2020s
Mirna Morris ’22 and her son, Skyler Ramirez-Ortiz ’22, are both current PLU students. Mirna, a long time medical assistant, is earning a BSN in nursing, a final step toward her dream of becoming an intensive care unit nurse. Skyler is double majoring in political science and economics and hopes to attend law school. They plan to walk together at commencement this spring.
Mirna Morris ’22 and her son, Skyler Ramirez-Ortiz ’22, are both current PLU students. Mirna, a long time medical assistant, is earning a BSN in nursing, a final step toward her dream of becoming an intensive care unit nurse. Skyler is double majoring in political science and economics and hopes to attend law school. They plan to walk together at commencement this spring.
Adrian Brown is working in a Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit at Saint Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma. She is an avid volunteer vaccinator with the Medical Reserve Corps. She has returned to Pacific Lutheran University to earn her Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner degree.
Adrian Brown is working in a Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit at Saint Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma. She is an avid volunteer vaccinator with the Medical Reserve Corps. She has returned to Pacific Lutheran University to earn her Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner degree.
2010s
Sabina Ibragimova Bartlett ’18 married Bryant Bartlett on April 8, 2020 at the residence of her American family on Steilacoom Lake.
Sabina Ibragimova Bartlett ’18 married Bryant Bartlett on April 8, 2020 at the residence of her American family on Steilacoom Lake.
Alyssa Jilk married Noah Gerlach ’18 in Mukilteo on Dec. 15, 2019 with Maid of Honor Ciara Flanery ’18 and Best Man Mitchell Nowakowski ’18. The couple now lives in Portland, where Noah recently finished a masters in public policy at Portland State University (class of 2020).
Alyssa Jilk married Noah Gerlach ’18 in Mukilteo on Dec. 15, 2019 with Maid of Honor Ciara Flanery ’18 and Best Man Mitchell Nowakowski ’18. The couple now lives in Portland, where Noah recently finished a masters in public policy at Portland State University (class of 2020).
Meghan (Gould) Woodring ’18 married Seth Woodring after four years of dating on August 16, 2020. The newlyweds live in Colorado Springs, Colorado with their cat, Roo. Meghan teaches seventh grade math and Seth works as a GIS technician for a civil engineering firm.
Meghan (Gould) Woodring ’18 married Seth Woodring after four years of dating on August 16, 2020. The newlyweds live in Colorado Springs, Colorado with their cat, Roo. Meghan teaches seventh grade math and Seth works as a GIS technician for a civil engineering firm.
Amanda Curran received her JD from Gonzaga University School of Law in May, and recently accepted a position as an assistant attorney general with the Washington Attorney General’s Office in the Social and Health Services Division.
Amanda Curran received her JD from Gonzaga University School of Law in May, and recently accepted a position as an assistant attorney general with the Washington Attorney General’s Office in the Social and Health Services Division.
Jon Schaub married Emily Moog in June 2020 in Rochester, Washington. They now live in Salem, Oregon where Jon works in the logistics & transportation industry while Emily teaches third grade.
Jon Schaub married Emily Moog in June 2020 in Rochester, Washington. They now live in Salem, Oregon where Jon works in the logistics & transportation industry while Emily teaches third grade.
Cierra Nalani Richards was crowned Miss Collegiate United States 2020 at the annual national pageant. Richards won the national service project award, national photogenic award, national community service award, national social media award, national spirit award, national collegiate ambassador title, national best fashion, national best evening gown, and national best interview. She is now an ambassador constituent team lead for the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network. She will spend her year of service promoting her personal platform of cancer prevention and research, raising money and awareness for the cure, volunteering, and making appearances across her state and the country.
Cierra Nalani Richards was crowned Miss Collegiate United States 2020 at the annual national pageant. Richards won the national service project award, national photogenic award, national community service award, national social media award, national spirit award, national collegiate ambassador title, national best fashion, national best evening gown, and national best interview. She is now an ambassador constituent team lead for the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network. She will spend her year of service promoting her personal platform of cancer prevention and research, raising money and awareness for the cure, volunteering, and making appearances across her state and the country.
Jenny Kimura has been promoted to book designer at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers in New York City.
Anna (Jessen) Doyle married Kieran Doyle ’17 on Sept. 12, 2020 at St. Paul’s Church in Port Gamble, Washington. The wedding was officiated by Pastor Tom Kidd ’70. Anna’s PLU golf teammate Anela Barber ’17 & ’19 was maid of honor. Numerous other Lutes would have been in attendance if not for COVID-19.
