Class Notes
Class Notes and In Memoriam help keep our community connected. Class Notes is where alumni can share life updates, like career changes, family news, or personal achievements. It’s a great way to stay in touch and see what classmates are up to. In Memoriam honors the lives of alumni who have passed away, giving us a space to remember their time at Capital and their impact beyond. These sections help us share stories, celebrate milestones, and stay connected as a community. These notes will be updated in the fall and spring annually.
Spring 2025 Class Notes
In Memoriam
Richard "Dick" Hansler (X'48) - Survived by Wanda (Hegner) Hansler ('49).
https://obits.cleveland.com/us/obituaries/cleveland/name/richard-hansler-obituary?id=57382942
In Memoriam
M. Carolyn Denner-Hayes ('50) – Survived by Christina Denner Wierwille '99 (Grandchild), Mark A. Denner '04 (Grandchild)
Dora Schaer Barra ('50) https://www.spencefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Dora-J-Barra?obId=40750093
Marion Sanborn Dunckel ('52) https://www.mcwilliamsfh.com/obituaries/Marion-Sanborn-Dunckel?obId=33377682
Barbara Haseley ('53) - Survived by Kathryn Haseley Rutan '81 (Child).
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/tampabaytimes/name/barbara-haseley-obituary?id=58515746
Donald W. Gribble ('54) https://www.walkerfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Donald-W-Gribble?obId=33342457
F. Russell "Russ" Grill ('54, S'58)
https://www.redmanfuneral.com/obituary/9127651
James P. Altman, Sr. ('54) – Survived by Dr. Patrick B. Doyle '78 (Child-in-law) https://www.egan-ryan.com/obituary/James-AltmanSr
Gretchen Schneider Risch ('54) https://www.evansfuneralhome.net/obituary/gretchen-risch
A. Betty Singer Leyse ('55) https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sun-city-az/alma-leyse-12294549
S. Jeanette Shuman Schaible ('58) – Survived by Paul M. Schaible '58 (Surviving Spouse), The Rev. Frederick M. Shuman '57, '62 (Sibling), LuAnn Basilius Shuman '60 (Sibling-in-law) https://obituaries.reviewtimes.com/us/obituaries/reviewtimes/name/jeannette-schaible-obituary?id=57237362
Mary Maurer Beckham ('58) https://www.walterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/mary-beckham
Maurice W. Anderson ('59) – Survived by Betty Long Anderson '60 (Surviving Spouse) https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/maurice-anderson-obituary?id=57397128
Clarence W. Lynn, Jr. ('59) https://www.dispatch.com/obituaries/pwoo1059649
Class Notes
Susan Erftenbeck-Long (’63) received recognition in fall 2024 for 25 years of service at The Ohio State University. She recently celebrated her 26th anniversary and is still working.
Gloria Swartz Heisler Pearse (’63) is active in AARP, AAUW, and the League of Women Voters. She participates in two book groups, a computer club, a cooking group, several public policy organizations, and her church.
Eric Beheim (’68) is a regular contributor to the Classic Toy Trains Forum. His tabletop toy train photos appear in the threads “A Lionel Photo Album” and “A Marx Photo Album.” He and his wife, Pat (Marquart ’66), live in Descanso, California.
