Bradley Hilltopics Online

Faculty and Staff

CLARA GILGAN, professor emeritus of dietetics, died on Nov. 30, 2009, in Peoria. She retired from teaching at Bradley in 1989. She held a master’s degree from Purdue. A World War II Army veteran, she also was a registered dietitian. She volunteered at her church’s food pantry. Surviving are her two daughters and three grandsons.

JAMES HANSEN, associate professor emeritus of art, died on Jan. 26 in Peoria. He retired in 2005 after 41 years at Bradley. He taught lecture courses for non-majors, drawing courses, and ceramics. Jim’s ceramics are in collections around the world. He was regional director of the Scholastic Fine Arts program for many years, and judged the national awards in New York in 1977. Jim served two terms as president of both the Peoria Art Guild and the local chapter of AAUP. His wife Angeline, four children including ERIC HANSEN ’86 and ALLAN HANSEN ’99, and 10 grandchildren survive.

INGEBURG MATTHEWS ’69 MA ’72, foreign language instructor, died on Jan. 29 in Peoria. She taught German and French at Bradley for 30 years. Inge tutored Caterpillar employees in French for many years. She was a past president of the Peoria Area World Affairs Council. Her stepson and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive.

JANE REID, home economics instructor in the 1970s and 1980s, died on Dec. 4, 2009, in Peoria. She served as president of Women’s Civic Federation, sang in her church choir, and volunteered at Proctor Hospital. She was the co-author of a holiday cookbook. Her two children survive.

STEVE “ASH” AESCHLEMAN, Bradley baseball public address announcer since 1990, died on Feb. 7 in Peoria. He worked in sports at the Journal Star, and was the PA at Illinois Valley Central (IVC) High School events. His mother survives.

JAMES LAWRENCE, card swiper in residence hall cafeterias, died on Jan. 16. Jimmy worked at Bradley for more than 10 years, and resided in Groveland. His parents survive.

1930s

BETTY SPEERS RADLEY ’32, Sept. 29, 2009, Peoria. Betty worked for the Peoria Public Library from 1932 to 1956. She was a board member of the Methodist Medical Center Service League and a charter member of Lakeview Museum. Betty was active in Entre Nous and was a member of Pi Beta Phi at Bradley. Survivors include two stepchildren, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

ESTHER BECSEY ROWE ’32, Oct. 23, 2009, Belleville. She volunteered at Methodist Medical Center while living in Peoria. Esther enjoyed bridge, decorating, and playing the piano. She was 100. Two daughters survive including JUDITH GREGG BRACKEN ’56.

ROBERT ANNASENZ ’33, Dec. 6, 2009, Marietta, Ohio. He taught industrial arts at Marietta High School for 38 years, and received many honors for his success as track and cross country coach. He was in a number of halls of fame, including Bradley’s. Bob was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran. He was 100. His wife Helen survives.

LYNN GIBBS ’33, Jan. 26, Rantoul. The longtime principal and superintendent of Rantoul High School, a wing was dedicated to him in 1966. As a Bradley track, basketball, and football player, he was inducted into the Bradley Athletics Hall of Fame. Lynn also was in the state hall of fame for basketball coaches. He was treasurer of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) for many years. Surviving are his wife Carol, three children including JANICE GIBBS KEELEY ’66, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

MARY ANNE MEAD WHEELER ’33, March 18, 2009, Phoenix. She was a librarian for the Peoria Public Library for 20 years. Earlier she operated a gift shop in her home. Active in the community and her church, Mary Anne was a member of Pi Beta Phi at Bradley. Two sons and two grandchildren survive.

JEAN CRAVENS BORLAND ’36, Dec. 4, 2009, Peoria. She taught piano at Bradley and sang in several choirs. She enjoyed bridge. Surviving are four children including LYNN BORLAND GUYON ’65, 10 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

SIDNEY DAVIDSON ’37, Dec. 27, 2009, Rochester, Minn. He practiced law in Peoria for many years, beginning in 1939. He served as president of B’nai B’rith and his synagogue. A founder of Madison Park Bank in 1964, he served on its board for 26 years. He was a member of the Founders Society at Bradley University, as well as the 1897 Associates. Sidney was a World War II veteran. Three grandchildren survive.

