obituaries
| Title | Title | date | grad year | more info | Name | Photo |
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| Ray Troxell '50 |
Ray Troxell died Friday, May 18, 2007. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be at the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship, 4055 Robinhood Road, in Winston-Salem on Sunday, June 3, 2007, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Charles Davis officiating. Born in Springfield on April 30, 1928, to the late Lyman Ray and Signe Svenson Troxell, Ray knew from the sixth grade that he would become an architect. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1945, where he played both football and basketball. He was a member of the editorial staff of the high school newspaper and the president of his senior class. He graduated with honors from the University of Illinois in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in architecture and where he was a student lab instructor for several years. In 1949, Ray was one of two recipients of the Allerton Scholarship Award. Accounting their travels, they wrote "The Allerton Scholarship Report 1949: On Architecture American and Colonial . . . as it is . . . and Places and People as They Are . . . and Might Have Been." His senior year, he was president of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He was licensed as an architect at the age of 22, having already fulfilled the two-year internship requirement. Much of the following is culled from a profile about Ray included in the book "Guide to North Carolina Wineries." He told the authors, ". . . it is very flattering. I may use it for my obituary." Ray served in the Air Force during the Korean War as an air installations officer helping to plan for immediate needs of air force bases and their future growth. Shortly after discharge in 1953, he took a job in Washington as a general contractor because he thought, "as an architect, it would be a fantastic experience," a first-hand experience in learning about the construction industry. In DC, Ray had one particularly memorable job: One of his projects was to remodel a four-story building in the middle of a mountain. Everyone there had to have special clearances. He said, "If you wanted to go to the bathroom, you could, but there was a guy with a machine gun behind you all the way, as you went down the corridors you could not look left or right." He remembers, "Nobody could know where the entrance was until one day years later, I opened up the US News and World Report and there was a picture of the damn entrance." Eventually, Ray moved to Winston-Salem to work for Larson & Larson, Architects, where he worked on plans for the building of the Wake Forest Campus. In 1962, he established his own firm which specialized in health care facilities and retirement centers. After retirement, he got into the design of the building of two wineries in North Carolina. In 1998, Ray was surprised to receive a phone call about the gathering of old friends to work on the first winery. He was excited by the project because he said, "It was just a great, great opportunity to learn something new." After learning the mechanics of winemaking, he began to create plans. He further said, "Outside [the facility], a wrap-around porch with rocking chairs was situated to overlook the vineyards … the vistas and views of the land are magnificent." The result, Shelton Vineyards, he believed "turned out quite well." Ray was then commissioned to design the building for RayLen Vineyards and subsequently, painted a watercolor for the RayLen label in exchange for a bottle of Chardonnay! Designing wineries was the latest phase of a 40-year career during which Ray worked on everything from nursing homes, local business buildings, churches, homes for friends, plus the secret government bunker. He was always ready to take on new projects because it was a chance to keep learning, and he said, "I do love the work." And, true to this love of the work, he was creating plans for another old friend who had called when he was recently hospitalized. Ray was still a licensed architect, working several hours a day in the firm he had established in 1962. During his retirement, Ray continued his 45-year hobby as a master shipbuilder, leaving an unfinished schooner, the "Bowdoin," with only the hull completed. He was a watercolorist, an avid gardner and raised Roller pigeons and Bantum chickens. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Bruce Troxell, a local contractor, and Dr. Marcus Troxell. Surviving are his wife, Charlotte Wilson Troxell; one daughter, Amy Troxell Walton and husband, Steve; one son, Kyle Troxell and wife, Ann, and their sons, Chase and Will; Joy Mayo Troxell, the mother of Emily and Graham; Rebecca Benton Troxell, the mother of Kevin and Erin; and one brother, Richard L. Troxell of Scottsdale, Ariz.
