Friends We Will Miss

Brian Alford, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away January 16, 2025. He worked at Maloney’s Bar as a bartender for years before serving as the Assistant Food Director at LSSU until his passing. Brian had a passion for cooking and had an adventurous spirit.

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Aili Allen, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away December 29, 2024. She worked first at Sault Polyclinic Pharmacy for many years, then in the clerical department at LSSU until her retirement. Aili was dedicated to Sugar Island and its history, including the Brasser Road schoolhouse restoration project.

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Roland A. Anderson, Spring Lake, passed away December 16, 2024. Roland taught in the School of Business at LSSU for many years, then worked as a MEEMIC insurance agent for LSSU employees. He was given the title of Emeritus Professor upon retiring from LSSU.

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Amy Barkenbus, Pottsville, PA, passed away January 20, 2025. She attended LSSU and WMU while pursuing higher education, then went on to serve her community as a paramedic, and also as a 911 dispatcher. Amy enjoyed traveling, reading, and watching the sun set.

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Dale Barton ’62, Colon, passed away March 28, 2025. He attended both LSSU and the University of Michigan earning a chemical engineering degree, then worked in the paper industry for several years before returning to his family’s farm to help his father. Dale enjoyed sports, performing magic tricks for children, and collecting baseball cards.

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Richard Beard ’52, Peoria, AZ, passed away December 15, 2024. He graduated from LSSU with a Bachelor of Science in geological engineering, and later a Master’s degree in the same field. Richard worked for mining companies in both the US and Canada until his retirement in 1999, and then lived the snowbird life between Ontario and Arizona as a dual citizen.

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Sharon Bollin, Farmington Hills, passed away March 8, 2025. After the unexpected loss of their daughter Leah, an LSSU student, Sharon and her husband Bill created and funded a memorial scholarship that has supported Leah’s fellow Lakers for over twenty years. Sharon’s dedication and generous support will be forever appreciated.

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Charles Buell ’60, Williamsburg, VA, passed away January 6, 2025. He studied engineering at LSSU and U of M, then went on to make an impressive career in aerospace industry where he worked on the Lunar Lander in the Apollo program and the antennae on the Pioneer space probes. After retiring, Charles found a passion for photography.

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Donald Bugg II ’93, Newberry, passed away March 21, 2025. A Lake State grad, Don had a passion for music, motorcycles, and entertaining others. He was a 16-year member of the American Legion and a longtime Alice Cooper fan.

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Deborah Cadwallender ’97, Perry, passed away March 8, 2025. She earned a Bachelor of Science from LSSU to further her education while also putting her creativity to use as a talented quilter and crafter. Deborah is remembered for her love for her family, learning, and homemaking.

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Bruce Campbell ’70, Kingsford, passed away March 22, 2025. He graduated from LSSU before marrying his late wife and starting a family. Bruce was a member of the Elks Lodge #552 and loved working out, winning at the casino, and his family.

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Robert Desrochers ’52, Roseville, CA, passed away December 23, 2024. After attending Lake State, he spent 30 years working with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service in several countries and U.S. states before retiring. Robert is remembered for his faith and dedication to others.

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Gail Essmaker, Brimley, passed away March 3, 2025. She served as Vice Provost for Accreditation and Assessment at LSSU, where she had a passion for improving education standards. Gail is remembered for her strong faith and love for her family.

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Robert “Bob” Faunt ’62, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away January 10, 2025. In addition to attending LSSU, Bob served in the U.S. National Guard and worked in the elevator industry for forty years. He also had a strong passion for the outdoors.

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Anthony “Tony” Fazi ’52, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, passed away January 9, 2025. In addition to attending LSSU, he served in the U.S. military and worked as a teacher at Sir James Dunn High School. Tony is remembered for his unwavering faith and lifelong passion for basketball as a player, coach, and supporter on the sidelines.

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James Fegan ’55, Ely Twp, passed away February 15, 2025. He earned a geological engineering degree through LSSU before beginning his mining career with U.S. Steel. James retired as a General Manager at Cleveland Cliffs in 1991. He was also a Grand Master Exhibitor and Licensed Judge for the American Poultry Association.

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Jan Fehner ’91, Pickford, passed away December 22, 2024. She started her higher education at MSU, then transferred to LSSU to earn her Associate’s degree. She proudly served as the Marquette Township Treasurer for 27 years. She was also a proud Navy mom to two service members and sent care packages to U.S. troops she met through her children.

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Meta (Shaw) Geyer ’82, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away January 31, 2025. After raising her family, she graduated from LSSU with a degree in corrections and went on to work for the Kinross Correctional Facility as a Resident Unit Manager until her retirement. Meta is remembered for her dedication to her faith, friends, and family.

