1990s

Scott Holmes, master's '98, Schofield, died in 2006.

Clifford Mancheski, '95, Stevens Point, died Sept. 13 at age 76. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea, receiving several medals for service. He was a driver for CW Transport in Wisconsin Rapids for 30 years and completed his degree at UWSP when he retired. He also worked part time for the Stevens Point Parks and Recreation Department. His wife of 55 years, June, and a daughter survive.

1980s

David Westphal, '89, Fort Myers, Fla., died Feb. 19 at age 44 after battling brain cancer. He was a real estate agent with Century 21 and was involved in the local Rotary Club.

Tammy (Schmidt) Backaus, '88, Neillsville, died Nov. 2 at age 41 of leukemia. She worked as a fitness manager for Pillsbury in Minneapolis then earned an associate’s degree from Mid-State Technical College. She worked as support staff for the Neillsville school district, as an office manager for Tesmer Construction and as a clerk for the town of Pine Valley. Her husband, Eric, and two sons survive.

Marlys (Gunderson) Matuszak, '86, Wausau, died Feb. 9 at age 56. She was active in the Democratic Party on both a local and state level, including serving as state party chair. She received several awards for her service. Her husband, Eddy, survives.

James Adamski, '85, De Pere, died Dec. 31 at age 46. An avid Packer fan, he also enjoyed gardening.

Mitchell Tomfohrde, '84, West Allis, died Nov. 23 at age 45. He earned an additional degree at Northern Illinois University then worked for AEGON Investment Company. He was active in his church, Toastmasters and the Vesper Lions Club. His parents survive.

Kenneth Engel, '83, Bellingham, Wash., and formerly of Wisconsin Rapids, died Dec. 11 at age 52. He also attended Western Washington University (WWU) in Bellingham. He worked at Sodexho USA for 17 years as a baker for the WWU food service.

Dianne Huebner, master’s '81, Plymouth, Minn., died of breast cancer on Nov. 24 at age 70. She taught at P.J. Jacobs in Stevens Point for 26 years. Her retirement was spent with her grandchildren. Two children survive.

1970s

Lynn Blajeski, '79, Green Bay, died Dec. 31.

Richard Tekippe, '77, Cross Plains, died Sept. 7 at age 52. He was employed by Bruce Company in Middleton for 27 years.

Lois Cornelius, '77, Bowler, died December 2006, at age 80.

Arlene Simonson, '77, Wisconsin Rapids, died Nov. 12 at age 90.

James Salzman, '75, Fall River, died Nov. 30, in Clearwater, Fla., at age 57.He taught for one year then farmed in Fall River and owned and operated Jim’s Greenhouse. He was a part of the Madison Farmer’s Market for 30 years and sold Christmas trees in Florida. Four children survive.

Hal Hefti, '75, Stevens Point, died of cancer on Aug. 27 at age 59. He served in the Air Force and was a member of Vets 550 at UWSP. He and his wife, Kathryn, were ministers in the national parks during the 70s. Hal attended United Theological Seminary then worked as a state fire marshall. His wife and a daughter survive.

Virginia Roeder, '74, Saint Paul, Minn., is deceased.

Dean Curran, '73, Elcho, died Oct. 27 at age 62. He was a history and science teacher for 38 years in Crandon and Elcho and also coached and was athletic director. He enjoyed outdoor activities. His wife, Fay, and four children survive.

Peter Konopacky, '72, Custer, died Sept. 13 at age 58. He worked for Soo Line Railroad for more than 20 years and built his dream home in Custer. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener. His wife, Linda, and a daughter survive.

Marion Holm, '72, Tigerton, died Jan. 17 at age 84. She taught in Gresham, Tigerton, La Crosse and Brandon, retiring in 1986. She was active in 4-H and her church. Her husband, Earl, preceded her in death. Three children survive.

Julie (Doubek) Zabel, '72, Las Cruces, N.M. and Stevens Point, died Jan. 7 at age 59. She worked for Sherwin Williams, Sentry Insurance and Unitrin Multi Line Insurance. Her husband, Jeffrey, and two children survive.