Anna (Jessen) Doyle married Kieran Doyle ’17 on Sept. 12, 2020 at St. Paul’s Church in Port Gamble, Washington. The wedding was officiated by Pastor Tom Kidd ’70. Anna’s PLU golf teammate Anela Barber ’17 & ’19 was maid of honor. Numerous other Lutes would have been in attendance if not for COVID-19.
Kevin Calixto accepted a job at Everett Community College as a college success faculty/TRiO Advisor. He is eager to work with first generation community college students and to teach a course in the spring.
Kevin Calixto accepted a job at Everett Community College as a college success faculty/TRiO Advisor. He is eager to work with first generation community college students and to teach a course in the spring.
Janae Reinhardt graduated with a master’s of social work degree from the University of Southern California in August. Following her graduation, she accepted a position as a residential clinician at a residential children’s home in central California. Janae looks forward to continuing her education and pursuing an EdD in counseling psychology over the next few years.
Arvid Isaksen and Amy (Lessig) Isaksen ’15 welcomed their son, Beau Isaksen, on October 2. Beau was born at 6 lbs. 5 oz. and 18.5 inches, and has been showered with love by many fellow PLU alums and community members.
Arvid Isaksen and Amy (Lessig) Isaksen ’15 welcomed their son, Beau Isaksen, on October 2. Beau was born at 6 lbs. 5 oz. and 18.5 inches, and has been showered with love by many fellow PLU alums and community members.
Nathan and Lindsey (Medak) Rhoades ’14 welcomed their second child, Ava Grace Rhoades, on Aug. 29, 2020. She joins big brother Liam, age 3.
Nathan and Lindsey (Medak) Rhoades ’14 welcomed their second child, Ava Grace Rhoades, on Aug. 29, 2020. She joins big brother Liam, age 3.
Future Lute Angela Karamatic was born Sept. 27 to Anna and Derek Karamatic ’09, both PLU graduates. Go Lutes!
Future Lute Angela Karamatic was born Sept. 27 to Anna and Derek Karamatic ’09, both PLU graduates. Go Lutes!
Mark Adam Rud followed his BFA in theatre arts and BA in English literature by working as an actor around the Puget Sound area while completing AmeriCorps service with Tacoma Community House. He then moved to Philadelphia where he worked for nonprofit performing arts organizations in casting and script evaluation, as well as an independent stage director and dramaturg. He also spent a year in New York City working primarily with several museums. Mark recently received his MS in Bioregional Planning and Community Design from the University of Idaho. He has since started working as a planner with the City of Hamilton, Montana.
Mark Adam Rud followed his BFA in theatre arts and BA in English literature by working as an actor around the Puget Sound area while completing AmeriCorps service with Tacoma Community House. He then moved to Philadelphia where he worked for nonprofit performing arts organizations in casting and script evaluation, as well as an independent stage director and dramaturg. He also spent a year in New York City working primarily with several museums. Mark recently received his MS in Bioregional Planning and Community Design from the University of Idaho. He has since started working as a planner with the City of Hamilton, Montana.
Joseph Olson received a PhD in physics with a focus in experimental plasma physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is continuing on as a postdoctoral research associate at the Wisconsin Plasma Physics Laboratory at UW-Madison.
Sarah Wise has been promoted to Brand & Creative Program Manager with GEICO.
Hannah Comerford and her husband Jason ’09 welcomed their first son, Harrison Thomas Comerford, on March 29, 2020.
Hannah Comerford and her husband Jason ’09 welcomed their first son, Harrison Thomas Comerford, on March 29, 2020.
When Nicole (Hughes) Hargreaves ’10 and her family moved to Australia their home buying experience was documented in a 2020 episode of HGTV’s House Hunters International.
When Nicole (Hughes) Hargreaves ’10 and her family moved to Australia their home buying experience was documented in a 2020 episode of HGTV’s House Hunters International.
Marisa Bateman recently earned a degree in marine biology from the University of Miami. Pre-COVID, she was spending her time in the Galapagos Islands studying the effects of metabolism change in whales.
Matthew Lindberg and Jamie (Williams) Lindberg ’10, ’13 welcomed their first child, Aiden Matthew, on June 3, 2020.
Matthew Lindberg and Jamie (Williams) Lindberg ’10, ’13 welcomed their first child, Aiden Matthew, on June 3, 2020.