EMILY JACK ’38, Sept. 29, 2009, Washington, D.C. She served in the U.N. Relief and Rehabilitation administration in Germany during World War II. Emily received a Career Intelligence Medal in 1980 for her work at the CIA where she analyzed Soviet energy resources.

VELMA CARDINAL ’39, Oct. 7, 2009, Peoria. She proofed tax returns for Ginoli and Co., retiring in 1986. Velma was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.

DONALD GOODYEAR ’39, Nov. 8, 2009, Peoria. He was an accountant for WABCO for 41 years, retiring in 1980.

DAVID HARSCH ’39, April 28, 2009, Tucson, Ariz. He worked in sales and marketing for IBM for 30 years in Peoria, Quincy, and Chicago. A World War II Navy veteran, he enjoyed boating and was commodore at the Bradenton Yacht Club in Florida. He was a longtime hospital volunteer. Three children, six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren survive. His wife Beth died in December. (see below)

1940s

BETH MERRILL HARSCH ’40, Dec. 10, 2009, Tucson, Ariz. A member of Pi Beta Phi and P.E.O., Beth had been an active member of churches in Wheaton and Bradenton, Fla. She enjoyed bridge and boating in Florida. Surviving are three children, six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Her husband David preceded her in death last April.

ANNA LAWLER COOPER ’42, Jan. 25, Peoria. She was office manager for Dr. C.V. Ward before working for a law firm for 20 years. Previously she taught at St. Philomena’s Catholic School. Anna was an active volunteer. Two children, three grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren survive.

EVERETT GALLUP ’42, Dec. 11, 2009, O’Fallon, Mo.

JEANNE DARLING INGERSOLL ’43, Oct. 19, 2009, Batesville, Ind. She worked at Caterpillar for 18 years and then worked for Western Electric in Chicago for 20 years. Jeanne and her husband DONALD INGERSOLL ’48 operated hardware stores in LaGrange and Peoria for many years. He survives, along with their daughter, two grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.

CLARA RENCH McCRAITH ’43 MA ’63, Oct. 23, 2009, Peoria. A home economics teacher, she was dean of girls at Limestone High School and headed the guidance department. She volunteered for more than 25 years as a guidance counselor at Academy of Our Lady, Spalding, and Notre Dame high schools. Clara received many honors, including the Tom Connor Award and the Golden Rule Award. She was a member of Sigma Kappa at Bradley. Two children, five grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren survive.

SUZANNE SPRENGER WHITE ’43, Dec. 3, 2009, Maitland, Fla. She and her late husband moved from Peoria to Florida in 1957. Sue was an active member of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church.

GEORGE RUNKLE ’46, Dec. 24, 2009, Peoria. He worked for his family’s grocery store in Rushville for 20 years and then in sales for Key Equipment. George played basketball at Bradley and was a member of Sigma Phi. He was a World War II Marine Corps veteran. Surviving are his wife JEANNE WAUGH RUNKLE ’44, four children including SUSAN BLASCO ’99, brothers DONALD RUNKLE ’46 and ROBERT RUNKLE ’51, four grandsons, and four great-grandchildren.

DONALD CASE ’47, Jan. 28, East Peoria. He was an adjudicator for the Illinois Department of Employment Security for 20 years. A member of the Bradley Athletics Hall of Fame, Donald was on the football, basketball, and baseball teams. He played with the Cincinnati Reds organization. Donald was a World War II Air Force veteran. Survivors include his wife Kathryn, a son, and two grandsons.

BENJAMIN MEISTER ’48 MA ’70, Jan. 16, Peoria. A science teacher at Washington School in Peoria, he retired in 1983 after a 35-year teaching career. He sang and played guitar in the Pals of the Saddle band for more than 50 years. A World War II Army veteran, he was active in his church. Two sons and two grandchildren survive.

