Weddings and Celebrations

Kitren Fischer ’03 and Justin Cox, Oct. 8, at Selby Fleetwood Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Amanda Nichols ’09 and Zak Podmore ’11, Oct. 1, in Bluff, Utah.

Madeline Furst ’10 and Alex Weiss ’09,
June 18, in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.

Jillian Keahey ’10 and Tony Weskamp, June 25, in Washington state.

Lacey Wirt Gannon ’11 and Jake Gannon ’09, Sept. 3, in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Births and Adoptions

Neal Richards ’06 and Emery Gullickson Richards, a boy, John Waldo, on Nov. 20 in Houston.

Obituaries

1939

Bernice Vessey Brenner, Sept. 27, at age 99. After a year at Hastings College in Nebraska, Bernice earned her degree from CC. She married Berlyn Albert “Buck” Brenner ’40, whom she met at Colorado Springs High School, in 1940 at Shove Chapel. Bernice worked in social work, then began a career in education, eventually teaching fourth grade for 24 years. She was a member of Broadmoor Community Church, Gamma Phi Beta, El Paso Pioneers, the P.E.O. Sisterhood, and the Woman’s Educational Society. Bernice is survived by her children: Bob Brenner, Rich (Kathy) Brenner, and Barb (Mark) Colvin; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Buck preceded her in death.

1940

Ruth Carson Gilmore Abraham, Oct. 16, in Beaverton, Oregon. She was 96. Ruth was born in Colorado Springs soon after her father joined the CC faculty as professor of biology. While attending CC, Ruth served as her father’s office secretary and eventually as his teaching assistant. After graduation, she began teaching in Monte Vista, Colorado. When World War II came, Ruth served as a lieutenant in WAVES, the women’s branch of the Naval Reserve, where she was in the Supply Corps. After the war, she went back to teaching in Denver, where she met and married William “Bill” T. Abraham in 1950. When the Navy transferred Bill to Oakland, they moved to California, where they raised six children and Ruth continued to teach until her retirement. Bill and Ruth were active in their church and Ruth was a lifelong member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, having been initiated into her mother’s chapter in Colorado Springs. Ruth was predeceased by Bill and is survived by her six children, 14 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

1941

Margaret Anne Officer Day, Oct. 21.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Wilson Day ’41.

1942

Mary Alice “Gibby” Bissell, Sept. 20, in Boulder. She was 95. At CC, Gibby graduated with a teaching degree and also met her future husband, Philip Walter “Phil” Bissell ’42. After World War II they returned to Colorado, where Gibby taught first grade, was dedicated to the Colorado Republican Women, was a founding member of the Broomfield chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, and an active member of the Holy Comforter Episcopal Church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, and is survived by sons Phil and Charles and daughter Carol, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

1943

Robert “Bob” Wilson Rouse, Sept. 25, at age 94. Bob attended CC for one year, circa 1940, as a music major, before transferring to Lehigh University to obtain an engineering degree. He enjoyed success as a mechanical engineer, mainly with the Marquardt and Lockheed corporations. He was active in music for most of his life as a bassist (both classical and jazz) and a church chorister, even doing a couple of terms as president of the Los Angeles Solo Repertory Orchestra. He married Margaret “Mark” Virginia Anderson Rouse ’47, also a one-year CC alumna, at Shove Chapel. They had three children and five grandchildren before Mark passed in 1998, and Bob welcomed a couple of great-grandchildren afterward.

1944

Alice Lou Campbell, Oct. 25, at age 92. En route to graduating cum laude, Alice pledged Phi Beta Kappa; she would stay an active member for her entire life. After working with the American Embassy in Paris post-World War II, and traveling the world on a scholastic scholarship, Alice returned to the States and earned her master’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from Wichita State University in 1958. She began a private practice in speech pathology in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the following year. She served as a board member of the Tulsa City-County Public Health and City-County Public Health Nursing Services, Inc., and was a member of the Medical Advisory Committee and the Utilization Review Board for Public Health Nursing Services in Tulsa.

Marion Cooper Furnas, Dec. 12, at age 92. Marion served in WAVES, the women’s branch of the Naval Reserve during World War II, and received a bachelor’s degree in botany with a minor in mathematics. She then went to the University of Arizona, where she earned a bachelor’s in education and met her husband of 27 years, James Furnas. Marion taught in California schools for more than a decade and also worked as an aide in a hospital in Alaska. Marion is survived by children Miles, Laura Hawks, and Robin Martinez, and by 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by James and her youngest son, John.

Dorothy England Sheble, Sept. 2, 2015, at age 92. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard N. Sheble.

Herbert “Herb” Henderson Vandemoer, Dec. 13, at age 94. At CC, Herb played football and ran track until his studies were interrupted by his service in World War II. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as lieutenant aboard an LST (tank landing ship) in the European Theatre. When he returned for his final year, he again played football and graduated with a B.A. in geology. Herb married Lydia Filonowicz ’47 and moved to Sterling, Colorado, to work for his grandmother at Geo. A. Henderson Co., where he would serve as president for 60 years. He also served as a board member of Sterling Lumber and Investment Co., Farmers Pawnee Canal Co., the State Water Board, and in a myriad of other organizations. Those who survive Herb were also his partners in many outdoor adventures. They include Lydia; children Cory (Mert Richards), Craig (Marti Stahlman), and Chris (Cindy); two granddaughters; and three step-grandchildren.

