Karen Birkeland ’60 reports that retirement is wonderful, and she loves traveling and learning about other cultures and countries. She has been to all seven continents and has more trips planned throughout the globe, including trips to Spain, Portugal, Costa Rica and Alaska.
Linda Gitzendanner Hines AOPII ’68 and Stuart Hines OX ’67 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 6, 2019 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island MI followed by a trip through the Upper Peninsula and locks at Sault Set Marie MI.
The couple first met Oct 3, 1964 in front of Pfieffer Hall. They were married Sep 6, 1969 following Stu’s discharge from the US Army after serving a year in Vietnam.
Linda spent several years raising their two children before taking advantage of her IWU degree in education where she enjoyed a satisfying career as a third grade teacher. A major in business administration and a minor in insurance, Stu’s entire career was in the area of employee benefits before retiring in 2010 as the Employee Benefits Manager of the St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District. They currently reside in the St Louis area and enjoy time with their two children and four grandchildren.
Linda was thrilled last month when their granddaughter, Katie, pledged AOPII at Missouri State University. Katie’s pledging brought back many fun memories of Linda’s years in AOPII.
Both Linda and Stu reflect often on their happy days at IWU and continue to be grateful for the foundation IWU has provided them over the years.
Stuart Hines and Linda Gitzendanner enjoy their first date at the OX Bowery Brawl October 3, 1964
50 years later Linda and Stu toast to their anniversary Sep 6, 2019 at the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI
We are very sad to share that Ann Bloomquist Hougham ’69 passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at Swedish Hospital in Seattle WA. Ann was the wife of R. Gregory Hougham, the loving mother of Christine Hougham (fiance Matt O’Dore), Jennifer H. Lewis (Chris), stepmom of Jonathan Hougham (Sally), and adoring grandmother of Cooper and Jackson Hougham and Wren and Marlowe Lewis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev Paul (DD, IWU ’59) and Mildred Bloomquist, and a sister, M. Jean McBath (James H). She is survived by sister Paula Bloomquist Wayland ’68 and Paula’s husband Fred and several nieces and nephews. Paula and Ann were both members of Beta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi while at IWU.
Metropolitan Opera star William Powers ’64 performed at the Performing Arts Center of Harper College on September 17. William, a baritone, performed arias (in costume) and also selections from the Great American Songbook.
Congratulations on your performance, William!
On Friday October 4, 2019 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. will be the opening of the Dave Kindred Papers, a collection of Dave’s numerous reporter’s notebooks; scrapbooks from his trips to cover the Olympics; materials related to the 12 books he’s written; and correspondence with colleagues, readers, and research subjects. All of these works are from the 50 years that Dave has been a sportswriter and we would love to see as many people possible come out and support Dave!
Here is a link to the blog about Dave Kindred Papers, written by Meg Miner.
We are saddened to announce the passing of Robert Newell ’61. Robert passed peacefully on July 4, 2019 at his home in Naples with his wife Vicki of 28 years by his side. Robert fought valiantly with cancer for the last 4 years of his life. Robert was preceded in death by his father Lyle Newell and his mother Maxine Newell. He is survived by his sister Rose Deener; brother Roger Newell; son Troy Newell; as well as many nieces and nephews that he adored.
To read Robert’s full obituary, click here.
We are saddened to announce the passing of Frederick Ritscher ’64. Frederick passed away on July 14, 2019. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. To view his full obituary, click here.
AvalyndaCasey for Sauk Valley Media wrote an article about Bill Hertel ’68 and his ever-fierce love of music and his passion for helping others develop their own musical talents. To view the article about Bill, click here
We are sorry to share that John W. Leupold ’69 passed away August 14, 2019, after a 2 year battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Gretchen ’69, daughters Jennifer and Susan, and son Jeff. He spent his retirement years in North Port, Florida and Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
Wayne Grove ’62 of Morris, Illinois, died Aug. 8, 2019. He was 79. Wayne was a member of Phi Gamma Delta at Illinois Wesleyan, where he also played football and baseball. Wayne taught in Cleveland and Le Roy, Illinois, prior to a banking career. He was an elder at the Presbyterian Church in Princeton, Illinois, and later a deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Morris. He served in the Army National Guard of Illinois, from 1966-68, and the U.S. Army Reserve, from 1968-72. He was a 50-year member of the AF & AM Lodge 534, Valley of Bloomington Scottish Rite and Mohammed Shrine of Peoria, Illinois. He was an avid supporter of his grandchildren’s athletic endeavors and took pleasure in hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife Linda (Wilson) Grove ’65, two daughters, including Jennifer (Grove) Heinsius ’89, three grandsons and four siblings.