Remembrances

Alumni

List of 27 items.

Althea Klas Davidson `46 – April 13, 2020

After graduating from Wayland, she earned her liberal arts degree at Radcliffe College.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Paul Davidson; parents, John C. Klas and Helen Hall; and her daughter, Pauline Davidson. She is survived by two grandchildren.
Joan McAfee `47 – February 12, 2020

She was a graduate of Lake Forest College and a member of the American Association of University Women. Joan initiated a program in the Willmar School system to share her collection of prints, paintings and statues.
She is survived by four children, Melissa McAfee, Dr. Molly McAfee, Mary (Lee) Christianson, and Phillip (Susan) McAfee; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband, Dr. David Kimbrough McAfee.
Suzanne Brannon Groff `49 – November 4, 2019

Suzanne graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in elementary education. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Alumni Group, Junior League Rockford, and Rockford Women’s Club.
She is survived by her husband, Ken of 67 years; daughters, Linda (Steve) and Cynthia (Mark); three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Wilfred “Bill” Hosig `49 – May 24, 2020

Bill graduated from Mauston High School in 1948 and then attended the Wayland Academy Junior College. He worked at Badger Ordnance ammunition plant in Baraboo before graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a degree in industrial arts. Bill worked for more than 30 years for Adams-Marquette/Adams-Columbia Electric Co-op.
He married Catherine “Kate” McNown in 1956. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Ruby, and sister, Carol. He is survived by his wife; brother, Edward (Marianne); daughter, Jeanne (Dieter) Mulac; son, Brian (Kristyn); four grandsons; and many other relatives.
Barbara Smith Carter `50 – June 1, 2019
Samuel W. Pickard `51 – February 19, 2020

He received an economics degree from Ripon College in 1955. Sam served as 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army at Fort Harrison, Indian, from 1955-1957. He moved to California in 1957 and completed an MBA from Stanford University in 1959. Sam remained in the San Francisco Bay Area to pursue a 30-year banking career and raise his family.
As a devoted husband, father and grandfather, he is known by many for his generosity, sense of humor, kindness, and sincerity. Giving back to his community was important and he donated countless hours and money to organizations such as Wayland Academy, Ripon College, and Stanford University.
Sam is survived by his children, Ann Pickard, Sam Pickard Jr. `79, and Kathi (Steve) Bean; two grandchildren; niece Deborah `74, and many other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Carmen; his parents; brothers, Jim `43 and Tom `50; sisters Judy `47 and Julie `47.
Jean McMillan Hartley `53 – June 9, 2020

Jean attended Wayland Academy and later graduated from Upper Arlington High School. She worked her way through school while supporting children, to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. A skilled and creative knitter, she won multiple blue ribbons at the Citrus County Fair, and provided hundreds of knitted hats for premature and stillborn babies.
Jean was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Leland D. Wright; sister in-law, Joan Wright Clark; and her eldest daughter, Linda Wright Straquadine. She is survived by her husband, Wilford Hartley; children, Richard L. Wright, Lori Wright, Jay Craig Wright; sister, Mardi McMillan; brother, W. Andrew McMillan II; three step-daughters; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many others.
Jean McMillan Hartley `53 – June 9, 2020

Jean attended Wayland Academy and later graduated from Upper Arlington High School. She worked her way through school while supporting children, to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. A skilled and creative knitter, she won multiple blue ribbons at the Citrus County Fair, and provided hundreds of knitted hats for premature and stillborn babies.
Jean was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Leland D. Wright; sister in-law, Joan Wright Clark; and her eldest daughter, Linda Wright Straquadine. She is survived by her husband, Wilford Hartley; children, Richard L. Wright, Lori Wright, Jay Craig Wright; sister, Mardi McMillan; brother, W. Andrew McMillan II; three step-daughters; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many others.
Carole LaBuy McEvoy `53 – September 3, 2020

An excellent student, Carole was awarded a full scholarship to Wayland Academy, graduating in 1951. She married James McEvoy in 1953, and later divorced. As a single mother, she worked to support her children, as well as earned both a bachelor’s degree in history and anthropology, and a master’s degree in library science, from UW-Madison.
Carole was preceded in death by her parents, Lester Frank LaBuy and Irene Clara LaBuy (McCabe). She is survived by her brother, Lester “Butch” LaBuy Jr. `62, and his son; her son, Michael; and daughters, Kathryn Tyrer, Elizabeth “Betsy” Diaz, and Susan McEvoy. Carole is also survived by 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Gay Hoyt Weston `53 – August 4, 2020

