Remembrances

We remember fondly the classmates, teachers and staff, and Academy friends, who have passed from our presence on earth. Family members may contact Director of Donor Relations Kelly Neuert `17 to advise us of the passing of a loved one that we might include them in our remembrances.

Alumni

List of 5 items.

1940s

Margaret “Hootie” Huth Hegerich `44 – February 5, 2021
Margaret was predeceased in death by her parents; her sister, Kathryn Huth Newton `43; husband, Joseph F. Hegerich; and granddaughter Kristina Pidala. She is survived by four of her children, a grandson, a great-grandson, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her sister Kathryn, several of Margaret’s extended family members attended Wayland including her nephew, George Newton `72; brother-in-law, George Newton, Jr. `44; and cousins, Caroline Beatty `29, Peter Brutis `33, and Gretchen Chapman `31.

Betty Hackbarth `48 – December 27, 2020
Betty, sister of Carla Minning `49 and daughter of Ernst H. and Cora M. (nee Seifert) Zilisch, passed away at the age of 91. After attending high school, she went to Wayland Academy Junior College. On October 7, 1950, she married the love of her life, Everett R. Hackbarth. They raised two children, Susan and Mitchell. Betty Ann was a wife and mother first but also worked part-time for over 30 years for the U.S. Postal Service in Hustisford, Wisconsin.
1950s

Donald Yahn `51 – October 2020
After graduation, Don attended the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and worked for 46 years as an electrical engineer, working in various data processing fields (aerospace, printer union admin. support, bookstore retail sales & inventory process). During his time in the aerospace field, Don worked at NASA and was involved in all Apollo flights. He is survived by his wife, Faye, four children, and six grandchildren.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Beglinger Olson `54 – November 22, 2020
Betsy attended Carroll College where she obtained her Associate's Degree in Journalism.
She is survived by her four children Erik (Kelly), Scott, Julie Schoenborn (Danny Bennett), Carrie Macy, her seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Betsy was preceded in death by her husband William Olson and her sister Gretchen Klotzbuecher.

Patsy “Patty” Vaughn Gartley `56 – January 4, 2021
After graduating from Wayland, Patty continued her education at Indiana’s DePauw University, where she majored in French and Spanish, with a minor in Secretarial Science.
A born philanthropist, Patty's passion was contributing to non-profit day programs that supported adults with developmental disabilities. Near and dear to her heart was Hollis Adams, an organization serving central Indiana. In addition to her work at Hollis Adams, Patty also volunteered at Noble Services of Indiana, a school for children with special needs.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Emory and Virginia; daughter, Angie West; brother, Richard Vaughn; and step-grandson, Nate Sabel. She is survived by her daughter, Kerry Lynn West; son, Andrew "Andy" West; stepson, Mike Gartley; stepdaughter, Kristin Sabel; and many other extended family members and beloved friends.

Shortly after Patty's death, on January 5, 2021, her husband of 32 years, Richard Gartley, passed away.
1960s

Holly Meyer `60 – October 7, 2020
Holly attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison after graduating from Wayland. She worked for over 60 years beginning as a camp counselor and ending as the manager of Programs and Membership at the Marinette-Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce. Holly is survived by her two step-sisters, Claudia Schoener and Johanna Lewis, and two step-brothers Ken and Tom Oaks.

Victor "Vic" S. Falk III `63 – February 9, 2021
Victor S. Falk, Ill passed away peacefully on February 9th, 2021 after a two-year battle with cancer. Linda, Vic's wife of forty-nine years, was by his side until the very end.

To know Vic was to love him. A gentleman in the truest sense of the word, he was humbly brilliant, quietly confident, soft-spoken and incredibly sweet. He had a subtle, dry sense of humor and an unforgettable, contagious laugh.

Born on March 20, 1945, to Dr. Victor and Marjorie Falk, Vic grew up on a farm in the small town of Edgerton, Wisconsin. At age thirteen Vic studied for a year at Institut Dr. Schmidt in Lausanne, Switzerland. He attended high school at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, and upon graduation, he matriculated at Princeton University. Vic's four years at Princeton were interrupted by a stint in the U.S. Army, being honorably discharged with the rank of ES (Sergeant). Following graduation from Princeton, Vic married Linda (Spooner) and they moved to Madison, Wisconsin where he attended the University of Wisconsin Law School. Upon receiving his law degree, Vic and Linda moved to Miami, Florida and he earned a Master's in Tax Law from the University of Miami.