ROBERT D. SCHMIDT ’48, Nov. 14, 2009, Peoria. He was a technician at Uftring auto dealership for 38 years. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church. His wife Beverly, one son, three stepchildren, and several grandchildren survive.

MARY JO EILERS BRENNAN ’49, Oct. 22, 2009, Kansas City, Mo. She taught at Kellar School in Peoria before marrying her husband John. Also surviving are two children, her brother JAMES EILERS ’51, and five grandchildren.

ROBERT DERGES ’49, Nov. 24, 2009, Wright City, Mo. He retired from Boeing in St. Louis as a senior engineer. He was a member of Sigma Nu at Bradley. Five sons and seven grandchildren survive.

JAMES FOLCK ’49, Nov. 2, 2009, Peoria. He retired from Caterpillar in 1983 after 35 years of service. He also managed the Caterpillar Employees Credit Union at that time. A World War II Navy veteran, he sang in the Pekin barbershop chorus that won international contests in 1958, 1963, and 1968. He was a member of Sigma Phi at Bradley. His wife JOANNE STRAWN DIXON-FOLCK ’46, two sons, and three grandchildren survive.

GENE HANCOCK ’49, March 28, 2009, Paxton. He was a civilian technical instructor at Chanute Air Force Base for 30 years, retiring in 1981. Earlier he taught and coached at Lafayette High School. Gene was a World War II veteran. His wife Clarice, three children, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren survive.

ROY HERRUD ’49, April 9, 2009, Langdon, N.D. He owned Herrud Jewelry for 20 years, last working in 2008. Roy was active in the community and in Masonic work. A Marine Corps veteran, he earned a Purple Heart during World War II. His wife Lyla, two children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren survive.

HUGH NORRIS ’49 MA ’51, Nov. 12, 2009, San Antonio, Texas. He retired from the Panama Canal Co. in 1979 after serving as director of executive planning and in various other positions since 1954. Hugh had been executive director of the United Way and was honored by the Boy Scouts in the Canal Zone. He then spent 25 years of his retirement in Alabama. Hugh was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran. Survivors include his son and granddaughter.

WILLIAM O’LAUGHLIN ’49, Sept. 13, 2009, Davison, Mich. William was a World War II Navy veteran. He worked in the retail industry, retiring in 1982. He was an active member of his church. Five daughters, his sister, his brother JAMES O’LAUGHLIN ’50, and four grandchildren survive.

JAMES D. RICHARDSON ’49, Oct. 15, 2009, Peoria. He was CEO of Insulation Dealers & Supply Co. until retiring in 1984 to raise cattle near London Mills. A decorated World War II Army veteran, he was active in Masonic work. James was potentate of Mohammed Shrine in 1982. Two children, a grandson, and a great-grandson survive.

FRED RUMP ’49, Oct. 12, 2009, Peoria. He was president of George H. Rump Construction Co. until retiring in 1986. A World War II Air Force veteran, he was a commercial pilot. Fred was a member of Sigma Phi at Bradley. Survivors include four children, 10 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and his companion Diana Brodeur.

ARTHUR SEIDL ’49, Oct. 26, 2009, Wausau, Wis. He operated Seidl Jewelers for almost 50 years. Art was active in his church and the Knights of Columbus. He was a World War II Army veteran. His wife Connie, six children, 13 grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter survive.

1950s

E. DUANE BITNER ’50, Nov. 23, 2009, Farmington. He was a chemist at the USDA Research Laboratory in Peoria for 35 years. A World War II Navy veteran, Duane was a licensed pilot. His wife Emily, three children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren survive.

CLYDE “DICK” DUNCAN ’50, Oct. 14, 2009, Marysville, Wash. He was a veteran, and previously lived in Avon, Ill.

PHILLIP DUNN ’50, Aug. 27, 2009, Macomb. Phillip worked as a design engineer for Cooper Industry, retiring in 1988. He was a World War II and Korean War veteran, and was awarded a Bronze Star. Three children, three grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren survive. His wife Shirley preceded him in death in May.

