The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh has released its list of obituaries for August 2025, recognizing the passing of alumni and former faculty members from a range of graduating classes and academic departments.
Among those remembered are Viona “Vi” (Oberstadt) Heuer, who graduated in 1949 and 1967, and Patricia Schulz, class of 1947 and 1959. Other alumni include Gordon “Gordy” Braun (1952), Lois (Jaschob) Gmach (1959), Ronald Helgren (1958), Nancy (Fliss) Heydon (1955, 1960), and James M. Smith (1950).
From the 1960s classes, Jane (Parkhurst) Bortz (1966), Elmer Eichstaedt (1961), Richard Gerrits (1966, MSE 1975), Ellen (Beck) Griswold (1963), Steven Karges (1963), Priscilla (Olson) Krist (1966), Jack Lautenschlager (1964), Richard “Dick” Schneider (1967, MSE 1975), and Alton Thompson (1962) were noted.
The university also listed alumni from later decades: Michelle “Missy” Boehm from the class of 1979; Paul Cigler from the classes of 1974 and MA in 1989; John Geissler from the class of 1970; Mabel Grummer from the class of 1970; Michael A. Jones from the class of 1977; Robert Koenigs from the class of 1973; Alan Palay from the class of 1972.
Kristy (Anderson) Wagner graduated in 1982, while Carol Kuehl was a member of the class of 1987. Steven Peters graduated in 1997.
More recent graduates included Kristin Hartman with degrees in both LS in 2003 and MS in 2024, Stacy (Landgraf) Riedel with an LS degree in 2003, and Jack Workman with an LS degree in 2012.
Faculty members remembered include Donald Martin, who served as a Sociology Department instructor before retiring as Professor Emeritus after more than three decades at UW-Oshkosh between 1970-2003. Bill Wresch held several leadership roles including Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs between 1997-2001, worked within Information Systems between 2001-2004, and served as Undergraduate Programs Director and Associate Dean between 2005-2015.
“### In memoriam: The University extends condolences to families, friends and colleagues,” said a university spokesperson.