Vic and Linda settled in Miami and he began his career at Wometco Enterprises, a large media company with diversified holdings. He worked in the company's legal department for many years and eventually became General Counsel. During the last eight years of his career, Vic served as Vice President of Wometco Cable Corporation and retired in 1994.

After living in Miami for twenty-four years and raising their family there, Vic and Linda moved to the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida in 1997. They are also members of Card Sound Golf Club and Key Largo Anglers Club. Vic served on the board of the Ocean Reef Rod and Gun Club for many years and received the club's Sportsman of the Year Award in 2018. Vic and Linda split their time between Ocean Reef and their beloved log cabin in Wisconsin. Vic was a lifelong sportsman with passions for skiing, waterfowl and upland bird hunting, fishing, and playing golf. In his teens he was not only a three-time Wisconsin state waterskiing champion but also a competitive tennis player. Vic's love of the outdoors took him on many adventures—marlin fishing in the Bahamas, downhill skiing in the West and in Europe, and salmon fly fishing in Canada, to name a few. In later years his favorite pastime was grouse and woodcock hunting with his English setters in the woods of Northern Wisconsin.

Vic is survived by his wife Linda, son Christian (Morgan), daughter Megan Burley, brothers Tom and Fred, and grandchildren Beckett, Finn, Thad, Dexter, Reeve, and Wallis.

Beverly Dohmann H`64 – December 7, 2020
Beverly, or Bev, taught at Wayland Academy for 25 years and was a parent to three Wayland alumni (Bonnie `70, Steven `73, and David `79). In her tenure at the school, she and her students won state and national awards each year for their creative talents. She was honored with a special award from the National Art Education Association, the Wisconsin Art Supervisor, and the Wisconsin Art Education Supervisor for providing a climate of exemplary support for a balanced curriculum and the arts in education. She traveled throughout the Midwest evaluating school art programs.

Bev organized the first elementary school art show and initiated a movement that resulted in the hiring of Beaver Dam’s first elementary art teacher. Appointed by the Governor of Wisconsin, she served on the board that set the foundation for the Wisconsin Arts Board. She was a founding member of the Beaver Dam Art Association Exhibit, Chair for the Seippel Center for the Arts, and lectured and demonstrated the art of creativity to numerous schools and organizations. And the list goes on.

Bev is survived by her son, David `79; son-in-law, Roland (Lorna) Moll; her grandchildren, Robert Goes, Joshua Goes, Ryan Moll, Derrick Dohmann, and MacKenzie Dohmann; and her great-grandson, Scott Goes; as well as many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; son, Steven `73; daughter, Bonnie `70; and numerous other relatives.

Vaughn Friday `67 – November 13, 2020
Vaughn attended Wayland Academy (1963-1966) but graduated from Monona Grove in 1967. After high school, Vaughn attended the Wisconsin School of Electronics and achieved a two-year degree. He would open his own HI-FI stereo company and used his electronic mastery at WISM radio station, Wisconsin State Patrol Radio Shop, and General Communications.
He married and in 1975 became a father to his daughter Becki.

Vaughn was proceeded in death by his parents John and Edythe Friday. He is survived by his daughter, Becki, two granddaughters, Alex and Charlee, and brother, John (Ursula).

Thomas M. Brown `69 – March 3, 2021
Tom attended the Latin School, Wayland Academy, and was a Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity member at Arizona State. Big T played basketball in high school, his freshman year in college, and continued to play at the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) for the next twenty-five years. He had a weekly Northwestern University sports radio show and because of his vast knowledge of sports, was often a celebrity call-in guest on local radio sports shows. Big T, Tall Tom, T, the Pied Piper of puppies, a copious contributor to canine causes, was a generous contributor to many Chicago animal charities.
1970s

Jeff “Rocco” W. Emanuel `70 – January 27, 2021
Following high school, Rocco enrolled at the University of Wisconsin—Madison in Electrical Engineering. He went on to pursue a career in music, joined several bands, and opened a sound studio in Oregon, Wisconsin. In the late 1970s through the mid-1990s, Rocco operated a roadside assistance business, Flash Transit Road Service as a diesel mechanic. In his later years, he worked in maintenance at Little Amerricka Amusement Park in Marshall, Wisconsin, and at apartment complexes in the Fox Lake area.