MYRA DIETRICH HOLMSTROM ’50, Dec. 27, 2009, Farmington. She was a homemaker. Myra and her husband Kenneth were active in the Spoon River Scenic Drive. He survives, along with three children, five grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.

RICHARD MOEN ’50, Jan. 1, La Crosse, Wis. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School, he practiced law at Moen Sheehan Meyer Ltd., retiring in 1992. Dick sang with the La Crosse Coulee Chordsmen for 25 years and was the barbershop group’s director for 11 years. He was a World War II Navy veteran. Surviving are his wife Lottie, two children including MICHAEL MOEN ’73, and four grandchildren.

PAUL ROMAN ’50, Nov. 24, 2009, West Des Moines, Iowa. He was executive vice president in market research for the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, retiring in 1988. Paul was a World War II Navy veteran. His wife Audrey, daughter ELLEN ROMAN KRAMER ’83, and two grandchildren survive.

ROBERT WINN ’50, Nov. 8, 2009, Peoria. He was an electrician at Komatsu for 43 years, retiring in 1996. A World War II Navy veteran, he was an avid runner with the Illinois Valley Striders. Survivors include his wife VICKI ABRAHAM WINN ’71 MS ’73, four children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

BILL DIGGS ’51, Oct. 18, 2009, Morton. He worked for 43 years at Hicks Oil and Freedom Oil, retiring in 1993. Bill enjoyed square dancing. His wife Frances, two children, and two grandchildren survive.

ELEANOR JOLLY TUTTLE ’51, Nov. 14, 2009, Peoria. She worked in the technical information division and later the benefits department at Caterpillar, retiring in 1996. Elly was a member of Chi Omega at Bradley. Four children, 13 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren survive.

JAMES P. KELLY ’52, Dec. 5, 2009, Peoria. He retired from Midwest Sales and Midwest Grain Products. A member of the Bradley Athletics Hall of Fame, he played on the University’s championship basketball team. His wife Patricia, two children, several grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter survive.

GEORGE “BILL” MUSE, MA ’52, Dec. 2, 2009, Monroe, La. He retired as regional director of vocational-technical schools. Bill was an avid golfer and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and the Knights of Columbus. He was active in his church. Bill was a World War II Army veteran. Three children, five grandchildren, and a great-grandchild survive.

LETITIA “TISH” SMITH ROBERTS ’53, Dec. 4, 2009, Peoria. She worked as a nurse in her late husband’s surgical practice for many years. An active volunteer, she enjoyed needlework. Four children survive including SUZANNE ROBERTS AUSTIN ’81, 12 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

DONNA ZIEGLER UNRUH ’53, Nov. 22, 2009, Peoria. An active volunteer, Donna was involved in numerous fundraising drives. She competed in horse shows with her daughter, and modeled in local fashion shows. Surviving are her husband PAUL UNRUH ’50, three children including BRYCE UNRUH ’80 and BRENDA UNRUH GRAVES ’94, and five grandchildren.

ALBERT BRUNS ’54, Nov. 4, 2009, Peoria. He worked for Klaus Radio for 35 years and later for Forts Auto Mall and Lakeview Museum. An Army veteran, he was a member of Knights of Columbus and Sigma Chi. Five children, six grandchildren, and his companion Kathy Ireland survive.

JAMES McFARLIN ’54, Dec. 8, 2009, Havana. He retired from teaching at Balyki High School in Bath.

WAYNE OBERLANDER ’54, Sept. 21, 2009, Peoria. Wayne was owner and president of Oberlander Electric Co., Oberlander Protection Alarms, and Oberlander Communications and Security Services Inc. He was a founding member of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, the Peoria Ski Club, and Christian Charities Foundation. His wife Joyce, four children including DOUG OBERLANDER ’72, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive.

PATRICIA DEMLING BARR ’55, Dec. 9, 2009, Bloomington. She was the assistant director of housing at Illinois State University where she worked for 34 years. Patricia held an MBA from Illinois State and was inducted into its gallery of distinguished women in 1998. She was a member of the DAR. Her three children survive, along with 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

JAMES SEIBERT ’55, Nov. 10, 2009, Lincoln. He retired from Morton Metalcraft as vice president of sales and marketing. His wife Annette, three children, and eight grandchildren survive.

