InMemory Winter 2025

Frances Geraldine (Russell) Medlin ’47 on August 26, 2024, just shy of her 100th birthday. Fran majored in English literature and played the clarinet with the college band at K. Her love of travel began with train trips with her college roommates to see New York and Boston. She dreamed of graduating and working in journalism, but when World War II intervened, she performed clerical work for Sibley Machine & Foundry. Following the war, Fran became a flight hostess with Braniff Airways and moved to Dallas, where she met Shirley Allen (Al) Medlin. Fran and Al married in 1948. Fran was a fine homemaker and a loving mother. She loved to travel, especially to historic places, read and do needlework. She decided to return to college, attending North Texas State University and completing her bachelor’s in English literature and a dual master’s in education and library science. She served as head librarian at Lake Highlands High School until she retired in 1983. She obtained membership in the Order of the Eastern Star and Daughters of the American Revolution and was interested in genealogy. Living in Garland, Texas, they were longtime members at Eastern Hills Country Club and Monica Park Christian Church, where Fran sang in the choir. Fran and Al enjoyed playing bridge and dominoes with friends and vacationing in the western U.S., the British Isles, Russia, the Mediterranean and the Holy Land. Later, Fran and Al were members of the First Baptist Church of Garland, and lived in Rowlett, Texas. Final years were spent at Atria Independent Living, in Plano, Texas. Fran was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 70 years. She is survived by three children; six grandchildren, including Sara Medlin ’06; and eight great-grandchildren.

Phillip Hawley Avery ’51 on September 5, 2024. Phil began his studies at Kalamazoo College. Two years later, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and was honorably discharged from the Navy in June 1950. He completed a degree in paper technology and chemistry from Western Michigan University. He worked at the Parchment Paper Co. before moving to the Rochester Paper Co. in Rochester, Michigan, where he worked as a research chemist and administrator. After the company was sold, he moved his family to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and began working for the former Eaton Dikeman (now Ahlstrom Filtration) in Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania, retiring in 1994 as president and general manager. Phil met Patsy Ann Bair at a dance hall during Phil’s summer break from college; they were married in 1953. They had three children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Phil was very athletic. He loved fishing and swimming, and every summer vacationed with his family on the Canadian side of Lake Huron. After moving to Pennsylvania, Phil bought a farm in Newville and eventually had the barn and farmhouse listed in the Cumberland County list of historical landmarks. He was a master woodworker and loved to create furniture and other gifts for his friends and family. He and Pat loved to dance; listen to big band, jazz and country and western music; and travel and go on cruises. After Pat passed away in 2009, Phil stayed active in woodworking, model railroading and spending time with his family. Phil served as an elder and deacon at Dickinson Presbyterian Church in Carlisle. He was well known for his patience, love and distinctive laugh.

Dolores Charles ’51 on March 6, 2024.

Paul Lipschutz ’51 on April 17, 2023. Paul raised his family in Skokie, Illinois, was a respected manufacturer’s representative for General Wire Spring Co. for over 40 years, and served honorably in the U.S. Army in Germany during the post-WWII era. Paul had a wonderful sense of humor; he always left you with a joke and smile. He was most known for his devotion to his wife and family. Paul was the beloved husband for 68 years of Shirley (Mendelsohn) Lipschutz, loving father of a daughter and adored grandpa of a grandson.

Georgia Mae (Adler) Merchant ’51 on February 25, 2024, at Woodland Terrace in St. Joseph, Michigan. Georgia attended K before earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing from University of Illinois. In 1951, Georgia married the love of her life, Howard Merchant ’52, in St. Joseph. The two were happily married for 61 years before his passing in 2012. She worked as a registered nurse from 1952 until her retirement in 1986. Georgia enjoyed tending to her rose garden, traveling with her family and attending social events. She was an active member in a variety of clubs through the First Congregational Church, as well as a proud member of the National Organization for Women. Georgia was a strong matriarch within her circle of family and friends, providing guidance to many throughout their lives. Her determination and strength of character helped ease others’ burdens and demonstrated the possibility of persevering though life’s challenges. Georgia was a three-time cancer survivor, two-time heart attack survivor and lived with a myriad of afflictions that only made her more determined in her journey and messaging to others right up until the end. Georgia was preceded in death by her husband, Howard. She is survived by her two sons, a daughter, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Marian (Hellmann) Panny ’51 on January 4, 2023, in South Holland, Illinois. Marian liked to play cards and go square dancing. She was a good cook. She loved to watch Jeopardy! She was loved and will be missed. She was married on May 30, 1955, to her beloved late husband, Joseph H. Panny. Marian and Joe had three children and three grandchildren.