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Friday, May 18, 2007 | 1950 | |||
| Dan L. Eilers '54 |
Dan L. Eilers of North Chatham, Mass., and formerly of Edwardsville, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006, at Liberty Commons after a long illness. He was the husband of Floy Rowland Eilers for 51 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters: Dana D. Eilers of Chatham and Franca (Frankie) Eilers of St. Louis. Mr. Eilers was born in Madison County, the son of the late Wilfred C. and Theresa Eilers. He graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1950 and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1954 (Commerce) where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and several honoraries. He served as an officer of the United States Army (ASA) during the Korean War. He was the owner of the Eilers Agency in Edwardsville as a Realtor and Appraiser for over 40 years. He served as the Edwardsville Assessor, President of the Greater Gateway Ass ociation of Realtors, and President of the Associatio n of Independent Fee Appraisers. He was a member of the Board of Dir e ctors of the YMCA, the Sunset Hills Country Club, the Edwardsvi lle and Chatham VFW, and the Coll i e Club of America. He was a great outdoorsman, an avid golfer, t e nnis player, hunter, fisherman, dog fancier and NFL fan. Memorials can be sent to the Chatham Conser v ation Foundation, 104 Crowell Road, Chatham, M A 02633. < P>At his request, a celebration of his life will be conducted later this year.
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Wednesday, January 18, 2006 | 1954 | |||
| William D. Phillips '49 |
William “Bill” Duncan Phillips, 92, loving husband to Ruth, passed away peacefully at his Vienna, VA home of acute congestive heart and kidney failure on August 26, 2020. Bill was born in Springfield, IL, October 24, 1927, to William Wesley and Vineta Childs Phillips. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1945, where he ran track. He graduated from the University of Illinois with Honors in Economics in 1949. While at Illinois he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Following graduation, he was drafted, attended Officer Candidate School, and served in the Army’s Counter Intelligence Corps in Tokyo, Japan during the Korean War. After the war, Bill transferred to the Army Reserves, eventually retiring with the rank of Major.
He married Martha June Smith in 1953. They were married for 30 years and spent many years overseas while raising their four children. Bill married Ruth Girnis Malecki in 1985, and they were fully devoted to each other throughout their 35 years together. Bill’s professional career began with a stint as a salesman for the Monroe Calculating Company where his father worked. He did not like it, and subsequently followed up on an invitation to work for the Central Intelligence Agency, where he served in the Operations Directorate until his retirement at age 60. He served overseas tours with his family in Munich, Berlin, and Bonn, Germany, and in Ankara, Turkey. He spoke near fluent German and passably fluent Turkish while serving in those posts. Bill rose through the ranks at the agency, as Branch Chief, Deputy Division Chief, Deputy Station Chief, Chief of Operations, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Chief of one of the Agencies largest and most sensitive Field Stations. Following retirement as a member of the Senior Intelligence Service (SIS-03) and having received the Agency’s second highest award, the Intelligence Medal of Merit, Bill continued to contribute to the mission of the CIA and served in various intelligence training and communications capacities as a contractor until his retirement at the age of 86. Of his career he often said, “I loved every minute of it. I would do it all over again even if they didn’t pay me.” While the majority of his work at the CIA remains classified, one notable activity that is public involved the initial assessment and management of Col. Ryszard Kuklinski of the Polish General Staff, who became one of the United States most valuable Cold War-era assets. Bill and Ruth always enjoyed traveling and visited many places together. They took each and every grandchild, in groups of two or three cousins, on special vacations with them. These included trips to Disney World, cruises and dude ranches. A few years ago he wrote a book for his family with this dedication that sums up just who Bill was: “I dedicate this collection of memories and stories from my life to my family for their love and support, to my grandson RJ, who gave his life serving his country, to my colleagues for their dedication and friendship, and to my country that I proudly served for 63 years.” Bill is survived by his wife Ruth Phillips, and their blended family that includes six children: Bill (Anna) Phillips of Fairfax Station, Susan (Bill) North of Rosemont, PA, David (Michelle) Phillips of Sugar Hill, GA, Tim Phillips (Vivian Allvin) of Reston, Cindy Malecki of Burke and Laura (Bob) Hess of Burke; fourteen grandchildren, Danielle, Shannon (Brian), Andy (Shannon), Mike (Sarah), Jesse, Rebecca, Patrick (Shelby), Nick, Russ, Sam, Fletcher, Charlie, Tucker and Spencer; and seven great-grandchildren, with one on the way. He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Janice) Phillips of Elk Grove Village, IL and his family, and sister-in-law, Joan Girnis of Cape Coral, FL. He is preceded in death by Ruth’s son Billy Malecki, who served in the US Navy, and their grandson 1st Lt. Robert Joseph “RJ” Hess, who was killed in action in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2013. A private family service will be held at the Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home. Bill will be buried in Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, Virginia. |
