Heidi Lynn Bailey ’88, of Sault Ste. Marie, passed away on May 20, 2021. She attended Lake Superior State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s of science in nursing in 1988. Heidi was also an employee of the Chippewa County Health Department for the last 27 years and began her nursing career at War Memorial Hospital.
Through the collaborative efforts with the LSSU School of Nursing faculty and staff of the Chippewa County Health Department, a scholarship is being created to honor Heidi Bailey, RN, BSN. She will be remembered as one who contributed immensely to the practice of Nursing in Sault Ste. Marie and throughout the Chippewa County community. The scholarship will benefit a BSN junior or senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA who demonstrates a passion for Hospice and Community Health nursing. Those who wish to make a gift may visit lssu.edu/give and note the Heidi Bailey Memorial Scholarship in “Other Scholarship Designation” or contact the LSSU Foundation at 906-635-2665.
Gloria “Bubbles” Jean Bartnik ’75, of Cass City, MI, passed away on February 9, 2021. She graduated from Cass City High School in 1972 and earned an Associate’s Degree in Business at Lake Superior State College. Bubbles then worked as a secretary at the Saginaw County Courthouse and St. Mary Hospital until retirement. She additionally worked for her family business, Bartnik Service.
Patricia Gayle Benoit ’79, of Sault Ste. Marie, passed away on April 29, 2021. She attended Sault Area High School and Lake Superior State University. Patricia used her education to work as a manager for the local GM dealerships and the Chippewa County Credit Union.
John C. Bissell 91, of Escanaba, MI, passed away on March 3, 2021. He graduated from Georgetown University in 1963. John served in the United States Marine Corps for several years and was the youngest American company commander in Vietnam. After John’s service, he worked at the First National Bank of Escanaba while earning his master’s degree in business administration from Lake Superior State University, graduating in 1991. He then worked at First Bank until retirement in 2015 and was active in many local organizations.
Diane Borrousch ’74, Sault Ste Marie, passed away on July 11, 2021. After high school, Diane attended Michigan State University and then Lake Superior State University, graduating in 1974 with highest honors. She later attended Northern MI University receiving her master’s degree.
Scott William Bracy ’92, of Fairbanks, AK, passed away on March 5, 2021. He attended Central Michigan College and earned a Bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics from Lake Superior State University. Scott then served in the United States Army in the military intelligence branch in the 1980s. He then happily worked as a school bus driver and died fighting a house fire protecting his wife and beloved pets.
James Burnside ’57, Midland, died Monday, May 31, 2021. He spent two years at Lake Superior State where he was in the ROTC then transferred to Western Michigan University.
Stephen Caples ’76, Lake Charles, LA, passed away on July 11, 2021. uring his military service he also studied at Lake Superior State University where he earned his first degree – a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. After his honorable discharge from the military, Steve worked as an economist in the oil industry in Shreveport and Houston before leaving to pursue further academic challenges.
Michael Robert Coburn ’80, Flint, passed away on June 3, 2021. Mike graduated from Carman High School, Class of 1974. He was very active in sports, and a proud member of Carman’s undefeated football team. He later went to Lake Superior State and obtained a Bachelor Degree in accounting. Mike was a father of Nicole Coburn and Nicholas Coburn of Gaylord, Michigan.
Morton J. Cook ’57, of Juneau, AK, passed away on March, 28, 2021. He played hockey for the junior team in Sault Ste. Marie and served four years in the United States Coast Guard. Morton was then enrolled at Lake Superior State University and Michigan Technological University for a Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
Linda Dawe ’69, of Sutton West, ON, passed away on March 20, 2021. She graduated from Sir James Dunn Collegiate and Vocational School and then studied Journalism at Lake Superior State University. Linda was a prominent figure in the Canadian music industry and was one of the first female promotion managers. She also used her life experiences and vibrant personality to advocate for change and gender equality and helped organize the ad hoc Women In the Music Business (WIMB).
Alan Thomas Drake ’80, of Sault Ste. Marie, passed away on March 28, 2021. He attended Brimley High School and earned an Associate’s degree in building and construction from Lake Superior State University.
Nancy Kaye Graham ’83, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on March, 10, 2021. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in criminal justice from Lake Superior State University and a Master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan. Nancy then worked a social worker for the Sault Tribe and the Diane Peppler shelter.