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Ronald Halberg ’71, St. Ignace, passed away March 12, 2025. He attended both LSSU and Michigan Tech while earning a bachelor’s degree in history, and then went on to work for Arnold Transfer Company for over 40 years. Ronald enjoyed collecting old coins and newspapers, playing at the casino, and sci-fi television.

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James “Jim” Honkanen ’49, Cedarville, passed away January 11, 2025. He studied at LSSU, Wayne State University, and MSU, and between his college years he served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army. Jim began his career as a teacher in Detroit before relocating to Sault Ste. Marie, where he took on the role of Dean of Admissions at LSSU until his retirement.

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Homer Horning ’80, Bentley, passed away April 13, 2025. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Human Services from LSSU, then continued his studies to obtain a master’s degree from Walsh College. Homer was also a member of the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association and Tolka Belle line dog breeder.

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William Hungerford ’02, Hudsonville, passed away February 4, 2025. He was a proud LSSU alumnus and worked a fulfilling career at OVD Insurance. William is remembered for his generous spirit and enthusiasm for life.

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Deane Kent ’76, Mount Pleasant, passed away December 24, 2024. He earned his bachelor’s degree at LSSU as a student athlete playing basketball, and graduated with over 1,000 points scored on the court. Deane went on to become the Tribal Administrator for the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe in Mt. Pleasant.

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Robert Kominski ’61, DeTour, passed away April 14, 2025. After studying at LSSU, Robert went on to earn a forestry & wildlife degree from the University of Michigan. He is remembered for his love for nature.

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Cory Kuipers ’08, Ludington, passed away January 19th, 2025. Cory attended LSSU before going on to work at UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries. He is remembered for his love for sports and the outdoors.

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Kimberly LaMarche ’81, Escanaba, passed away December 6, 2024. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from LSSU before going on to work as a CPA for Anderson Tackman and Company, as well as Gladstone Area Schools, until her retirement. Kimberly was also a member of AICPA, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

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Janet Lounds ’70, Kingsport, TN, passed away December 31, 2024. She earned her LPN certification from LSSU, then worked in several community hospitals and nursing homes until returning to college to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Janet worked at several facilities during her nursing career and brought care and comfort to the patients at each one.

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Richard Lovegrove ’86, Sault Ste Marie, passed away March 31, 2025. in addition to attending LSSU, Richard was devoted husband and family man. He was also a longtime member of the Fundamental Baptist Church in Kinross and enjoyed the outdoors.

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Carl Luepnitz ’49, Temple, TX, passed away August 16, 2024. After attending LSSU, he was commissioned into the U.S. Army and served for 26 years, including the Vietnam War. After retiring, Carl dedicated the next 40 years of his life to serving as a missionary in Mexico and China.

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Arlene Lynch ’56, passed away January 11th, 2025. She attended LSSU, completing her Bachelor’s in business administration and raising her family. Arlene worked for a time as the Vice President of Loans & Collections at Sentinel Federal Credit Union and served as a member of the Red Hat Society, Beta Sigma Phi, Toastmasters, and volunteer at Camp Friendship.

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William Mackie ’84, Puyallup, WA, passed away February 2, 2025. He attended LSSU before marrying and starting a family. William is remembered for his love for his family and his unwavering faith.

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Anne McCrory-Robert ’85, Manchester, passed away March 26, 2025. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business from LSSU before working at the University of Michigan as a financial analyst for 25 years. In her free time, Anne enjoyed boating, crafting, and spending time with her family.

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Pamela Melisko ’98, Bluffton, SC, passed away February 6, 2025. She earned her BSN from LSSU after studying nursing at Purdue University Indiana. She went on to serve as a nurse in Petoskey for over 25 years. She is remembered for her love of Christmas, golf, and shopping.

Albert ‘Al’ Novara ’65, Marion, passed away March 31, 2025. Albert graduated from LSSU with a biology degree before joining the U.S. Army Aviation Battalion as a pilot. He then went on to work for the DNR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, then the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge until his well-earned retirement in 2004.

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Donna Nyberg, Sault Ste Marie, passed away February 4, 2025. She attended LSSU in the 1990’s while also serving as a foster parent. Donna was dedicated to helping others both day-to-day and in her work where she served as a student aid at JKL Bahweting and caretaker at Wood Creek Manor.

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Stanley Ojala ’61, Grand Rapids, passed away March 19, 2025. Stanley played basketball while attending LSSU and was part of the first-ever Athletic Hall of Fame class in 1995. He is remembered for his fun attitude and love for his family.

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Duane Olson ’79, Kingsford, passed away February 21, 2025. After graduating from LSSU, Duane worked as a Ranger at several national parks around the U.S. until he returned home to Randville to care for his parents. He was also a life member of the Employees and Alumni Association of the National Park Service and member of the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association.

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Katelyn Peach, Sault Ste Marie, passed away March 26, 2025. She attended LSSU and several other universities while earning her bachelor’s degree in communications. Katelyn is remembered as kind woman who enjoyed history and taking care of her family.