In Memoriam
C. Donald Grauer ('60) https://www.yorktownfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Conrad-D-Grauer?obId=33970858
Barbara Considine Kittner ('60) – Survived by Bryan K. Kittner '88 (Child) https://morelandfuneralhome.com/obituary/barbara-ann-kittner/
James E. Linke ('60) – Survived by Betty Whiteley Linke '60 (Surviving Spouse) https://www.heraldtribune.com/obituaries/psar1163428
Deacon Frank C. Cleveland, Jr. ('61) – Survived by Frank C. Cleveland III '90 (Child) https://www.thechapelofpeace.com/obituaries/frank-cleveland
Donald C. Wachtman ('61) – Survived by Carolyn Herath Wachtman '60 (Surviving Spouse), Kristen A. Nattress-Wachtman '93 (Sibling-in-law), Andrew D. Wachtman '90 (Sibling), Katharine Herath Reinke '69 (Sibling-in-law), Annika J. Wachtman '18 (Grandchild), Elli N. Wachtman '20 (Grandchild), The Rev. Stephen D. Wachtman '85 (Child), Timothy Wachtman '87 (Child) https://www.spencefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Donald-Carl-Wachtman?obId=34209969
Dr. Paul A. Kvale ('61) – Survived by Susan Gehrlich Kvale '62 (Surviving Spouse), Craig P. Kvale '91 (Child, Heidi Kvale Tigges '94 (Child) https://www.grossepointenews.com/articles/paul-arthur-kvale/
John G. Troutman, Jr. ('63) – Survived by Christine Paullin Troutman '64 (Surviving Spouse), Amy Troutman Martin '88 (Child), Timothy M. Martin '88 (Child-in-law), Lori Troutman Bantz '90 (Child) https://morelandfuneralhome.com/obituary/john-g-troutman-jr/
Dr. Timothy J. Runyan ('63) – Survived by Laurie Blackmore Runyan '62 (Surviving spouse) https://obits.cleveland.com/us/obituaries/cleveland/name/timothy-runyan-obituary?id=57319651
Helen Prange Funk ('63) – Survived by The Rev. William F. Funk III '60 (Surviving spouse), Lois Prange Blair '59 (Sibling), Dr. John D. Prange '67 (Sibling), Joyce Sandal Prange '68 (Sibling-in-law) https://cremationcincinnati.frontrunnerpro.com/book-of-memories/5499553/Funk-Helen/index.php
Thomas L. Logan ('64) – Survived by Dianne Nuesmeyer Logan '66 (Surviving Spouse), Captain Richard A. Logan '65 (Sibling) https://www.millerfuneralhomes.net/obituary/ThomasTom-Logan
Thomas L. Sautters ('64) – Survived by Barbara Billing Sautters '65 (Surviving spouse) https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/canton-oh/thomas-sautters-12202412
Charles H. Sonnenberg ('64) https://obits.jhenrystuhr.com/charles-chuck-sonnenberg
Marcelyn Hiles McAllister ('64) https://www.stegengafuneralchapel.com/obituaries/marcelyn-mcallister
Gary H. Miesse ('64) – Survived by Byron E. Miesse '68 (Sibling) https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/greenville-sc/gary-miesse-12017861
Vicki Graff Baldwin ('66) – Survived by Dean R. Baldwin '64 (Surviving Spouse) https://www.burtonquinnscott.com/obituaries/vicki-baldwin
Gary A. Haslop ('66) – Survived by Dillagene Haslop Hayba '63 Sibling) https://www.chillicothegazette.com/obituaries/pwoo1079904
Raymond D. Fleming ('66) https://www.underwoodfuneralhome.com/obituary/raymond-fleming
Stanley L. Josselson (L'66) https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/cleveland-heights-oh/stanley-josselson-12322033
Vickie Fogt Groenke ('67) – Survived by The Rev. Robert J. Groenke Jr. '67, '71 (Surviving Spouse), Dr. Melinda Groenke Wonsick '95 (Child), Julie Erwin Groenke '95 (Child-in-law), The Rev. Matthew W. Groenke '93, '98 (Child), Stephen W. Fogt '70 (Sibling) https://www.denbowfh.com/obituaries/Vickie-Sue-Groenke?obId=34274217
James D. Ruetsch ('67) – Survived by Lt. Col. Raymond L. Ruetsch '72 (Sibling) https://www.graumlichfuneralhome.com/obituaries/james-ruetsch
Roxanne Steiger Palenshus ('67) https://www.wisefuneral.com/obituaries/roxanne-palenshus
Janice Wearly Evans ('68) – Survived by The Rev. Mark W. Evans '66, '70 (Surviving Spouse), Lisa Evans Eddy '93 (Child) https://www.henrymmalburg.com/obituaries/janice-ellen-evans
Melvin F. "Bud" Miller, Jr. ('68, S'72) - Survived by daughters Beth Miller '93 and Elizabeth Berry '88.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/naples-fl/melvin-miller-jr-12079829
Charles R. Harpster ('69) – Survived by Stephen C. Harpster '96 (Child) https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/charles-harpster-obituary?id=57160969
Nancy Willix Neyman ('69) – Survived by Gary B. Neyman '67 (Surviving Spouse), Cmdr. George P. Neyman III '57 (Sibling-in-law) https://thompson-miller.com/obituaries/nancy-neyman
Jerry L. McDowell ('63, L'69) – Survived by Judith Hoskinson McDowell '62 (Surviving Spouse)
Class Notes
Nancy Sherman Gillilan (’75) is retiring this year after 50 years of nursing, all focused on precious newborns and their families.