Tuesday, August 25, 2020 | 1949 |
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| Paul B. Uhlenhop '58 |
Paul Buscher Uhlenhop, age 84, of Wilmette, died peacefully on January 30, surrounded by family. Beloved husband for 61 years of the late Virginia Louise Uhlenhop, nee Zucks; loving father of Karin Uhlenhop and Jon (Anne) Uhlenhop; dear brother of Michael (Linda) Uhlenhop, Robert (the late Marsha) Uhlenhop, Lola (Tom) McDonald, and Mary (Henry) Hudson; fond Uncle Bud to many nieces and nephews; devoted friend to many. Paul was born in Litchfield, IL, on October 22, 1936, to Paul C. and Betty Buscher Uhlenhop. Paul was a proud alumnus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (B.A. with honors, 1958; J.D., 1961), honored officer in the U.S. Navy, loyal brother of Beta Theta Pi, and active member of the American Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Chicago Bar Association, as well as the Futures Industry Association, the National Society of Compliance Professionals, and the National Regulatory Service. In Paul’s distinguished career at the law firm of Lawrence, Kamin, Saunders, & Uhlenhop, L.L.C., he was regarded as one of the leading authorities of the futures and securities bar, working on major initiatives in the financial services industry from compliance, litigation and business perspectives. In 2015, Paul was presented with the prestigious Joan Hinchman Award for extraordinary service to the National Society of Compliance Professionals and to the financial services compliance profession. Paul shared his love of the legal field by being an Adjunct Professor for over 20 years at both the University of Illinois, College of Law and IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, as well as being a part-time lecturer at DePaul University, College of Law and Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and a member of the Planning Committee of the Ray Garrett Jr. Corporate and Securities Institute at Northwestern University College of Law. Practicing law was Paul’s true passion and being an attorney remained a central component of his identity and of daily conversations until his death. Paul was also actively involved in his community, serving on the Board of Trustees of The Cradle Foundation for 25 years and on the Board of Trustees of Ravinia Festival for 15 years, and serving and advising the Wilmette Harbor Association in various capacities for almost 30 years. Paul and his beloved Ginny cherished sailing, spending time with their many friends, especially their Gourmet Group, and celebrating with their children. An avid scholar of history, culture, and language, Paul spent hours reading and studying. He also loved traveling as an experiential extension of his studies, and he was a meticulous planner and documentarian of his and Ginny’s adventures. Throughout his life, Paul inspired his family and countless others by being a model of faith, generosity, devotion, fortitude, diligence, and integrity. These virtues were the foundation of all of his relationships and endeavors, and to those who knew him and loved him, he will forever remain our steadfast guide and standard for living a life of principle, commitment, and enthusiasm |
Saturday, January 30, 2021 | 1958 |
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| Joshua Bowler '97 |
Joshua Thomas Bowler of Glen Ellyn, IL, passed peacefully from this earth in the early hours of Sunday, July 28th, 2019, at age 44. Josh attended Glenbard West High School and the University of Illinois. He was loved by many far and wide. Cubs games and pretty ladies were his pastimes, and he was well known for orchestrating party buses and filling other people's social calendars. To properly celebrate Josh's life, a memorial will be held at the Bowler house, 593 Phillips Ave. in Glen Ellyn on Saturday, August 3rd, 2019, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Although Josh might have wanted to see us in our Rat Pack finest, we have opted to be more casual - please wear your finest Cubbie attire. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations: The March of Dimes, The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, or The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Illinois. Josh leaves behind his two brothers, his sister, his mother and father, and in his own words, "This sucks." |
Sunday, July 28, 2019 | 1997 |
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| Norman Evans Estwing '48 |
