1942

Geraldine Patterson passed away April 20, 2022, surrounded by her loving family, which included five children and six grandchildren. The Colorado Springs native pledged Gamma Phi Beta while at CC. Gerry was a devoted wife and mother and enjoyed yoga, travel, and the mountains.

1944

Marguerite Rueter Wagar died April 6, 2022. She attended CC for two years, and married John Wagar in 1946. Marguerite volunteered at Penrose Community Hospital in Colorado Springs for 33 years. She is survived by two sons and two granddaughters. Her husband and one son preceded her in death.

1946

Peggy Sinclair Allen passed away April 22, 2022, in Ordway, Colorado. Peggy’s love of children and teaching led her to a degree in primary education at CC, where she was a Kappa Kappa Gamma. She and her husband, Eelan, raised four daughters and retired in 1980 so they could travel. Peggy is survived by two daughters, 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

Lois Schiager Ekeren Rand died May 24, 2022, in Apple Valley, Minnesota. She earned her bachelor’s in music and became minister of music at First Lutheran Church in St. Paul. Lois also was a teacher, writer, and music conductor, and legislative representative for the Illinois Education Association. In 2004, the America-Norway Heritage Fund named her Norwegian American of the Year. Survivors include her daughter, son, and nine grandchildren.

1949

Dr. Bert Duane Johnson died May 8, 2022, in Los Gatos, California. At 17, he lied about his age to join the Navy during World War II; he was in flight school when the war ended. Bert graduated from Stanford University School of Medicine and established a women’s medical clinic. He was the first head of obstetrics/gynecology at Good Samaritan Hospital and, after retiring, returned to Stanford as a professor. Bert is survived by four children, six grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

1950

Phyllis Raymond Krenn passed away May 23, 2022, in Haverhill, Massachusetts. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, she earned a bachelor’s in chemistry before receiving her master’s in physical chemistry at the University of Michigan, where she was also a teaching fellow. Phyllis taught high school chemistry before joining GTE Sylvania as an engineer in the technical assistance labs. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; survivors include three daughters and one son.

1951

Thomas Wilcoxon Dickson passed away unexpectedly Jan. 3, 2022, in Santa Barbara, California. At CC, he pledged Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Tom and Pat, his wife of 63 years, loved to camp in their RV, fishing for trout in streams as they traveled. He is also survived by three children and three grandchildren.

Vera Lewis Marine died March 21, 2022, in Altadena, California. She met her future husband, James Buchanan Marine, during a social event at her Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority house. Vera remained active in sorority leadership roles throughout her life. She and Jim married in 1948 and moved to Scarsdale, New York, where they started their family. Survivors include daughters Julia Leshay ’77 and Helen Law ’88.

1953

Barbra Harvey Esden Barnes died May 8, 2022, in Phoenix. Barbra married John Esden in 1952, but after he died just seven months later, she returned to CC to finish her degree in English. She found love again with Duane Barnes and they had four children. Barbra was a force of nature, with a quick wit and strong convictions. Survivors include her son, Bruce Barnes ’79; and her granddaughter, Quinn de la Concepcion ’12.

1955

Frederic Froelicher passed away Feb. 22, 2022, in Minneapolis. After serving in the Army during the Korean War, Fred attended CC on the G.I. Bill. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science at CC, then a master’s from Shippensburg State College in Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, Mary Froelicher; five children; and grandchildren including Kathryn Reichard ’12.

Howard Chapin Shaw Jr. passed away May 26, 2022, in Colorado Springs. After graduating with his bachelor’s in English, Chip was in the life insurance business for 41 years. Among other honors, he earned the Colorado Springs Life Underwriters Distinguished Service Award in 1989. Chip also served as director of the Pikes Peak Boys and Girls Club and with Crossfire Ministries. Survivors include his wife, Peggy Shaw; two sons and their mother; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

1956

Charles McCormack died April 28, 2022, in Sebastopol, California. He studied political science, earning his bachelor’s from CC and a master’s from the University of California, Los Angeles. After retiring as a commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, Chuck worked in municipal administration. He loved music, hosting friends and family at the home he designed and built, and traveling the world with Inga, his wife of 50 years.

