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Passing

We remember the friends of UMD who have left us.

Frances Z. Alden, ’30 and ’65, passed away in January at the age of 90. Frances was a fourth-grade teacher in Proctor.

Richard H. Arnold, ’60, of Tucson, Arizona, died in October of 2001. Richard was a high school art teacher and a golf coach. After retiring early, he enjoyed golfing, painting, and traveling.

James Walsh Bianco, ’51, died in May. After graduating, James served for three years in the U.S. Marine Corps until he was honorably discharged in 1953. In 1967, James purchased the First National Bank in Cass Lake and served as the president.

Myron Elliott Bruzonsky, ’62, passed away in January in Duluth. Myron was born in Duluth, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business from UMD. He worked for the Ben Overman Finance and Real Estate Co. for many years.

Glenn W. Burke, ’69, died in May. Glenn was a charter member, the first president, and later the secretary and fire marshal of the Rice Lake Township Volunteer Fire Fighters. Glenn was also a boy scout, receiving the Silver Scout in recognition for his 32 years of service.

John E. Burns, ’52, died in November of 1999, in Oklahoma City, OK. John earned his MBA from Oklahoma City University in 1972 and worked for AT&T for 36 years until his retirement in 1988. John was also a major in the Air Force Reserves.

David R. Carlson, ’72, of Duluth, passed away in May at the age of 54. David worked for Burlington Northern Railroad. He was a past president and member of the Lake Superior Transportation Club, and also a member of the National Model Railroad Association.

June Carlson, ’64, of Duluth, died in October of 2001. June and her husband, John, were married in 1939. After graduating from UMD, she taught at Duluth East High School until her retirement in 1985.

Bette (Dickson) Casteel died in August in Corrales, NM. Bette published two books, Old Town, Albuquerque and Dental Probe. Bette co-founded an artist co-op gallery in Corrales in the late 1950s and served as the president of the New Mexico Art League in 1958-1959.

James R. Cleary, ’63, passed away in January. James taught in Henderson, MN, and Edgerton, MN. While teaching, he also worked for the Duluth Missabe and Iron Range Railway for 37 years as a conductor.

Hildegard N. Danburg, ’38, died in July in Baton Rouge, at the age of 91. Hildegard and her husband Dwight lived in Seattle, Norwich and in Greenwell Springs. Hildegard was a kindergarten teacher for the Lutheran school for nine years. Hildegard and Dwight were avid travelers, visiting all 50 states and 32 foreign countries.

Larry DeCaigny, ’73, passed away in November. Larry taught in Barnum, MN, and Aitkin, MN, until he was appointed postmaster of Sawyer in 1980. He also owned and operated the Sawyer Store for 22 years.

Mary Jean Ekman, ’56 and ME ’76, died in September. She taught in the Hoyt Lakes and Roseville area schools. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary sorority for outstanding female educators. Mary Jean also played in the St. Paul Civic Orchestra and was a member of the senior royalty for the St. Paul Winter Carnival.

Rosina Lydia Engman, ’62, died in June. Rosina was a teacher in the Eveleth, Parkville, and St. Bonifacius schools. She was also an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, and a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa sorority.

Conrad McCormack Fredin, JD, ’48, died in June. Conrad briefly attended the Duluth State Teachers College and St. Thomas before graduating from Carleton College. After receiving his law degree from the University of Minnesota, Conrad served on the Editorial Board of the Minnesota Law Review and later worked for three other Duluth law firms.

Eva Mae (Bloomgren) Glinsman, ’51, died in July in Rochester, MN. Eva Mae taught physical education at Duluth Central in the 1950s. Eva Mae also taught in Illinois and in the Cambridge-Isanti school districts.

Francis R. Gnotta, ’65, died in July in Proctor, MN. Francis was a veteran of the Korean War, and served in the Minnesota Air National Guard. Francis was also a brakeman for the DM&IR Railway and then later worked for the St. Louis County Social Service Department for 25 years, until his retirement in 1992.

Dr. Volker G. Goldschmidt died in October. Volker taught at the UMD Medical School and at Duluth’s VoTech (Lake Superior Community College). Volker attended the Universities of Goettingen, Tuebingen, and Munich in Germany before immigrating to Seattle in 1952.