Terry Egan Chapman (’77) retired after 22 years as a pastor in the Arkansas United Methodist Conference and has moved back to Butler County, Ohio.
Susan Hyde Neitz (’77) retired from nursing in 2015 from iatric Oncology & Stem Cell Transplant at Akron Children’s Hospital. She is enjoying traveling with her husband, Bill, visiting family, volunteering, and swimming.
Sherri Knight Brady (’79) retired from nursing in 2019 after a 40-year career, primarily in CVOR and oncology. She misses her patients but not the administrative side.
In Memoriam
Major Lawrence L. Allen ('72) – Survived by Lynette G. Wahl '66 (Sibling-In-law), Susan Wahl Allen '72 (Surviving Spouse) https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/lawrence-allen-obituary?id=57063421#obituary
James R. Berendsen (L'72) https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/worthington-oh/james-berendsen-12145556
David P. Lewis ('72) – Survived by Bob Lewis ('66) (Sibling), Rick Lewis ('69) (Sibling)
Richard A. Tabor ('72) – Survived by Tina Tabor Blackburn '78 (Sibling), The Rev. Steven C. Ritter '74 (Sibling-in-law), Liesa Tabor Ritter '74 (Sibling) https://www.somersetundertaking.com/obituaries/Richard-Alan-Tabor?obId=42075643
Kirby D. Stettler ('73) https://www.alspachgearhart.com/obituaries/kirby-stetler
Larry K. Focht ('74) – Survived by Majorie Wilhelm Focht '70 (Sibling-in-law), Earl R. Focht '70 (Sibling) https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/worthington-oh/larry-focht-12201939
The Hon. Danny W. Favreau (L'74) https://www.lamberttatman.com/obituary/danny-favreau
Gregory M. Ensign, Esq. (L'75) https://www.palmettocs.com/obituaries/gregory-ensign
Wayne C. Gerlt (L'75) https://www.carmonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Wayne-Christopher-Gerlt-Esq?obId=39770042
Christine Eichner Berger ('75) https://morelandfuneralhome.com/obituary/christine-marie-berger/
Peter C. Esselburne (L'75) https://www.summersfuneralhome.com/obituary/Peter-CampbellEsselburne
Nancy S. Graham ('75) – Survived by Jordan R. McCoy '05 (Child), Sarah Yonkey McCoy '05 (Child-in-law) https://www.orwoodyard.com/obituaries/Nancy-Sue-Graham?obId=41968621
Barbara Koontz Powell ('76) – Survived by Carl Powell X'75 (Spouse) https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbus-oh/barbara-powell-12236646
Kenneth R. Swanson ('77) – Survived by Stephen K. Swanson '88 (Child) https://www.tiddfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/kenneth-swanson
Christopher J. Geer (L'77) https://www.maederquinttiberi.com/obituary/christopher-geer
Stephen M. Busch ('78) – Survived by Deborah McKimson Busch '78 (Surviving Spouse) https://www.dispatch.com/obituaries/pwoo1082344
Gene A. Shepard (L'78) https://www.spencefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Gene-Allen-Shepard?obId=37338729
Klaus K. Fricke ('79) – Survived by Sharon Fricke; Dec. Alum Und (Spouse) https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/klaus-fricke-obituary?id=56993596#obituary
James C. Shaw (L'79) https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbus-oh/james-shaw-10686525
Lynn E. Davis ('79) – Survived by Barbara Davis Carlson '85 (Child), Susan Davis Massarelli '82 (Child) https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbus-oh/lynn-davis-12079289
Class Notes
Karen Lisko Mesmer (’80) is the lead author of Answers to Your Biggest Questions About Teaching Secondary Science, published by Corwin Press. The book serves as a resource for newer teachers navigating the challenges of teaching science. In 2020, she received the Ron Gibbs Award for Lifetime Achievement in Science Education from the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers. Mesmer holds an M.S. and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction–science education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Karen Tylka Feller (’84) and her husband, Phil Feller, moved from Hudson, Wisconsin, to Durham, North Carolina, in 2019. After 20 years working as an electron microscopist in biomedical research, she joined Duke University Hospital’s clinical labs in January 2025, supporting pathologists using electron microscopy as a diagnostic tool.
