Friends We Will Miss

Trudy Ann Borset, ’79, Ann Arbor, passed away November 14, 2023. She earned her Associate Degree at LSSU, then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science at Eastern Michigan University. She was free-spirited and dedicated to peace, the environment, and the wellbeing of others.

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Barry Burtt, ’77, Brimley, passed away September 20, 2023. He was a dedicated man who worked for both the Bay Mills Indian Community and and later the Grand Traverse Band as a Tribal Manager. Barry held a number of different titles and had succeeded in numerous jobs before his retirement in 2004.

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Donald Burtt, Brimley, passed away October 6, 2023. Donald was a custodian at Lake State for 25 years and played scrimmages for Redwings Softball. Donald was an enthusiastic sports fan and enjoyed spending time with his family.

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Judith Grace Campbell, ’66, Pickford, passed away October 19, 2023. She attended LSSU for several years before working on her family’s dairy farm, volunteering on the Pickford ambulance crew for over 48 years, and volunteering with 4-H clubs like the one she participated in during her youth.

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Glen Captain, Sault Ste Marie, passed away October 5, 2023. Glen worked at LSSU until his retirement in 1996. He was a member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and enjoyed fishing and pool.

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Mary Crockett, ’54, Cedarville, passed away October 12, 2023. She attended LSSU during the university’s early years as a branch of Michigan Tech, and later transferred to Western Michigan University, then Central Michigan University to earn a teaching degree.

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Joseph Ronald DeMerse, ’69, Round Lake, passed away November 29, 2023. He attended LSSU in the 1960’s when the school was known as Soo Tech, then enlisted in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. Joseph was passionate about hockey and dedicated himself to growing the sport in Newberry.

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Rob Derouin,’93, Escanaba, passed away October 6, 2023. In addition to graduating from LSSU, Rob worked for Sysco for over 20 years, as well as Reinhart Foodservice, and achieved his dream of opening his own restaurant. Rob also worked as a substitute teacher at Hannahville School.

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Jeffery Dishaw, ’13, Hessel, passed away September 3, 2023. He attended LSSU and NMU before joining the US Marine Corps for five years, where he earned his Marine Corps Martial Arts Black Belt. He enjoyed spending time with his family and working on cars.

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Louise Barban Francis, ’95, Sault Ste Marie, passed away September 12th, 2023. After graduating from LSSU, she led a successful career in banking and real estate. Louise enjoyed travel, boating, skiing, and spending time with her friends and family.

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Ardith Gloden, ’70, Lake Isabella, passed away September 14, 2023. Ardith graduated from Lake Superior State College and went on to live a fulfilling life with her family.

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Donna Koistinen, ’72, Sault Ste Marie, passed away September 15, 2023. She was part of the inaugural graduating class of RNs from Lake State and went on to serve patients for 46 years at War Memorial Hospital.

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Frederick Laundy, ’62, Sault Ste Marie, passed away November 3, 2023. He attended LSSU when it was known as the Sault Branch of the Michigan College of Mining & Technology.

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Ronald Warren Locke, ’52, Petoskey, passed away October 5, 2023. He attended LSSU when it was known as the Sault Branch of the Michigan College of Mining & Technology. Ronald delivered Meals on Wheels in Emmet County after his retirement.

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Jim Manville, ’74, McMillan, passed away October 5, 2023. Jim attended LSSU in addition to over thirty years of service in the Michigan Army National Guard and to the State of Michigan as an employee at the Newberry Regional Mental Health Center until his retirement.

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Catherine (Wahl) Pennekamp, ’78, Springfield, MO, passed away on October 7, 2023. She earned her BA in Human Services from Lake Superior State College, then went on to obtain a Master’s in Teaching at Saginaw Valley State University.

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Philip Pfannenstiel, ’78, Marquette, passed away August 25, 2023. He served in the US Air Force for several years, then went on to serve at Sault Area High School as Vocational Administrator, and later Assistant Principal, then Principal until 1997.

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Julie Wilson, ’97, Sault Ste Marie, passed away November 11, 2023. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in nursing at LSSU, served in the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander, and utilized her nursing degree in numerous different countries and U.S. states. She was very involved with a number of groups on Sugar Island, including the Sugar Island Historical Preservation Society.

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Paul Wilson, Hessel, passed away November 12, 2023. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Mathematics, and worked as a professor of mathematics at LSSU for 37 year before retiring as Professor Emeritus in 2000. During his time as a professor, Paul earned the Distinguished Teacher Award, and later in life, the Les Cheneaux Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year Award. He was also awarded the Michigan Heritage Award for Traditional Boat Building in 2016 alongside his wife, Moira. P-

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Charles Withey, ’56, Zeeland, passed away March 12, 2023. He attended LSSU as the Sault Ste Marie Branch of the Michigan College of Mining and Technology, then went on to earn a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering. While studying to earn his degree, Charles played on the school’s junior varsity basketball team.

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