply devoted. Her faith extended to serving on her parish and diocesan Worship Commissions. Sue’s interests and hobbies were as diverse and vibrant as her personality. She was an incredible chef and enjoyed inviting friends for dinner. Birding and gardening were other lifelong interests. She was also skilled in calligraphy. Sue’s love for the classic film Gone with the Wind, her eclectic collection of earrings, her passion for lobster dinners, and her fond memories of dancing to disco music (particularly Donna Summer) all spoke of a life lived with zest and joy. One of the most treasured aspects of Sue’s life was the time she spent with her family at their seaside cabin in Maine. For her, it was truly a second home “the way life should be,” complete with abundant friends as dear to her as those in Mystic and Kalamazoo. Sue was the beloved wife of her husband Len for forty years, a nurturing mother to daughters Marie and Clara, and a cherished mother-in-law to Marie’s husband Tom James. Sue is embraced in love by many members of her extended family as well as her sisters-in-law and their families. Her life was a journey of faith, hope, and love, a journey that does not end with her passing but continues through the many lives she impacted. As we remember her, let us be inspired to live with the same courage, purpose, and love that she exemplified every day of her life.

Frederick “Fred” Bleakley ’82 on Sunday, November 9, 2025, while on vacation in St. Vincent, celebrating his upcoming 65th birthday with his beloved wife, Ann. Fred worked hard, played hard, and loved harder still. While building one of West Michigan’s most respected workers’ compensation law practices, he somehow managed to coach all three of his children’s sports, attend every game and event, nurture a strong marriage, maintain lifelong friendships, and fill every day with energy, laughter, and purpose. Fred didn’t just live his 64 years—he filled them, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, joy, and connection that will endure for generations. Fred graduated from Forest Hills Central High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he was a three-sport athlete, earning All-Conference honors in both golf and baseball. He went on to attend Kalamazoo College, earning seven varsity letters in baseball, football, and golf. A captain and MVP of the baseball team his senior year, Fred also won the conference golf meet as a freshman and was named All-MIAA in multiple sports. During college, he studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, where he learned Spanish by immersing himself in the local community. Fred earned his Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School in 1985. While in law school, he met the love of his life, Ann, who was studying at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. They married on February 10, 1990, and built a life together rooted in love, laughter, and faith. After law school, Fred moved to Muskegon and began practicing law. In 1999, he founded Bleakley Law Offices, where he served his clients with unmatched dedication and compassion; over nearly four decades, Fred built one of West Michigan’s leading workers’ compensation law practices. He was a member of the American Bar Association, the Michigan Association for Justice, and multiple sections of the State Bar of Michigan. He also served as a hearing panelist for the State of Michigan Attorney Discipline Board and was inducted as a Fellow of the National College of Workers’ Compensation in 2011. He represented the National Football League Players Association’s Workers’ Compensation Panel. Known for his sharp intellect and even bigger heart, Fred devoted his career to helping others and took immense pride in serving the Muskegon community. Outside the courtroom, faith was an essential part of Fred’s life. He was an active member of Community United Methodist Church, where he led Disciple Bible Study and served on the Finance Board. He was also deeply rooted in the Muskegon community, serving as President of the Muskegon Country Club for two years and as a proud member for 28. His golf league was one of his great joys, and he prided himself on being one of the top golfers in his flight. He also served as President of the North Muskegon Sports Boosters, championing local athletics with the same enthusiasm he brought to his own children’s teams. Fred was the definition of a family man. He coached Erick in baseball and football, Kristen in softball, and Marissa in life. He loved family vacations and could never resist a good workout or a conversation by the fire. Summers were spent boating on Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. He played guitar and loved to sing John Denver songs surrounded by family and friends under a Michigan sunset. Fred is survived by his wife of 35 years, Ann, and his three children. He was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his first grandchild, due in December.

