Bradley Hilltopics Online

Spring 2005

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1920s

Hazel Wolf ’29, October 7, 2004, Peoria. She taught history at Manual High School for 25 years and at Illinois Central College for 15 years. Hazel held a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin. She wrote several history books. She was a member of the Peoria Public Library Board from 1951 to 1972, serving as president for 12 years. Hazel also served as president of the Bradley University Alumni Association.

1930s

Gordon “Bus” Meyer ’31, November 30, 2004, Louisville, Kentucky. He retired from Caterpillar Inc. in 1963 after 32 years. Bus was a four-year starter on the basketball and baseball teams at Bradley. He is survived by one son and two grandchildren.

Helen Moser ’31, October 20, 2004, Metamora. She taught high school home economics, and was supervisor of defense training for the state of Illinois. Later, Helen spent 27 years as a food technologist for the Northern Regional Research Laboratory. She held several patents and was a published writer. She was an active volunteer in Peoria.

Andrew Hoeflin ’32, November 27, 2004, Peoria. He taught at Woodruff High School for 34 years and was chairman of the social studies department for 25 years. He held a master’s degree from the University of Illinois. Andrew was a World War II Army Air
Forces veteran.

Jo Wolf Jameson ’37 MA ’55, December 19, 2004, Peoria. She was a librarian in Peoria public schools from 1950 to 1974. Jo was a volunteer at Wildlife Prairie State Park for 20 years. She was honored by the Universalist Unitarian Women’s Federation in 1990. Survivors include five sons, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Irving Miller ’39, November 29, 2004, Peoria. After 70 years at A. Miller & Co., and Allied Iron and Steel, he retired as president in 1999. He was a first lieutenant while serving in the Army Air Forces during World War II. His wife Gloria, three children, and two grandsons survive.

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1940s

Herbert Young ’41, September 27, 2004, Pensacola, Florida. After serving in the Navy for 21 years as an aviator, he taught industrial arts at Escambia High School for 15 years. Survivors include his wife Louise, two sons, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Lloyd Fort ’42, September 30, 2004, Morton. He owned Fort Accounting Service and had also worked for Allis Chalmers and the Internal Revenue Service. He was a past master of the Morton Masonic Lodge and a 60-year member of the Morton Optimist Club. As a Bradley University student, he was a baseball pitcher. Survivors include his wife JoAnn, two children, two stepchildren, and four step-grandchildren.

Harry Feltenstein ’43, January 2, Peoria. He began working for Central Illinois Light Co. in 1941 and retired as chairman of the board in 1985. Harry was instrumental in downtown development and the construction of the Peoria Civic Center. He had been a member of the Bradley University Board of Trustees, and president of the Chiefs Club and the Bradley Alumni Association. Harry served on the boards of several financial institutions and was chairman of the board of Proctor Hospital. He was a World War II Army Air Forces veteran. Survivors include his wife Mary Ann, three children, and four grandchildren.

Alice Gess White ’45, November 14, 2004, Oregon City, Oregon. She was an elementary school teacher in Clackamas County schools. Survivors include three children, a foster
son, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Gale Ekstrand ’46, November 16, 2004, East Peoria. A chemical engineer at Caterpillar Inc. for 40 years, he received special recognition from Cat in 1979 for leading the removal of lead from paint. He retired in 1985. Gale had played locally in the Carrie Ganis Band. He was a World War II Army veteran. He is survived by his wife Helen, four children, and two granddaughters.

Charles Loeffel ’46, October 31, 2004, Peoria. He was a foreman at Keystone Steel & Wire Co. for 35 years, retiring in 1977. He was a member of the Limestone School Board. He was a World War II Army Air Forces veteran. Survivors include his wife Mary, two daughters, and three grandchildren.

Jean Chiles Slane ’47, October 15, 2004, Peoria. She had been active in the Junior League and as a volunteer at Methodist Hospital. Jean is survived by four children and six grandchildren. She had been
married to the late Henry P. Slane, for whom the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts
is named.

Michael Smarz ’47, September 25, 2004, Vero Beach, Florida. He retired as a Navy officer, having worked in intelligence during World War II. Survivors include his wife Lena, three stepdaughters, and six grandchildren.

James Hawk ’48, October 13, 2004, Peoria. He served in the Army from 1941 to 1975, retiring as a colonel. He also served in the National Guard, retiring as a brigadier general in 1981. He was chairman of the board of The Hawk Agency, an insurance firm. James had served as president of the Cosmopolitan Club. Survivors include his wife Miriam Scharp Hawk ’43, two daughters, and four grandchildren.

Joanna Wiemer Campen ’49, September 23, 2004, Lansdowne, Virginia. She was a dealer in antique botanical and bird prints. She was director of women’s programs at a Peoria radio station in the late ’40s. Survivors include her husband Alan, one son, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Robert Case ’49, September 28, 2004, Mesa, Arizona. He worked in sales for Keystone Consolidated Industries for 32 years. He was a World War II Army veteran. Survivors include his wife Genevieve, four children, two grandsons, and two great-grandsons.

