Friends We Will Miss

Dr. Robert ‘Bob’ Ackerman ’47, Pullman, WA, passed away June 30, 2025. Upon graduating from LSSU, he continued his studies in archaeology at the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania. He later completed his Ph.D. after serving four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Bob enjoyed traveling the world, reading, and classical music.

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Brian Allossery Jr. ’19, Sterling Heights, passed away October 7, 2025. He earned a degree in robotics engineering from LSSU, then went to work as a project leader at General Motors. Brian enjoyed hunting, camping, coaching sports, grilling, and playing Pokemon Go with his son.

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 Jack Branch ’68, San Angelo, TX, passed away September 18, 2025. In addition to LSSU, he also attended Lansing Community College, City College of Chicago, and the University of Maryland, and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1969-1990. Jack was is remembered for his devotion to his family and country.

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Donald ‘Don’ Carrick Sr. ’66, Bay Mills, passed away September 4, 2025. He attended LSSU after high school, then went on to work for General Motors, the Bay Mills Police Department, and the Chippewa County Sheriff Department. Don enjoyed being outdoors, playing basketball and softball, learning to play a variety of instruments, and riding his motorcycles.

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Michael DesRocher ’77, Hudsonville, passed away September 3, 2025. Prior to attending LSSU, he served in the U.S. Navy. Following his time at LSSU, he went on to work as a nurse in neurological care. Michael is remembered for his dedication to those around him, shown both in his work and his extensive history of volunteer work.

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Nancy (Rothwell) Fenlon ’62, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away October 29, 2025. She studied at LSSU and MSU to earn a degree in home economics, then went on to be one of the first women hired into JCPenney’s management training program. Nancy also served as the Chippewa County Home Economist and 4-H coordinator, worked as a paraprofessional with Sault Area Public Schools, and operated two small businesses throughout her career.

Brent Geske ’76, Naubinway, passed away November 10, 2025. In addition to graduating from LSSU, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War before going on to work for the Mackinac County Road Commission until his retirement in 2012. Brent enjoyed hunting and the outdoors.

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Craig Grambau ’12, Lowell, passed away September 12, 2025. He graduated from LSSU with a degree in networking and computer science, and went on to work in the IT departments of several companies. Craig prized his children above all, and shared with them a love for roller coasters and Cedar Point.

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Merrill ‘Mike’ Hardley ’47, Traverse City, passed away February 22, 2025. He graduated from LSSU in 1947, then went on to work for Tri-Gas Distributing Co. for over 40 years. Mike was a longtime member of the East Bay Calvary Church and served as a trustee, choir member, song leader, junior church worker, club game director, and handyman.

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James Hartenburg ’59, East Lansing, passed away October 25, 2025. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from LSSU, then went on to work as an engineer for MDOT, where he designed overhead mass tower lighting for freeways. James is remembered as an avid storyteller and dedicated grandfather.

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Brad Horn ’16, Mackinac Island, passed away August 27, 2025. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from LSSU and worked for many years at notable establishments on the island, including Horn’s Bar and the Pink Pony. Brad was an avid outdoorsman and proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. 

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 Curt Johnson ’94, Rapid City, passed away October 9, 2025. Before attending LSSU, he served in the U.S. Navy, and afterward he worked as a volunteer firefighter and a respiratory therapist. Curt enjoyed hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, walking his dog, and bike riding with his daughter.

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Ronald Killips ’09, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away September 18, 2025. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, he graduated from LSSU with a degree in history. He leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration.

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Michael Kinney, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away November 5, 2025. In addition to attending LSSU in the 1970’s, he served in the U.S. Army for three years from 1965-1968. Michael was a proud member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and avid fan of the Detroit Lions.

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Paul Labarge ’79, Alpena, passed away October 11, 2025. He earned his CPA after graduating from LSSU, and went on to work for Roger City Industries until his retirement. Paul enjoyed sports, deer hunting, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, and fishing.

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William ‘Bill’ Leclerc ’69, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away September 7, 2025. After graduating from LSSU, he went on to follow his passions of art, carpentry, woodworking, drawing, and designing. Bill also enjoyed cooking, baking, feeding animals, playing cards with his kids, and watching TV.

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Betty Letarte ’66, Pickford, passed away October 25, 2025. She graduated from LSSU before going on to start a long career in sales at JCPenney’s alongside community roles as a Girl Scout leader and Den Mother. Betty is remembered for her strong faith, long history of volunteer work, and dedication to helping those in need.

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Merrill Lewis, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away October 11, 2025. He began his studies at LSSU in 1972 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from North Dakota State University, later working in a nuclear power plant, in California’s oil fields, and in education. Merrill is remembered for his kind and generous spirit.

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Daniel ‘Neegaunigeezik’ McCoy ’74, passed away October 8, 2025. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from LSSU, then went on to work in the steel industry. Daniel was a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and he loved the outdoors.

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Victoria Naegele ’78, Trapper Creek, AK, passed away October 7, 2025. She earned an associate’s degree in natural resources from LSSU, then continued her education at MSU before entering the field of journalism. Victoria enjoyed the outdoors, photography, writing, history, and traveling.

Steven Perron ’70, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away October 2, 2025. He attended LSSU and then Ferris State to complete his degree. Steven is remembered for his strong work ethic, dedication to his colleagues, and lifelong fascination with lake freighters.

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Scott Rajski ’89, Niles, passed away November 9, 2025. He was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity during his time at LSSU, and went on to become the proud owner of a local bar. Scott is remembered for his endless generosity, dedication to his garden, and love for the outdoors.

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Reginald ‘Reg’ Robbins ’77, Brimley, passed away October 4, 2025. He earned an associate’s degree in law enforcement from LSSU, then went on to work in the Michigan Department of Corrections for thirty years. Reg also coached basketball for Brimley Area Schools for 35 years.

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Peter Robinson ’68, Novi, passed away October 8, 2025. After graduating from LSSU, he went on to work for Detroit Edison for 35 years and ITC for five. In his free time, Peter enjoyed putting his pilot’s license to use, taking his plane up whenever he could to spend time in the skies.

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George Rye ’68, Pickford, passed away November 10, 2025. After earning a degree in accounting from LSSU, George served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, then went on to work in the IT department for several companies and universities, including at LSSU from 1992-2009. During his time as a high school student, he was a class officer and an active football and track athlete all four years.

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George ‘Tom’ Spray, Cheboygan, passed away September 21, 2025. He attended LSSU from 1971 to 1973, then transferred to MTU to continue his education before beginning a lifelong career with Unisys Corporation. Tom was a family man who enjoyed spending time with his sons and grandchildren, whether they were taking trips or playing in the backyard.

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Douglas Stuart ’48, Houghton, passed away May 8, 2025. He studied at LSSU and MSU, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force through ROTC, continued his education at MSU, and went on to a 30-year career at MTU. Douglas enjoyed sailing and would often take his family out on Lake Superior.

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Marlene Walsh ’04, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away August 31, 2025. She attended LSSU and raised her daughter, Nicole. In her free time, she loved horseback riding, dancing, listening to music, camping, and sharing moments with friends and family.

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Ann Marie Ware ’60, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away October 29, 2025. She studied secondary education at LSSU and WMU, and went on to teach at McKinley School in the Sault for most of her career. Ann was also an active member of the War Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

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Bruce Wiinamaki ’88, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away October 12, 2025. He earned an associate’s degree in construction management and went on to run his own carpentry business in Gaylord before eventually returning to the Sault. He is remembered for his loyalty to his friends, skilled carpentry, and dedication to his wife, Kelli.

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