Matthew McCann (’85) earned his master’s in healthcare administration from the University of Arkansas–Grantham. He recently completed the CPHIMSS certification from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). McCann is the manager of clinical informatics and performance improvement at Westbank Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans.
Treva Bolton MacGregor (’86) has been named the 2025 Ohio Teacher of the Year for District 6.
In Memoriam
David R. Zimemrman ('80)
Charles L. Keith (L'80)
Charles E. Fordyce (L'84) https://www.rldfuneralhome.com/obituary/Charles-Fordyce
Florence Uwandu Odita (L'85) https://www.shaw-davis.com/obituaries/florence-odita
Curtis J. Koch (L'85) https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/curtis-koch-obituary?id=58195741
John F. Williamson ('86) https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dayton/name/john-williamson-obituary?id=57956452
Hon. Elisabeth Toole Petronio (L'88) https://www.mcguiganberofuneralhome.com/memorials/elisabeth-toole-petronio/5512801/
John Hostetler McKinley ('89)
Ronda Wilson Egert ('89) https://www.paquelet.com/obituaries/ronda-egert
Class Notes
Angela R. (Cunningham) Holt (’90) began a new position March 31, 2025, after 25 years at Marion Area Counseling. She is now a senior clinical consultant social worker in partial hospitalization at OhioHealth’s Marion Medical Campus.
Tiffany Komasara (’93, L’01, T’15) has served as pastor of Boulevard Presbyterian Church in Grandview Heights, Ohio, since August 2023.
In Memoriam
Joyce Motosko Johnson (L'90) https://www.wkbn.com/my-valley-tributes/lane-family-funeral-homes/joyce-motosko-johnson-canfield-ohio/
Troy D. Shutler ('91) https://www.wisefuneral.com/obituaries/troy-shutler
Linda Baine Rueger ('92) https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/oh/springfield/linda-rueger-18971977
Stephen W. Cartwright ('95)
Lewis I. Taylor, jr. ('97) https://www.whitesfh867.com/obituary/LewisI-TaylorJr
Gloria Schultz Urban ('98) https://www.dispatch.com/obituaries/pwoo1050831
Class Notes
Dominic Verdell (’00) accepted a new position in January 2025 as executive pastor of ministries at The Chapel in Akron.
Samantha M. Quimby (L ’03) has been recognized as a World Trademark Review (WTR) 2025 Global Leader. Now in its seventh edition, the list highlights the world’s foremost law firm and corporate trademark experts, based on market research for the WTR 1000 and WTR 300 rankings. Quimby was one of nine professionals recognized in Ohio.
Lauren Raymer Heller (’05) has been named dean of the Campbell School of Business at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. She is also a professor of economics and has been a faculty member at Berry since 2010.
In Memoriam
LeeAnn M. Massucci (L'02) https://www.dispatch.com/obituaries/pwoo1066188
Erin Sagraves Rice ('04) https://www.egan-ryan.com/obituary/ErinMarieSagraves-Rice
Robyn Kinikin Styles ('08) https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/robyn-styles-obituary?id=57089723
Daniel L. Lewis ('09) – Survived by Amanda Lewis Frint '04 (Child) https://www.shaw-davis.com/obituaries/daniel-lynn-lewis
Class Notes
Ross Goldsmith (’10) and Lea (Barker) Goldsmith (’09) welcomed their second child, Archie James Goldsmith, in February 2025. Archie joins big sister Hildy. The family lives in Gahanna, Ohio.
Daniel Belcher (’12) earned his Ph.D. in integrative and biomedical physiology from Penn State University in December 2024.
Ryan Spitzer (L ’15) has been named partner at the Columbus-based law firm Isaac Wiles. His practice covers all areas of labor and employment law and litigation, with a focus on the complexities of public sector jurisdictions. He has defended employers in state and federal courts, advised political subdivisions across Ohio, and served as corporate counsel for multiple risk pools. Spitzer has also been recognized as an Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Star and listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.
Justie Snodgrass (’17) graduated with a master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University.
Fall 2024 Class Notes
Class Notes
Helen J. Cronau ('48) enjoyed celebrating her 97th birthday with her family.