1946

Clara Louella Eddy Berkeland, Nov. 1, in Colorado Springs. She was 91. From CC, Clara attended and graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in zoology. She married Howard “Rusty” Berkeland in 1947, and they moved to Colorado Springs in 1948. There they raised their children, four of whom survive her: Kristien (Lee) Scott, Philip (Katherine) Berkeland, Garth (Pamela) Berkeland, and Brice (Linda) Berkeland. She also is survived by 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and by a daughter, Enid May.

Elizabeth “Beth” Hunter Esmiol,
Sept. 11, at age 91. At age 16, Beth met Naval Academy Cadet Morris “Morry” A. Esmiol, Jr.; they would marry shortly after World War II. During the War, Beth attended CC and the University of Texas and was a proud member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Through her husband’s career as a Navy pilot, Beth orchestrated 28 moves throughout the country, took the lead in raising two children, was a lifetime volunteer for the Red Cross, and was awarded Navy Wife of the Year. Beth is survived by Morry, her husband of 70 years; a son, Morris (Martha) A. Esmiol III; her daughter, Carol E. (Nazih) Youssef ’72; nine grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

John “Jack” Lamson Jennings, Jan. 3, in Palm Beach, Florida. He was 96. Jack was an avid pilot, and even while at CC he instructed novice flyers how to “crab” in heavy wind and land on the bumpy plains. He served his country as a transport pilot during World War II, and spent time as a bush pilot and aerial prospector in Canada. But he spent most of his years as an active member of the Palm Beach community, where he met his wife, Roberta Brown Jennings, in 1970. He is survived by Roberta; his daughter from a previous marriage, Carlotta Jennings (Brian) Geany ’82, and her sons, Christopher Jennings Geany ’14 and John Geany; his stepson, Bruce Davis, and Bruce’s two sons; his stepdaughter, Robin Davis (Brian) McGinty, and her three children; and a great-granddaughter.

Ellen Janet Gray Tidball, Oct. 13, at age 91. Janet attended CC for three years until she met Clayton Tidball, whom she married in 1944. They traveled the world before he preceded her in death in 2000. Janet was also involved in chorales and choirs all her life. She is survived by a daughter, Ellen (Edward) Dumelle; a son, James “Jim” Tidball; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Robin Palmer Washburne, Sept. 10, in Brea, California, at age 91. She was predeceased by her brother, Frank Ernest Palmer Jr. ’43. Among those surviving Robin is her husband, Brenton P. Washburne.

1947

William “Bill” Reese McFarland, July 18, in Lakewood, Colorado. He was 93. Bill is survived by his wife Jacqueline “Jackie” Petter McFarland ’49, and daughters Penney (Jim) McDermott, Clare (Dale) Compton, Jan (Vernon) McFarland-Brown, and Jill McFarland; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Virginia Mann Perrott, Dec. 16, in Denver, Colorado. She was 91. Virginia was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and past president of the Denver Alumnae Chapter. She worked with many charities, particularly those serving people with disabilities. In 1948, she married Melvin “Ed” O’Neil, who died in 1975. In 1980, Virginia married Edwin “Bill” Perrott III, who would die just weeks before she did. In addition, she was preceded in death by daughter Sandra O’Neil, stepdaughter Ann Davis, and stepson Edwin Perrott IV. She is survived by daughter Tracy Wilson, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

1948

James “Jim” W. Armstrong, July 15, in Parker, Colorado, at age 89. After CC, Jim earned a Ph.D. in mathematics from Purdue University. He worked at Kaman Sciences for 30 years. Survivors include his wife, Elsie Mihelich Armstrong ’49; children Mike, Susan, and Cindy; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Hugh Hudson Arnold, Nov. 15, at age 91. Hugh came to CC a few years after serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and immediately after marrying Phyllis Jean Short, whom he had known since grade school. He graduated cum laude with a degree in business, and in 1951 graduated near the top of his class at University of Colorado Law School. Hugh practiced law for 17 years in Greeley and was selected as the first district judge appointed under the non-political selection process in 1968. Among his professional honors was an “Outstanding Performance in the Judiciary” award from CU and service on the Executive Committee of the National Conference of State Trial Judges. He also was an active member of the Board of Chamber of Commerce and Red Cross Board, a Rotary Club president, a Boy Scout leader, and a founding director of the Cache National Bank. He was preceded in death by Phyllis and by a son, Clark Arnold. He is survived by his two daughters, Laurie (Don) Arnold Walker and Allison (Dan) Arnold Minnick ’82; four grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.

1949

John Peter “Pete” Creighton, Oct. 21, in Galesburg, Illinois. He was 91. At the age of 9, Pete started working for the Galesburg Evening Post. He worked his way through the ranks of the newspaper, eventually becoming editor/publisher in 1959; he remained in that position until he retired in 1997. Along the way, he attended Knox College and graduated from CC. He also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He married Marie Therese Padilla in 1960; she preceded him in death. Pete is survived by two sons, John-Peter (Susan) Creighton and George Creighton; two daughters, Margaret (Nick) Garcia-Creighton and Carol Creighton; and seven grandchildren.