After graduating from Wayland Academy she received an associate degree from Christian College, Gay became a successful local model through John Robert Powers Modeling Agency. She also worked at Wisconsin Bell and Jefferson Wells.
She was blessed with two children Karen (Craig) Bauer and David Weston, and treasured Grammy to three grandchildren. Gay was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Thompson Hoyt and Marguerite Moomau Hoyt, and brother, Thompson Hoyt.
Ann Teletzke `54 – May 27, 2020

She attended Wayland Academy as well as St. Norbert College and Edgewood College.
Anne worked at American National Bank, raised her family and then returned to work in the Fond du Lac office of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She retired from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel corporate office in 1995.
She is survived by her children: Julie (Tim) Brown, Doug Teletzke, Mark Teletzke, and Mike Teletzke; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband, Douglas Teletzke, Sr.`50; brothers, Louis “Louie” (Helen) Cook, and Dean (Ruth) Cook, Charles “Chuck - Charlie Brown” Cook, Jr. and sisters, Mary (John) McCallum and Martha (Richard) Jacobs.
Robert C. Onan, Jr. `56 – September 9, 2020

After graduating from Wayland Academy, Bob earned a metallurgical engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin. He also received his Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Bob served clients at his legal practice focused on product liability for manufacturers and estate planning for more than forty years.
He is survived by his wife of more than 49 years, Gail; daughters, Keri (Michael) Onan-Levy and Elizabeth Onan; and sons, Thomas Onan, Christopher (Stephanie) Onan, and Brent (Megan) Onan. He was blessed with seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents Robert C. and Katherine L. Onan, Sr., and brother, Colin L. Onan `53.
Judith Clark Bearder `57 – May 7, 2020

Judith enjoyed spending time on Geneva Lake boating, swimming, and SCUBA diving. She loved reading, needlepoint, and traveling. Above all, she loved her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by husband, Donald W. Bearder. She is survived by sons Douglas (Lola) Bearder, and William Clark Bearder; two granddaughters; and brother, Bruce Clark `61.
Gordon B. Higgins `58 – January 14, 2020

Gordon was a chemical engineering graduate of the University of Michigan and lifelong supporter of their sporting activities. He was also a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. A lifetime employee of PPG, he retired as Director of Engineering for Coatings & Resins.
He is the beloved husband of Margaret (Peggy) Trevanion; father of Jennifer (Garrin) Dickinson, Polly (Dave Califano) Higgins, Hope (Manon DesGroseilliers) Celani,, and Gregory (Christy) Celani; brother of Richard (Crystal) Higgins and the late Marilyn Kolle. He is also survived by seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, R. Romeyn and F. Louise Higgins; and stepmother, Eleanor Higgins.
David Kimble Funk `59 – February 9, 2020

A graduate of Southern Illinois University, he worked as the Western Illinois regional organ/tissue donation coordinator, taught GED and math classes for Spoon River College, and was a long time substitute teacher in area schools. He was a member of the Phoenix Opera House Board, currently serving as President. He was also a member of the Schuyler Arts Council, and the Scripps Park Preservation Committee.
Surviving are three children, David K. Funk II; Lindsay Scott-Funk; and Alyssa Mariella Funk; and two grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Patrick Funk.
Joseph W. Skupniewitz `59 – May 13, 2020

He attended Wayland Academy, Harvard University, and University of Wisconsin/UW Law School. He served as a Captain in the US Air Force from 1967-71. His service to the nation continued after his military career when he accepted a position as Clerk of the Wisconsin Western District (Seventh Circuit) courts and part-time Magistrate. After more than thirty years of service to the Court, he retired in 2003 and was awarded the Western District Bar Association’s Distinguished Service Award, its highest honor.
He is survived by his wife Mary; daughters, Rita and and Beth (Stephen) Pape; son Joseph E.; sister Eileen `58, and a grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Joseph L. Skupniewitz; and his son, Joseph P. Skupniewitz.
Susan Schneider Stewart `59 – September 27, 2020