In Memoriam
Olive Bartello Boyce (’53) https://www.mcdonald-aeberli.com/obituary/Olive-Boyce
Lucille Wegner Farwig (’53) https://krausefuneralhome.com/obituary/lucille-l-farwig/
Arthur E. Theil (’53) https://www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com/obituaries/arthur-e-theil
Paul Moyer (’53). Survivors include sibling Richard A. Moyer (’56). https://www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Paul-Moyer-4/#!/Obituary
Paul R. Nusser (’54) https://www.dunnfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Paul-R-Nusser?obId=32593408
David Benkert (’56) https://obits.mlive.com/us/obituaries/grandrapids/name/david-benkert-obituary?id=55470748
Caroline Strobel Gruenberg Wirtz (’56).Survivors include child David Gruenberg (’82); child-in-law Amy Kalmers Gruenberg, and grandchild Megan Gruenberg (’17).https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/grove-city-oh/caroline-wirtz-11898719
Charles “Chuck” Kessler (’58) https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/johnstown-oh/charles-kessler-11911324
Robert “Bob” Rigby Liggett Jr. (’58) https://nkytribune.com/obituaries-2/robert-rigby-liggett-jr/
Donald Hummel (’59) https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sacbee/name/donald-hummel-obituary?id=55488094
Class Notes
Eric Beheim ('68) and his wife, Pat Marquart ('66) celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary on November 8, 2024. Address: 25114 Oak Lane, Descanso, California, 91916; cinephonic@aol.com.
Rachel Winning McClain ('62) retired after teaching high school business subjects for 35 years. In retirement, Rachel has enjoyed several interesting roles, including working with a newspaper, as a pharmacy tech, and volunteering at a senior center. She has been involved with many community projects in Germantown.
In Memoriam
Sally Wilson Berry (’60). Survivors include child Anne Berry Dunlap (’85) and grandchild Ryan M. Carloni (’10). https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/ourmidland/name/sally-berry-obituary?id=56403357
James W. Finefrock (’60). Survivors include spouse Karen Weimer Finefrock (’60). https://www.cantonrep.com/obituaries/pwoo0772732
Gretchen Prange Wilson ('60) https://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/obituaries/pwoo0888362
Madelyn Weihl Zimmer (’61). Survivors include sibling Ingrid Weihl Meyer (’66). https://www.dispatch.com/obituaries/pwoo0932788
John W. Davis Jr. (’61). Survivors include spouse Carol Chase Davis (’63). https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/john-davis-jr-obituary?id=55637658
Lois A. Pease Bonnoront (’62). Survivors include spouse David E. Bonnoront (’63). https://www.hodappfuneralhome.com/obituaries/lois-bonnoront
John L. Pride (’63). https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/washingtonpost/name/john-pride-obituary?id=56462618
Paul A. Agriesti (’63). Survivors include sibling David L. Agriesti (’60). https://www.dispatch.com/obituaries/pwoo0850758
Milton A. Hetrick Jr. (’64). Survivors include sibling Cathy Hetrick Eames (’69). https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/centennial-co/milton-hetrick-11886604
E. Bruce Mathews (’64). Survivors include spouse Ann Bodenman Mathews (’64). https://www.hollomon-brown.com/obituaries/Emerson-Bruce-Mathews?obId=32799441
Douglas E. Meyer (’64) https://www.kochfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Douglas-E-Meyer?obId=32789310
Carol Smith Schiff (’64). Survivors include grandchild Kala Schoff Strawser (’14). https://www.spencemillerfuneralhome.com/obituary/carol-schiff
Betty Fashbaugh Wachholz (’65) https://www.ochalekstark.com/obituary/betty-wachholz
Deborah Eakin Neiman (’67) https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/deborah-nieman-obituary?id=55871425
William P. Packer Jr. (’68). Survivors include spouse Sandra Johnson Packer (’68) and sibling Anne Packer Haney (’62). https://www.spencefuneralhome.com/obituaries/William-Paul-Packer?obId=33068991
Gary E. Smith (’69) https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/canton-oh/gary-smith-11820363
Rockford H. Richardson (L’69) https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/clearwater-fl/rockford-richardson-11979540
Class Notes
William F. Schnell ('71) published a peer reviewed chapter in The Routledge Handbook of Language and Mind Engineering titled “The Benefit of the Doubt: How Big Oil Makes Us Think” in 2024.
