Richard Whitlock ’89 of rural Clinton, Illinois, died July 15, 2021. He was 54. Rich studied economics at Illinois Wesleyan and most recently worked as a claims adjuster for COUNTRY Financial. He also served as fire chief of Ellsworth (Ill.) Fire Department. Rich was a member of the Living Hope Christian Church in Downs, Illinois, where he helped in the construction of the permanent building. His hobbies included horsemanship, woodworking and pheasant hunting. He is survived by two daughters, his loving companion and her four children, his mother and a brother. 

Cynthia Ann Reynolds ’80 passed away on August 10, 2021. She attended Illinois Wesleyan University and then moved to NYC to sing. And sing she did, with Amato Opera, Vineyard Opera, NY Gilbert & Sullivan Players and other companies. She married a tenor she often sang with, Richard Slade, and they had two children: Merlin and Julian. Cynthia made a bold career change, becoming a school teacher, and found her happiest place in Peekskill, teaching elementary music and strings, and directing the middle school musicals. Even when stricken with Glioblastoma she maintained her high standard of achievement, impressing all the therapists with her progress and her determination. She leaves behind grieving family and an immense array of friends and colleagues — and so, so many children whose lives she changed. You can read the full obituary here.

Dwaine Tefertiller ’84 died Saturday, June 5, 2O21 at Jerseyville Manor Nursing Home, from complications of a stroke he suffered in February 2020. Dwaine graduated in 1980 from Frankfort Community High School in West Frankfort, Illinois. He then went on to attend Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, where he participated on the football team. He served with the United States Army, and was employed as a truck driver for the majority of his adult life, lastly with Schneider Trucking, until his health no longer allowed him. See full obituary here.

Daniel Stoerzbach ’80 of Galesburg, Illinois, died May 16, 2021. He was 63. Dan studied accounting at Illinois Wesleyan, where he was active in Phi Kappa Phi and as a member of the men’s golf team. Dan was a competitive golfer who twice won both the Galesburg Junior All-City Championship and the Galesburg Men’s All-City Championship. He earned All-America status and was a four-time MVP of the IWU men’s golf team. He graduated from IWU magna cum laude and went on to graduate from law school at the University of Illinois. He joined Barash and Stoerzbach Law in 1983 and practiced with his father and other area attorneys until 2007, when he started Stoerzbach Law Office. Dan and his wife enjoyed attending their daughters’ sporting events, boating, water sports, golf, biking, hiking and traveling back roads. He is survived by his wife, four daughters, five grandchildren and two siblings. See full obituary here.

Dr. Tracy Lower ’84 of Springfield, Illinois, died April 30, 2021. She was 58. Tracy earned a bachelor’s degree at Illinois Wesleyan and an M.D. at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. After completing her residency, she joined the faculty at SIU, and became the first woman to earn the rank of full professor in its pediatrics department. Her greatest satisfaction came from being a mentor and teacher for countless medical students, residents and attending physicians. In addition to her commitment to medical education, Tracy was especially interested in child welfare. She served many years on the board of Prevent Child Abuse Illinois. She is survived by her father, two brothers, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. View the full obituary here.

Lora Weliky died Sept. 28, 2020, in Kansas City. She was 60. Lora earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Illinois Wesleyan. She was active in community theater and particularly enjoyed her role as Mother Superior in a production of Nunsense. She was also passionate about cooking and game shows. She is survived by her son, three siblings, and many extended family members and friends.

Jimmy Edwards ’80 passed away on April 11, 2019 in his home in Bloomington. He was born October 12, 1958 in Lincoln and is survived by his brother, niece, and friends. Read the full obituary here.

Cynthia “Cindy” (Daughenbaugh) Perkins ’81 of Bloomington, Illinois, died Dec. 26, 2020. She was 60.

Cindy graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in music from Illinois Wesleyan, magna cum laude with a master’s degree in religious education from Southern Methodist University, and summa cum laude with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Cindy was a consecrated deacon in Christian education in the United Methodist Church, and an adult psychologist. She was a loving wife, sister and aunt, and had a passion for horses. She is survived by her husband, parents, two siblings, and many extended family members.

You can read the full obituary here.

Scott Layman ’81 passed away on April 6, 2019. He was born on August 12, 1959 in Peoria Illinois. He is survived by his wife and sister. Read the full obituary here.

Kimberly (Kaskavage) Coomber ’88 of Fairbury, Illinois, died Nov. 19, 2019. She was 61. Kim studied nursing at Illinois Wesleyan and later served as a registered nurse at Fairbury Hospital, Dr. Orville Hable Medical Office, and Thomas Metcalf School, where she provided care for children with disabilities. She most recently served patients at Livingston County Health Clinic in Pontiac, Illinois. Kim was a fan of the Prairie Central High School Hawks and Chicago Cubs. She loved spending time with family and especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. She is survived by her husband, three children, eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild and a sister.