Fox Cities News

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has announced the passing of several alumni, faculty, and friends. These individuals were part of various graduating classes from the 1940s to the 2020s and contributed significantly to their communities and professions.

Among those remembered are Helen (Welkos) Heckle from the class of 1947, who passed away on January 15, 2025, in Beloit. From the 1950s cohort, James Mellberg, a graduate of 1955, died on January 30, 2025, in Columbus, North Carolina.

Notable alumni from the 1960s include Sandra Bosin who passed on January 29, 2025, in Eagan, Minnesota; Diane (Alf) Dowell who died on January 27, 2025, in Berlin; and Richard “Dick” Edman who passed away on February 22, 2025, in Sheboygan.

From the class of the '70s are Mary Jo “MJ” Burns who died on February 21, 2025; Patricia Parrish who passed away on January 27; David Pfaffenroth whose death occurred on January 30; and Janet (Rand) Putzer who died on January 31.

Judith Winzenz from the class of '84 passed away on February 2. The '90s saw Kelly (Adam) Deaton pass away on December 22 last year; Jane Martinez died on February 9 this year; Marilyn Muraski left us on February 12; and Bernadette “Bernie” Smith passed away also on February 2.

In more recent years' graduates: Scott Rothe from the class of '02 passed away on February 8. Nicole Crook from the class of '21 died recently as well as Ryan Sinner from '22.

Additionally remembered are Gerald “J.J.” Jacklin and Walter Kempf. Jacklin served as an IS network support tech specialist at UW Oshkosh from1991 to2015 before his passing in Oshkosh this past January. Kempf was a library services assistant between1984and2006before his death inJanuaryof last year.