1958

James Clarence Braye died Dec. 21, 2021, in Wilmington, North Carolina. After earning his bachelor’s in education at CC, Jim received a master’s in counseling at Virginia State University. He studied voice and sang in choirs throughout his life. Jim retired as a lieutenant colonel after 20 years in the U.S. Army. Survivors include Lydia, his wife of 69 years; three children; several grandchildren; and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his sons, Michael Braye ’75 and Roderick Braye.

Charles Hobden died April 22, 2022, in Colorado Springs, where he was born. He earned his bachelor’s in psychology and became a teacher in Colorado Springs, the Denver area, and California’s Bay area. Charles loved kayaking, biking, and hiking, and took generations of students on field trips into the mountains. He was deeply committed to his faith. Charles is survived by two children; five grandchildren; and four siblings.

1959

Georgiann Thomas Rapp passed away May 11, 2022, in Lexington, Nebraska. She graduated from CC with a bachelor’s in education and, in 1986, earned her master’s in special education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Georgiann and her husband, Robert, moved to a ranch southeast of Colorado Springs, where she taught in a one-room school and helped raise cattle. She is survived by two children; three grandchildren; and the many students she loved during her 40-plus years of teaching.

1960

Anthony Gabriel Johnson passed away April 28, 2022, in Fort Collins, Colorado. After serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, he earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in education. Anthony was an elementary school teacher for 30 years in Colorado Springs School District 11. He was preceded in death by his wife, Aleta.

1961

Nancy Booth Barber died April 28, 2022, in Springfield, Illinois. For many years, she worked in the insurance and finance fields before retiring from Davis Financial Group. Nancy was an active volunteer, loving mother, and devoted grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; and is survived by two children and two grandchildren.

Robert W. Pickard passed away Oct. 9, 2021, surrounded by family in Bonita Springs, Florida. He earned his bachelor’s degree in geology and business, and went on to a career in the life insurance industry; he was nationally recognized for his achievements. Bob is survived by Kathryn, his wife of 44 years; one son; four daughters; and 14 grandchildren.

1962

Dale McNeal died May 8, 2022, in Stockton, California, where he taught botany at the University of the Pacific from 1969 until retiring in 2002. Dale received his master’s in forestry from Syracuse University and his doctorate in botany at Washington State University. He was internationally known for discovery of three new species in the genus Allium, and was one of the first scientists allowed into the Soviet Union during the Cold War. He is survived by his wife, Arlene.

Connie Windle Strasburger died Feb. 12, 2022, in Scottsdale, Arizona. She earned her bachelor’s in English and pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma. Connie was married to Ron Strasburger ’62, who survives, for more than 59 years. They had three children and nine grandchildren. Connie will be remembered for being the consummate hostess, her grace, playfulness, endearing stubbornness, creativity, strength, inquisitive mind, and sharp memory, but most of all, for her love.

1963

John “Hank” Van Arsdale passed away May 27, 2022, in Kansas City, Missouri. He pledged Phi Delta Theta at CC. Hank was a businessman and a commissioner for USA Volleyball’s Heart of America Region. He was president of the Armour Fields Homes Association Board at the time of his death. Survivors include Bernie, his wife of almost 58 years; two children; and five grandchildren.

1966

Samuel Arentz III passed away on April 5, 2022. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and attended graduate school at The Mackay School of Mines, University of Nevada, Reno, earning his engineering degree. Most of Sam’s career was spent as an independent consultant, evaluating and managing mineral properties. He and his family established the Arentz Center for Student Success at UNR to honor his father and grandfather and Sam created the Arentz Family Scholarship for Junior or Senior Year Science Majors at CC. He was honored as one of the Distinguished Alumni of the Year by the College of Science, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering in October 2013. Sam is survived by his son, Chris; his daughter, Kit; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and four siblings, including Dr. Susan Arentz Matthies ’64. His wife, Trudie, and son, Cary, preceded him in death.

