Warren J. Gitersonke ’51 reports that he reached the young age of 90 on October 24, 2019 and enjoys good health. He plays golf at least once a week and really enjoys playing his clarinet and saxophone in the South Ft. Myers Florida Big Band, which plays music of the 30’s and 40’s. Glad to hear from you, Warren!
Dr. Jill Waldron ’58 reflects on the many things she is grateful for at IWU, including: the excellence of the education, the library, her professor of poetry Ms. Ogle, her Economics and Philosophy professors, the Art Department, the small classes, and the chance to succeed. We are grateful for her, too!
Judith Anne McDonald Thomas-Solomon , Class of ’58, resides in Saratoga Springs, NY with her husband, Rabbi Josef Solomon. She continues to concertize solo piano in the area, and with her 4-hand partner, John Ackley of “Four Hands and a Foot”. A 50- year advocate of the Orff Schulwerk approach to group music, and past president of the organization and regular conference presenter, her articles can be read in the Orff Quarterly, “The Echo”, and in her books, such as “The Word in Play: Language, Movement and Music in the Classroom”, Thomas/Katz and more. She is the Music Director of the Saratoga Springs Unitarian church which will be presenting the complete Menotti opera ,“Amahl and the Night Visitors” in December, 2019.
Maxine “Mickey” Drexler ’46 ’57 of Bloomington, Illinois, died Sept. 25, 2019. She was 94. Mickey earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in voice performance at Illinois Wesleyan, and received the outstanding music award at commencement in 1946. Mickey taught voice at IWU for 35 years. She additionally served as president of IWU’s Alumni Association and League of Women. She was a lifelong member of First Christian Church, where she sang in the choir, occasionally as a soloist, and for many years directed choirs. She also served as a deacon and taught Sunday and vacation Bible school. She was also active in Sigma Alpha Iota, P.E.O. International, Amateur Musical Club Board and Habitat for Humanity. She was a member of a bridge club for more than 60 years and loved golf, sewing, decorating, crafts, gardening and dinner parties. She corresponded regularly with many of her former students and colleagues. She also loved to travel with family and students. She is survived by two children.
Read the full obituary here.
Lorraine Madison ’49 reports that she had five children, now ten grandchildren and ten great grand-children. Her husband is a Doctor of Ministry, and a retired Presbyterian pastor. After graduating, she became a minister of music in South Carolina, and continued to study for years. Lorraine also became a virtuoso organ recitalist, and performed numerous recitals. Congratulations to her!
Congratulations to Mary Selk ’43, who presented a choral program at Westminister on October 5th and conducted the opening and closing pieces. The chorus was made up of 24 BHS alumni chorus members, and IWU alumnus John Waddell ’63 sang 3 solos. She has been a fantastic music teacher throughout her life.
Carol Culver ’58 is the author of 40 novels, including That’s Amore. Congratulations, Carol!
Donna Foard ’47 reminisces on the 4 years of happiness and success at Illinois Wesleyan, where she received her degree in Music. On October 24th of 2019 she is celebrating her birthday. She has received honors in Delta Kappa Gamma as a member for 50 years, and is still active in the Washoe County Golf Course Board of Directors.
Kenneth Green ’51 has been singing Barbershop for over 67 years, and has been a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society for 66 years. He recalls memories from his years as a barbershopper, such as singing for the armed forces in a very large quartet, seeing his favorite quarter the Schmitt Brothers, and wearing a dress in the comedy quartet the Tonsil Klackers. He has been in 4 chapters in 2 different states, and continues to lead barbershopping rehearsals. The Tonsil Klackers were inducted into the Cardinal District Hall of Fame before they retired. Congratulations, Kenneth!
I am saddened to report that Dennis Mattix, age 81 of Joliet, passed away May 2, 2019 at home with his family by his side. Born November 15, 1937 in St. Elmo, Illinois, Dennis was the son of George and Gladys (Yakel) Mattix. He graduated from St. Elmo High School in 1955, Illinois Wesleyan University in 1959 and later obtained a master’s degree in education. He devoted the next thirty-five years to teaching physical education, driver’s education and coaching basketball. He retired from Plainfield School District 202 in 1993. He was an active member of Hope United Methodist Church and his fraternity Phi Gamma Delta. Dennis was a golfer, sports enthusiast and lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. Most of all, he was a husband, father and grandfather who cherished all of his days with his family. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Wanda; five children: Lori Mattix, Penny Mattix, Monty (Diana) Mattix, Lane Mattix and Blake ’91 (Julie) Mattix; nine grandchildren, a special niece, Karen and numerous other nieces and nephews.
Read the full obituary here.