Lenore (Olsen) Jirovec, '71, master's '83, Stevens Point, died of cancer on Oct. 20 at age 58. She taught stringed instruments in Stevens Point schools, played in the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, Wausau Symphony and Waupaca Fine Arts Festival. She also taught piano privately and directed the choir at Frame Memorial Church in Stevens Point. She was also a member of the Monteverdi Masterchorale. She established Suzuki String outreach programs, was a summer school librarian at Stevens Point Area Senior High School and a UWSP music librarian. Her husband, Daniel, and four children survive.

Theodore Swanek, '70, Neenah, is deceased. His wife, Janice, survives.

Patrick Giese, '70, Plymouth, died Dec. 14 at age 64 after battling a blood disorder. He served in the U.S. Army and worked for Kohler Company until his retirement in 1985. He enjoyed sports, reading and amateur radio. His wife, Connie, and three children survive.

1960s

Sue Carow, '69, Shoreline, Ore., died Jan. 23 at age 63. She earned a degree at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., then worked for Starbucks, first as a manager then for the corporate headquarters. She retired in 2006 from the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Lois (Sippl) Sickinger, '69, Ringle, died in 2007 at age 67.

Violet (Anderson) Handschke, '68, Nekoosa, died in 2007 at age 83.

Marion (McDonald) Hahn, '68, Merrill, died in 2007.

Lorraine Braun, '68, Marshfield, died Oct. 29 at age 81. She taught in Pittsville.

Joan (Schroeder) Krause, '67, Seymour, died Oct. 21 at age 77. She taught and was a librarian and choir teacher in Pulaski, Flintville, Kunesh and Seymour. She also worked in a doctor’s office in Seymour. Her husband, Robert, preceded her in death. Three children survive.

James Kornowski, '66, Wausau, died Feb. 3 at age 64. He holds a wrestling record at UWSP. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, worked for IBM as a systems engineer for 30 years and retired in 1998. He then established JMK Consulting, working part time. He was active in his church. His wife, Mary, and a son survive.

Dennis Arthur, '65, Rockwall, Texas, died of cancer on Nov. 22 at age 65. He was a member of the UWSP Athletic Hall of Fame for football. He served in the U.S. Army, trained as a Green Beret and served in Vietnam. He worked at International (Harvester) Truck and Engine, retiring as a director. He also coached during his career. He is survived by his wife, Jamie, and three children.

Rosemary Anglim, '64, Lyndon Station, is deceased.

Robert Krubsack, '63, Plover, died Nov. 26 at age 76. He worked for the Soo Line Railroad, taught at Port Edwards High School and was a sales consultant for Twin City Monument Services. He was a founding member of the Stevens Point YMCA, served on the Stevens Point School Board, was an alderman and Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge. His wife, Nancy, preceded him in death. Two children survive.

Larry Fritsch, '63, Stevens Point, died Dec. 8 at age 71. After working a variety of jobs, he established Larry Fritsch Cards, a mail order company selling sports cards. He appeared on several television and radio shows as a sports card expert. He also opened a Baseball Card Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y. Larry was involved in Stevens Point Youth Baseball Association and the Stevens Point American Legion Program. He also served on several Portage County and Town of Hull committees. Two children survive.

William Ruppel, '62, Soldiers Grove, is deceased.

Robert Beghin, '62, Wisconsin Dells, died Oct. 30, at age 66. A farmer and a carpenter with Bachmann Construction in Madison, he retired in 2000. He then served on the Lyndon Town Board. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and four children.

Joe Drefcinski, '62, Janesville, died in June 2005.

Carol Ketter, '62, Cedarburg, died in July 8, 2006.

Beth (Towne) Johnson, '62, Waupaca, died Nov. 30 at age 81. She was a lifelong teacher, first at the Badger School then in Plover, Almond, Gards Corners and Waupaca. She retired in 1989, then continued teaching as a substitute in area districts. A son preceded her in death and she is survived by one daughter.

Clarence Herrick, '61, La Junta, Co., died in 2004. His wife, Nancy, survives.

1950s

James Richards, '59, Oshkosh, died Dec. 15 at age 72. He earned a master’s degree at UW-Oshkosh and taught and coached in Oshkosh schools for 33 years. He was a volunteer docent at the EAA Museum. His wife of 49 years, Margaret, and five children survive.