2000s
Joy Farrell recently made her acting debut starring in Packwood Community Theater’s rendition of “Pippin.” She played the part of Fastrada, Pippin’s stepmother. Next stop, Broadway!
Tove Tupper and Tim Lewis welcomed future Lute Boden Walter Lewis on July 24, 2020.
Tove Tupper and Tim Lewis welcomed future Lute Boden Walter Lewis on July 24, 2020.
Courtney (Poole) Taylor, husband Matt, and son Jameson welcomed a baby girl, Millie Joy, on Dec. 27, 2019.
Courtney (Poole) Taylor, husband Matt, and son Jameson welcomed a baby girl, Millie Joy, on Dec. 27, 2019.
Amy (Greenwood) Swanson and Toby Swanson ’08 had a baby girl April 3, 2020: Hazel Louise Swanson, 5 lbs. 11 oz.
Nick Page welcomed his second daughter, McKinlee Patricia Page on May, 18th 2021.
Nick Page welcomed his second daughter, McKinlee Patricia Page on May, 18th 2021.
Kathleen Flenniken, who received an MFA in Creative Writing and is the former Washington State Poet Laureate, will release “Post Romantic,” her third collection, in October through the University of Washington Press. Her work fuses personal memory with national and ecological upheaval. She interweaves narratives of family, nuclear history (Flenniken grew up near the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, where she and her father both worked), love of country, and a dangerous age moving too fast. “ ‘Post Romantic’ is a mature work of a high order by a brave and serious poet,” writes author David Guterson.
Cathy Morris was recently hired as the director of marketing & communications for Bear Group, a custom website development agency based in Seattle.
Cathy Morris was recently hired as the director of marketing & communications for Bear Group, a custom website development agency based in Seattle.
Emma Coulson was promoted in April to manager at Accenture, a professional services company, in the Marketing Operations practice. She is the client services delivery manager for digital content services and website management for a large multinational software corporation client based in the Pacific Northwest.
Emma Coulson was promoted in April to manager at Accenture, a professional services company, in the Marketing Operations practice. She is the client services delivery manager for digital content services and website management for a large multinational software corporation client based in the Pacific Northwest.
Markus Bentsen received his Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. He graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science and summa cum laude honors in 2017, and from Western Washington University with a Master of Arts degree in 2019. He lives in Wenatchee, where he works at a pediatric therapy clinic.
Lindsay Nelson Hanculak received a post-baccalaureate Certificate in Conscious Leadership and Team Management from the University of Chicago. She spearheaded the first team in the nation caring for COVID-19 patients remotely, alongside Brita (Mueller) Grotte ’87. The team cared for over 4,000 patients remotely and was honored with the Daisy Team Award at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland, where both nurses practice in the Emergency Department.
Lindsay Nelson Hanculak received a post-baccalaureate Certificate in Conscious Leadership and Team Management from the University of Chicago. She spearheaded the first team in the nation caring for COVID-19 patients remotely, alongside Brita (Mueller) Grotte ’87. The team cared for over 4,000 patients remotely and was honored with the Daisy Team Award at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland, where both nurses practice in the Emergency Department.
Rachael (Dragt) Ton graduated from California State University, Fresno in May 2020 with her master of science in nursing, family nurse practitioner degree. She has taken a position in a pediatric office in Hanford, California where she lives with her husband John and their four children.
Jason Russell and Misty Addison ’04 welcomed daughter Annaliese Caroline on Sept. 5, 2020. The couple is stationed on the U.S. Army base in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Jason Russell and Misty Addison ’04 welcomed daughter Annaliese Caroline on Sept. 5, 2020. The couple is stationed on the U.S. Army base in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Michael Mauss passed away Aug. 20, 2020 after a battle with brain cancer. Mike was on the 1999 Division III Championship PLU Football team and earned the Coach’s Award from Frosty Westering. He joined his father and sister at Merrill Lynch and spent 13 years in the financial advisory industry as a successful financial advisor. He was defined by a deep Catholic faith, deep and unending love for his kids, his warm smile, and being with family and friends. It makes the most sense to celebrate him today with the famous EMAL cheer: Hey Mike! Go Mike! Attaway, attaway!
Todd Schoen accepted a position at Jensen Investment Management in Lake Oswego, Oregon in September 2019. Todd and Tami reside in West Linn, Oregon with their two daughters, Sydney (2), and Anne (5).