Alicia (Cather) Rotgers ’82 on January 9, 2026. Growing up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Alicia was active in school and gymnastics and developed a lifelong curiosity about the world. She spent many summers accompanying her father and family on his teaching sabbaticals through the University of Michigan. Some of her fondest memories were traveling to and living in the Netherlands, France, Hawaii, Bermuda, and Woods Hole. Alicia shared a special bond with her younger brother, Craig. Alicia graduated from Kalamazoo College, where she studied education, graduating in 1982. She later earned her master’s degree in psychology from Eastern Michigan University in 1985. That same year, Alicia married William Rotgers. Alicia became a devoted mother through adoption—welcoming her son, Michael, in 1988 and her daughter, Jennifer, in 1991. She loved motherhood deeply and was unwavering in her support of her children’s active lives. She gave countless rides to practices, attended every game and band concert, and remained an engaged, encouraging presence in all of their pursuits. Above all, Alicia fostered a loving home and encouraged her children to follow their dreams. Service to others was a defining part of Alicia’s life. From 1985 until her retirement in 2018, she worked throughout Kalamazoo County as a substitute teacher. Her love of education and faith continued through her longtime involvement at Westwood United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School and remained an active member for more than 30 years. She cherished the community she built there, participating in “The Lunch Bunch,” book club, women’s Bible study, and numerous other groups. Most notably, she found great joy volunteering at the church’s Free Store alongside her friends. When she wasn’t teaching or volunteering, Alicia could often be found listening to The Beatles, playing the piano, petting any dog she met, or quietly reading a book. Alicia was preceded in death by her parents and her ex-husband. She is survived by her brother, her two children, and her two beloved grandsons.

Steven O. Ashton ’84 on October 10, 2025. After graduating from K, Steven earned his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 1987. He went on to have a long and distinguished career at Draugelis & Ashton and later at Garan, Lucow, Miller. Outside of work, Steven enjoyed spending time with his children, extended family, and close friends. He had a lasting connection to the family cottage on Crystal Lake (Michigan), where he enjoyed family gatherings from childhood through later life. He also had a deep appreciation for film and a lifelong love of reading. Steven is survived by his former spouse, Christine Ashton, the mother of his four children, who also survive him. His family will cherish the memories of the love and support he provided throughout their lives.

Kathy Henry ’87 on February 20, 2024, in Beverly Hills, Michigan.

Karen (Anderson) Ruby ’87 on December 14, 2025, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Shane Rowan Spink Orsolini ’20 on May 27, 2025, in Kalamazoo. Shane’s love of learning was evident throughout his life. He earned his degree from Kalamazoo College in sociology and Japanese language and was pursuing a master’s degree in statistical data analysis. Shane’s passions were vibrant and varied. A gifted artist, he created abstract and colorful illustrations that reflected his unique way of seeing the world. As a musician, he mastered multiple instruments and poured his heart into recording an entire album. His one-man band, Dust of the Ground, produced an album. Alongside his sister, Grace, and cousin Sawyer, Shane brought imagination to life through stop-motion films. Shane found peace in nature; he was an avid gardener whose home was surrounded by flourishing flower beds. He provided tasty baked goods for many occasions. He found joy in camping, photography and spending time outdoors. His compassionate heart extended to all living creatures, opening his home to many pets over the years and sharing a special bond with his Maine Coon cat, Vito. His family and friends were everything to Shane. In return, family and friends enjoyed his deep conversation, kindness and everlasting love. Shane is survived by his parents and sister.

Caleb Ewald ’26 on November 23, 2024. Caleb was a beloved teammate and member of the K cross country family. A junior at the time of his passing, Caleb was double majoring in computer science and mathematics at K. His team described him as a dedicated and humble teammate who was incredibly kind and could bring the team intense laughter with a witty one liner. Caleb was a multiple-time dean’s list recipient and the school record holder in the 1500 meters.

on November 8, 2025. Raised in Lexington, Massachusetts, Larry’s academic path took him from Lawrence Academy to Hanover College, where he earned a B.A. in English literature, followed by graduate studies at Brandeis University in theatre arts and Harvard University in architecture, where he earned his M.F.A. and M.A., respectively.

From a young age, Larry followed a creative path, driven by his passion for design, literature, film, and ethnography. While serving in the Peace Corps with his wife, Connie, Larry designed and built their adobe home in the Bolivian village of Coromata Alta, where they shared agricultural techniques with the local Aymara community.

Upon returning to the United States, Larry spent the next two decades at Kalamazoo College, where he served as a professor and department chair of theatre arts. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in designing the college’s thrust stage for the Playhouse Theatre. It was also during this time that he began conducting independent research on Maroon culture in Suriname’s rain forest, a lifelong interest. He served with the Maroon Crisis Committee in Suriname and carried out human rights work with organizations such as Amnesty International. In the 1990s, Larry was a United States liaison for the exchange of international theatre artists, helping to bring a delegation of Russian theatre designers to the U.S.; Kalamazoo College was one of just six colleges and universities nationwide selected to host the specialists.

Larry’s training in theatre arts provided a strong foundation for his later work in architectural and museum design. He worked in New York and Philadelphia before returning to New England, where he oversaw multiple architectural projects and produced several independent films. An avid gardener, Larry was known for his highly regarded landscape designs in Michigan and Massachusetts, and he enjoyed consulting with friends and neighbors on horticultural techniques.

