Fall 2005 • Volume 11, Issue 4
1920s
Esther Earnheart Henry ’26, April 12, Peoria. She was a former state president and international secretary of the Order of the King’s Daughters. Esther had also served as president of the Peoria Women’s Club. At Bradley she was a member of Sigma Kappa. Survivors include two daughters, six grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
Virgil Lowman ’28, June 11, Lincoln. Virgil was 102 years old, and had been a self-employed house painter. Survivors include two children, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
1930s
 Millo Prochazka ’31, March 3, Mount Dora, Florida. He had been a cereal chemist for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Survivors include two sons, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Lois Snyder Keys ’33, May 17, Metamora. At Bradley she was a member of Lambda Phi. Lois belonged to the Eastern Star for 73 years. She was a charter member of the Metamora Women’s Club. Survivors include her son, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
John McCuskey ’33, June 19, 2004, Denver, Colorado. He taught and coached at Greeley, Manual, and Von Steuben Schools in Peoria for 36 years. He was a 33rd degree Mason and was active in Shrine organizations in Ft. Myers, Florida. Survivors include three children, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Grace Nellinger Moore ’33, April 22, Chillicothe. She had been a teacher in the Camp Grove, Bradford, and Chillicothe areas. Survivors include two children, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Winifred Caldwell Morton ’33, April 27, Defiance, Ohio. She was director of transportation for the Knox County chapter of the American Red Cross for more than 30 years, retiring in 1968. Her son, four grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren survive.
Donald Shawl ’33, June 18, Punta Gorda, Florida. He was retired from the Internal Revenue Service and had lived in St. Louis. His wife Dorothy, two sons, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild survive.
Carolyn Stiers ’33, April 1, East Peoria. She taught music at several East Peoria schools for 40 years, retiring in 1975. She had been an organist at many area churches. Carolyn was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa at Bradley.
Ruth Sommer Clark ’36, April 11, Walnut Creek, California. She had served on the Forest Park Foundation board. She is survived by three children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Verna “Theresa” Gardner Waters ’36, April 17, East Peoria. She retired in 1978 as head librarian of the Lincoln and South Side branches of the Peoria Public Library. She was an active member of First Federated Church and sang in the choir for 21 years. Survivors include two sons, one stepdaughter, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Virginia Duffy ’38, April 23, Peoria. She had been an administrative assistant for Arthur Anderson Accounting in New York
and Chicago.
Thomas McMorrow ’38, June 20, Peoria. He was a pediatrician in private practice. A World War II veteran of the Army Medical Corps, he held the rank of captain. He was a past president of the Sleepy Eye Pottery Association. Survivors include his wife Genevieve, seven children, 19 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
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1940s
James Molnar Sr. ’40, June 25, Chisago City, Minnesota. He was a teacher and coached the Chisago City Indians, retiring in 1976. Jim was elected to the Bradley Hall of Fame in 1954 and the Minnesota Football Hall of Fame in 1980. He and his wife Dorothy operated Jim’s Drive Inn. She survives, along with three children and five grandchildren.
 Herschel Woltzen ’40, March 16, St. Louis, Missouri. He was vice president of Herschel Manufacturing Co. in Peoria and had been president of Ag Parts in St. Louis. He was a World War II Navy veteran and later served in the Naval Reserves, retiring as a commander. Survivors include his wife Sigrid, four children, and eight grandchildren.
Arthur Berkman ’41, February, 2004, Yorba Linda, California. He operated his own insurance agency. Arthur was a founder of the Century City Optimist Club. He had served as president of Temple Emanuel Brotherhood. He was a World War II veteran. At Bradley he was a member of Zeta Beta Tau. Survivors include one daughter, three grandchildren, and his companion Shirley Smith.
Lloyd Bortel ’41, April 10, Ashburn, Virginia. He played basketball as a Bradley student. He was a World War II Army veteran. Two sons and three grandchildren survive.
