In Memoriam 
Alumni  |  Faculty

The UWSP Alumni Association has been notified of the following deaths:

2000s
Kari Chapple, '04, Wild Rose, died of cancer Feb. 28 at age 46. An English teacher at Wild Rose Middle School, she is survived by her husband, Steven and three children.

1980s
Karen Casasnovas, '89, Seminole, Fla., died of breast cancer May 3 at age 43. A Stevens Point native, she earned a master's degree at the University of Southern Florida. She was a teacher in the Seminole area for 19 years. She is survived by her husband, Roque, and a son.

Joe Novotny, '88, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., died in a bicycling accident July 11 at age 43. He worked for the Donaldson Company filtration systems since 1997. He is survived by his wife.

Rollie Thomas, '83, Marshfield, died July 20. He was a learning disabilities teacher in Marshfield and is survived by his wife, Ruby (Gruber) Thomas, '76, '98 MSE, Marshfield.

Marvin Ristow, '82, Mauston, died March 12 at home at age 59. A teacher for 30 years, he served on the Mauston City Police and Fire Commission. He is survived by his wife, Pam, and four stepsons.

Lee Peters, '80, Marshfield, died July 30 at age 51. He worked for the state of Wisconsin as a bank examiner until he retired due to suffering from multiple sclerosis, which he had for 20 years. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, three children and four grandchildren.

1970s
Laura (Collier) Goman, ’79, Whitefish Bay, died January 26 at age 51 after a 14 year battle against breast cancer, her family and friends with her at home. Her husband, John, and two daughters survive.

Jean (Ronchi) Bitner,’78, Marshfield, died March 17 at age 62. She earned a master's degree from UW-Stout and taught business in Marshfield schools for 24 years. In retirement she was involved in professional and civic organizations and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. She traveled to Northern Italy often to see family. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Thomas, as well as a son and daughter.

Spencer Prokop, ‘78, Dallas, Texas, died of cancer June 7 at age 51. He had a long career as a professional actor, working at the Fireside Theater in Fort Atkinson, the Dallas Theatre Center and several Texas theatres. He studied at the Royal National Theater in London and received the Dallas Theater Critics' Forum Award. He was a founding member and instructor for the Lone Star Comedy improv group. Spencer was active in print, voiceover and commercial projects and was in the films Robocop and Necessary Roughness and the TV series Walker, Texas Ranger. He was also an award-winning script writer. He is survived by his wife, Patty Lewis, and their son.

Glenda Risdon, ’78, Plano, Texas, died March 8. An Antigo native, she worked for the JCPenney company for 26 years, most recently in Dallas.

Karen Wollmer, ’78, Mequon, died April 11, 2008.

Virginia (Tronsdal) Anderson, ’76, Stevens Point, died March 15 at age 88. She taught elementary school in Marshfield and Janesville and was married to Robert Anderson. She returned to Stevens Point in 1953, returned to teaching in 1968, earned a master's degree in 1973 and retired in 1985. In retirement she traveled and remarried Jacob Giove in 1990. He survives, as do two sons and two granddaughters. A son preceded her in death.

Karl Dehn, ’76, Medford, died June 9 at age 56. He was a member of the Abbotsford National Guard unit before attending UWSP. He also earned a degree in mechanical design from North College. Recently he worked at home as a home designer. For 18 years he worked in mechanical design and drafting for companies in Oshkosh, Neenah, Appleton and Medford. While working for Kimberly-Clark he invented two patents. He was a past director of Abby Bank in Abbotsford. His wife, Jean, survives.

Sharon (Sievwright) Koraleski, ’76, Scottsdale, Ariz., died March 13 from ovarian cancer at age 54. A Stevens Point native and lifelong Green Bay Packer fan, she was an accounting manager for several large insurance companies during her career. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, David.

Timothy Kress, ’75, Sparta, died March 17 at age 55. He worked at Polstons Furniture in Stevens Point then joined in a family business, WESCO in Sparta, serving as vice president and secretary. He traveled to and supported charities and churches in Peru. He was a past director of F&M Bank in Tomah, member of the Sparta Rotary Club and past president of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra. He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. His wife, Cecilia and two young children survive.

Gordon Schutz, ’75, Granton, died June 16 at age 59. He earned a master's degree from Wayne State University in Michigan and taught in Marshfield and Richland Center. He also taught Spanish in public and private schools and at Wayne State. He retired from teaching after becoming ill while pursuing his Ph.D. Gordon also spent three years in the U.S. Peace Corps teaching in Costa Rica and Bolivia.

Joan (Sonnenberg) Soens, ’75, Mishicot, died June 8 at age 59. She taught in Two Rivers and enjoyed reading and cooking. She is survived by her husband, Mike, and two sons.

Dean Wroblewski, ’74, Franklin, died Oct. 15, 2008, at age 56. His wife, Patricia, and three daughters survive.

Douglas Laughran, ’73, Beaver Dam, died May 22, at age 61. A Junction City native, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, earning several medals. He worked at Oakhill Correctional Institution in Oregon, retiring in 2005. He enjoyed many outdoor sports and activities. His wife, Kathleen, a son, two daughters and four grandchildren survive.