Cheri Taylor ('71) retired in 2004 after a 32-year career as an elementary and middle school teacher, including 14 years as a vocal music specialist. She has been teaching quilting in the Columbus area. Cheri is a 14-year member of the Harmony Project, Columbus' largest and most diverse singing and service organization. She is the proud parent of Kristen Lynn Matson (Brad Blackham) and Randall Douglas Matson (Nikki Matson), and a devoted grandmother to Audrey and Sylvia. Her happy place is watching the sunset in her little corner of Michigan or wherever her family may be.
Karen Clarke Hergert ('72) expresses her good fortune in attending Capital. She credits the education she received with preparing her well for her future degrees and jobs in the nursing field.
Debbie Wright Jarrell ('79) retired from nursing in 2021.
Paula Roman Daniel ('79) retired in March 2022 from nursing in labor and delivery at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. Her career included 24 years of service at Mount Carmel West, followed by 18 years at Grant.
Reva Jo Donnell Goshia ('77) retired from education in 2013 from North Central School and in 2015 as an adjunct faculty member at Defiance College.
In Memoriam
Vicki Kennedy Cole (’70) https://www.richlandsource.com/2024/05/31/vicki-cole/
Donald P. Love (L’70) https://www.hoskinsonfuneral.com/obituary/donald-love
Linda G. Barry (’70) https://www.cotnerfuneralhome.com/obituary/Linda-Barry
Robert M. Rasor (’70). Survivors include cousin Kim Allison Hartinger (’79). https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/grove-city-oh/robert-rasor-11836161
Nancy E. Dittmer (’72). Survivors include sibling Jean Ditmer Smith (’76) and sibling-in-law Darryl L. Smith (’76). https://www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com/2024/05/01/nancy-elaine-ditmer/
Charles W. Gayton (L’72). https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/charles-gayton-obituary?id=56110470
Vicki Strong Phelps (’73) https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/vicki-phelps-obituary?id=55771974
Cynthia Thress Kalb (’74) https://www.vocfh.com/obituary/cynthia-cindy-kalb
Bruce I. Roth (L’74) https://my.gather.app/remember/bruce-roth-2024
Barbara Parr Bigam (’74). Survivors include spouse Gregory D. Bigam (’74). https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/circlevilleherald/name/barbara-bigam-obituary?id=56275334
Cheryl Geiger Sohner (’75). Survivors include spouse Ronald E. Sohner (’92). https://www.tiddfuneralservice.com/obituaries/cheryl-sohner
T. K. Cellar (’75). Survivors include sibling Kim D. Cellar (’76), sibling B. Karen Cellar Dages (’78), and sibling-in-law Karen Hanks Cellar (’76). https://www.orwoodyard.com/obituaries/Thomas-TK-Cellar?obId=32827598
Carol Jones Langenfels (’75) https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/hilliard-oh/carol-langenfeld-11903743
William E. Leber (L’75). Survivors include spouse Sally Speer Leber (’75). https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/William-Ellis-Leber?obId=32577800
Debra E. Swartzfager (’76). Survivors include spouse Charles R. Swartzfager (’75) and sibling-in-law Kathy Swartzfager Scott (’76). https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/debra-swartzfager-obituary?id=55176099
Robert A. Hamilton ('76) https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbus-oh/robert-hamilton-11971544
Ruth Hershberger Nicol (’76). Survivors include siblings Paul J. Hershberger (’78) and Mary Hershberger Petersen (’81), and siblings-in-law Jan D. Blue (’79) and Kevin Petersen (’78). https://www.ingramfuneralservice.com/obituary/ruth-r-nicol
Paul M. Hoversten (’78). Survivors include siblings David S. Hoversten Sr. (’76), Carol Hoversten Pepper (’84), and William H. Hoversten (’75). https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/washingtonpost/name/paul-hoversten-obituary?id=55028295
Nanette Castellani Neidhardt (L’78, ’08) https://www.dispatch.com/obituaries/pwoo0879819
Larry A. Arnold (L’79) https://www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com/obituary/larry-arnold
Class Notes
Michael Barth ('81) Has been practicing family medicine in Granville, Ohio, since 1991 and has been part of Licking Memorial Health Professionals since its inception in 1995. He and his wife,
Christina Swerlein Barth ('85), are proud parents of twin sons, Solomon and Sebastian, born in 2004.
The Rev. Julianne DiRocco Smith (S'85) retired on February 1, 2024, from the active roster of the ELCA Minister of Word and Sacrament. Her final call was as director of Evangelical Mission and assistant to the Bishop for Congregational Vitality of the Northeastern Ohio Synod, ELCA.