1990s
Daniel Hagedorn’s first published novel, “The Lodestar,” comes out on Feb. 10. He wrote it before the pandemic, but it happens to be about the aftermath of a plague. Pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or any other bookstore.
Chris Egan sports anchor/reporter at King 5 Television in Seattle, won two Emmy awards in 2020 for the best sports story of the year and for overall reporting excellence. Chris also won an Edward R. Murrow award for sports reporting in 2020. Chris is married to Melanie (Phair) Egan ’95 and they have three children Madison, Austin and Luke.
Chris Egan sports anchor/reporter at King 5 Television in Seattle, won two Emmy awards in 2020 for the best sports story of the year and for overall reporting excellence. Chris also won an Edward R. Murrow award for sports reporting in 2020. Chris is married to Melanie (Phair) Egan ’95 and they have three children Madison, Austin and Luke.
Mark Carrato, a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Foreign Service Officer, was named the Coordinator of the U.S. Government’s Power Africa program. Power Africa is the world’s largest partnership for development, with 160 public and private partners who have committed $56 billion to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mark Carrato, a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Foreign Service Officer, was named the Coordinator of the U.S. Government’s Power Africa program. Power Africa is the world’s largest partnership for development, with 160 public and private partners who have committed $56 billion to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa.
Brett Trusko founded and ran the International Association of Innovation Professionals. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Innovation Science and the head of the US Delegation to the International Standards Organization 279, for Innovation Management.
Alan Herr, married to Karen (Bennett) Herr ’92, passed away on June 2, 2021 after an eight-year battle with lung cancer. Alan, a research assistant professor in the Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology at the University of Washington, was a loving husband and devoted father to his three daughters. Fellow Lutes will remember him for his joyful dedication to the cross country and track teams, his passion for science and research, and his deep Christian faith that carried him through his beautiful life journey.
Alan Herr, married to Karen (Bennett) Herr ’92, passed away on June 2, 2021 after an eight-year battle with lung cancer. Alan, a research assistant professor in the Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology at the University of Washington, was a loving husband and devoted father to his three daughters. Fellow Lutes will remember him for his joyful dedication to the cross country and track teams, his passion for science and research, and his deep Christian faith that carried him through his beautiful life journey.
Eric Knutsen is head teacher at Brantwood Specialist School in Sheffield, England. This is his second headship in schools for students with special educational needs. Brantwood offers support for young people with Autism Spectrum Condition and anxiety, among others. While in post, Eric attained the National Professional Qualification for Headship, designed to support the development of those in school leadership.
1980s
Todd Kelley recently celebrated his 10-year service award at The Boeing Company. He and Suzanne (Capelli) ’89 are approaching their 27th anniversary and they are the proud parents of Sara and Lisa ’22.
After nearly 30 years living in Seattle, Jerry and Alyce (Gregg) Gatlin ’90 moved to Lakewood. Alyce has been enjoying walks around the PLU campus. Jerry works from home for Liberty Mutual.
After nearly 30 years living in Seattle, Jerry and Alyce (Gregg) Gatlin ’90 moved to Lakewood. Alyce has been enjoying walks around the PLU campus. Jerry works from home for Liberty Mutual.
It was a walk down memory lane when alumni reunited with their favorite professor on Zoom. The reunion included Diana Archibald ’86, Nancy (neé Wendland) Feehrer ’86, and Kevin Gustafson ’86, who met with their former PLU English professor Audrey Eyler. Before they met, they were given homework to consider which author or text they had been introduced to while at PLU. The activity led to some fascinating conversations for the four.
It was a walk down memory lane when alumni reunited with their favorite professor on Zoom. The reunion included Diana Archibald ’86, Nancy (neé Wendland) Feehrer ’86, and Kevin Gustafson ’86, who met with their former PLU English professor Audrey Eyler. Before they met, they were given homework to consider which author or text they had been introduced to while at PLU. The activity led to some fascinating conversations for the four.
Rod Nubgaard retired after 30 years of dedicated service with the federal government. He worked for the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Nuclear Regulatory Commission. He will continue to coach high school soccer and volleyball and teach at the local community college. He was recently selected as an advisor to the local high school Model United Nations Club. In addition, he plans to travel and explore different regions in the world starting with the United Kingdom, Norway and Iceland.
Rod Nubgaard retired after 30 years of dedicated service with the federal government. He worked for the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Nuclear Regulatory Commission. He will continue to coach high school soccer and volleyball and teach at the local community college. He was recently selected as an advisor to the local high school Model United Nations Club. In addition, he plans to travel and explore different regions in the world starting with the United Kingdom, Norway and Iceland.