Margaret Bowman ’41, April 28, Prospect Heights. She was a substitute teacher in the northwest suburbs for many years. Survivors include her husband Clinton Bowman ’38, three children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Dillard Howell Sr. ’41, April 24, Indianapolis, Indiana. He played baseball
at Bradley and for the St. Louis Cardinals farm team. He worked for the FBI for 21 years
before retiring as special agent in charge of the New York City office in 1969. He then worked as corporate security director for Eli Lilly & Co., and as a security consultant. He was an Army veteran. His wife Dorothy, two children, and three granddaughters survive.
Verne Phillips ’41, March 26, Peoria. He was the director of Junior Achievement. He joined Direct Mail & Associates in 1952, which he and his wife operated until 1999. He and his twin brother, Harold Phillips ’41, were members of the ‘40s dance band, Cartwright’s Orchestra. Verne was a Naval officer. He is also survived by his wife Christine.
Paul Vanderwulp ’42, June 13, Green Valley. He was a teacher in Peoria District 150 for 38 years and also worked in the hardware department at Sears for 20 years. Paul was
a World War II Army Air Forces veteran. He was an active member of the Green Valley
Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir. Survivors include his wife Elaine, four children, and six grandchildren.
Frances Jones Voss ’42, April 13, Peoria. She had been a private secretary for the Veteran’s Administration. At Bradley she was a member of Delta Kappa. Survivors include her husband Robert, one daughter, and two grandchildren.
Mechtildes Crowley Martinez ’44, April 17, Aurora, Colorado. A registered nurse, she retired from Rocky Mountain Hospital in Denver in 1982. She served in the Army Nurse Corps during World War II and attained the rank of captain. She is survived by two children.
Burton Bolton ’45, May 13, Trivoli. He was a farmer and a salesman of bakery goods. Survivors include three children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Venetia Heerman Neerman ’45, February 28, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. She taught music and fourth grade for many years, retiring in 1986. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Four daughters and eight grandchildren survive.
Carolyn Reid Sisney ’45, November 28, 2004, Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was a music teacher, and had owned and operated four music stores in Illinois. She held a master’s degree from Northwestern University.
Paul Langlois ’46, January 26, Champaign. He operated Langlois Real Estate and built custom homes until retiring in 1982. He was president of the Champaign Board of Realtors in 1964. At Bradley he was a member of Beta Phi Theta. Paul was a World War II veteran. His wife Kathryne, six children, 13 grandchildren, and a great-grandson survive.
Andrew Baldoni ’47, June 15, 2004, Crystal Lake. He was retired from Morton International where he had been vice president of research. He held a doctoral degree in
organic chemistry from the University of Notre Dame. He was a World War II Army veteran. His wife Marjorie and two sons survive.
William Burk ’47, March 6, Largo, Florida. He was an executive vice president with Jim Walter Corp., retiring in 1989. He was a World War II and Korean War Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife Emilie Pasquay Burk ’49, two children, and two grandsons.
Richard Dryden Sr. ’48, June 21, Lowell, Arkansas. He retired in management from the engine division of Caterpillar Inc. in 1984. He then owned and operated a gift shop in Eureka Springs. Dick was a World War II Army Air Forces veteran, and was a member of the AMVETS Drum & Bugle Corps. He is survived by his wife Mary, four children, and seven grandchildren.
Arne Somppi ’48, May 17, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He was an industrial arts teacher in Akron for 29 years, retiring in 1974. He then worked at NEFCO and the Summit County sheriff’s department. He held a master’s degree from Kent State University. Arne was active in local Democratic politics and was a deacon at the United Presbyterian Church. He was a World War II Army veteran. Survivors include his wife Altheda, three children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
George “Ray” Brasmer ’49 MS ’50, December 27, 2004, Moline. He was a coordinator of vocational and industrial arts at Moline High School. An Army veteran, George had received a Bronze Star. His wife Ruth, three children, and two grandchildren survive.
William Callaway ’49, May 16, Pekin. He was co-owner and vice president of Illini Welding Supplies for more than 25 years. He was a World War II Army veteran. His wife Nelda, three children, and several grandchildren survive.
Eugene Gold ’49, March 29, Seattle, Washington. Gene was retired from Boeing Co. Survivors include his wife Ellen, three daughters, a step-granddaughter, and three step-great-grandchildren.
