Ann (Bomke) Charland ’75

Ann Bomke Charland, 71, of Springfield, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at her home. She was born on July 14, 1953, in Springfield, the daughter of Robert H. and Virginia Anne (Bumgardner) Bomke. She was raised by Albert and Margaret Brandt and their daughter, Evelyn and son-in-law, Gordon Thomas. She married the love of her life, John Charland, on December 20, 1997, and he survives.

You can read the full obituary here.

James Richter ’71

Jim Richter passed away at his home April 14th. He is survived by his wife Marny (Steele), sons, Kevin (Alisa Fillpot) Richter, and Bryan (Charlotte Bonnell) Richter, grandchildren, Noah and Caitlyn Richter, brothers Steve Richter and Dave (Jane Mehl) Richter. Born in Bloomington, IL to Ed and Rose (Grosso) Richter, Jim graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1962. He served in the Army from 1966 to 1968 spending 16 months with Delta Aviation Battalion in Can Tho, Vietnam and a year in the proshop at Fort Rucker, AL. After the Military he graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University, married Marny and started his career as a Golf Course Superintendent.

You can read the full obituary here.

Shelly Rasche ’78

Shelly Rasche ’78 recently passed away on February 3, 2025. Shelly was a prolific and internationally published freelance commercial artist whose designs have appeared on hundreds of products, including Bounty paper towels, “The Grinch” mass merchandise gift items, greeting cards, children’s magazines and children’s book illustrations, fabric, counted Crosstitch kits, music boxes, collectible figurines, holiday ornaments and gift products, wallpaper, baby bedding, religious gift products, mugs, yard flags, puzzles, prints, and much more. More details can be found at www.shellyrasche.com or by doing a search of her name. Shelly was married to Jeffrey Rasche, ‘81 on August 8, 1981, and they were blessed to have three sons, Ben (Keeli), Zachary (Kristen), and Nicholas (Michelle), as well as six granddaughters. Shelly’s full obituary can be found here.

 

John Lewton ’71

John Lewton ’71 recently passed away at his home on February 20th, 2025, at the age of 75, after a long illness. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 16th, 1950. He graduated from Von Steuben High School in Chicago in 1967 and received his Bachelor of Arts degree at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois, in 1971. He went on to receive a Masters degree at Bowling Green State University in 1973 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at the University of Toledo in 1988. Over his long and varied career, John taught at the University of Toledo for over twenty years. He also worked at the West Center as a counselor. He and his wife, Cathy, established Workplace Resources, an employee assistance program serving both the private and public sectors, with the primary focus on those experiencing trauma. This led him to volunteer as Coordinator of a regional Critical Incident Stress Management Team. He also worked as a special deputy, testing psychologist, hostage negotiator, and counselor in the Lucas and Ottawa County Sheriff’s Departments. He worked for the Federal Government on the Disaster Medical Assistance Team, where he rose to the rank of Deputy Commander. Following 9/11, he went to New York City where he participated in the search and recovery and conducted stress debriefings for members of the NYPD. For more information and his obituary please visit the link below. 

—–>https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/toledoblade/name/john-lewton-obituary?id=57858672

John Lewton obituary, 1950-2025, Chicago, IL

Patrick Edward Drazen ’74

Patrick Edward Drazen ’74 was born on December 29th, 1951, at Garfield Park Hospital in Chicago, IL, and passed away on January 23rd, 2025, at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, MI. Patrick’s journey through life was marked by intellectual curiosity, a love for the arts, and an unwavering commitment to his craft.

Patrick, a proud Class of 1970 graduate of J. Sterling Morton High School West in Berwyn, IL, carried the spirit of his upbringing through every facet of his life. His strong foundation led him to explore his passion for broadcasting, ultimately shaping his career as a beloved radio announcer. Patrick’s voice was more than just a familiar presence; it was a thread in the fabric of his listener’s daily lives, imbuing each broadcast with warmth and character. He also went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, and a Master’s degree in the same subject from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

You can read the full obituary here.

Terry Tipsord ’74

Terry Tipsord ’74 a beloved husband, father, community leader, and entrepreneur, passed away on February 6, 2025 at home surrounded by the love and care of his family. He was 72. Born July 1, 1952, in Bloomington, Illinois, to Willard LaMar and Elaine (Burgess) Tipsord, Terry spent his formative years in Arrowsmith, Illinois. His life was a testament to hard work, community involvement, and a deep commitment to family.

A high-achieving student, Terry graduated Magna Cum Laude from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1974. His passions extended beyond academics; he shared his musical talent as a member of the Stringtown Road Band in 1978. Following a period working as an Activities Director at McLean County Nursing Home, he moved to Portland, Oregon, in 1981, where he would make his lasting mark.

You can read the full obituary here.

Wayne Messmer ’72

Wayne Messmer ’72 will perform in the role of Father (Saint) Damien in a one-man play by Aldyth Morris at Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral on Sunday. March 2, at 7:30pm. This powerful and inspirational play revisits the life of Saint Damien, champion of marginalized, abandoned men, women and children as well as the patron saint of people suffering from leprosy. This performance is part of the 175th Anniversary of Holy Name Parish. For more information about the 175th Anniversary of Holy Name Parish, please visit https://holynamecathedral.org/175th-anniversary/.

Congratulations Wayne and we look forward to seeing your performance!

John T. Dozier ’78

Link

John T. Dozier recently performed at the 100-year-old Quincy Community Theatre in the 2024 production of Shakespeare as Henslow. He is also featured in the Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine Article- Talented Titans which you can view here. Congratulations John!

(Image: John T. Dozier ’78 (Left) and Adrienne Fisk ’13 (Right))