Jack Krull, '59, La Crosse, died Aug. 22 at age 72. He was a star athlete in high school and at UWSP, and was inducted into the UWSP Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981, still holding several basketball scoring records. He retired from Crown Cork and Seal and previously worked at S&H Sports Shop and Riverland Sports. His wife, Charlotte (Buggs) Krull, '58, preceded him in death in 2004.

LaVonne (Tellock) Drifka, '58, Stevens Point, died Aug. 28 at age 72. She taught in Shawano County and Mosinee then taught in Stevens Point for 32 years, retiring in 1990. She enjoyed quilting. She is survived by her husband, Bill, and one son.

Glen Zieher, '58, Wisconsin Rapids, died Sept. 23 at age 74 after battling lung disease. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea. He was a rural mail carrier in Arpin for 42 years and also operated a nursery with his wife, Jeanette. He was active in Arpin baseball and basketball and Arpin and Wood County government. He was an avid photographer and outdoorsman. His wife and daughter survive.

Charles Nomady, '58, Tomahawk, died Aug. 1 at age 76. He was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran and received the Purple Heart. He earned a master’s degree from UW-Stout and did post graduate work at Notre Dame University. He taught physics and chemistry at Colby High School for 29 years, retiring in 1987. He was active in Colby civic groups, held a private pilot’s license and built his retirement home. His wife, Janice (Cook) Nomady, '56, and two children survive.

Vincent Ackeret, '57, Medford, died in 2007. He owned Ackeret TV and Appliance.

Claude Gabriel, '54, Manitowoc, died in November 1999.

Jean (Sarbacker) Schrank, '53, Cedarburg, died Dec. 9 at age 76. She taught in Neenah, Thiensville and Mequon until retiring in 1995. Her husband, Dennis, survives.

Thomas Ackerman, '52, Algoma, died Dec. 6, 2006.

Richard Lorenzen, '51, Hartford, died Aug. 10 at age 81. He earned a master’s degree at Purdue University then taught mathematics in Hartford for many years. He and his wife, Pat (Lasecke) Lorenzen, ’50, traveled in retirement. She survives.

Kenneth Veselak, '51, Antigo, died Nov. 7. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis.

Alan Bowers, '51, Wittenberg, died Dec. 17 at age 79. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a chemist for Mosinee Paper Corp. for 29 years, retiring in 1988. One son preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, and three children.

Elizabeth Cychosz, '50, Whitefish Bay, died in February 1993.

1940s

Ethelyn Peterson, '48, Chicago, Ill., died Aug. 20, 2004. Her husband, Roger, survives.

August Bentz, '44, La Crosse, died in 2007. He was a dentist. His wife, Ruth (Michelsen) Bentz, '44, survives.

Earl Holm, '43, Tigerton, died Aug. 30 at age 83. He also attended UW-La Crosse and served in the U.S. Army in Germany and France during World War II. He was a teacher and coach in Benton, Tigerton, Brandon and Rosholt high schools, retiring in 1983. He was active in civic and professional organizations. His wife of 60 years, Marion, and three children survive.

Lois Bastian, '43, Wrightstown, died Feb. 3 at age 85. She worked for several Wrightstown banks, retiring in 1983. She was active in her church and the American Legion Auxiliary and was a founding member of the Wrightstown Alumni Association. Her husband, Melvin, and two sons survive.

Linda (Born) Habermann, '42, McAllen, Texas, died Jan. 11 at age 87. She taught in Sheboygan and Rhinelander and at Lutheran schools in Kimberly and Norfolk, Neb. She was also active with prison ministry. Her husband, Rev. Elwood Habermann, and two children survive.

James Unger, '42, Oshkosh, died Aug. 22 at age 86. He was in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in Europe from 1942-1946 and attending American Army Services University in France before coming home. He earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. at UW-Madison then was a professor of biology at UW-Oshkosh for 30 years. He retired in 1983. James was a member of several civic and professional organizations. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy, and a daughter. Memorials may be sent to the UW-Oshkosh Foundation.

Francis "Pat" Walsh, last attended '42, Fort Wayne, Ind., died Aug. 25 at age 94. While at UWSP he was director of the campus radio station. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, then worked for the Department of Defense for 24 years and RCA for two years. His wife, Lois (Andre) Walsh, '43, survives, as do three children.