Tracy Nadine Kuhn Meihls ('87) was recognized as Community Health Systems Region 3 Manager of the Year in 2023 and was promoted to manager of Laboratories for Lutheran Health Network the same year.
Jon C. Saxton ('89) retired after a 34-year career in public education, serving as a teacher, coach, and administrator. His roles included teaching and coaching at Logan Elm High School, serving as principal at Amanda-Clearcreek High School, and leading Chillicothe City Schools as superintendent. He continues to mentor principals through the OLI-4 program and currently works as a Senior Account Executive at Veregy LLC.
In Memoriam
Timothy A. Bensch (’80). Survivors include parent Barbara Stroh Bensch (’57); and sibling Judith Bensch Hausfeld (’85). https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/woodstock-ga/timothy-bensch-11906503
William F. Kener (’83) https://www.crowellbrothers.com/obituaries/William-Frederick-Kener?obId=32965516
Jane E. Sheahan-McMahon (’84) https://obits.cleveland.com/us/obituaries/cleveland/name/jane-sheahan-mcmahon-obituary?id=54919588
Cassandra Bolt-Meredith (L’85) https://www.boyerfuneral.com/obituaries/Cassandra-Ann-Bolt-Meredith?obId=31855374
John K. McHenry (L’87) https://www.ralphfscott.com/obituary/John-McHenry
Class Notes
Kim Diehl ('92) began a new role in February as the Midwest Institutional Relations Officer for the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC).
In Memoriam
Nancy Vermillion Austin (’92) https://www.hoskinsonfuneral.com/obituary/nancy-austin
Robert M. Parsley (T’93) https://www.newarkadvocate.com/obituaries/pwoo0916503
John D. Vanover (’93) https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/john-vanover-obituary?id=55127152
Tyra Sisson Taylor (L’94) https://www.buschcares.com/obituaries/Tyra-L-Taylor?obId=32645401
John R. Stackman (’96) https://www.countrysidefunerals.com/obituaries/john-stackman
Candy Cheek Winteregg (’97). https://www.markerheller.com/obituary/Candy-WintereggCheek
John J. Lerch (L’99). https://www.curlewhills.com/obituaries/John-J-Lerch?obId=31464460
Class Notes
Julie A. Akers ('05) accepted the position of Public Information Officer in the Public Affairs Unit for the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Sarah Belknap Breault ('07) welcomed Benjamin Lawrence Breault on August 22, 2023. After spending a week in the NICU, Benjamin joined his twin siblings, Emma and Ryan (now age 5), at home.
In Memoriam
Bryan C. Schermerhorn (’02). Survivors include sibling Jason S. Schermerhorn ’00. https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Bryan-C-Schermerhorn?obId=31406118
Deborah M. Meesig Falcone (L’06) https://www.oshaughnessycompany.com/obituary/deborah-meesig
Class Notes
Emese Chmielewski ('17) and Gabe Kovacs were married in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 16, 2022.
In Memoriam
Rebecca Hunt Stanfill (’15) https://www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Rebecca-Stanfill/#!/Obituary
Zachary A. Becker (’17) https://www.ducafuneralhome.com/obituary/Zachary-Becker
Gennifer Vandeventer Maple (’17). Survivors include spouse Dakota J. Maple (’17) and parent-in-law Catherine Cordell Maple (’91). https://www.tiddfuneralservice.com/obituaries/gennifer-maple
Class Notes
Neyat Ghebrihiwot ('23) is excited to share that they have landed their dream job as an Associate Product Marketing manager at Google, a highly competitive role, especially for recent graduates. Neyat credits Capital University’s rigorous coursework, critical thinking focus, and diverse collaboration opportunities for preparing them for the challenges of the tech industry. The support from the career services team was instrumental in refining their resume, interview skills, and professional network. Now working on cutting-edge AI projects at Google, Neyat hopes their journey will inspire current students to pursue their passions with confidence.
In Memoriam
Andrew Lisko, professor emeritus of Music. https://www.dispatch.com/obituaries/pwoo0689846
Lynn Roseberry, professor emerita of Music and former dean of the Conservatory of Music. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/pataskala-oh/carole-roseberry-12010974
John Soloninka, adjunct faculty of Psychology. https://www.shaw-davis.com/obituaries/john-soloninka
Roger Welsh, coach and athletic director. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/gahanna-oh/roger-welsh-11972379