A love of literature eventually drew Larry to New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he opened Subtext Books, curating rare editions and works focused on the city’s rich history. The shop soon became an integral part of New Bedford’s cultural community. Larry was also an active member of the First Unitarian Church in New Bedford, where he served as chair of the Finance Committee.

Larry is survived by his sister, several nieces, a nephew, his former wife, Connie Jaquith, and many close friends.

on December 14, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. An educator, global scholar, and leader in international education, Tim was deeply connected to Kalamazoo College through his own service and generations of family leadership and philanthropy.

Born in Kalamazoo in 1938, Tim was the second of four sons of Dr. Richard U. Light and Mary Upjohn. He grew up in a close-knit extended family whose ties to Kalamazoo College spanned decades. From an early age, Tim was drawn to English literature and to questions of faith and ethics that would shape his academic and civic life.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Yale University in 1960, Tim spent two years teaching English in Hong Kong through the Yale-China program, an experience that profoundly influenced his worldview and set him on a lifelong path of engagement with Asia, language learning, and global education. He later returned to the United States to study at Union Theological Seminary, where he met his wife, Joy Cheng. They married in 1964 after he completed his second bachelor’s degree in divinity.

Tim went on to earn a master’s degree in English as a second language from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in Chinese linguistics from Cornell University. During his years in New York, he was active in the civil rights and anti-Vietnam War movements and helped found Clergy and Laity Concerned About Vietnam (CALCAV). In 1965, he and Joy returned to Hong Kong, where he taught in the English department of the Chinese University and became fluent in both Cantonese and Mandarin. Together, Timothy and Joy established interests and relationships that would later blossom into the Lights’ arts activism and art collection.

In 1971, the family returned to the United States. Tim completed his Ph.D. and subsequently taught at the University of Arizona and Ohio State University. He served as a member of Kalamazoo College’s Board of Trustees from 1973 until 1986, when he was named provost and professor of linguistics and Asian studies at K and returned to his hometown. During his tenure, he helped strengthen the College’s international programming and played a key role in establishing the Chinese and Japanese academic departments. He later served as acting president of Kalamazoo College during the 1989–90 academic year, providing steady leadership during a period of transition.

Tim left K to briefly serve as president of Middlebury College before returning to Kalamazoo and joining Western Michigan University. There, he held senior administrative roles, including provost and vice president for academic affairs and engaged in teaching and scholarship in comparative religion. He retired as professor emeritus in the Department of Comparative Religion at WMU, continuing to teach and publish into his later years. In 2010, his family endowed the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies to support teaching and research on China at WMU.

Tim and Joy were deeply engaged in Kalamazoo’s civic and cultural life and were significant supporters of arts initiatives, including the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, the Gilmore Piano Festival, and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. In retirement, Light funded an East Asian art gallery at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts in honor of his wife.

The Light family’s connection to Kalamazoo College is long-standing. Tim’s father, Richard U. Light, served on the Board of Trustees for 23 years, including 21 as chair, during a period of significant institutional growth; the Light Fine Arts building is named in honor of Timothy Light’s father, grandfather, and uncle. His brother, Christopher Light, also served on the Board, and Christopher’s wife, Margo Bosker Light, is an emerita professor of German at K. His nephew, Christopher U. Light ’89, is a current member of the Board of Trustees.

Tim is survived by his wife, two daughters, granddaughter, brothers, extended family, and a wide circle of colleagues, students, and friends.

on August 8, 2025. He was born on June 10, 1979, in Midland, Michigan, and attended Western High School. After a lengthy stretch as a bartender at Strutt and Louie’s, Tim worked in maintenance at Bell’s Brewery until he decided to go to KVCC, where he became an HVAC technician and went to work for Kalamazoo College.

Tim was a free spirit. He enjoyed spending time outdoors kayaking, gardening, camping, and listening to live music. Most of all, Tim was a gifted storyteller who loved to make people laugh. He was an opinionated and obstinate man who saved his affection for only those he deemed worthy. Luckily that was nearly everyone he met. A true original, he will be missed by everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his mom and stepdad, three siblings, his grandma, several nieces and nephews, extended family, and his partner, the love of his life, Krista Trewhella, along with her children and his dogs, Elvis and Roy.

on August 25, 2024, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Born on March 14, 1929, in West Hartford, Connecticut, Mark led a distinguished life marked by a profound commitment to education and social justice. His extensive educational journey began with an A.B. from Harvard College in 1951, followed by a B.D. from Yale Divinity School in 1955, and culminated with a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in 1965. His academic pursuits paved the way for a lifelong career dedicated to religious and academic education.