Rocco is survived by his wife, Shelly; two children, Mitchell (Heather) Hubbard and Alysha (Scott) Klassy; his grandchildren, Isabella and McCoy Hubbard and Degan and Avril Klassy; several other relatives and many friends.

James “Jimmy” G. Cowles `70 – January 4, 2021
After graduating from Wayland, James went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. In college, he was a founding member of the Mutated Members Trivia Team for the annual 54-hour, World's Largest Trivia Contest. In 1977, James founded the Northwoods Shelby Club in Northeast Wisconsin with several friends. In 1978 he founded Shelby Parts & Restoration. After forty-three years of operating his business, he was known worldwide for his skills in restoring cars and ability to acquire hard-to-get, original parts.

In 1996, Jim became one of the founders of the Shelby American Collection Museum in Boulder, CO. He was instrumental in building the museum's memorabilia collection, and continuously supported the museum in procurement and fundraising capacities.

In 2016, Jim was appointed to be a judge for the Shelby American Collection, and SAAC Concours Chairman, traveling the country to inspect and judge with his decades-long authority on all things Shelby.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter, Emily; step-children, Jonathan and Katherine Laes; brothers, Sen. Robert L. Cowles III `68 and David F. (Lisa) Cowles; nieces, nephews, other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Margaret.
1990s

Ellyn M. Humleker `93 – November 2, 2020
Ellyn lost her life to COVID-19 after a nine-day hard-fought battle. Ellyn was reared in Menasha, Wisconsin, the much-loved daughter of former Wayland trustee Cheryl and Peter Humleker. She graduated from Wayland Academy in 1994 and then attended Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.

She was intelligent and curious; she loved to read and remembered everything she ever read. She was a good friend to many and cared deeply for the less fortunate among us. She met the challenges of her life as best she could and never gave up.

She is survived by her mother, Cheryl, her life companion Roy Rosenberger (Appleton), and her sister, Katie Humleker Knicely `96 of Sterling, VA. She was preceded in death by her father, Peter, in May 1998.

Her family expresses deep appreciation for the skillful and loving care she received at Aurora Medical Center – ICU in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, during the last nine days of her illness. They lovingly recognize those who cared for her: Tom W., Jen F., Liz, Kate, George, Dr. Dona Konda, and Dr. Michael Flately.

Ellyn would ask that you do a good deed without recognition, pass on your blessings, and WEAR A MASK!

Friends of the Academy

List of 11 items.

Vernon Aaroen

Vernon Aaroen – August 26, 2020
Vernon, the husband of Peggy Berg `57, was a 1956 graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison and was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Signal Corps. He served as CEO of Farm Credit Services in Juneau and Janesville, Wisconsin, for 34 years before retiring in 1992. In 1997, Vernon moved to Phoenix, Arizona, and had been a year-round resident ever since, enjoying retirement with his wife and friends of Mountain Brook Village.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy; his children, Dave (Shar) Knapp, Doug (Pam) Knapp, Ann (Todd) Sobrilsky, Mark (Marcy) Aaroen, Joan (Kevin) Hernke; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his sister, Marlene (Rev. Carl) Peters; along with other relatives and friends.
Jenanne Anderson

Jenanne Anderson – March 3, 2021
Jenanne (nee Erickson) earned a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and worked as a librarian/media specialist for the Randolph and Cambria-Friesland School Districts from 1988 until her retirement in 2010. She previously served as a library staff member at Wayland Academy from 1982-1985 and a tutor for the Beaver Dam Unified School District from 1979-1981.

