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.

Mayna Avent Nance `50 – May 13, 2020

Mayna Avent Nance, of Sewanee, Tennessee, passed away May 13, 2020 in Signal Mountain, Tennessee at the age of 87 from complications after a fall late last year. She led a full and eventful life and, until late last year, was living independently with her husband Walter Nance.

Her story is one that is intertwined between Tennessee and China with paths via New York and Virginia.

Mayna Rose Avent was born on June 17, 1932 in Tientsin (Tianjin) China, the daughter of Standard Vacuum Oil of China (later Mobil Oil) manager James Avent, Sr., of Nashville, Tennessee and Jeanette nee’ Nelson of Dekalb, Illinois. Apart from the interregnum of the Second World War, the Avents lived in several cities in China until 1949, including Tientsin, Tsingtao, and Shanghai. During the Second World War, Mayna lived with her family in New York and returned to Shanghai after the war, living there until 1948. In 1949 her parents returned to the town of her father’s alma mater, the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. There they purchased a grand house overlooking Lost Cove, establishing a long-term family base from that time until 2020.

It was during the China years that Mayna’s Auntie Harriet met and married a young Annapolis graduate named Dudley “Mush” Morton. Morton went on to command the famed WWII US submarine Wahoo. While the Avents were living in Tsingtao, China, in a house on the coast of the Yellow Sea, Jim Avent flew an American flag on a flagpole overlooking the ocean. In 1943, during the height of war between Japan and the US, Morton was able to clandestinely reveal Wahoo’s patrol area, which are normally secret, when he wrote in a letter home to Mayna and the Avents “I saw your flagpole today.”

Mayna’s children grew up hearing stories of China from this time ranging from military battles and epidemics to Mayna’s father meeting local leaders and facing mortal danger. Many other stories were more lighthearted. Such as how her father ended up in China in the first place in 1919, after going to the wrong personnel department at Standard Oil in New York. Or when, after the War, Mayna, her mother, sister and brother arrived back in Shanghai via ship from New York to rejoin her father, bringing a frozen turkey and an air conditioner - the latter they believed was one of the first in Shanghai. The summer heat and humidity in the city were so unbearable that Mayna, her sister, and brother would quietly sneak into the master bedroom at night where the air conditioner was located. She would brag that she paid 200,000 dollars for a hotdog in Shanghai in 1948 (hyperinflated Chinese dollars that is).

Mayna was an active artist throughout her life. Drawing inspiration from her father’s mother, noted artist Mayna Treanor Avent, Mayna Nance expressed herself in a variety of media including oil painting, drawings, pastels, ink etching, watercolors, photography, and printing of various types using wood block, linoleum, and metal etching. She attended the Parson’s School of Design in New York.

Mayna met her first husband, Daniel MacKinnon of Oshkosh, Wisconsin while attending Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. With Dan, she had three children, Michael, Andrew, and Bryan, all born in Los Angeles. They later settled in Sewanee and then in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Mayna’s second husband is Dr. Walter E. Nance. The Nance and Avent families have been friends for many years, starting from the days in China before the War. Walter was Professor and Chair (emeritus) of the Department of Human Genetics of the Virginia Commonwealth University. Walter and Mayna lived in Richmond, Virginia and finally Sewanee, and traveled the world while Walter would lecture, conduct research, and photograph anything and everything and Mayna would pursue her artistic projects. They both shared a great love of cooking and entertaining friends and family.

One of Mayna Nance’s lasting contributions was the establishment of her grandmother’s cabin-studio on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 as the Mayna Treanor Avent Studio, also known as the Avent-Ownby Cabin. The Avent family have been visitors and explorers in the Great Smoky Mountains since the early 20th century. In 1918, her grandparents purchased an authentic pioneer mountain cabin built around 1850 that Mayna Nance’s father James converted to a summer studio for his mother Mayna Treanor Avent before the establishment of the Smoky Mountains National Park. After the Cabin was returned to the National Park in 1992, Mayna Nance led a successful drive to have the structure listed on the National Register. You are welcome to go visit, provided you can find it after a slightly strenuous hike up the side of a mountain and across a creek deep into the woods. Just remember to sweep the floor and close the doors before you leave!

As China began opening up in the 1980s, Mayna was one of the early Western travelers back to China, first as part of semi-official delegations and later jointly with her husband Walter. Both were contributors to their Alma Mater, The Shanghai American School, and were invited lecturers there.

Though Mayna’s passing was not due to COVID-19, the current global situation restricted who could be at her bedside. Nonetheless, technology greatly assisted as Mayna’s overseas and Tennessee families were able to be with her in her final hours. She was shown her artwork and photos of her family and was able to listen to a recording of her father and mother recounting life in China.

Mayna is survived by her husband Walter, her sons Michael (Carol) MacKinnon and Bryan (Chikako) MacKinnon, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents James and Jeanette Avent, her sister and brother Jacqueline and James Avent (Jr), her first husband Daniel MacKinnon, her son Andrew MacKinnon, and her granddaughter Tiffany MacKinnon Allen.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Mayna’s memory to either of

• The Jacqueline Avent Sewanee Summer Music Festival Scholarship Prize at the University of the South. Contributions can be sent c/o the Office of Advancement, 735 University Ave. Sewanee TN 37383 (http://ssmf.sewanee.edu/about-us/support-the-festival/)

• Hearth Hospice, 513 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403 (www.hearthhospice.com).

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.

