• 1920-1950
• 1951-1970
• 1971-1990
• 1991-1999

’15
Ethel Miller Benson, Dover, OH, died Jan. 17, 1999. She was a retired school teacher, having taught in private schools in California and New Mexico. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Surviving are several nieces and nephews, including Kathryn Miller Green, ’57, Marjorie Miller Curtis, ’59, Helen Miller Ingle, ’50, Ben A. Miller Jr., ’56, and his wife, Doris Steffan Miller, ’55. Preceding her in death were a sister, Esther K. Miller, ’20, brothers, J. Robert Miller, ’30, ’88H, Calvin E. Miller, ’28, Ben A. Miller Sr., ’28, James A. Miller, ’22, ’25S, and a sister-in-law, Martha Greer Miller, ’27.

’21
Alta Miller Scharf, Mansfield, OH, died Sept. 27, 1997. She taught high school algebra, geometry and French in Hayesville, OH, and as a pastor’s wife, served parishes in Freeport, IL, Chicago, IL, Stone Creek, OH, Casstown, OH, and Lucas, OH. A member of First English Lutheran Church, she is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, David L., ’49S, and Bonnie Huprich Scharf, ’47, four grandchildren, including Ray S. Scharf, ’73, two great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Hazel Showalter Miller, ’25, several nieces and nephews, including Eva Fuchs Cash, ’70, and Margaret Miller Baker, ’49, and several cousins, including Barbara Dinkel Pollock, ’73, J. Edward Dinkel, ’39, ’42S, Fred B. Dinkel, ’40, Joseph W. Dinkel, ’43, Janet Dinkel Pearce, ’65, and her husband, James E. Pearce, ’58. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward P. Scharf, ’10, ’13S, a granddaughter, Jean Scharf Luther, ’71, a brother, Robert H. Miller, ’25, ’28S, and cousins, Charles E. Miller, ’40, Lois Alsdorf McIlvaine, ’28, Howard A. Alsdorf, ’35, ’38S, Ida Voegele Beck, ’38, Henry H. Voegele, ’28, Ruth Barr Weissling, ’22, and Ruth Voegele Kinsler, ’36.

’26
Mary Ream Cochran, Springfield, OH, died Jan. 9, 1999. She was a special education teacher for the Springfield City Schools, retiring in 1968. She was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church and many community organizations. Survivors include her daughter, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, a niece, nephew and cousins.

’29
James Marlyn McDorman, Zephyrhills, FL, died Feb. 16, 1999. He was a retired farmer and a member of First Presbyterian Church. A daughter, two sons, 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren survive.

Gertrude E. Stein, ’31MA, ’45BS, Springfield, OH, died Jan. 30, 1999. She taught in the Springfield City School system for 47 years and also at Texas Lutheran College, Seguine, TX. Listed in Who’s Who in America, she was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, ZONTA International and a host of musical organizations. She is survived by two brothers, six nieces and eight nephews. Preceding her in death were a brother, Paul Stein, ’31, and two sisters, including Vera Stein Nock, ’33.

’30
Lenore Sprague Berger, Montpelier, OH, died Nov. 26, 1998. She was a teacher with the Toledo Public Schools for 25 years, retiring in 1977. A 50-year member of the American Association of University Women, she is survived by four grandchildren, including Allison L. Buell, ’92, and several nieces, including Janet Sohlgren, ’49. Preceding her in death were her husband, Ewald G. Berger, ’31, and two daughters, Bonnie Berger Quimby, ’68, and Lynnda Berger Buell, ’62.

Jean Medaris Hardacre, Wapakoneta, OH, died Feb. 13, 1999. A homemaker, she had taught elementary school students with the Wapakoneta City Schools. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and an accomplished pianist. Survivors include three sons, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Alma Fischer Middleton, St. Paris, OH, died Oct. 1, 1998. Formerly a music supervisor with the Versailles (OH) Schools, she is survived by a daughter and a sister. Her husband, John A. “Jake” Middleton, ’30, preceded her in death.

Mary Rockenfield Neese, Springfield, OH, died Feb. 17, 1999. She retired from Northwestern Local School District following 22 years of teaching. A member of the Tremont United Methodist Church, she is survived by two daughters, including Margaret Neese McClure, ’72, a son, Mark A. Neese, ’78, eight grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, including Amy L. Schwepe, ’87, and Gregory W. Schwepe, ’84.