Russell Neuroth ’49, November 28, 2004, Beloit, Wisconsin. An engineer for Eclipse, he retired in 1988. He was active in Masonic work. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Two daughters and two grandchildren survive.

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1950s

Joseph Blanco ’50, November 12, 2004, Quincy. He was a salesman and a meat broker. He was a World War II Army veteran. Survivors include three daughters, four grandchildren, and Katie Juliano.

Ross Canty ’50, September 28, 2004, Wenona. He practiced law for many years. He served in the Navy during World War II. Surviving are his wife JoAnn, five children, 16 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Phylis Densberger McCallum ’50, November 28, 2004, East Peoria. She was a reading specialist in the East Peoria schools. Phylis retired in 1983 after teaching for 25 years. She held a master’s degree from Western Illinois University. Survivors include her husband Robert McCallum ’50, two children, and one granddaughter.

Richard Plunkett ’50, November 19, 2004, Pekin. He was an auditor for Caterpillar Inc. for 31 years, retiring in 1982. Dick was a prisoner of war for four months while serving in the Army during World War II, and had received the Bronze Star. Survivors include his wife Jo, six children, and eight grandchildren.
Robert Piper ’50, November 7, 2004, Naperville. He was employed by Prudential Insurance Co. in Peoria, retiring after 37 years. He was a certified financial consultant. He was a World War II Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife Marjorie, four children, seven grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.

Marilyn Hayes ’51, October 19, 2004, Chicago. She had worked as a secretary for a Chicago publishing company. Marilyn was a member of Chi Omega. She had also attended Moody Bible Institute.

James L. Olson ’51, January 1, Morton. He worked for Caterpillar Inc. for 31 years, retiring in 1982 as a pricing accountant. He was an American Red Cross volunteer for eight years. He was a World War II Army Air Forces veteran. He was a member of Theta Chi. His wife Doris survives.

Vernon Johnsen MS ’51, October 21, 2004, Charlotte, North Carolina. He was a research chemist for INOLEX Inc. for 32 years, retiring in 1984. Survivors include his wife Patricia, four children, 10 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Donald DeLong ’52, November 17, 2004, Indianapolis, Indiana. He worked as a
molecular biologist, specializing in virology, for Eli Lilly & Company for 24 years. He retired in 1986. Don held a master’s degree and doctoral degree from Purdue University. He was a ranked senior tennis player in Indiana. Survivors include his wife Carlene, three children, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

John Boley MS ’53, November 15, 2004, Deerfield. He founded the building trades program at Glenbrook North High School and then ran the industrial arts program at Glenbrook South. John was a World War II Navy veteran. He is survived by three children and two grandchildren.

Paul Hoppe ’53, October 5, 2004, Peoria. He owned Hoppe Co. for 50 years, retiring in 2002. Survivors include his son and grandson.

Dale Knuppel ’53, October 9, 2004, Mackinaw. He and his brother owned Knuppel Brothers Construction for more than 40 years. Dale was a charter member and past president of both the Mackinaw Lions Club and the Illinois Land and Improvement Contractors of America. He was active in Masonic work, and had served on the Mackinaw school board. He was a World War II Air Force veteran. He is survived by his wife Shirley, four children, three stepsons, and several grandchildren.

Eugene Booth ’54, September 2, 2004, Westminster, California. He published nonfiction books through his company, Boothmark Publishing. He had been editor of Road and Track magazine, and also wrote for other automotive and aviation magazines. Earlier, he was a photographer for the Journal Star. He served in the Army during the Korean War and later joined the Air National Guard. Survivors include his wife Dagny, three children, and two grandchildren.

William Hoerr ’56, November 29, 2004, Morton. He retired in 1999 from management at Komatsu, where he had worked for 42 years. Bill was active in 4-H, and had been board president of the Tazewell County Veterans Memorial Fair Association. He was an Air National Guard veteran. Survivors include his wife Ruth, three children, one grandson, and his mother.

Margaret Oberle Bernath ’57 MA ’66, December 1, 2004, Green Valley. Marg retired from teaching in 1991. She was a counselor and physical education teacher at Manual High School. She was also a counselor and English teacher at Harrison School. Survivors include her husband Glen, two stepsons, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Terry Jadd ’58, July 31, 2004, Peoria. He worked in sales and as branch manager of Wilkins Pipe & Supply. Earlier, he worked for Am/Fac Corp. in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Terry served in the Navy Reserves from 1954 to 1962. He served on the school board of Monroe School. At Bradley he was a member of Delta Upsilon. He is survived by his wife Valerie, two children, and one
granddaughter.

