We regret to share that Steven M. Eiker ’65 passed away September 29, 2020. He was 75. You can read his full obituary here.

We regret to share that Thomas Pfister (non-graduate alum ’66) passed away on February 21, 2021 in his home.

James Hartley, ’67 or St Charles, Illinois died February 8, 2021. He was 77. Jim studied history, earning a bachelor’s degree at Illinois Wesleyan and a master’s degree at Northern Illinois University. Jim founded and managed his own home remodeling business. He previously worked in a variety of roles related to the construction and sale of solar energy systems. Jim enjoyed woodworking, playing guitar, and helping his friends build websites for their own businesses. He was known for his wry sense of humor, quick wit, and seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of many fields. He is survived by two sons, five grandchildren, a sister, Susan (Hartley) Raeder ’63, a niece and a nephew.

Anne (Loyd) Kovalcik died July 21, 2020 in Decatur, Illinois. She was 73. Anne majored in religion at Illinois Wesleyan, where she met and married Rev. John Kovalcik ’70. Anne and John served United Methodist Church congregations in many churches in central Illinois. She was the co-founder of Epworth Spring Athletic Camp and was the principal architect of its organization. The Kovalciks moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas in 1983 where they built the Kairos Retreat Center. She loved her family and enjoyed reading and cross-stitch. Anne was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by two sons, four grandchildren and two siblings.

William Rickert ’68 of Bellbrook, Ohio, died June 3, 2020. He was 73. Bill was a member of TKE  and graduated from Illinois Wesleyan. He earned a graduate degree at Central Michigan University. Bill served in the US Army before earning a doctorate at University of Michigan. He then moved to Ohio and began a 45 year career at Wright State University where he served as acting dean, associate dean, and associate provost. He was known by family, friends, and coworkers for his objectiveness, patience, honesty, humility and kind heart. He is survived by his wife, four children, 11 grandchildren and a brother.

Robert Fred Kern ’67 died August 14, 2020. He was 75. Fred was a renowned music educator, scholar, composer and author. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Illinois State University and master’s degrees at Illinois Wesleyan and Northwestern Universities as well as a doctorate from Northern Colorado University. Fred was a professor of music and a specialist in piano education at the University of North Texas for over 30 years. In 2014 he was inducted into the Illinois State University Woonsok Kim College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame. He is survived by many cousins, an uncle, many friends and his beloved dog.