Barbara Ann (Wren) Sulkowski ’52 on October 29, 2023. Barbara was the beloved and devoted wife of Louis Truesdell. She is pre-deceased by her first husband, Edward Z. Sulkowski ’53.
Barbara was the loving mother of two children, proud grandmother of four, and great-grandmother of two.

Robert Grant Nichols ’53 on June 14, 2023.

Charles A. Van Zoeren ’53 on June 1, 2024. Charles attended Kalamazoo College and graduated from Ripon College in Wisconsin, where he met his wife, Joan. They were married in 1954, while he was on a weekend pass from the U.S. Army. They began their lives together at Fort Bliss, Texas, settling in Kalamazoo in 1956. His entire career was with the family company Alvan Motor Freight Inc. When the company closed in 2008, he published a company history, It Was a Good Run. He was involved with the Kalamazoo Jaycees, Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce, Kalamazoo Rotary Club, boards including the YMCA and the Gilmore International Piano Festival, and Trinity Lutheran Church, singing in the choir for over 50 years. He and Jo enjoyed many winters in Florida. Among his activities were politics and government, tennis, biking, skiing, choral singing, local theatre, and writing delightful rhyming poems to recognize special occasions and holidays. Chuck and Jo traveled extensively throughout the United States and all seven continents. They volunteered for Rotary International projects in India and Haiti, and for Lutheran Church relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. For 30 years, he served as a trustee of Ripon College. He was preceded in death by his wife in 2018. Charles is survived by his three children and four grandchildren.

Marylyn (Eck) Morrell ’54 on May 14, 2023. She excelled at Kalamazoo College, where she met her husband, James “Jim” Morrell ’53, during her freshman orientation. College was interrupted when she joined him during his military service at Fort Knox, Kentucky, for two years, where she worked as a typist and assistant to the general. When Jim’s service requirement was over, they moved back to Kalamazoo, and Jim took a job at Saga Corp. while Marylyn completed college, carrying her first child on stage to receive her diploma. Marylyn went on to receive her master’s degree in psychology from Western Michigan University, where she stayed to teach. Jim’s work transfer to Saga headquarters in Menlo Park led Marylyn, Jim and their two children to Atherton, California, in 1966. Marylyn had an unwavering dedication to providing opportunities for women and promoting gender equality. In 1972, she was one of five founders of the Resource Center for Women. Marylyn loved literature and the arts, classical music, opera, ballet and the symphony. She read voraciously about anything and everything and remembered everything she read. She and Jim collected post-war modern art well before it was recognized as an important era in American art. Marylyn and Jim traveled extensively, both for enjoyment and to learn the history and culture of their destinations. Marylyn and Jim had an intense bond throughout their 64 years of marriage until his passing in 2017. She is survived by two children, her grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Marvin Schultz ’54 on September 25, 2023.

Kathleen (Lathers) Guernsey ’55 on August 11, 2023, in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Daniel B. McFadden Sr. ’55 on July 17, 2023. Dan studied economics at K. He married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn A. Grimes, in Stetson Chapel in June 1954. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1955 and was drafted by the Army in 1956. Dan served in Germany, and Marilyn joined him there. He was honorably discharged in 1960, with the rank of sergeant. While in Germany, Dan and Marilyn welcomed the birth of their eldest son. After returning to the United States, Dan was employed by Michigan National Bank as a loan officer. When American National Bank was formed, Dan served as its city president and later returned to Michigan National. In 1983, Dan moved to Marshall, Michigan, to become a vice president for Michigan National and later served as its city president. He retired early in 1988, and started his own commercial real estate firm, McFadden Commercial Services, where he worked until 2022. Dan served as an elder at Westlake Presbyterian in Battle Creek and First Presbyterian of Marshall. He was active with the Boy Scouts (Troop 355) and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for his service. Dan also served the business community as the president of the Jaycees and the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce and board member for Battle Creek Unlimited. He was a member of AMBUCS and Toastmasters International. Dan enjoyed evenings dancing with Marilyn and the Sundown Squares, travels with his family all over the U.S., and meetings with the Literary Guild. Dan was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother and uncle. He is survived by five children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Jean (Rogers) Morgan ’55 on March 19, 2023, in South Glens Falls, New York. A retired nurse of over 40 years, Jean was passionate about quilting and displaying her work at local quilt shows. She loved travel, church and spending time with her dear friends and family. Her love and kindness will always be remembered. Jean was predeceased by her son. She is survived by two daughters.

