Robert Donalson died Dec. 22, 2021. He was 87. Bob was a professor in Illinois Wesleyan’s School of Music for 30 years; he retired in 1994 with emeritus status. Bob felt the call to become an educator while serving in the U.S. Army in a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War. He obtained a master’s degree at San Jose State University and a doctorate at the University of Colorado Boulder. He began his teaching career at Pepperdine University before landing at IWU. Bob loved beauty in all its forms — nature, art and poetry among them — but music was his emotional home. He was active in religious life and often shared his gift of music in the church. Bob was always learning and educated himself on subjects ranging from theology and philosophy, to computer science and financial investing, to home repair and carpentry. He enjoyed traveling, sports, his cats and, most of all, his family. He is survived by his wife, five children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Bob’s Celebration of Life will be held on February 12 at 1 p.m. CST and will be live-streamed at christlutheranchurchffg.org.

Michael Brown ’92 of Bloomington, Illinois, died April 21, 2021. He was 51.

Mike was a member of Sigma Chi and the baseball team at Illinois Wesleyan. He was a standout athlete in several sports, but his first love was baseball. During his exceptional baseball career, he was formed and molded by countless teammates and coaches from Lexington (Ill.) High School, Illinois Wesleyan, the Bloomington Bobcats, Twin City Stars and American Legion, ultimately leading to him playing in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Mike was a financial advisor, community volunteer, mentor and baseball coach. He is survived by two children, his parents, two brothers and many nieces and nephews.

You can read the full obituary here.