James Good, ’80, died in November in Duluth. James was a teacher in the Duluth school district for many years. He loved gardening, nature, reading, and teaching.

Richard Gottschald, ’58, died in November. Richard served in the Air National Guard for six years. He was a prominent television and radio personality in Duluth. Richard began his news-broadcasting career with WKLK in Cloquet, MN. He was also the co-founder of KUMD.

Mary J. (Borgen) Grace, (’51, MA ’69), passed away in September in Moose Lake, MN. Mary graduated with her teaching certificate in elementary education from the Duluth State Teachers College in 1951 and later returned to receive her master’s of art degree in 1969. Mary taught for more than 33 years. Mary also had two children with her husband, Duane Grace.

Roger E. Gunderson, ’58, died in December of 2001. Roger was an accountant for Modern Distributors, WEBC Radio, the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and Grussendorf’s Nursery.

Robert L. Hall (MA ’70) died in October of 2001, in Grand Rapids, MN. He served as a radio operator and gunner on B-24 bombers for the Army Air Corps until 1946. Robert graduated in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in English before receiving his master’s degree in English.

Frederick W. Hart, ’48 and ME ’49, died in September. Frederick, of Crosslake, MN, was a student at Drexel University in Philadelphia while serving in the Air Force and later in World War II. Frederick taught in the Duluth school system for 37 years, primarily at Duluth Central where he also coached.

Bruce Hassinger, ’65, passed away in November in Denver. Bruce was a professional geologist. Bruce and his wife, Sally, were married in June of 1969.

Wallace F. Heikkinen, ’52, the first captain of the UMD hockey team, died in January. Wallace was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II, serving as a navigator in the Army Air Corp and attaining the rank of Second Lieutenant. He worked for the Soudan Mine from 1952, until its closing, and for the City of Tower as the City Clerk and Treasurer.

Linda Rae (Griffin) Hilsen, ’68 and ’73, died in Duluth in January. Linda received her master’s degree in English in 1973. She was an instructor and then an associate professor at UMD. Linda was a doctoratal candidate from the University of Minnesota’s educational leadership program.

Roderick V. Hood, ’32, died in June. Roderick was an insurance executive for Liscomb-Hood-Mason for 55 years. He was the first Minnesotan, and only the sixth nationwide, to earn the insurance designation of Charter Property Casualty Underwriters. Roderick was with Duluth Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Senior Chamber, Duluth Jaycees, and Duluth Builders Exchange.

Chester “Chet” Isakson, ’57, died in October. Chet was an avid Harley rider and a member of the Hog Riders and Retread Cycle Clubs. Chet coached Little League baseball, girls softball, and all stages of youth hockey. Chet retired from Alliant Tech Systems in 1994.

Melvin A. Jacobson, ’52, died in December of 1999 in Yuma, Arizona. Melvin served in the Korean War as battalions supply sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star. Melvin owned and operated Mel’s IGA Supermarket for 31 years.

Martha Jane (Ostmoe) Jarrells died in June. After graduating, Martha taught home economics at Oltman Junior High and in the St. Paul Adult Evening Program for many years. For the last ten years, Martha had been an employee of Land O’Lakes department of Consumer Affairs in Arden Hills, MN. Martha and her husband, Bill, were married for 31 years. The couple had two children.

Alta R. Johnson, ’34, died in September in Duluth. Alta taught in Akeley and Sandstone, MN. After marrying Elmer T. Johnson in 1940, Alta devoted herself to raising their five children. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Trinity Chapter 242 D.E.S. as well as a member of the Three Lakes Development Association, AARP, SOAR and the Wally Byam Air Streamers.

Dennis M. Johnson, ’69, died in December. Dennis was a youth counselor and served as the director of Upward Bound.

Darlene Johnson, ’59, died in March. Darlene was an elementary teacher at Julius Barnes. She was also a tutor and a substitute teacher for many years. Darlene was a fantastic cook and baker. She loved gardening, crafting, and knitting.

Donald G. Johnson, ’55, died in February. Donald graduated from Northwestern School of Agriculture at the age of 17. During World War II, he served in the Mediterranean area, China, and Guam. He was also involved in the Korean War. He served in the armed services for 42 years. Donald was also a science teacher at the West Junior and Morgan Park schools.