Irma (Grissom) Sevin ’55 on August 12, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, Whitney Sevin ’53, in 2021.

Berchard Duane Arnold ’56 on December 2, 2023, in Franklin, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kay (Jorgensen) Arnold; and his son; and son-in-law. He is survived by his daughter; daughter-in-law; two grandchildren; and siblings, including his brother, Keith Arnold ’59.

Phillip Welton Lewis ’56 on February 8, 2023. Phillip served as an officer in the U.S. Navy, worked for his father at Lewis Electric for a few years, then worked for and retired from Ford Motor Co. as an engineer. On September 23, 1957, he married Francis Marilyn Fogle, known as Marilyn. He enjoyed playing golf and assembling golf clubs, chartering sailboats and sailing the Caribbean Islands. He was preceded in death by Marilyn in 2020. He is survived by two children, three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Robert Francis Skora ’56 on May 4, 2024, in his home with his family by his side. Robert received a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and retired as a biochemist for Kimberly Clark. He was predeceased by his wife, Sandra Ullom Skora, and a son, Kenneth Richard Skora. Left to cherish his memory are his son, William “Bill” Skora, and two grandchildren.

Carol J. (Miller) Holmes Layman ’58 on April 24, 2023. In 1957, she married Arthur “Mike” Holmes in Kalamazoo, a blessed union of 29 years until his passing in 1986. Carol attended Kalamazoo College and earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Alma College. She worked as a medical technologist for 40 years, retiring from Tolfree Memorial Hospital in West Branch, Michigan. Carol took pride in serving her communities. She was a past member and officer of Business and Professional Women of Michigan, worked with Hospice of Michigan and Isabella County Soup Kitchen, and served as a board member of the Gratiot County Democratic Party and the Pine River Super Fund Cleanup. She was a faithful and devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Alma, where she sang with the choir and was active with annual book sales to raise money for scholarships. A devoted mother, she enjoyed attending her children’s sporting events and helped with 4-H. She was a member of PTO and the PTA. She enjoyed knitting and was an avid reader. Carol was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by five children, including Timothy (Jan ’82) Holmes ’81; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

George Pixley ’58 on July 17, 2023. George earned a B.A. in history at K. In Kalamazoo, George joined the First Baptist Church Choir, where he met Janyce Babcock. They married in 1958. Chicago was home for five years while George was studying for his M.S. and Ph.D. in Biblical studies at the University of Chicago. Their daughter, Rebecca, was born in 1959, and their son, Kevin, was born in 1962. George and Janyce were active with the Woodlawn Baptist Church. In 1963, George was ordained by the Woodlawn Baptist Church, Chicago Baptist Association, and the family moved to Puerto Rico, where George served as professor of Old Testament at the Evangelical Seminary. Their son, Mark, was born in San Juan in 1967. In 1975, the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society (ABFMS) appointed the Pixleys for missionary service in Mexico, where George served as professor and dean at the Theological Seminary in Mexico City. The Pixleys were assigned to Nicaragua in 1986, to serve at the Baptist Seminary in Managua. George served on the editorial boards for several theological journals and wrote textbooks and award-winning commentaries on Exodus and Job. George and Janyce retired from the ABFMS in 2002, and settled at Pilgrim Place in Claremont, California. Both George and Janyce were members of the executive board of the First Baptist Church. George continued to write books and articles in Spanish and English. He also was involved with the Society of Biblical Literature. George was preceded in death by his wife, Janyce. He is survived by three children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Victor Cummings ’59 on August 6, 2023, at his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. A true jokester at heart, Victor had an uncanny ability to weave humor into every conversation. His penchant for sharing a well-timed joke, even in the most unexpected moments, endeared him to everyone he encountered. His love for fishing took him to tranquil waters, where he found solace and joy in the rhythm of the waves. Victor’s truest and deepest bond was with his beloved wife, Lara Cummings. Their extraordinary partnership spanned over 37 magical years, characterized by an unbreakable bond and an unwavering love that served as a guiding light to all who knew them. Victor and Lara’s home was always open to those in need; it was a haven of support and positivity for anyone seeking a friendly hand. Together, they created a life that exemplified the meaning of devotion. Victor considered St. Matthew Lutheran Church (Hawthorn Woods) and Immanuel Lutheran Church (Des Plaines) his forever homes. He was an integral member of the nonprofit Pegasus Children’s Airlift, which brought orphans from the former Soviet Union to America for medical procedures. Victor’s legacy extends through his two children and his treasured grandchildren.