Diana Foster retired in August 2020, concluding a 38-year career in elementary education. Diana taught for 35 years in the University Place School District, two years for The Anglo-American International School of Moscow, Russia, and one year on exchange in Adelaide, Australia. She currently lives in Gig Harbor. Diana looks forward to spending time with family and friends — including traveling with friends from PLU.
Diana Foster retired in August 2020, concluding a 38-year career in elementary education. Diana taught for 35 years in the University Place School District, two years for The Anglo-American International School of Moscow, Russia, and one year on exchange in Adelaide, Australia. She currently lives in Gig Harbor. Diana looks forward to spending time with family and friends — including traveling with friends from PLU.
David M. Carson has completed his second year as Coordinator of the Tumbleweed Music Festival in Richland. The Tumbleweed Music Festival is traditionally held on Labor Day weekend in Richland’s Howard Amon Park, along the bank of the Columbia River. The 2020 festival was to be the 24th annual, but when Covid disrupted the world, it was decided it would go virtual. The festival was brought to life at tumbleweedmusicfestival.org, with over 70 free pre-recorded performances, seven free workshops, and two free concerts.
David M. Carson has completed his second year as Coordinator of the Tumbleweed Music Festival in Richland. The Tumbleweed Music Festival is traditionally held on Labor Day weekend in Richland’s Howard Amon Park, along the bank of the Columbia River. The 2020 festival was to be the 24th annual, but when Covid disrupted the world, it was decided it would go virtual. The festival was brought to life at tumbleweedmusicfestival.org, with over 70 free pre-recorded performances, seven free workshops, and two free concerts.
Julia Rosin Thorsness passed away Sept. 9, 2020. Julia majored in social work at PLU. She spent her adult life in Anchorage, Alaska where her career included working as a program coordinator at the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.
Julia Rosin Thorsness passed away Sept. 9, 2020. Julia majored in social work at PLU. She spent her adult life in Anchorage, Alaska where her career included working as a program coordinator at the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.
1970s
Douglas J. Becker was awarded the James E. Bye Lifetime Achievement Award by the Tax Section of the Colorado Bar Association in 2020 in recognition of his distinguished career practicing tax law in the state of Colorado. Doug recently commenced a solo law practice under the name Becker PC. Doug also continues to teach as an adjunct professor for the University of Denver Graduate Tax Program.
Douglas J. Becker was awarded the James E. Bye Lifetime Achievement Award by the Tax Section of the Colorado Bar Association in 2020 in recognition of his distinguished career practicing tax law in the state of Colorado. Doug recently commenced a solo law practice under the name Becker PC. Doug also continues to teach as an adjunct professor for the University of Denver Graduate Tax Program.
Lisa L. Sutton is the Acting Chief Judge on the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II in Tacoma. She is the 25th judge, and the ninth female judge, to serve on the court since it was created in 1969 by Governor Daniel J. Evans. Judge Sutton also served as a superior court judge for Thurston County Superior Court prior to her appointment by the governor and election unopposed to the Court of Appeals. Prior to becoming a judge, she served as a litigator and supervising attorney in the Office of the Attorney General for 24 years. She began her career as a budget analyst for the Washington State Office of Financial Management, the Governor’s Budget Office. She then graduated from Seattle University School of Law after earning her J.D. degree. She is married to James Lux and has a stepdaughter, Amy Clark, and two grandchildren, Coltyn and Ariel. Ariel is now a Lute, and Judge Sutton and her husband proudly wear their PLU T-Shirts.
Lisa L. Sutton is the Acting Chief Judge on the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II in Tacoma. She is the 25th judge, and the ninth female judge, to serve on the court since it was created in 1969 by Governor Daniel J. Evans. Judge Sutton also served as a superior court judge for Thurston County Superior Court prior to her appointment by the governor and election unopposed to the Court of Appeals. Prior to becoming a judge, she served as a litigator and supervising attorney in the Office of the Attorney General for 24 years. She began her career as a budget analyst for the Washington State Office of Financial Management, the Governor’s Budget Office. She then graduated from Seattle University School of Law after earning her J.D. degree. She is married to James Lux and has a stepdaughter, Amy Clark, and two grandchildren, Coltyn and Ariel. Ariel is now a Lute, and Judge Sutton and her husband proudly wear their PLU T-Shirts.
