Warren “Twig” Smith ’72 of Carmel, Indiana, died Jan. 30, 2022. He was 71. Twig majored in business administration and was active in Sigma Chi at Illinois Wesleyan. He began his financial career at GTE, from which he later retired and began a second career as a loan officer, most recently at First Financial Bank. He was a member of Cornerstone Lutheran Church and also served on many committees and boards in the Noblesville, Indiana, area. Twig’s passions included golf, reading and playing cards, but most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, two children, three grandsons and sister. 

Scott McMurray ’76 of Waukesha, Wisconsin, died Aug. 20, 2021. He was 67. After earning a bachelor’s degree in religion at Illinois Wesleyan, he went on to earn a master’s degree in divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary and a doctorate in ministry at McCormick Theological Seminary. Scott served as a United Methodist clergyman for 40 years, serving various congregations throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. He was an avid bicyclist and world traveler. He will be remembered for his devotion to his congregations and faithfulness to God. He is survived by two children, two grandchildren, his father and brother. You can read the whole obituary here.

Dr. Ceasar Douglas Jr. ’75 passed away June 30th, 2021 after complications from heart disease. He passed away with loved ones by his side. He leaves to mourn; his wife of 28 years Gigi Douglas. Five children Ceasar Douglas III (Caitlin), Shanoa Douglas Praay (Matthew), Nigel Douglas, Anna Sepulveda (Carlos) and Chad Snider (Jeremy). Sister Yolonda Douglas, brother Oliver Evans, fifteen grandchildren. Also, a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends, and colleagues who will truly miss him.

At this time the Family would like to open an invitation to “Celebrate” the truly remarkable life of Dr. Ceasar Douglas Jr. in a memorial service. We know he has touched so many and it will be nice to share stories/pictures with those who loved him.

Service: 10:30am on August 21st, 2021

Good Shepherd Catholic Church

4665 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32309.

Ceasar Douglas ’75 died June 30, 2021. He was 67. Caesar majored in biology at Illinois Wesleyan, where he stood out in the classroom and on the football field. After his time at IWU, he spent time with the National Football League’s San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears, and played a season in the Canadian Football League. Upon leaving football, he worked in the private sector. He eventually decided to continue his education and earned a master’s degree at Grand Valley State University and a doctorate at the University of Mississippi. Caesar returned to Grand Valley State and taught for four years. He later joined the faculty at Florida State University, where he was a dedicated professor and chair of the business department who encouraged and mentored countless students. Caesar served on Illinois Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees for many years. He was also active as a member of IWU’s  Minority Alumni Network. He is survived by his wife, five children, 15 grandchildren, two siblings, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. More information can be found here. 

Marilyn Wankel ’72, of Blandinsville, Illinois passed away on Friday, March 19, 2021. Marilyn is survived by her husband Tim Schroll; two children, Joshua Taylor (Ashly) and Megan Taylor Krueger (Tim). Four grandsons, Sam Taylor and Max, Will and Camden Krueger. Stepdaughter Becky Flowers (Molly), one brother Mark Wankel (Anita), her three nephews and their families. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree from IWU and Master’s Degree from Olivet Nazarene University, she taught in the Schuyler County School District for over 30 years. You can view her full obituary here.

Ann Musselman ’79 of Bloomington, Illinois, died July 9, 2021. She was 64. Ann studied music education at Illinois Wesleyan, where she was active in choir and Sigma Alpha Iota. She later shared her voice with her church choir, the chorus of the Houston Opera, and as a music teacher in the Deer Park (Texas) school district. She is survived by a brother, and many nieces and nephews. You can view her obituary here.

We are sad to report that Ed Matushek ’75 passed away on May 28, 2021 at age 67. He was a beloved husband of 40 years to Alisa nee Bombassi and a devoted father to Eddie and Matt Matushek.

Carolyn (McCaughey) Hodge ’78 of Naples, Florida, died April 19, 2021. She was 64.

She was a member of Kappa Delta at Illinois Wesleyan. Carolyn was a dedicated teacher for 40 years, impacting the lives of thousands of children and mentoring new generations of educators. She finished her teaching career at Pelican Marsh Elementary in Naples, where she had many friends. Carolyn loved to travel to places all over the country, including Wrigley Field, and as far away as the Greek islands. At home, she enjoyed trips to the library, quiet afternoons reading, and time in her pool or on the water, where she often made her famous margaritas for boat trips or watching sunsets on the beach. But she was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, and relished her role as a mother. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, including Marissa Holloway ’07, sister and mother, Clarene (Makinson) McCaughey ’50.

You can read the full obituary here.

Glenn Neumann ’72 passed away on September 29, 2020 in Louisville, Colorado.