Joseph Elmer Green, Jr. of Sault Ste. Marie passed away on July 1, 2021. He attended Lake Superior State University after graduating from Sault High in 1966. Joseph also served in the U.S. Navy, working as a Hull Technician Chief for 20 years.
Robert Ritter Humphrey III ’70, of Beulah, MI, passed away on March 16, 2021. He attended Cheboygan High School and graduated from Lake Superior State University with a Bachelor’s degree in biology. Rob used his degree to work for the Michigan Department of Resources Fisheries Division and the Platte River State Fish Hatchery as a biologist.
Edward Jagst ’95, Ossineke, passed away on June 21, 2021. Officer Jagst, a 21-year veteran with the department, was an active patrol officer who participated in several special units including Evidence Technician, Training Instructor, Bicycle Unit, and as a Criminal Investigations Detective. He also proudly served on the department’s Honor Guard, standing watch over formal ceremonies for 16 years.
Ethan Edward Laur, of Butte, MT, passed away on April 1, 2021. He graduated from Sault Area High School in 2014 while dual enrolled at Lake Superior State University. Ethan then started a software company and worked in mobile application software before settling in Montana with his family.
Michael D. Long ’76, of Saline, MI, passed away on Monday, March 15, 2021. He grew up in Taylor, MI and Mio, MI and graduated from Lake Superior State University in 1976. Michael worked in the aerospace industry as an electrical engineering technician until his retirement in 2016. He had a passion for science and built some of the equipment that traveled to the Moon, the International Space Station, on the Mars Rover, and the Space Shuttle Columbia.
Lorna McMahon ’74, of Cheboygan, MI, passed away on March 5, 2021. She graduated from Pellston High School in 1969 and Lake Superior State University in 1973. Lorna had a passion for education and taught middle and high school at Pellston and Mackinaw City.
Sandra Groleau Money ’12, of Manistique, MI, passed away on April 2, 2021. She attended Big Bay de Noc High School and graduated from Lake Superior State University with a double Bachelor’s degree in business and accounting. Sandra then worked as an accountant for UP Papers and was a very devoted member of St. Francis de Sales Church in Manistique.
Gloria Jean (Atkins) O’Conner ’76, of Sault Ste. Marie, passed away on March 20, 2021. She attended Sault Area High School and graduated from Lake Superior State University in 1994 with a Bachelor’s degree in history. Gloria then graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in teaching from Michigan State University in 1995 and a Masters in technology and education from the University of Phoenix in 2006.
Katelyn Jo “Katie” Robinson, passed away on June 17, 2021. She attended Aurora University in Illinois and was transferring back home to Lake Superior State University to major in Psychology and play hockey in Fall 2021. Katie had a passion for animals and worked at the Sault Animal Hospital.
Patricia C. Ryan ’69, of Sault Ste. Marie, passed away on March 9, 2021. She graduated from Sault Area High School in 1955 and graduated from Lake Superior State University in 1969. She also worked as a librarian at Lake Superior State University and the Bayliss Public Library.
Ricky L. Steinhaus ’83, of Sault Ste. Marie, passed away on May 9, 2021. He graduated from Sault Area High School and served in the United States Air Force in Vietnam. Ricky then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Lake Superior State University and a Master’s degree from Central Michigan University. He also worked in the casino accounting department for the Sault Tribe.
Egidio Gary Toffolo, of Chicago, IL, passed away on March, 8, 2021. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago and began his teaching career at Michigan Technological University. Gary then taught Humanities at Lake Superior State University until his retirement in 2001 and was granted emeritus faculty status. He was also appointed Governor to the Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees in 2007 and was active in the Lake Superior State University Faculty Association.
Kristi Wolf ’95, Bark River, Passed away on June 23, 2021. She was raised in the Schaffer area and was a 1991 graduate of Bark River Harris Schools. Kristi earned her bachelor degree from Lake Superior State University and was employed as a general accountant for Hiawatha Behavioral Health Authority in Sault Ste. Marie for fourteen years.
John Ignatius Wood, of Sault Ste. Marie, passed away on May 9, 2021. He served in the United States Air Force as a radio repairman in the Korean War and did electronic repair work for the Corps of Engineers. John then worked for Lake Superior State University as an electrician. He also had a passion for the outdoors.