Robert David Hagen ’59 on June 20, 2023, at his home in Brandon, Mississippi. He was a strong and caring man who raised his family well. He was a businessman for over 35 years in the Jackson area and was the previous owner of AAA Printing & Graphics, a family business that continues today. He enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Jackson Country Club and the Rotary Club. He was a faithful husband and is survived by his wife of 63 years, Donna; three children; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Regan Granville Smith ’60 on May 9, 2024, at his home in Springfield, Illinois. Regan married Lillian Sanders Levine in 1968, in Battle Creek, Michigan. After earning his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, he taught at the University of Wyoming, then became a founding professor at Sangamon State University. He participated in professor exchange programs in London and China, where he made lifelong friends. He retired from SSU as professor emeritus in 1993. An avid reader, his home was a treasure trove of books spanning a multitude of genres and subjects. He also had a particular affection for films of various genres. Regan was a vibrant member of the Springfield theatrical community. In his moments of solitude, Regan found solace in the art of gardening. His garden was a testament to his patience and attention to detail, with a variety of lilies planted in loving memory of his wife. The blooms stood as a symbol of his enduring love and the beauty they shared in life. A cherished soul known for his loving nature, sharp wit and keen intellect, Regan was a beacon of knowledge and joy to all who knew him. His wife, Lillian, preceded him in death in 2000. Regan is survived by his son and grandchildren.

Alfred G. Izzo ’62 on August 20, 2024, from COVID-19 complications. He also suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Fred earned his D.D.S. at the University of Detroit. He served as a captain in the Army. He opened his practice in New Milford, Connecticut, as a general dentist and served the community for 52 years. He was an active member of the Danbury Dental Society and served as the president of the Connecticut Society of Dentistry for Children. Fred, Freddy, or Doc, as his friends called him, lived a life full of laughter and love. Fred loved skiing, playing tennis and golf, playing cribbage with his family, taking care of his garden, and chopping wood for his fireplace. Fred had and trained numerous Labrador dogs. He always had a dog by his side. Fred loved to cook and bake. What Fred loved most was certainly his wife, Barbara. In his last days, he wanted nothing more than to be close to her and tell her he loved her. Together they traveled the country and enjoyed their vacations with both immediate and extended family. Whether Fred traveled with family or friends, he was going to have the eggs, bacon, toast and coffee ready for them when they woke up. Fred gave his children many great memories and built them keepsakes that will be passed on for generations. Fred was not afraid to try new things. He helped all of his kids fix things around their homes or cars. Fred is survived by his wife of 40 years, Barbara; five children; and six grandchildren.

William Kruggel ’62 on July 13, 2024, in Laramie, Wyoming. Bill graduated from K with chemistry and German majors. He earned a master’s in chemistry and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Wyoming. He furthered his education with post-doctoral positions at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, and in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Wyoming. He taught chemistry at the Kippenberg-Gymnasium, a private girls’ school in Bremen, Germany. After that, he traveled extensively in Europe. Bill was employed as a staff member at the University of Wyoming in the Department of Molecular Biology (biochemistry department) until his retirement in 1995. He did volunteer work in the pharmacy department at Ivinson Memorial Hospital and at the Albany County Public Library. He traveled extensively with the Heritage Club.

Terrell Blodgett ’63 on August 3, 2024. Terry graduated from K with a degree in economics. He married Mary Ellen in 1966. The couple moved to Texas, where Terry pursued his studies and taught at Southwest Texas State College. Terry led a life marked by dedication, service and love. He answered the call to serve his country, joining the Central Intelligence Agency in 1974. The family moved to Virginia for his career, which also took them to Mexico and the Philippines, where he served with distinction. His children remember him as a kind, gentle and patient father. He spent hours researching answers for questions his children brought him and loved nothing more than caring for his family. He gave the warmest, enveloping hugs and always made sure they knew they were loved. Terry was a sincere Catholic and he instilled his love of the church in his family. Terry is remembered for his life of service, but mostly for the unwavering love he had for his family. Terry leaves behind his beloved wife of almost 58 years, Mary Ellen; five children; and 11 grandchildren.