Throughout his career, Mark held various significant positions, starting as a chaplain at The Milford School, then as a pastor at Canton Community Baptist Church. He later served as a student secretary at the University of Illinois YMCA and as an instructor at Scarritt College. In 1961, he joined Kalamazoo College, where he made lasting contributions as acting dean of the chapel and assistant to the academic dean, in addition to serving as a professor of religion until his retirement as Professor Emeritus. Even after retirement, he continued to teach as an adjunct professor at Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Mark was a devoted member of both Judson Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, where he actively engaged in community and religious activities. His personal life was enriched by diverse interests, including wooden boat building, bicycling, and writing. Mark and his daughter Shannon began Daddy Daughter Date Night in 1983, which continued throughout his life. Mark was an avid reader with a particular fondness for exploring different religious contexts, which led him to spend five months traveling in India and the Far East, engaging with religious leaders and visiting Hindu and Buddhist holy places. Additionally, he was a proud member of the Lions Club. Mark will be remembered as a sensitive, playful, and endlessly curious individual who dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and the service of others. His legacy of compassion and education will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Mark was predeceased by his beloved wife, Brunelda Thompson, and daughter, Valerie Smith ’87. He is survived by his son, daughter, and grandson.

on February 3, 2026. Born in Poland and raised in Germany, Hardy first came to Kalamazoo College as a visiting international student on a Fulbright travel grant during the 1964–65 academic year. He enjoyed his time in the United States so much that he chose to make it his home, earning a master’s degree from Indiana University in 1967 and a Ph.D. in German language and literature from Michigan State University in 1970. While completing his doctorate, Hardy returned to K in 1969 to teach German and coach soccer. Hardy’s 32-year tenure as the head varsity men’s soccer coach began when the soccer program at K was in its infancy. He went on to lead his teams to 12 MIAA championships and six NCAA Division III Tournament appearances. He coached eight MIAA MVPs, nine All-Americans, and one NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient. He compiled a career record of 343-137-36 (. 700), including an MIAA record of 254-70-21 (. 767), finishing his final season as the 29th winningest active men’s soccer coach in NCAA Division III and 30th all-time. In recognition of his achievements, Hardy was named NCAA Great Lakes Regional Coach of the Year in 1988. He retired from coaching in 2002 on a high note after winning the MIAA title for the third consecutive year. Throughout his coaching years, Hardy was also active with other soccer activities, coaching youth soccer teams throughout Kalamazoo and directing the Kalamazoo Soccer School, a summer soccer camp, for over 20 years. Off the field, Hardy spent 33 years as a professor of German language and literature at K, and 30 of those years were spent as chair of the German department. He taught all levels of German language and literature courses and a variety of senior seminars. He served in numerous leadership roles across campus, including chair of the Faculty Development and Athletic committees, co-chair of the Admission Committee, and held membership on several other faculty committees. Hardy was the recipient of numerous faculty development grants over the years, including Goethe Institute grants for study in Germany. Though Hardy retired from coaching in 2002 and from teaching in 2005, he remained active with both Hornet athletics and international activities at the College, hosting international students and regularly attending Hornet soccer games. He also continued to coach the alumni soccer team at the annual K alumni vs. varsity soccer game for many years. He was inducted into the Kalamazoo College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. Beyond his continuing connection to K, Hardy served on the editorial board of Soccer Journal, the official publication of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Fluent in English and German, Hardy stressed the enrichment that comes with proficiency in another language, teaching himself Spanish later in life. He was particularly proud of his children for learning to speak and teach languages other than English. Always active, Hardy didn’t exercise for the sake of exercising. He played soccer well into his late 70s and rode his bike whenever and wherever he could. As a father, Hardy was wise, calm, and extremely supportive. He encouraged his children to be themselves and not to worry, and was always there for them, no matter what. As a grandfather, Hardy was a proud, loving Opa, connecting with his grandchildren through music and soccer—playing, coaching and watching their favorite pro teams with them. He was a familiar presence at a few local cafés, where he often wrote letters to his grandchildren while enjoying an espresso. Humble, curious, and kind, with a vibrant sense of humor, Hardy Fuchs lived a life rich in family and friends, and he will long be remembered by those he loved so dearly. Hardy was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving are his two children, Kevin Fuchs and Angela Gross ’93; four grandchildren, including Sofia Gross ’29; extended family; and dear friends.