Mary Ann Bishop Heagerty passed away May 1, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mary Ann earned her bachelor’s in sociology at CC and became a public school teacher and volunteer tutor. She enjoyed nature walks and put her heart and soul into being a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, Daniel; two sons; and a sister.

Gordon McNutt passed away peacefully May 24, 2022, after fighting multiple myeloma and congestive heart failure. He pledged Kappa Sigma at CC before completing his business degree at the University of Austin. “Gordo” earned his master’s in business administration at Northwestern University and had a successful real estate career. Survivors include Kay Martin McNutt, his wife of more than 38 years; two children; and extended family throughout the country.

1967

David Bull passed on April 17, 2022, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. After earning a degree in sociology at CC, he served in the Vietnam War; he earned medals including the Purple Heart. Through the ups and downs of life, David always made it a good time. He is survived by two children; three grandchildren; and his loyal partner, Patricia Tefft.

Adolph Otterstein III passed peacefully at home on April 23, 2022. Ottie played football for the Tigers and was Kappa Sigma president while earning his bachelor’s in business. He returned to Pueblo, Colorado, to lead the family business, Otterstein & Co. Coors Distributorship. Ottie was an active advocate for the arts and the community for many years. He is survived by his wife, Karen; two daughters; and six grandchildren.

1969

Leslie Baird died June 5, 2021, of a heart attack on a tennis court near his Colorado Springs home. Les earned a bachelor’s degree in art, then master’s degrees in drama and dance. He enjoyed couch-surfing and had done so in more than 50 countries. Les is survived by his longtime partner, Sue Lauther; and his daughter, stepmother, and two sisters. His father, J. Julius Baird, was the CC organ instructor from 1954 to 1983.

Eliot Field died May 26, 2022, at his home on a hilltop in Dresden, Maine. After earning his psychology degree at CC, he studied law at the Boston University School of Law. There, he met Catherine “Taffy” Fisher and they married in 1973. Eliot served as attorney for several Maine cities before going into private practice and sharing his legal expertise through volunteer work. He is survived by his wife; two children; his sisters; and a gaggle of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. After many years living with Parkinson’s disease, Eliot Field ’69 invited lifelong CC friends to his home in Maine. They laughed about their escapades, shared times from the mid 1960s, revealed their love for a very special man, and honored the courage and grace of his choice to die a week later on May 26, 2022.

Richard Forrest lost his life Jan. 11, 2022, at a Colorado Springs hospital. He graduated with a double major in theology and geology, and earned a master’s in geology. Rich was an active geologist in many states and in South America. He and his first wife, Jan, raised elk on a ranch in Del Norte, Colorado. Rich is survived by his wife, Sandy; two daughters; two stepdaughters; and four grandchildren.

Richard Kendrick passed away Dec. 5, 2021, in Easton, Pennsylvania, after a long illness. His mother, Ruth Ford Kendrick, taught math at CC and his father, Richard Sr., headed the CC physical plant. Dick earned his bachelor’s degree in economics, but pursued theatre after graduation. He met Polly Mikkelson while earning his master’s in theatre at the University of Northern Colorado; they married and began working in the CC Drama Department in 1974. He was an assistant professor and she was a costume designer.

James Campbell Price passed away April 18, 2022. He earned his bachelor’s in business administration and received his master’s and doctorate in education at Wichita State University. Jim graduated from the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at CC and retired from the Army as a brigadier general. He taught math for 34 years in Kansas. Jim’s survivors include his son, Justin Campbell Price ’00.

1972

Dr. Bruce Neumann passed away Oct. 13, 2021, in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. He completed medical school at the University of Minnesota and became board-certified in emergency and family medicine. His entire medical career was spent in his beloved Colorado mountains. Bruce is survived by his wife, Kat; and his sister, Barbara Neumann Saint-Amour ’73.

1973

John Geocaris bid farewell on March 23, 2022, at his home in Denver. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science, then earned his juris doctor from the University of Denver and practiced law in the city. After guiding his family business in Chicago to great success, John semi-retired and consulted with young entrepreneurs to empower them to impact the world. He is survived by his wife, Monica; two children; and two granddaughters.