Charlotte Reichel, '42, Shawano, died Aug. 25 at age 87. She was famous for her singing while at UWSP in the 40s, remembers classmate Dorothy Davids, '45, Gresham. Charlotte taught music in Wittenberg and English in Shawano, retiring in 1982 after a 40 year career. She spent winters in Arizona.

Harold Humke, '41, Nekoosa, died on March 27, 2006. He taught in the Nekoosa school district.

Elizabeth (Hannon) Malm, '41, Waukesha, died Aug. 12, at age 87. A UWSP salutatorian, she was active in Girl Scouts and Waukesha Elk Ladies and volunteered in the community. Her husband, Bob, and three children survive. A son preceded her in death.

1930s

Phillip Runkel, '39, Eugene, Ore., died June 7. His wife, Claire, survives.

Mary Ochs, '39, Portage, is deceased.

Frances (Bourcier) Benedict, '39, Springfield, Va., died Nov. 21. Two children survive.

Cecelia Dobbelaere, '39, Eagle River, is deceased.

Carol Hubing, '39, Schofield, died April 16, 2007.

Jane Warner, '39, Aptos, Calif., died Feb. 2.

Philip Worsencroft, '38, Wadsworth, Ohio, died Jan. 18, 2007. He is survived by his wife, Louise.

John Verrill, '38, Stevens Point, died Jan. 2 at age 91. He was a principal and teacher in Bancroft then served in the U.S. Army in North Africa during World War II, earning several medals. He remained in the Army Reserve until 1976, retiring as a colonel. He then taught at Bemidji State College and at the University of Minnesota-Duluth for 34 years, teaching education and serving as dean of the College of Education. He earned a master’s and Ph.D. at UW-Madison. After retiring in 1982, he moved to Las Vegas then to Stevens Point. His wife, Helen, preceded him in death.

Inez (Jackson) Tibbetts, '38, Eau Claire, died Dec. 22, 1991.

Edna (Earl) Cattanach, '38, Boscobel, died Oct. 4 at age 91. She taught in Kimberly and Boscobel. Her husband, Lewis, preceded her in death in 1998. Four children survive.

Valeria Brown, '37, New London, is deceased.

Marie Hoslett, '35, Green Bay, is deceased.

Leo Lang, '35, formerly of Campbellsport, died Nov. 9 at age 92. He earned a master’s degree at UW-Madison and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was also in the Army Reserve for 24 years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He worked in education for 39 years, teaching in Marathon, Pulaski, Wausau and Brooklyn and served as superintendent in Campbellsport. He was active in his church, Boy Scouts and various education and civic groups. In retirement he was a Fond du Lac County Board supervisor and was voted Outstanding Senior Citizen of the county. His wife, LaNore, and five children survive.

Edna (Bortz) Johnson, '35, formerly of the Town of New Hope, died Nov. 11 at age 92. She taught in rural schools in Laona, Plymouth and Waupaca and in Rosholt for 20 years. Her husband, Sam, preceded her in death. A son survives.

Dorothy (Hickey) Heldt, '35, Merrill, died Oct. 17 at age 91. She taught in a one-room schoolhouse before marrying Fred Heldt, who preceded her in death as did one son. Dorothy was president and CEO of Bondshire Employees Credit Union for 20 years, retiring in 1985. She was active in area credit union groups and several Merrill civic groups. Three children survive.

Marjorie (Pearson) Cook, '34, Tallahassee, Fla., died in 2007 at age 94.

Loretta Zwaschka, '32, Marshfield, died Jan. 8, 2007.

Elizabeth Riendl, '32, Marshfield, died Dec. 11.

Dorothy (Kuhl) Olson, '32, Oshkosh, died in 2007 at age 97.

Reuben Donner, '32, Chippewa Falls, is deceased.

Regina (Bashinski) Prodzinski, '31, San Fransisco, Calif., is deceased. Her husband, Stanley, survives.

Mildred Sterr, '31, Safford, Ariz., died in November 2006 at age 93.

Ardine (Kleist) Burns, '30, Stevens Point, died Nov. 4 at age 97. She taught for three years then farmed with her husband, Nicholas, who preceded her in death. Two sons survive.

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