Grace (Flasch) Nycz, ’73, Marshfield, died in January of primary pulmonary hypertension. She taught at elementary schools in Marshfield, taking a break to raise her children. She is survived by her husband, Greg Nycz, '72, Marshfield, and a son and daughter.

Allan Waelchli, ’72, Shawano, died March 21 at age 59 after suffering a heart attack. He worked as a forester in Shawano and Maryland and was active in professional and civic organizations in the Shawano area. He is surived by his wife, Susan, a son, daughter and two grandchildren.

Gary Christopherson, ’71, Appleton, died at home with his family at his side on May 26 at age 60. He taught at DeForest Middle School, Appleton Wilson Junior High and retired from Appleton North High School. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and the outdoors. His wife of 36 years, Joanne, two sons, a daughter and two grandchildren survive.

Ann (Egenhoefer) Freude, ’71, Tomahawk, died May 10 at home surrounded by family after a battle with cancer. She was 60 years old. Ann taught in Mosinee and Tomahawk for 23 years, retiring in 2004. She was active in St. Mary Catholic Church in Tomahawk and enjoyed time at a cottage on Crescent Lake. Her husband, Tom, a daughter, two sons and a grandson survive.

Arlene (Splitt) Weisenberger,’71, Topeka, Kan., died April 11 at age 88. She taught in Abbotsford. Her husband, Edwin, preceded her in death and two sons, a daughter, 10 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren survive.

1960s
Eileen (Wentland) Reed, ’67, Marshfield, died June 7 at age 90. She taught elementary school for 31 years in Waukesha, Milwaukee and Rhinelander. She was a member of numerous professional, hobby and religious organizations. She is survived by three daughters, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Florence (Williams) Cerrato, ’65, Verona, died March 7 at age 85. She served in the Coast Guard during World War II and taught in Stevens Point and Madison. Her husband, Charles, preceded her in death and a son, three grandsons and five great grandchildren survive.

Lorene Lemke, ’65, Medford, died August 11, 2008.

Ruth (Pumper) Lish, ’65, Milladore, died March 5 at her home at age 67. She taught art in Peshtigo for 30 years until her retirement in 1999. Her husband, Carl, preceded her in death. A daughter and two grandchildren survive.

Agnes (Anderson) Rosin, ’63, Amherst, died May 4 at age 95. She first taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Bancroft then taught in Tomorrow River schools for 31 years. Her husband, Gilbert, preceded her in death and two daughters, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren survive.

Shirley (Kitrush) Dobbe, ’62, Sheboygan, died December 3, 2008. She taught elementary school music.

Ronald Laessig, ’62, Madison, died March 29 at age 68. He earned a Ph.D. at UW-Madison and did post doctoral work at Princeton University. He was the director of the State Laboratory of Hygiene and a professor of pathology and preventive medicine at UW-Madison for 20 years and was honored for his work in newborn screening and clinical chemistry. He loved woodworking and creating furniture. His wife of 42 years, Joan, a daughter and three grandchildren survive.

Lois (Wied) (Czajkowski) Severns, ’62, Plover, died April 19 at age 88. Her first teaching jobs were all eight grades in a one-room schoolhouses then she taught middle school in Plainfield for 28 years, retiring in 1985. She was preceded in death by her husband, Julius, in 1970 and her husband Murray in 1977. She was active at United Methodist Church of Plainfield and the Eastern Star. She volunteered in retirement and was a member of local women's groups. Two daughters survive as well as four grandsons and five great grandchildren.

John ‘Mickey’ Wanserski, ‘61, Irma, died July 4 at age 74 following a brief illness. He served in the U.S. Air Force and earned a master's degree in social work from UW-Madison. He worked at Portage County Social Services, Mendota and Winnebago Mental Health Institute, the Wisconsin Dept. of Health and Social Services, Lincoln Hills School and Catholic Social Services of Antigo. Survivors include his wife, Ann, two sons and two daughters.

Evelyn (Steinke) Wolf, ’60, Shawano, died June 23 at age 100. She taught in Shawano and Gresham. Her husband, Walter, preceded her in death, and a daughter, son, grandchildren and great grandchildren survive.

1950s
Rodger Nyberg, ’57, Ogema, died December 24, 2008, at age 75. A lifelong Spirit resident, he taught and was a school administrator for 41 years, retiring from the Phillips school district in 1996. He was on the board of directors of the Price County Mutual Insurance Company and Brantwood Credit Union and a member of the Christmas Tree Growers Association. He loved outdoor sports and time with his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Beryl, two daughters, two sons and eight grandchildren.

Ruth Hoefs, ’56, Wausau, died May 13 at age 86. She taught fourth grade in the DC Everest schools for 37 years, retiring in 1984. She was a member of several education organizations and was active in St. Stephen Lutheran Church.

Edward Furstenberg, ’51, Madison, died April 3 at age 79. He served the armed forces during the Korean War and worked in Madison radio and television stations, retiring in 1988. He had a collection of old time radio tapes as well as Beta, VHS and DVED tapes. Two children survive.