Susan met many of her life-long friends while attending Wayland Academy. She also attended Lawrence College and received a Bachelor's Degree from University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.
She had a diverse and fulfilling career including positions as an English teacher, feature writer and assistant editor, political campaign coordinator and a real estate agent, and newsletter editor for The Junior League of Rockford, IL.
She is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth (Andy) Leonard and Alison (fiancé, Shane Turner) Agustsson; six grandchildren; and her sister, Mitzi (Rocky) Wade `62.
Holly Johnson Meyer `60 – October 7, 2020

Holly moved to Oshkosh in the late 40s, graduated from Wayland Academy and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her career spanned more than 60 years beginning as a camp counselor and ending as the manager of Programs and Membership at the Marinette-Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce.
She is survived by son, Timothy James (Latha) Meyer; daughter, Elizabeth Briand (Tony) Angiuli; and three grandchildren.
Craig E. Lindeke `63 – August 5, 2020

Craig was a graduate of Wayland Academy, Williams College and Vanderbilt University Law School. He worked in the Minnesota Revisor's Office drafting legislation for over thirty years.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Elizabeth; five children, Benjamin Thompson (Ginny Ann Glasgow), William Lindeke (Emily Parks), Anne Thompson (Max Berger), Glen Lindeke (Jin Wen Guo), and Lisa Daniels (Seth Daniels); sisters Margie `71 and Barbara `66; brother Loren `61; and four grandchildren.
Terri Cloyd Willihnganz `63 – June 5, 2020

Terri graduated from Wayland Academy and attended UW Madison. She was employed by US Bank for more than 17 years and enjoyed her contact with co-workers and bank clients.
She married the love of her life, Paul Willihnganz in 1965. Together they raised four children Wendy (Kent) Eilenfeldt, Tim Willihnganz, Heidi (Mike) Ableidinger and Heather (Chad) Wagner. They were blessed with six grandchildren.
Terri was proceeded in death by her parents, Paul and Jean Cloyd; and brothers Paul Jr., and Mark.
Stephen F. Colby `66 – March 18, 2020
Kay Caldwell `67 – December 14, 2019

Kay attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte earning a bachelor’s degree in history and education. She joined the Peace Corps, which took her to the Marshall Islands to teach. She attended the University of Hawaii, earning a master’s degree in second language studies. Kay taught at Hawaii Pacific University before joining the University of Hawaii Leeward Community College, where she continued her career as a Second Language Tenured Professor and served as the Language Arts Division Chair. She retired in 2016 after 25 years of service.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Jane; and her brother, Jim. She is survived by her spouse Ellen, her loving ohana (family), Kimberly and Ted; six grandchildren, as well as great-grandchildren; her brother, Dan; and many loving cousins and close friends.
Jonathan C. Myers `69 – July 14, 2020

Jon attended Milton schools and graduated from Wayland Academy. He was recruited by Ray Patterson Jr. `40 to play basketball at Wayland. Jon’s coach, Ronald Blomberg, said that he was “the best sixth man in the state” as he was clearly a team player and well thought of by his coach and teammates. As part of the Mid-west Prep Conference championship basketball team, with a 17-0 conference record, the highlight of his basketball career was the teams participation in the 1969 WI State Championship tournament.
Jon received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii, and after twenty years in Honolulu, he returned to Wisconsin and was employed at JNB Signs of Janesville until 2009.
He is survived by brothers: Gilbert Myers, III `67, Paul Myers, and their families, and his sister, Sue (Randy) Braden, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and good friends.
Abby Lannan `69 – September 7, 2019

Abby’s very active, fullfilling life took her from Beaver Dam to live in various locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, California, Minnesota, Nebraska, and finally Colorado. Her busy career included many professions and hobbies - school teacher, outdoor encounter guide/leader, casino girl, fine art framer/shop owner, elk rancher, Dulcimer player, singer, butterfly lover, but her most treasured job was mother. She is survived by her only son, Jake Marcy; cousin Mary RioGrande `62; and numerous siblings.
Anne Zabolio Muirhead `71 – June 18, 2020

Anne owned the Genoa Hotel and was a ground instructor and commercial pilot.
She is survived by her daughters, Louise Anne Olvera and Claudia Olvera; brother, John Zabolio; and sister, Mary Donovan. Anne was preceded in death by parents, Albert and Annabelle Zabolio; siblings, Julie `74 and Mark Zabolio; and husband, James Muirhead.
Mary Jane Pleasance Smith `81 – September 16, 2020
Bryan F. Beham `93 – March 4, 2019

Bryan was the beloved son of Cheryl (Bert) Wheeler and Philip (late, Susan) Beham. Dear sibling of Elizabeth (Clint) Butler, Chase (Ashley) Wheeler, Gambol (Jason) Edelson and Linda Beham. Loving uncle and friend to many.