Mauri (Monihon) Formigoni ’63 on July 16, 2024, at Country Lane Memory Care in Riverton, Illinois. An artist and educator, Mauri completed postgraduate studies at the Art Institute of Chicago and received her M.A. from Sangamon State University, now University of Illinois Springfield (UIS). Mauri began her career in Chicago and later moved to Springfield to raise her family. Mauri was a highly accomplished artist, often working on large installations utilizing materials such as fire, burned trees, birds and mosaics. Her work has been featured internationally, including a Fulbright at the University of Belgrade in former Yugoslavia. Her work can still be seen in many public and private galleries and state and federal buildings. Her most recent show, A Career Retrospective, was held in 2023, at the Springfield Art Association. Mauri loved her time exhibiting and teaching. She had a unique ability to connect with her students as art professor at UIS for over 20 years. After retirement, she moved to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where she lived independently for 20 years. Mauri dedicated much of her time in Mexico to saving dogs and volunteering with the local humane society. She is survived by three children and six grandchildren.

Ginnie (Phillips) Oliver ’63 on August 29, 2024, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Ginnie earned her master’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint. She was united in marriage to Phillip Oliver ’64 in 1970, in Kalamazoo. Ginnie spent many years imparting wisdom and knowledge as a teacher in Michigan. She also worked as a draftsperson for Trane Corp. and finished her career as an engineering specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. A woman of many talents, Ginnie found joy in quilting, knitting, rubber stamping and crafting. She was an avid reader, with Agatha Christie novels often in her hands. Her compassion showed in her hobby of knitting hats for children in the hospital and local schools. She loved her Saint Bernards and dedicated her time to dog obedience training. Ginnie enjoyed curling and was a member of the La Crosse Curling Club. She also enjoyed rocks and fossils and was a member of the Heart of Wisconsin Gem and Mineral Club. Ginnie is survived by her loving husband, Phillip, and their son.

Richard Eick ’64 on August 19, 2024. Dick majored in mathematics at K and completed master’s degrees in divinity and urban studies at Yale Divinity School and Yale University. Later, he earned his Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Dick’s professional life as a minister of the United Church of Christ (UCC) was driven by his commitment to pastoral care and social justice. His decades of service took him from urban congregations in Maryland and Virginia, to a rural congregation in Iowa. His adaptability was rooted in his dedication to learning the needs of the people and communities he served and shaping his ministry to meet those needs. Upon retirement to Red Wing, Minnesota, he continued to serve the UCC. Dick raised two daughters with his first wife, Gretchen Cassel Eick ’64. With his marriage to Carol (Huenemann) Eick, he embarked upon a loving and devoted partnership of more than 30 years that brought stepchildren into his family. He found joy in his work with Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity (where he was a board member) and pride in being a member of Red Wing’s PFLAG chapter and a community advisor to a Red Wing City Council member. Dick’s curiosity about the world took him across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. At K, he was a member of the college’s first cohort of students to study abroad at Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone. Dick always found time for pursuits that fostered his physical and mental well-being—tennis, swimming, cycling, live theatre and music, reading and writing, and supporting his favorite sports teams. Most of all, he relished spending time with family and friends. In addition to his wife, Carol, Dick is survived by his children and stepchildren, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Jon Philip Cowan ’65 on August 18, 2024. Jon attended the University of Michigan Medical School and Anesthesia Program. He served two years at the Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital, followed by a 37-year career at Blodgett Hospital. Jon always felt privileged to be partnered with exceptional anesthesiologists in a respected medical community. An important part of Jon’s life was his 25-year, short-term medical mission participation in Honduras. Upon retirement, Jon received the Distinguished Physician award from Spectrum Health. Jon enjoyed his many years at the family condo in Glen Arbor, Michigan, his Thursday morning Bible study group, reading, and the company of his four golden retrievers. His greatest joy, without a doubt, was time spent with family: his wife, Wanda; two daughters; and six grandchildren.