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1950s
J. Edwin Ahlquist ’50 MS ’66, May 7, Jacksonville. He taught math and electronics for 27 years, retiring in 1982. He received a teacher of the year award in 2000. He was a World War II Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife Elizabeth, four children, and nine grandchildren.
Byron Donze ’50, May 4, Washington. He owned Pepe Taco in Peoria for 25 years. Byron was also a broker for Massachusetts Mutual for several years. He had been a member of Lambda Chi Alpha at Bradley and was a Korean War Army veteran. He was active in Masonic work. Survivors include four children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Leonard Ellis ’50, June 28, Washington. After 31 years at Caterpillar Inc, he retired in 1980 as an inspector in quality control at Mossville. He was a World War II Navy veteran. At Bradley he was a football player. He is survived by his wife Mable, two sons, three stepchildren, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Elton Heubach ’50, June 18, Carmel, Indiana. He worked at Farmers Insurance Agency in Morton and then at CGR Medical Co. in Peoria until retiring in 1989. He was a World War II Navy veteran. A ham radio operator since the age of 13, he held an expert certification. Survivors include his wife Marian, three daughters, and six grandchildren.
Donna Schulthes Lowry Koch ’50, April 7, Laguna Woods, California. She served as executive director of several councils of the Girl Scouts of America. Donna held a degree from the University of Illinois. She is survived by her husband Thomas, three children, one stepson, and several grandchildren.
Byron Niles ’50, June 10, Peoria. He was an engineer at Caterpillar Inc. for more than 30 years, retiring in 1991. Among his survivors are two daughters, two stepchildren, his mother, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Norman Phillips ’50, March 28, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He was decorated for his service in the Air Force during World War II and was a POW. His wife Judith, three children, two stepsons, and three grandchildren survive.
Kathryn Muller Poff-White ’50, April 15, East Peoria. She was a teacher in Peoria School District 150 for 29 years. She is
survived by two stepsons.
Richard Roth ’50, April 14, Washington. He owned and managed Marquette Equipment Co. until 2003. He was a charter member of the Bradley Flying Club. Survivors include two children and one grandson.
Clarence Schwindenhammer ’50, May 4, Pekin. He was a certified public accountant for more than 50 years, and also was a farmer for 20 years. He was a World War II Navy veteran. Survivors include nine children, 27 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Two children and one granddaughter are Bradley alumni.
Ralph Spring ’50, April 11, Peoria. An employee of Caterpillar Inc. for 39 years, he retired in 1991 as a merchandising consultant. He had been a flight instructor for Byerly Aviation for several years. Ralph was a World War II Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife Betty, two children, two stepchildren, several grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.
Dean Walk ’50, March 8, Germantown Hills. He worked for Sears for 36 years, retiring in 1986 as manager of commercial accounts. Dean was an Army veteran. His wife Rosemary survives.
Gerald Cluskey Sr. ’51, May 15, Brimfield. He farmed in the area until retiring in 1987. He had served on the Brimfield School Board, and as the Jubilee Township clerk and auditor. Survivors include his wife Shirley, four sons, and eight grandchildren.
Jean Fenning Sayer ’51, May 19, Los Angeles, California. She was an active volunteer and had served on the board of the UCLA Medical Center Auxiliary. Jean is survived by her husband Floyd and their two children.
Gilbert Spietz ’51, May 25, Peoria. He worked for Caterpillar Inc. for 39 years, retiring in 1990. From 1975 to 1980 he was service training manager in Singapore. He served as president of the Illinois Art League in 1964. A World War II Navy veteran, he later served in the Army during the Korean War. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Survivors include his wife Donna, three children, and eight grandchildren.
Donald Radke ’52, April 16, Northbrook. At Bradley he was a member of Theta Xi. His wife Rosemarie and two children survive.
Charles Schroeder ’52, March, 2004, Cary. He is survived by his wife Marion, five children, and seven grandchildren.
Joan Rahn Asbell ’54, March 4, Pekin. She worked in graphic communications for Caterpillar Inc. for 20 years until 1994. Jody also taught music at schools in Pekin and Tremont, and gave private lessons. At Bradley she was a member of Pi Beta Phi. Four children and seven grandchildren survive.