1975

Cynthia Swanson died May 1, 2022, at her Florida home after a battle with pancreatic cancer. After attending CC, Cynthia graduated from the University of Minnesota. Her college courses in computer programming and statistics led to a long career analyzing media and market research data. Cynthia and her significant other, Paul Kurzeka, loved to see the world. Survivors also include two children and three grandchildren.

Carol deBerniere Whitaker passed peacefully at her Denver home on May 19, 2022, after battling pancreatic cancer. She earned her bachelor’s in economics before receiving a master’s in business administration at the University of Chicago. Carol helped pave the way for other women working in the male-dominated field of investment banking and was an acclaimed artist, downhill skier, and a Cordon Bleu-certified cook.

1976

Michael Scott Dilger passed away peacefully Feb. 11, 2021, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and was a retired health care executive and generous community member. He is survived by his wife, Suzete de Souza Dilger ’77; two children; four grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

1982

Kelly Dean Kirks died unexpectedly Feb. 8, 2022, at home in Dolores, Colorado. He earned a bachelor’s in business administration at CC, where he played soccer, and worked as a mechanical engineer for more than 20 years. Survivors include his son, Max; and a sister and brother.

1984

Mary Louise Burns passed away June 16, 2022, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s. After she and her husband, Joseph, raised their children, she earned her bachelor’s in religion at CC. Mary Lou loved late-night laugh-fests and adventures with her family. Survivors include five children; 19 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

1988

James Spencer Grossman died May 30, 2022, on his way to one of his most beloved places: the South Fork of Idaho’s Salmon River. Jim was an outdoorsman, photographer, conservationist, philanthropist, town-founding visionary, teacher, father, son, brother, and husband. Above all, he was a man with a ton of heart who inspired everyone to be more open and free every day. Survivors include his wife, Shannon; his children, Buey and Saba; and their mother, Pirie.

2022

Hank Bedingfield died on the CC campus on May 20, 2022. He was a rugby-playing philosophy major who engaged others in what brought him joy. He worked on the Catalyst and Leviathan, and belonged to Kappa Sigma and the Carnivore Club. Hank cared deeply for the people in his life and they cared deeply for him. He is survived by his parents, Ellen Slipp and Jerry Bedingfield; his brother, William; and his sister, Tess.

2023

Daniel Cortes died April 28, 2022, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was majoring in music and religion and was named a Bonner Fellow in 2018. He will be remembered for his warm smile, brilliant mind, and devotion to social justice. Daniel dreamed of sharing his poetry and music with the world. His sister Daisy has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise donations for Daniel’s favorite causes.

In Memoriam

Jean Ann Criswell Krebs Youngman passed away May 20, 2022, with family at her bedside. She was an administrative assistant in the Registrar’s Office for 33 years. Jean is survived by three children, including Karen Krebs Bedee ’84; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Aaron James Peterson, grounds operation specialist in Facilities and former groundskeeper, died April 23, 2022. During his seven years at CC, Aaron’s dedication and pride in his work was evident, and he instilled that in his younger colleagues. Survivors include his wife, Mariah; daughters Aanya Peterson-Parker and Avayah Smith; and his mother, Kimberley Reese of Campus Activities.

Jeff Watters, a Facilities groundskeeper, died at home April 16, 2022, of stage 4 cancer. He served the CC community for 25 years and knew every inch of the campus. He savored sunrises on Shove Chapel and captured them through photography. His wife, Gillian Chadwick, predeceased him in 2016; his son, Leif Chadwick, survives.

Merril Boruchin Spielman died Jan. 3, 2022, after a brief illness. She was a CC Campus Safety officer from 2019 to 2021. She was dedicated to her work and created a culture of safety. Merril retired from Colorado Springs School District 11 after 30 years of teaching. She was deeply rooted in Colorado, but indulged her curious spirit with world travel and teaching English overseas. She is survived by her daughter, Shira Spielman.