Norman Evans Estwing, 88, of Rockford, died July 5, 2010, in his home in Sun City West, Ariz. Born Nov. 25, 1921, in Rockford; the son of Ernest O. and Hulda O. (Swenson) Estwing. Graduate of Rockford High School class of 1940. Attended Ryan Aeronautical Engineering School in San Diego, Calif. from 1941-42, then University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi. He married Joanne L. St. Pierre Sept. 6, 1947, in Rockford. Norman was the President and CEO of Estwing Manufacturing Company. Member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and elder. Founding member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Sun City West, AZ. Director and member of National Hardware Association. Active with the Boy Scouts of America, where he was honored with the Silver Beaver Award for serving 25 years. He earned his pilot license as a young man, and enjoyed flying planes his entire life. In later years, he flew model airplanes and was a member of Winnebago Sports Flyers. The Estwings traveled extensively throughout the world for Estwing Mfg. Co., and generously supported many local organizations. He is survived by his wife, Joanne; children, Chris N. (Jill) Estwing of Marion, Ill., Curt R. (Maggie) Estwing of Rockford, Dr. Carol (James) Ferrans of Wheaton, Ill.; grandchildren, Jonathan and Adam Estwing, Kate, Evan, and Ryne Estwing, and Peter and Matthew Ferrans; sisters, Janet Froelich and Helen Gallant; and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and sisters, Marjorie Watz and Shirley Tuckett. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 12, 2010, in Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 N. Bell School Road, with Rev. David Smazik officiating. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Visitation from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service in the church. Memorials to Christian Children"s Fund, Boy Scouts of America, Rockford Rescue Mission, or SwedishAmerican Hospital. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd., 1001 Second Ave. |
Monday, July 5, 2010 | 1948 |
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| Key Charles Pittman '57 |
Key Charles "Charlie" Pittman '57 Key Charles "Charlie" Pittman, 84, of Springfield, died at 10:57 a.m. on Thursday, December 26, 2019, at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. Charlie was born on July 26, 1935, in Ashland, IL, the son of Kenneth and Dorothy (Ogle) Pittman. Charlie was a veteran and employed as a technology supervisor for Winntrust. He played basketball for the University of Illinois. Charlie was a member of the Naples Florida Community Choir. He also was an avid reader. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Audrey Tate and Charlotte Collins. Cremation was provided by Lincoln Land Cremation Society. |
Thursday, December 26, 2019 | 1957 | |||
| Bruce Wayne Wettman ‘70 |
Judge Bruce Wettman, 71, of Houston, TX, passed away Friday, March 13, 2020 at Memorial Hermann Hospital. Bruce Wayne Wettman was born in Springfield, Illinois on June 5, 1948 to Betty and Wayne Wettman. Bruce was a gifted athlete, playing quarterback and point guard for Champaign High School. Though offered multiple athletic scholarships by smaller schools, he opted to fulfill his dream and proceeded to make the University of Illinois basketball team as a freshman walk-on. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and graduated from University of Illinois in 1970 with a degree in economics. He graduated from Bates College of Law at the University of Houston with a J.D. in 1973. On September 1, 1977, when after being appointed by Governor Dolph Briscoe, Bruce was sworn in as the first judge of the 247th Family District Court of Harris County, becoming the youngest state judge ever to serve in Texas at the age of 29 years and 88 days. Judge Wettman was retained by election in 1978 and reelected in 1982. While on the bench, he served with distinction and was known as one of the fairest and most knowledgeable jurists in Harris County. In June 1984, Bruce joined his brother, Greg, to form Wettman & Wettman. In 1994, Bruce took former judge status and began sitting as a visiting judge in several counties. He was also one of the pioneers in the mediation/arbitration world in Texas. He became an adjunct professor at South Texas College of Law teaching mediation and eventually the director of the Frank Evans Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution. Bruce loved teaching and loved his students. He was voted Adjunct Professor of the Year several times by his students. Bruce later took Senior Judge status and served South Texas until his death. Bruce was a lifelong music lover, particularly Pink Floyd and reggae. He was a talented poet with an incredible sense of humor that he expressed through his poetry. He was a drummer and a harmonica player with many, many jam sessions at his house. He loved the French Quarter and Jamaica. He loved Brennan's and their brandy milk punch. Bruce enjoyed skiing in Colorado with the A-Team for over twenty years and boating on Lake Livingston in the "Ho-Ho". He loved sunsets on any beach, especially in Siesta Key, Florida where