LLOYD STUBER ’55, Dec. 31, 2009, Morton. He owned a retail furniture store for many years. Lloyd was a Korean War Army veteran. His wife Hannah survives, along with three children including JULIANA STUBER HONEGGER ’81, five grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

ALFRED “BUD” FOSS ’56, Oct. 28, 2009, Hot Springs, Ark. He owned and operated A.M. Foss Jewelers in Minot, N.D., for many years. Bud was an Army veteran. His wife Vi, six children, 11 grandchildren, and a great-grandchild survive.

RONALD LUNDGREN ’56, Sept. 10, 2009, Peoria. Ron held a doctorate in education from Columbia Pacific University. An Army veteran, he worked as a teacher, an industrial psychologist, and a sales rep. He was a pitcher on Bradley’s baseball team that placed third in the NCAA. Ron was inducted into halls of fame in Peoria and at Bradley. Survivors include his brother ROGER LUNDGREN ’61.

JOHN MONKE ’56, Nov. 10, 2009, Bloomington. He worked for Alexander Lumber for 43 years, retiring in 1999 as a district manager. John was an Army veteran. His wife Jan, three daughters, and five grandsons survive.

MICHAEL R. CARLSON ’58, Dec. 21, 2009, Arlington, Texas. He served in the Air Force for more than 24 years, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. Mike served four tours of duty in Vietnam, earning many awards, including a Bronze Star. In 1983 he became a real estate agent and broker. Survivors include his wife Sharon, four children, and 10 grandchildren.

C. WENDELL CASSADY, MA ’58, Nov. 16, 2009, East Peoria. He retired in 1972, last teaching at East Peoria High School for 17 years. Previously he taught in Missouri. Two grandsons survive.

JEROME KENNY ’58 MA ’66, Jan. 16, Peoria. He taught elementary school at Blaine-Sumner and White schools for 30 years, retiring in 1988. A Korean War veteran, he was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. His sister and two brothers survive.

ROBERT J. MILLER ’58, Dec. 26, 2009, Peoria. A graduate of the University of Illinois School of Dentistry in Chicago, he practiced dentistry until 1999. He was a Paul Harris Fellow with the Rotary Club of Downtown Peoria. An Army veteran, he was active in his church and sang in several choirs. Surviving are his wife BETTY WOERNER MILLER ’76, four children including MARY ANN MILLER WILLIS ’82, five grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.

ROBERT PEFFER ’58, Oct. 25, 2009, Morton. He retired from Frigidaire Co. in 1996, and later taught marketing at Illinois Central College. He was a member of Theta Xi at Bradley. Surviving are his wife Sheila, five children, 13 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

FRED KOWALSKE ’59, Dec. 3, 2009, Peoria. After 41 years with Ross Advertising, he retired as chairman in 2002. Fred then became executive director of Habitat for Humanity. He served on a number of community boards and was active in his church. In 1992, he was named man of the year by the local Ad Club. Surviving are his wife Sharon, five children including KENT KOWALSKE, MBA ’91, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

LaDONNA ANDERSON WANACK ’59, Nov. 12, 2009, Dunlap. She taught at Timber Hollis High School until 1966. Later she was a special education teacher for SEAPCO for 20 years, retiring in 2002. A member of Sigma Alpha Iota music honorary at Bradley, LaDonna also gave piano lessons. Her husband Norman and one daughter survive.

DELMAR WILSON ’59, Sept. 13, 2009, Morton. A World War II Navy veteran, Delmar retired from Keystone Steel and Wire as an electrician. He was a member of First English Lutheran Church and the American Legion Post in Morton.

1960s

ROBERT ERBE ’60 MEA ’71, Dec. 2, 2009, Peoria. Bob worked for CILCO in various engineering positions. He retired as general manager of the Peoria division, as well as gas operations. He was active in Masonic work. Bob was an Air Force veteran. His wife DOROTHY STOTLER ERBE ’59 survives, along with five children including LAURA ERBE KOWALSKE, MLS ’93, and five grandchildren.