Friends of the Academy

List of 9 items.

M. Sue Baumer – March 13, 2020

After graduating from high school at Mooseheart, Sue went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of Wisconsin – Platteville, and completed Master’s degree work in Hospitality and Tourism at University of Wisconsin – Stout.
Over the course of her life, Sue became a leader in the food service industry and was an inspiration to many women by being strong and independent, while beautiful at the same time. She was also dedicated to community service and served on the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the American Family Children's Hospital Advisory Board.
In addition to her husband, Bob; Sue is survived by sons, Tate (Jamie Darnell) Baumer `96 and Jonathan Brandherm; daughter, E.B. (Ben Sousa) Baumer; two grandsons, Jack and Jet; her sisters, Francis Young, Lora (Glen) Gainey, Marie Rigdon and many other loved ones.
Sue was preceded in death by; her parents; brothers, Donald, Russell, Leroy; and infant daughter, Stephanie Sue Baumer.
Oscar C. Boldt – June 9, 2020

Oscar C. Boldt learned construction under the guidance of his grandfather, Martin, and his father, Oscar J. Boldt. After serving as a B-24 navigator in the Army Air Corps during World War II, he graduated with a degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. In 1950, he became the third generation of his family to assume leadership of the company. Boldt Construction has been a trusted partner to the renovation and building on the Wayland Academy campus. In addition, the family’s foundation has been an active and generous donor to the Academy and many other organizations throughout Wisconsin.
Oscar volunteered in leadership roles on the boards of Appleton Medical Center, the Community Foundation for the Fox River Valley, Lawrence University, and was an active member of Appleton Downtown Rotary. He was honored during his lifetime with numerous awards from the University of Wisconsin and other institutions; and was inducted into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame in 2003.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar J. and Dorothy (Bartmann); sister, Lola Mae (J.O. Kopplin), and his dear and loving daughter, Peggy Anderson `74. He is survived by his wife Patricia (Hamar); sons, Charles (Linda) and Thomas (Renee), former daughter-in-law Linda Boldt, and son-in-law Brian Anderson; nephew Jeff Hamar `76, as well as seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Joanne M. Bunge – April 5, 2020

Joanne was born and raised on the Bunge family farm in Redwood Falls, MN. She graduated from Grinnell College in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts in music and a minor in speech. Joanne married in 1957 and dedicated herself to raising her two sons in Bloomington, Minnesota, and began her many years volunteering in the community. She chaired the Family Education Center, was the project manager for the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce for the Mall of America, and was on the board of directors for the Bloomington Fine Arts Development Council.
Joanne moved back to Grinnell in 1990 to become the Director of Planned Giving for Grinnell College. In 1995, she became the Development Director for the Grinnell Regional Medical Center.
After retirement in 2001, Joanne followed her passion for learning, with the 2007 establishment of the Community Education Council (CEC) comprised of charter members Grinnell College, GRMC, Grinnell Schools, and The Mayflower Community. She chaired the council until 2016.

She also created the Seniors Education Program, and founded the local “Bucket Courses” that invited local experts to lecture on various subjects for the continued education of seniors. Out of the many contributions to her communities throughout her life, the “Bucket Courses” was one that brought her a great deal of joy.
Joanne is survived by her two sons; Brad Fisher and Steven Fisher, their wives and four grandchildren. Joanne is also survived by a brother, Donald Bunge `50. She was very proud of her family’s legacy at Wayland, often honoring and memorializing her father Louis O. Bunge 1913; her aunts, Dorothea A. Bunge 1912 and Hannah M. Bunge 1913; and uncle, Benjamin Bunge 1915.
James E. Conley, Jr. – March 20, 2020

