Bradley Hilltopics Online

1930s

Glyda Swisher ’34, March 8, Peoria. She taught French, English, and Latin in School District 150, retiring from Peoria High School in 1971. Glyda held a master’s degree from Northwestern. An active member of University United Methodist Church, she was its historian and librarian for more than 20 years.

Margaret Cook Johnson ’36, March 19, Peoria. She was a member of Sigma Kappa at Bradley and was a 60-year member of the Peoria Women’s Club. Surviving are her son, two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Don M. Elkins ’39, November 22, 2007, Atlanta, Ga. He was a transportation specialist for Phillips Petroleum in Oklahoma. Don was a World War II Army veteran. He played trombone for several bands, including the Charlie Cartwright Band. Surviving are his wife Lucy, a daughter, two stepchildren, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

1940s

Willard Huber ’40, January 7, Peoria. He retired in 1984 as the district sales manager for National Squirt Co. in Los Angeles. He was a World War II Navy veteran. Surviving are his wife Mary Birkett Huber ’41, two sons, two grandsons, and four great-grandchildren.

Ruth Schmidt Threw ’40, December 19, 2007, Elmwood. Ruth began teaching at Harkness Grove School and retired from Yates City in 1973. Her daughter survives.

Katherine Baer ’41, January 6, Barrington. She taught in Peoria for eight years and then in the Barrington school district from 1948 to 1985. Kay taught German and took many trips to Germany with the students. She held a master’s degree from Northwestern. An active hospital volunteer, she also led the children’s choir at her church.

Jack Hines ’41, February 18, Morton. He co-owned and operated Hines Oil Co. in Pekin from 1945 to 1970. Jack was an agent for Shelter Insurance from 1970 to 1985. He was a World War II Army veteran. A member of Sigma Phi at Bradley, he was very involved in Masonic work.

Jack Burrell ’42, February 24, Sun City West, Ariz. A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, he was a dentist in Peoria until retiring in 1992. In Arizona, he presented dental programs to preschoolers. Jack played clarinet in the Peoria Symphony and the Shriners Band. His wife Mary and two children survive.

Lloyd Lindenfelser ’43, January 16, Tremont. He held a master’s degree in bacteriology from the University of Illinois and served as a microbiologist at Northern Regional Research Lab, retiring in 1979. He later worked as an apiary inspector for the Illinois Department of Agriculture. A beekeeper since 1932, he served as president of the Illinois Beekeeping Association. He was a World War II Navy and Marine Corps veteran. One son, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren survive.

Robert Moore ’43, December 29, 2007, Renton, Wash. He was a pilot for Eastern Air Lines for 35 years and served in the U.S. Air Transport command during World War II. He was active in his homeowners association. Two daughters survive.

Lois Peterson Bodeen ’44, April 26, 2007, Mahomet. She worked as a community health aide for the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department. She is survived by her husband Harold, three daughters, five grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

Maxine Leiter ’47, March 3, Peoria. She earned a master’s degree from the University of Illinois and taught in Peoria, Normal, and England. Maxine served with the American Red Cross during World War II. An active volunteer, she enjoyed travel.

John H. Reed Sr. ’48, March 9, Granger, Ind. He is survived by two sons and five grandchildren.

William Gettman ’49 MA ’51, February 1, Peoria. He taught social studies at East Peoria High School and in Pekin. Bill was a finalist for the Illinois State Board of Education Teacher of the Year Award in 1979. He was a World War II Army veteran. Survivors include his wife Charlotte Yates Gettman ’71, one son, three stepchildren, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Robert King Park ’49, December 25, 2007, East Peoria. He worked in veterans administration for the state at the Peoria State Hospital and Zeller Zone Center, retiring in 1986. He held master’s degrees from Purdue and Northwestern. Robert was a World War II Navy veteran. He was an active volunteer and member of First Baptist Church. His daughter, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren survive.

Walter Reinhart ’49 MA ’99, December 2, 2007, Youngsville, La. He retired as a general auditor for AM General Corp. in 1980. He enjoyed music. Surviving are his wife Charlotte, four children, 10 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

George Rowland ’49, February 14, Woodstock. As a mechanical engineer with United States Gypsum, some of his projects resulted in patents. He was a tenor with several quartets and a barbershop chorus. George was a member of Sigma Chi at Bradley. His wife Mary, two children, and four grandchildren survive.

