Barbara (Hamilton) Braner ’60 of Beardstown, Illinois, died Jan. 20, 2022. She was 80. Barb studied music education at Illinois Wesleyan and went on to a teaching career in schools in Chandlerville and Concord, Illinois, and at White Sands New Mexico Military School, before a 25-year tenure in the Beardstown school district. Among her proudest teaching moments were helping students qualify for state competitions and earn accolades for chorus performances. Barb served as president of the Illinois District for Music Educators and served on the Illinois Elementary School Board Association. Barb was a charter member and held many roles in Beardstown Emblem Club #474. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Beardstown, where she played the organ and served as choir director. She liked golfing and reading, and was a fan of University of Illinois athletics and St. Louis Cardinals. She enjoyed time spent with family, connecting with former students, and making new friends. She is survived by a brother, two nieces, a nephew, and many extended family members. 

Robert E. Evans ’62 of Holden, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor to so many, passed on Thursday, January 20, 2022. Bob was a graduate of Needham High School, class of 1958. While attending high school in Needham, Bob met the love of his life and devoted wife, Kathy. He attended Illinois Wesleyan University where he received a bachelor’s degree in insurance. Bob had a lifelong career, spanning nearly 60 years, as an accomplished investment advisor, a licensed insurance agent, and a financial planner. Starting at John Hancock Insurance Company, he then worked as a General Agent with Berkshire Life Insurance Company for 32 years. In 1989 he founded FMG Financial Services in partnership with Michael Hanely. Bob has always been dedicated to his career and worked to improve the industry through his membership and active involvement with various organizations, including serving as President of the Massachusetts Association of Life Underwriters. Read the full obituary here.

Diana (Knoespel) Elder ’62 died Jan. 4, 2022, in Urbana, Illinois. She was 81. Diana earned a bachelor’s degree at Illinois Wesleyan, a certification in Christian education in the United Methodist Church, and a Master of Divinity at Garrett Theological Seminary. Diana was a lifelong learner and spent much of her adult life as a teacher in Central Illinois. She later served as director of education and programs at First United Methodist Church in Urbana. She was a Sunday school teacher and Bible study leader at many of the parishes where she and her late husband served. Diana became a licensed pastor in 1990 and was ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church in 1996. She served as pastor at United Methodist Church in Cullom, Illinois, and Lovington, Illinois, before retiring in 2002. Diana enjoyed singing, swimming, golf, travel, continuing her education, and spending time with friends and family. She is survived by three sons, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one brother. 

Doris Stickel ’64 of Wakarusa, Indiana, died Oct. 17, 2021. She was 80. Doris studied music and was active in Delta Omicron at Illinois Wesleyan. She later earned a master’s degree. Doris was a lifelong teacher and performer of music. Following her teaching career, she worked for ADEC, Inc., in Elkhart, Indiana. She and her late husband were lifelong members of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Elkhart. Doris was an avid gardener, birder and lover of nature. She was also a voracious reader and worked part-time at a used bookstore in Elkhart. Doris and her late husband loved to travel, especially to national parks by way of their beloved camper. She is survived by two sisters, two stepchildren and many extended family members. Full obituary can be read here.

Franklin Lenberg ’65 of Moline, Illinois, died April 5, 2021. He was 84. Frank studied art at Illinois Wesleyan. He served in the U.S. Navy and went on to work for the National Licorice Company before later retiring from J.C. Penney Company. He was a member of Gospel Temple in Moline and Open Bible Church in East Moline. He enjoyed flea markets, reminiscing and sharing stories. He is survived by his wife, son, and many extended family members and friends. You can read the full obituary here.

John William “Bill” Locke ’60 of Chicago died Sept. 7, 2021. He was 83. Bill majored in sociology at Illinois Wesleyan and went on to earn a master’s degree in library science from the University of Chicago. He served as director of the Harold Washington College Library for 35 years, earning the college’s Distinguished Professor Award. Bill was also a volunteer leader for many groups, including the Chicago Chapter of the international nonprofit Society of Architectural Historians, the Caxton Club, Chicago Art Deco Society and Cliff Dwellers Club. Bill loved Chicago’s Newberry Library; he worked there briefly as a young man and returned in retirement as a volunteer. He is survived by his wife Judith (Rehnquist) Locke ’59, three sons and a grandson. You can read the full obituary here.