Shelda (Walker) Winschell and her husband Kent Winschell celebrated their 30th anniversary in September. They reside in East Wenatchee.
Jon Overvold is the current President of the Association of Professional Chaplains. He serves under call of the New York Metropolitan Synod as Manager of Pastoral Care and Education for New York-Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Bruce Hoffman and Dale Perry ’78, roommates in Alpine during 1976-77 under the close supervision and occasional leadership of Head Resident Lauralee Hagen ’76, spent the day shoveling dirt, moving gravel, and generally complaining about their age as they worked on another Perry estate landscaping project. They both regret not inviting other Portland/Vancouver area Lutes of their acquaintance but concluded most were too old to have been much help. Bruce and Dale each retired in 2019. They challenge all class members to post anything except obituaries.
Following her retirement as a clinical child psychologist, Jane Honeyman has pursued her dream of becoming an equestrian. Jane can be seen with her horse Kilkenny Gold, aka “Harry,” an Irish Sport Horse born in Kilkenny, Ireland. She would love to hear from other 1970s grads, especially those who lived in Hong Hall, Delta “Country Club”, and folks on CREW.
Following her retirement as a clinical child psychologist, Jane Honeyman has pursued her dream of becoming an equestrian. Jane can be seen with her horse Kilkenny Gold, aka “Harry,” an Irish Sport Horse born in Kilkenny, Ireland. She would love to hear from other 1970s grads, especially those who lived in Hong Hall, Delta “Country Club”, and folks on CREW.
Lucille Johnson passed away Aug. 5, 2020 at the age of 87. She earned her Masters degree at PLU in 1975. Lucy taught fifth grade at Lowell Elementary until she retired in 1993. She treated each student with the same regard, compassion and expectations that she did her own three sons. Lucille and her husband David spent many years in the Tacoma bowling leagues. She also was the pianist at her church and started her own business from her passion buying and selling antique items. She is survived by her brother, three sons and her nine grandchildren.
Susan Stapczynski received the 2021 IndieReader Discovery Award, in Women’s Issues, for her debut mystery novel, “Death by Chaos.” The book is available on Amazon, both as a soft cover and Kindle.
Susan Stapczynski received the 2021 IndieReader Discovery Award, in Women’s Issues, for her debut mystery novel, “Death by Chaos.” The book is available on Amazon, both as a soft cover and Kindle.
Nancy (Quillin) Wilkinson is a retired public school teacher and is currently teaching art to adults. She also serves as a naturalist in Sabino Canyon in Tucson, Arizona. Nancy’s work can be found at quietmoonphotos.com.
Nancy (Quillin) Wilkinson is a retired public school teacher and is currently teaching art to adults. She also serves as a naturalist in Sabino Canyon in Tucson, Arizona. Nancy’s work can be found at quietmoonphotos.com.
Duane Petersen passed away on Jan. 19, 2021, at his home in Tumwater. Duane earned undergraduate degrees in business and music, and an MBA from PLU. He worked as an IT consultant for a wide variety of companies and owned his own firms. In 2018, Duane began teaching English in China where he met his wife Helena. He is survived by his sons, grandchildren, step-daughter and wife.
Lembit Erich Ratassepp passed away on August 5, 2021 in Olympia. He is survived by his daughter Katrin Ratassepp and his son Erik Ratassepp.
Lembit Erich Ratassepp passed away on August 5, 2021 in Olympia. He is survived by his daughter Katrin Ratassepp and his son Erik Ratassepp.
Carol (Thorsness) Greenup passed away May 6, 2020. She met the love of her life, Richard Greenup, at PLU, and they enjoyed almost 45 years together. Following graduation, Carol used her skills as a bookkeeper in her early years. Then, her talents turned to two lovely daughters, volunteering in their schools, teaching Sunday school, and helping at City Light Home for Women in Boise, Idaho. Her giving spirit moved effortlessly to two grandsons in her later years. Her faith in God sustained her in this life and beyond.
Teryl Sue Dirks passed away Feb. 20, 2020. She was retired from the Department of Corrections and was a long-time active member of Peace Lutheran Church in the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma, where she also lived for many years.
Halvar Olstead and Alvina (Hauf) Olstead ’73 have retired again and are in their third year of living full-time in Ocean Shores, Washington. They are both members of the local C.E.R.T. group. Halvar has recently started a full time job as a Safety Officer in Seabrook. They also have been performing with the Grays Harbor Community Orchestra and Band music groups. Both are active members of Galilean Lutheran Church and the PLU Corporation.