Patricia “Patsy” Dinan Masterman, Dec. 15, at age 89. With a background in journalism at the Amarillo Globe-News, Patsy was employed by the Rev. Willis Henton of Northwest Texas to serve as bursar and editor of the diocesan newspaper. In the 1980s, she pursued a call to ministry and was ordained to the Vocational Diaconate in 1985. Patsy served as deacon at Church of the Holy Cross in South Lubbock, while also continuing to serve in the bishop’s office. After a stop in Fort Worth and a return to Amarillo, she was appointed archdeacon. Patsy helped create a deacon formation program in the diocese. She served at Amarillo’s St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church until her 2012 retirement, after which she stayed involved as a volunteer. She is survived by her two sons, David and Thomas.

George K. Shaber, Sept. 8, at age 91. George served with the 3rd Marine Division in World War II and was wounded during the Guam Campaign, earning a Purple Heart. Upon his 1945 discharge, he used the GI Bill to attend Boise Junior College and CC. He later earned a master’s in public health from the University of California at Berkeley. He moved to the Alaskan Territory and worked as a public health educator in remote indigenous Alaskan communities, serving on a team that conducted field trials for the first drug to successfully treat tuberculosis. George later worked in vocational rehabilitation within state departments in Oregon and Idaho, then joined the staff of Lewis-Clark Normal School in Lewiston, Idaho, where for over 19 years he held administrative and teaching positions. In addition to his longtime companion, Mary Lou Orndorff, he leaves behind his ex-wife, Rosemary Frana, and the children and spouses from their marriage (Mark and Mary, Jonathan and Eileen, Kendal and Ken), as well as four grandchildren.

1950

Jean Hoel Brown, Dec. 30, in Morristown, N.J. She was 88. Jean attended CC for two years before transferring to the University of Colorado, to pursue journalism. Upon graduation, she moved to New York where she was employed as a copywriter for Vogue magazine. In the mid-’50s, she and her husband, decorated Naval veteran Willard “Bill” Brown, settled permanently in Far Hills, New Jersey. There they built Pheasant Ridge Farm, which Jean helped maintain while raising their four children. Jean was a philanthropist and involved with camps established to introduce inner-city youths to nature and the countryside, and also with the Plaid House, an organization that provides a safe and stable environment for young girls. She was predeceased by her husband and is survived by her sons Willard “Buzz” Jr. (Nicole), Clinton (Crashy), Timothy (Karolee), as well as by 10 grandchildren.

Rosemary Fuller Klein, Nov. 15, at age 87. As a 17-year-old she traveled alone by train to attend CC. After college, a good friend urged her to come to the Pacific Northwest, which she did, first residing in Port Orchard, Washington. Rosemary worked at the Port Orchard Independent, a job she loved, for several years. She later worked at the office of a local pediatrician. She and her husband, Richard Klein, lived in Bremerton, Washington, where they raised five children: Mary, Jennifer, Vincent, Joe, and Gretchen. Newborn Elaine Ruth predeceased her, as did Richard, who died in 2012. She is survived by her children, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Val Eugene Senter, Sept. 14, at age 87. Val attended both CC and the University of Denver, and was involved in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity from his college years through his life. Val built a successful career in commercial real estate and was an athlete and outdoorsman, even playing hockey for the Denver Centennial Stars well into his 70s. He was married for 66 years to H. Elaine White Senter ’48, with whom he had four children, 10 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Glenn H. Zimmer, Dec. 9, at age 90. After CC, Glenn graduated from Northwestern University and received a postgraduate degree in orthodontics from the University of Washington. He married Barbara Anne Zimmer in 1960 in Colorado Springs, where he lived until 1993 when they moved to Larkspur, Colorado. He was a master gardener, an honorary member of the Rotary Club, and an enthusiastic contributor to the Winter Night Club, the Colorado Duck Club, the Episcopal Church, the National Ski Patrol, and many professional organizations. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Anne Zimmer; daughter, Lisa Hatch (Scott); son, Eric (Elizabeth Faulhaber); and four grandchildren.

1951

Barbara Irene Lett Brugger, Dec. 18, at age 87. Barbara was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and was selected in her freshman year as Miss Colorado College. She majored in English and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. She married Robert “Bob” Melvin Brugger ’51 in 1953. They relocated to Houston while Bob completed his Ph.D. at Rice University; later they lived in Idaho and Missouri. At each stop, Barbara either worked or enhanced her education. She also raised two children, James Robert and Carolyn Irene. In Columbia, Missouri, Barbara helped several refugee families from Vietnam and Cambodia get settled in the U.S.; she would become their “western Mom.” Barbara also helped to start and maintain several libraries during her lifetime. She is survived by Bob and her daughter, Carolyn, and by three grandchildren.

Joanne Steinlicht Carmichael, July 17, at age 87. Husband Lynn Carmichael is among those who survive her.

Joan Anderson Davis, Nov. 14, at age 86. After her children were grown, Joan attended Washburn University and earned her master’s degree in counseling at the University of Kansas. She worked for 25 years as a social worker and educational counselor before retiring. Joan was active in Presbyterian Church women’s programs, volunteered at Fry Eye Care, and was a member of the Red Hat ladies. She was preceded in death by a son, Bob Davis, and her husband, Phil Davis. Joan is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Chet) Hanson; her son, Steven Davis; her sister, Joyce Anderson Brungardt ’53; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Harold “Harry” Owens, Nov. 24, in Lakewood, Colorado, at age 93. Harry was a veteran of World War II, having served in the 10th Mountain Division. He is survived by his wife, Anne, and children Stephen, Linda, and Patrick.