Gerald K. Johnson, ’54, of Roseville, MN, passed away in May. Gerald was 69 years old. After college, Gerald was a member of the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Germany.

Marion Elmi Johnson, ’58, died in December of 2001. Marion and her daughter graduated from UMD the same year. Marion was honored as the St. Louis County Teacher of the Year during her teaching career. She also wrote a novel, A Finntown of the Heart in 1998.

Earl Norman Juntunen, ’52, of Esko, MN, died in April. Earl was an artist and designer, and worked for architectural firms in Duluth, Virginia, and Minneapolis. Earl was also an Army veteran serving in the Korean War.

Edward N. Kerola (MSA ’48), of Virginia, MN, died in April. Edward was a graduate of Virginia Junior College, Ohio State University, UMD, and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Edward was the superintendent of schools in the Tower, MN, area from 1956 until his retirement.

Gertrude Link Klippen, ’55, died in July. In 1939, Gertrude and her husband, Herbert, were married. Gertrude taught for 40 years at elementary schools in Orr and Proctor, MN.

George Louis Kloepfel, ’70, died in September. George and his wife Florence Ellefson were married for 52 years. George served with the Army in France and Japan during World War II. He worked for the Postal Service, completed his business administration degree and then worked for the Minnesota Sales Tax Compliance Office.

Emelia A. Komulainen, ’28, died in September. Emelia married Einar Kormulainen in 1943. Emelia taught for over 33 years in the Gilbert and Buhl schools.

Ellen M. Korpi, ’60, of Grand Rapids, MN, died in July. Ellen graduated from the Duluth State Teachers College in 1928. Ellen taught in school district #318 for 32 years.

Perry Landgren, ’36 died in November in Maryville, TN. Perry received his bachelor’s degree from the Duluth State Teachers College, and taught in rural Minnesota. Perry later served as a meteorologist in Alaska and Ohio for the U.S. Navy.

Robert J. Marchetti died in July. In 1988, Robert received the Distinguished Service Award for participation in starting the UMD Engineering School. The local I.E.E.E. chapter named its scholarship for engineering students the “Robert J. Marchetti Scholarship Fund.”

Wilma I. Mills, ’45, passed away in January of 2000. Wilma taught in various schools in St. Louis County where her special interests were art and music.

Gudrun Mobroten, a graduate of the Duluth State Teacher’s College, passed away in February. Gudrun taught young children for 45 years.

Bennett Isaac Moyle, ’68, of Edina, MN, died in July. After graduating, Ben worked for the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis, and later formed his own consulting firm, B.I. Moyle Associates, Inc. specializing in software for IBM mainframes.

Leslie L. Nys, ’50, died in February in Minneapolis. He and Kathleen Beaudin were married in 1941. Leslie was an Army veteran of World War II. He worked at the U.S. Steel Plant in Duluth until his retirement in December of 1973.

Pearl M. Nordin passed away in July. Pearl was a cook at St. Ann’s Hospital and at UMD until her retirement. Pearl was a member of the Meadowlands Senior Citizens and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary 3044.

Helmer Helarious Ogren II, ’43, died in January. Helmer and his wife Beatrice were married 53 years. He worked for Boeing, Honeywell and Northern Ordinance before going back to college to receive his teaching certificate and teaching at White Bear Lake High School.

Dr. Dale W. Olsen, (MA ’55), died in June. Dale was a political science professor at UMD for 35 years until his retirement in 1997. He received the Student Association Outstanding Teacher Award in 1975. Dale also served on the Duluth Planning Commission, the Duluth Charter Commission, and many other agencies.

Reverend Willis Aron Olson, ’52, passed away in September. Willis earned his master’s degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin. Willis married Lydia Wipf in 1946. He was a pastor in the Gethsemane, Adolf, Stillwater, Anoka, Randall, Hudson, and Ironwood Covenant churches throughout his career. Willis also taught biology for 20 years until his retirement.

John W. Osborne, ’58 and MA ’73, died in October. John graduated in 1958 with a bachelor of arts degree. After college, John served in the Army for two years. John worked as a teaching principal in the Finlayson schools. He later served as the superintendent of the school district until his retirement in 1987.