Christy Lou (Satra) Carlisle passed away on Nov. 22. She grew up in Parkland and attended Franklin Pierce High School (’66). After receiving her bachelor’s in education, Christy taught for many years in Tacoma Public Schools before becoming a stay-at-home mom and YaYa. She lived her whole life in the greater Tacoma area. She is survived by her husband David, son Matt, daughter Lindsay, and granddaughters Allison and Olivia.
1960s
Michael A. McKean and Bandit the Wonderdog departed Wollochet Bay after 50 years and moved to the beach in Ocean Shores, July 2019. Fifty-six years ago, he graduated from high school 25 miles from his home. He started building homes last year; one sold and two are under construction.
Michael A. McKean and Bandit the Wonderdog departed Wollochet Bay after 50 years and moved to the beach in Ocean Shores, July 2019. Fifty-six years ago, he graduated from high school 25 miles from his home. He started building homes last year; one sold and two are under construction.
Barbara Ann Didis passed away Dec. 2, 2020. She was a fourth-generation Tacoman who lived a focused life. A dear friend to many with an active and ever-learning mind, a zest for travel, experience, and art. She is survived by her husband Steve and by her sons Matthew and James.
Joyce Luiten Hill passed away Sept. 12. 2020 in Diamond Bar, California. After graduating from PLU, Joyce taught in Spokane before spending 33 years in the Rowland Unified School District, 22 miles east of Los Angeles. Joyce taught first and second grade, was a reading specialist and taught night classes at the university level. After retirement in 1999, she worked on church projects, led Bible studies and enjoyed crocheting baby blankets, reading and gardening. Joyce is survived by her husband Rob.
1950s
Maria Kristina (Ogren) Larson died peacefully at St. Clare Hospital on Sept. 14, 2020. Maria graduated from Pacific Lutheran College, where she also met her husband Roy, with a degree in sociology. They were married for 48 years. They raised their family in Tacoma and were active members of Bethel Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran Churches. She enjoyed many sporting events and was secretary for the Tacoma Church Bowling League for nearly 30 years. She is survived by her children and grandchildren.
1940s
Verlyn Kenneth Kraxberger was laid to rest Jan. 12, 2019. He was a graduate of Wartburg Seminary. He served as a Lutheran pastor and taught middle school science for 33 years. He traveled the world, held a private pilot’s license, owned a small plane, sang in a barbershop chorus, and volunteered as a MOW driver. He is survived by his wife, daughter, son, and four grandsons.
Dorothy Meyer Schnaible, 93, passed away April 14 in Moscow, Idaho. Dorothy attended PLU, graduating in 1949. She then served as an ALC-sponsored missionary to India where she administered a boarding school/home for orphaned children and widowed women. Upon her return to the US, she worked at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Moscow. In 1975, she married Fred Schnaible, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Endicott, Washington. Dorothy served on the PLU Board of Regents from 1976 to 1986. In 1993, Dorothy published a book of stories about her experiences called “Handful of Love: A Lutheran Missionary in India.”
Mildred (Hanson) Lider, passed away April 15, 2020, at the age of 97. Mildred attended Pacific Lutheran College for one year. She then attended Everett Junior College and graduated from Everett General Hospital School of Nursing in 1946. Mildred married Gerald Lider ’47, who she met while attending PLC. Most of her time was spent raising her three children, Wendy Swanson ’71, Eric Lider ’75, and Kirk Lider ’82. She had 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Lute grandchildren included Nathan Swanson ’00, Laef Swanson ’05, Brita Lider ’05, Carl Swanson ’09, Colin Swanson ’09, Kirk Swanson ’12, and Marit Swanson ’15.
Mildred (Hanson) Lider, passed away April 15, 2020, at the age of 97. Mildred attended Pacific Lutheran College for one year. She then attended Everett Junior College and graduated from Everett General Hospital School of Nursing in 1946. Mildred married Gerald Lider ’47, who she met while attending PLC. Most of her time was spent raising her three children, Wendy Swanson ’71, Eric Lider ’75, and Kirk Lider ’82. She had 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Lute grandchildren included Nathan Swanson ’00, Laef Swanson ’05, Brita Lider ’05, Carl Swanson ’09, Colin Swanson ’09, Kirk Swanson ’12, and Marit Swanson ’15.