Donald “Don” J. Shosky, Dec. 26, in Denver, Colorado, at age 87. Don earned a bachelor’s degree in economics at CC, then enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps. Don served eight months of active frontline service during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in March 1954. He and Shirley A. Gregory were married in 1955, the same year he started working as a draftsman for the Colorado Department of Highways. Don became a licensed professional engineer and worked on projects including Vail Pass, the Eisenhower Tunnel, and Glenwood Canyon. He also started a small lawn service business that employed numerous young people from his neighborhood. Don is survived by Shirley and by five children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

1952

Mary Briscoe Hurley, Nov. 20, in Houston, Texas. She was 86. Mary married Wayne R. Roper in 1949, and together they had four children. When they divorced in 1963, Mary raised all four children in large part by working as a bookkeeper, a skill she learned from friends. In 1983, Mary married Henry “Hank” Hurley, a geologist. They lived in Fort Collins, Colorado, until Hank died in 2004. Mary was also predeceased by her eldest son, William J. Roper. Among her survivors are two sons, a daughter and their spouses: Kenneth S. and Cindy Roper; Wayne R. and Lori Roper; and Margaret A. and Jim Iserman.

Robert Earl Petersen, Nov. 7, at age 88. Robert served in the Navy during World War II. At CC, he met and married Doris Vicellio ’52. After graduation they moved to Rockford, Illinois, where they raised six children. Robert went on to earn his master’s degree from Rockford College and became a teacher. He was predeceased by his eldest daughter, Janie Petersen. He is survived by Doris; their children, Daniel (Cindy) Petersen, Kristine (Andy) Voigt, Karen Alexander, Kathryn (Drew) Wickham, and William (Sally) Petersen; and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Donald “Don” Gifford Ribble, Nov. 4, 2015, in Hiawatha, Iowa. He was 85. A Marine Corps veteran who received degrees from Coe College and the University of Iowa, Don was an active trial lawyer for more than five decades. He
was a 50-year member and past president of the Linn County (Iowa) Bar Association, as well as a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers. Don was also a lifetime member of the Coe College Board of Trustees. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne Ribble. Survivors include his sons, Jeff and Phil, and his daughter, Elizabeth (Chris) Vahlkamp.

1953

Walter Pearson Eastwood, Sept. 18, 2015, at age 87. He leaves behind his wife, Olive Mueller Eastwood ’53. Those predeceasing Walter include a brother, Fred Eastwood ’55.

Robert “Bob” Nickerson, Sept. 12, 2015, in Lodi, California. He was 87. Bob attended CC and earned a business degree from Armstrong College, then decided that teaching was his calling. He enrolled in an education program at San Jose State University and upon completion, taught junior high school in Gilroy, California, for 30 years. He also coached baseball, for which he earned a spot in the California Junior College Baseball Hall of Fame, and volunteered with numerous organizations. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann; his children, Robert, Jr. (David), Jon (Loretta), Don (Janet), and Jennie; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Janet Clemens Schoepflin, Dec. 5. Survivors include her former husband, Ronald Jerome Schoepflin ’54.

1954

Robert E. Kroehnke, Sept. 19, at age 84. Outside of his CC experience, Robert served in the U.S. Army. He owned West Suburban Business Products in Wheaton, Illinois, for more than 40 years and was a school board member, longtime volunteer, and youth coach. He is survived by his wife, Polly Bricker Kroehnke; his sons, Robert (Lisa) and John; and two grandchildren.

1955

Carol Witwer Worth, Dec. 18, at age 83. Carol graduated with a philosophy degree before entering the workforce, where she met and married Wilber “Bill” Worth. When not devoting her time to raising her children in Colorado, Carol was heavily involved in local service groups and charitable organizations; she was a charter member of Sertoma, acting director of Inter-Faith Task Force, and a board member for Meals on Wheels, among other roles. Carol is survived by children Mike (Jenny) Worth, Brian (Penny) Worth, David (Connie) Worth, and Steve Worth; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband.

1956

Nancy Hogan DeLanoy, Dec. 13, at age 82. Nancy worked as a flight attendant with United Airlines before becoming a teacher for 31 years. Throughout her career as an educator, she was a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa International honorary organization. Nancy is survived by her son, Michael (Anna) DeLanoy, her daughter, Kate (William Crosta) DeLanoy, and four grandchildren.