Donna Marihart MA ’58, November 23, 2004, White Springs, Florida. She was a well- known sculptor, and headed the art department at Marycrest College. She held a second
master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. She was co-owner of Ivy Ridge Studio.

Richard T. Martin ’58, October 29, 2004, Peoria. He was a copy editor at the Journal Star for 30 years, retiring in 1991. Earlier, he worked as a sports editor for the Springfield Register. He was a World War II Army veteran and served in Korea. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. Dick is survived by his wife Donna Potter Martin ’52 and one son.

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1960s

Edward Weber ’64, October 29, 2004, Debary, Florida. He had worked for Chevron-Texaco Oil Co. for 35 years. His wife Carole, two daughters, and four grandchildren survive.

Patrick Barker ’65, December 11, 2004, Waukegan. He taught physical education at Highland Park High School for almost 30 years, retiring in 1994. He coached golf, baseball, and basketball. He held a master’s degree from Western Illinois University. Later he worked for a landscape firm specializing in roses. His wife Julie, two children, and his mother survive.

Paul Lea III ’65, September 20, 2004, Knox, Indiana. He was a teacher at the LaPorte County Juvenile Services Center. He held two patents and had co-founded Alcon Inc. in 1982. Earlier, he worked for U.S. Steel Corp. and Alcoa. Paul held master’s degrees from Governors State University and Cabrini College. Paul had served in the Marine Corps Reserve. Survivors include his wife Geri, two children, three grandchildren, and his father.

Robert P. “Sonny” Smith ’65, November 28, 2004, Edwards. He had owned and operated Robert P. Smith & Associates since 1987. Earlier, he had been a teacher in East Peoria, and a sales manager for Prudential Insurance. At Bradley, he was captain of the tennis team. Sonny had run in 57 marathons. Survivors include his wife Fran, one daughter, and four grandchildren.

Morris Swanson MSME ’65, October 1, 2004, Washington. He was a research engineer for Caterpillar Inc. in Mossville and Peoria for more than 40 years, retiring in 1999. He was a licensed private pilot for 27 years, and was a member of the Bradley Flying Club. Survivors include two children and five grandsons.

Nick Thomas ’65, November 18, 2004, Peoria. He had been an environmental engineer for the state of Illinois. Earlier, he was a sales representative for Caterpillar Inc. Nick held a degree in mechanical aerospace engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He served on a board to help recruit minority engineers. He was a Vietnam War Army veteran. Nick was a member of the Bradley University Hall of Fame for track and field. Survivors include his wife Essie, three children, and two grandchildren.

Clifford White ’65, December 2, 2004, Prescott, Ontario. Cliff was a wood shop teacher, retiring in 1983. An accomplished cabinetmaker, he and his wife Janet then operated The Walnut House antique shop for 13 years. She survives, along with four sons and seven grandchildren.

Jim James ’67, November 26, 2004, Rockford. He worked at Rockford Products for more than 30 years. Jim was an alderman in Rockford from 1975 to 1983. He served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He is survived by his father.

Carolyn “Muffy” Hudson Steele ’68 MA ’73, November 25, 2004, East Peoria. She
was a teacher for East Peoria School District 86 for 33 years. She had received several education awards. Carolyn initiated competitive basketball for girls in her district. She had worked for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. She is survived by her husband Jim Steele ’75.

Helen Swenson ’68, November 29, 2004, Canton. She was a teacher in Canton for 21 years, retiring in 1990. Helen was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She is survived by four children, three grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

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1970s

Melba Schleich ’71, November 19, 2004, Fairview. She was an elementary school teacher, retiring in 1989. Melba was an active volunteer. She is survived by her husband Junior, and her son and grandchild.

Mark Tiemann ’77, November 29, 2004, Normal. He had worked for Mid-Illinois Business Systems for 15 years. He was an antique collector, specializing in Civil War glass bottles. At Bradley, he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. Survivors include six children, two grandchildren, and his parents.

Michael Moncelle MEA ’78, November 24, 2004, Bloomington. He had joined Caterpillar Inc. in 1973 and was technical manager at its Mossville plant. He served in the Illinois National Guard from 1971 to 1977. Survivors include his wife Patricia and his parents.

1980s

Rodney Koppenhoefer ’87, November 5, 2004, Rock Island. He was employed by the Center for Digestive Health in Bettendorf, Iowa. He had been the director of facilities for BroMenn Regional Medical Center in Bloomington. He had also worked in Portland, Oregon, as a clinical biomedical engineer. He held an MBA from Clarke College. Rodney was a musician and helped establish a praise band in Bloomington. His wife Laura, two daughters, and his mother survive.

2000s

Zachary Elger ’04, December 30, 2004, Metamora. He was a project manager for Williams Brothers Construction Company. At Bradley, he had served as vice president of Phi Epsilon, the honors society of engineers. Survivors include his parents, brother, and fiancée.

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