William Richard “Dick” Setchell ’68

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.

Joan (Kaisler) Orth ’61

Joan (Kaisler) Orth ’61 died November 25th, 2019, in Durham, North Carolina. She was 80. Joan was initially a music major, but switched to education and later obtained a master’s degree in reading arts from Cardinal Stritch University, where she taught remedial reading for 10 years before retiring, Joan was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and stockholder. She decided to take up the harp–at age 76–through the Duke University continuing education program. She was a lifelong supporter of classical music in Milwaukee and the Raleigh-Durham area. She is survived by her husband and three children.

Gordon Williamson ‘61

We regret to inform you of the passing of Gordon Williamson ‘61. Gordon Williamson ’61 passed away on May 10, 2020, in Peoria, Arizona. He was 81. Gordon was active in Sigma Chi and met his future wife Della (Nelson) Williamson ’62 at Illinois Wesleyan. He went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loyola University Chicago College of Dental Surgery. He served two years as a dental officer in the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. After his service, Gordon and Della moved to Pontiac, Illinois, where he opened his dental practice. He was active in the community as an elder at Pontiac Bible Church and served in the Kiwanis Club and the local school board. In 1980, the Williamsons moved to Phoenix, where he purchased the practice of a retiring dentist in Sun City, Arizona. He sold the practice in 2006 but continued working in other dentists’ offices until his 75th birthday. He was also active in his Arizona community, at Northwest Community Church, Christ’s Church of the Valley, and the Kiwanis Club. Gordon loved golf, snow skiing, travel and sports. He was a season ticket holder for the Phoenix Suns and Diamondbacks, and he was in the stands when the Diamondbacks won the World Series in 2001. Gordon is survived by his wife, three children, six grandchildren, brother Richard “Dick” Williamson ’56, and many nieces and nephews. 

Lyman Carpenter ’61

Lyman Carpenter ’61 of Manteca, California, died Aug. 9, 2019. He was 84. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953-56 before attending Illinois Wesleyan. He later earned a master’s degree from Arizona State University. Lyman spent the majority of his career as a social worker. He was an avid genealogist and had traced his lineage back to his ancestors’ arrival in the United States. He is survived by his son, two granddaughters and two nephews.

Ann Bloomquist Hougham ’69

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.

Robert Newell ’61

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.

Obituary of Robert M. Newell