1950s

Donald Dennis ’50, December 28, 2007, Peoria. He worked for FW Means Co. for 39 years, retiring as internal auditor. A World War II Navy veteran, Don served as president of the Dunlap Kiwanis. Survivors include his wife Helen, three daughters, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Victor Hefner ’50, December 26, 2007, Peoria. He owned and operated the Hefner Insurance Agency since 1956. He was a World War II Air Force pilot. Survivors include his wife Marilyn, two daughters, and four grandchildren.

Louis Saad ’50, February 20, Peoria. He began a private practice in periodontics in 1964. He held master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree from Indiana University. He was an Air Force veteran. Surviving are his wife Patricia and two sons.

Bob L. Thompson ’50, November 18, 2007, Elm Grove, Wis. He retired from Milwaukee County Hospital in 1989 after 25 years of service. He was a member of Delta Upsilon at Bradley. Bob was a World War II veteran. He sang in the Milwaukee Male Chorus and his church choir. His wife Trudy, three children, and seven grandchildren survive.

Hugh Abel ’51, January 23, Metamora. He was a system technician for Illinois Bell for 38 years. A World War II Army veteran, he was involved with the county historical society. Surviving are his wife Barbara and two sons.

Mary Cinnamon McCurdy ’51, March 10, Bradford. She was a 50-year member of the Eastern Star, and was a partner in the Red School House in Castleton. Mary was a volunteer for Methodist Medical Center Hospice. Survivors include two children and several stepgrandchildren.

Renelda Somogyi Owen ’51, January 21, Peoria. A secretary in the guidance office at Limestone Community High School for 21 years, she retired in 1992. Renelda sang in her church choir and was active in several organizations. Three children and 13 grandchildren survive.

Leo Pfister ’51, December 15, 2007, Kinston, N.C. He was president of Fields Control Inc. for 12 years, retiring in 1994. He was a Navy and Army veteran. Survivors include his wife Tresa, three children, and three granddaughters.

Fern Samples Risley ’51, February 27, Elgin. After a 33-year career in public relations for Sherman Hospital, she served on the hospital’s health foundation board. She was president of the Elgin Woman’s Club and editor of Clubwoman Magazine. In 1984 she was the first recipient of the YWCA Leader Luncheon’s communications award. Four children and seven grandchildren survive. Her husband Aud died on January 28.

Charles “Bill” Huey ’52, February 25, Pekin. He was superintendent for Standard Brands and then became a shift supervisor at Pabst Brewing Co., retiring in 1982. Bill was a World War II Army veteran and a Korean War Army Air Forces veteran. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha at Bradley. Surviving are two children and three grandchildren.

John Crone ’53, March 3, Metamora. He was an engineer at Caterpillar for 33 years, retiring in 1993. He was a Korean War Navy veteran. Surviving are his wife Dorothy, five children, 13 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Robert M. Watson ’53, January 20, Peoria. He worked in insurance with Franklin Life, Hartford, and Great West. Later he worked for the Central Illinois Carpenters Health and Welfare Trust Fund as administrator. At Bradley he played football and baseball. Surviving are four children and five grandchildren.

Vernon Isgren ’57, February 28, Naperville. He was an engineer with J.I. Case & Co. for 33 years. He was involved in Masonic work. He is survived by his wife Barbara, two daughters, and three grandsons.

Lucille Schwartz ’58, March 3, Pekin. She was a teacher at C.B. Smith Elementary School in Pekin for 20 years. She is survived by a daughter, two grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Ted Blachinski ’59, November 26, 2007, Plainfield. A construction engineer, he was employed by George A. Fuller Co. for 17 years and Gilbane Building Co. for 20 years. Ted was a member of Theta Xi. Survivors include his wife Judy, four daughters, and five grandchildren.

1960s

Wilva Skelly Bredahl ’60, March 4, Marion. She was a charter member of the Lincolnland Dachshund Club and enjoyed raising champion dachshunds. Surviving are her husband Dick, four children, and two grandsons.

Jerry Steinhagen ’62, October 5, 2007, Freeport.

Harry Voll ’62, January 25, Peoria. He retired from Caterpillar as a systems analyst. Harry enjoyed working on his Morgan and was active in the Illinois Valley Sports Car Club. He served in the Illinois Air National Guard. Survivors include his wife Ann Becker Voll ’66.

