Paul W. Rider, class of 1938, died February 11, 2021. Paul graduated from Indiana Business College and worked as a bookkeeper for Bowser Pumps until serving in the U.S. Army during WWII. After his discharge, he and his father opened Riders’ Market for the next 37 years. Paul then went into banking. He volunteered for many organizations and through age 99, he coordinated Lions’ eye screenings for over 1,000 preschool children annually. Paul is survived by his two daughters; seven step-children; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Clifford F. Ostermeyer, class of 1941, passed away February 16. In 2004 he received a Distinguished Alumni Award from South Side. He leaves behind his children, Clifford C. Ostermeyer’72, Tina Ostermeyer’79, Tessa O. Ward ’81, and Curtis Ostermeyer’83. Cliff also has four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Mary “Clara” Squires Knox, class of 1942, died January 15, 2021. Clara treasured her family and their many trips and get-togethers. She had an active social life and volunteered for 35 years at Lutheran Hospital. Survivors include her children, Colleen Hinton, James and Donald Knox; three grandchildren; and nine-great-grandchildren.
Patricia Harnish Hormann, class of 1943, passed away March 21, 2021. Pat was the business manager at Lutheran Hospital for over 50 years prior to her retirement. She served on numerous kidney boards and also volunteered for Lutheran Social Services and Visiting Nurse Hospice. For all her work, Pat received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award. Surviving Pat are her children James Hormann and Marilyn Brenner; six grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Ross K. Goodwin, class of 1944, died April 10, 2021. Ross worked for Railroad Express for 29 years and was a facility engineer for Lincoln Life for over 15 years. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He is survived by his children, Son Steven Goodwin; daughters, Barbara Barbeau, Karen King, Christine Hall, and Sharon Williams; 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Ida Rhodes Mielke, class of 1944, passed away January 18 in Paulding, OH. Survivors are her children, David Mielke, Vickie Laukhuf, and Cheryl Gehres; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and her brother Donald Rhodes ‘53.
Eugenia Goad Rhoads, class of 1944, died May 13, 2019. Her husband, Dean ’45, was kind enough to let us know of her passing.
Ruth Barnett Marquart, class of 1945, passed away March 24, 2021. Ruth was the Librarian at South Wayne Elementary School for her entire career. She participated in the Waynedale United Methodist Church’s bell choir and women’s circle. She volunteered at Mathew 25 for many years. Daughters, Marietta M. Fuess’66, Beth M. Berghoff’71, Jenny M. Rickart’82; and son, Tim ’81 survive her. She also leaves to cherish her memory 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
Pauline FreygangKiproff, class of 1946, passed away March 20, 2021. She was an artist, landscaper, and volunteered at the Little Turtle Gift Exchange. She is survived by her sons, Gregory and Mark Kiproff; and four grandchildren.
Theodore W. Thieme, class of 1948, died January 1, 2021 in Bloomington, IN.
Lois DimmichWalpe, Class of 1948, passed away February 17, 2021. She worked her entire career in the banking industry primarily working at Wabash Valley Bank and Trust of Peru, IN. Lois is survived by her children, John Walpe and Tara Greer; six grandchildren; and brother, Thomas Dimmich’55.
Jane Conrad Gillian, class of 1949, died March 3, 3021. Jane enjoyed volunteering at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, craft projects, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Surviving here are daughters, Kathy Gardlik and Karen Auker; son Ken Gillian; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and sister, Jean Dray ’47; and brother, Don Conrad.
Glenda Widdifield Bauer, class of 1952, passed away April 5, 2021. Glenda retired from Union Products in Cromwell, IN. Glenda is survived by her husband, John; daughters, Denise Yoder, Vanessa Cannon, and Cindy Click; sons, Brian and Brent Hewitt; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Ann VonGunten Roof, class of 1952, died March 18, 2021 in Elk Grove Village, IL.Ann, who married Marvin G. Roof in 1957, was an elementary school teacher with the Fort Wayne Community Schools and the Flint Community Schools. Ann graduated from South Side High School in 1952, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Quill and Scroll, and editor of the South Side Times. In 1956, Ann graduated from Miami University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and was a member of Sigma SigmaSigma sorority. Ann earned a Master of Arts from Michigan State University with a major in Elementary Class Teaching in 1962. Ann had two children and two grandchildren and will be deeply missed.
Harry E. Wild, class of 1952, passed away March 21, 2021. He graduated from Purdue University in 1961. Harry was a member of Brookside Community Church and retired in 1994 after more than 30 years of service as a manager of information services at ITT. He served on many church and community boards throughout his life. He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Beutler and Colleen Terrell; son Steven Wild; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Kay Hill Ambrose, class of 1953, died January 22, 2021. Kay was a homemaker and a member of Sigma Phi Gamma Sorority. She was an avid bowler and sold Tupperware for many years. She was also a 4-H Leader when her children were young. Kay is survived by her husband, James; three sons, Duane Pek, Patrick Ambrose, and Michael Fox; one daughter, Tracie Wolf; and eight grandchildren.
Shirley Walters Ayers, class of 1953, passed away April 16, 2021. Shirley retired from General Electric. She was a member of Eastern Star and enjoyed shopping, gardening, and going to the casino. She is survived by her sons, Rick Rupel, Kenneth and Kirk Smith; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Sylvia Huss Hanselmann, class of 1953, died January 16, 2021. During her 40-plus year career, she was a founding faculty member and later lower school director of Fort Wayne’s Canterbury School. She also served many roles at Park Tudor School in Indianapolis. She was a graduate of IU and held two Master’s Degrees in Education. Sylvia is survived by her husband, Jay; children, Joe, John, Barbara, and David Andrew; four step-children; brother, Ned Huss ’51; 16 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Neal Thomas, class of 1953, passed away March 15, 2021 in Roanoke, IN.
Catherine LaBa Ward, class of 1953, died March 19, 2021. She married Robert Ward on June 11, 1955. Catherine worked for Kay Campbells Clothing Store and in 2001 retired from East Allen County Schools after 15 years of dedicated service in the cafeteria. She loved playing various types of card games and traveling with family and friends. Survivors include daughters, Cindy Iller and Linda Boyer; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Joanne ClapesattlePlyley, class of 1954, passed away April 19, 2021. Living in LaGrange, IN for many years, she was the co-owner of Plyley’s Candies. She was active in the First United Methodist Church of LaGrange and volunteered at both the Elijah Haven store and Parkview LaGrange Hospital. Surviving are her children, Willard, Michael, Jack, Sandra Plyley and Suzanne Detweiler; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Mary Hoekstra Economou, class of 1955, died February 10, 2021 in San Antonio, TX. She graduated from Purdue University in 1959 and married Alexander Economou in 1961. They were dedicated public school teachers and owned two pizza restaurants. They loved spending time with their children and took them on many adventures in the national parks. Surviving Mary are her children, Sigrid and Aaron Economou, Marie Haspil, Alexis Pruit, and Amy Sliwinski; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Ralph B. Elston, class of 1955, passed away February 234, 2021. Ralph later graduated from the University of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi Law School. Ralph served in the U.S. Army after law school and returned to Fort Wayne where he worked as a trust and estates attorney. Ralph is survived by his wife, Madelane; brother, William Elston ’51; children, Deborah Shearer, Melanie and Christopher Elston; and four grandchildren.
Alfreda “Sue” Brooke Bone, class of 1956, died April 23, 2021. Sue was a registered nurse and homemaker. Surviving are her husband of 61 years, Bruce; daughters, Kathy Rogers and Kimberly Didion; son, Bruce Bone; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and sisters, Deborah Schuemann’62 and Ellawynn Brooke.
Thomas V. Doty, DDS, class of 1956, passed away March 20, 2021. Tom practice Oral Surgery in Fort Wayne for 35 years and was a pioneer in the use of dental implants. While at IU, he was an active member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Tom was an active member in various dental associations through Indiana. He was a proud member of the Indiana Society of Mayflower Descents. Tom is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandy; son, Brian Doty; daughter, Laura Homan; and two grandchildren.
Gene G. Bechtel, class of 1957, died February 3, 2021. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy on the USS Boxer and he was a member of area veterans’ organizations. Gene worked for Bob Luderman Associates, Inc. for 20 years and retired in 2001. Before moving back to Fort Wayne in 2019, he sold real estate in Florida. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, June; children David Beghtel, Dawn Wagoner, Danielle Cummings, and Daianna Hamilton; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and siblings, Carol Sims ’60; Janet Bresler’66; and Jaci DeGregory ’71.
Doris Howard-Harris, class of 1957, passed away January 24, 2021. Doris worked for many years as a medical receptionist for Dr. Caesar Marshall. She is survived by her husband, Eddie; daughters, Rolonda and Gayle; sons, Eric and J. Michael; and nine grandchildren.
Ann “Mimi” Edens Sanderson, class of 1957, died March 29, 2021. Ann studied Speech and Hearing Therapy at IU. She loved to support local organizations like museums and the Junior League. Surviving are Ann’s three children, John and Chris Sanderson, and Jill Sanderson Cox; and six grandchildren.
Rita Orr Bloemker, class of 1958, passed away January 15, 2021. Rita worked at TJ Maxx and Supermarket Service. She loved playing cards, especially a monthly game of Tripoley with friends and family for nearly 30 years. Surviving are two sons, Bob and Randy Bloemker; daughter, Dawn Linnemeier; and two granddaughters.
William David Hickman, class of 1960, died January 21, 2021. He had recently moved back to Indiana from St. George Utah enjoying golf and tennis.
Thomas E. Lowenhar, class of 1960, died November 18, 2020 in Muncie, IN. Tom enjoyed sharing about his Jewish roots and his journey to salvation. Tom later became a dedicated member and deacon of Grace Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Deborah; daughters, Lori Lowenhar and Leah Lowenhar-Duke; and three grandsons.
Raymond E. Lerch, Jr. class of 1961, passed away March 16, 2021. Ray traveled the world through his many positions as an internal auditor for Chicago Northwest Railroad, Stokley Van Camp, and the Army/Air Force Exchange Service. Among his favorite pastimes were sports gambling, reading, bar and junk food, and holiday candy. He is survived by is brother, Stephen Lerch, and sister, Ann Muldoon.
Jane Ladig Lewandowski, class of 1962, died January 22, 2021. She is survived by her daughter, Devon; son, Roman; three grandchildren; sister, Carol Ladig Hanna ’63; and brother, Tom Ladig’68.
Elaine Thurber Edwards Schaller, class of 1962, passed away March 27, 2021 at her home after a 5 ½ year battle with breast cancer. She met her husband, Bill, while attending IU. They moved to Arlington, TX to open their own business, Athletic Attic. During retirement in Athens, TX, Elaine enjoyed golf, pickleball, canasta and painting. She continued to participate in Bible study and book clubs. Survivors include her son, Dustin Schaller; daughter, Mandy Parker; sisters, Marijo Thurber Koval’59, Susie Edwards and Gwen Yeager; five grandchildren and a great-grandson.
Patricia L. Abbott, class of 1963; died February 26, 2021. She worked for GTE for 40 years before retiring in 2003. Pat enjoyed volunteering and helping community organizations. She is survived by her sister, Paula Polston.
Donna East Murad, class of 1963, passed away January 14, 2021. Donna loved spending time with her family and friends. Survivors include her son, Kevin Murad; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Nancy Bowman Stirn, class of 1963, died January 25, 2021. After graduation, Nancy moved to Chicago to attend the American Academy of Art to study Commercial Art. She worked for 23 years with her father at Arthur R. Bowman studio and also worked at Sandpoint Greenhouse and Lattitudes. Nancy is survived by her husband of 49 years, James; two daughters, Elisabeth Moldes, and Katherine Freeman; and five grandchildren; and sister, Betsy Bowman Swisher ’61.
Donald Lefebra, class of 1965, passed away March 9, 2020 in Coldwater, MI.
Pamela Marshall Ly, class of 1965, died February 24, 2021 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Pam lived in Murrieta, CA for several years and lived in Forth Worth, TX for the past 14 years. She loved her profession as a day care provider and enjoyed taking road trips with her husband. Pam is survived by her husband, Thanh; children, Lance Davis and Kaylinh Ly.
Victor L. Martin, class of 1965, passed away March 7, 2021. Vic earned a bachelor of architecture degree from the University of Oklahoma and also completed classes at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. He established Martin-Riley Architects-Engineers and devoted over 30 years to designing a wide variety of projects in Fort Wayne and elsewhere. His love for trains led him to save and restore the Pennsylvania Train Station on Baker Street in Fort Wayne. Another well-known project of his was the addition to his church, Trinity English Lutheran where he served on many committees throughout the years. Wife, Nancy; two sons, Jim and Jeff; three grandsons; and brother, David ’61 are among his survivors.