 

Jay E. Brown `58 – May 13, 2020

Jay E. Brown, born in Beaver Dam, WI., age 75, of Stickney. US Vietnam Veteran. Beloved father of Pat ( Karen) Brown, Jon Brown, Matt (Kristine) Brown and the late Jeff Brown; fond grandfather of Angela, Samantha, Nicholas, Alyssa, Emma, Breanna, Ethan, Emily, Michayla, Austin and Brooklyn Brown; dear brother of Gail Cantu and the late Scott Brown; uncle of many nieces and nephews. Visitation, Thursday November 5, 2015, 3 P.M. to 8 P.M. and Friday November 6, 2015, 10:30 A.M. to Time of Service 11:30 A.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd. 9445 W. 31st St., Brookfield, IL 60513. Interment Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Memorials appreciated to Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Hospital, 5000 S. 5th Avenue, Hines, IL 60141 or the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. 

David William "Dave" Geffert `58 – November 11, 2021

David W. “Dave” Geffert, age 81, passed away peacefully November 11, 2021, at Sonrisas Assisted Living in Verona.

He was born to Clarence and Charlotte (Hilton) Geffert on May 23, 1940, in Madison, WI, but all his childhood memories were of growing up in Beaver Dam, WI where his family moved early in his life.

Dave loved being outdoors. He was active in Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout. He attended Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam for high school where he met the love of his life, Karen Minton. Dave and Karen were married for close to 57 years before Karen passed away in 2015. They raised their family of four children in the Madison area, with the majority of their years together spent in the treasured home they built in Fitchburg.

Dave was a hard worker who was absolutely devoted to caring for his wife and family. He worked at a number of jobs over the years with many years spent at Wick Homes, followed by another long-term position working at Famous Fixtures. He was a valued employee, but family was always most important to him.

Dave was happiest when taking care of his home or working in the yard. He greatly enjoyed looking at and walking in and nearby Dunn’s Marsh. He also loved music of all kinds, but especially jazz. He loved electronics and spent many hours building things from kits, including the family’s first color TV. He also loved reading, especially science fiction and adventure stories by favored author Edgar Rice Burroughs.

Dave had a great sense of humor and loved joking around. Although Alzheimer’s Disease changed him from the man we knew in his younger years, he always brought joy and dancing to the lives of those who knew him in his later years.

Dave will be greatly missed by those who survive him, children Kelly Olson, Lisa Geffert, Kris (Dave) Owens, Greg (Amber) Geffert; his grandchildren Nic Schwark, Stephanie Arnold, Kyle Owens, Alec Owens, Ryan Owens, and Alexandra Geffert; his great-grandchildren Eva, Silas, and Arlo Arnold, and Thora Schwark, sister-in-law Elizabeth Geffert, brother John, brother in-law Gerald Minton, and many nieces and nephews.

Tremendous thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Sonrisas in Verona where he spent his final months. He was truly cherished and thrived there. The ability for his family to share many hours with him in a family atmosphere during his last days was priceless. Thanks also to the superb folks from Agrace HospiceCare for their assistance in his care.

Per Dave’s wishes, no services will be held. A celebration of his life will be held in spring 2022, date not yet determined.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association or to another charity of your choosing.

“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”

Desmond Tutu

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

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.

Lawrence "Larry" Lithgow Smith Jr `77—September 28, 2021

Lawrence ("Larry") Lithgow Smith, Jr. passed away peacefully on September 28th in the presence of his loving wife and son.

Larry was born on September 24, 1959 in Louisville, Kentucky.

He was an All American athlete at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where he won a State Championship. He went on to achieve national recognition as a collegiate All American wrestler at Ripon College and Ball State University.

Early in his professional career, Larry moved to Washington DC to work for Brooks Brothers and Cuffs. It was there he met Nicole Atkinson, his future wife and the love of his life. Larry and Nicole married in 1985 at St. John's Church, Lafayette Square in Washington DC.

Larry and Nicole moved to Columbus, Indiana where he joined the family business, Rodes Clothing, as the general manager of the company's Columbus store.

In the spring of 1989, Larry and Nicole moved to Louisville where he assumed the role of men's clothing buyer and merchandise manager for Rodes. Later that summer, the couple welcomed the birth of their son, Lawrence ("Trey") Lithgow Smith, III.

In the mid 1990's, the family moved to Washington, DC to support Nicole's dream of becoming an attorney. In 1997, Nicole graduated from Georgetown University Law Center with Larry and Trey proudly by her side.

The family settled down in the D.C. area where Larry continued to be a pillar of support to Nicole as her law career started and blossomed. Nicole never hesitates to credit Larry's selflessness and dedication to her and Trey as the reason she was able to pursue and realize her professional dreams.

Larry went on to coach for the Capital Area Wrestling League where he cultivated several champions including his son, Trey, and Olympic Gold Medalist Helen Maroulis.

He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, an avid hunter, and especially enjoyed training his beloved Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.

Larry loved being known in the neighborhood as the house that handed out full sized candy bars on Halloween, a fourteen thousand bulb Christmas light display, and fireworks for every occasion.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Jane Ulferts Smith, and Lawrence Lithgow Smith, Sr., and his grandparents, Mary and Ray Ulferts, and Hanford and Elizabeth Smith.

In addition to his wife and son, Larry is survived by his sister, Susan Vogt, brother-in-law, Howard Vogt, and their son Howie Vogt, as well as beloved cousins, aunts, uncles and family and friends across the country.

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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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. – August 4, 2020

Ray, father of Hugh `73 and Bruce `74, passed away at the age of 95. 

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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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.