’31
Marie McDaniel Burckard, Norfolk, VA, died Jan. 23, 1999. An active member of First Lutheran Church, she retired from the Virginia Pilots’ Association in 1972. A daughter, two sons, two grandchildren and a sister survive.

Wilma Smith Gehm, Middletown, OH, died Nov. 15, 1998. She retired as a teacher from the Middletown City Schools after 33 years of service. A member of First United Methodist Church, she is survived by a daughter, a son, two grandchildren and a brother. A sister, Dorothy Smith Fetz, ’65, preceded her in death.

Helen Long Robinson, formerly of Springfield, OH, died Feb. 14, 1999 in Chicago, IL. She was founder and director of a daycare facility and for more than 40 years, minister of music at Mount Zion Baptist Church. A member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, she is survived by a daughter, a brother, nine grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Frances Jack Blackburn, Springfield, IL, died Jan. 12, 1999. During World War II, she taught military communications in Ardmore, OK, and edited publications for the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. A former English teacher in Xenia, OH, Kendall, England and Wilmington, DE, she also worked as a library assistant at the Kansas City Library. Her husband, a daughter, two grandsons and many nieces and nephews survive. Preceding her in death were a brother, William T. Jack, ’33, a sister, Elam F. Jack, ’31, and a cousin and his wife, Edward A., ’22, ’25S, and Bernadene Zombro Voorhees, ’24.

’32
Jessie McDowall Hupp, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, taught home economics, English and biology with the Springfield (OH) City Schools for 33 years before her retirement.

’33
George R. Brecht, Springfield, OH, died Feb. 26, 1999. A charter member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, he was a retired teacher from the Springfield City Schools. He is survived by his wife, a son, a brother, F. Ashley Brecht, ’33, and several nieces and nephews, including John E. Brecht, ’62. A brother and sister-in-law, John E., ’25, and Abbie Nelson Brecht, ’26, preceded him in death.

Robert D. Jordan, Springfield, OH, died March 10, 1999. A member of St. Teresa Church, he retired in 1975 as a supervisor from Robbins and Myers Co. after 33 years of service. Survivors include his wife, a daughter, a son and daughter-in-law, William J., ’78, and Tanya Coon Jordan, ’74, five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and two sisters.

Donna Thomas Klopfer, Piqua, OH, died May 13, 1998. A retired teacher, she is survived by two daughters.

’34
At the 1999 Cincinnati (OH) Bar Association Meeting, William A. McClain was presented the Trustees’ Award for outstanding service by an attorney to the Association, the legal profession and/or the general community, which displays a high level of commitment, dedication or courage.

’36
Evelyn Maxwell Ballenger, Hendersonville, NC, died Feb. 16, 1999. A homemaker, she was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church and an avid outdoor and nature enthusiast. Survivors include four daughters, 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

’37
J. Warren Monteith, Springfield, OH, died March 17, 1999. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II. He retired from Wright Patterson Air Force Base in 1965 and was the co-owner of Westend Gas and Appliance Sales and Service. He also founded the Monteith Insurance Agency. An active member of the Maiden Lane Church of God and the community, he is survived by his wife, four daughters, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a brother.

Thelma Rychener Rychener, Pettisville, OH, died Oct. 29, 1997. After 23 years service, she retired from Pettisville High School as an English and speech teacher and drama director. She was a member of the Missionary Church where she was organist for 35 years. Three sons, a daughter, 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren survive.

’38
Mary “Betty” Borland Koepnick, formerly of Lebanon, OH, died Oct. 25, 1998 in Dayton, OH. A retired commercial artist from Elder-Beerman, she painted and exhibited her work locally and taught art classes at the YWCA. She was a member of St. Francis deSales Catholic Church. Two sons and two grandsons survive.