Robert Petranek, '51, Lake Geneva, died July 15 at age 81. He taught at Lake Geneva High School then Badger High until his retirement in 1986. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was an active member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. His wife of 55 years, Mickey, two children and seven grandchildren survive. A son preceded him in death.

1940s
Kathryn (Kelly) Wilkins, ’44, Racine, died April 16, 2007. She taught in Pittsville, Wisconsin Rapids and Sturgis, Mich., retiring in 1977. Three children and four grandchildren survive.

Agnes (Madson) Ferg, ’43, Iola, died June 2 at age 88. She taught in Bevent in a one-room schoolhouse then operated a strawberry and dairy farm with her husband, Frederick, for many years. She was a 4-H leader in Rosholt for 20 years and was active in Faith Lutheran Church. Her husband, two daughters, one son, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren survive.

Helen (Dunn) Anderson, ‘41, Superior, died at home April 25 at age 88. She taught at elementary schools in Fifield, Clintonville and Superior, taking a break to raise her family then retiring in 1984. In retirement she was a leader of the local AARP chapter and was active with professional and civic organizations. She was also active in Cathedral of Christ the King Church. A long-time survivor of breast cancer, she is survived by her husband of 61 years, Roy, two sons, a daughter and three granddaughters.

Beatrice Burgdorff, ’41, Hillsboro, died February 21.

Robert "Hatch" Berard, ’40, Stevens Point, died March 11. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He began his career with Hardware Mutual Insurance, now Sentry Insurance. He later began his own insurance agency and dabbled in real estate, creating a tree farm and vegetable farm. He also owned Northern Wire in Merrill and was a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers. In 1998 he donated land to UWSP as an addition to Schmeeckle Reserve (known as Berard Oaks). His wife, Mary, preceded him in death. Nine children, 11 grandchildren and ten great grandchildren survive.

1930s
Ted Meyer, ‘39, Shawano, died June 16 at age 91. He taught at Stevens Point High School then entered the U.S. Army and served during World War II in Europe, attaining the rank of captain. He married Marie (Wipperfurth), '44, and the couple moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., where Ted worked for Mutual Insurance Company. He finished his career with Sentry Insurance, retiring in 1977 after 30 years of service. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was an avid outdoorsman and lover of the arts. Marie preceded him in death and he is survived by three daughters and five sons, including Tim Meyer, '85, Sarasota, Fla.

George Cartmill, ’38, Hilton Head Island, S.C., is deceased. A 1984 UWSP Distinguished Alumnus, he was the former president and CEO of Harper-Grace Hospital in Detroit. In 1966 he received the Meritorious Service Award from the Corporate Board of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association and in 1974 he was an American College of Health Care Executives Gold Medal Winner. He is survived by his wife, Helen.

Ramona (Campbell) Okray, ’38, Idaho Falls, Idaho, died December 19, 2008, at age 90. A former Stevens Point resident, Romona taught in Stevens Point and directed Kiddie Kollege, Stevens Point's first preschool. Her husband, Chester, preceded her in death. Two daughters, four granddaughters, five great grandsons and a great-great granddaughter survive.

Gertrude (Anderson) Bandt, ’37, Manitowoc

Ruth (Moen Nason) Nimz, ’37, Reston, Va., died March 28 at age 91. She also graduated from the UW-Madison School of Journalism. She was married to Alfred Nimz and resided in Ripon for 46 years, where she was an active member of the community. The couple moved to northern Virginia to be closer to family in 1998. Ruth's 17-year battle with Alzheimer's was described in a book written by her three daughters, Your Mother Has Alzheimer's. Her husband preceded her in death. Her daughters survive as do seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Beulah (Scheicher) Reader, ’37, Onalaska, died April 29 at age 94. Formerly of Almond, she taught in Edgerton and Almond and worked at the local drug store in Almond. She was involved in professional organizations and Almond United Methodist Church. Her husband, Wayne, preceded her in death. A son, two grandchildren and five great grandchildren survive.

Jane (Smith) Christenson, ’35, Coralville, Iowa, died March 28 in Coralville, Iowa, at age 95. Formerly of Oshkosh and Waupaca, she was chair of the Waupaca Library Board, an active member of Waupaca United Methodist Church and a lover of the outdoors. Her husband of 58 years, John, preceded her in death, as did a son and daughter. A son, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren survive.

Erma (Wiersig) Johnson, ’35, Wilmette, Ill., died March 3 at age 92. She taught at Maple Center School and farmed with her husband, Leslie, in Greenwood. He preceded her in death. She is survived by three children, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

C. Joseph Nuesse, ’34, Annapolis, Md., died May 5 in Annapolis, Md., at age 95. He taught in Antigo for 6 years then earned a master's degree from Northwestern University and a doctoral degree at Catholic University. He then taught at the college of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minn. and Marquette University in Milwaukee before returning to Catholic University and serving as a dean, editor of the New Catholic Encyclopedia, chairman of the Sociology Department and executive vice president and provost until his retirement in 1981. In retirement he wrote a centennial history of the university as well as numerous articles. During his life he served in many national Catholic organizations and in several United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) commissions and units. He was listed among American Men of Science and Who's Whom in America. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret.