In Memoriam

Remembering members of the Kodai Community who have passed away

Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others ~Rosa Parks

2024

Lydia Ann (Rittmann) Volz

February 11, 2024

Lydia Anna Volz passed to life eternal on February 11, 2024, at the age of 91. The daughter of missionaries to India, Lydia dedicated her life to serving others as the loving wife of Carl Volz, devoted mother of five children, a faithful member of Jehovah Lutheran Church, a geriatric nurse at Lyngblomsten, Trevilla, and Bethesda care centers, a parish nurse for Roseville Lutheran Church and Luther Seminary, a stalwart supporter of the Valpo Guild and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, an honorary deaconess, an avid member of numerous choirs, a prolific gardener, and a skilled artist.

Lydia was preceded in death by her husband, Carl in 1998, her parents, Clarence and Emma Rittmann, and her siblings, Dorothy Ommen and John Rittmann. She is survived by her siblings, Clara Mueller and Joseph Rittmann; her children, Carol (Mark) Mattes, Martin (Sue) Volz, Stephen Volz, Katherine (David) Finegan and Michael (Yong) Volz; ten grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Lucile Carman, Former Staff

January 23, 2024

Lucile Evelyn Swetland Carman died on January 23, 2024 of Alzheimer’s dementia at Walker Methodist Place in Minneapolis, MN. She was born to Rupert and Elizabeth (Speakman) Swetland in Schenectady, NY. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Pauline Hutchinson, and by two of her children: Jim Carman and Paul Carman.

She grew up in Schenectady, received a BA from Bucknell University in PA, and earned a Masters in Library Education at SUNY-Geneseo while working as a librarian in Rochester, NY. She, and her husband, Robert Carman, worked for 31 years as American Baptist missionaries, where Bob was assigned to the faculty of the Christian Medical College and Hospital in Vellore, India. She continued to be involved in establishing and maintaining libraries and archives throughout her life. Lu was a welcoming, caring and consummate hostess, enjoyed singing soprano in church choirs, felt passionately about peace, justice, and the environment, and became very involved in mental health concerns after her youngest child died battling Schizophrenia. She met challenges with resiliency, optimism, faith and love. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, her sister Alice (Jim) Keighton, her other two children Chuck (Susy) Carman and Betsy (David) Perkins, daughter-in-law Karen Fassett-Carman, eight grandchildren and their spouses / partners, and six great-grandchildren.

2023

Neal Stixrud, Former Staff

November 26, 2023

Neal Adling Stixrud was born on June 28, 1938, in Seattle, WA to Chester (Chet) Randolph Stixrud and Alice Lucille (Adling) Stixrud. He attended Franklin High School, Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), and the University of Washington. He met the love of his life, Annette Dorothea Foege, while an undergrad at PLU, and together they pursued a life of adventure, faith, and service. Neal passed away peacefully early on the morning of November 26, 2023, Annette by his side.

Neal enlisted in the U.S. Marines Corps in 1961 (serving as a USMC reservist through 1966), married Annette on August 19, 1962, received a master’s degree in Education from the University of Oregon, and in 1964 started a career as an elementary school teacher in Portland, OR. Their daughter and first child, Lindsey, was born in 1966. In 1968, after the birth of their son, Corleigh (Corey), born on Neal’s 30th birthday, the young family moved to Kiomboi, Tanzania, where Neal served as the principal of Augustana School, a small boarding school for American missionary children. In 1971, they moved to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where Neal taught at the International School of Tanganyika. In 1973, the Stixruds moved to Eugene, OR, where Neal taught elementary school. In 1977, the Stixruds were hired by the Lutheran Church of America to teach at Kodai School (now Kodaikanal International School, or KIS) in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India. At Kodai, Neal taught Grade 6 for one year and then moved into an administrative role for the next eight years, serving at various times as the dean, the academic vice principal, and the interim principal. After Corey graduated in 1986, Neal and Annette left India to learn Arabic in Monterey, CA and study Islam at Selly Oak Colleges in Birmingham, England before setting off to their next assignment with the LCA, working with the Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, Egypt. After over four years in Egypt (including a one-year stint with Schutz American School in Alexandria), Neal and Annette settled in Wilsonville, OR, where they lived from 1991 through 2021. It was during this time that Neal, nearing retirement, fulfilled a lifelong dream: he received his long-haul trucking license and drove big rigs across North America and Canada for over three years. In 2009, Neal and Annette delighted in the birth of their one-and-only grandchild, Tarun Stixrud. Neal and Annette moved to Eliseo (formerly the Tacoma Lutheran Home), a retirement community in Tacoma, WA, in January 2022.

Neal, though humble and self-effacing, was a talented man with a wide range of interests. He was a beloved teacher and an able administrator, serving as a school principal at the age of 30 at Augustana School and later guiding KIS through a period of civil unrest in the early 1980s. He was a gifted and ebullient jazz musician, able to play the clarinet, saxophone, and piano by ear. He was an accomplished sailor who worked on fishing boats in Alaska and raced sailboats on the Indian Ocean. He had a curious, intellectual mind and was exceptionally well-read, interested in science, history, politics, theology, and the environment. In his lifetime, he travelled to over 30 countries and enjoyed exploring foreign cities, usually on foot. Later in life, when he retired from work, he served as a loyal and steady support to Annette, who worked for over a decade as the executive director of Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries in Portland. In 2018, at the age of 79, to everyone’s surprise, Neal entered a 10K running event in India, not only finishing the race but beating a quarter of the field.

Through their many years living in Wilsonville, Neal and Annette found a loving and inspiring community at their Lutheran/Catholic church, Mission of the Atonement (now Spirit of Grace) in Beaverton, where they made dear and abundant friends and found common purpose in causes centered around faith, social and climate justice, and equity. He deeply loved his wife, children, daughter-in-law (Nandita), and grandson, and treated everyone he met with respect and good humor. For the last five years of his life, Neal suffered from dementia, but this never stopped him from being affable and kind to those around him. Neal is pre-deceased by a foster son, Ian Crabtree, and survived by Annette, Lindsey, Corey, Nandita, and Tarun.

The family suggests that memorial gifts be given in Neal’s name to either National Public Radio [Donate : NPR]; or to the KIS Center for Environment and Humanity fund of Kodai Friends, International (KFI) [Donate to KFI and KIS Scholarships and Projects], which supports the mission of Kodaikanal International School (where Neal’s son, Corey, currently serves as the principal).

Anita Hilda Trautmann, Former Staff

July 28, 2023

Anita Hilda Trautmann, a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and dear friend to many, passed away peacefully and with grace on Friday, July 28, 2023 at age 99. She is survived by her children, Rebecca, Claudia (Theodore Christner), Robert (Debra), Sylvia Rogers (Mark), and Alan; her grandchildren Leila Erskine, Adrienne Nash (Matthew), Jonah (Arielle), Naomi (Calvin Elmore), Micah (Kiara), Hannah, and Tess Rogers; and her great grandchildren Clara and Julian.

Anita was born in 1923 in New Palestine, Indiana to Edward and Hilda Roesener. She and her beloved husband, Rev. Robert Trautmann, who passed away in 2005, spent 20 years in South India as missionaries and boarding parents to children of missionaries studying in the small hill station of Kodaikanal. The stories, oh the stories she would tell. Stories about her early years in newly independent India, and stories about the later years as a mother to dozens of children who passed through her care. And she would laugh through the telling and remembering of the challenges, successes, and wildly entertaining experiences as a young wife and mother of five in a strange land so unlike the Midwest farm life in which she was raised. Her laughter and those stories are now our memories too.

After returning to the United States in 1968, Anita managed the offices of several St. Louis medical practices until her retirement in  — we are actually uncertain when that was because she kept retiring and then going back to work. In her delightfully mischievous way and with a twinkle in her fading eyes, she admitted that once she turned 97 she was finally ready “officially” to retire. She stayed actively involved in church and community life, participating in causes large and small. Those who were fortunate to know Anita knew that all friends were family and family was everything to her. She saw and did so much in her lifetime and no matter what the circumstances, no matter how dark the moment might seem, her lighthearted smile shined through it all. She was a simple, good and kind person. That was all and that was everything. Her memory will always be a blessing.

Paul Harvey Cann, '74

July 29, 2023

Aged 67 from New Minas, Canada, Paul passed away in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, on Saturday, July 29, 2023. Born in Wolfville, he was a son of Reverend Doctor Roger and Sadie (Campbell) Cann. A short six weeks after he was born, Paul sailed with his parents, to India, where he attended boarding school and made lifelong friendships. Paul enjoyed traveling and lived in many different locations throughout his life. He spent several years in Toronto, where he worked for CNIB as a reader of audio books and for a survey company, duplicating answer forms for several surveys. He also arranged gigs and accompanied a talented blind musician at his shows throughout Toronto. He moved back to Nova Scotia in 1993 and became an active member of the Evangeline Club. Paul was dedicated to the club programs and many club activities in Kentville, New Minas, and finally Berwick. He was committed to Sunday morning worship at Wolfville Baptist Church and assisted in printing the weekly bulletin as well as serving as an usher for services. In addition to his parents, Paul is survived by his brothers, Scott (Bobbie) Cann and Carl Cann; as well as the extended family.

Betty (Updegraff) Dyson, '41

June 8, 2023

Betty passed away at the age of 99 on June 8, 2023 at Episcopal Homes in St. Paul, Minnesota. Betty was born on March 2, 1924 in Miraj, India, where her parents were Presbyterian missionaries. She attended Kodaikanal International School in Tamil Nadu and Westtown School in West Chester, Pennsylvania. She received her BA from Bryn Mawr College in 1945.

In July 1946, Betty married Burt Dyson in Philadelphia. Together with her family, Betty lived and worked in many places: Iran, Lebanon, Philadelphia, central Wisconsin, Chicago and Springfield, Illinois, Indianapolis and St. Paul. Wherever she was, Betty engaged with the community. She was active in the League of Women Voters. Beginning in 1970, she was involved with the Institute of Cultural Affairs, an organization embracing modern Christian theology and focusing on community development. In 1987 Betty became interested in the intersection of Christianity and ecology, and this remained her focus for the rest of her life.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Burt, her parents and siblings. She is survived by her children and their spouses, her grandchildren and their spouses, six great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many friends around the world.

Rev. Elmer Burrall, Former Staff

April 30, 2023

How does one capture 94 years of a truly extraordinary earthly life?  Born and raised in Wheeling, WV to a loving family, Elmer Burrall was the 4th of 5 children. He and his wife of 50 years, Kay, were high school sweethearts who attended separate colleges with Elmer receiving his Civil Engineering degree from West Virginia University on June 5, 1950. Four days later they married and immediately began their life goal of serving in the mission field
abroad. They were commissioned as lay missionaries through the Board of World Missions of the Lutheran Church and set sail for India where they served until 1966. His mission work included building schools, hospitals, and churches and supervising the Boys’ Industrial School. While in India, Elmer began his seminary education, where he received his Master of Divinity and was ordained in St. Matthews Church in Guntur, India 1964. He served for a time as Chaplain at Kodaikanal International School.

Following their return to the United States, Rev. Burrall served Lutheran parishes in Ohio, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma (at CROP – a world hunger organization); and finally in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas in 1979. He served until his retirement in 1994 becoming Pastor Emeritus of that congregation. Following retirement, he and Kay served interim pastorates in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, and in Yuma, Arizona.

Throughout life, he and his wife shared their “itchy feet” and love of travel by showing their family the wonders of the United States and Canada in a station wagon covered in “flower power” with a huge luggage rack on top, or in an International Harvester towing an 18-foot beeline trailer. In 1991, the whole family was blessed to travel once again to India for a trip of a lifetime. Elmer loved the outdoors and most especially loved people. All who knew him were drawn to his amazing kindness, quick wit, and incredible sense of humor.

David Morris '65

February 23, 2023

David Roy Morris, 75, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Misson Station in Tamil Nadu and Kerela, India, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2023, in India after a stroke and cardiac arrest.

David was born on October 4th, 1947, to Arthur and Ruth Morris in Cincinnati, OH. After David graduated from Kodaikanal International School in 1965, he went on to study at Emory & Henry College, Emory, Virginia, where he earned his BA in History in 1970. He went on to Union Graduate School, Union for Experimenting Colleges & Universities, Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education/Higher Education Administration in 1980. He also got his MBA later from Oxford University in 2000.

David held positions as Assistant to the President at Union for Experimenting Colleges & Universities, Partner at Sun Arrow International, Chief Executive Officer Jasmine Digital (Singapore, with Hong Kong Branch), Chief Executive Officer Atasi Technology, Director and Founder, India Council for Integral Education, Director, Department of Developmental Studies/Instructor for English Department Sri Aurobindo Society and Chairman, Hospital & Educational Foundation.

After the death of his father, Arthur, in 1989, David made the decision to go to India to work with his mother, Ruth, at the South India Church of Christ Mission. He served as the Director of the mission until the time of his death. David’s leadership has resulted in over 1,200 churches planted in southern India. He was also the President of Southern Asia Christian College, leading them through the years to major growth in degree programs, curriculum, and building expansion. In 2022 he Translated Dr. Jack Cottrell’s books into local languages, as well as Life of Christ Visualized via the partnership of LATM.

In 1994, David’s mother, Ruth, introduced him to Philomina George in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. They were married in 1995 in Tampa, FL, USA. David was a devoted husband and a loving father. David and Philomina have 3 children, Arthur Morris, David George, and William George.  David died of a stroke and cardiac arrest on February 23, 2023.

Christopher John Rolles '56

January 4, 2023

Chris Rolles was born in Kodaikanal to John and Helen, posted as ministers by the London Missionary Society (LMS) to Kamalapuram, near Cuddapah, AP. Chris grew up speaking English and Telugu. Chris had his early schooling in Kodaikanal, as did his older sister Shirley. At one point he was taught by Maria Montessori, who was stranded in India during WWII.

From 1946-51 the Rolles family relocated to Mount Pleasant and then Ankeny, Iowa where John Rolles went to medical school in Des Moines.  On their way back from the USA to India in 1951-2, the Rolles family had a furlough in the UK. Chris was enrolled in Eltham College in south London.  He did not enjoy the strict traditional British boarding school style, and after one term he demanded to go back to India with his parents, who were about to sail.

Chris re-joined Kodai School, graduating in the class of 1956. He then finally moved to the UK, reading Zoology at Nottingham University. On completion of his first degree, Chris entered medical school at Birmingham University in 1960. During his time there he fell in love with fellow medical student Toni Martinelli. The much retold and elaborated story is that they met over a dead body, in the dissection room. Chris and Toni qualified as doctors in 1965. They were married on 1st January 1966, and were inseparable from that day on.

After junior medical jobs in the British Midlands, and a years’ research at Monash University in Melbourne, by then with 4 children in tow, the Rolles family moved in 1977 to Southampton, where Chris was appointed as a Consultant Paediatrician and Toni became a General Practitioner. They retired together on the dot of the millennium, joined Voluntary Service Overseas and relocated to Koinambe in the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea, where they ran a rural health centre for 12 months.

Chris and Toni returned to the UK in 2002 for a slightly more conventional retirement. This involved lots of travel and walking, two lifelong pleasures, as well as indulging steadily increasing numbers of grandchildren. There were also ambitious DIY projects. They eventually purchased a dilapidated farmhouse in the French Alps with close friends and spent the next 2 decades renovating the building. This provided a good excuse for extended sojourns in France. In 2005, they found a long-abandoned farm cottage in an idyllic setting on the Welsh border, the restoration of which has been a major project and joy, and where they spent much of their time, along with the whole family whenever possible.

Although Chris Rolles came to England at the age of 17, he never really became conventionally English. His very happy childhood in the brightness and laughter of India and small town Iowa did not leave him. He retained strong, lifelong links with south India.

Michael Gass, '50

April 18, 2023

Dr. Michael Gass, 90, of University Retirement Community in Davis passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, from vascular dementia. He was born on Dec. 10, 1932, in Tilda, India.

Michael (known to some as Mike) was a proud member of the Kodaikanal International School class of 1950; Elmhurst College class of 1954, where he was captain of the men’s tennis team; and Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine class of 1958. He did further medical training at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis and Gorgas Army Medical Center in Panama City, Panama. His specialties were tropical medicine, dermatology and pathology.

Born to Swiss medical missionaries, Michael was raised in India, then furthered his education in the United States. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen while proudly maintaining his Swiss citizenship. Following medical school and internship, he trained at the London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and went on to work in Ghana, West Africa, with his former wife Ruth (Gumper) Gass.

They served in Ghana, Panama and then he continued service by working at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis and Charity Hospital in New Orleans. Later he moved to Davis, where he met and married Carol Bliss, and he continued his service at the Community Clinic of Davis and Student Health Services at UC Davis. 

Michael was a deeply spiritual Christian man who strove to live life as simply as he could thereby giving much to others. He was a devoted and loving son, husband, father, stepfather, brother, grandfather (O’pa) and friend. He served others throughout his life using his skills as a physician, teacher and mentor. An avid tennis player, Michael also loved camping, canoeing and hiking, and was a staunch protector of the environment.

2022

Roger Phelps '50

December 28, 2022

Roger Phelps, a longtime resident of Santa Rosa, CA passed away peacefully on December 28, 2022. A man of modest means, Roger lived a very rich life. Roger was born August 27, 1932, to Mary and Carl Phelps in Kodaikanal, India where he lived for most of his first 18 years, and a place that he always felt was a second home. He graduated high school from Kodaikanal School in 1950, then moved to North Carolina to attend Elon College. Roger served in the US Army based in Germany from 1954 to 1957, and he took every opportunity during leaves to travel widely through Europe. Once discharged from the Army he attended Boston University where he graduated in 1959 with a master’s in social work and met his wife Barbara Hunter.

Roger worked as a social worker in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for 3 years, then another 9 years in Ukiah, California. The family moved to Santa Rosa in 1971 where Roger worked at Community Hospital until 1994. Roger loved traveling and spending time in the great outdoors. He was an avid photographer, hiker, and world traveler. Once his two children left home, he made two memorable trips back to India.

Barbara died in 1991, and Roger remarried in 2001 to Lyn Lockie, with whom he shared a passion for travel and adventure, after meeting at the World Affairs Council in which they were both active. They moved to Oakmont where they lived until Lyn’s death in 2021, after which Roger downsized and moved to Oakmont Gardens.

Mini Mary (Paul) Vettical

December 7, 2022

Mini Vettical, M.D. was a loving wife, mother, and friend. She brought magic into every life she encountered and will be dearly missed by many. She passed away on Wednesday, the 7th of December 2022. She was 52 years of age. She is survived by her wonderful husband, Celestine Vettical, and her five beautiful children, Pooja, Eesha, Diya, Dylan, and Aiden. Mini did everything in her power to make their lives as beautiful as imaginable. For 22 years she raised her children to be caring, kind, and selfless, always leading by example. Although her passing left a deep void in the Vettical family, she taught her children to be strong and faithful, just like her.

Mini was born on the 16th of October 1970, in Kuwait to Aleyamma and Paulose Kunnathu. She grew up with her brothers Anil and Sunil Paul. She was a doting daughter and sister. She would share stories from her childhood of how she loved cooking food for her parents when they came home from work and performing simple acts of love like saving up her gifts to give to her brothers when they came back from boarding school. Our world was too small for a soul the size of hers.

She received her medical degree from the University of Texas and specialized in Internal Medicine. Mini taught at the Baylor College of Medicine and dedicated herself to helping patients. She took pride in her work of caring for those in need and chose to work in public clinics for medically underserved populations throughout the city of Houston. She fulfilled her dream of practicing medicine and helping others until her last day.

Mini loved to spread love through her cooking. Stepping past her lush garden and into her home, you would be greeted with the pleasant aromas of her latest baking endeavor and a warm welcoming hug. She was also an avid dancer, painter, actor, blogger, and a wiz at anything she tried her hand at.

Mini’s faith in God was unmatched. She embodied the love of God through her actions. She would bring her family together every night to thank God for the day’s blessings and reflect in prayer together. Up to her last day, she was working to spread the love of God and created a video a week before her passing of a Christian-inspired Indian classical dance which will be released posthumously.

She touched the lives of everyone she met. She would do everything in her power to perform meaningful acts of service and love to those around her. Whether it was painstakingly making intricate back-to-school cookies for her kids or going out of her way to help a friend in need, Mini truly lived her life to bring joy to others.

Conrad Heins '55

December 4, 2022

Conrad Heins, 83, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully at home on December 4, 2022. He was a cherished husband to Alison Heins and the world’s best father to Sylvia and Roo (Katherine), as well as a beloved teacher to the middle school, high school, and college students he taught over the years, and a dear friend to others far and wide.

Conrad was born on April 25, 1939, in Kolar, India, to Conrad P. and Margaret V. Heins, and spent the early years of his life at Kodaikanal International School in Tamil Nadu. He returned to the United States to attend college, graduating from Drew University and earning his PhD in organic chemistry at the University of Illinois. While completing postdoctoral work at Cornell, he met Alison, his one true love, and they married in 1965. Conrad worked as a research chemist in Delaware and Colorado before finding his real vocation as a teacher at Scattergood Friends’ School in Iowa, then Jordan Energy Institute in Michigan. In his life he taught many subjects—chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, and especially renewable energy technology—but no matter what the topic, he was treasured by his students as an enthusiastic, engaged, and compassionate teacher who cared deeply about their learning. After he and Alison moved to Leelanau County in 1995, he taught at St. Mary School in Lake Leelanau and at Northwest Michigan College, earning countless accolades from his students.

Beyond teaching, Conrad loved many things. He was a gifted athlete: an award-winning tennis player and runner in his youth, he later took up hiking and mountaineering. Camping trips in the Rocky Mountains and the Manitou Islands are among his family’s favorite memories. He also loved music and had a beautiful tenor voice. He sang in the Central United Methodist choir for years, as well as with the barbershop quartet Backward Glance. And he had a great talent for baking—he made outstanding bread and loved to make pies and jam from local fruit.

A recent note from one of his innumerable friends sums up Conrad in a few words: “Conrad walked through the world with grace, bestowing kindness and generosity on all he met. An intellectual, yet humble; wise, yet quiet; speaking thoughtfully when he had something to say, yet always listening while finding the right words. Loved by all who knew him for so many, many reasons, he will be greatly missed by all.”

Eugene F. Irschick, '51

November 10, 2022

Eugene F. Irschick, a distinguished historian of South Asia and a member of the Berkeley History Department since 1964 passed away on November 10, 2022, in El Dorado Hills, California, at the age of 88.  He is survived by his wife, Gabriela Gerlach, and his children Jessica, Katherine, Michael, Duncan, and Sophie Charlotte.

Gene was born in India, the son of Lutheran missionaries. In later life he became sharply critical of the missionary project, but remained proud of Kodaikanal’s high academic reputation. Of the twelve boys in his high school class of 1949, eleven went on to obtain Ph.D or M.D. degrees. Gene came to the United States to attend Gettysburg College, from which he graduated in 1955 with a B.A. with honors in History and a minor in Greek and Religion. He then took an M.A in the University of Pennsylvania’s South Asia Regional Studies Program, before entering the doctoral program in History at the University of Chicago. Immediately upon completion of his degree there in 1964 he joined the Department of History at UC Berkeley. He retired in 2010.

The first of Gene’s books was Politics and Social Conflict in South India: The Non-Brahmin Movement and Tamil Separatism, 1916-1929 (UC Press, 1969), which grew out of his doctoral dissertation. The second, Tamil Revivalism in the 1930s (Crea, 1986) continued his engagement with the South India of his own childhood and youth. During the later years of his publishing career, he became engaged with postmodern theory and wrote a very different book, Dialogue and History: Constructing South India, 1795-1895 (UC Press, 1994). Although the raw materials for this book remained those found in the history of the Tamil regions of India, Gene’s analytic approach was different. While his earlier work had been strongly empirical, this new work, inspired by the Russian social theorist Mikhail Bakhtin, offered a fresh approach to the history of India organized around cognitive structures. He was additionally the author of the textbook A History of the New India: Past and Present (Routledge, 2015).  Gene’s mentorship and care are warmly remembered by students and colleagues.

 

David Kincaid '48

October 21, 2022

Born August 13, 1931, to missionary parents James and Frances, David was raised in India, with sisters Martha and Nell. At 15, he returned stateside to continue his education, later earning a B.S. in Agricultural Education (Pennsylvania State University) and an M.S. in Range Management (University of Arizona). He served active duty as a U.S. Naval Officer, from 1953-57, and in the U.S. Naval Reserve, retiring with rank of Commander in 1973.

David’s boyhood experience living in India instilled in him a respect for other cultures that later served him well as a USDA employee whose career in international activities spanned nearly five decades. He primarily held leadership positions in the Agricultural Research Service and Office of International Cooperation and Development, focusing on collaborative research with foreign countries tackling issues of mutual interest, such as global food security. He also served abroad at ARS’ Regional Research Offices in India and Italy.

Although David earned many accolades during federal service, he was more apt to show off something fixed or created in the garage using items collected over the years. He was an avid gardener, hiker, traveler, and swimmer. He had a dry sense of humor and enjoyed sharing puns, bad jokes, and Far Side clips. David never forgot the Marathi and Hindi he learned as a boy in India, and delighted in speaking to staff at local Indian restaurants.

In addition to his wife of 46 years, Margo Blandford Kincaid, David is survived by two children from a previous marriage, daughter Nellis Crigler (Jeffrey) and son James Kincaid (Marlene); a stepson Jan Suszkiw (Rosemarie); and five grandchildren, Robin, Katherine, John, Reeves, and Riley. He is also survived by his sister Nell Semel (Daniel); and many nieces and nephews.

Ellen Himebaugh '60

September 6, 2022

Ellen Veronica Himebaugh, born October 7th, 1942, in Springfield, Missouri to Anthony and Mary Lou Arnold, passed away on September 6th, 2022 at the age of 79.

Ellen spent the majority of her youth and school years living overseas with her parents. Her love of traveling continued in adulthood as she enjoyed snowbirding with her husband Keith in Florida Keys and going on many family vacations; she especially loved the ocean. Ellen’s free time often consisted of gardening and making blankets for Newborns in Need. Much of Ellen’s life was spent with her loving family, especially her children and grandchildren. She was extremely proud and supportive of all her children and grandchildren and always made sure they knew how much she loved them.

Ellen was predeceased by her husband, Keith Himebaugh and son-in-law, Richard Hearn Jr. She is survived by her children, Veronica Pohl, Lisa Hearn, Julie Phillips and her husband Jeff, and Richard Pohl and his wife Paige; her five grandchildren, Richard Hearn III and his wife Abagale, Jonathan Hearn, Megan Phillips, Kodie Pohl, and Madison Phillips; and her three siblings, Maggie Silberstein, Tony Arnold, and Charlie Arnold.

Robert Holmes '59

August 7, 2022

Robert Crawford Holmes (July 15, 1941-August 7, 2022) was born in Urbana, Illinois to W. Robert Holmes & Frances Crawford Holmes.  When Bobby was 6 years old, the family headed out to Sri Lanka as missionary educators.  Pausing in the UK, his father purchased for Bobby his first set of stamps, which began a lifetime of stamp collecting.

Stationed in Vaddukoddai at Jaffna College, the Holmes family became lifelong friends with the Bunker and Lockwood families. The children of these 3 families became, and still are, close friends, and attended Kodaikanal International boarding school in South India together, camped and hiked together, collected butterflies, snakes and any other random things that captured their fancies.

Bob returned to the United States at age 18 to attend his parents’ alma mater, Wheaton College in Illinois, where he was an All-American athlete in soccer.  After college, Bob went to India with the Peace Corps.  Upon his return to the U.S., Bob enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania’s Masters program in South Asia Regional Studies, and settled in Philadelphia, PA, where he met his wife, Nora.  An active and contributing member of St Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Pennington, he volunteered for every event.  A certified ‘Lifetime’ Master Gardener (MG) of Mercer County and a loving father and husband, he supported his wife’s many undertakings and volunteer activities. He requested that we remember that he was ‘very proud of my children and loved being with people.’

In addition to his much-loved family, wife Nora and daughter Genevieve (husband Vladimir) and son Aubrey (partner Nicole), Bob is survived and remembered by his beloved sister Carol Lou (husband Richard), his Indian brother Kalim (wife Nikhat and sons Asif and Sahir), as well as his Kodai family, MG friends, St Matt’s, his Top Spinner tennis buddies, CWW friends, and so many, many more.  The world has been made richer for his presence.

Dorothy Jean (Clothey) Gransee

October 6, 2022

Dorothy was born on April 4, 1930, in Madras, India to missionary parents, Frederick Bateman Clothey and Vesta (Wilson) Clothey. She passed away on October 6, 2022, at the age of 92.

After the family returned to the United States at the start of World War II, Dorothy, and her sister Phyllis (Clothey) Roberson remained in Massachusetts to live with an aunt and uncle to finish their schooling. Their younger brother Frederick Clothey returned to India with their parents. Dorothy attended Aurora College/University in Aurora, Ill. where she met Louia Gransee. They were married in June of 1949, and graduated from college in 1952, with Louia going straight into the ministry and Dorothy pursuing a career in teaching. They maintained and treasured lifelong friendships from college and churches they served.

They held pastorates in DeKalb, IL; St. Louis, MO; Baraboo, WI; and San Diego, CA all for the Advent Christian General Conference denomination. Dorothy was busy raising their four daughters and teaching elementary school including being principal of a private Christian school in San Diego. She also taught countless Sunday School classes for all ages. Dorothy was regularly active in the Women’s Home and Foreign Mission Society, at one time serving as the President of the Midwest Region for several years and attended meetings faithfully right up until the last. Dorothy enjoyed attending and serving at Christian camps over her lifetime. In San Diego she also volunteered for the American Cancer Society.

Her legacy is priceless. She was a gentle woman with a fierce faith that she passed down to all her family and those who knew her through her work and church ministry.

Clarence Maloney '52 and Former Staff

August 6, 2022

Clarence Maloney, age 87, was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and educator. He left this world to rest on August 6th, 2022. Some live a life so rich that summarizing their story is impossible. Clarence was born in New York in 1934, and shortly moved to South India with his parents to pursue Mission work on behalf of the Assembly of God in 1936. He attended Kodaikanal International School from 7th grade, and graduated in 1952. He went on to complete a Master’s in Secondary Education from NYU, and a PhD in South Asian Studies from University of Pennsylvania. He published 10 books on anthropological topics of South Asia and had a career as a consultant in international development projects. He loved India, learned to speak Bangla and Tamil fluently, and built a home for his family in Kodaikanal. His childhood in India set the foundations for who he would become as an adult.

Clarence had a long-range view of human society and cared deeply about people and the environment. The last years of his life were dedicated to Kodaikanal and Kodaikanal International School’s Center for Environment and Humanity as an advocate for climate action. The Kodai community will immensely feel his loss. He was energetic, persistent, honest, committed, and curious. Being passionate about his pursuits and interests, he lived each day like he was 35, even until his last day. He was a man of peace and wisdom, and had true dedication to the betterment of the entire planet. As a tireless warrior for the environment, we all owe him gratitude. 

One of his favorite things to do in Kodaikanal was to host high teas where he would love to have challenging conversations and express his insight and interest in people and history. His love for music was evident in his passion for classical music, piano, and church choir.  Clarence is survived by his wife, Shashi Maloney, brother Bob Edwards, and children Iti, Janak, Jenny, Ankit, Konstantin, Malika, Benedikt, Rani, and Kevin, and grandchildren Connor, Aidan, Felix, Emelie, and Levi.

Barbara Hostetter, Former Staff

May 20, 2022

Milt & Barbara were volunteers on staff at Kodai School for the 1978-1979 school year.  Milt taught in the Social Studies Department.  Barbara was housemother at Wissy Dorm.  Their two sons, Mike, KIS Class of ’80, and (the late) Doug, KIS Class of ’84, were both students at Kodai School for that year.

Barbara Hostetter, 86, of New Holland, passed away on May 20, 2022, at Lancaster General. Born in Dayton, Ohio, to the late Truman and Ruth Coy, she was married for 62 years to Milton Hostetter.

She grew up in New Holland and graduated from New Holland High School in 1954, from Harrisburg Hospital School of Nursing in 1957 before earning a B.S. in Nursing from Millersville University. She was the first school nurse at Garden Spot High school when it opened in 1959. After marrying Milton in 1960, she served on the faculty at Beverly Hospital School of Nursing, in Beverly, Massachusetts, before moving with him to Stony Brook, New York. For many years, she worked as a nurse at John Mather Hospital, for a private practice physician, and as a school nurse. She later served as the administrative assistant to the Head of School at the Stony Brook School, where Milton taught.

Marja Alford, '74

August 14, 2022

Marja attended Kodai School during the early seventies, known for her Swedish beauty and her wonderful sense of humor.

Marja’s children write:  On the 14th August, our beautiful Mum passed away peacefully at home with Dad, and her Children present. It was a privilege to spend her final days together as a family, filled with love.

Eva-Karin Håkansson, '75

July 28, 2022

Eva-Karin Håkansson (May 28, 1958 – July 28, 2022) was a long time member of the Kodai family.  She attended the Swedish School as a child, graduated from KIS in 1975, then returned to Kodai as a KIS staff member.  After her time in Kodai, Eva-Karin moved close to her family in Nyköping, Sweden. She opened a small store called Little India where she sold furniture, clothing and small things.

She also organized trips to India for small groups, had courses in Indian cooking and did a lot of catering. She cooked delicious Indian food. She was also writing an Indian cookbook which she never got to finish.

Eva-Karin never had her own family, but she had two cats. She lived at the countryside for several years and spent a lot of time together with her sister Lotta, her family and all her friends in Sweden.  Eva-Karin passed away after a short illness on July 28, 2022.

Bonnie Bosch Apcar '68

April 14, 2022

Dear Kodai Friends,

I want to share the sad news from my sister Bonnie’s children, below, that our dear sister Bonnie has passed away {April 14, 2022} after a struggle with cancer. Many of you Kodaiites will remember Bonnie from her wonderful sense of humor, great laugh, warm personality and kindness to everyone. I have no words to express the loss to her family and to all the people whose lives were enriched by knowing her. I have put a picture of Bonnie below when she was in Kodai probably in 1966. She will be sorely missed.

– David Bosch ’67 and Paul Bosch ’68

 

Beloved Family and Friends,

On Thursday evening our beautiful mother Bonnie departed from this world into the loving embrace of her parents Don and Eloise and granddaughter Chloe. It was a brief and most valiant battle against cancer that unexpectedly took her from all of us, leaving us in a pit of grief beyond description.

– Ronnie, Donna, Emily, Saoud, Rob, Bobby, Ryan, Sam, Alya and Joey

Clifford Gilson, Former Staff

April 4, 2022

Clifford Minott Gilson, age 93, residing in Penney Farms, Florida, passed away on Monday, April 4, 2022.  This man of great faith and conviction was born to Frederick L. Gilson and Hazel Minott Gilson on August 15, 1928, in Assam, Northeast India, where they were serving as missionaries with the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society (ABFMS).

Spending most of his childhood and youth in the USA, Cliff graduated in 1949 from Knox College (B.A.). During his first job teaching in Oquaka, Illinois, he sensed God’s call to the ministry and entered Colgate Rochester Divinity School, graduating in 1954 with an M.Div. degree. Cliff was ordained at the First Baptist Church of Fairport, NY on March 8,1954.

July 2, 1955, marked the beginning of his 66-year marriage to Rosemary Lorraine Farnum. Together they raised four children while working side by side as missionaries and in ministry under the auspices of the American Baptist Churches USA and the ABFMS. Cliff first served churches in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and Morris, Illinois prior to being commissioned to serve on the mission field. Arriving in Myanmar (Burma) in March of 1961, they worked in the areas of education and evangelism until 1966 when the political situation resulted in their return to the USA.

From 1967 to 1970, he served again with the ABFMS as a chaplain and teacher at the Kodaikanal International School in South India. From 1970 until 1982, Cliff pastored the West Hoosick and Hoosick Baptist Churches in upstate New York. He then pastored the Lansdowne Baptist Church in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania for nine years.  Having served in several interim pastoral positions in succeeding years, he and Rosemary retired to Penney Retirement Community in 2002. He has continued over the years, as long as ability allowed, to do volunteer work in Myanmar, Thailand, and the retirement community in which he lived.

Over the years, Cliff was well known for his love of singing, often joining choirs and ensembles wherever he lived. He also enjoyed square dancing, camping with his family, spending time onstamp collecting and doing puzzles, but his greatest passion was for people. Cliff loved telling stories, engaging with all those he met. His gift was in his ability to learn their stories and respond with care.  His sense of humor and wit were much appreciated and helped him in his own journey through difficult times.

He is known by many for his faithfulness to the call of Christ on his life and his efforts to be a disciple of Jesus in his relationships with the world and all those around him.  He was a highly principled man who was proactive on issues of social justice and peace. To his family and those he knew best, he was a loving and caring husband, father, pastor, and friend.

Clifford is survived by his sister, Winifred Gilson Ravenscroft (Calvin, d.) of Spencer, Iowa; his wife, Rosemary Farnum Gilson of Penny Farms, Florida; his children: Ruth Gilson Fox (Charles); Lisbeth Gilson Barnhouse (Donald, d.); Mary Gilson Wright (Ben); David Gilson (Suzanne Harrington); 10 grandchildren: Rachel Serra, Becca Dubay, Kenny Fox, Lucy Barnhouse, Joanna Barnhouse, Rachel Boehmer, Nathan Wright, Katie Willmorth, Hannah Gilson, and Sophie Gilson; and 2 great-grandchildren.

Melodye Anderson Dixon '68

December 9, 1948 – April 4, 2022

Melodye Ann DixonMelodye Ann Anderson Dixon was born to the late Reverends James Hardy and Mardria Maurie Anderson on December 9, 1948, in Livingston, Texas. She attended Southwestern Bible College where she met her husband, Reverend Paul Dixon. They married on September 20, 1969, and spent the next 52 years in service in the military and on the mission field in Germany and India. They currently serve as the Seniors and Care Pastors at Northside Assembly in Jackson, Tennessee.

Melodye was blessed with a large and loving family.  She raised her three children to love and serve the Lord and instilled in them her fierce love and desire to follow the Lord faithfully in all she did.  Melodye was known as “Mimi” to her two beautiful grandchildren and passed on her legacy of love for Jesus and music to both of them.

Melodye was an accomplished musician and a true worshipper. She loved all types of music and it was a part of her everyday life.  She was also an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God.

Melodye was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Timothy Paul Dixon. She is survived by her husband, Paul;  daughters Tammie (Edgar) Trinidad of Jackson, TN and Faith Dixon of Jackson, TN, grandchildren Kiara Trinidad and Caleb (Cayli) Trinidad; siblings Rebecca Anderson Jafrani, Joy Anderson West, and Jim (Tami) Anderson, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Patricia Braaten, Former Staff

February 26, 2022

Patricia came into the world during the Great Depression. Though short on money, the family enjoyed an abundance of food produced on their family farm. Throughout her childhood, Patricia developed a formidable self-reliance. She watched and learned as her father improvised tools, fixed what was broken, and did all of their maintenance.  She employed these skills time and again through her life.

After graduating from High School, Patricia went on to attend nursing school in Rochester, Minnesota. Following graduation as a registered nurse in 1954, Patricia worked in a private practice until her marriage to the Rev. James Braaten in 1955. They were married for 66 years, until Jim’s passing in September 2021.

Patricia had a rich and unpredictable life. After a few years in Minnesota, they lived in several cities and towns in Western and Central Washington, with a brief but significant interlude in the Palani Mountains of South India where Jim was the Pastor at Kodai International School.  A human “Energizer Bunny,” Patricia met life full-on. A favorite quote came from Hunter S. Thompson: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a ride!”

Patricia returned to nursing in the 1970s, having taken a break when her children were young. Patricia was also a Gardener, prolific reader and hiker. After she and Jim moved to Bellingham, WA in 2007, Patricia must have traversed a good 2,000 miles in the North Cascades – all the way to age 88. Patricia’s deep faith in God, and an abiding desire to help God’s less fortunate children, was intrinsic to her.

Janice Wybourn '62

March 24, 2022

Jan Wybourn was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, to Ed Wybourn and Helen Vance, on 13 October 1944. Ed spent part of his postwar career working for the YMCA, and this included a stint in Sri Lanka. Jan and sister Carol attended Kodai school during this period (1951-1957), while younger brother Robert was born in Colombo.

She went on to study art in the U.S.A., earning a B.A. from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) and an M.F.A. from Iowa U. (Iowa City). She went on to work in art galleries and then as a graphic artist, for a variety of clients in Toronto. There in 1981 she met future husband, geologist Graham Wilson, life partner for over 40 years. They travelled extensively over four continents. In 1998 they swapped the city for a more rural life by the river Trent in small-town Ontario, 100 miles to the east. Jan enjoyed birding, walks, gardening and reading, and the company of pets, notably a succession of cats. She was interested in current affairs, and stayed alert, even as physical decline reduced her mobility in her last five years, before a final short stay in the local hospital.

Kodai made a lasting impression on the family, and Jan returned there with Graham in 1990-1991, and on a Kodai-organized tour with Carol in 2005. The Kodai experience also left an abiding interest in Indian art, culture and cuisine. Jan’s home for many years was near the “Little India” neighbourhood in Toronto, and the thalis and dosai, idlys and uttapam of the Udupi Palace were firm favourites!

Carol Zigler Kusserow '55

 While at Kodai, Carol was accompanist for the Chorus, Choir and all musical groups  from 1953 to 1955.  She was a straight A student, and received a coveted ”K” award for her athletic prowess.  She graduated with honors in 1955.  She and her husband , Ralph Kusserow, attended many Kodai reunions of the combined classes of 1955 and 1956.  She was a gentle and loving person.   She will be sorely missed.

Respectively submitted,
Molly Lesnick (Class of 56)

 

Carol, 83, was born in India to missionary parents, Dr. Virgil and Jeanne Zigler. After graduating High School in India, she attended Thiel College and Wittenberg University, graduating with a degree in Music Education. She was a very accomplished pianist and composed some music. She and her husband, Ralph, served as missionaries in Malaysia and Singapore for 16 years then in Tanzania, East Africa, for 14 years. She is survived by her husband, Ralph, and three sons, Hans (Karen), Kurt (Pamela) and Timothy (Barbara), and by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also by her sisters, Lucille, KIS Class of ’51(Ralph, deceased) Ankenman, Beverly, KIS Class of ’54 (Theodore) Hofer and Sylvia (Rupley, deceased) Maday. 

 

2021

Madhu Ninan, Former Staff

December, 2021

It is with great sadness we share the news of the passing of Madhu Ninan, a former staff member at Kodaikanal International School. She is fondly remembered by so many as a mentor, teacher and friend. In addition to her husband, Mohan, also a former staff member at KIS, she leaves behind two daughters, Manjusha (KIS 2000) and Manisha.

Roxanna "Rocky" Nichol, Former Staff
February 2, 1932 – November 22, 2021
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Roxanna Sarr Nichol, 89, of Tel Hai Retirement Community, Honey Brook, PA, died peacefully at Tel Hai on November 22, 2021 after a long illness with cancer. Rocky as she was known to all, was born February 2, 1932 in Albany, NY, to Murray and Elsie (Schneider) Sarr and lived in East Greenbush, NY, an Albany suburb, for all the first 18 years of her life. In 1949 she graduated from Columbia High School, a regional central school in East Greenbush. Rocky then received a BSC in Nursing from Cornell University—New York Hospital School of Nursing (New York City) in 1954.

Following two years working with the Visiting Nurse Association of Brooklyn, NY, and attending The Biblical Seminary of New York (now continuing as New York Theological Seminary) in preparation for a career in Africa as a nurse missionary under the auspices of the Reformed Church in America, Rocky sailed for Sudan in November 1956. While in Arabic language school in Omdurman, she also became a Certified Midwife. In spite of the stark contrast between the modern halls of New York Hospital and the simple “bush” hospital in Ler, Upper Nile Province, South Sudan, she rose to the challenges of language and cultural differences.

In December 1960, she married Gerald “Jerry” Nichol in Malakal, South Sudan, and moved to continue serving with Jerry at the Evangelical Commercial High School in Omdurman, Sudan, under the Presbyterian Church (USA) for the next 10 years. During that time four daughters were born: Julie, Maria, Gail and Sarah.

Sudan visa renewals were refused in 1970. After a brief few months in Ethiopia with the American Mission, they were reassigned to India. They spent 28 ½ years on the faculty of Kodaikanal International School, a Christian international boarding school in South India. Rocky held a variety of positions within the school: dorm mother, Secretary to the Principal and lastly, Admissions Officer (never teaching!). She shared in all the activities of the school, especially enjoying the hiking program, camping, assisting with athletic events, teaching adult Bible class for many years. She also founded the Cottage Craft Shop, an outlet shop for crafts made by over 70 Christian mission and non-profit groups scattered throughout South India. Traveling in India, South Asia, East Africa, trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas, as well as crossing the USA several times stopping at more than 30 national parks, were all highlights in her life.

Rocky retired along with Jerry in June 1998 and spent the next ten years in Chesterbrook, PA, nearer her children and grandchildren. She was a member of Paoli Presbyterian Church where she was active in the Tuesday Morning Bible Study and on the Mission House committee. Their summer cottage on Mirror Lake, NH, became the family gathering place, and was her dream come true! In 2010, they downsized to a cottage in Tel Hai.

Surviving are her husband, Jerry, KIS former staff; four daughters, Julie, KIS ’80 (Donald, KIS ’80) Stengele of New Durham, NH, Maria, KIS ’81 (Carl, KIS ’80) Engelbrecht of Columbia, MD, Gail, KIS ’83 (Thomas) Moyer of Ambler, PA, and Sarah, KIS ’86 (Andrew) Reindel of Devon PA; ten grandchildren, Kristopher, KIS ’08, Zachary, KIS ’10 (Lindsey), and Tyler, KIS ’13 (Rachel) Stengele, Gillian and Erin Engelbrecht, Joshua and Timothy Moyer, and Jessica, Wesley and Kathryn Reindel; one sister, Winifred O’Shaughnessy of Mirror Lake, NH; one brother, William Sarr of Delray Beach, FL; plus a large community of extended family and friends and colleagues from all around the world.  She was preceded in death by her parents and infant daughter, Rebekah Joy.

A memorial service will be held at Tel Hai’s Christian Worship and Performing Arts hall on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at 3 PM.  Family will be present to welcome guests from 2 PM.  Earlier in the day, a family service for the inurnment of her ashes will be held in the Memorial Garden at the Paoli Presbyterian Church, in Paoli, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Kodai Friends International, Inc., Tel Hai Development, Inc. or New York Theological Seminary.

Eleanor "Ellie" Carman Macfarlane MacDonald '53
February 11, 1937 – November 5, 2021
Obituaries in Bloomington, IN | The Herald TimesEleanor (Ellie) MacDonald died Friday morning, November 5, 2021 at IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was 84 years old.

Born February 11, 1937 in Hanamkonda, India, to John Spencer Carman and Naomi Hull Carman, medical missionaries, Ellie lived in many different places, including Vellore, India; Rochester, New York; La Grange, Illinois; and Bloomington, Indiana. She graduated from the University of Rochester in 1957 and was accepted into the University of Rochester School of Medicine.

She married Malcolm Harris Macfarlane on May 30, 1957 at Lake Avenue Baptist Church in Rochester, New York. After raising a family, Ellie taught eighth grade at Cossitt Elementary School in La Grange, Illinois, and fifth grade at Oak Avenue Elementary School in Hinsdale, Illinois. She earned a master’s degree in teaching from the University of Chicago in 1975. She later taught parents and educators ways to teach reading to children at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. She had a unique talent for teaching and was able to relate to students from pre-school age to post-doctoral.

Ellie was a longtime and devoted member of the Christ Community Church (CCC) in Bloomington. She sang in the church choir and was a member of a group that knitted hats and donated them to infants. For years Ellie was involved with the CCC Missions Committee. In February of 2020, she participated in a mission trip to Ghana where she worked with teachers to enhance their teaching techniques. Throughout her time in Bloomington, she welcomed numerous international students into her home for meals and fellowship.

After her husband, Malcolm, died in 2008, Ellie married William MacDonald in 2011. She was preceded in death by William in 2017, her sister Eslie Carman, and her brother Bruce Carman (KIS ’56).

She is survived by three siblings, John Carman (KIS ’47), Robert Carman (KIS ’48), and Margaret Tegenfeldt (KIS ’55); four children, Douglas Macfarlane of Colorado, Kenneth Macfarlane of Maryland, Sheila Rice of Virginia, and Christine Macfarlane of California; her son-in-law David Rice, daughters-in-law Betty Macfarlane and Karen Macfarlane; her step-children Valerie Giles of Colorado and Victor MacDonald of Massachusetts; six grandchildren, Jessie, Caitlin, Ian, Sierra, Michael and James; ten step-grandchildren, Carol, Bonnie, Vincent, Peter, Nathan, Daniel, Matthew, Hanna, Brianna and Rebecca; three great-grandchildren; and ten step-great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends and adopted family, all of whom she adored. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, teacher and friend, she will be missed by all.

A service of celebration of Ellie’s life will be held at Christ Community Church in Bloomington on Saturday, December 11 at 2:00 pm with a reception following. Memorial contributions may be sent to Christ Community Church, Missions, 503 South High Street, Bloomington, IN 47401.

Zak McLeod '16
May be a closeup of one or more peopleIt was with sadness that we said farewell to Zak McLeod on October 8, 2021, in Hyderabad, India. A graduate of the Class of 2016, Zak was also the son of former staff members Christine and Kevin McLeod, and brother to Renee, Class of 2013. Rest in peace, Zak.
Rev. Jim Braaten, Former Staff

March 19, 1932 – September 22, 2021
James Edward Braaten – pastor to hundreds, counselor to many, and a beloved husband, father, and grandfather – passed away September 22, 2021, at the Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham, Washington. He was 89.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on March 19, 1932, he was the firstborn to Melville A. and Elmyra Simon Braaten. As a child, Jim especially loved spending summers helping out on his maternal grandparents’ farm.
Jim graduated from Chetek High School in Chetek, Wisconsin in 1950, and received his B.A. degree from St. Olaf College in 1954. Rather than accept an offer to pursue graduate studies in history, Jim chose the path of service, completing a Masters of Divinity at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1956, and ordination into the American Lutheran Church (currently the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) as a pastor in 1957.

A missionary at heart, Jim accepted calls from several smaller parishes over his career, dedicated to bringing the spirit of the Gospel to communities, first in Minnesota and then in Washington state. In the early 1970’s, he also served as chaplain for an international school in south India, which was an especially significant experience for him. Finally, he briefly served as a Navy chaplain for recruits during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Jim cultivated an open heart, a readiness to listen and engage, and a capacity to lead while allowing others to find their own ways beyond divisiveness. A natural civil libertarian and humanitarian, his course was nonetheless steered by his mission, undeterred by politics and ideology. Over the years, many have shared their appreciation for his insight and counsel, and his ability to bring people together.
His family that survives him – his wife of 66 years, Patricia Ann Smith Braaten, daughters Jane, Alexandra and Anne Braaten, son Steve Braaten, grandson Zachary Braaten, siblings Marlys Johnson, Borgne McClelland, John Braaten, Ruth Glesne, Janet DeGaetano and their children and grandchildren – will remember him for his love of family, adventure, the alpine meadows of the Cascade Range, and the crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean.

John Helms '49

1931 – September 16, 2021

Johannes Helms, a long-time resident of Valparaiso, IN followed by ten years in Mesquite, NV and four years in Hopkins, MN, died peacefully on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at the age of 89. Known as John, he was born in 1931 in Jaipur, India where his parents served as part of Germany’s Lutheran Breklum Mission from 1930-1950. He finished high school at Kodaikanal in southern India in 1949, came to the United States to attend Valparaiso University from which he graduated in 1953, and became a U.S. citizen in 1962. He also held an MA and a PhD in Classical Studies from the University of Michigan.

John was a devoted Classics professor who began his teaching career at Luther College in Decorah, IA and later returned to V.U. where he was a professor from 1963 to 1995. During his tenure there, he served as Director of the Overseas Study Center in Reutlingen, Germany (1992-95), led mini-session courses to Greece and Italy, and served as Foreign Languages department chair and as the University Marshal. He also developed and managed the university’s credit union.

John met his wife, Edith (Dorothea) Ofstedal, while teaching at Luther College and they were married in 1958 at First Lutheran Church in Decorah. They were faithful members of the Lutheran church throughout their lives and were instrumental in starting the Mesquite Lutheran Childcare Center in Nevada in their retirement years. John loved to travel, was young at heart, and was known for his outsized personality and sense of adventure. He will be remembered for living a life full of gratitude, caring and service to others.

John is preceded in death by his wife, Edith Dorothea Helms; his parents, Nicolaus and Anna Hedwig Helms; his brother Reimer Helms and sister Elsabe Ivens; and his son-in-law James Roth. He is survived by sisters Karin (Hans) Gruenheit, Erika Helms, Gesa (Paul) Helms and brother Klaus (Karin) Helms; his three daughters Elizabeth (James) Roth, Joann (Louis) Scozzari and Heidi (Jeff) Boyle; four grandchildren, Kristin and David Roth and Isabella and Josefina Scozzari; and many nieces and nephews.

Angela Huntington '84

With sadness we announce the death of Angela (Angie) Chapin Huntington, 1965 – 2021.

 

Angie attended Grades 5 through 12 at Kodaikanal International School from 1976-1984. Her twin sister, Catherine Motivans, and older sister, Maura Huntington, also went to Kodai. She was a beloved member of the class of 1984, friendly and energetic. Her favorite classes were English, Art and P.E. Angie was on the volleyball and field hockey varsity teams, played on the “Bananas” intramural sports team, was a member of the gymnastics club (where she learned to do a cartwheel on the 4 inch beam), and a strong tennis and racquetball player. She had the same roommate, Mary Beth (VanderAarde) Kenobbie, for the eight years she attended Kodai, and could usually be found surrounded by groups of friends, who were like family to her.

 

She attended Colorado State University and Cardiff University, where she received her bachelors and master’s degrees in psychology. Angie settled in St Paul, Minnesota, where she raised her son, James, with his father, Marc. She was dedicated to her work helping house and settle refugees, and later, conducted data analysis for a large corporation. Angie then worked in facilities management and legislative affairs for a non-profit organization. Angie spent the last two years looking after her aging parents, who had moved to Minnesota to be with her and under her care.

 

She was a blooming artist, who began painting again during COVID-19, an avid thrift-shopper with an eye for fashion and interior design. Angie was a compassionate, genuine person, who could light up a room with her smile. Her life was taken from her too soon. She was murdered in St. Paul, MN on August 29, 2021. While the cause of death is tragic, her life was big and beautiful. She was a loving mother, beloved and honored member of the community, a caring and present sister, aunt and friend, and a sweet, gentle soul. May we forever remember her presence and light in our lives and may she rest in peace.

– Catherine Huntington Motivan
s
Mary Ann Stengele, Former Staff
It is with profound sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Mary Ann Stengele, our loving and devoted mother and “Mommom,” and friend to all whose lives she touched, on August 26, 2021. She went to be with her Lord 5 days short of her 94th birthday while at the home of her son in Spring Hill, TN.

Mary Ann was born on August 31, 1927, in Buffalo, NY, the second child of Chester Randolph and Doris Irene (Wojciechowska) Ratcliffe. She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Rev. Laird F. Stengele, and by her brother, Chester Ratcliffe Jr.

Mary Ann graduated in 1948 from Nyack Missionary Institute in Nyack, NY, where she met Laird. In 1952, the young couple traveled to India through the Christian and Missionary Alliance, where they served as missionaries for 35 years. During her time in India, Mary Ann did village ministry in Akola and Amravati, Maharashtra, for 13 years before serving as a second-grade teacher, librarian and housemother to hundreds of boarding students from across the globe at Kodaikanal International School in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Upon retiring in 1988, Mary Ann and Laird returned to the United States, where they eventually settled in Allentown, PA, and were members of Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church.

In the last years of her life, Mary Ann split her time between her three children in New Hampshire, New Jersey and Tennessee. Whenever she was present, there was abundant laughter. And until she passed, she always had that special sparkle in her eyes, reminding you to find humility and humanity in every moment. Mary Ann was known for her hospitality and devotion to her family and church, as well as her acceptance and love for people from all walks of life. She was a woman of deep faith.

Survivors include her three children, Carol Sue Notaro (Thom), Donald L. Stengele (Julie) and David C. Stengele (Akiko); six grandchildren, Kristopher, Zachary, Tyler, Chardin, Shione and Kiri Stengele; and one great-grandson, Silas; all of whom she loved very much.

Horst Weinberg '44

June 14, 2021

Born in Germany, Horst spent much of his childhood in India, before coming to America at age 16. Horst studied at Park College and the University of Michigan where he received his bachelor’s degree. He received his medical degree from the University of Chicago in 1953. Following an internship at the University of Cincinnati, a tour in the U.S. Air Force as a flight surgeon, and pediatric training in Philadelphia and Oakland, Horst practiced pediatrics in Fresno for almost 40 years.

He was active at Valley Children’s Hospital, published more than 25 papers on pediatrics, and published a book for parents on how to take care of their children. For six years he appeared weekly on KSEE-24, a Central California TV station, doing a segment called “The Doctor is In,” answering questions phoned in by parents. After retirement, he donated his time to work in New Jersey at a Free Clinic seeing children.

In 2005 he moved with wife Carol to Sacramento, where he volunteered one day weekly seeing children at the Oak Park Free Clinic and Salud Clinic for many years. After the loss of his wife of 60 years, he relocated to Davis, where he walked the greenbelt daily and was active in his assisted-living facility up until his death.

He is survived by three children, seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Remembrances may be sent to the donor’s favorite charity.

Ed H. Reimer, Former Staff

Edward Henry Reimer November 9 1928 August 19 2021 (age 92) avis de deces NecroCanadaNovember 9, 1928 – August 19, 2021
“a life of adventure”

Ed was born to a Mennonite family in a farmhouse in SW Ontario. Growing up in Kitchener during the Depression, he learned the value of hard work, contributing to the family income. By Grade 8 he cycled to St. Catharine’s to work on a farm for the summer. He attended Queen’s where he studied Chemistry & Physics, as well as being on the swim and water polo teams. He then earned his Teaching Certificate at U of T.

He loved teaching chemistry and physics throughout his life. A beloved teacher, he remained connected to many of his former students. He and Marianne combined adventure and teaching at Kodaikanal International School in India. For 7 years there, they explored India and nearby countries, and he led multiple student field trips, including one to Everest Base Camp. Even after retirement he paired his love of teaching and adventure, leading German tour groups across Canada. He applied his chemistry skills to winemaking in the basement, and some of it was actually pretty good!

His love of music drew him and Marianne to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra where they had a subscription for over 50 years.

He instilled his love for the outdoors in his kids, taking many family canoeing, sailing, hiking and ski trips. Starting in the ‘70s, he and Marianne took the family to the Out Islands of the Bahamas, where they enjoyed snorkeling and exploring deserted islands by boat. In later years the kids reciprocated by taking the whole family back to these islands for Ed & Marianne’s 50th, 55th, and 60th wedding anniversaries.

Ed lived a life of service: at Pioneer Camp, church (Queensway Baptist, First Baptist Brantford, and Lake Joseph Community Church), sponsoring refugees, and on eye mission trips to South America (he learned Spanish in his retirement for the eye missions).
Together with Marianne, he explored the world, travelling to every continent except Antarctica (missing it only by several hundred miles). When he was 70 he cycled the length of Vietnam over 3 weeks, getting his picture in a Saigon newspaper for it. In his 80’s he was still skiing black diamond runs in the Rockies, and cycling the10 kms into Port Carling every Saturday for his Globe and Mail.

Ed passed away peacefully at the family cottage in Muskoka, where he first met his wife 65 years earlier.
He is mourned and lovingly remembered by his wife Marianne, children David (Marion), Susan (John), Ruth (Denis) and Paul (Samantha), 8 grandchildren, brothers John and Jake, and extended family.

For those who wish, donations may be made to the Kodaikanal International School Center for Environment and Humanity at www.kfi-us.org/donate-kfi/

Pending an easing of COVID restrictions, we hope to have a visitation in the fall.

Michael Aung-Thwin '65
May be a closeup of 1 personMichael Arthur Aung-Thwin, Emeritus Professor of Asian History, died peacefully after a long illness on 14th August 2021, surrounded by his family in his Hawaii home. Born in Yangon, Myanmar, in 1946, Michael attended high school at Kodaikanal International School in South India and later came to the United States where he earned a BA from Doane College (Nebraska), an MA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a PhD from the University of Michigan.

A scholar of early Myanmar and Southeast Asian history, Michael held positions at Elmira College, Kyoto University, Northern Illinois University, the National University of Singapore, and the University of Hawaii-Manoa. He published widely, including the books Pagan: The Origins of Modern Burma (1985), The Mists of Ramanna: The Legend that was Lower Burma (2005), A History of Myanmar Since Ancient Times: Traditions and Transformations (2013) and Myanmar in the Fifteenth Century: A Tale of Two Kingdoms (2017).

Michael loved swimming, tennis, soccer, cooking, and jamming on his guitar (usually to the Beatles). He is survived by his wife Maria, his sister Maureen, KIS Class of 1966, his sister-in-law Evelyn MacDonald Aung-Thwin, KIS Class of 1963, his son Maitrii, daughter Amita, his daughter-in-law Eileen, and his grandson Shan. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Burma Studies Foundation are welcome. https://www.niu.edu/clas/burma/foundation/index.shtml

 

 

 

Stephen E. Root, Former Staff
Stephen Elmer Root followed Laura to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Steve was born in Yeotmal, India in 1927 where his parents served as missionaries for many years. Steve met Laura at Seattle Pacific College and married in December of 1947. Both became teachers after graduating in 1948 and 1949, Steve after serving in the U.S. Navy at the close of WWII. They spent many years teaching at Kodaikanal School in India where they raised their four sons. After Steve and Laura left Kodaikanal School, he became an assistant superintendent of Battle Ground schools in 1973. After an early retirement, Steve was a flight instructor and in later years served as a cemetery commissioner for Clark County. In addition to his Naval Service in WWII, Steve served 31 years in the Naval Reserves, retiring in 1976 as a Lieutenant Commander. The Navy kept him until 1996 on a volunteer basis as the Naval Academy Information Officer for Southwest Washington.

Steve lived according to the duties he felt called to: in service to his family, country, and church, as an educator and community leader. After retirement, he and Laura enjoyed traveling, hunting and flying. He was generous with his time and energies in family projects and loved his role as storyteller with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was loyal to his country, to his family, and to Jesus Christ, his creator and savior.

Together for nearly 73 years, they were an amazing team showing hospitality and kindness. Over the years, thousands felt the warmth in their home and were recipients of their generosity. Matthew 25:35 “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…”

Laura was preceded in death by parents William T. and Irma Lyvere Elmer, her sister Esther Ham, brother Erwin Elmer, followed by her brother Roy Elmer in May. Stephen was preceded in death by parents Elmer S. and Loretta Root, and his brothers Charles and Philip. Steve and Laura were also preceded in death by their grandson, Stephen. They are survived by their sons Rick (Gayle) KIS Class of ’71, Gary (Melita) KIS Class of ’72, Kim (Jodi) KIS Class of ’76, and Rob (Annette) KIS Class of ’82, 15 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Richard Schramm '51
We are saddened to hear that Richard Schramm, Class of 1951, passed away on July 12, 2021.

(Further information is welcome. Please email admin@kfi-us.org)

Robby John Chandy '81

Published in the Western Telegraph on 15th July 2020

Virginia "Ginny" Johnson, Former Staff
Selby Chacko '85
May be a black-and-white image of one or more people and people standingWe were saddened to learn that Selby passed away on April 5, 2021, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

(Further information is welcome. Please email admin@kfi-us.org)

Madhu Sen '78
We were saddened to learn that Madhu passed away on March 25, 2021, in Bangalore, India.

(Further information is welcome. Please email admin@kfi-us.org)

Bob "Bibi" Coleman '66
May 29, 1949 – March 3, 2021

Memories of Bob Coleman

Our experiences are bookended by the 1957 Eucy and the 1966 Eucy. He was the hard working editor and I was one of the photographers for that issue. My memories of Bob go back to third grade at Kodai School. We were both living in Phelps Hall, the newly constructed little boys dorm where my parents were house parents. Miss Dennison was our classroom teacher; she provided us with firm guidance and solid instruction. We respected her and she earned our love.

During the short, three-week May break, we would spend time together in what is now the Ganga Compound, climbing trees, playing games and exploring the stream that exited the lake. We were able to get wet and collect several types of aquatic animals that later helped us get good grades in biology.

In high school Bob was known as one of the most enthusiastic and disciplined hikers. He kept us on a strict schedule and focused on getting to the goal. He was in the group that earned the first Thar pins. That he would be in that group was obvious to us all. He was a fine all around athlete, a winner of the “K” award who was accomplished in track and field, soccer, golf,  football and basketball among others.

Bob was one of the all around smartest guys in our class. He was not stingy in his knowledge either. I would not have learned as much as I did in chemistry without his support. I doubt I would have passed physics without his expertise in experiments. In short, he was a class of ‘66 polymath.

His high school years were characterized by civic leadership in class, committee and community work, church choir and chorus. We were inspired by Kennedy’s Peace Corps to do something similar in Kodai. We started what we called Youth Corps to engage students in community service. We cleaned and whitewashed the municipal slaughter houses and removed weeds from the Bryant Park arm of the lake, among other efforts. Bob’s candid in the ‘66 Eucy shows how we looked after our work at the lake.

After KIS we scattered to the wind, but most of us went to North America for college. Four from our class couldn’t get enough of each other so we met up in European capitals and hung out for what we feared was going to be the last time. Bob went to an engineering college that featured hard drinking fraternities. He found that culturally hard to deal with.

After our first year of college, culturally shocked and away from our parents, the same four guys from our class decided to get together in Chicago. We rented an apartment and bought a car together. We got jobs to help us pay for the next year of college. That helped us acculturate and pumped us up for the next academic year.

I’m less familiar with the day to day events of the last fifty years of Bob’s life. I do know from Kodai reunions and his visits to Berkeley that he remained perennially positive and committed to peace and justice. He was one who volunteered for all kinds of public service and animal rescue. He loved being out in nature and he loved to bike. He left us doing the things he loved and we and the world are the worse for that. We miss you Bob!

– Lyn Krause ’66

Please click HERE to read Bob’s beautiful obituary.

Esther Marie Davis Webb '54

April 21,1936 – February 17, 2021

Esther Marie Webb ObituaryEsther Marie Davis Webb was born in Kerala, India on April 21, 1936 to William Edward Davis and Helen Harding Davis. Her youth was filled and permanently enriched with the beauty of India and it’s rich culture. Esther’s parents were Assembly of God missionaries and remained in Kerala working in the Christian example of preaching, teaching and building schools, until they returned to the US in the 1950’s when she was 13 years of age. While in India, Esther attended the Kodaikanal International boarding school, a well known international college curriculum and culturally diverse school.

It was Waxahachie’s Southwestern Bible College where her parents returned to teach and Esther began her struggle through a lifetime of adjustments in cultural and racial differences.

It was at the Bible College where she met her husband, Jack Webb. They married and settle in Dallas and later Richardson where they soon welcomed the joy and pride of their lives, son Bruce Lee into the world.
Esther held employment at Christian Fidelity and later Texas Instruments, but her vocation of choice was reader. She loved any books about India.

Esther was a soul who could welcome anyone into her world in the most comfortable of fashion and people all loved her kind ways, personal style, sweet smile and the flip of her head as she giggled.

Esther left this physical world on February 18th and will be greatly missed. Although she never returned to her beloved India, she was an Indian at heart all of her life.

Esther Webb left behind sweet memories of her hat-wearing fun loving self, a loving husband Jack Webb, son Bruce Lee Webb and daughter in-law Julie Webb.

Harrison "Hank" Moyer '44
Harrison A. Moyer (Hank) passed away in Allentown, PA, on February 7, 2021, nine days shy of his 93rd birthday. He was born February 16, 1928 in Rajahmundry, India to Rev. Henry H. and Ethel (Rauch) Moyer, Lutheran missionaries for 40 years. His ancestors in Pennsylvania trace back to the founding of Germantown and early settlers in Bucks County. Until the age of 16, Hank attended the Kodai School in Kodaikanal, where he met his lifelong friends, the Kodai kids.

He earned a B.A. in Economics from Muhlenberg College in 1948, and trained in computer programming with Travelers Insurance Co. He worked for such companies as Air Products, Bethlehem Steel, Mack Trucks, CBS Records, Chase Manhattan Bank, and Harleysville Insurance Co. Hank married his sweetheart Gladys (Frey) in 1953 in New York City and settled in Allentown, where they raised three children-Nancy, Ruth, and Paul.

Hank was always up for a drive and adventure, and his family has great memories of outings with Dad. Frequent favorites included water skiing on Lake Wallenpaupack, hiking up to Bake Oven Knob and Bear Rocks, tobogganing at Split Rock Lodge, skiing at Mont Tremblant, and boating on Long Island Sound with stops at Jones Beach and Fire Island. In his later years, Hank loved to play tennis every Sunday followed by a shrimp curry lunch, row his traditional British rowboat with the grandkids on Lake Nockamixon, and drive up to Bar Harbor, Maine, just to see the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain and eat fresh lobster at Beal’s pier.

Hank will be dearly missed by his wife, children, and grandchildren Emma, Matt, and Sam (parents Paul and Christine Till Moyer), and Adam and Joshua (parents Nancy and Andrew Sapiro). He is also survived by his sister Eleanor M. Cunningham, KIS Class of ’43, and brother Luther S. Moyer, KIS Class of ’57. He was predeceased by their oldest brother Henry E. Moyer and youngest brother Paul W.H. Moyer. In lieu of flowers, Hank requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. We love you, Dad.

John Woelfle, Former Staff
January 16, 1933 – January 2, 2021

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Rev. John Woelfle. He was predeceased by his one true love, Jessie, his sister Marilyn (George) Wilson and his parents Walter and Essie Woelfle. Beloved father to Paul Woelfle (Amy) and Sharon (Chris) Schotsman. Adored grandfather to Chloe (Michael), Sarah (Paul), Colette (Kane) and great grandfather to Avery.

John loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his friends. He lived an intentional, full and remarkable life. John was originally from Galt, Ontario. He started dating Jessie in grade 10. They both attended McMaster University, where Jessie studied nursing and John Physics and Chemistry. After receiving his undergrad in Science, John continued his studies and received his Master’s of Science, department of Physics. They married and thus began their life together. They were called to work abroad as missionaries serving under Canadian Baptist Ministries. In 1960, John and Jessie moved to Visakhapatnam, AP, India where John was a teacher at Timpany School. On furlough in 1967, John studied at Gordon College in Boston and received his M.Ed. Then in 1971 they moved to Kodaikanal, TN, India to work at Kodaikanal International School. During a furlough John studied at McMaster Divinity School and received his M.Th In 1991, John and Jessie moved back to Canada and John became the pastor at Ancaster Baptist Church till his retirement. John spent his life serving his Lord and Saviour, with Jessie at his side. We are thankful he is now resting in the arms of Jesus.

We are thankful to Emma, Christine, Juliet, Cita, Daiseree, Nora, Hailey, Kristina, Chiu Ian, and Michelle for the love and care they showed toward John while at Shalom, and to Kathy at LHIN, and to M A Clark & Sons Funeral Home for their ongoing support.

In memoriam, donations may be made to Canadian Baptist Ministries (cbmin.org), Harmony Baptist Church (harmonybaptist.ca), Shalom Village (shalomvillage.ca) or Kodaikanal International School (kis.in/community/giving-to-kis/).

2020

Salim Al Bahlani '78
May be an image of one or more people, people standing, footwear and outerwearSalim Al Bahlani, my brother, has returned to the universe. We buried his body on Thursday 11, December in Oman. In his short time with us he brought joy to many, teaching them scuba diving and making sure the water we drink was safe when working with the Ministry of Health. He is missed and appreciated. His soul and memory lives in all of us.
Joel Dhanapal '67
June 25, 1949 ~ December 9, 2020

Joel passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at home. He was born in Madurai, India to Dayavu and David Dhanapal. He came to Seattle to attend Seattle Pacific and stayed. Shaped by growing up in the mountains of South India he developed many memories from his time in Kodaikanal. Those included hiking, tennis, singing and playing classical organ and piano. Joel kept in touch with many classmates and rued the fact he couldn’t keep in touch with everyone. Proud of his South Indian heritage he liked to call it the true India as it was never conquered by invaders. He attended Kodaikanal School, Madras Christian College, Seattle Pacific and the UW.

Many people knew Joel because of wine. His passion was selling wine for 30+years. First at Larry’s Market and then at Pete’s where he became a fixture in the Eastlake area. He enjoyed talking with customers and finding the perfect bottle for their taste while often expanding their horizons. Joel like wine from all over but his heart was with Burgundy, Bordeaux and Pol Roget champagne. Many in the wine world became friends and part of the family. He felt there was nothing better than sharing a great bottle with friends.

Joel loved to travel and meet new people. Travels included England, France, Australia, Norway and of course India. He could talk with anyone and everyone. Joel enjoyed telling stories, giving hugs and doing impersonations of people and accents.

No services will be held at this time as we can’t imagine a gathering where people could not hug. A celebration of Life will be held as covid-19 permits likely in the summer. At that time we will share stories, hugs, and a glass of wine to toast Joel.

Joel is survived by his wife Pamela, his sisters Priscilla Mohl and Shanti Mills, his nieces Karis and Dana and nephew Charlie, also numerous cousins and many, many others that became family. Remembrances may be made to his favorite charity Direct Relief, a local foodbank, or a charity of your choice.

Please sign Joel’s online Guest Book at obituaries.seattletimes.com.

 

Bernice Muysken Lettenmaier '40

Bernice, born November 3, 1923, passed away at her Spokane home on December 1, 2020 from the effects of Alzheimer’s. All of her friends knew her as Nickie, which was the nickname acquired during college years.

Bernice was born at the Vellore Christian Medical College Hospital in S. India and delivered by Dr. Ida B. Scudder the founder of the Hospital and Medical School. Her parents, Rev. John Dirk Muyskens and wife Dora were Dutch Reformed Church missionaries living with their family in Madanapalle S. India. Bernice had three younger brothers, Dirk, David, and Donald. Bernice started school at Kodaikanal International School boarding school. That was the norm for missionary kids. She came to the United States from India with her parents on furlough in 1938 on a German passenger ship later sunk during WWII.

Bernice completed High School at Northfield Mt. Herman School for girls, in Massachusetts. Following High School she received in her AB majoring in Greek and Latin in 1944 from Wilson College, for girls in Chambersburg PA. Patrick Lettenmaier met Bernice during WWII in Washington DC where she worked for the Army Signal Corps as a Code Girl deciphering Japanese messages. She never ever told anyone even Patrick about her code work, nevertheless several books after the war spilled the beans about the Code Girls.

Bernice and Patrick married in 1947, and moved from Spokane to the Seattle area in 1949. While living in Des Moines, WA. Bernice entered the University of Washington and received her BA in music. She then moved her Piano and Organ Studio to the family’s new home in Lakota Beach, Federal Way, where she taught piano and organ at her studio. Bernice loved her music students, teaching piano and organ and working with Mt. Rainier Music Teachers Association.

Bernice was a sun lover, she endured Patrick’s skiing, and sailboat racing and was never happier when he gave up winter skiing for laying on the beach at their Kailua condo. After retiring in 1988, Bernice made good on her vow to show Patrick India, which she did, from India’s Southern tip to Lake Dal Kashmir and Darjeeling, then Madanapalle and Rajasthan over to Calcutta and down to Madras, Vellore and Kodaikanal school. They had a great time travelling.

Bernice is survived by her husband Patrick and their four children; Dennis, recently retired UCLA Engineering faculty of Santa Monica, CA, Cheryl Scott Lettenmaier, recently retired Johns Hopkins East Africa representative and her husband Peter Scott of Kampala, Uganda, Rae Anne Roberts a nurse and her husband Jerry Roberts, of Spokane, WA, and Terrance, an Electrical Engineer and his wife Laurie, of Newport, Oregon, Bernice has four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Bernice was a gracious and beautiful person. She enjoyed kn owing people and never ever had a harsh word for anything or anyone. Her family all loved her dearly, and we know she rests in peace. Me too. Patrick Lettenmaier

 

Roshan Ghose, Former Staff

With Prime Minister Nehru (2nd to left)

Who is Roshan Vajifdar? Many young dancers will surely wonder. Tracing the life story of the once famous Bharatanatyam dancer who now leads a quiet life in Kodaikanal – an excerpt from The Hindu, July 19, 2012

At 82, Roshan Vajifdar Ghose is an epitome of grace and beauty. I found her accidentally through a friend and it took some time before I was allowed to meet her. When the interview finally happened, Roshan was every bit a charmer and extremely friendly. “I can’t sit for long,” she said, and ended up giving a breezy recount of her life.

Attired elegantly in white and looking gorgeous in ethnic ornaments, she showed me exquisite black-and-white profile photos, those of her performances and in the company of Jawaharlal Nehru to Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Dr.Rajendra Prasad, and UN Secretary Generals, prime ministers, film stars and dancers of yore.

Articulate and expressive, she spoke nineteen to a dozen on her first love, Bharatanatyam, besides Mohiniattam, Kathak, Manipuri, Kathakali, music and veena, paintings and antiques. It is not difficult to imagine how she must have held the audience under her spell.

From the 1940s to the 1960s, she hogged the headlines. Today, Roshan lives in her “own world of memories, spirituality and sadhana.” “I am a recluse now,” she says “If Gods brings people to me, I happily meet them. But on my own I don’t go out anywhere now.”

Roshan gave her last performance in Mysore in 1992. The same year she joined the Kodai International School and taught dance till 2007. “These days children no longer take up dance to become professional dancers. Everybody stays focused on academics and dance is an additional hobby but tweaked with lot of interesting innovation and fusion,” she says.

It was along with her two sisters, Shirin and Khurshid Vajifdar,that Roshan came out of Mumbai’s anglicised Parsi community mould. From childhood the trio exhibited an unusual love for Indian classical music and dance. They defied the taboos, trained in multiple classical dance forms and gave extensive performances in India and abroad in a career that lasted over four decades. Shirin, who married Dr.Mulk Raj Anand, was the pioneer in learning all schools of dance and it was she who first started training Roshan when she was seven. The sisters trained in Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathakali and Mohiniattam. It was an unusual career for those times, when dancers trained extensively in only one or two styles.

Roshan Vajifdar earned a national scholarship in Bharatnatyam and studied in the Indian Institute of Fine Arts, Madras, for two years learning the intricacies from Chokkalingam Pillai, the son-in-law of natyaguru Meenakshisundaram Pillai of Pandanallur School of Dance. In 1955 she gave her arangetram in the presence of then Governor Shri Sri Prakasa. Later, she gave several performances at The Music Academy, Madras, in the presence of national and international dignitaries.

Turning over the yellowing clippings in her meticulously maintained scrap book, she remembers being immersed in dance. “Of all the dance forms, I felt myself with Bharatanatyam. It made me understand abhinaya, philosophy and corresponded well with the meditation of my heart, body and mind.”

Roshan lived in Bangalore for seven years and trained under Meenakshisundaram Pillai’s nephew, Kitappa Pillai. During her stay here she also became the muse of Russian painter Svetoslav Roerich, husband of her friend the actress Devika Rani. He frequently painted Roshan in life-size portraits, many of which found their way to the covers of Illustrated WeeklyFeminaDharamyug and several other magazines. Many of these paintings are now in the State Museum of Oriental Arts, Moscow, and the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad, Bangalore.

Reviews of her performances praise Roshan not only for the finesse of her movements and expressions but also the beauty of her costumes, colour combinations, jewellery, and choreography, all designed by her sister with an eye for detail. Once Roshan married Dr.Hiranmoy Ghose, a renowned chiropractor from Mumbai 30 years elder to her, he managed her programmes.

The couple shifted to Kodaikanal and Dr.Ghose started helping her with her own compositions. Says she fondly, “He was a kind-hearted practitioner who used 80 per cent of his earnings in treating poor people and helping the needy. He was also interested in performing and fine arts and had a very impressive collection of paintings and artefacts bought from all over the world.”

It was a relationship perhaps akin to that of M.S.Subbulakshmi and her husband T.Sadasivam. Dr.Ghose helped Roshan with her 90-minute non-stop composition called “Pilgrimage of the Soul” based on Meera bhajans. “My first performance was scheduled at Pondicherry and my husband said you can not be at the mercy of musicians. So we did something very innovative. We recorded Meera bhajans sung by Gujarati singers.”

Her next composition, “Gita Govindam”, also worked successfully in a similar fusion of Odissi music and Bharatanatyam movements. “Audience liked it even when I did Bharatanatyam without Carnatic music,” says Roshan. It prompted her to prepare for the next composition based on Tagore’s work. While she was visiting Shantiniketan for the new project in 1982, her husband passed away following a car accident. Roshan abandoned the idea and her public performances went into limbo, though her son, Prasanna, tried to step into his father’s shoes.

“I never planned my life. But God always gave me what I needed,” she says.

All the sisters were known to have a hypnotic stage presence. With Mrinalini Sarabhai, Rukmini Devi, Tara Chaudhary, Kerala Kalamandalam Chinnammu Amma, Ritha Devi, Vyjayanthimala, Kanak Rele, Indrani Rehman and Shanta Rao as contemporaries, the Vajifdar sisters represented India in international festivals and won praise the world over.

Roshan has also peeped into the film world. She gave a dance performance with her sister in the 1954 Kishore Sahu film Mayur Pankh to the famous duet by Lata and Asha, “Yeh barkha bahar soutaniya ke dwar…” Her beauty and talent fetched her many acting offers but she declined them all.

Even at her age, Roshan betrays a zest and ebullience. Arthritis limits her mobility but the movements of her fingers and hands and her facial expressions are captivating. She ends with one small plea. That “dance is aradhana and its purity should never be lost.”

 

 

Harvey Knoernschild '51

Harvey E. Knoernschild, MD, an outstanding and very much admired surgeon, passed away Nov. 29 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Harvey was born in the city of Kerala, India, where his parents served as Christian missionaries. When he was ten his family returned to the United States and he spent most of his childhood in Lancaster, California, where his father was a Lutheran pastor. He worked on an alfalfa farm, driving a tractor and bailing hay while in high school. He played the violin beautifully. He attended University of California, Berkeley, and graduated in 1955. While in college, he learned how to cut students’ hair and laughingly stated he was the last of the original barber surgeons. He received his doctorate in medicine from UC Medical School in San Francisco and served for two years in the military at an Indian reservation in Arizona. He completed his surgical residency at Ohio State University. While in Ohio he served in the U.S. Public Health Service conducting ground-breaking research on the early diagnosis of colon cancer. He married his first wife there and they moved to San Jose, California

Harvey was passionate about his profession, a gentleman in every way, and much beloved by his patients. He set up his practice in San Jose and did his surgery at O’Connor and Good Samaritan hospitals and later San Jose Hospital with partners Allen Johnson and Robert Seipel. He was very active on various committees involving quality of care. He was a member of the Santa Clara County Medical Society, the Fellowship of American Surgeons, became Chief of the Surgical Department at San Jose Hospital and in the 1980’s president of the medical staff for two years. He received the Leland B. Blanchard Memorial Teaching Award awarded by the Family Practice Residents at San Jose Hospital for excellence in teaching. It was at San Jose Hospital that he met his second wife, Elaine, head of the Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services. They married on Oct. 19, 1980.

Dr. Knoernschild became an editor in 1990 with the publication of The Medical Entrepreneur’s Handbook. One of the chapters talks about his role in building and developing a surgical recovery care center, now known as Los Gatos Surgical Center, which opened in 1984. He was influential in the forming of the Cooperative of American Physicians/Mutual Protection Trust, a doctor owned medical malpractice company. He put together plans with several physicians and CAP/MPT was launched in 1978. He served on the board of directors for more than 20 years and was instrumental in its growth to over 12,000 physician members in California. The Combined Health Agencies Drive, CHAD, recognized Harvey’s work in advancing research, education, and community service programs of the national health agencies and presented him with plaque in appreciation. He was chairman of the board of CHAD of California from 1977 to 1980.

Besides his medical work, Harvey was extremely active in the community, serving on the board of the American Cancer Society of Santa Clara County in the early ’70’s and president of the board of trustees of the San Jose Symphony in the 1980’s. He was a member of the San Jose Rotary in the 1980’s and later the Los Gatos Rotary. He received a commendation from mayor Tom McEnery for his service as a member of the Arts 20/20 Task Force and a Certificate of Recognition from Senator Alfred Alquist for his extraordinary dedication and commitment to the arts.

Harvey liked to travel, garden, ski, play tennis and golf, and his wife loved being with him to participate in these activities. He also enjoyed being a member of La Rinconada Country Club. He will be sorely missed by his wife Elaine, his sister Anna Aseltine, sons Richard, Thomas and William Knoernschild, daughters Garrie Beth Patrino and Kelly Hope Farnsworth, and stepchildren Craig Walker and Leslie Perez Stephenson, plus many beloved grandchildren.

Dan Davis '62

Dr. Daniel Roy Davis MD went home to be with his Heavenly Father on November 22, 2020. He was 76. 

Dan was born overseas in Kolar, India to missionary parents Roy and Dewdrop Davis on June 15, 1944.  As a child, he attended boarding school at Kodaikanal International School with his only brother Paul Davis, whom he loved dearly.  The brothers shared an uncommon bond that remained unbroken till Dan’s parting. Dan and Paul’s children are forever grateful for their example of relentless brotherly love for one another and strive to continue this priceless legacy. 

Dan led a full life and carried many roles and responsibilities throughout his pilgrimage on this earth – son, brother, pathologist, Army medic (Viet Nam), husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family, he loved his country, and he loved all of God’s children around the world. 

Dan met his wife Sue in 1969. They married in Oklahoma City and went on to have five children during their 35-year marriage: John Davis (Laura), Rebecca Davis, Deborah Pierson (Christopher), Joshua Davis (Julia), and Candace Davis Hickel (Walter J. III). He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Michael, Ava, Jack, Audrey, Ellie, Hannah, Blaize, Wally, and Davis as well as his brother, Dr. Paul Davis MD of Wichita

Dan and his family served as missionaries in Kenya, East Africa for six years. Prior to setting out for Kenya, he was asked by one of his children, “Why us?” He responded by explaining that he believed Matthew 28:18-20 was intended for all Christian believers. He also quoted Daniel 12:3 as motivation: “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”

Dan provided pathology services to missionary hospitals in Kenya and the surrounding region (Kikuyu, Tumutumu, Chagoria, and Tenwek hospitals, to name a few), and was able to decrease diagnostic turnaround time for the hospitals served from many months (sometimes years) to under 2 weeks. Many lives were saved as a direct result of his work and all of the generous supporters across the United States who made this work possible. 

In addition to being a dedicated and loving father, Dan also loved to travel and experience a hearty adventure. He was infamous for pulling distraught travelers out of muddy ditches during the “rainy season” in Kenya in the family CJ5 Jeep (kids and wife in tow, and often recruited to help “push”). His favorite Kiswahili phrase in such situations was “Hakuna matata!” (No problem!). He was a good Samaritan at heart and did his best to help those in need.

Throughout his life, he held a deep-rooted faith in God, which he shared diligently with those who surrounded him. Of the many things he taught us, we often heard “keep it short and get to the point”. Although this seems far too brief, there are not enough pages to tell the story of the most incredible man we will ever know. 

We are forever thankful to our family, friends and caregivers for their love and support. Although COVID may have taken his physical being from us, his spirit lives on in his children and loved ones and all of those touched by his life here on earth.

May your star shine brightly in Eternity, Dan – we love you. Thank you for all you did while you were here with us. Your heavenly reward was hard-fought and is well deserved.

(Memorial services to be scheduled at a later date in Wichita, Kansas. We want to keep all of our friends and family safe and are electing to postpone services to a time when all those wishing to attend are able to do so).

 

 

 

Paul Smith '54
Paul Smith died of COVID-19 September 23 in Monteverde, Costa Rica. He will be remembered for qualities that served him well throughout his life – independence, good humor and strength of purpose in his passion for music, painting and mosaics, stringed instrument making and the cause of climate change. His kindness and generosity were experienced by all who knew him but most outstandingly by his wife in the final ten Altzheimer years of her life. His formative years at Kodai and throughout India were amongst the years he valued most in his life. He is predeceased by two sons, a daughter, numerous grand and great grandchildren, as well as his sisters, Margaret, Ruth and Helen (also educated at Kodai School six decades ago).

– Margaret (Smith) Adelman ’54

Please watch and listen to this memorable tribute to Paul as he looks back over his life: Click HERE.

 

 

 

 

John Rittmann '54
Dr. John E. Rittmann, age 83, of Watertown, SD, passed away Sunday, November 22, 2020, at Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown due to complications from a Covid-19 infection.

John was born September 29, 1937 in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India, the son of the Rev. Clarence and Emma (Scheidt) Rittmann who were missionaries. He spent his childhood in south India, living in Vadakunkkulam, attending Kodai International School where he graduated in 1954. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University, Indiana in 1958 and continued his education at the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis where he received his medical degree in 1962.

While in St Louis attending medical school, he met his future wife Lorraine (Helgaas) at of all places a missionary meeting, and they were married April 16, 1960. Their son David was born in 1961. After an internship at the Cleveland General Hospital, he accepted a commission with the Public Health Service and served on the Pine Ridge Reservation until 1965. His drive to be in service to others was deep. After Pine Ridge the young family traveled to Kerala, India where he worked as a medical missionary in a rural hospital. After returning to the States in 1971, he completed a medical residency program in Family Practice medicine at Hennepin County General Hospital in Minneapolis. Upon completion two years later, 1973, he accepted a position at the Brown Clinic in Watertown. The couple’s daughter, Renee, was born later that year.

Though he remained a resident of Watertown for the rest of his life, he continued to share his medical skill and service with others, traveling to India four more times along with Papua New Guinea and Bangladesh. He shared his medical knowledge as a faculty member in the Department of Family Medicine at USD School of Medicine and by teaching anatomy at the Lake Area Vocational Technical Institute. Among the awards he received was the Young at Heart Award from the South Dakota Medical Association, designed to recognize those individuals that have excelled in acting as a role model and inspiring young physicians to pursue the practice of medicine. While in Watertown, he welcomed students from Norway and Japan into the family home and assisted a Vietnamese refugee family who moved to the area.

John worked at Brown Clinic until retiring at age 70. He was dedicated to his patients and known for his attention to detail, taking whatever time was needed to serve his patients. It was common knowledge that John Rittmann time did not follow the clock. Many patients experienced this, but they also knew that the wait was worth it. Extended family would jokingly say John was going to be late to his own funeral.

Though his early years were consumed by the practice of medicine, he enjoyed several hobbies later in life. Perhaps his first was sailing on Lake Kampeska. He also developed an interest in conservation and grassland preservation. His retirement passion was raising fowl, from chickens to guinea hens, and finally racing pigeons, spending hours in the loft and waiting with other members of Lake City Racing Pigeons Racing Club for that first bird to arrive home. Though John lived his last year at Jenkins Living Center, he was continually planning for the next pigeon racing season.

John was active at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church serving as an elder and Sunday school superintendent among other roles. There were many organizations dear to his heart throughout the years that were connected to the mission field in India and the mission field in the United States.

John is survived by his wife Lorraine of 60 years; two children: David (Suzanne) Mills-Rittmann of Burnsville, MN and Renee (Eric) Merten of Ellensburg, WA; six grandchildren: Megan (Zach), Eric, Michael, Emma, Kathryn and Sarah; his sisters Lydia and Clara and brother Joseph (Marty). He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Dorothy.

A memorial service will be planned in the future when it is safe for his family and friends to gather.

Laura Root, Former Staff
It is with sadness we learned of the death of Laura Root on November 12, 2020, and share our condolences and prayers with her husband Steve, and children Rick (’71), Gary (’72), Kim (’76) and Rob (’82). So many of our lives were touched by her kindness and generosity.

To read of Laura’s life, please enjoy this wonderful article, To India and back: Battle Ground couple’s nearly 70 year marriage takes them across the worldhttp://www.thereflector.com/senior_lifestyle/article_1aa9feee-8144-11e6-81cd-6bd1333eb830.html

 

Ralph Doermann '48
Ralph W. Doermann, professor emeritus of Old Testament, Archaeology, and Ancient Languages at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, who passed away November 4, 2020, was born on June 25, 1930 in Tiraputi, South India. He came to the United States at age 18 and entered from Capital University, graduating in 1952. He served as an Encryption Officer in the Navy during the Korean War. Ralph entered Trinity Lutheran Seminary, graduating in 1958, and earned a PHD, with honors, from Duke University in 1961. He served as a pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, Minnesota until 1963. He began teaching at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in 1963 and retired in 2000.

Resulting from his academic work, he developed a passion for Biblical Archaeology, and spent 12 seasons excavating in the Middle East and Cyprus in the following capacities: field supervisor, area supervisor and directorship. Ralph was the Annual Professor at the American School of Oriental Research in Jerusalem 1969-1970, 1976-1977, and director 1985-1986. He is survived by his wife, Laurel; children, Roger (Connie), William (Panchali), Richard (deceased), and Gail (Robert) Chupick; brother, Alfred (Evie); and grandchildren.

Krishna Mudaliar '85
Krishna Mudaliar, Class of 1985
Dec 6, 1967 – Oct 30, 2020

Krishna Mudaliar joined Kodaikanal International School in 1974 and graduated in 1985.  A day scholar he was, but used to stay on school campus till late evening, most of the time.  His parents moved from Chennai (Madras) and settled down in Kodaikanal in the early seventies. In school, he was multi-faceted, good in academics, became an expert in shop, regularly went on hikes, played cricket, basketball and raquetball.  His presence was there in most of the activities.

After KIS, Krishna went to BITS, Pilani, where he got his M-Tech and thereafter, an MBA from Madurai Kamaraj University.  He met his wife in MKU in the early nineties and got married in 1994.

Krishna started his career, working in the marketing division for Phillips and Citi-bank.  His passion for human resources led him to this field later on, first working for a recruiting firm.  Then he founded his own company, Korporate Moves in the late nineties and travelled all over India. In the past few years, he was also into Digital Branding for businesses.  He used to visit Kodai often to be with his mother.

A “Peoples’ Person,” Krishna had lots of friends and his relationships with them were strong.  In the months before he died, he kept in touch with most of them. The end came due to heart attack, in the early hours on October 30th, 2020 in Kodaikanal.

Krishna was known to many as “Muds”, was a very talented and knowledgeable person, and a loving father to his two daughters.  He will be missed by those who know him.  He is survived by his wife, Thilaka, two daughters, Shruti and Shweta, and his sister, Hema Shankar, class of ’86.

Anand Janardhanam
Class of 1985
In KIS from 1981-85
Ph: 9840566607
Chennai

 

Susan Hagstad '72

Susan Leslie Hagstad Armstrong, 66, died at Kemah, TX, at the end of October of 2020. She was found aboard her sailing boat, a 43 foot Hunter, which she loved and had named “Father’s Dream” in honor of her dad.

Born September 2,1954, in Ihaca, N.Y., to Doris and Harry Hagstad, Susan lived in Haverstraw NY until age 10 when her parents decided to become medical missionaries.  The family moved to New Orleans and then to Chicago for training and then to India where Susan attended Kodaikanal International School, then called Kodai School, from which she graduated in 1972.  She soon married but then moved with her parents to Baton Rouge, where she began university studies.

Susan completed her BA degree in 1980 at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA, after spending her first three undergraduate years at LSU-Baton Rouge. She then earned an MBA degree at Northwestern in 1986.

She was married to George Armstrong for 23 years. They had two sons, Christopher, born in 1974, and Andrew T. Armstrong, born in 1994. Sue was absolutely devoted to them and to her grandsons Austin and Collin. She spent countless hours gaming remotely, before COVID, with her grandsons. Later in life George and Susan reconciled and had a good relationship. The highlight of her working career was her years as a Senior Internal Auditor for the Texas Department of Transportation in Austin.

She loved life and was a caring and generous person, putting others’ needs ahead of her own.

She was preceded in death by her mother Doris, father Harry, brother Bob, and beloved sister and partner in giggles, snickering, and other forms of irrepressible mirth, Carol. In addition to George, Christopher, Andrew, and grandsons Austin, Collin and their mother Gretchen, she is survived by her brothers Mike (Phyllis) and Bill (Mary Beth) and by her dog Peppy.

Services will be planned and announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to your own charitable cause are requested. The family would like to acknowledge the faithful support and kind assistance provided to Susan by her nephew David Hagstad, without whom her life aboard ship would not have been possible.

 

Helen Marie Naumann Spitzack '48
Helen Marie (Naumann) Spitzack, who passed away October 14, 2020, was born on August 5, 1930 in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, South India, to Lutheran missionaries, The Rev. John G.P. and Marie (Reuter) Naumann. Helen’s life journey began when her father “borrowed” a rickshaw cart and pulled her mother up a hill in the rain to get to the Van Allen Hospital, where Helen was born. For nine months of the year, she and her siblings attended elementary boarding school at Kuehne Memorial School (“Loch End”) in Kodaikanal (“Kodai”). She was later enrolled in the 1948 class at Kodaikanal International School (“Highclerc”). During breaks from school, she sometimes accompanied her father on visits to local villages to help teach Bible stories. She told many fond tales and colorful stories about her youth in India. In 1946 she came to the United States to stay when her parents brought her to the U.S. while on a furlough from their mission work.

Helen finished her high school degree and began college coursework at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato. She also completed courses and workshops at Concordia University–River Forest, Concordia University–St. Paul, and Minnesota State University–Mankato. She was in the first group of women to attend Concordia University–St. Paul. She was pulled out of college to become an emergency teacher at Trinity Lutheran Church & School–Lone Oak in Eagan, MN, and then was called to teach at Trinity Lutheran Church, North Morristown, MN. While there she met Clarence Spitzack (1924-2010), and after briefly working at E.F. Johnson in Waseca, she married him on May 2,1952 and they raised four children, actively promoting their academic, religious and musical education. Later she worked at the public school in Morristown as a secretary and teacher aide for a class of students with developmental disabilities. Later Helen again worked at Trinity Lutheran School in North Morristown as a classroom teacher, aide and art appreciation teacher.

For 35 years she volunteered as a choir director in her home congregations, Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church, both in Morristown. She was also active as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher and superintendent, as well as a leader in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML). Helen gave beginning piano lessons to children and adults in her home and threw frequent tea parties and recitals with sing-alongs for her piano students and their families. She enjoyed playing the piano, cooking Indian food, singing in Sweet Adelines, sewing, calligraphy, creating hand-made cards, drawing and painting. She was active in the Waseca Art Guild, where she participated in numerous art courses and field trips, including a trip to New York City. With a group from Wheatridge Ministries, she returned to her beloved India for a visit in the 1990s, 50 years after she had left for America. Several years after her husband’s retirement, Helen and Clarence sold the family farm in North Morristown and moved to Faribault, where after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, Clarence preceded her in death in 2010.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Eunice Nissen and Irene Cotter, and two nephews, Jeremy Nissen and Philip Ahrens. Helen is survived by three siblings: Dr. Miriam McCreary (Kenneth Kaufmann) of Mendota Heights, MN; John Naumann (Faye) of Arden Hills, MN; and Dr. Walter (Sandra) Naumann of Accident, MD; her children: James (Nancy) Spitzack of Waukesha, WI; Jonathan Spitzack of Brooklyn Center, MN; Rebecca Spitzack of Faribault, MN; and Mark Spitzack of Minneapolis; three granddaughters: Sarah (Scott) Gustafson of Waterford, WI; Laura (Nick) Jasurda of Parker, CO; Amy (Matt Meier) of Sun Prairie, WI; and five great-grandchildren: Caden, Kylie and Kasey Gustafson, and Logan and Natalie Jasurda. One of Helen’s favorite images from scripture was the cross and crown. Following in the path of Christ’s death and resurrection, she endured the crosses of this life and has now journeyed on to join Jesus in paradise and to obtain the crown prepared for her: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Rev. 2:10).

Stephen White '51
It is with sadness we report the death of Steve White, Class of 1951,  on September 16, 2020.

(Further information on Steve is welcome. Please email admin@kfi-us.org)

Tracy Gipson '59
Tracy Ann Gipson died on August 24 after a brief illness. She is survived by her daughter Michelle Mayer (Lloyd), stepson Aaron Bloom, stepdaughter Miriam Bloom, and nine grandchildren. Her husband, Bernard Bloom, and son, Ian Stewart, predeceased her. In addition, she left behind a large extended family including siblings, nieces and nephews, and countless other loved ones. Tracy was born to Marjorie and Tracy Greer Gipson on February 7, 1943, in Rochester, New York. In 1947 the family moved to India as missionaries. Tracy was graduated from Kodaikanal International School in 1959. In 1960 the family moved back to the United States and settled in Salem, Oregon.

Tracy attended Linfield College before withdrawing to marry Roger Stewart in 1962. The couple had two children, Michelle and Ian. In 1970 Tracy resumed her undergraduate education and completed it at West Chester State College in Pennsylvania in 1973. The family then moved to the Washington, D.C. area, where Tracy lived the rest of her life. She earned her JD at Washington College of Law in 1976. After a short stint as a public defender, Tracy began work at the Environmental Protection Agency, working in the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance where she was well respected, especially for her work with the Superfund. Tracy met her second husband, Bernard Bloom, while they were both working at EPA. They married in 1985 and were happily married for 35 years.

Tracy was part of the cohort of feminist women who transitioned from being homemakers to professionals, forcing a sometimes reluctant academy and profession to reckon with women as serious students and attorneys. Tracy was a life-long Democrat and active in politics. In 1972 she was a delegate for George McGovern at the Democratic National Convention. In later years she and her husband were active participants in Montgomery County Democratic politics. Tracy will be remembered by all who knew her as a loving, intelligent, wise, caring, educated and accomplished woman. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to the League of Women Voters or the League of Women Voters Education Fund.

Carsten Bjornstad, Former Staff

Carsten Olaf Bjornstad, 82, of Scranton, PA, died in the Lord on Tuesday, August 11th, 2020, in Owatonna, MN. He was born April 20th, 1938, in Missoula, Montana, to Olaf and Alice (Thompson) Bjornstad and was baptized into Christ shortly thereafter. He grew up in Minneapolis, MN, graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1956. He graduated from Jamestown College, North Dakota, with a teaching certificate and a minor in music. After teaching for a year in North Dakota, he attended the University of Minnesota and earned a master’s degree in Music History. It was there he met his wife, Karen Marie (Brooten); they were married on June 15th, 1963. After teaching for three years in the Cosmos, MN public high school, they left with their newborn son for the hill country of South India. There, in the town of Kodaikanal, he began what was to be a 10-year teaching career at a boarding school for missionaries’ children. He taught high school music and German.

After returning to the United States, Carsten studied at Concordia College, St. Paul, and by colloquy was rostered as a Director of Christian Education in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. He served congregations in Birch Run, MI, and Wausau, WI. In 1985 the family began another foreign missionary adventure in Papua New Guinea, where Carsten advised educational efforts in the highlands and later taught at the Lutheran seminary in the coastal city of Lae. In 1993 he and Karen moved to Wilmar, MN, where he served Redeemer Lutheran Church, assisting with the education program and serving as organist and music director before retiring in 2001. In his retirement, he continued to serve the church in various ways, teaching music at the Lutheran school in Hutchinson, MN and playing the organ at a Methodist church in Wilmar, MN. Carsten came to Scranton, PA, in the summer of 2015 and began his final earthly work serving as organist at Peace Lutheran Church and music and religion teacher at The Lutheran Academy. It should also be noted that throughout his “retirement” he spent significant time teaching ESL in Hong Kong, as well as serving shorter-term missions in Central and South America.

Carsten’s life was marked by the love of God in Jesus Christ. The Lord blessed him not only with an exciting and varied career, but a loving wife and four children, an engaging personality, an active mind, and many talents. Not only was he a wonderful musician who was “serviceably proficient” in several instruments, but he was beloved by his students for his playful drawings and paintings. He was a lover of the world around him, hiking most of the Appalachian Trail, attending countless concerts and visiting museums all over the world. Besides hiking, he was an avid biker; last year, at the age of 81, he pedaled almost 400 miles in 6 days across upstate New York. Most of all, the Lord blessed him through many joys and difficulties (as well as his final sickness and death) with forgiveness of sins and the resurrection promise of life everlasting.

Carsten is survived by his children: Kristian (and Monica) Bjornstad, of Mankato, MN, Harlan (and Jennifer) Bjornstad of Iowa City, IA, Jacob (and Caryn) Bjornstad of Seymour, MO, seven grandchildren; and brother Greg Bjornstad, Dubuque, IA. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Karen, and daughter Priya.

Michael "Terry" Hallaran, Former Staff

Michael Terrence Hallaran of Middlebury, known as Terry, was born April 25, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio. He died peacefully on August 7, 2020, at the age of 73 at home in Middlebury surrounded by his loving family. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012.

Terry was the son of Mary Louise Garfield Hallaran and Dr. William Richard Hallaran from Cleveland, Ohio. His brother, William Garfield Hallaran, died in 1989. He is survived by his sister, Sarah Hallaran Gramentine of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and her family. Terry’s wife of 50 years is Alice Kellogg Hallaran. They have two children, Katherine Kellogg Hallaran of Washington, D.C., and Thomas Patrick Hallaran and his wife, Clare Conway Sullivan, and two grandchildren of Madison, Wisconsin.

Terry attended Hawken School in Cleveland, Ohio and received a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University, majoring in ethnomusicology. Music and language were always a central part of Terry’s life. He studied violin at an early age, sang in Wesleyan’s glee club, participated in the Indian music program, and was a member of the Javanese Gamelan.

After graduating in 1969, Terry spent the summer learning Sanskrit and then enlisted in the Army and was admitted to the Defense Language Institute. He and Alice were married in Connecticut in 1970 while he was stationed in Monterey, California. Terry served in Vietnam from 1970-1971 as a Vietnamese translator. Upon return, he spent two years studying sciences at his alma mater with the intention of going to medical school but ended up discovering his love for physics.

He and his wife Alice spent 40 years teaching and raising their family at Westover School in Middlebury, Connecticut. Terry coached soccer and taught physics and astronomy. In 1989, Terry and his family lived in Tamil Nadu, India, where he and his wife taught sciences at the Kodaikanal International School. Upon return to Westover, Terry became director of studies and continued his teaching career.

Terry’s love of music was a theme throughout his life. At Westover, he was a member of the concert choir and participated in many musical productions, including “The Fantasticks” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” He was one of the founding members of the Everyman Guild that performed early music locally. For over 30 years Terry studied viola da gamba at Neighborhood Music School in New Haven, Connecticut, under the instruction of Grace Feldman.

Terry was known for his wisdom, passion for learning, and love of Bach. He was well-read in the philosophy and history of science and enjoyed camping, hiking, canoeing, and cooking. Over the years, Terry enjoyed scuba diving and horseback riding trips with his family to destinations that became beloved.

Marc Seger '81
“I lost a dear friend and classmate last evening, Marc Seger. I’m going to miss his sense of humor, positive attitude and kind heart. He will also be missed by the Kodai alumni community, especially those who got to know him at the Labor Day reunions in recent years. We’ll remember him whenever we are “chillaxing”… RIP, Marc.” – Lisa Lindell Hoh, ’81

Marc Logan Seger passed away peacefully in his home in Vienna, VA, on August 9 at the age of 58. Marc is survived by his wife of 32 years, Pam Seger, his son and daughter-in-law Ben and Dorothy Seger, his son Alex Seger, his two grandsons Oliver and Cole, his mother Nancy Seger, his sister and brother-in-law Susan [KIS Class of ’78] and David Crummett, and his brother Brittain Seger; along with his nieces and nephews. Marc was happiest doing projects and renovations around the house, and if he did not know how to do something he taught himself. He always knew something about everything, always had the right tool or part, and was genius at creating fixes to challenging problems. He was always willing to help family and friends as well, either with advice or actually doing a project with or for them, or fixing a computer. He enjoyed hanging out with family and friends, bowling on his Sunday league, gardening and canning his jalapeños, and each year he looked forward to his annual fishing trip with his long-time buddies as well as his annual reunion for the International school he attended as a child while living abroad. No services are scheduled at this time, and in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Inova Schar Cancer Institute.
Mary Deming Torrence '39
Memories of our mother, Mary Deming Torrence, 1920-2020 (by daughter Nancy)

Mary TorrenceImagine being only ten years old and having to take a two-day 1,000 mile train trip across India with your younger brothers in order to attend a boarding school. No wonder travel and adventure were so normal to Mary throughout her life. For those of you who only knew our mother as the sweet polite proper little lady of her later years, we want you to know that Mary was way more complex than that.

We knew Mary as the family prankster when she taught us how to short sheet a bed every April Fool’s Day. She was a musician who serenaded her kids to sleep many nights by playing Bach on the piano and who encouraged us to sing as a family in four-part harmony. She was the planner of everything fun, like early morning picnics at the Red Pyramid outside of Cairo. She was energetic and generous of her time to so many community organizations like scouts or church choirs, or in her later years to Church Women’s United, sister city projects, her Congregational church. Mary loved to travel and plan unusual activities. We once all hiked through a dark tunnel under the city of Jerusalem in waist deep icy cold water with only candles for light and that was Mary’s idea of a great outing. She and Ed took local long distance bus rides through India where Dad had to help push the bus when it got stuck in the mud. Mary climbed Mt Kilimanjaro with a group of young Swedish guys a week after Ed had climbed because she had had a cold the week before but did not want to miss the experience. She rafted through the Grand Canyon, flew across the world on a military plane carrying ammunition and she fell out of the top bunk near the landing time, signed on for a National Geographic cruise to Antarctica. Mary had us scurry through the dark passageways of a lesser known pyramid with flashlights, attend operas in Edinburgh or Greek plays in amphitheaters in Greece, swim at midnight in an ancient spring called “Cleopatra’s Bath at the Siwa Oasis in Egypt. Mary was more than a good sport who went along ior the ride. She was the creator of the ride and we her family always felt like we were somehow privileged to be invited to the party.

Mary was a devoted wife to her wonderful husband and our wonderful dad, Ed. She often turned to us as kids, when Dad left the room, and said “isn’t he the most handsome man in the world”! She and Ed were inseparable during their 32 years of retirement together, which we are sure many of you can still picture. They truly enjoyed each other’s company and they loved to entertain. Mary was perhaps not a great cook, but she did love to give dinner parties and surround herself with interesting people. When her granddaughters would stay for long visits she gave them little tea parties every afternoon. Picnics with deviled ham sandwiches were her staple fare as we traveled in the car or went to various scenic spots.

After Ed passed away in 2008, which was only three months after they had relocated to Eugene, Oregon, Mary was rather stoic in her response to her new reality of life without Ed. She always said that she accepted whatever life gave her and we must have heard her say a thousand times that she was “content”. Even in the hospice house during her last three weeks of life she still maintained that she was content.

We her children knew that she couldn’t live forever, although she gave it a pretty good shot, but we might not be as stoic as she was and say that we are content to live our lives now without our precious mother. Mary is going to be sorely missed by so many of us. She was one special lady. Gracious, funny, stubborn (no one ever wanted to know less about modern technology than she did), kind, cuteness personified, energetic, creative, loyal, family-centered and yet world aware, easy to please, easy to be with and the most loving mother one could ask for. Thank you, Mary, for your life well lived.

A copy of Mary’s obituary may be viewed here: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizen-times/obituary.aspx?pid=196544344

Dickson "Dick" Tenney '60
Dick Tenney of Springfield, VA died on July 20, 2020 of complications following a cardiovascular procedure earlier this month. He was the son of W. Davidson Tenney, Sr. and Evelyn Kuhnle Tenney, born in New York City and raised in Silver Spring, MD. He was schooled in India where his father was posted with the U.S. Department of State.

Dick graduated from Johns Hopkins University after which he joined the Foreign Service and served in Spain, Mexico and Colombia. He then earned an MA in Economics from George Washington University and moved to the Department of Commerce (NTIS) from which he retired in 2001. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Maria Eugenia “Genie” Tenney and his brother, W. Davidson Tenney “David.”

Sridharan Ramsait '76

T.P.S.H Sridharan Ramsait “Sri” was born in 1958 in Mukudal, Tamil Nadu to T.P.S. Hariram Sait and Rukkumani. His father T.P.S. Hariram Sait owned the biggest beedi factory in south India at the time. He was also an accomplished Carnatic singer. Sri was the first-born son, having an older sister Chandrika and three younger brothers. He grew up as the privileged son, well taken care of, and spoiled until he came to Kodai in first grade. Possibly this huge transition taught him to be content with what he had. Here Sri is on the left in 1st grade in the Kodai Eucy 1965 year book.

Sri was an icon in Kodai, and was always there for every grade even though many of his classmates came and went. His quiet, gentle spirit was an integral part of our class throughout the years. In high school he became the most enthusiastic photographer, with his ever-present camera and telescopic lens forever focusing in on multiple subjects. True, some of the pictures were of the wonderful scenery of the Palni hills, but many were of other “scenic attractions!”

His self-taught skill at playing the electric guitar made him a valuable member of various bands including one that was part of a talent show that saved our class from bankruptcy! His love of the guitar – think Jimmy Hendrix – carried on through his life, and he was still a member of a band in Bangaluru that would perform for the annual company celebrations

Niru Rao writes about his good friend, “I first met Sri at Kodaikanal International School in grade 9 and we both graduated with the Class of ’76. After graduation, we went our separate ways not knowing if any of us would ever meet again as most classmates went to colleges in the west. I was destined to join a college in Bengaluru and was absolutely delighted to hear that Sri had enrolled at St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru. I quickly reconnected with him and from that time on our friendship really blossomed. College was a far cry from our fun days at KIS and so we would meet almost every day at either his YMCA room, the famous Brigade – MG Road, or at my aunt’s place in Koramangala, doing our best to adjust into the system, which we finally did. It didn’t matter how long we’d been apart, we would always pick up right where we left off every time we would meet.”

Post-college Sri headed back to Mukudal, got married to Chitra and both started a small enterprise in Kodaikanal.  They had two lovely children, Shriram, who is now a Technical Lead software engineer in Bengaluru, and Prathibha, who is a Senior Risk Analyst at Ernest and Young in Thiruvananthapuram.

Due to personal reasons, Sri shifted to Bengaluru and since then worked as a medical transcriptionist for a multi-national company (MNC) serving doctors in the USA. He told me his time in Kodai really prepared him to understand all the different accents for which he had to transcribe!

Apart from his love for his guitar and photography, Sri was a big time biker. He loved his ‘Bullet’ Royal Enfield and cruised numerous times from Bengaluru to his home in Mukudal, the hills and back. Some ten years ago, he decided to sell the bike on account of the Bengaluru traffic.

Niru reports, “On 15th July, 2020 I received a call from Shriram informing me that his dad was lying on the floor and not breathing. Unfortunately, I could only morally support Shriram over the phone because of the lockdown. He however mustered up courage, took charge with the support of his friends and neighbours and contacted a doctor who talked him through the process and declared that Sri had passed on due to a massive cardiac arrest. Shriram, through remote guidance, his mother Chitra and sister Pratibha, completed the last rites.”

Sri is survived by his elder sister, Chandrika, two brothers, Mahesh &  Kathiresh and his  two loving children Shriram and Pratibha.   He will be sorely missed by so many and we are so blessed to have known him.

– The Class of 1976

Bruce Carman '56

It is with great sadness we heard of the passing of a dear friend, colleague and classmate Bruce Carman (Class of 1956) on June 14, 2020, in Meridian, Idaho. A memorial service will be held on August 8, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. at Meridian First Baptist Church. He is survived by wife Donna, daughter Catherine (Class of 1987, David (Class of 1987), Leela (Class of 1992) and Sarala (Class of 1992).

Daughter Leela Fryer writes: “My Dad was: taller than life, an inspiration, my hero. He was quiet at times, but could speak to me with the quietness in his eyes or the way he would hug me. He gave us the world (and the bug for overseas travel). He was a great example of how a father should be. He LOVED the Lord, He LOVED his wife and he LOVED his family. He will be remembered by so many, for there were so many lives that he touched. Most likely it was through his gracious servant’s heart!”

 

Charlotte "Lottie" Oberheu Taake '43
Lottie Taake died peacefully at her home near Ullin on Thursday, May 28, 2020. She was born on July 14, 1924, the second child of seven children born to the Rev. Gerhard Oberheu and Nellie E. Schlothauer Oberheu. All seven children were born in Trivandrum, India, where Rev. Oberheu spent 23 years as a Lutheran missionary. Lottie went to Kodaikanal International School, in Tamil Nadu, India, a boarding school for the missionary families.

Lottie, along with her mother and siblings, left India to come to the United States in May of 1942 as World War II was threatening India. Lottie finished high school at Paducah Tilghman High School in Paducah, Kentucky, and attended Murray State University in Murray, Ky., where she received a bachelor of science degree in home economics. She then taught home economics for one year at Tamaroa High School in Tamaroa and a year at Gore School in Olmsted.

Lottie met Clarence Taake of Ullin. The couple were married on July 23, 1949, at Saint Luke’s Lutheran Church in Olmsted by Lottie’s father, Rev. Oberheu, who was the pastor of Saint Luke’s at that time. Lottie and Clarence purchased the New Hope School, remodeling it as a place to raise their four children. It is there they lived for over 50 years.

Lottie was a 4-H club leader for the New Hope 4-H Club and Pulaski County chairman of the American Heart Association. For many years she was a member of the Pulaski-Alexander County Farm Bureau, where she served on their women’s committee.  She was also a judge for the Pulaski County Fair and a past member of Pulaski County Homemaker’s Extension.

Lottie was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marion, where she is known for spearheading their Angels for Christmas program, coming up with different angel designs to mail and pass out to the community advertising the church’s upcoming Christmas programs. She was a founding member of the church’s quilting group, making quilts for Lutheran World Relief and a member of WELCA.

Lottie is survived by her children; Pam Hannan of Ullin, Mark (Donna) Taake of Cape Girardeau, Beverly (Duke) Noble of Lincoln and Roger (Patrizia Perrone) of Portici, Italy.

Lottie also is survived by her grandchildren, Tracy Aranico, Jennifer (Alan) Dolan, Rachel Hannan, John (Aly) Hannan, Rebecca Tally, Kari (Eric) Starzinger, Erin (Clay) Randol, Tatyana (John) Keeler, Lena Taake, Alex Taake and Yefry Taake; by her great-grandchildren: Blake, Carly, and Grant Aranico, Will Dolan, Myla Hannan, Layton and Lydia Randol, and Anastasia Jameson. And by her brothers: John C. Oberheu of Jacksonville, Florida, Victor (Jane) Oberheu of Danville, Virginia, and Stuart L. Oberheu of St. Louis, Missouri.

Lottie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clarence; her sisters Antoinette Oberheu, Irene Strelow and Anita Landmeier; sisters-in-law Lucy Oberheu, Susan Oberheu and Sarah Taake; brothers-in-law John Landmeier, George Kenneth Taake and William F. (Bill) Taake; and a son-in-law William F. (Fred) Hannan.

Known for her large garden, Lottie’s gooseberry pies and zucchini relish were highly requested. Lottie loved the Lord, her family, her church family, sewing, cooking, and chocolate ice cream.

Doug Hostetter '84
Douglas Hostetter, 55, died at Glen Cove, NY Hospital on Sunday, April 26, a victim of COVID-19. He was the son of Milton and Barbara Hostetter of New Holland, PA. Born in Stony Brook, NY in 1964, he attended the local elementary school, then spent 8 years at The Bancroft School in Haddonfield, NJ. He lived for the past 32 years in a group home in Great Neck, NY.

For a number of years Douglas worked in a sheltered workshop in Freeport, NY, and more recently was part of a team delivering Meals-on-Wheels and shopping for senior citizens in the Great Neck community. Douglas was also a faithful member of The Community Church of Great Neck.

Doug is survived by his parents, Milton and Barbara, former KIS staff members, as well as his brother Michael (KIS Class of 1980) and sister-in-law Janice of Roswell, GA, a niece Erica and husband Dillon Wood of Kansas City, MO, and a nephew Clayton Hostetter and wife Nicole of Houston, TX, as well as many other relatives.

 

Katherine Ella Hume Reif '41

Katherine Ella (Hume) Reif died peacefully on April 18, 2020, at the age of 96, in Newton, MA. A reserved woman with a twinkle in her eye, she exemplified the proverb, “Still waters run deep.”

Kathy was born in 1924 to medical missionaries in Wai, India and lived there until the age of 13. She was the youngest of three and recalled her childhood with pleasure – peacocks, monkeys and roses in the garden, ice cream frozen with hailstones, badminton games, hiking in the local hills. She attended high school in the US and studied child development at Mt. Holyoke and Wheelock Colleges. She earned a PhD in child psychology from B.U. and worked as a school psychologist in the Newton Public School System for many years.

She was an avid hiker, canoeist and cross-country skier. She met her husband, Arnold Reif, on an AMC outing in Maine, where he helped her cross the notorious “knife edge” atop Mt. Katahdin. They married in 1979 and bought a home on Morses Pond in Wellesley, which they enjoyed for many years | working, kayaking, entertaining friends and family, and being good neighbors. Kathy had a lively intellect and kept up with local and international news. She was a quiet but engaging conversationalist, with interesting opinions and a wide range of knowledge. She lived lightly on the earth, at a calm pace. She never drove, but took long walks daily. She rose early and listened to classical music as she prepared her breakfast. She read and cared for her garden. She enjoyed listening to Arnold play piano in the evenings. She was a kind grandmother and supportive friend to his sons.

Kathy and Arnold moved to The Falls, in Newton, in 2016; Arnold passed away in 2018. The family is grateful to the staff for their excellent care, and to the hospice team at Hebrew Senior Life for their support during Kathy’s final days. Kathy leaves her stepson John Reif and his wife Jane Anderson, of Durham, NC; her step-granddaughters Katie Reif of Seattle, WA and Emily Reif of Somerville, MA; several nieces and nephews, and close family friends Peter Fortini of Wellesley and Peter Murphy of Gilsum, NH, who were faithful visitors and helpers for many years.

Coach Kasinathan, Former Staff
(From Alan Joseph, Class of ’87)

Coach Kasinathan came to Kodai around 1983. He became our second coach, joining Coach Sam Balachander. He was a great addition, complementing the existing sports scene at school with different ideas and energy.

He and his wife became the dorm parents for Wissy Dorm, at that time a boys’ dorm. They were our parents away from home. There were many times on a quiet lazy weekend afternoon when we kids could sit back and chill with him and his family.

He had two sons, Jojo (Class of 1985) and our dear friend and classmate, Thambo (Class of 1987). Lyn, their third boy, was born in the mid-80s.

Coach Kasi and Coach Balachander were a great team, engaging us boarders to get involved with all the school activities, especially sports. Intramurals and our inter-school activities flourished. Personally, there were many similarities between him and my dad, and I responded well to his motivation and teaching. Some of his lessons have helped me throughout life and I am forever grateful and privileged to have had a mentor like him. He will be missed.

 

Darlene Oliver '72
It is with sadness we heard of the sudden passing of Darlene Oliver, Class of ’72, on April 1, 2020. Darlene’s Kodai family included her brother Hal, Class of ’65, and her sisters Terri, Class of ’66, Beverly, Class of ’67, and Denise (Patrice), Class of ’71.

Image may contain: 5 people, including Terri Oliver-Crabbe, people standing and closeup
Left to right: Terri, Ian, Darlene, Beverly, Patrice

Harold Humble, KIS Principal 1967-1970
Harold Ryder HumbleHarold Ryder Humble, age 95, of Dearborn, formerly of Farmington, Mason and Grand Haven, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2020. He was born June 23, 1924 in Detroit to Joseph and Ethel Mary (Ryder) Humble. Both parents were from England and his father was a foreman at Henry Fords Rouge Steel Plant. He attended Detroit’s Southwestern High School, where he was a star runner and lettered in Track and Field. Pearl Harbor was attacked when Harold was a senior in high school, and he immediately knew he would have to enlist. Upon graduation he was sent to officers training, but was later transferred to the 10th Mountain Division to manage and train pack mules. He was deployed to northern Italy, where the rough mountainous terrain dictated that mules carry the artillery. He and the mules must not have gotten along, as he disliked mules for the rest of his life. When the war ended, he remained in Italy as part of the 5th Army Track and Field Team, where he competed in individual and relay races against other Allied military track teams. He received many medals and official commendations for his athletic successes. He was discharged from the Army in 1946 and entered Western Michigan University. At Western he was the Captain of the Track and Field team and won many medals, most for the 440, his best event. He tried out for the Olympics at Madison Square Garden and came very close to qualifying. He later earned a Masters Degree from The University of Michigan. While at Western he met Norma Jane Hooper. They were married in 1949 and by 1958 had four children (Susan, John, Jeff and Steve) and had moved to Farmington, Michigan. Harold was a math and science teacher for the Farmington School District and coached track and basketball, became the Assistant Principal of Farmington High School in 1958, and in 1961 became the first Principal of the new North Farmington High School. He was proud to have initiated some of the first high school female sports teams, and always had great affection for the staff and students of North Farmington. In 1967 he and the family moved to Kodaikanal, India, where he was the Principal of Kodaikanal School, a K-12 American-accredited boarding school in the hills of South India with 300 American and international students from all over the world. His many adventures there included hiking in wild elephant country and visiting the Taj Mahal. After returning to the U.S., in 1970, Harold spent the rest of his career as a front office administrator with various school districts. When he retired, he and Jane moved to Grand Haven, Michigan, where he served on the Board of the Tri-Cities Historical Museum and other city committees. He and Jane were also members of the United Methodist Church of the Dunes. In 2013 they moved to Henry Ford Village in Dearborn. Harold had many friends in all of the places the family lived. He loved woodworking, followed current events, and was especially interested in history, astronomy, and antique cars. He maintained his curiosity and thirst for knowledge until the very end of his life. He was a gentle, intelligent and caring man of great character. He lived by the following words, which were taped to his dresser mirror so that he would see them every day: Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can As long as ever you can.

He is greatly missed by his children Susan Sridharan (Sridhar), John (Janet), Jeff (Janell) and Steve (Carolyn), grandchildren Mali, Kasey, Kyle, Cameron, Katie, Julia and Cole, extended family, and good friends. Family will receive friends Sunday, March 15 from 2 – 4 p.m. in the Edison Room at Henry Ford Village, 15101 Ford Rd (at Greenfield Rd), Dearborn.

 

Sheela Menon, Former Staff
Sheela Menon, who taught IB English and TOK at KIS from 1995 – 2010, passed away on February 1, 2020.

Divija Mohan (Class of 2011) in her Facebook post writes: “If there was ever anything Sheela Menon taught me, it was in the priceless value of being yourself. In a small classroom in the old middle school of KIS, she would coax me out of my books to converse in Tamil. In a place where very few read, she always encouraged us book worms to ask more, seek more and of course, read more.

It is hard to describe the impact she had on me. She went beyond being a teacher, and was more a guiding light in my life. Charismatic, charming, full of ideas and opinions, Sheila Menon was someone I could listen to talk for hours without pause… I admired how much she gave to her students, she used to host extra IB English classes for the SL kids, something no one else I knew did at that time, but she always understood the value of literature, and that was where we really connected.”

Sheela’s students and colleagues will always treasure her truly charismatic personality and the learned discussions had with her. Her passion for the literature will continue to inspire us all. Our hearts and prayers go out to her husband Pramod Menon, and children, Tara Menon (KIS Class of 2005) and Aditya Menon (KIS Class of 2009).
–  Taken from KIS Alumni Association Facebook Page

 

Bimal Sheth '85
It is with sadness we report the death of Bimal Sheth, Class of 1985, in February of 2020.

(Further information on Bimal is welcome. Please email admin@kfi-us.org)

 

Jane Hatch '56
Jane was in grade school in Kodai part time and then from 7th grade through high school. She was an excellent student, the head of social activity planning, a very good actress and a very vivacious member of our class. Jane had a wonderful voice and perfect pitch and also was Kodai’s only ever harp player. Her mother was our beloved English teacher our senior year . At some point after leaving Kodai, Jane became ”Sheri” to all her family and friends. Jane attended Barnard College. She was married to an anthropology teacher and they worked together in Central America for a period. After their divorce they remained good friends. Jane settled in Guadalajara, Mexico, where she was a member of the Guadaluests. Over the last ten years, she had several visitors from Kodai classmates of ’56 at her home in Mexico. She died peacefully in her sleep in mid-January 2020, attended by her long- time partner, Leo. She is survived by a daughter, living in Mexico, and by a son in California. She will be missed!

 

Mary Johnson - Former Staff
Mary Margaret Johnson went to be with her heavenly father on January 20, 2020. She was born August 29, 1929 in Lacrosse Wisconsin to Guy and Ruth Anderson. She was raised in the small town of Galesville Wisconsin and enjoyed many activities in her younger years. Scouts, music, choir, student government all kept her very busy. She attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and was part of their prestigious traveling Nordic Choir. She decided there that nursing was her desired direction and took her training for the RN at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis. She then went on to the University of Wisconsin to get a BS degree in nursing education and ward management. It was there, working at the student infirmary, that she confronted one of her patients in for knee surgery. She called him a “chicken” for notifying his doctor of a past allergic reaction to penicillin which resulted in post-operative pills rather than shots in the tail. His retort was to ask her out for coffee; — this was the beginning of a 65-year love story. She and Ben Johnson were married July of 1954. They left Wisconsin when Ben received his degree and accepted a job at Hanford to get industrial experience before teaching engineering. Their thought of only staying a couple of years stretched a bit, and they have called the Tri-Cities home ever since. Mary worked at Kadlec Hospital when it was only a barracks, but after starting a family, decided not to return to nursing. She spent many years working part time as an aid and reading room coordinator at Vista elementary in Kennewick. Family and friends were an important part of Mary’s life. In addition to her many volunteer activities, she was active in Southside church choir and Sunday school, Vista women’s club, as well as a group of neighborhood friends that met for sewing every week/month for the past 53 years. Her kids and grandkids brought her great joy and she loved spending time with them playing cards, words games or puzzles until the challenges of macular degeneration made that difficult.

Prior to retirement Ben and Mary enjoyed some fascinating trips to India, Europe, Turkey, Russia and elsewhere. They particularly enjoyed trekking in Nepal, and the Karakorum Mountains/Hunza Valley of Pakistan. She was always game for an adventure. In early retirement she and Ben volunteered a number of times teaching at an International Christian school in the mountains of South India. Later in retirement health issues limited their travel. Mary is survived by her husband Ben Johnson, son Dan (Patty) from Renton WA, grandsons David (Ellie), Matthew, Josh, Tim and her daughter Judy (Reed) Simpson of Pasco WA. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Tri-City Chaplaincy Healthcare. A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 1 at 2:00pm at Southside United Protestant Church, 517 Jadwin Ave in Richland WA.

M. Paul Nelson '69

The Rev. Dr. Marvin Paul NelsonThe Rev. Dr. Marvin Paul Nelson loved and served God and God’s people. He was born Nov. 11, 1951, in the Presbyterian Mission Hospital in Miraj, India. He died Jan. 20, 2020, at his home in Woodstock, having had the joy of preaching and serving as senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Woodstock, for 19 years. He retired in January 2019 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Paul grew up in India, where his parents, Marvin and Elsie Nelson, were Presbyterian missionaries. The family returned to the U.S. for yearlong furloughs when he was 2, 8, and 14. Those growing-up years living in India, visiting villages with his father, and feeling the needs of others were formative. His dad died when Paul was 14.

His formal education started at the age of 7 when he joined other mission children at the international boarding school in Kodaikanal, India, 500 miles from his family. He was very scholarly and loved learning. He went on to earn an undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in chemistry from Whitworth College, Spokane, Wash., a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif., and a Doctorate of Ministry from the University of Dubuque Seminary, Iowa. Paul met Sally Anne Thomas at Whitworth in 1969. Both were freshmen. They married Dec. 28, 1971, in Redwood City, Calif. In 1973, Paul took Sally to India for three months on the $1,000 his mother gave them for graduation.

Paul was adventurous. Mountains were for hiking and skiing. The ocean was for scuba diving. The world was to be visited. Information was to be gained. Jobs were to be tried. Paul relished on-the-job training. Lack of experience never deterred him from trying something new.
He was a golf and running enthusiast. He played and taught golf when he could and ran for enjoyment and competed in many marathons.
By the time he went to seminary, the Nelson family numbered four – sons Tim and Jamie were part of the fold. To finance seminary, Sally worked and Paul started a painting business. It was said he had the most theologically trained painting staff anywhere. In fact, several of his painters, who also needed money for seminary, eventually became professors and presidents of seminaries. Before ordination, Paul worked at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Seattle and First Presbyterian Church in Lawton, Okla. After ordination and before coming to Woodstock, Paul served at two California churches – First Presbyterian, Richmond, and Village Community Presbyterian, Rancho Santa Fe.

Daughter Annie, was 8 when Paul accepted the call to Woodstock. Paul introduced and endeared himself to the new congregation at a prayer service the day following 9/11. He guided the congregation through the building of its new church on North Route 47 and leaving the historical church building on West Calhoun Street. He fostered a permission-giving spirit of involvement, service, and programming at the church, and he fulfilled his calling to preach and teach. He skillfully used his multitude of life experiences as sermon illustrations. He was held in high esteem by other clergy and served on numerous Presbytery committees.

Having grown up without ice cream in India, it was his favorite dessert. His grandchildren remember with love the giant scoops dipped for them by Papa Paul.

Paul had a wonderful smile, and his laughter was contagious. He loved God, his family, and life. And he was loved.
Survivors include his wife, Sally; sons Timothy Luke Nelson (Summer Hatfield Nelson) and Jamie Aaron Nelson (Sara Murphy Nelson); daughter Annie Kathleen Nelson; grandchildren Perry, Mila, and Zaria Nelson and Max and Oliver Nelson; sisters Kathleen Winet (Terry) and Martha Gady (Steve); and brother Timothy Allen Nelson (Dawn). He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, at First Presbyterian Church, Woodstock, 2018 N. Route 47. The Rev. Cindy Carlisle, the Rev. Dr. Daniel Meyer, and the Rev. Jeff Borgerson will officiate. An ice cream social will follow the service.
Memorials can be made to the Miraj Medical Center, India, through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A. ), P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700, or at pma.pcusa.org.

Penny Petersen Kazmierski '84
Penelope Esther Kazmierski was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota on June 22, 1966. She was one of five children born from the union of Merlin Petersen and Doris (Wacker) Petersen. Growing up in a home with Christian Missionary parents, Penny became rooted strongly in her own faith.   Because of the rigorous requirements of her parents calling the family lived in many different communities.   Penny would graduate from Kodaikanal International High School. She would later attend Valparaiso University in Indiana earning her Bachelor Degree in International Communications in 1989.

She married Kurt Kazmierski on October 16, 1993 in Lombard, Illinois. From this union would come the birth of two children:  Katrina and Sean.   For many years, Penny cared for the needs of her husband and children as a homemaker. She was diligent in her responsibilities and her children warmly referred to her as “Mama Llama”!

Penny had a lifelong love for learning and reading. She had many varied interests and often read books with Science Fiction and Fantasy being her favorite. For the past fourteen years, Penny had been employed by Monroe County Library System first as a Library Clerk and later worked at the Daume Distribution Center overseeing inter-library loans and the book club.

Penny enjoyed travel, she loved to visit the tropics and had expressed her desire to one day even have a home there Her favorite place to visit was the Caribbean and Jamaica. It should come as no surprise that Jimmy Buffet would be her favorite musical artist.

Penny was a self-described hermit. Although she made friends wherever she went and actually quite easily, she truly was just as happy to stay to herself in the comfort of her own home. Staying true to her faith she had attended Grace, Zion, and Trinity Lutheran Churches while living in Monroe.

Penelope Esther “Penny” Kazmierski, age 53, of Monroe passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, January 12, 2020. Her passing was preceded by a nephew: Lucas Petersen. To cherish her memory she leaves a daughter:  Katrina Kazmierski (Caleb Donaldson) of Lisle, Illinois; a son:  Sean Kazmierski of Monroe; her former spouse: Kurt Kazmierski of Monroe; her parents: Merlin and Doris Petersen of Martinsville, Indiana; two brothers: Enoch (Kristen) Petersen of Springfield, Illinois and Phillip Petersen of Martinsville, Indiana; two sisters:  Elizabeth (Scott) Harmon of Valparaiso, Indiana and Cassandra “Cass” (Brett) Minor of Vietnam; five nieces and nephews: Sydney Petersen, Jubal Harmon, Zion Harmon, Willow Petersen, and Piper Petersen

2019

John N. Chatfield '59

Dr. John Norville Chatfield Jr., MD, MBA, age 78, of Colorado Springs, CO, died peacefully in his sleep at Bear Creek Senior Living on November 29th 2019.

The funeral service will be held on Friday December 13th at 2:00 pm at Gateway Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Dr. Victoria Isaacs will be officiating. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Swan Law Funeral Home.

John was born in Houston Texas in 1941 to John N. Chatfield Sr. and Kathryn Bone. John’s family moved to Bombay India when his father was stationed overseas as a chemical engineer for Humble Oil. While in India, John attended the Kodaikanal International School in Tamil Nadu. This formative experience abroad was a strong influence throughout his life. John returned to the United States to attend Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA, then obtained his undergraduate degree from Rice University in Houston Texas, and his medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas Texas. He completed his medical training as an obstetrician/gynecologist at Parkland Medical Center also in Dallas. In his final year of medical residency, he met and married his wife, Elizabeth (Liz) Bukaty. John served 2 years of military service in the Army with the Berry Plan, which brought him and Liz to Fort Carson. Following his military service, he remained in Colorado Springs and started his obstetrics/gynecology practice in 1974. John loved the work he did over 2 decades performing the “happy medicine” of caring for women and delivering babies into the world. Following a traumatic brain injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident in 1992, John retired from the practice of medicine. In his “retirement” he obtained an MBA at UCCS, took many courses at Colorado College and UCCS, traveled, and pursued his passion for mountain climbing, successfully summiting all 54 Fourteeners in Colorado. John fulfilled a dream of returning to India to visit Kodaikanal and then on to Tibet to trek to the base of Mt. Everest.

John was married to Liz for 48 years. Together they enjoyed travel throughout the US and abroad. He was an active member of his church and was fulfilled by his volunteer work with the Colorado Democratic Party, Ecumenical Social Ministries, the Prison Fellowship program, and the Brain Injury Alliance Colorado. We will remember John whenever we eat (extra spicy) Indian food, are tempted to take home the tortilla chips from a Mexican restaurant, or play one of his Beatles, Dylan or Rolling Stones records.

John is survived by his wife, Liz, his children David Hughes and Kathryn Collier, his son-in-law Curtis Coughlin II, two grandchildren: Roxie and Josephine Coughlin, his brother Robert, sister-in-law Carol and niece Miranda Chatfield. John’s extended family includes his surviving aunt, Dr. Mary Alice Bone Adamson, and many cousins of the Bone family, also known as the Loved Ones.

The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice, Bear Creek Senior Living (formerly Brookdale) for the excellent care and comfort they provided to John in the final year of his life.

Pamela Scudder Wall '64
Pamela Scudder Wall, KIS Class of ‘64, passed away on August 25, 2019, at the age of 73.

She will be dearly missed by her children Nathan Wall and Colleen (John) Dillner; grandchildren Camryn and Mikayla Dillner; brother Ted Scudder (KIS class of ‘68); and many more family and friends. She is reunited in Heaven with her loving husband of 33 years, Lacy Wall; as well as with her siblings Marilyn (KS Class of ‘56) and Lewis Scudder (KS Class of ‘58).

Pamela was born in Kuwait, the daughter of medical missionaries. She attended boarding school with her siblings in Kodaikanal, India, and on breaks traveled the world until ultimately moving to the US for college. She devoted herself to a lifelong career as a teacher. Pamela was great at connecting with elementary age children and always had a special place in her heart for kids with special needs. Her friends and family will remember her beautiful garden and the weekends she spent getting her hands dirty. She was always active in her church and regularly welcomed the community into her home for Bible study.

Above all, however, Pamela will be remembered as a loving mom and caregiver.

Jack Foster Scott '65
Jack Foster Scott ObituarySeptember 23, 1946 – July 17, 2019

Jack Foster Scott, a renowned photographer and friend of the people and places of the Outer Banks, died in Raleigh on July 17, 2019, following a prolonged illness.

Born on September 23, 1946, in Sri Lanka to Jack and Catherine Scott, Foster’s early years were spent in Bombay and Madras, India, where his father worked for Standard Oil Company and where Foster attended Kodaikanal International School.

Foster arrived in the United States in the 1960s to attend high school at Valley Forge Military Academy in Pennsylvania. In 1969 he graduated from the University of Richmond, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, Omicron Chapter. Soon after, he joined the Wendell Powell Studio in Richmond to hone his craft under esteemed portrait photographer Wendell Powell.

Photography suited Foster, a fiercely independent man and an intuitive observer. He arrived in the Outer Banks in 1972 for a three-year stay that ultimately stretched to almost four decades. On the coast, he combined his professional and personal passions by spending his time on, in and near the water, documenting the ordinary and extraordinary lives of his fellow barrier islanders.

As a news and feature photographer for The Coastland Times, he tracked the major events and daily happenings of the region; he highlighted the beauty of the area for the Dare County Tourist Bureau; and his freelance work captured wedding photos for countless couples and brought images of the Outer Banks nature, wildlife and people to the world beyond. His work has appeared in numerous books and his extensive library of Outer Banks scenes, images and portraits, capturing the subtle evolution of the Outer Banks over more than two decades is archived at the Outer Banks History Center in Manteo.

As the official photographer for Paul Green’s outdoor drama The Lost Colony during the 1970s, he photographed dignitaries, celebrities and political figures attending performances, as well as countless local cast members. His work appeared on TLC promotional materials, posters and post cards distributed throughout the southeastern United States.

From 1986 through 2001, he served as the Buildings and Grounds Supervisor for the Town of Nags Head, finding enjoyment in beautifying and maintaining the beaches for tourists and locals alike.

Foster spent his free time exploring the remote beaches and islands of the Outer Banks, and kayaking through inlets, waterways, and wildlife refuges. He cycled the roads and bike paths on Roanoke and Hatteras islands, and relaxed on the beaches of Nags Head with a Time magazine in hand. He swam and body surfed in the Atlantic Ocean, and enjoyed annual excursions to explore, relax and unwind with friends in Negril, Jamaica.

Foster is survived by his daughter Catherine Scott Lackey and husband Major of Raleigh, and their two children Brode and Eliza; his sisters Cyril Plessinger of Odessa, Florida, and Catherine Koch of Lyon, France; and two nephews, a niece and their families.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks for the kindness and love shown by so many as he navigated the challenges of Parkinson’s disease, especially the stellar care team at Brighton Gardens; medical professionals of Raleigh Neurology and Doctors Making Housecalls; his cheerleaders in the pool at Rex Wellness Center of Raleigh; caregivers Rosa Murimi, Rhoda Njeru, and Brenda Tribbey and finally the exceptional nurses and support team of Transitions LifeCare.

A private memorial service will be held for family at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to Transitions LifeCare at 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or www.transitionslifecare.org/donate.

Phyllis Buehner Duesenberg '50

Duesenberg, Phyllis Evelyn (nee Buehner), June 12, 2019. Born and raised in Travancore (now Kerala), India, the daughter of missionaries. Beloved wife of 63 years of Richard W. Duesenberg; dear mother of Karen, Daryl, Mark, and David Duesenberg; loving grandmother of Michael, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Andrew, McKinzie, Abigail, and Anna. Dear sister-in-law, mother-in-law, and friend to many.

She began her career as a teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School in Valparaiso, Indiana and at Hamden Hall Country Day School in Connecticut.

Phyllis dedicated a lifetime of service to the Lutheran church. She served for more than 20 years on the boards of directors of the Lutheran Music Program and the Concordia Historical Institute and she was a co-founder of the “Bach at the Sem” program at Concordia Seminary St. Louis. She energetically promoted the arts, including by arranging for renowned choirs from Germany to perform sacred choral works in the United States and, along with her husband, securing major works of art for the Valparaiso University Brauer Museum of Art.

Memorial donations appreciated to Valparaiso University, give.valpo.edu

Memorial Service anticipated at a later date. Please visit boppchapel.com for more information.

Denis Patrick Lynch '69
Denis Patrick Lynch, D.D.S., Ph.D., passed away on Friday, May 24, 2019, at the age of 67. He was born in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1951. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Utah. Dr. Lynch graduated from the University of California San Francisco with a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree in 1976, where he also completed an internship in the Division of Oral Medicine, Department of Oral Biology. He completed his residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology in 1978, and received his Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Pathology in 1986, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Lynch joined the faculty of the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston in 1981, eventually serving as Executive Associate Dean. In 1993 he joined the University of Tennessee, Memphis, as Executive Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry and served as both Professor of Dentistry and Professor of Medicine until 2002. He served as Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, WI, from 2002 to 2015. He was Professor in the Department of Surgical Sciences at Marquette University School of Dentistry and Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. from 2015 until his passing.

Dr. Lynch authored numerous scientific articles and book chapters, as well as co-author of The Mouth: Diagnosis and Treatment. In 2009 Dr. Lynch was the 72nd recipient of the UCSF Dental Alumni Association Medal of Honor. He was awarded a University Doctorate, honors causa, from the Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timisoara, Romania. Dr. Lynch was inducted into the Irish 100, comprised of the 100 most influential educators with Irish heritage in the United States. He was an examiner for the Faculty of Dentistry of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Dr. Lynch was an active member of Psi Omega, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, the American Dental Education Association, the Chicago Dental Society, the Greater Milwaukee Dental Association, the Wisconsin Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, the Dental Forum of Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Odontological Academy, the American Association for Dental Research, the International Association for Dental Research, and Sigma Xi. He was also an active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Friends of St. Patrick.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Monica, their two daughters, Sydney (Chris) Kellenberger, and Shannon (Eric) Maki, and five grandchildren.

Memorials can be made to Marquette University School of Dentistry, 1801 West Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI, 53233, attention: Mr. David O’Neill.

Lorin Hunt - Former Staff

It is with great sadness that we share the news of Lorin Hunt’s passing on May 6, 2019.

Lorin Irving Hunt May 6, 2019 Lorin Irving Hunt, 80, of Chittenango, passed away on May 6, 2019. He is predeceased by his parents Stuart Hunt and Evelyn Hunt (nee Case) of Central New York; and a brother, Roderick Hunt (Louann), of Oregon. Lorin is survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous cherished friends. A retired high school music teacher, he will be remembered for his zest for life, his laughter, and his love of playing pipe organs. Travel was one of Lorin’s greatest passions which he documented in real-time through detailed and colorful letters and emails to a wide audience of bedazzled followers, always authored with the pen name of “Safari Man”. Lorin ventured to numerous far-flung destinations around the world, and he was thrilled to embark on one last trip to his beloved India in the weeks preceding his death, with a final email sent from the the seaside, along the Bay of Bengal. At Lorin’s request, there will be no formal service or calling hours, but his family encourages personal remembrances among his many friends, both close to home and abroad. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lorin’s memory may be made to Heifer International, a global organization that works with communities to end world hunger and poverty and care for the Earth. Visit www.heifer.org for more details. For guest book, please visit: www.SCHEPPFAMILY.com

John H. Tegenfeldt '64
(B. April 3, 1947 Oak Park, Illinois    D. February 25, 2019  Palm Desert, California)

The Kodai Community has been shocked by the news of the sudden and untimely death of one of its dear sons, John H. Tegenfeldt, on February 25, 2019. An avid sportsman, he died while playing pickle ball in Palm Desert, California.  My wife and I still remember a wonderful lunch in Seattle just a few years ago with “Teg” and his lovely wife, Diane. Both were glowing with health, so this news is a blow to the solar plexus.

His death has cut short the life of an eminent health care professional, a loving husband to Diane (whom he married in 1997), a devoted father to his three sons Aron, Karl, and Ryan, and a dear friend to many.  These fine young men are the offspring of his twenty year marriage with Helen Kline, a classmate at Kodai.  After graduating from Kodai High School in 1964, Teg earned a B.A. in economics and political science from Bethel College in Saint Paul, MN, in 1968; and went on to receive a M.A. in Hospital Administration from the University of Minnesota in 1975. In between these programs, he spent two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal.

In 1979 he became President and CEO of the British Columbia Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, a position he held until 1996.  For five years he was CEO of the Beijing Toronto International Hospital in China, and then was named Deputy Minister of Health Planning for the Province of British Columbia.  Following this government assignment, he has served as an international health care consultant.

I did not know Teg in any of these professional capacities.  I knew him as a very dear friend.  He was my longtime roommate at Kodai.  Indeed, we became “blood brothers” in our own secret ritual.  And he was the Best Man at my wedding to Ana Maria Turner in 1976.  As a Baptist missionary kid from Burma, Kodai in South India was a long way from home for Teg.  On his first day in boarding school, we tussled over a dinner table seat.  Afterwards, we became fast friends as often happens with young boys.  We shared a common passion for sports, and Teg excelled in everything he tried: tennis, basketball, flag football, the high jump, and Kodai’s two favorite games of Kick Ball and Double Dodge.  He also keenly followed American sports, and was constantly “stealing” my issues of Sports Illustrated to get the jump on this baseball game and that tennis match.

In our day, it was the cool thing to ignore siblings in public and pretend to be “suave and debonair” about the long family separations of boarding life at Kodai.  Teg and I swam against this tide by sharing family stories long into the night, and freely acknowledging our sisters by day.  Yet, among our peers, Teg was very popular.  I still remember how much he laughed, and how he laughed.  He started with this big guffaw that was followed by a trill of chuckles that drew everyone in.  His blond hair was so curly that he had a Swedish Afro before anyone knew what that was.  He blushed easily, and often, and the question hanging over these episodes was: How red could he get?  In conversation, he could be alternatively funny or serious.  He was always interested in other people, and everyone just enjoyed being around Teg.

We did have our disagreements.  We argued endlessly and pointlessly about the comparative merits of Teg’s Washington State versus my Illinois—about which we both knew virtually nothing.  Then there was this terrible rancor over the fact that Teg was a Baptist and I was a Lutheran.  Both of us were sure that God had embraced all our finer points of doctrinal subtlety.  In truth, I think God pretty much ignored us on this.  Ironically, now I am no longer a Lutheran, and Teg is not a Baptist.  We are both probably a little closer to Heaven as a result.  Actually, come to think of it, Teg is already there.  Since he got there first, I will make the concession that Heaven is doubtless more like his Bellingham, Washington than my Rockford, Illinois.

Here’s to you, Teg, my dear friend, and save a place for me at that Heavenly table.

Timothy J. Lomperis
Maryville, TN
March, 2019

Hylton Parkinson '77

January 3, 2019

Hylton Richard Parkinson Jr., age 59, of Stone Mountain, Georgia passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2019, at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta, GA after battling cancer.

He was born on Friday, September 11, 1959, to Johnetta Leola Richardson-Parkinson and the late Hylton Richard Parkinson Sr., in Monrovia, Liberia.  He attended St. Peter’s Lutheran Elementary School; Cathedral School, and St. Patrick’s High School in Monrovia, Liberia. He was the son of a United Nations Environmental Health Engineer, which led to his life of travel to Nepal; Bangladesh; India; Thailand; Prairie View; Houston; New Jersey; Maryland; Florida and Georgia.

Hylton (known to some as “JR”, “Junior”, “G I Moko”, “Bowlegged-Lou”) was a charismatic, loving, generous, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend who excelled in mechanical engineering.  He enhanced his education at Civil Aviation Training Center, Bangkok, Thailand and Prairie View A&M University of Texas.

Hylton was preceded in death by his father, Hylton Richard Parkinson, Sr.; and sister, Laurie Elizabeth Parkinson. Hylton is survived by and will be dearly missed by his children, Erik Jemal and Selena Marie Parkinson; grandchild, Kamryn; mother, Johnetta Leola Richardson-Parkinson; brothers, Jerome II and Alvin Sr.; sisters, Elvira and Maisie. Other relatives include numerous uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and relatives residing in the U.S., Liberia and other parts of the world. May his soul rest in peace.

James Miller - Former Staff

In Memory of James (Jim) Miller, who served as a school counselor, dorm parent and Middle School Coordinator during the late 80’s. Jim Miller will always be known for his vision and contribution towards the building of the Middle School building, now the Arts Block.  His motto “seek and share the truth” was the driving force behind his interactions with all staff and students.

Jim retired from the education sector in 2010, and in 2012 he and his wife Judith (Judi), moved to Eugene, Oregon.  Jim is survived by his wife Judith, daughters Rachel Miller Ulrich, Amy Miller, son Kevin Miller and seven grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Western Mennonite Church (on the campus of Western Christian School, 9045 Wallace Rd NW, Salem, OR) on Saturday, February 2nd at 3:00 pm.  The service will be streamed live on the Facebook page of Western Mennonite Church.

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2018

Dorothy A. Zorn - Parent
Dorothy A. Zorn passed peacefully away on August 31, 2018, at the age of 92.  She, with her husband, Herb, served as missionaries in Kerala and Tamil Nadu for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod for 25 years.  To read her obituary, click here: Dorothy Zorn Obituary

Surviving Kodai family:  daughter Becky ’67, sons Paul ’68 and Steve ’70.

Lawrence Wyneken '49
Lawrence “Larry” Wyneken from the KIS class of 1949 passed away on July 28, 2018, at the age of 85.  He is the second child of missionary Rev. Martin III and Mrs. Paula (Mieger) Wyneken (MELIM 1928-1954, Trivandrum District).  He graduated from Concordia Lutheran Seminary in St Louis in 1956.

Survivors include his wife, Marlene (Stevens) Wyneken – married in 1953; four children, Rebecca, Daniel, Brenda, & Steven (another son, the first child, Leland, died in 1996); eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren.

Surviving family:  brothers Martin ’47, Alan ’54, Kenneth, and sister Janet.  His brother Gerald died in 2012.

Mark C. Steinhoff '65
Mark Steinhoff from the KIS class of 1965 passed away on July 12, 2018, at the age of 70.  He was born in Vellore, India, in 1947.  He returned as a pediatric physician to serve on the faculty of Christian Medical College in Vellore from 1981 to 1984.

Mark made significant contributions to the study of infectious diseases.  His full obituary can be seen here:  https://www.kfi-us.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Mark-Steinhoff-64-2018-07-12.docx

Surviving Kodai family:  sister Christine ’67, brother Nicholas ’72.

Donald Browning Squires '64
Retired Superior Court Judge Donald Squires from the KIS class of 1964 passed away on July 3, 2018.

Don’s sister, Joan Squires-Lind from the KIS class of 1958, has written this memorial to her younger brother:  https://www.kfi-us.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Donald-Squires-64-2018-07-03.docx

Surviving Kodai family: sister Joan Squires-Lind ’58.

John Clifford Easter - Staff, Parent
John Clifford Easter was born March 21, 1935, and passed away on June 17, 2018.  John taught high school English at KIS from 1978 to 1997.  He and his wife, Martha, were active in social community work around Kodai, and all three of their children graduated from KIS.

For a loving tribute written by one of his KIS English students, go to https://www.kfi-us.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/John-Clifford-Easter-SP-2018-06-17.docx

Surviving Kodai family:  children Martha Jean ’83, Ian ’86 and  Elizabeth ’91.

Constance "Connie" Dudley Rumely '42
Constance “Connie” Dudley Rumely from the KIS class of 1942 passed away on March 7, 2018 at the age of 93. She was born on August 27, 1924 in India and returned to the US in 1942.

Connie was a faithful supporter of her alma mater, Kodaikanal International School. She played a key role in encouraging a family to volunteer at the school for a semester so they too could have a Kodai experience.

For Connie’s obituary, go to: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/constance-rumely-obituary?pid=188736263 

Surviving Kodai family: brother Bob Dudley ’43.

Bill Scott - parent
Rev Scott passed away on March 6, 2018 in Ireland.

Surviving Kodai family: children Beth Scott Hartzell ’75, Terry ’77, Shanthi ’86, and Jyothi ’87.

David Malaiperuman '62
David Malaiperuman, KIS Class of 1962, died suddenly on January 17, 2018 at the age of 73. He was born on July 3, 1944.

Surviving Kodai family: brother John Malaperuman ’63 and sister Catherine Malaiperuman Slater ’64.

2017

Lewis Scudder '58
Lewis Rousseau Scudder III passed away in the early morning hours of All Saints’ Day, November 1, 2017, on the island of Cyprus, where he and his wife, Nancy, had made their home for two decades.

The son of Lewis and Dorothy Scudder, Lew was born in Kuwait where his parents were serving as missionaries of the Reformed Church in America (RCA). He attended Kodai School and graduated in 1958. He then attended Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, and later took courses at the American University of Beirut and the Institute of Islamic Studies at McGill University. In 1962 he married Nancy Graham (KS ’58), a Kodai classmate.

Lew and Nancy served as missionaries for the RCA and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, Turkey, and Cyprus from 1966 until their retirement in 2008. He pastored a number of congregations in those places and served as director of the communication office of the Middle East Council of Churches, and mission consultant and educator for the RCA. Lew was the fifth generation within the Scudder family to serve the church overseas.

“When Lew had a perspective on something, he was almost always right,” says Duncan Hanson, former supervisor of RCA mission in Europe and the Middle East, who supervised the Scudders. “When it was about the Middle East or missiology, it was based on enormous experience and background.” Though Hanson was Scudder’s supervisor, the relationship was far more collegial: “The main point is that he was my supervisor,” says Hanson. “Lew taught me systematically. I really learned an enormous amount from him. He was so wise and so knowledgeable.”

Lew is survived by his brother, Ted (KS Class of ‘68); Nancy and their three children John (KIS Class of ‘85), Tom, and Beth (KIS Class of ‘94). He is also survived by John’s wife, Regan Knapp, and their daughter Della, by Tom’s wife, Eve Greenfield, and by Beth’s husband, Joe McMorrow, and their two children, Niko and Muneera.