’40
Willard M. List, Dayton, OH, died Aug. 15, 1998. A World War II veteran, he was a member of Shiloh Church and several fraternal organizations. Surviving are his wife, Janice Fry List, ’43, a daughter, a son, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Charles E. Miller, Irvine, CA, died May 19, 1997. He was a music teacher, principal and superintendent at several school districts in Washington, Idaho and California before serving as a professor of education at the University of Southern California. He retired as a vice president with Pasadena (CA) City College. During World War II, he served with the U.S. Navy and was at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked. Survivors include his wife, Jean Gardner Miller, ’43, a daughter, a son, four grandchildren, several cousins, including Margaret Miller Baker, ’49, Eva Fuchs Cash, ’70, J. Edward Dinkel, ’39, ’42S, Fred B. Dinkel, ’40, Joseph W. Dinkel, ’43, Barbara Dinkel Pollock, ’73, Janet Dinkel Pearce, ’65, and her husband, James E. Pearce, ’58. Preceding him in death were three cousins, Robert H. Miller, ’25, ’28S, Howard A. Alsdorf, ’35, ’38S, and Lois Alsdorf McIlvaine, ’28. A cousin, Alta Miller Scharf, ’21, followed him in death.

Mary Elizabeth Stanhope, Bakersfield, CA, died March 6, 1999. A retired counselor with the Bakersfield City Schools, she is survived by 11 nieces and nephews.

’41
James C. Bradhurst, Springfield, OH, died Feb. 3, 1999. During World War II, he served as a major with the U.S. Marine Corps in the South Pacific. A retired commercial sales representative from Ohio Edison with 42 years service, he was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. Surviving are a daughter, two sons, including James C. Bradhurst, ’69, five grandchildren and a sister, Mariam Bradhurst Garver, ’45.

Margie Tavenner Deaton, Yellow Springs, OH, died March 24, 1999. A former employee of the Edward Wren Store, she was a member of the Yellow Springs Methodist Church and a 50-year member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Her husband, a daughter, a son, five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter survive.

’42
Herbert N. Brown, Cheshire, CT, died April 5, 1998. During World War II, he served as a lieutenant commander with the U.S. Navy and was decorated for his service in the Asiatic/Pacific theater. He retired as an economics, geography and U.S. history instructor and baseball coach at Cheshire Academy. A sister-in-law survives.

John F. Strawn, Canton, OH, husband of the late Lois Ann Portz Strawn, ’42, died Feb. 19, 1999. He was a retired metallurgical engineer with the Timken Co. Survivors include his four children and their spouses, including Ann Strawn Stafford, ’70, James R., ’73, and Barbara Wasson Strawn, ’73, and Scott G., ’76, and Carol Pfeifer Strawn, ’75, and six grandchildren.

’43
Albert J. Sommer, Little Rock, AR, died Jan. 14, 1999. During World War II, he served with the U.S. Navy as the youngest commander of any ship in the fleet. He was a football and basketball coach and high school principal in Colorado before serving as manager and editor-in-chief of the test department of Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, MA. Surviving are his wife, a son, John A. Sommer, ’72, a daughter, Sue Sommer Zimmerman, ’70, three grandsons and a sister, Lydia M. Sommer, ’38. A son-in-law, Edward J. Zimmerman, ’69, preceded him in death.

’44
Alyn L. Borchers, Plantation, FL, died Jan. 5, 1999. A U.S. Navy veteran, he served his tour of duty on the U.S.S. Leyte and the U.S.S. Boxer as a supply corps officer. He later served as a Naval supply officer and with the Navy Resale System, retiring from active service in July 1974 having attained the rank of captain. For his performance, he received the Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal. After his retirement, he taught Naval science and N.R.O.T.C. at Grove City (OH) High School until 1984. Surviving are his wife, two sons, two sisters and a brother.

Mary K. Engle, Miamisburg, OH, died July 10, 1998. She taught for many years and was principal of Jefferson Township and Radcliff Heights Elementary Schools until her retirement in 1969, having completed 43 years of service. A lifelong member of Salem Lutheran Church, she was an active volunteer at area hospitals. She is survived by several cousins, including Dorothy Getter Shattuck, ’38, Martha Getter Smyth, ’45, and Barbara Getter Hanley, ’50. Preceding her in death were a cousin, Paul R. Getter, ’40, and an uncle, Herman C. Getter, ’11.

’45
Carrol Lasch Gensert, Cleveland Heights, OH, has retired from her position in the reference and collection department at the Sears Library, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. She is attending classes through C.W.R.U.’s Senior Scholar Program, is organizing 150 years of documents and photos into an archives for First Unitarian Church, and is active with Habitat for Humanity.

Emilie Moore Kirkwood is retired and lives in Hilliard, OH, where she is active in her church choir.

Harry D. Scott, Fairview Park, OH, died Dec. 6, 1998. He was a sales executive and manager of the Cleveland office of Johnston International Publications until his retirement in 1985. During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps. Survivors include his wife, Jane Wills Scott, ’43, two sons, two grandchildren, two brothers and a sister.