Janet McRae Leininger, class of 1966, died December 24, 2020 in Fort Wayne.
Linda Smith McCormick, class of 1966, passed away March 16, 2021. After high school, Linda attended IPFW. She spent many of her younger years in Los Angeles learning comedy improv, studying theater, and acting before returning to Fort Wayne to be with her family. Linda married Brian McCormick in 1986 and worked for many years at WKJG Channel 33. She was very involved in the local theater community and other local community groups. As well as being an avid reader, she was a writer and creative artist of all mediums which resulted in her winning short story writing competitions and her art work was featured in local exhibits. Linda is survived by a sister, Betsy Loubier; and brother, James Smith ’62.
Larry Keith Waggoner, class of 1967, died April 18, 2021. Larry attended ITT Technical Institute and then worked for Tokheim and Smith Green School (Churubusco). He also served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Seoul South Korea. He loved fishing and being on the lake, or anywhere outside. He is survived by his son, Christopher; four grandchildren; and his sister, Debra Waggoner Nidlinger’69.
Karen Bussard Christopher, class of 1968, passed away April 18, 2021. Karen graduated from IUFW with a degree in Education and taught for over 40 years. She was an avid Saint Louis sports fan and enjoyed playing cards with friends. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Michael; children Chad, Stacy, and Kevin; grandson Carter; and sister Barbara Bussard Gifford ’64.
Don Quickery, class of 1968, died April 19, 2021. He is survived by his children, Stacy Assink and Carlie Puckett; five grandchildren; and siblings, Sandy Q. Ramsey ’67, Dan ’70, Marilyn, Carol Q. Wilkinson, and Margie Quickery-Harms.
Kathy Van Horn Baker, class of 1969, passed away March 28, 2021. She is survived by children, Brenda Barille, Colleen Roy and Tony Baker; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; loving companion and best friend, Steve Leakey ’69; mother, Delores Van Horn; and siblings, Sandra Van Horn, Greg Van Horn, Jeff Van Horn ’74; and Jon Van Horn ’79. Her husband, Donald K. Baker ’65 preceded her in death.
Brian L. Golembiewski, class of 1969, died February 9, 2021. Brian was president of the Pines of Hunter’s Glen Association for many years and his favorite place in the world was his cabin in Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Victoria; children, Kristen Coslet, Chad Gengnagel, Scott Gengnagel, Jeff Kook, Jodie Walton, Sara Brown, and Shellie Ruch; eighteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Robbin Bickel Krayer, class of 1969, passed away February 21, 2021 in Fort Wayne.
Pau A. Azar, class of 1970, died February 16, 2021. Paul received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and was an engineer for Almet for over 20 years. Survivors include his wife, Diane; daughter, Roxanne Forrester; son, Tony Surface; and four grandchildren.
Larry E. Davis, class of 1970, passed away April 12, 2021. He loved God, his family and playing chess. Larry retired from Mad Anthony Restaurant and Catering. He is survived by his sisters, Shirley Davis ’62; Phyllis Davis ’68; Patricia Saurers and Nancy McCain; brothers, Donald and Edwin Davis.
Richard W. Penny, class of 1970, died April 23, 2021 with his brother, Thomas ’72 at his side. Richard attended Indiana University Kelly School of Business and retired from a successful career in sales and marketing. He achieved the Boy Scout Eagle rank in his freshman year of high school. Richard is also survived by his mother, sister, Lee Muller; sons and daughter, Jessica Wilson, Kurtis and Michael Penny; and eight grandchildren.
Gail Abramson Phillips, class of 1971, passed away April 18, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. Gail worked in the health care field for 46 years. She enjoyed home remodeling projects, long bike rides with her husband, Kent, and spoiling her 13 grandchildren. Gail is also survived by her children, Elizabeth, Matthew, and Scott Standiford, Renee Moore and Jill Boice.
Mark E. Burns, class of 1974, died April 27, 2021. Mark served as a member of the U.S. Army. He is survived by siblings, Shirley Burns Parks; JoAnn Burns Workman ’67 and Sally Burns Penner ’72.
