Friends We Will Miss

Rosemary Blashill ’79, Traverse City, passed away on August 5, 2026. A longtime resident of Sault Ste. Marie, Rosemary was a graduate of Lake Superior State University and later returned to LSSU as a nursing instructor from 1978-83, inspiring future generations of nurses. She went on to a distinguished career in public health and nursing leadership. Remembered for her compassion, strength and dedication to caring for others, Rosemary leaves a lasting legacy in the many lives she touched.

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William Bollin,  Farmington Hills, passed away May 5, 2026. A longtime friend and supporter of Lake Superior State University, William and his late wife, Sharon, established the Leah Marie Bollin Memorial Scholarship at LSSU in memory of their daughter, Leah. A skilled electrician, reserve police officer, veteran advocate and dedicated community volunteer, William was known for his generosity, service and commitment to helping others. Through the scholarship created in Leah’s memory, his legacy of giving will continue to support LSSU students for years to come.

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William ‘Bill’ Cox ’73, passed away May 23, 2026. A 1973 graduate of Lake Superior State University, Bill was a longtime Sault Ste. Marie resident and a devoted accountant, father, grandfather and man of faith. He will be remembered for his compassion, devotion to family and commitment to serving others.

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Cecil Richard ‘Rick’ Daley ’69, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away July 19, 2026. A lifelong Sault resident, Rick attended Lake Superior State University, where he took drafting classes. He served two years in the U.S. Army as a radio operator in Korea before beginning a 31-year career with the U.S. Postal Service. Rick will be remembered for his love of family, gardening, woodworking and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

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Richard DeMolen ’99, Pickford, passed away on May 13, 2026. A 1967 graduate of Sault Area High School, Richard attended classes at Lake Superior State University and later earned his Ph.D. in psychology. He retired from the State of North Dakota after living and working in several states before returning to Michigan to be closer to family. A gifted musician, he spent many years playing keyboard and singing in bands and also enjoyed fishing and crafting his own handmade lures.

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George Dickinson ’52, Palm Harbor, FL, passed away on March 27, 2026. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, George attended Michigan Tech, now Lake Superior State University, for two years before transferring to Wayne University, where he graduated in 1955. He went on to a distinguished career as an Air Force pilot and instructor, later serving in engineering and management roles for the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense. A true Yooper, George cherished summers at the family cottage at Bay Mills and remained connected to his Sault Ste. Marie roots throughout his life.

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George Freeborn II, Brimley, passed away May 11, 2026. A lifelong resident of the area, George served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War before joining Lake Superior State University, where he worked in the physical plant for 16 years before retiring in 2002. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and working on the family farm.

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Sally Gregg ’91, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away July 1, 2026. A lifelong Sault resident, Sally graduated from Lake Superior State University in 1991 with an associate degree in business administration. She devoted her life to her family and especially cherished time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sally enjoyed reading, crocheting, sewing, painting, garage sales, music and dancing, and was known for her love of animals.

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Clifford Heliste ’71, Ishpeming, passed away August 4, 2026. A 1971 graduate of Ishpeming High School, Cliff attended Lake Superior State University on a wrestling scholarship before transferring to Northern Michigan University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry. He later worked for Cleveland Cliffs and owned the Strength and Fitness Center in Ishpeming. Cliff was passionate about fitness, animals, and volunteering with his dogs, and enjoyed boating, fishing, water skiing, snowmobiling, time at his camp on the Dead River Basin, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

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Judy Hill ’75, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away July 25, 2026. Judy attended both Eastern Michigan University and Lake Superior State University, where she played women’s volleyball, before earning a bachelor’s degree in theater from Northern Michigan University. A vibrant and creative member of the community, she was active in community theater, performed with local bands and taught music to elementary students. She will be remembered for her infectious laughter, storytelling, generosity and ability to make friends wherever she went.

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James Johnson ’86, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away July 26, 2026. A longtime Sault resident and dedicated public servant, Jim served as a city police officer for nearly three decades before continuing his career with the U.S. Immigration Service. In 1986, he graduated from Lake Superior State University alongside his son, a milestone he cherished. Jim will be remembered for his integrity, commitment to service, love of the outdoors and devotion to his family.

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William ‘Bill’ Kallio’ 54, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away August 8, 2026. A lifelong Yooper and outdoorsman, Kallio attended Soo Tech before graduating from Michigan Technological University with a degree in forestry. He enjoyed a long career in logging, served as a U.S. Army captain, and owned and operated the Tom Sawyer Riverboat Cruise from 1973 to 1997. Family was central to Bill’s life, and he was remembered for his positive attitude, strong work ethic and belief in enjoying life and “stopping to smell the roses.”

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Karen Lee ’91, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away May 10, 2026. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Lake Superior State University in 1991 and dedicated 20 years of service to the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians in its Newspaper Department. She also designed the Sault Tribe flag in consultation with colleagues. A talented artist, Karen had a deep love for painting and sculpture.

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Donald Levin ’50, Flat Rock, NC, passed away June 4, 2026. Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, he attended Soo Tech before earning a B.S. in chemical engineering from Michigan Technological University and a master’s degree in metallurgy from Case Western Reserve University. A U.S. Army veteran, Don spent more than three decades with the Aluminum Company of America, developing innovative aluminum alloys and earning multiple patents. A lifelong learner with a curiosity about the natural world, he enjoyed birdwatching, geography, meteorology, hiking and traveling, and was remembered for his gentle nature, dry wit and dedication to excellence.

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Terry Nault ’60, Eaton Rapids, passed away June 25, 2026. Born in Iron Mountain, MI, he attended Lake Superior State College while living in Sault Ste. Marie before beginning a 31-year career with the Internal Revenue Service. A man of deep faith and service, Terry was active in the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight of the Eaton Rapids Council. He enjoyed softball, woodworking and fireworks, and was remembered as a devoted family man who valued faith, hard work and life’s simple pleasures.

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Mary (Abel) Schroeder ’74, Merriman, passed away May 23, 2026. A lifelong Dickinson County resident, she earned an associate’s degree in secretarial science from Lake Superior State University after graduating from Kingsford High School. Mary worked for 32 years at WE Energies as a secretary and mapper. Known for her stylish sense, wonderful humor, warmth and generosity, she enjoyed traveling and shopping and was remembered for her positive spirit.

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Helen Spencer ’69, Rio Grande City, TX, passed away October 31, 2025. Originally from Pickford, MI, she attended Lake Superior State College before becoming a registered nurse, her favorite career. Helen enjoyed gardening, baking, knitting, reading and traveling, including a memorable 56-day camping trip to Alaska. She was remembered for her love of family, her many talents and her zest for life.

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Timothy Sullivan ’79, Farmington Hills, passed away April 1, 2026. He graduated from Lake Superior State College with an associate degree in electronics and worked in the Media Department as a work-study student. While attending LSSC, he met his future wife, Julie. Tim began his career with Lear Siegler in Grand Rapids, advancing through the company as it became Smith Industries and, ultimately, GE Aviation. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he enjoyed playing and coaching, and he loved the outdoors, especially trips to Wilderness State Park. He was remembered for his outgoing personality, playful teasing and spunky spirit.

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Michael Thomas ’82, Sault Ste. Marie, passed away April 28, 2026. He graduated from Lake Superior State University in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement, where he also met his future wife, Peggy. Michael enjoyed a long career in law enforcement, serving with police departments in Liberal, Kansas, and Owosso, Michigan, before working for the State of Michigan. After retiring in 2021, he and Peggy returned to Sault Ste. Marie, where he enjoyed being an avid boatnerd, along with golf, hockey, baseball, fishing and the outdoors.

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