Surviving are her children (twin daughters and a son): daughter Jessica (David) Rodin; daughter Karin (Brandon) Johnson; and son Joseph (Lisa) Anderson; grandsons Kendall and Beckett Rodin and Charlie Johnson. She is survived by her sister; her niece, Kristina Sterling; and her nephew, Daniel Deitrick; as well as by an aunt and several cousins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Dennis in 2013, her in-laws, Herbert and Jean (Dennis) Anderson; and several aunts and uncles.
Dr. Richard “Dick” Anderson

Dr. Richard “Dick” Anderson – February 19, 2021
Married for 60 years, Dick was husband to Martha Lentz Anderson `56, and brother-in-law to Judith Lentz Mickler `54 and Edgar Lentz, Jr. `65. He was a devoted father of Kenneth (Jill) and Karl (Shawn). Proud grandfather of Catherine (Trent) Moody, Margeaux (Hunter) Oberbroeckling, Anna Anderson, Cole Anderson, Spencer Anderson, and Mitchell Anderson. Dear brother of Sue (Al) Martens. Also loved by cousins, nieces, nephews, godsons, and other family and friends.
Reverend John Blythe

Reverend John Blythe – December 26, 2020
John, a retired American Baptist pastor and Wayland Academy’s Chaplain (1961-1966) passed at the age of 91. He is survived by two brothers, five children, and seven grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Beth Noren Blythe as well as his parents and his sister.
Amparo Cumpiano

Amparo Cumpiano – 2020
Amparo was grandmother to Gerry `06 and Oscar `08. Her son, Gerry, is the husband of Wayland Academy Board of Trustee, Elizabeth “Betsy” Parker `72.
Ray P. Dinsmore, Jr.

Ray P. Dinsmore, Jr. – August 4, 2020
Ray, father of Hugh `73 and Bruce `74, passed away at the age of 95.
Katharine F. McMillan

Katharine F. McMillan – September 1, 2020
Katharine was the mother of Mark `76, Stephen `78, and Susan `79. She was a long-time supporter of the academy, including starting the Mark Anderson McMillan Memorial Fund after her son’s passing. Known as Penny for most of her life, she attended elementary school in the Hyde Park (Chicago) schools and graduated from Hollins College with a BA in English (1955).

In 1945, Penny was diagnosed with polio but she never let this interfere with an adventurous life. She continued to volunteer for many church groups and ministries. She enjoyed traveling on many medical missions to Haiti and the Dominican Republic and served on the Board of Trustees of the Bishop Anderson House in Chicago. Penny volunteered at the Hinsdale Humane Society and was a Girl Scout leader for several years, leading camping and canoeing trips to the Boundary Waters and the Smokey Mountains, not to mention encouraging the sales of thousands of boxes of Girl Scout cookies. She was a board member at the Peoria Children's Home (1979-1995) and was SCUBA certified. She was a certified travel agent and owned Quality Travel, Inc. from 1987-2000.

Penny leaves two children, Stephen (Linda) `78 and Susan (Becky Roberts) `79; three grandchildren, Daniel, Nicholas, and Ella McMillan; a brother, Lester; two sisters-in-law, Jean and Ann; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by Bob, her devoted husband of 58 years; their son, Mark `76; her brother, Charlie; and many dear friends and cousins.
Violet McMillan

Violet McMillan – March 27, 2021
In the mid-70s, Violet worked at Wayland Academy as a staff member in the dining hall, sharing her love of cooking and baking with the staff and students.
Thomas Stebbins

Thomas Stebbins – October 25, 2020
Thomas was the father of Morgan Stebbins `14 and uncle to Benjamin Rabata `08 and Ryan Rabata `12. He is survived by his wife, Brenda; daughters, Morgan `14 and Margaret; his eight siblings and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Jamie Steuer

Jamie Steuer – December 11, 2019
Jamie was the mother of Joseph Steuer, III `77, Jamie Wacek `78, and Louise S. Frame, aunt of Gregory K. Mayer, M.D. `69, and grandmother of Anna Cardarella `93. She was preceded in death by her daughter Louise and her husband of 64 years, Joe T. Steuer, Jr, who served on Wayland Academy’s Board of Trustees from 1977-2001.
Cecilia Vrabec

Cecilia Vrabec – November 11, 2020
Cecilia and her husband, Andrew, were parents to six children: daughters, Patricia (Staats) `69, Barbara (Shepard) `72, Nancy `73, and Mary `79; and sons, Peter `70 (married to Susan Heacox `70) and Michael `75. Cecilia was additionally blessed with nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.