Howard Parker, Sept. 30, in Dover, Delaware, at age 90. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Howard earned his undergraduate degree from American University, and did postgraduate work at Colorado College, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Delaware. He taught elementary school for many years and, with his wife, Ethel McEvoy Parker, bought a farm in rural Delaware. Howard was a longtime member of Camden Friends Meeting and later of Appoquinomink Friends Meeting. Ethel predeceased him. He is survived by his children: Amelia Parker, Glenn Parker, Jill Rogers, Janet Parker, and Nancy Parker; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Paul Calvin Shields, Sept. 15, at age 82. Paul graduated Phi Beta Kappa and cum laude in mathematics, then earned a Ph.D. in mathematics at Yale University. His academic appointments included MIT, Boston University, the University
of Warwick (England), and Stanford University, among others. He was a Fulbright scholar and authored three books. Paul earned numerous National Science Foundation research grants for mathematics, but also several grants from the Ohio Arts Council to bring Hungarian artists to the Toledo Hungarian Folkdance Gathering that he helped fund and organize in the late 1980s. Among other civic contributions, Paul also helped save the stories of Japanese internment camp survivors. He was married to Mary Getman from 1952 to 1960, and they had three children: Deborah Kay Shields, Elizabeth Marie Cozzo, and Jeffrey David Shields. He was married to Dorothy Huntwork from 1962 to 1983, and they, too, had three children: Sara Grace Shields, Ruth Barbara Shields, and Andrew Jonathan Shields. He had a long-term partner, Nancy Morrison, from 1983 to 1999, then was married to Chizu Omori from 2000 to 2009. He is survived by all of his children and their spouses.

1958

Susan Granberg Rendel, April 3, 2016, in Winchester, Virginia.

1959

David Leo Dairy, Sept. 23, at age 79. A Colorado Springs native, David earned a business degree from CC. He joined the Army and reached the rank of first lieutenant while stationed at Fort Jackson in South Carolina, where he met his wife, Betty. They were married in 1963 at Shove Chapel. David spent his career as an automotive representative with Buick Motor Division, Winnebago, and Starcraft. The work took him to St. Louis; Chicago; Bismarck, North Dakota; and Mason City, Iowa, before he returned to Colorado Springs. In retirement, he worked for years as a marshal and starter for the Broadmoor Golf Club. Betty survives him, as do daughters Julie (Troy) Abeyta, Nicole Dairy, and Lorna Lanette (Robbie) Effinger, and five grandchildren. Those predeceasing David included his mother, Lorna Dairy ’31, and a brother, Thomas Michael Dairy ’64, MAT ’69.

Eleanor Hammer Leonard, Oct. 14, at age 79. Eleanor graduated cum laude from CC and taught school in Fort Collins, Colorado, until her husband, William H. Leonard, graduated from veterinary school. They moved to Idaho and then Kentucky, where she earned a degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1984. She was active in parent-teacher associations, the American Bar Association, and Delta Gamma, among other organizations. She also served on city and county councils. Eleanor retired as the Friend of the Court in Fayette County. She is survived by daughters Margie Leonard Garrett, Kathleen Leonard Cekirge (Hakan), and Amy Leonard Monday, and by six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by another daughter, Elizabeth Marie Leonard, and by her parents: Oscar Hugo Hammer ’30 and Wunsun Um Hammer.

Charlene Dreher Mell, Oct. 23, in Niles, Michigan. She had just turned 79. Charlene earned a bachelor’s degree in music from CC and a master’s in library science from Western Michigan University. She was employed for 30 years as a media specialist in the libraries of Brandywine (Michigan) Community Schools, and also served as a church organist and minister of music. Her first husband, Walter A. “Tony” Schumacher, preceded her in death in 1990. Her second, Richard Henry “Dick” Mell, died in 2003. Surviving family includes children Johanna Martha (Ken) Braniff and John Merle Sr. (Cindy) Schumacher; two grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

George Edward Roe MAT, Oct. 7, at age 89. George enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17, before he even graduated high school. He served as a radioman aboard the U.S.S. Pawnee in the western Pacific during World War II, then returned to Colorado Springs and graduated. He earned a B.A. in education from Colorado State College before completing a master’s in teaching at CC. George was awarded a sabbatical in 1962 to study mathematics at Boston College. When he won a Fulbright Exchange Scholarship for the 1968-69 school year, he, his wife Wanda Carol Pezoldt, and their children spent that school year in England, where George taught at Riversdale Technical College. George is survived by Wanda; children David (Laura), Kenneth (Elaine), and Laurie (Tom) Struck; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

1960

Jerald “Jerry” Dean Gross, Nov. 11, in Staples, Minnesota. He was 82. Jerry, a Navy veteran, attended CC and the University of Nebraska. He founded Community Living, Inc., in Victoria, Minnesota, and served the needs of people with disabilities for 30 years. He is survived by his wife, Joan; children Tracey (John) Hepola, Tami (Randy) Wenthold, and Brian Gross; and four grandchildren.

Lynn Brough Howgate, April 22, 2016, at age 76.

William Ken Wisgerhof, Jan. 22, at age 77. Ken received a degree in business and banking from Colorado College. He also served his country in the United States Army. He was partner and owner of the Wisgerhof Real Estate and Insurance Company in Newton, Iowa, for many years. Ken was a member of the Izaak Walton League and also spent time with the Newton Rotary, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever. Those left to honor Ken’s memory include his wife, Barbara Carpenter Wisgerhof; his son, Scott (Melinda) Wisgerhof; his daughter, Heather (Mike) Saunders; his stepson, Jason Elliott; his stepdaughters, Sarah Miller and Lindsey Slycord; four grandchildren; and nine step-grandchildren

1962

Donald Noble Jones, Oct. 14, 2015.

1963

Bradford “Brad” William Chase, Dec. 19, at age 75. At CC, Brad was a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He spent his entire career in financial services. Brad is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Hall Chase, and a daughter, Jane (Chris) Jennewine. He was preceded in death by another daughter, Susan, and a brother, Robert Ingalls Chase ’70.

