Friends We Will Miss


Classmates


Keith Allen ’90, Gladstone, passed away on June 23, 2023. Keith studied Building Construction Technology at Lake Superior State University and received his Associate of Science Degree in 1990.

Olivine Andrews ’52, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away on June 23, 2023 surrounded by her husband of nearly 70 years and many of her loved ones. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education while raising four children, teaching, and working as a farm wife.

Donna Anleitner, Chicago, IL, passed away on July 26, 2023.

Paul Baxter ‘81, Saginaw, passed away on May 12, 2023. He received his bachelor’s degree from Lake Superior State University in psychology.

Timothy Beaulieu ‘91, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away on April 24, 2023. He attended Lake Superior State University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and worked for a time in security management at Kewedin Casinos.

Shirley Proctor Bingham, Exeter, NH, passed away on her 95th birthday on August 4, 2023. Shirley spent most of her early years in Kingsley, Michigan, later going on to study nursing at the University of Michigan. After graduating with a BS in nursing she moved to Washington, D.C. where she worked for the National Institutes of Health. After marrying “Bing” she moved to Sault Ste Marie, Michigan to teach at Lake Superior State University and be near her parents.

Nathan Breher ’85, San Diego, CA, passed away June 23, 2023.  Nate graduated from Lake Superior State College in 1985. As a young man, Nate worked in national parks in government conservation programs, and in nursing homes as a health aid.

Mary Etta Cryderman ‘59, Brimley, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023. She had a master’s degree in nursing working in Pediatrics for over 20 years and taught as an Assistant Professor of Nursing from 1985 until retiring in 2005.

Audrey Dahlman, St. Louis Park, MN, passed away on June 7, 2023 just a month before her 98th birthday. She was the wife of former LSSU Professor Emeritus Marvin Dahlman.  She actively supported her children’s school activities and helped in many ways at her church and Lake Superior State University.

Melissa Ann (Maybank) Dietz ‘91, Bloomfield Hills, passed away on June 13, 2023. Known as Missy, she graduated from Lake Superior State University with a Master’s in Business Administration.

Kenneth Erno ‘76, Engadine, passed away on April 12, 2023. He attended Lake Superior State University for a short period of time before enlisting in the United States Army where he served for five years.

John Feldman ’59, Ft. Washington, MD, passed away on August 31, 2023. He graduated from Sault Ste. Marie High School before he received a scholarship to attend Soo Tech branch of Michigan Technological University. He received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering as a distinguished ROTC Michigan Tech graduate. He continued his education earning a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration in Project Management.

Cameron Brian Ferris ’70, North Bay, ON, passed away on June 28, 2023. Brian attended public schools in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario before going on to college at Lake Superior State University. In his private life, Brian was a funny and fun-loving person who loved travel and adventure.

Katherine (Mensink) Fontenello ‘97, Preston, passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Katherine attended Lake Superior State University where she graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science Degree.

Eleanor (Molinaro) Gleich ’63, Boyne City, passed away on July 29, 2023. She graduated from the Loretto Catholic Academy in 1950 before attending LSSC. Eleanor was very artistic and had an eye for detail. She enjoyed woodworking and interior decorating

Mary Hagan ‘73, De Tour Village, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2023. At the age of 35, when all her children were in school, she attended college at Lake Superior State College where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, with a degree in education.

Dr. Bruce Harger, Waleska, GA, passed away on June 23, 2023. He began his career in 1967 at Lake Superior State University as an assistant professor of Economics. Bruce served in a variety of roles during his tenure at LSSU, retiring in 2007 as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. Shortly after his retirement, he returned to LSSU to serve as Director of Charter Schools.

Wayne Harrison ’62, Greely, CO, passed away on May 24, 2023. He grew up and graduated from Pickford High School. After high school he served in the US Army from 1960 to 1962 and later entered college.

Dale Hoornstra ‘66, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away May 6, 2023 after a six -month long battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), surrounded by his loving family.

John Hutchinson ’00, passed away on July 29, 2023. He was a veteran of the US Army and enjoyed going to various Pow Wows across the Great Lakes to represent his culture and pride in having served as an ogichidaag warrior.

Janice Johnston ’00, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away on August 17, 2023. Jan will be remembered by all that knew her as a kindhearted and loving mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Marlene Kennedy ’07, Pickford, passed away on August 20, 2023. She was incredibly proud for returning back to school and graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. Her working career spanned over four decades.

William Krieger ‘61, Flagstaff, AZ, passed away on April 25, 2023 while visiting friends and family in Madison, Wisconsin. He graduated from Sault High School before receiving his Bachelors in Education from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan and his Masters from University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Carol (Morse) LeBlanc, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away on August 23, 2023. Carol  graduated from Harbor Springs High School in 1966. She went to Michigan State University, graduating with a BA in 1970. She later returned to MSU in 1994 and received a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in 1998. After moving to Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan in 1998, she worked as a community mental health worker, therapist, social worker, and also as professor at Lake Superior State University for more than 20 years.

Joan Malloy ’60, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away on February 10, 2023. After graduating from Sault High, she traveled to Detroit to pursue a career. She eventually returned back to the Sault where she married and later attended Lake Superior State College.

Helen Mastaw ’57, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away on July 18, 2023. She graduated from Loretto High School in 1957 and then went on to graduate from Northern Michigan University in 1961 earning a bachelor’s degree in education.

Gerald Mattson ’47, Saline, passed away on July 29, 2023. He attended Newberry High School, Lake Superior State University, and Michigan Technological University where he earned a degree in chemistry. Jerry was a “Yooper” through and through, moving back to his beloved Newberry after his retirement.

Greg McDonald ’93, passed away on July 7, 2023. He attended Lake Superior State University and earned his Bachelor’s Degree, later working many years for a Parks and Recreation Department.