Jim began his career in newspapers in 1967 at the Wall Street Journal and in 1969 purchased the Beaver Dam Daily Citizen newspaper with business partner, Francis “Bill” Connors. Thus, began a lifelong love affair of newspapering… acquiring and building them throughout his life. Through his many endeavors he continued to be an active, persistent voice in the necessity for accurate and unbiased reporting. Jim’s philanthropic interests were far reaching and impactful and he was a founding member of the Beaver Dam Scholarship Foundation.
Jim is survived by his wife, Rhonda R. Smith, and their son, Brandt James Conley, as well as son, James (Margie) Conley III `87, Christopher (Wendy) Conley `89, Brooke (Michael Levien) Conley `98, and their mother, Nancy Conley. Jim was preceded in death by son, Patrick Parker Conley `93. He leaves siblings, Emily (William) Keelty, Robert (Lisa) Conley, Bruce (Karla) Conley, Ellen (Gerald Gensch) Conley, Katherine Brandt Conley. Five grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Louis E. Davidson – January 17, 2020

Louis received a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and achieved his Juris Doctor in 1961. He served in the US Navy both from 1946-48 and 1951-52 as an Electronics Technician. He worked for Union Carbide and as a Patent Attorney for Miles Inc. He was promoted to become the Head of the Patent Department.
He was married to Cleone Mae Carney for 62 years before she passed away. Louis is survived by his sister; his two children, Ethel and Adrian Davidson `74; as well as two grandchildren and a great-grandson.
Edward V. Hartig – Date of death unknown
Edward August Hessler – September 30, 2020

Ed graduated from Manistee High School and earned his Bachelors and Masters in Education from Concordia Teachers College R.F. (now Concordia University Chicago).
In college he met his future wife, Janet Blase. After graduating in 1964 they were married and started their teaching ministry together. In 1973 Ed accepted a call to be principal and teacher at St. Stephen’s School, Horicon. From 1997 to 2000, Ed substitute taught, and assisted the principal at Mayville Middle School and taught summer school at Wayland Academy. He also taught at St. John’s Lutheran School, Mayville from 2000 to 2005.
He is survived by his wife, Janet; children, Jonathan Hessler `84, Michelle (Andreas) Buescher `85, Lisa (Craig) Switalla `89; and eight grandchildren. Ed was the oldest of six siblings and is survived by David (Martha) Hessler, Dorothy (G. David) The Reverend William (Janis) Hessler, Peter (Viola) Hessler, and Sara (The Rev. Thomas) Marcis.
Arlene Marie Neuman – July 31, 2020

Arlene graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1944. After high school, she worked at Kraft Cheese and began pursuing her dream of working in nursing. She served as a dental assistant and then moved into medical nursing working as a CNA at St. Joseph’s Hospital and at Clearview Nursing Home. She retired after working there for more than 37 years and maintained close friendships with many former coworkers.
Arlene valued staying busy, gardening and teaching her children and others about the value of work, humility, learning to be self-sufficient, and the importance of taking care of other people. She enjoyed cooking and baking.
She is survived by six children: Chuck (Rhonda Fitzgerald) Neuman; Randy (Shannon) Neuman; Mary (Andrea Petersen) Neuman; Jean (Ken) Mack; and Jenifer (Jay) Posick,; and Tim (Chris) Neuman. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren including, Jessica Neuman `16 and Blake Neuman `14; and five great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by parents, her husband, Francis J. “Butch” Neuman; son, Steven D. Neuman; and 10 siblings.
Jamie G. Steuer – December 11, 2019

Jamie G. Steuer reunited with her husband of 65 years on Wednesday, December 11, 2019. Jamie attended Stephens College in Columbia, MO, and later graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. She married the love of her life, Joseph Steuer Jr., on April 23, 1954. Jamie started her career as a first-grade teacher before staying home to care for her growing family. She spent many hours volunteering in Madison and Naples. Jamie was a reader, a golfer, an avid gardener, and a world traveler who sought new adventures—but equally loved spending quiet time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jamie is survived by her children Dorothy Degnan (Archie), Joseph Steuer III `77 (Carmen), and Jamie Wacek `78 (Bill); grandchildren, Anna Cardarella `93 (Andy Sailing), Rosalie Cardarella, Alex Degnan (Kayla), Joseph Steuer IV, Hilary Krueger (Chaz), Michael Degnan, Laura Mueller (Matt), Andy Steuer, and Christine Wacek; nine great-grandchildren; niece Marion Stenz, and nephew Greg Mayer `69. She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Steuer Jr., former Trustee; daughter, Louise Frame; siblings, Virginia Sammon (Sam) and Freddie Genrich.

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Alumni

List of 27 items.

Friends of the Academy

List of 9 items.