’47
Miriam Albert Bond, Germantown, OH, died Oct. 21, 1998. A microbiologist with Middletown Regional and Miami Valley Hospitals, she was a member of Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. She is survived by her husband, four sons, nine grandchildren, a sister, Virginia Albert Smith, ’42, two brothers, including Harold R. Albert, ’35, ’38S, ’53H, and a sister-in-law, Eleanor Thompson Albert, ’36. Her father, Raymond A. Albert, ’03, ’36H, a brother, Richard W. Albert, ’33, and a brother-in-law, Richard L. Smith, ’37, preceded her in death.

Edis D. Koch, a former resident of Birmingham, MI, died Jan. 3, 1999 in St. Petersburg, FL. An electrical engineer, he was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church and governor of Sea Towers Association. Survivors include his wife, two daughters, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a brother, Kenneth K. Koch, ’39, a sister-in-law, Iola Black Koch, ’53, and a niece, Karen Koch Berger, ’71. A brother, C. Robert Koch, ’34, predeceased him.

’49
Nancy Spragg Beymer, Englewood, OH, died Sept. 25, 1998. She was retired from her position as a customer relations representative with Ohio Bell. Surviving are her husband, John T. Beymer, ’49, a daughter, a son, a granddaughter, Nicole D. Fogarty, ’98, a brother, E. Dean Spragg, ’49, and a sister, Ruth Spragg Englefield, ’56.

Janet Helms Digel, Springfield, OH, has married George W. Koerner, ’52.

Ruth Frank LaPolt, Gracefield, Quebec, Canada, died May 22, 1998. She began teaching in 1950 and moved into supervision in 1962 with the Greece Central School District. She developed techniques and materials for learning-disabled students and implemented programs for training visual and auditory perception and language development prescriptive programs. A sister, two nieces and four nephews survive.

’50
James C. Bauer, New Carlisle, OH, died Jan. 31, 1999. A World War II Navy veteran, he was a retired civil service employee of Wright Patterson Air Force Base and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter, a grandson and a brother. His uncle and aunt, Ralph F., ’28, and Livia Allen Bauer, ’28, preceded him in death.

Guy L. Emmons Jr., Springfield, OH, died Jan. 16, 1999. A veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, he practiced dentisty in Springfield for more than 45 years. A son, a daughter, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews survive.

Donald C. Gillhouse, ’52S, Springfield, OH, died Jan. 28, 1999. For 47 years he was a dedicated pastor, serving Lutheran congregations in Temperance, MI, Kettering, OH, and Columbus, OH. He was most recently pastor emeritus of Grace Lutheran Church, Springfield, OH. A veteran of World War II, he was an active volunteer for several church and civic organizations. He is survived by his wife, Lillian Sparling Gillhouse, ’49, three daughters, including Susan Gillhouse McKnight-Pasotti, ’72, a son and nine grandchildren, including Benjamin M. Hammond, ’00.

Robert F. Haskel, ’52S, Grayling, MI, died Oct. 3, 1998. A Lutheran pastor, he served at Nativity Lutheran Church, Roseville, MI, St. John Lutheran Church, Grayling, MI, and Messiah Lutheran Church, Roscommon, MI. He was active in national activities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and helped develop the Michi-Lu-Ca Church Camp, Fairview, MI. Surviving are his wife, two sons, two daughters, seven grandchildren and two sisters.

Richard A. Koozer, Mansfield, OH, died Dec. 20, 1998. He was a retired manufacturer’s representative, an avid golfer and a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. His wife, Martha Davidson Koozer, ’50, a son, a daughter, Karen L. Koozer, ’76, two grandchildren, two aunts and several cousins survive. An uncle, Wesley J. Runk, ’24, ’27S, preceded him in death.

N. Leroy Norquist, Batavia, IL, died July 24, 1997. A retired Lutheran pastor, he taught New Testament at Grand View Seminary, Des Moines, IA, Augustana Theological Seminary, Rock Island, IL, and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (IL). Survivors include his wife, two daughters, a son and six grandchildren.

John B. “Jack” Pearson, Springfield, OH, died Jan. 2, 1999. A member of Eastside Freewill Baptist Church, he was retired from Society Bank. His wife, three step-sons and four grandchildren survive.