Lawrence Shrode ’64, February 22, Mesa, Ariz. Larry retired from HBD Industries in 2000. Two daughters, four grandchildren, and his companion Judy Dewalt survive.

Norma Luthy Kroeger ’65, December 22, 2007, Bartonville. She was a medical technologist at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center for 34 years, retiring in 1989. Her husband Leonard survives.

Edward Fulton ’66, January 10, Okmulgee, Okla. He was an Army veteran. He is survived by two sons, his mother, and several grandchildren.

Donald Martin ’66 MS ’70, March 1, Pekin. He operated Martin & Associates Consulting and had worked for Cooper Industrial Products, Caterpillar, and Hyster Co. Don taught engineering at Tri-State University, Purdue University, and Illinois Central College. Surviving are his wife Veva, two sons, and one grandchild.

Nestor Jovanovic ’67, January 11, Grayslake. He worked in the construction equipment industry, starting as an engineer with International Harvester in 1967. He served as chairman and president of Dressta Poland, North America, and Asia Pacific. He was an Army veteran. He is survived by his wife Persida, his mother, two children, and five grandchildren.

Mary Greener, MA ’68, December 23, 2007, Peoria. She worked for the Peoria Public Library and then became an English teacher, retiring from School District 150 in 1980. Raised in India, Mary moved to Peoria in 1951 and to Minneapolis in 1999. Surviving are two sons, six grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.

Randall Hart ’69, February 22, Petersburg. He owned Springfield Overhead Door/Hart Construction Supply Inc. A Navy veteran, he served 22 years in the Reserves. Randy was a member of Sigma Chi and the track team at Bradley. Survivors include his wife Ellen and three children.

1970s

Josephine Hamman ’73 MA ’74, October 31, 2007, Trivoli. She taught at Logan School for 20 years, retiring in 1984. She was an active member of her church and the DAR. She had been president of the Peoria Symphony Guild and the teachers’ union. Surviving are her husband Marvin, three children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Diane Studinger Randle, MA ’73, March 26, Hanna City. She was a teacher, counselor, and dean at Limestone Community High School for 34 years, retiring in 2002. Diane was LCHS teacher of the year in 1992. She competed in the 1965 Miss Illinois pageant as Miss Macomb. Her husband Ellis “Sarge” and her sister survive.

Josephine Tucker, MA ’75, February 25, Peoria. She taught in School District 150 for 22 years, retiring from Columbia Middle School in 1990. Two sisters survive.

2000s

Amy McFadin ’03, March 5, San Diego. She taught history at Grossmont High School and was pursuing a master’s degree from Point Loma University. Surviving are her daughter, parents, and brother.

Student

Robert Hurt ’09, March 9, Pontiac. He was a mechanical engineering major. An avid golfer and runner, he participated in the Chicago and St. Louis marathons. Survivors include his parents, stepfather, and brother.

Faculty & Staff

Allen Cannon, director of the School of Music from 1957 to 1985, died on March 1 in Peoria. He was a professor at Bradley for more than 50 years, retiring in 1999. He held a doctorate from Chicago Musical College and appeared as a soloist at the Peoria Symphony where he was also concertmaster from 1948 to 1984. Dr. Cannon was named an Illinois Treasure in 1995. Survivors include two sons, four grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and his companion Hedy Stone.

Zeev Gorin, associate professor of sociology, died on May 2 in Peoria. A peace activist, Dr. Gorin often hosted panels and seminars on world affairs. He came to Bradley in 1977. He held a doctoral degree from Columbia University. His wife Luba and two children survive.

Dorothy Murray, MA ’78, a counselor at Bradley for more than 10 years, died on March 10 in Peoria. She taught grade school in Chicago for 10 years, then moved to Peoria in 1967 and opened the Common Place preschool. An active volunteer, she served on the board of several organizations and was involved in local theater. She is survived by her husband Elliott and two sons.

Hilde Tornedde Nelson was on the staff of the Bradley library from 1960 to 1975. She died on March 22 in St. Petersburg, Fla. After leaving Bradley, she moved to Connecticut and then to Florida. At age 65, she studied art and became a teacher and award-winning painter. Two children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren survive.

David Schenk, executive director of communications and engineering support at Bradley, died on February 29 in Peoria. He also was the vice president of engineering for WTVP-TV and chief engineer for WCBU Radio. David enjoyed biking and outdoor sports. Survivors include his wife Donna Goelz and two children.

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