RICHARD FALZONE ’60, Nov. 21, 2009, Rochester. He owned and operated San Jose Harley Davidson in California until 1993. He returned to Illinois in 1998. Rick sang in the Land of Lincoln barbershop chorus and the Saturday Matinee Comedy Quartet. Survivors include his wife Mary, two children, two stepdaughters, and several grandchildren.

KENNETH RUTH, MS ’60, Jan. 15, Pekin. He was principal of Edison Junior High School for 20 years, retiring in 1989, and earlier taught and coached there. He also was president and treasurer of the credit union for school employees in Tazewell County for 22 years. Ken was an active Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow. His wife Carol, two sons including JAMES RUTH, MLS ’02, and two grand-children survive.

KATHLEEN “KIT” SANDERSON BRECKENRIDGE ’61, Oct. 26, 2009, Galena. She was a children’s librarian with the Philadelphia City Institute for many years. She held a master’s degree from the University of Illinois. Kit was a member of Gamma Phi Beta at Bradley.

MICHAEL BABROWSKI ’63, Oct. 13, 2009, Louisville, Ky. He retired from Zoeller Co. as vice president of marketing. Michael was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Surviving are his wife Emily, two children, his mother, and three grandchildren.

THEODORE MUNNS ’63, Jan. 4, St. Petersburg, Fla. He retired in 2008 as dean emeritus of Pikesville College Osteopathic Medical School in Kentucky. Earlier, Ted directed biomedical research at Washington University for 20 years. He and his team were nominated for a Nobel Prize in chemistry for their work in cancer research. Ted held a Ph.D. from St. Louis University. He was a Bradley basketball player. His twin brother THOMAS MUNNS ’64 survives.

ALLEN SANDER ’63, Jan. 6, Huntley. He retired as public works director of Arlington Heights after 31 years. He then worked for Mackie Consultants for seven years. In 1984, he was selected as a Top 10 Public Works Leader in North America. A Navy veteran, Al held a master’s degree from Illinois Institute of Technology. Survivors include his wife Virginia, two daughters, four stepchildren, and 12 grandchildren.

LYNN CHURCH ’64, Dec. 20, 2009, St. Petersburg, Fla. He retired in 2005 as a civil engineer with IDOT, working on projects such as the McClugage Bridge and Interstate 474. Survivors include his sister, brother, and stepdaughter.

RICHARD GRIFFIN ’64 MA ’68, Sept. 29, 2009, Peoria. Richard taught at Norwood and Mapleton elementary schools for many years. He was active in his church and enjoyed politics, travel, racquetball, and music.

DONALD MARKLEY ’64 MSEE ’66, Oct. 22, 2009, Peoria. He began teaching in Bradley’s electrical engineering department in 1964, and went on to operate a consulting firm for radio and TV for 40 years. Don was a Navy veteran. His wife Phyllis, daughters ANGELA MARKLEY PETERSON ’91 and MELISSA MARKLEY, MBA ’00, and a granddaughter survive.

WILLIAM E. SCHILLING ’64, Jan. 2, The Woodlands, Texas. He worked for International Harvester for 18 years and Tenneco for 16 years, retiring in 1998. Bill enjoyed tennis and volunteer work. He served on the local board of Habitat for Humanity. Survivors include his wife Judy, three children, and several grandchildren.

GENE RHODES, MEA ’66, Nov. 27, 2009, Peoria. He retired from Caterpillar as an engineer in 1985. Gene then worked as a senior tax preparer at H&R Block. He was a World War II and Korean War Navy veteran. Survivors include his son, his brother JACK RHODES, MBA ’60, and his companion Flo Charest.

GLENN WEINSTEIN, MA ’67, Dec. 11, 2009, Fiatt. He was an educator in public and Christian schools, where he also coached baseball and basketball. His wife Donna, three children, and his mother survive.