Barbara Justis Loosley, Jan. 17, in Colorado Springs. She was 74. Barbara was a member of Delta Gamma and graduated in 1962 with a degree in elementary education. And although Barbara’s career included work in human resources for May D&F and American Federal Bank, her passion was in working with children. She worked in children’s retail for many years and served as the director of the nursery for Grace and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, where she founded the Mother’s Day Out program. She was preceded in death by her husband, F. Stuart Loosley. She is survived by her two children, Sarah and Michael (Rebecca), and two grandchildren.

1964

Sandra “Sandy” Cummings Batson, Aug. 28, at age 72. Sandy was an honor student at CC and a member of Delta Gamma. She met her future husband, Robert “Bob” Burnham Batson ’65, on campus, and the two were married in January of her senior year. Sandy graduated magna cum laude with a degree in zoology, and she worked as a lab technician at UCLA Research Center and at Allergan Pharmaceutical Company. She also performed volunteer work and started a chapter of the Children’s Home Society. Sandy is survived by her husband, sons Tyler (Hilary) and Brian (Cambrey), and six grandchildren.

Louis Carl Sass Jr., Oct. 28, at age 72. Louis majored in math and physics at CC, and later completed master’s degrees at both Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Chicago. He spent much of his life working with young people, whether in traditional or online classrooms and in outdoor settings, including Cheley Colorado Camps. In Denver, Louis worked for the state of Colorado and then spent 20 years as a financial analyst for Public Service Company of Colorado. Louis is survived by his wife of 45 years, Carol Ann; their children, Anna Marie (Aaron) ’96, Louis III (Bryn) ’00, and Jennifer; two grandchildren; and his brothers, Thomas Henry Sass ’68 and John Frederick Sass ’70. Those predeceasing him include his mother, Virginia Cheley Sass ’36.

1967

Channing “Chan” Whitney Donahower, Oct. 12, in Roseville, Minnesota. He was 72. Chan worked for Standard Conveyor Company and later for Michael Sales in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was an active member of the White Bear Lake Unitarian-Universalist Church.

1968

Jane Eddy McGonagle, Aug. 27, in Apple Valley, Minnesota, at age 69. Jane graduated with a B.A. in political science and then moved to San Francisco, where she became a flight attendant for Saturn Airlines. She met Hugh “Mac” McGonagle on a flight between Hawaii and the Philippines, and they were married in 1972. Together, they traveled the world, had two children, and made their home in four states. Jane spent 30 years as a tax preparer. She was preceded in death by her husband and is survived by her daughter, Megan (David) McGonagle Klein; her son, David (Elizabeth) McGonagle; and four grandchildren.

1969

William “Bill” Wayne Horvitz, Jan. 15, Forestville, California, at age 69. After CC, Bill studied music at the Ali Akbar College of Music, and with pianist Art Lande. He later attended NYU, graduating summa cum laude in comparative religion in 1986. In New York from 1978 to 1988, Horvitz worked as an avant-jazz guitarist and composer, collaborating with JA Deane, Dickey Dworkin, and Shelley Hirsch, among many others. He led the quartet Living With Apparitions and was a member of the New Wave band the Public Servants. In the Bay Area during the ’90s, he collaborated with Joseph Sabella and Steve Adams, and, later, Harris Eisenstadt. With his first wife, Patti Trimble, he had a son, Asa. In 2005, Bill married artist Robin Eschner; they recorded original music together as a folk duo and in the Sonoma County ensemble Take Jack. He also taught music. Bill leaves behind his wife, Robin, and son, Asa Horvitz; his stepdaughter, Heather Camp, and a son-in-law, Tony Braga; and a granddaughter.

James Ray Siegmann, Dec. 12, in Sanford, North Carolina. He was 69. James went from CC to the University of Colorado School of Medicine, from which he graduated in 1973. He completed his residency at St. Luke’s in Denver, Colorado, and another in Switzerland to become a medical doctor. He served in the Navy from 1975 to 1979 as a lieutenant commander. Among those who survive him is his mother, Gwen Eriksen.

John Christopher “Chris” Walker, Dec. 5, in Denver, Colorado. He was 69. At CC, where he was an active member of Phi Gamma Delta and a varsity swimmer, Chris majored in business. He went on to work alongside his father in the family’s Pelletier’s department stores and also as an investment banker for Smith Barney, Boatman’s Bank, Intrust Bank, and Southwest National Bank. Eventually he worked for himself, educating and providing service to his clients. He is survived by his daughter, Megheen E. (Clinton) Goos; his son, John Cooper (Elizabeth) Walker; and five grandchildren.

1971

George Jefferson “Jeff” Morgenthaler, Dec. 12, in Boerne, Texas. He was 67. Jeff earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a doctoral degree from the University of Denver College of Law. His 25-year legal career in Denver and Houston spanned mergers, acquisitions, financial transactions, corporate finance, and corporate governance, primarily in the energy industry. He authored “Oil and Gas Title Examination,” a classic reference for attorneys and land men, and also books on Texas history. Jeff created the Texana Foundation to encourage interest and excellence in preserving and writing Texas history and owned and operated Mockingbird Books in Boerne. Jeff is survived by his wife of 20 years, Jeanne Buchanan Morgenthaler, and by his daughters, Ann DuMont Morgenthaler ’04 and Jean Morgenthaler.