Donna M. Osterman, ’60, died in December of 2001. Donna and her husband, Atlee, were married for 59 years. Donna taught for 44 years in Swatara, Kettle River, Tamarack, Palisade, Aitkin, Jacobson, Bennetville, White Bear Lake and in Cloquet.

Nelda S. Pake, of Buffalo Grove, IL, passed away in March. Upon obtaining her degree in engineering, Nelda worked as an aeronautical engineer for Curtiss Wright Corp. After marrying and having five children, Nelda stopped working until the early 1960s when she returned as a secretary for Altrusa International Inc., and later at Rand McNally as an editor. Nalda journeyed to the Middle and Far East to gather information for the Rand McNally travel guides.

Ruby Pedersen passed away in November in Duluth. Ruby graduated from the Duluth State Teachers College. She taught at Nettleton Elementary School. For 30 years, Ruby was a volunteer at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Florence (Bell) Peterson, a graduate of the Duluth State Teachers College, died in January in Moose Lake, MN. Florence taught at Blackhoof Valley School, and later worked for West Publishing in St. Paul. She married George Peterson in June of 1930.

Major Boyd M. Phelps, ’42, died in March, in Duluth. After college, Boyd joined the U.S. Navy, and then signed over to fly with the Marine Corps. He was a B25 bomber pilot during World War II, where he won the Distinguished Flying Cross. Boyd also spent time in Korea during the Korean War. He and his wife, Phoebe Reed, were married in 1943.

Evangeline B. Piper, ’69, died in June. Evangeline and Bertram Piper were married in 1932 and together celebrated 68 years of marriage. Evangeline was key to setting up the Duluth Building Trades Welfare Fund office, but most of her career was spent as a teacher in North Dakota and in Duluth.

Vivian P. Priest, ’53, died in February in Two Harbors, MN. Vivian taught in Iowa and Nebraska for 22 years before moving to Two Harbors in 1950. She was the principal of John A. Johnson Elementary School, then worked as a Title I director until retiring in 1977.

Walter “Bud” Saunders, ’55, passed away in September. He was an Eagle Scout, and later a Korean War veteran. Bud and his wife Susan were married in 1955. He worked for Reserve Mining Co. for 31 years.
Ethel Beatty Schnaufer, ’60, died in Colorado Springs in November. Ethel was the daughter of the first park ranger at Fort Wilkins State Park in Michigan. Ethel graduated from the Northern State Teacher’s College in Michigan in 1932.

Walter Ross “Skip” Seaquist, ’71, of Duluth, passed away in September. “Skip” worked as an independent insurance salesman in Minneapolis, Grand Rapids, and Deer River.

Florence Soderlund Sheeks died in December. Florence graduated from the Duluth State Teachers College. Florence worked for Fanny Farmer Candies, Independent Cleaners, and as a seamstress.

Leonard Stone, ’62, died in October in Dallas, TX. Leonard was a meteorologist with the United States Air Force, a Vietnam veteran, and a network engineer.

Sister Agnes Marie Stopnik, OSB, ’48, died in February. Sister Agnes Marie entered the Duluth Benedictine community in 1936. Her years of teaching were spent at many Minnesota schools, including St. Bridget’s, St. Anthony’s, St. Clement’s, Assumption, St. Leo’s, and St. Joseph’s.

Gordon Strand, ’57, died in St. Louis Park, MN, in November. Gordon was a past president of GIIA Society and a member of the Methodist Hospital Stroke Group.

Ronald Sundeen, ’68, passed away in December. Ronald and his wife of 51 years, Virginia, had 10 children. He worked for Enger and Olson for 20 years, and later owned a plant nursery and worked as a real estate agent in Gainesville, FL.

Joanne Margaret “Peggy” Taylor, ’55, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, passed away in October of 2000. Peggy‚ and her husband, Herb, were married in 1952, and resided in Duluth and Worcester, Massachusetts before moving to Cape Girardeau. Peggy was a volunteer for Women of Domestic Abuse, taught English to adults, and reading to children.

Vida Wold, ’56, died in November. After graduating from the Duluth State Teachers College, Vida taught in many places, including the Willow River school district for 34 years. She enjoyed children, gardening, hunting, and traveling.