DENNIS SIMAC ’68 MA ’71, Oct. 31, 2009, Canton. Dennis was an Army veteran. His father survives.

NANCY JONES KEISER ’69, Sept. 28, 2009, Marne, Mich. She and her husband Paul operated a certified organic farm. They shared their knowledge of organic farming and the environment across the nation. Nancy was an adjunct professor at Grand Rapids Community College and Baker College. She held a master’s degree from Temple University. Her husband survives.

1970s

JACK SERAMUR ’70, Oct. 8, 2009, Palos Park. He was an artist and the director of an art gallery. An Army veteran, Jack held a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University. His wife Gail, one son, and his mother survive.

RUTH DRAKE, MA ’71, Jan. 1, Lake Zurich. She taught fifth grade for 35 years, including 23 at White School in Peoria. Ruth was a charter member of Lakeview Museum. Survivors include three children, 12 grandchildren, and 19 great-grand-children.

GEORGIA JANICKI, MA ’72, Nov. 8, 2009, Kewanee.

SAMUEL COFFEY ’73, Dec. 9, 2009, Canton. He was an engineer at Komatsu, retiring in 2005 after 30 years. Survivors include his wife SHERRY BABCOCK COFFEY ’97, and children SAMANTHA COFFEY PRESTON ’02 and SHANE COFFEY ’05.

GORDON SEITSINGER, MS ’73, Sept. 28, 2009, Peoria. Gordon worked at Caterpillar, retiring in 1985. He served with the Army Air Corps and enjoyed golf. His wife Delores, two children, and two grandchildren survive.

GREGORY THOMPSON ’78, Dec. 18, 2009, Jacksonville. He worked at the Jacksonville Developmental Center for many years. He was an Army veteran. Surviving are two daughters, his parents, and a granddaughter.

THERESA PESTRAK ’79, Jan. 3, Chicago. She held a master’s degree in public health from Antioch College. Her sister survives.

1980s

JAMES LEE “JT GOODFOOT” THOMAS ’80, Sept. 28, 2009, Peoria. He worked for the Department of Children and Family Services for 29 years. He founded a popular R&B band. James was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha at Bradley. His wife Eunice, four children, his mother, and many grandchildren survive.

CHRISTOPHER EVERT ’88, Jan. 6, Terre Haute, Ind.

BRIAN SOLLENBERGER ’89, Oct. 31, 2009, Mukilteo, Wash. Brian worked at Boeing for more than 20 years. He founded the Diamond Knot Brewery in 1994, which he co-owned. Brian was active in the local Boys & Girls Club. Survivors include his wife ANN ROGERS SOLLENBERGER ’84, three sons, his parents, and stepparents.

1990s

KIMBERLY PEQUETTE ’99, Nov. 10, 2009, Peoria. Kim was an active member of Richwoods Christian Church and its children’s ministry. Her husband Troy, three sons, and her parents survive.

2000s

SARAH McDOWELL LAMPE ’03, Nov. 18, 2009, Tremont. She was a case coordinator at the Community Workshop Training Center in Peoria. Sarah also worked at the Tazwood Mental Health Center. She held a master’s degree from Illinois State University. Surviving are her mother, brother, and sister.

CURTIS BYARS ’07, Jan. 27, Pekin. Curtis was a member of Bradley’s speech team. He was a speech coach and taught communications at the University of Alabama, where he earned a master’s degree in forensic communication. He was an Eagle Scout. His parents, stepparents, sister, two stepsisters, and stepbrother survive.

Student

NICOLE CLARK ’10, Dec. 12, 2009, Tremont. She was majoring in elementary education. An accomplished seamstress, Nicki had worked at several day care centers. In 1996 she was crowned Miss Tremont. Survivors include her parents, stepparents, and sister.

“In Memory” Guidelines: In Memory is written from newspaper clippings, as well as published obituaries supplied by friends and family. Bradley Hilltopics attempts to identify spouses, parents, children, and siblings who are also Bradley alumni. Submit an obituary by mailing a newspaper clipping or memory card from the funeral home to Bradley Hilltopics, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL 61625.