1973

Paul Alfred Mathewson, Dec. 26, 2015, at age 74. Paul was an Army veteran and 45-year Colorado Springs resident.
He is survived by his wife, Sally Forsyth Mathewson; a son, Duncan Ewell; two daughters, Heather Swanson and Stephanie Brunson; and five grandchildren.

1978

Patricia “Pat” Anne Donnelly Cotton, Oct. 14, at age 80. Pat came to CC from Pikes Peak Community College and graduated magna cum laude. She earned a master’s degree from Adams State College and went on to teach for more than 20 years in Colorado Springs high schools. She was also a tutor, swim instructor, swim coach, and swimming pool manager. She also belonged to various membership organizations. Pat is survived by her husband, Martin Betzing; children Kathleen (Thomas) Cotton-Windham, Susan Cotton, Daniel (Candace) Cotton, and Casey (Beth) Cotton; stepchildren Gregory Betzing and Reid (Jamie) Betzing (Jamie); and 17 grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

1986

Colin Michael Lewis, Nov. 11, at age 53. Colin held a B.A. in history from CC and an M.B.A. from the University of Denver. He was a CPA and lifelong Denver resident. Colin is survived by his wife, Leah, and two sons, Derek and Connor.

Cynthia Oakes Smith MAT, March 13, at age 68. Cynthia attended Wright State University before beginning her career as a high school English teacher in Ohio. She was one of the first single foster mothers in Ohio, helping numerous kids in the Springfield area. Her relationship with many of her foster children continued until her death. Cynthia is survived by her husband, Stanley Smith, and her daughter, Mary Smith.

1991

Anne Katherine White, Nov. 25, at age 47. After CC, Katherine received her M.B.A. from the University of Michigan and spent most of her career in marketing, working her last years at Walgreens in Deerfield, Illinois. After 10 years of trying to adopt children internationally and domestically, she also became a mother to two: Sunatai, who was 7 at the time of Katherine’s death, and Lorelei, 3.

2002

Kelcey Ann Hoffman, Dec. 15, in Bellevue, Washington. She was 36 years old. At CC, Kelcey was an English major, a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, and an ice-rink Zamboni driver. She went on to live and work in more than a dozen foreign countries, and to travel to more than 60. Kelcey climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, ran with the bulls in Pamplona, went scuba diving in the Red Sea and off Burma, ran marathons in Dubai, and had countless other adventures. Her parents, Patricia and Dale Hoffman, are among those who survive her.

2010

Katelynn “Katy” Ann Hunemuller, Dec. 9, at 28 years old. Katy’s degree was in art history and cultural anthropology, and art was a driving force in her life. She worked at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and taught art at the Bemis Art School before leaving the art world and becoming a bartender. She was planning a wedding to her fiancé, Carl Smith, at the time of her death. Katy is survived by her mother, Kristy Hunemuller, and father, Raymond Hill II, and by two brothers and a sister.

2012

Ari Benjamin Koel Frosch, Sept. 22, at age 26. After CC, Ari went on to work at Bryn Mawr College and the National Cancer Institute. He was enrolled as a medical student at the University of Pennsylvania at the time of his death.

IN MEMORIAM

James Harris Enderson

James Harris Enderson, Jan. 10, at age 80. A pillar of the Colorado College community, Jim taught at the college for 39 years, from 1962 to 2001, ending his career as professor emeritus of biology.

Jim will be greatly missed by his global network of colleagues, friends, and family members. Among his numerous contributions to his study of raptors — specifically the peregrine falcon — are two books and over 80 scholarly articles. Throughout his career, Jim’s research focused on the decline of birds of prey across the United States. The first to breed the temperate North American peregrine in captivity, he helped to greatly restore the western population of the species.

Serving on numerous recovery teams and working groups for endangered species, Jim helped pioneer the field of conservational biology, inspiring generations of Colorado College students to pursue careers across the sciences, from biology to zoology, in the lab and in the field.

In 2004, he was honored with the Gresham Riley Award, which recognizes faculty and staff who have made a significant difference to the CC community through outstanding service, commitment, and scholarship. The James Enderson Award in Conservational Biology, named in his honor, is awarded to junior or senior biology majors who have shown outstanding commitment to original research in the field.

Born in Iowa on Nov. 3, 1936, Jim was the son of Harris Emil Enderson and Marjorie Blair. Following his graduation from Joliet Township High School in 1954, Jim went on to obtain a B.S. in biology teacher training and M.S. in zoology from the University of Illinois, Urbana, in 1959. He continued his education at the University of Wyoming, graduating with a Ph.D. in zoology in 1962. Later that same year, Jim joined the Biology Department at Colorado College, going on to become an associate professor in 1968 and professor in 1975. Among his many commitments to conservation, Jim was an early board member of the Peregrine Fund, an international nonprofit that conserves threatened and endangered birds of prey, now operating in over 70 countries worldwide.

Jim is survived by his wife of 34 years, Betty, his two children Ritt and Anne, Betty’s children Carrie and Cathy, his nine grandchildren, and a large extended family and many friends. A celebration of his life was held on campus in Slocum Hall on Feb. 25.

Herving Madruga

Herving Madruga, Jan. 15, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at age 86. He was professor emeritus of French and was instrumental in helping found and direct the college’s program in comparative literature.

