Author Archives: classnews

Richard A. Overby ’74

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Richard A. Overby ’74, 71, passed away Friday, June 9, 2023 at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. Richard was born to Walter and Leta (Fleenor) Overby on April 1, 1952 in Sandwich, IL. In 1970, he graduated from Shabbona High School and from Illinois Wesleyan in 1974. On March 24, 1984, he married Marilyn Meier at the First Presbyterian Church in Rochelle. Richard enjoyed gardening, traveling, reading and spending time with his grandchildren.

Richard is survived by his wife of 39 years, Marilyn; two daughters: Liz (Chad Sarver) Overby and Katie (Steven) Peterson; four grandchildren: Lexi Sarver, Logan, Allie and Carly Peterson; and siblings: Phyllis Jones, Anita Rogers and Brian (Shinobu) Overby.

You can read more about Richard here.

Jim Kenyon ’74

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James “Jim” Mark Kenyon ’74 , aged 71, peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Monday, January 8, 2024, at his residence in Wayland, Michigan. Jim’s deepest love was his family, cherishing every moment spent together. He exhibited a servant’s heart, taking humble pride in helping others. To Jim, there were no strangers—everyone he encountered became a friend.

You can read the full obituary here

 

Jim sitting next to a seat at Horenberger Baseball Field that his family gifted to him a few years ago

 

Carolyn Plemitscher ’78

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Carolyn Plemitscher ’78 is in her 40th season of working with the Denver Center Theatre Company! She’s spent the last 30, or so, years makings patterns from the sketch designs and seeing the garment through completion, as a draper.

Congrats Carolyn on your tenured career!

Kathleen Murray ’79

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Kathleen M. Murray ’79 was selected as the new president of Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Murray previously served as the first female president of Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, and before then, she served for seven years at Macalester College, including a three-month stint as acting president in 2013. Read the full Star Tribune article here.

Joel Estes ’76

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After retiring from a 40+ year career in education, Joel O. Estes ’76 wrote and published his first book, Stand: A Journey of Friendship and Self-Discovery. Stand is a middle grade novel about the incidence of discrimination and the discovery of privilege. While targeted to young readers it is applicable to all ages. Stand is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, & and a variety of independent bookstores. You can also listen to Joel share more about this book and his journey on this podcast. Congratulations Joel!

Wayne Messmer ’72

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Wayne Messmer BME ‘72 is performing the one-man play Damien by Aldyth Morris. Recent performances have been met with critical acclaim. Messmer has been portraying Father (Saint) Damien, “The Leper Priest of Molokai” since 2002, including multiple performances in Hawaii. Congratulations Wayne!