Fox Cities News

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh has announced the passing of several alumni, faculty, and friends in recent months. This list includes graduates from various decades as well as former professors who have contributed to the institution.

Among those remembered are Mary Ann (Tisler) Doucha, a 1958 graduate from Howard; Barbara (Koplein) Elleman, class of 1956 from Amherst, Massachusetts; and Leroy Kottke, who graduated in 1955 from West Bend.

From the 1960s cohort, notable mentions include Leta Gerber from Park Falls and Kathleen Wegner along with Lee Wegner, both hailing from Merrill. The list also acknowledges Thomas Yelich from Sun Prairie.

The 1970s graduates remembered include Thomas Belot from Valders and Dale Ferguson from Oshkosh. Diane Haase from Fond du Lac and Dennis Kloida from Manitowoc are also noted for their contributions.

In the 1980s category, Sally Boedeker from Minneapolis is recognized alongside Randal Dorschner from Appleton. Other alumni like Todd Johnson and Michael Kapp have also been acknowledged.

The university community remembers Mike “Bondo” Bond of Augusta, Montana, representing the 1990s graduates. In addition to James Kasper and Helen Lueck who were also part of this era.

Brian “Gartz” Gardiner is noted among the alumni of the 2000s. Danielle Wilkins is listed among more recent graduates from the 2010s.

The institution also pays tribute to faculty members such as Selma Brophy, a College of Nursing Professor who served between 1975 and 2002. Sheldon Cooper is remembered for his long tenure as co-chair of the Biology Department until his retirement in 2023.