Herving was born in Cuba in 1930 and came to the U.S. at age 15 to attend Harvard University. He received his B.A. in 1952 and M.A. in 1954 from Harvard. Herving also earned a Certificat de Phonetique from the University  of Paris, France in 1954, and his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in 1965.

He arrived at CC in 1958. Colleagues say he was fluent in half a dozen languages,and had a working knowledge of about half a dozen more. According to Professor Emerita of Romance Languages Marie Daniels, Herving “read voraciously and loved to shock his students … His Quaker side coexisted with a Latino flair that enabled him to swear equally fluently in Romance or Germanic languages.”

During his time at CC, Herving was instrumental in helping found and direct the Program in Comparative Literature, along with helping to start the Italian program. He was renowned for his co-teaching of the introductory course and of advanced seminars on subjects such as the turn of the 20th century. He also was known for his French theatre productions.

After retiring in 1994, Herving moved to Denver, Colorado, and then Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is survived by son Joaquin Lobo Madruga ’79 and daughter-in-law Deborah Moon Madruga ’80.

Discover More Online: Professor Emeritus Salvino Bizzarro has written a tribute to his colleague Herving Madruga.

Frank Hammond Tucker

Frank Hammond Tucker, 93, on Jan. 27. Frank was professor emeritus of history at CC.

Born in New Jersey, Frank went to school at Johns Hopkins University and the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, where he was a member of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. When he joined the U.S. Navy in 1943, he attended the Japanese Language School in Boulder; Frank would go on to serve for several years in Japan. He was also involved at the Naval Intelligence School and helped establish the Southeast Asian processing group in what subsequently became the National Security Agency.

Frank earned his M.A. and Ph.D. at Georgetown University and, in 1963, joined the Colorado College faculty as a history professor. With a focus on Japanese history, he taught a variety of courses about Asia. Frank also taught the college’s first course in women’s history.

The year 1969 brought the release of his “The White Conscience,” a book exploring 550 years of historical atrocity committed by people of European descent. A review in The Journal of Negro History that same year said the cumulative effect of the “well-documented” accumulated history was “to assure the reader that the title is ironically chosen. … This is a book which should be read.”

Frank also published “The Frontier Spirit and Progress” in 1980. And after his 1989 retirement from CC, he kept writing: “Knights of the Mountain Trails: A Century of Hiking in the Mountains and Parks of the Pikes Peak Region” came out in 2003. Locally he served on the executive boards of the Historical Society of the Pikes Peak Region, the Colorado Springs Rotary Club, the Charter Association, the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, and the Springs Area Beautiful Association. At the time of his death he was the oldest member of the Saturday Knights, the region’s most historic hiking group.

Frank was predeceased by his wife, Kathryn Libby Tucker. He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Tucker (Geoffrey) Gould, Sarah Tucker Owens ’72, and Margaret Tucker (William) Mitchell; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Wilson “Bill” York Gateley ’48

Wilson “Bill” York Gateley ’48, Dec. 25, at age 90. Bill taught mathematics at CC and was the driving force behind the college buying its first computer in the 1970s.

Bill graduated from Colorado Springs’ Cheyenne Mountain High School in 1944, where he met his future wife, Katherine “Kith” Ogden. Immediately after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he spent two years as an electronics technician before receiving an honorable discharge in 1946 after two years as an electronics technician’s mate second class. That same year he and Kith were married and he started his freshman year at CC.

He graduated in 1948 with a B.A. in mathematics, went on to earn a master’s in mathematics at MIT, and started teaching math at CC in 1956. After a leave of absence allowed him to complete his Ph.D. in mathematics from Oklahoma State University in 1960, he returned and settled in. Gateley chaired the department from 1965 to 1969, during which time his interest in computing grew. Twice in three years he worked up a proposal (with colleague Gary Bitters) for the college to buy a computer. The second proposal finally convinced the administration. From the early ’70s until he left teaching in 1975, Gateley split his time between teaching and directing the new computer center.

Upon leaving CC, Gateley worked as a research scientist for Kaman Sciences. Shortly thereafter, he began his greatest adventure by moving to upstate New York on Lake Ontario and building his own house in the woods with the help of his wife and three of his sons. They spent five memorable years there before returning to Colorado Springs. He spent his later years researching the genealogy of both Gateleys and Ogdens, leaving a comprehensive history for his descendants.

Bill is survived by Kith, daughter Kithie (Judy) ’75, sons Ned (Judi) ’75, Chris (Susan), Kyle (Pamela), Brian, and Toby. He is also survived by six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Richard “Rich” Lee Fullerton

Richard “Rich” Lee Fullerton, Dec. 12, at age 65. Rich was a visiting professor of economics following his retirement as a permanent professor and vice dean of the faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy. A brigadier general, he loved teaching microeconomics, game theory, industrial organization, and international trade.

Rich earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in economics from the University of Texas at Austin, and his B.S. in economics and operations research from the Air Force Academy. He graduated from the academy No. 1 in the class of 1983, and soon after that married Brenda Lee.

He completed the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program and served as a first assignment instructor pilot at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas before moving on to flying the F-15 Eagle in Germany. After assignments spanning the globe, he arrived back at the academy, where he spent 13 years.

Rich is survived by Brenda, son Matthew, and daughter Sarah; his daughter-in-law, Karleigh; and a granddaughter.