Richard McGahey, Dafter,  passed away on April 13, 2023. Richard worked for many years as the Communications Director for Lake Superior State University.

Kyle McWilliams ‘12, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away on November 25, 2022. Kyle graduated from Lake Superior State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Fire Science and Engineering Technology.

Barry Newcomb ’62, Traverse City, passed away on May 26, 2023 surrounded by his family. Barry graduated from Lake Superior State University (College) in 1962. Early in Barry’s professional life he was a fencing coach at LSSU teaching his students the art and tactics of fencing.

Henry “Hank” Norvell, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away on July 8, 2023. Henry was an avid LSSU Laker Hockey fan, participating in the Blue Liner’s Club and traveling to many CCHA & Frozen Four tournaments.

Patricia Parker ’57, Onekama, passed away on June 27, 2023. Her hobbies and interests included photography, especially of nature, landscapes, & dogs, she was a dog owner and fancier, a tropical fish keeper & breeder, antique collecting, science fiction books & media, Anglophile, and as a former cornet player in high school band she enjoyed attending music performances and theater – especially her son’s.

Kenneth Parsons ’00, Gaylord, passed away on July 29, 2023. His passion for natural resources and the environment led him to further his education at Lake Superior State University and attended classes from 1995 through 2000.

Ralph Patrick ‘68, Hessel, passed away on May 25, 2023 at his home. With the spirit of an outdoorsman, Ralph spent ample time hunting and trapping throughout his life. From trapping muskrats on the family dock as a youth to catching bobcats, foxes, and coyotes in his golden years.

Donna Patterson ‘77, Barbeau, passed away on May 1, 2023. Donna enjoyed gardening and sewing in her free time.

Tom Pearson ’91, Escanaba, passed away on July 31, 2023. He attended Northern Michigan University and Lake Superior State University, earning two bachelor of science degrees in business. Tom was an accountant at Lake Superior State University from 1967 through 1980.

Dr. Karel Rogers, Newark, MO, passed away on May 31, 2023 at the age of 75 surrounded by family. She was the Dean of Science and Natural Resources at Lake Superior State University from 1994- 1996.

Erik Shaar, Sneads Ferry, NC, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023. He served in the United States Air Force Band and Symphony Orchestra from 1959 to 1963. His career as an educator and academic administrator started at Northern Michigan University, and went on to Chicago State University, then Shippensburg State University. He then served as Interim President of East Stroudsburg State University , President of Lake Superior State University from 1986 through 1992 and finally Minot State University.

Dr. Thomas Shirer, Melbourne, FL, passed away May 19, 2023. He served as Department Head, taught Humanities, and later attained the prestigious title of Professor Emeritus at Lake Superior State University. In addition, his efforts in organizing multiple Native American Studies conferences brought together scholars from various backgrounds, fostering dialogue and understanding.

Bill Slewidge ’74, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at home on June 18, 2023. Bill played for the Lake Superior State University Hockey program and was a member of the 1972 National Championship Laker Hockey team.  He was deemed an offensive force as a defenseman that made teams pay for their mistakes. He was inducted twice into Lake State’s Hall of Fame establishing the record for career goals by a defenseman among other personal records that have yet to be broken. He is also remembered for his All-American team induction.

Ret. Lt. Col. Josh Soblaskey ’82, Grand Rapids, passed away on July 26, 2023. After graduating from LaSalle High School, he attended LSSU and graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. He went into the Air Force in 1985 and retired after thirty years of faithful dedication to the service.

Cynthia Weege ‘75, Madison, WI, passed away peacefully on  April 23, 2023 with her family at her side. She earned her RN in Nursing in two years at Lake Superior State University.

Mark Willis ’12, Goetzville, passed away at his home on June 14, 2023. He got a degree in nursing from Lake Superior State University, and worked for the Sault Tribe where he specialized in Elder Care. Mark enjoyed boating, fishing, four wheeling in the woods, and was a longtime golf enthusiast.

Lois Woll, Hobe Sound, FL, passed away on May 27, 2023. Lois was an avid fan of Lake Superior State University Basketball and even welcomed student-athletes into her home.

Barbara (Burr) Worgess ’90, East Jordan, passed away on July 31, 2023. After 25 years in the workforce, she moved to East Jordan and opened her own business. At 50 years old, she graduated with a BA in Accounting from Lake Superior State University.


LSSU Alumni Insurance Program

Did you know that the LSSU Alumni Association sponsors an Alumni Insurance Program as a service to our graduates? The program offers a variety of attractively priced insurance products, most of which are available to alumni, students, faculty and staff, as well as their spouses, domestic partners, parents, children, and siblings.

Life Insurance

Long-term protection with great rates and fantastic features. Coverage is available from $10,000 to $50 million.


Travel Insurance

Travel Medical and Trip Protection coverage is available for individuals or groups, for personal or business travel.


Long Term Care Insurance

Protect your assets from serious erosion while allowing access to quality care in the most appropriate and desirable setting.


Pet Insurance

Simple, customizable dog and cat insurance plans are available.


Special Event Insurance

Liability coverage up to $2 million is available for events lasting from a few hours to as much as 10 days.

Dental Insurance

COMING SOON Family dental coverage that provides a national network of dentists, online enrollment, and travels with you to any employer


ID Theft Protection

NEW! Protect yourself and your family against identity theft with a comprehensive solution you can count on.


Small Business Insurance

NEW! We offer an all-in-one simple solution that includes a selection of plans, employee enrollment, and ongoing administration.



Advisory Services

A licensed insurance professional is available, at no charge, to answer questions and provide customized guidance.


For more information visit Meyer and Associates or contact our Meyer and Associates program administrator at 1(800) 635-7801.