John Mihok ’54, April 29, Naples, Florida. He had operated a real estate business. John was an Army veteran. Survivors include his wife Valerie, three children, 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Ronald Maves ’55, May 16, Hartford City, Indiana. He was a senior process engineer at 3M Co., retiring in 1993 after 32 years. Ron was an active member of First Christian Church. He was active in Republican politics. He was an Air Force veteran. At Bradley he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. His wife Pat, two sons, four stepsons, 16 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren survive.
Jeanette Ray-Goins ’55, April 29, Jacksonville, Florida. She worked in school administration for 30 years, including 20 years for the Colorado Department of Education. Jeanette held a master’s degree from St. Louis University. Two daughters and three grandchildren survive.
Kenneth Greene ’56 MA ’64, May 24, San Diego, California. He established the La Jolla Clinic where he practiced clinical psychology for more than 30 years. After retiring he volunteered at San Diego American Indian Health Center. He held a master’s degree from San Diego State University and a doctoral degree from Ohio University. He was a Bradley basketball player until being stricken with polio his senior year. Survivors include his wife Patricia, two daughters, his mother, and twin grandchildren.
Richard Cederoth ’58, May 14, Oswego. Bud worked for Alexander Lumber for 37 years, retiring in 1995. He was a member of the planning commission and the zoning board in Oswego. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War. Survivors include his wife Patricia, seven children, and 17 grandchildren.
Elaine Giasafakis Isaac ’58, May 14, Chicago. Elaine retired as a staff manager from Ameritech. Surviving are her husband Raymond, one son, and her mother.
Donald Schuh ’59, February 15, Wilmette. He operated Trains & Tracks Distributors in Skokie for more than 30 years, supplying hobby stores with model train sets and accessories. He served in the Army during the Korean War. Three children, two grandchildren, and his companion Janet Allen survive.
Gregory Voros ’59, May 21, Suwanee, Georgia. He worked in management for IBM, Exxon Office Systems, and was president and CEO of Fujitsu Imaging Systems of America. Greg was a Marine Corps veteran. Survivors include his wife Nancy Slagell Voros ’64, two children, and a grandson.
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1960s
Roger Beeler ’60, March 14, Rock Island. He was an accountant for the U.S. Army
Armament Command at the Rock Island Arsenal for 21 years, retiring in 1986.
Dale Holloway MA ’61, September 9, 2003, Monticello. He had been a principal and director of guidance at Lake Forest High School, and was a teacher and counselor at Richwoods High School in Peoria. Dale was an Army veteran. Survivors include his wife Jo Anne, four sons, and 10 grandchildren.
Robert Sturm MA ’64, March 23, Peoria. He taught in Dunlap School District 323 and then served as superintendent, retiring in 1982. He was a bagpiper for the Keltie Band. He was a World War II Signal Corps veteran. Three children and three grandchildren survive.
William Wherley ’64. March 13, Peoria. He was a commercial salesman for many years. He was president of the Peoria Skeet and Trap Club for four years. Survivors include his wife Victoria, two children, two grandchildren, and his parents.
Frank Hasner ’65, May 2, Chicago. Survivors include his wife Rita, three children, and three grandchildren.
Robert Katzen ’65, April 10, Dallas, Texas. He worked in commercial real estate for more than 30 years and then was employed by Cutter Aviation. He was a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight, a group that transports patients and supplies. Bob also coached a youth baseball team. His wife Burdette Watkins Katzen ’66 survives.
Robert Siewert ’65, May 31, Winneconne, Wisconsin. He worked at Giddings & Lewis in Fond du Lac for 20 years. He was then president and CEO of Monarch Machine Tool in Sidney, Ohio, retiring in 1997. His survivors include his wife Mary, three children, and eight grandchildren.
Barbara Hammerlund ’66, April 10, Boston, Massachusetts. She had recently retired from Select Restaurants. Many of Barbara’s relatives are Bradley University alumni. Survivors include her mother.
Karen Brokaw Beale ’67, June 26, Peoria. She was a volunteer at Common Place. Karen is survived by her husband Russell and their two sons.
