Patricia E. Gathman ’76 recently passed away on August 23 at Tower Hill Healthcare Center in South Elgin. Patty was born March 25, 1954 in Harvey, Ill., the daughter of the daughter of Everett and Gretchen (Gillespie) Lasater. After graduating from Thornton Township High School, she enrolled in Illinois Wesleyan University, where she met the love of her life, David Gathman ’74. They married in 1974 and she then transferred to Illinois State University, graduating in 1976. The couple then moved to Dave’s hometown of Elgin, where she would work for two years at Poplar Creek Public Library and then 40 years at Gail Borden Public Library.

You can find the full obituary here.

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 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

Kim VanMeter ’76 recently passed away on February 9,2025 in his home in Columbus Ohio. He was a loved member of the Alumni Association and will be missed dearly.

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.

Michael D. Kumbalek ’77 passed away April 29th, 2024. He was born Oct 14,1955 in Madison, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Robert.

He leaves behind his wife, Christa; 3 sisters, Cheryl Kumbalek-Nordmark Illinois Wesleyan ’76, Caryl Kumbalek-McCone, & Susan Kumbalek-Brabeck. He also leaves behind a son, Matt Kumbalek & 7 nieces and nephews.

Mike was a member of the Acacia House & had fond memories of working with Dr. Hess in the chemistry lab. Mike had his master’s degree in chemical engineering and worked in the rubber industry. His current job was with Bolder Industries. Their products manufactured with Mike’s compounds can be found on Mars, the moon, submersibles, nuclear reactors, Formula race cars, and other racing venues.

Mike was always laughing and joking with everyone. He always took the time to stop and thank Veterans for their service. He will be greatly missed. His star shines brightly upon us all.

Kevin Potts ’73, 72, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, May 20, 2024.

Kevin was born on June 4, 1951, in Decatur, IL, a son to Bob and Louise Potts. He married Ruth Ann Miller on October 18, 1986.

Kevin received his Bachelor’s degree in Business from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1973. He was an avid Illinois Wesleyan basketball fan where he was commonly known as “The Green Man” and a devout member of Vale Church and follower of Christ. Among spending time with family, Kevin loved to travel and made it to all 50 states and had the privilege of visiting the holy land. He also enjoyed theater, reading, and sharing Harry Potter adventures with his daughter and granddaughter.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ann Potts of Towanda, IL; his daughter, Stephanie (Matt) Greenlee of New Braunfels, TX; his brother, Dan Potts of Kettering, OH; his sister-in-law, Linda Potts of Tulsa, OK; his brother, Tim Potts of Bloomington, IL; and his sister, Karen (Russ) Conger of Boise, ID. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Piper Greenlee, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Terry Potts; and sister-in-law, Karen E. Potts. Click here to read Kevin’s full obituary.

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.

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