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Priscilla Pine ’00, Sault Ste Marie, passed away March 28, 2025. In addition to furthering her education at LSSU, Priscilla was a leader in the Sault Tribe community having taught culture and dance lessons to tribal children. She is remembered as a bright light who brought joy to those around her.

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Matthew Quinn ’13, Lathrup Village, passed away April 4th, 2025. He graduated from LSSU with a double major in criminal justice and fire science, but Matthew was a jack-of-all-trades who was also skilled in cooking, construction, photography, and much more. He is remembered for his dedication to his community, volunteer work, and love for animals.

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Richard Raymond ’55, Port Orange, FL, passed away December 21, 2024. He studied mechanical engineering at LSSU, and then careers at Boeing and TACOM took him to multiple countries around the world. Richard is remembered for being an adventurous spirit with a passion for Detroit sports teams.

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Christopher Reid ’93, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away April 14, 2025. He earned a degree from LSSU and did a variety of work, including working as a cab driver for many years. Chris is remembered for his love for his family and pets.

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Charles Roo, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away December 21, 2024. He worked in the maintenance department at LSSU until his retirement in 1989. Charles enjoyed western movies, poker, hunting, and bowling.

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Leslie Ruditis ’76, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away January 22, 2025. After graduating from LSSU, he was a pipe carrier for over thirty years and member of the St. Isaac Jogues Church. Leslie was also a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians who passionately taught young children how to drum and sing traditional songs, as well as the traditional ways of life.

Kristin Sanders ’81, Birmingham, passed away December 3, 2024. She graduated from LSSU with a nursing degree, then went on to treat patients in hospitals, a prison, and personal homes. Kristin is remembered for her passion for caring for others, whether they were family or strangers.

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Dr. Timothy “Tim” Sawyer, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away January 4, 2025. Tim was drafted into the U.S. Army for the Vietnam War after graduating high school, and then pursued an education in psychology. He taught at LSSU from 1976 to 2001 and spent his free time enjoying his weightroom and daily walks, working in his shop on projects, and using his tractors on the property with his family. home.

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Michael Shannon ’56, Grand Rapids, passed away January 4, 2025. He began his education at LSSU before transferring and graduating from MSU. Michael served in the U.S. Army, then as a Secret Service agent under former Presidents Johnson, Nixon, Carter, and Reagan.

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Roger Skow ’82, Dafter, passed away December 13, 2024. He studied forestry and conservation at LSSU, then went on to work in forestry management in the western U.S.  Roger also served in the U.S. Air Force before settling in Dafter with his wife, Pamela.

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Tracey Suchey ’01, Rudyard, passed away April 11, 2025. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business, then went on to work as a police scribe for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Don Dee Lanes, and Copart Auto. Tracey enjoyed cooking, boating, and spending time with family.

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James Suhanic, Newberry, passed away December 28, 2024. He studied mechanical engineering at LSSU and MSU, then went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force for several years. James was an avid hunter and fisherman and a proud former member of Brimley’s 1950 State Champion basketball team.

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Betty “Betsy” Tester ’75, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away November 25, 2024. After graduating from LSSU, she worked as a legal secretary, and also at Traverse City Area Public Schools and Sault Area Middle School. Betsy donated her time to Ball Hospice House and the War Memorial Hospital Auxiliary after her retirement.

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Carolyn Trumble ’91, Dafter, passed away April 8, 2025. She earned a bachelor’s degree from LSSU before going on to work as a cost accountant for R&B Electronics, Inc. Carolyn enjoyed crafting, word puzzles, and reading.

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Marjorie Usimaki ’03, Sault Ste Marie, passed away March 23, 2025. She graduated from LSSU and worked for Community Action for a number of years. Marjorie is remembered for her love for nature, animals, and her faith.

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John Vann ’99, Sault Ste Marie, passed away February 6, 2025. He earned a mechanical engineering degree from LSSU. John is remembered as a brilliant man and devoted father.

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Charles “Chuck” Weber, South Bend, IN, passed away February 17, 2025. Chuck earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering before coming to work at LSSU for 29 years, where he helped start the university’s Computer Engineering Technology program. After retiring, he continued to support LSSU and promoted technological growth in the EUP.

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Ronald Wilson Sr. ’56, Kalkaska, passed away January 12, 2025. He worked toward his Bachelor of Arts at Alma College, LSSU, and CMU, then earned a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. Ronald maintained law offices in Scottville and Baldwin.  He was a founding member of the West Michigan Mycological Society, and presented seminars where he shared his extensive knowledge of the outdoors.

Gerry Wixson ’56, Silver Spring, MD, passed away April 8, 2025. He attended LSSU, then Michigan Tech and graduated with a degree in chemical engineering before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He then went on to work as a chemical engineer for the National Institute of Standards and Technology who helped prevent counterfeiting of the U.S. dollar.

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