Linda M. Dillman, class of 1974,passed away March 13, 2021. She attended University of Indianapolis and worked hard and dedicated many hours to building her career. She began with HP and The Wholesale Club and retired from QVC in 2017. Previously, she held positions as Executive VP and CIO at Walmart and Senior VP at Hewlett-Packard. Linda also served in many boards of directors. She enjoyed traveling and learning about other cultures. Linda is survived by her children, Kaity and Eric Carlson.
Matthew D. Nold, class of 1977, died December 8, 2020. Matthew was also a graduate of ITT Technical Institute with a major in robotics. He then went on to work in the automotive industry with General Motors, CTS Corp. and Delphi Electronics. Matt was known throughout the country for expertise in Jaguar and Triumph vehicle restoration. He is survived by his father, Curtis; brother, Jonathan ’78; and sister Margaret Nold Cahill ’83.
Willis J. Cotton Jr., class of 1979, passed away January 21, 2021. Willis joined the U.S. Army in 1979 and served proudly for 15 years. He was a veteran of the Gulf War. Surviving is his wife, Maudine; son, Troy; and granddaughters, London and Journee.
Carlos A. Medina, class of 1979, died April 19, 2021. After graduation, Carlos attended Ohio Institution of Technology in Columbus where he received a degree in electrical engineering. After serving in the U.S. Army, Carlos returned to Fort Wayne and worked at BF Goodrich. He named his dog, Kobe, after his favorite basketball team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Survivors include his wife, Angela; daughter, Angelika; son, Carlos II; five grandchildren; and his sister Renita Medina Hicks ’77.
Michael A. Spranger, class of 1979, passed away March 19, 2021. Mike moved to North Webster 18 years ago, where he enjoyed playing pool, fishing, and family get-togethers. He is survived by brothers, Ronnie, Timothy, and William; and sisters, Myra Brunson, Christina Isbell, and Ronda Spranger Nichols ’97.
Terry W. McAllister, class of 1982, died February 23, 2021 in Coco Beach, FL. Terry was employed at Fleetwood, Dolco Packaging and Buckhorn. Terry enjoyed time with family and the ocean and beach. His wife, Linda McAllister; daughter, Shadoe; sons, Austin and Chase; and six grandchildren survive.
Jimmie Lee Jr., class of 1983, passed away January 6, 2021.
Ellen SomsavathKenchanh, class of 1984; died January 23, 2021. Ellen was born in Vientiane, Laos and her family moved to Thailand in 1975 to escape communism. She immigrated to Fort Wayne in 1976. Ellen became a hair stylist and owned Hair Gallery LTD since 2004. Survivors include her husband, Kham; son, Brandon; daughter, Alexa; and siblings, Janis Lam ’84 and brother, Lee Somsavath’87.
Andrew H. Congdon, class of 1987, passed away January 21, 2021. Andrew loved hiking, camping, kayaking and spending time in the wilderness. He is survived by his sister, Molly Congdon; brothers, Steven and Seth.
Timothy A. Incremona Sr, class of 1987, died January 30, 2021. He graduated from IU with a bachelor’s degree in Education and taught at various elementary schools in Fort Wayne. He is survived by his daughter, Patricia; son, Timothy Jr; three grandchildren; and siblings, Catherine Ritchhart; Steven ’88; Joseph ’81; Debra Durnell; Christopher ’91; and Jeremy.
Danyelle N. Conrad, class of 1988, passed away January 13, 2021. “Nikki” loved to go fishing, listening to old school music and dancing. She is survived by her children Antonio Pickett and DiQuaysha Martin; and three grandchildren.
Kedrin M. Jackson, class of 2015, died March 17, 2021. He continued his education at Cleveland Automotive BMW School of Technology. In addition to working on cars, he enjoyed spending time with family, particularly his niece and nephews. Kendrin is survived by his parents; siblings Mikeya James, Ta’Najia Jackson ’20, and Porsche Black.
Anderson Retic, class of 2019, passed away February 17, 2021 of a fatal gunshot. Anderson was part of City Life youth ministries since he was in high school. And even after graduating he still stopped by the center and was active.
Kamiza S. Smiley, class of 2019, died March 17, 2021. During her high school years, she enjoyed being a manager with the football team. She was most recently employed with Faurecia. Kamiza aspired to become a Dental Hygienist and attended Ross Institute to begin her studies. Kamiza is survived by her baby girl, Londyn Williams; her parents; two sisters; and three brothers.