he often vacationed. Bruce was a lifelong Democrat and loved a good political "discussion." Bruce was a believer. Most of all, Bruce loved his family. His kids and his grandkids were his pride and joy and he never let them forget it, always reminding them of how much he loved them and how proud he was of them. Bruce had a soft spot for the Star of Hope Mission and Houston's homeless. Every Christmas Eve for the last thirty years Bruce would put on his Santa suit and he and his elves would drive around downtown after dark giving away food, blankets and other treats to Houston's homeless. Preceding Bruce in death are his parents, Wayne and Betty Wettman. Bruce is survived by the love of his life, his devoted wife Seona Wettman of Houston, TX; his daughter Brittany King and husband Craig of Houston, TX; his son Jakob Wettman and wife, Anne of Katy, TX; his two best friends, his brothers Greg Wettman of Houston, TX and Louis Wettman of Sarasota, FL; his very favorite people, his grandchildren Nate (13), Evie (10), Laurel (11) and Carter (9) as well as his loving nieces and nephews and many close friends who are like family. A celebration of Bruce's vibrant life will be planned for a later time. Memorial donations can be made in Bruce's name to Star of Hope Mission, 4848 Loop Central Dr., Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77081-2211. Shine On You Crazy Diamond. Published in Houston Chronicle on Mar. 22, 2020. |
Friday, March 13, 2020 | 1970 |
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| Randall Dahl '68 |
RANDALL DAHL '68 HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. - Randall "Randy" Wilson Dahl, 77, died in the hands of his family on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Randy was born Dec. 11, 1945, to parents Clifford W. and Evelyn Rainey Dahl, and grandparents Chris and Mary Dahl and Cleve and Anna Rainey. He graduated from Champaign Central High School in 1964 and the University of Illinois in 1968 with a degree in psychology and as a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He went on to obtain master's degrees and his Doctorate in Education from the University of Kentucky in 1981. He married Ellen Hartman in 1968 after meeting at the University of Illinois. Throughout their marriage, they lived in Bloomington, Ind., Amherst, Mass., Lexington, Ky., Tuscaloosa, Ala., Stillwater, Okla., Richmond, Va., and Al Ain UAE. In 2012, he retired to Hilton Head, S.C. Randy was a dedicated husband, father, Poppy and friend. He was a dad who loved to plan a family vacation as much as going on the vacation, making sure to have the itinerary printed and constantly updating his spreadsheets. He truly loved his role as Poppy for his two grandchildren, making sure to attend every event possible. Randy was a rock for his family and all their friends, being supportive and taking on any cause to help. He enjoyed visiting his nieces and nephews and their children across the country. His quick wit and humor were well known to all. He was a true advocate for education, keeping the best interests of students at the forefront of his work. Students across the globe have benefitted from his work making sure access to education was available to anyone who wanted to learn. His intelligence and curiosity led him to be a lifelong connoisseur of NPR and the news, and he was always ready to listen to anyone with a good story.
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Wednesday, May 3, 2023 | 1968 |
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| Jeffrey Alan Strickland '76 |
Jeffrey Alan Strickland, 67, of Seattle, died Thursday, July 15, 2021. He was born June 21, 1954 in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Billy Dean and Jean Strickland. He attended Guilford High School in Rockford, Illinois were he was a defensive tackle and recorded the most tackles in a season. Jeff also placed 11th in State of Illinois 185 lbs class in wrestling. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and graduate of University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. He lived in the midwest before "arriving" in the Seattle area in 1984. Attracted by the beauty of the PNW and following his older brother and lifelong companion, Scott, he built a life there. He was married to Leslie Thayer for 16 years. He enjoyed staying active through exercise and playing basketball and soccer. In his later days he enjoyed taking road trips up and down the west coast and going to car shows with his youngest son, Colin. Jeff is survived by his two sons Blake (Elise) Strickland and Colin Strickland; two grandchildren Blake Dean Strickland, Jr. and Margo Lou Strickland; older brother Scott (Maria) Strickland and numerous nieces and nephews. We would like to thank the Providence Elder Place program for providing Jeff a means to an abundant life in his last 7 years. Arrangements are under the care of Elemental NW. Contributions in memory can be made to Providence Elder Place. June 21, 1954 - July 15, 2021 Published by The Herald (Everett) from Aug. 12 to Aug. 13, 2021. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store. |
Thursday, July 15, 2021 | 1976 |