Jeffrey Henry Beusse ’66 on July 4, 2024. Jeff received his B.A. in English from K and spent a quarter at Wilhelm University in Münster, Germany. Jeff earned an M.A. in English literature from the University of Idaho and a Ph.D. in English literature from the University of Washington, specializing in Victorian poetry. In 1978, Jeff received a law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law, where he served as law review editor. At K, he met the love of his life, Margaret Porter ’67. They married and enjoyed 57 wonderful years together. Jeff served on the board of directors for Project Rehab, the East Grand Rapids Library Commission, and the Grand Rapids Round Table. He co-founded the West Michigan Warriors Hockey Association. Jeff served as chairman of the board of directors at Burke E. Porter Machinery Co., where he served as counsel and helped the company expand to international markets. He was a fellow of the Michigan State Bar Association and served on the 1994–95 selection committee for the public defender for Western Michigan. Jeff was a proud philanthropic supporter of many organizations, including the Griffins Youth Hockey Foundation and Crested Butte Land Conservancy. He established a scholarship in English at Kalamazoo College. Jeff was a dedicated father and grandfather and an avid sports fan. He spent summer weekends at the lake in Newaygo, reading in the den, and enjoying quality time with his family. Jeff had a special place in his heart for the Rocky Mountains, which he explored as an Eagle Scout in his youth, and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. An avid reader, Jeff loved recommending books and articles until his final days. Jeff is survived by his wife, Margaret; two children; and five grandchildren.

W. Frederick Schwenk ’69 on September 22, 2024. On his path to becoming a physician, Fritz attended Kalamazoo College and Stanford University. He attended medical school at McGill University, where he met and married Nina, his wife of 46 years. He practiced at the Mayo Clinic for his entire career as a pediatric endocrinologist. He was beloved by his patients and staff and well known for his iconic dad jokes. Fritz was a great collector of experiences. He loved to travel and visited over 100 countries on all seven continents. When he traveled, he adored geocaching, which often allowed him to explore off the beaten trail. He was a theatre lover and saw all 39 of Shakespeare’s plays performed on stage, particularly at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon. He also watched every Cirque du Soleil show around the world. Equally as important as his career to Fritz was his involvement with Destination ImagiNation, an extracurricular program for students that develops teamwork, improvisation and creative problem-solving skills. He was a natural mentor to countless young people around the world who grew up participating in the program, including his own children. Fritz is survived by his wife, Nina; two children; and three grandchildren.

Marcia Jean (Buchmueller) Cameron ’70 on June 3, 2024. At Kalamazoo College, in addition to studying abroad in France and making lifelong friends, she met James Cameron ’69. Marcia and James married on September 5, 1970, and had 54 amazing years together. They were partners in all aspects of their lives—traveling, working on book projects, solving whodunit TV mysteries, and most mornings sitting on the front porch having coffee and solving the world’s problems. They raised three children, whom they loved spending time with and fully supported in all their varied endeavors over the years. Marcia had many adventures in her lifetime, including traveling to visit her daughter, Kelsey, in South Africa and Ecuador, son, Dan, in China, and son, Kyle, in various places around the country. She obtained a master’s in gerontology from the University of Michigan and contributed her skills and empathy at colleges, nursing homes and associations. Marcia supported the community in many ways, including creating little free libraries, art around Saline, Michigan, election work and philanthropy. She enjoyed developing and sustaining meaningful relationships with her extended family and her strong networks of friends. She organized a multitude of family gatherings, including giant, multi-day affairs, international vacations, and midwestern getaways. Her last evening was spent with her husband and two sons in the backyard that she had created to be a flower and greenery wonderland. In addition to her husband, Jim, she is survived by her three children and two grandchildren.

William Kraut ’70 on June 1, 2024.

