Dr. Folahan “Fola” Soremekun ’60 passed away on June 9, 2025. A beloved member of the IWU community, Fola studied History and graduated with honors. During his time on campus, he participated in the Argus and was a member of the International Club. A full obituary may be found here.
Bret K. Bortner ’69 passed away on December 16, 2019, in St. Joseph, MI. He was 74 years old.
While pursuing his special major, titled Creativity: Literary, Plastic, and Graphic, Bret focused on ceramics, creative writing, and photography/filmmaking. For two years, he served as editor and co-editor of the university’s Black Book literary magazine and was a member of Blue Key and Gamma Epsilon.
After graduation, Bret continued to write but concentrated primarily on ceramic design and production. He worked for Haeger Pottery, where he served as mold shop supervisor, plant superintendent, and production manager. He also helped organize and run award-winning Junior Achievement programs for two years.
In 1982, he and his wife, Jane Diokas ’67, established Bret Bortner Design, a wholesale ceramics firm. In 2003, he moved to St. Joseph, MI, where he opened a gallery and production studio he called form.
In early 2012, Bret’s design work was the subject of a retrospective exhibition at the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph. Titled Essence and Simplicity in Product Design, the exhibition celebrated his 30-year career in ceramics.
Bret is survived by one daughter and his former wife. More information and an obituary may be found here.
Paul Summers ’68 has recently passed away. You can view the full obituary here.
James “Jim” Eugene Kidder, age 84, of Dunlap, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. He was born on August 19, 1940, in Edgerton, Wisconsin to Earl A. and Louise (Maas) Kidder.
You can read the full obituary here.
Margaret Wagner ’68 retired from 35 years at the Library of Congress Publishing Office in 2018, where she was the author of 4 books and co-author of 2 major reference works (and in her non-LC time also wrote a non-LC-affiliated book, “Maxfield Parrish and the Illustrators of the Golden Age.” Wagner has been, for 3 years, editor-in-chief of the 18-year-old online arts journal “Persimmon Tree,” which is staffed by, and accepts fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from, women 60 years of age and older (and also highlights music and art from women in that demographic). Wagner is also the author of recently published fiction and poetry.
Rob Fazzini ’62 was one of the recipients of the 2025 McLean County History Maker Awards. He was announced as one of the selections on April 2 as one of the honorary recipients of this award. He was nominated by his fellow community members and will be celebrated on June 18,2025 at the History Makers Gala at the Brown Ballroom at Illinois State University. View the article of Rob’s achievement here. Congratulations Rob!
Left To Right: Rob Fazzini ’62, Sally Rudolph, Father Douglas Hennessy
Sandie Hawthorne ’64 recently passes away on March 26, 2025 at the age of 82. She was a beloved wife and mother. she was an outstanding performer and was loved by many and we are saddened about her passing. To view Sandie’s obituary click here.
Judith McCance ’61 recently passed away on March 15, 2025 at the age of 84 with her family by her side. She was loved by many and will not be forgotten. You can view her obituary and more information about her here.
Robert E. Mitchell ’64 passed away on January 30, 2025. He was 82. He received a BFA from Wesleyan and his MFA in ceramics and metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Bob taught jewelry and ceramics at Arkansas State University and Milwaukee Area Technical College. He was the business manager of the Society of North American Goldsmiths and also had a computer consulting business. He is survived by his wife Susan, one son and one granddaughter.
Ruth Cashin Monsell ’68, the most recent biographer of Frances Perkins, was invited by the White House to attend the ceremony at which President Biden, on December 16, signed a proclamation making the Frances Perkins Homestead the newest National Monument. Also invited was her partner of over 10 years, John Longmaid, the first and foremost benefactor of the Frances Perkins Center, which will continue to operate on the 57 acre homestead property in Newcastle, Maine. Frances Perkins, Champion of American Workers was published by Histria Books last April.
Congratulations Ruth!