Robert Dini ’67, May 21, Peoria, Arizona. Survivors include his wife Margaret, one son, and a grandson.
Nadine Ice Dodson MA ’68, March 12, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. She was an elementary school teacher in various locations. Survivors include her husband Larry and two children.
Robert Loh ’68 MA ’71, January 29, Cockeysville, Maryland. He had worked at Zeller Mental Health Center in Peoria. Bob worked in industrial medicine in Baltimore, and later was employed by the state.
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1970s
P.L. Breon MEA ’70, May 25, Peoria. He was an engineer for Caterpillar Inc. for 22 years and for WABCO for nine years. He was a first lieutenant in the Army, serving in World War II and the Korean War. Survivors include his wife Nina, one daughter, six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Susan Egizii-Gower ’70, April 19, Wildwood, Missouri. She taught nursing at the University of Missouri and was then employed by Schering-Plough Corp. for 16 years. She held degrees from DeKalb Community College in Georgia and the Medical College of the University of Georgia. Susan and her husband Jeffrey Gower ’79 received the Lydia Moss Bradley award in 2001 and were members of the 1897 Associates of the University. She was a member of Chi Omega. She is also survived by her mother.
Julia Townsend Krupa MA ’71, April 8, Peoria. She was a teacher for 45 years in Denver, St. Louis, and Peoria. For the past 13 years, she taught at Hines and Rolling Acres Schools. Julie was a drama coach and an active volunteer with the Peoria Park District for more than 25 years. In 2004 she was honored by Toastmaster’s International as a distinguished toastmaster and by the state department of parks and recreation. Her husband Thomas, two children, and five grandchildren survive.
Gloria Joseph Thomas ’71, April 5, Peoria. She was a teacher at Pleasant Hill School for 35 years, retiring in 1993. She was a real estate agent for Castle Realty. Gloria was the choir director and organist at St. Sharbel Catholic Church for 30 years and taught CCD for 20 years. At Bradley, Gloria was a member of Delta Zeta Tau. Her survivors include two children and two grandsons.
Dick Gunnar ’73, March 12, Washington. He retired in 2000 as regional sales manager of S.K. Wellman. He was a past president of the Earthmoving Manufacturer’s Auxiliary. He was an Air Force veteran. Dick played on Bradley’s last football team. Survivors include his wife Marcia, two children, and four grandchildren.
Sammy Allen Jr. ’74 MA ’77, June 17, Peoria. He was a behavior therapist with Catholic Charities for the past 11 years. Earlier he worked for the Boys and Girls Club and for Crisis Intervention. He was a Bradley basketball player. His wife Veatrice, six children, and one grandchild survive.
Jerome Fischer ’79, November 20, 2003, Quincy. He owned and operated Meeting Matrix International, a software company that was honored by Microsoft in 2002. Earlier he worked at Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria and at Pitney-Bowes Corp. in Norwalk, Connecticut. Jerry was also a professional musician, playing the piano and organ in numerous churches and performing in various bands. He had studied at The Julliard School of Music and was pursuing a master’s degree in music composition at Truman State University. He was an active member and organist at St. Francis Catholic Church. Jerry is survived by his wife Becky, four children, and his parents.
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1990s
Sharon Haste ’97, March 5, Peoria. She was an account executive for Dynamic Graphics for the past three years. Earlier, Sharon had worked in reservations for Ozark Airlines and for TWA. She is survived by her parents.
2000s
Bryce Bauerband ’01, May 28, Crystal Lake. He recently received a master’s degree in sociology from Northern Illinois University. Bryce had accepted a position at Witt/Kiefer Inc. in Oak Brook. He had participated in YoungLife service projects, including two trips to help in Romanian orphanages. Survivors include his parents and one brother.
Sarah Harris ’04, June 29, Buffalo Grove. She had accepted a position to teach fifth grade at Ivy Hall School in the fall. At Bradley she was a member of Sigma Kappa. Sarah had been a student teacher at St. Mark’s School in Peoria. She is survived by her mother and one brother.
To submit an obituary for "In Memory," please mail a newspaper clipping or memory card from the funeral home to: Bradley Hilltopics, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL 61625.
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