Arnold Haskins Campbell ’72 on June 21, 2024, in Venice, Florida. Arnie earned his B.A from K, where he met his future wife, Martha “Marti” Larzelere ’72, and they married in August 1972. He received his J.D. from the University of Notre Dame in 1975. Arnie worked briefly as a lawyer before joining the U.S. Department of State in 1976 and becoming a foreign service officer (diplomat). His overseas postings included East Berlin; Paramaribo, Suriname (twice); Rotterdam, Netherlands; Majuro, Marshall Islands; and Budapest, Hungary. He was consul general in Amsterdam when 9/11 occurred, and was protected by armed Dutch bodyguards. After his retirement, the State Department called him back in for temporary assignments as charge d’affaires (acting ambassador) in Luxembourg, Malta, Samoa (where a deadly tsunami hit), Georgetown (Guyana) and Curaçao. His last temporary assignment was as acting consul general in Adana, Turkey, on the Syrian border, where he again had armed guards. He received numerous Meritorious and Superior Honor Awards over the course of his career. In 2012, after they retired, Arnie and Marti moved to Venice Golf and Country Club, where he played golf and tennis and worked out daily on an elliptical machine. He was active in the club, serving on the Master Association and as president of the Men’s Golf Association. He and Marti continued traveling often to Peru, China, Bulgaria, Botswana/South Africa, Russia, Ireland, Scotland/U.K., Hawaii, Bermuda, Portugal, Spain, Egypt/Jordan, Italy, many U.S. National Parks, Quebec, Australia/New Zealand, Greece, Galapagos, St. Lucia and worldwide ski trips. They recently returned from a Kalamazoo College alumni trip to Germany (where Arnie visited his K study abroad site of Münster) and a visit to friends in Prague, Czechia, and were about to leave for a week in Barbados. Arnie and Marti were class agents for many years and have been lifelong contributors to Kalamazoo College. Arnie is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Marti, and his sister, Andrea Campbell ’74, and her husband. Memorial contributions can be made to the Ambassador Martha Larzelere Campbell and Consul General Arnold Campbell Foreign Study Endowment, Kalamazoo College.

David Wise Bisbee ’73 on September 2, 2024. While earning a degree in political science, he studied in Sweden and became fluent in Swedish. David earned a master’s degree from University of Michigan School of Urban Planning and worked as a city planner in Kentwood, Michigan, and as executive director of a redevelopment corporation in Oklahoma City before relocating to the East Coast. He acquired a second master’s degree at New York University in real estate finance, working at National Bank of New York City and Met Life. David’s first marriage ended in divorce. In 1996, he married Kathryn Stenstrom, a teacher in Pelham, New York. They purchased a cottage on Lake Oscawana in Putnam County, New York. David was an avid post card collector, acquiring hundreds of post cards, especially of places where he had lived. He enjoyed his position as president of the Lake Oscawana Civic Association. Retirement brought David and Kathryn back to David’s hometown of Reed City, Michigan. David spent six years as an elected Reed City Town Council member. He helped the town navigate the acquisition of a new library, a theatre and many other civic projects. David enjoyed lake life and helped supervise the construction and renovation of their Lake Michigan cottage in Pierport. Health dictated the last chapter for David as he settled into residence in Bonita Springs, Florida. Even with his Parkinson’s condition, he was still an avid reader and enjoyed family and friends visiting. A true optimist, David loved his large extended family, including the family of his brother, his sister (Cheryl Stewart ’77) and Kathryn’s extended family, and was generous in his support. David is survived by his wife of 27 years, Kathryn. Memorial gifts may be made to the Kalamazoo College Class of 1973 Endowment.

Kathleen Mary (Ward) Moore ’83 on September 8, 2024. Kathleen earned her B.A. in economics from K. She spent a semester in Caen, France, and it ignited her love for travel. Kathleen married Kevin Moore at St. Joseph Catholic Church on June 18, 1983. She began her career as a marketing specialist for Bill Knapp’s Restaurants before joining her alma mater’s Center for Career and Professional Development. Kathleen dedicated a decade to fostering love inside their home, and after her children had entered school, she became the liturgy coordinator/bulletin editor/receptionist at St. Philip Catholic Church. In 2009, she joined Community Action as a human resource assistant. She found her true passion when she became a certified family coach and subsequently special projects coordinator for Calhoun Intermediate School District. From 2019–23, Kathleen was executive director for Battle Creek Shared Services Alliance. A member of St. Thomas More Catholic Student Parish, Kathleen lived for her faith, her family and the outdoors. She was a fierce advocate for public education and a member of the Lakeview School District board of education since 2003, spending 16 years in leadership positions, including serving as president from 2008 to 2017. She served on the Michigan Association of School Boards board of directors and was president from July 2023 to July 2024. On August 19, 2024, she received MASB’s highest award for an individual board member, the President’s Award of Recognition. Kathleen was a lifelong learner, deeply compassionate and devoted to building her community. She loved campfires, reading to children, red wine and pizza, crocheting blankets, being submerged in Lake Michigan, and making rosaries and her famous chocolate and peanut butter chip cookies. Above all, Kathleen adored her family. Surviving are her husband, Kevin; seven children; and five grandchildren.

Emily (Swendson) Fey ’01 on June 16, 2024, unexpectedly. Emily studied political science, played tennis and studied abroad in Madrid during her time at K. She received her J.D. from Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa, and lived in her hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.