Category Archives: Obituaries

V. Stephen King ’61

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V. Stephen King passed away on Friday, November 20, 2020 at his home. He was 81.

He was a United States Army veteran, serving from 1960 to 1963. Steve worked in the banking industry from 1964 – 1993. After retiring from banking, he worked at On Hand Safety Supplies from 1994 – 2004 and he retired from Coldwell Banker Heart of America in 2014, after 10 years of employment. Surviving are his wife, Donna, three children, and seven grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister-in-law, three nephews and two nieces.

You can read the full obituary here.

Delmar Smith ’61

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Delmar Smith ’61 of Morton, Illinois, died Nov. 25, 2020. He was 86.

Delmar earned a bachelor’s degree at Illinois Wesleyan before earning master’s and doctoral degrees in divinity and ministry, respectively. He served 39-and-a-half years as an ordained clergyman in the United Methodist Church, including the final 19 years at Canton (Ill.) Wesley United Methodist Church. He is survived by two children, six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, a sister and a nephew.

You can read the full obituary here.

Dianne (Smith) Williamson ’62

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Dianne (Smith) Williamson ’62 of Bloomington, Illinois, died Oct. 16, 2020. She was 80. Dianne majored in theatre at Illinois Wesleyan. She worked as publisher and editor of Bloomington-Normal Magazine, was a copywriter for WJBC and WBNQ radio stations, and retired from Illinois State University as events coordinator. Dianne was honored as the League of Women Voters of McLean County’s “Leaguer of the Year,” was named McLean County United Way “Volunteer of the Year” and was a McLean County YWCA Women of Distinction nominee. She was active in all three organizations for many years. Dianne and her husband had a passion for travel that began when they lived in Ireland for a year. Dianne was many things to many people, but a friend to all. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  You will find her full obituary here.

Louise (Sudkamp) Terrell ’62

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We are saddened to share that Louise (Sudkamp) Terrell ’62, wife of Richard Terrell, Sigma Chi, 1962, died on September 16, 2020 in Lincoln Nebraska. Richard and Louise were married September 1, 1962. Richard is a retired art professor at Doane University in Crete, Nebraska. Louise was a Special Education teacher in the Lincoln Nebraska public schools.

Judith (Gilmore) Kirby ’62

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Judith (Gilmore) Kirby ’62 of Frankfort, Illinois, died Aug. 7, 2020. She was 80. Judy earned a bachelor’s degree in music education at Illinois Wesleyan, where she was also active in Sigma Kappa, Delta Omicron and other musical groups. She went on to a 35-year career as a music teacher at Western Avenue Elementary School in Flossmoor, Illinois, where she led musicals, Christmas concerts and variety shows. She also directed choir at Flossmoor Community Church. In her final days at a care facility, her former students sang for her — mostly through virtual means, over cell phones and laptop computers — from outside her window. Judy’s former students’ tribute to their elementary school teacher was featured in a segment on Chicago’s WGN Evening News.

William Richard “Dick” Setchell ’68

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William Richard “Dick” Setchell ’68 of Mendota, Illinois, died December 28, 2019. He was 73. Dick studied political science and theology at Illinois Wesleyan, and was a member of Theta Chi. Dick was a farmer and owner of several businesses. He was an avid historian and antique collector, with particular interests in antique firearms and Native American artifacts. He was also invested in passing on family history and traditions. He enjoyed his grandchildren, fishing and debating spiritual or political matters. Dick was a member of Rotary International and was active in church council, church youth groups and confirmation classes. Dick is survived by his wife, two daughters, two stepdaughters, six grandchildren, two siblings, and many nieces and nephews.