Lew will be remembered for his matchless story-telling, his humor and magnificent smile, his thoughtfulness, his teasing, his hospitality along with Nancy, his chicken curries, his authorship of The Arabian Mission’s Story: In search of Abraham’s other son, his retirement wanderings and explorations in over 70 issues of the Morning Land Meditations, his love of history, his mastery of Arabic, and the quality of his Indian English.

Winston Dudley '40
Winston Dudley passed away on October 14, 2017. He was 94. The eldest of the Dudley siblings, Winston was born in India on January 26, 1931. He studied at Kodaikanal International School from the age of 6 through his Senior year, graduating in 1940.

Click here to read Winston’s obituary.

Winston’s surviving Kodai family: siblings Connie Dudley Rumely ’42 and Bob ’43.

Nancy Hatch Dupree '44
I happened to hear on the radio today that the “grandmother of Afghanistan” died today, and knew immediately that they were referring to Nancy Hatch Dupree. Nancy was a member of the Class of 1944 and made a remarkable contribution to the Afghan people and their country. The Wall Street Journal has written a beautiful tribute to Nancy which you can find here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/world/nancy-hatch-dupree-an-american-icon-in-kabul-dies/2017/09/10/81d52982-9619-11e7-b569-3360011663b4_story.html Nancy died September 10, 2017 at the age of 90.
Herbert Zorn - parent
Herbert Zorn, age 95, died on Saturday, August 26, 2017. For his obituary, click here. Surviving Kodai family: wife Dorothy, children Becky Stilwell ’67, Paul Zorn ’68, and Steve Zorn ’70.
Philip Dailey - former staff, parent
Philip passed away peacefully at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina on July 30, 2017. Philip was a loving and devoted father and husband, as well as an inspirational and dedicated teacher for over forty years. Philip taught English at KIS from 1987 to 1996. For Philip’s complete obituary, go to: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/charlotte/obituary.aspx?pid=186282350 Surviving Kodai family: wife Betsy Miller Dailey ’77, children Grace ’07 and Jacob ’10, in-laws Rolland and Mary Helen Miller KIS Council and Parents and Grandparents, Matt Miller ’74, and Tim Miller ’76.
Marge Kurtz Ulrich '50
Marge Kurtz Ulrich passed away June 16, 2017 after a long and difficult illness. She spent most of her adult life in Rochester NY but moved several years ago to Pennsylvania to be near a daughter. Her husband preceded her in death and she leaves two additional daughters as well as grandchildren. Surviving Kodai family: brother Richard Kurtz ’60.
Joanna Brown '48
Joanna Brown passed away peacefully on June 13, 2017 in Sarasota, FL. For her full obituary, click here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heraldtribune/obituary-print.aspx?n=joanna-brown&pid=185894073 Surviving Kodai family: brother, Russell “Rusty” Brown ’50.
Rebecca Wiebe-Freed '78
Rebecca Wiebe passed away on May 28, 2017. Surviving Kodai immediate family: parents John ’47 FS & Carol FS,  siblings Wendell ’76, Roland ’76 & Carrie Granner Wiebe ’78, and Evelyn ’80
Luther Engelbrecht - parent, KIS Board member
Luther Engelbrecht passed away on April 17, 2017 in Seattle, WA. Missionary, husband, father, pastor, India, member of the KIS School Board, Lutheran, Loch Ender, Krishnagiri depict a few aspects of Luther. His visits to Kodai seemed to coincide with Board meetings and “season.” We knew when Mr Engelbrecht was around thanks to his telltale laugh. He brought to and shared with the Kodai community his intelligence, service to the Loch End church, rallied with other parents to pull off the many duties taken on by parents in Kodai during season, and so much more. The Kodai community has lost another key member. To read more about Luther, click here to go to his obituary. Surviving Kodai family: children Martin ’72 FS, Lois ’73, Ted ’74 FS & Jacqueline FS, Claire ’76, Susheela ’77 and Carl ’80.
Paul Curtis '48
Paul Curtis passed away on April 2, 2017. “Paul was a member of our Class of 1948 through all of the elementary grades, including the years through World War II, but he left in 1945 after 9th grade, and then did not return to India following his parents’ furlough, completing his high school in the US. Those of you who joined the class in late 1945 or 1946 or after would not have known him. Paul’s father died in India (in Vellore), and his mother in her later years married Mr. Essebaggers after the death of his wife. Paul was predeceased by his elder brother, Phil ’47, as well as his younger brother, Don ’53, but is survived by his sister, Jean ’51.” ~Bob Carman ’48, Class Rep Surviving Kodai family: sister Jean Scott ’51, step-siblings Dorothea DeJong ’51, Margaret Dopirak ’54, Ted Essebaggers ’59, Mary Morris ’62.
Helen Conser Maybury '41 (and Woodstock School '42)
At KIS 1930-37

Helen died peacefully on February 14, 2017 at the age of 93. Helen was born February 12, 1924 in Poona, India, where her parents were Presbyterian missionaries for 37 years. She attended two international schools in India: Kodaikanal for her first 7 years and Woodstock through high school. In 1942, she came to the U.S. to attend Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts, where she met her future husband, Robert Maybury. When Helen was a junior, Robert graduated from college and joined the U.S. Navy. He was in the battle of Okinawa in April 1945. He returned at the end of WWII and joined the faculty of Eastern Nazarene College. Helen graduated magna cum laude from the college in June 1946 with a degree in English literature. She and Robert were married on June 1, 1946. The couple lived in Quincy and Boston while Robert attended graduate school at Boston University and got his Ph.D. in chemistry in 1951. Robert then spent three years as a postdoctoral student at Harvard University working with Professor John T. Edsall. Three of their five children were born in Quincy: John in 1947, Rachel in 1950, and David in 1953. In 1953, the family moved to Caldwell, Idaho, where Robert was a chemistry professor at the College of Idaho for one year. They then moved to Redlands, California, where Robert was a chemistry professor at the University of Redlands for 10 years. During that time, Helen and Robert had two more children: Ken in 1958 and Joel in 1959. In 1963, the family moved to Paris, where Robert joined the science staff of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). During her time in France, Helen learned to speak French at the Alliance Française. She was also certified by École Britannique to teach English as a second language. She taught English to many adults while in Paris, in addition to raising her children. In 1974, Helen and Robert moved to Nairobi, Kenya, where Robert became the Deputy Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Science and Technology in Africa, while Helen taught English as a second language to adults and also worked with the American Wives Organization. Eventually, all the children returned to the US for college. Helen and Robert returned to Paris in 1980, where Robert served as Editor of the UNESCO periodical “Science and Public Affairs” until his retirement from UNESCO in 1982. In 1982, they moved to Washington, D.C., where Robert was invited to join the Science Adviser of the World Bank as a consultant. Helen joined the World Bank Family Network and was an active committee member and officer, contributing to the advancement of women in developing countries through the Margaret McNamara Education Grants. She taught English as a second language and introduction to literature, inviting wives of World Bank staff members to her home for classes. As a result, she met and became friends with many women from around the world. She also taught English conversation to some of the Spanish-speaking staff at the Skyline apartment community where they lived in Falls Church, Virginia. Helen learned the violin as a child in India and played for her school and college orchestras as well as for the community symphony orchestra in Riverside,  California. She continued to play the violin until her passing. Helen wrote and published a book, For the Souls and Soils of India: From Ohio Farm Land to the Mission Fields of India, about her parents’ missionary work in India as told through their letters to her and to churches in the U.S., other family members, and close friends. This was a significant creative achievement in her life that allowed Helen to relive much of her youth through her review of these letters. Helen was a beloved wife of 70 years, mother of five, grandmother of eleven, and great-grandmother of seven. She passed away on Valentine’s Day 2017 due to complications from lymphoma, which she fought successfully for many years. She was a gentle soul who was loved by all who knew her.

Anna Frantz - former staff
At KIS 1962-76, English Teacher

Anna Emily Frantz died on Thursday, February 2, at Palm Village, Reedley, CA. She was 88. Anna was born on October 31, 1928, in Shafter, CA. She was predeceased by her parents, Emil and Lydia Ratzlaff Frantz; brother Walter (Mary); sister Esther  (Frank Ediger); and sister Laura (Ernest Siemens). She is survived by five nephews and three nieces.  A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 10, at 10 am at Palm Village, 703 West Herbert Avenue, Reedley, CA, in the Community Room. Anna attended Maple School, near Shafter, CA, and graduated from Wasco High School. She graduated from Tabor College, Hillsboro, KS in 1951, and did post-graduate work at Fresno State University. She taught English at Immanuel High School and helped care for her mother, who’d had a stroke. After her mother died, she took a position as an English teacher in India, at the Kodaikanal International School, a bold undertaking for a young single female in the early 1960’s. She influenced many students there for 14 years, taking sabbaticals to travel, which she found very fulfilling. She visited one nephew and his wife in Kinshasha, Congo, in the late 1960’s and another in Beit Jala, Occupied West Bank, Israel, in 1972. In 1977 she returned to California and took teaching positions in Hemet and Earlimart. She moved to Fresno in the mid 1970’s and worked for Creative Teaching Associates.  She attended the Butler Mennonite Brethren Church. She volunteered at the Mennonite Central Committee Thrift Shop in Reedley and was a Bible Study Fellowship leader for many years. Anna was a lovely, graceful, gracious person. Her warmth, great smile and impact on our lives will be missed more than we know.

Li-Chiang (Li) Chu - Woodstock alum and KIS friend
The sad news came this morning that Li died overnight in her home. She died peacefully in her sleep after an 8-month struggle with an aggressive form of stomach cancer. The burial will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos, CA within the next few weeks. From Li’s nieces, Yue-Roe Wu, Sharon Wu, Wendy Chu and Andrea Chu Adelmann, January 25, 2017
John Aung-Thwin '64
John died on January 14, 2017. Surviving Kodai family: wife Evelyn ’64 and siblings Michael ’65 and Maureen ’66.
Martha Easter - former staff, parent
At KIS 1978-97

Martha passed away peacefully after a swift recurrence of cancer on January 8, 2017. Surviving Kodai family: husband John (former staff, parent) and children Martha Jean ’83, Ian ’86 and Liz ’91.

2016

Julia Fritz Shull
Younger sister of Theodore Fritz ’48

Word came from Julia’s niece that Julia passed away in December 2016. If you know which class Julia was a member of, please contact KFI.

Tiku Mahadevan - former staff, parent
On December 28, 2016, Tiku left us. In accordance with her living will, Tiku’s mortal remains were donated to Christian Medical College, Vellore. Surviving Kodai family: husband Philippe (former staff and parent) and Jai ’92.
Maryanna Cassady - former staff
Maryanna Shupe Cassady was born September 16, 1922 in Wytheville, Virginia. She married Melvin A. Cassady June 27, 1945. Maryanna graduated from Berea College, received masters degrees at the University of Tennessee, studied pastoral counseling at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and Clinical Pastoral Education at Baptist Hospital, Montclair in Birmingham, Alabama. The Cassadys were Presbyterian Church (USA) missionaries from 1949-1989, 38 years in the Churches of North and South India; then two years as missionaries in residence of Louisville Presbytery and at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Maryanna worked in women’s evangelism, home economics, library and property administration, counseling service and education and nutrition. Whatever the assignment the Cassadys primary objective was to share the Gospel and to be a Christian witness among those being served in the name of Jesus Christ. They moved to Bristol Village in Waverly, Ohio in July 1990. Melvin died September 12, 2005 and Maryanna died December 13, 2016. [Taken from the First Presbyterian Church, Waverly, Ohio bulletin for Maryanna S. Cassady.]
Margaret Sekhran - parent
Margaret passed away on December 3, 2016. Surviving Kodai family: children Ajay ’83, Nik ’86 and Sarah ’91.
Stanley Vander Aarde - KIS Board, parent
Stan was born on September 26, 1931 and passed away on November 19, 2016. He was a resident of Orange City, IA at the time of his passing. Surviving Kodai family: wife Darlene (parent), Paul ’76, Dave ’78, Debra ’80 and Mary Beth ’84.
TZ Chu, KWI and KIS Board (Woodstock grad)
An email came from TZ’s wife and daughter, sharing the sad news of TZ’s death on September 15, 2016. “It is with great sadness that we share the news of T.Z.’s passing at our home on Thursday, September 15.  He died peacefully surrounded by his family. T.Z. fought a valiant three year battle with first esophageal and then throat cancer.  He was admired and beloved by people around the world and his legacy will live on through his generosity of spirit and support. Following a private service at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, a celebration of T.Z.’s remarkable life will be held at Fremont Hills Country Club (12889 Viscaino Place, Los Altos Hills) on Friday, September 30 at 11am.  Please let us know if you will be joining us. In lieu of flowers, T.Z. requested donations be made to Conquer Cancer Foundation’s International Program, which is fueling cancer research and pursuing dramatic advances in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and cure of all kinds of cancer worldwide. This foundation’s work was important to T.Z., as his cancer and that of his sister are rare in the United States yet prevalent in Asia.”
Carol Hagstad Gallo '70
Carol passed away on September 9, 2016 at the age of 64. She was from Austin, TX. Celebration of Life was held on September 13th at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home Chapel in Pflugerville, TX. Surviving Kodai siblings: Bill ’70 and Susan ’72.
Robert "Bob" Lowenthal '56
Captain Robert Lowenthal, age 78, passed away peacefully of dementia on September 6, 2016. Bob was born in July 1938 in Miami, FL to Robert and Emily Lowenthal. He was the eldest of three sons. Bob’s father was an oil refinery steam fitter and foreman working for overseas ventures of Texaco and Standard Oil Company. The family lived abroad for extended periods of time in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Bahrain and India. Bob returned to the USA to study aeronautical engineering at Georgia Tech, but, by his own admission failed to graduate due to “too much party time.” After Georgia Tech Bob enlisted in the US Marine Corps and served as a rifleman. In 1961, he married Edwina Harris and they had two sons, Robert Jr. (deceased) and James Lowenthal. Upon completing his enlistment, Bob decided to pursue his passion for flying full-time, while quietly harboring a desire to become a NASA astronaut. Sadly, his marriage to Edwina did not survive his career change. Bob’s Northwest Airlines employment began August 11, 1966 and like most NWA pilots of that era he began as a 727 Second Officer at MSP. During a chance encounter at a crew change, he met the lovely flight attendant Kathryn Steidl. They were a great match and Bob and Kathy married in 1969. The first major career leap was to Honolulu where they lived happily until the base abruptly closed in 1971. While Bob had to leave for Seattle, Kathy was deemed too late in pregnancy to travel, and stayed on to give birth to daughter Wendy in Honolulu. Mother and daughter met up with Bob in Seattle a week later. Bob earned a math degree at the University of Washington while flying the line so that he could finally apply for the NASA astronaut program. All his application got him was a form letter NASA saying “Thanks for your application but we are swamped.” With a second daughter Kristi in tow, the family moved back to the Twin Cities in 1981 as Bob checked out as Captain on the 727. In 1987 they pulled up roots yet again and moved to Mystic, Connecticut so that Bob could fly the DC-10 out of nearby Boston, and later make the short commute to JFK to fly the 747/400. In addition to line flying, Bob assisted in the investigation of the 1989 Sioux City DC-10 crash. In 1989, he and daughter Kristi traveled to Alaska to search for the wreckage of NWA flight 4422, the flight that was rumored to have gold aboard. Their search is mentioned in a book called “Flight of Gold.” In 1993 NWA pulled the plug again and closed the JFK base moving Bob to Detroit. Anticipating his approaching retirement, Bob and Kathy tested the waters at Colorado Springs, but eventually settled in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. On July 27, 1998 Bob put away his flight bag for the last time. During his career Bob acquired type ratings in the DC-3, B-727, B-747, DC-10, B-747-4 and logged copilot time on the Lockheed Electra. Retirement didn’t slow Bob much. In 2003, he traveled to Mongolia with an expedition searching for Genghis Khan’s tomb. He also delved into the real estate business, flew recreationally, joined the Navy League and Rotary Club, and went on several summer tours as a pilot with the Collings Foundation’s restored WWII B-24 and B-17 aircraft. Bob’s health started to fail in 2012, after Kathy had a devastating stroke. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kathryn S. Lowenthal, his son Jim Lowenthal, daughters Wendy Simeur and Kristi Lowenthal, 7 grandchildren, and brother Dave Lowenthal. [Bob’s obituary was printed in the Retired Northwest Pilot’s Association’s Contrails magazine issue #201] A shorter obituary can be found at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesunion/obituary.aspx?n=robert-lowenthal&pid=181596005. Surviving Kodai sibling: Dave ’64.
Ronald S Seaton - parent
in India: 1969-1994

Dr Ronald S Seaton of Penney Farms, FL died at the age of 90 on August 12, 2016. Surviving Kodai family: Doug ’67, Paul ’69, Ron ’72 and Jonathan ’77.

Richard (Dick) E Dudley '47
in India: 1930-43

Dr Richard Dudley died on July 26, 2016 at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland. He was surrounded by family and friends. Dick was born in 1930 in Tamil Nadu, India where his parents were Congregational missionaries in the village of Aruppakottai. He studied at Kodai School until the age of 13 and returned to the US with his family in 1943. From 1947-51 Dick attended Oberlin College and majored in history. In 1951 Dick returned to South India on a fellowship from Oberlin College’s Shansi Memorial Association. At Pasumalai High School he taught English and organized a living cooperative, a challenging experiment in promoting “the cooperative idea” which was currently in fashion at Oberlin) among students. He spent his third year at Gandhi Gram, helping to build a cooperative leatherwork center and interacting with diverse activitists in the Indian national development movement. In 1954 he returned to Oberlin for one more year to study and ot promote the Shansi program. Dick fell in love with Anna Carol Kingdon, whom he had met singing in the choir at Oberlin and who also serve as a Shansi rep at OCPM Elementary School in Madurai. They were married by close friend and Shansi rep Dave Gallup (Parent). Together they moved to Berkeley where Dick embarked on a career as a scholar of Indian politics at UC Berkeley, and then professor of political science at Diablo Valley College. There is much more, for his complete obituary, go to: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sfgate/obituary.aspx?pid=181045452 Surviving Kodai family: Winston ’40, Connie Rumely ’42 and Bob ’43.

Hunter Mabry - parent
in India: 1969-1994

Hunter, 82, died on Saturday, July 9, 2016, after a long struggle with chronic radiation damage to his intestinal tract many years ago. Hunter served at United Theological College, Bangalore under the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries where he helped train students at the B.D., T.Th. and D.Th levels. After his retirement from Global Ministries in 1996, he devoted much of his time and energy to voluntarism. He was one of the founders of the Virginia Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Justice and of the Augusta Coalition for Peace and Justice. He participated actively in other social justice established organizations such as Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and Virginia Organizing and initiated actions on issues such as restoration of voting rights and opening of job opportunities to ex-felons who have paid their debt to society. Surviving Kodai family: wife Esther Mabry P, and children Philip ’82 and Ruth ’86. For his full obituary, go to: http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/obituaries/mabry-hunter/article_901ca76d-3577-55ac-817f-ce01d188b6ac.html

Betty Dyke - parent
in India: 1950s-1980s

Betty died on June 28, 2016. Excerpts from her daughter Joyce’s posting on hers Facebook page: “Betty Esther Golla Dyke was a strong and remarkable woman. A ‘precious sister’, faithful wife, incredible mother, loving grandmother and servant of Christ who walked through this life with a strength and dignity like none other. Until she could not speak clearly, she spoke blessings over each she met. Her heart was that all would know the joy of walking with her beloved savior. She sang until the end giving him praise with her final words. Today she has walked into the presence of her friend and savior Jesus Christ and is celebrating the first day of her eternal reward.” Surviving Kodai family: children Nancy Dyke Keenan ’67, Bruce Dyke ’70, Elaine Dyke Silvis ’75, and Joyce Dyke Nealey ’79.

Margaret (Peggy) Heinemann Cihocki '65
Peggy died on Sunday, 5 June 2016. Excerpts from her brother Tim posted on his Facebook page: “With a heavy heart I have to announce that my older sister and mentor, Peggy Cihocki, died on Sunday, 5 June 2016. She was hiking and 3 km into the Sam Merrill Trail near Altadena in the Angeles National Forest of Southern California where she lived. The hike is considered moderately difficult by other hikers. There was absolutely nothing unusual about this hike for her. She sat down, casually mentioned that it was probably time for her to eat something, and then collapsed and was immediately unresponsive. Two of her friends present were doctors, so she was in good hands. Unfortunately, there was nothing to be done.” Surviving Kodai family: siblings Tim Heineman ’67, Louise Heineman Riber ’73; neices Manju Heineman ’91, Brinda Heineman Burkhardt ’04.
Sita Mehta '79
Sita died on May 29, 2016 of a stroke in her home in Goa. One of her favorite charities was the Welfare for Stray Dogs in Mumbai.
Juanita (Jinny) Meinzen - parent
Jinny Meinzen passed away 6 April 2016 at the age of 94. Juanita was the wife of the late Rev Luther Meinzen ’39. Surviving Kodai family: children Michael ’65 (Rebecca Derr ’65) Meinzen, Daniel  ’67 (Jude Derr ’66) Meinzen, Jonathan ’70 (Jenny Holler ’70) Meinzen, and Ruth ’77 (Carroll) Meinzen-Dick. For her full obituary, go to: http://www.monett-times.com/story/print/2294308.html
Maxine Patterson Bruner '36
in India: 1919-1935

Maxine Bruner, 97, died March 31, 2016. Born January 20, 1919 in the US to Irish missionaries, the Rev John and Eleanor Patterson. Maxine lived in India from 9 months to 16 years of age. She attended Kodaikanal School, Palani Hills, South India. She returned to the US in 1935 and graduated from KU, where she met her husband of 57 years, Hugh H Bruner. She lived in Prairie Village, Kansas for 50 years serving as a committed volunteer for church and Scouts. She moved to Aberdeen Village, Olathe, Kansas in 2004. For her full obituary, go to: http://kansas.obituaries.funeral.com/2016/04/02/maxine-p-bruner/

John Gordon Peery '53
in India: 1935-1953

Gordon was born September 20, 1935 and passed away March 10, 2016. He was born in Guntur, South India, where his parents, Rev. John C. and Betty Peery, were lifelong missionaries. Gordon was a graduate of Kodaikanal High School in 1953, Newberry College, BS in Science in 1957, and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, MDiv in 1960. He continued his love of learning with Bible studies, travels, stamp collecting, and most recently, colored pencil art classes. Surviving Kodai family: sister Virginia Herlong ’59. For his full obituary, go to: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestate/obituary.aspx?pid=178025202

Virginia (Ginny) Leora Schiefer - former staff
22 Dec 1941 to 28 Feb 2016

Ginny, 73, went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 28, 2016, while at home. She was born December 22, 1941 in Clarinda, Iowa to the late Merle and Leora Goecker. On August 6, 1966 she married Carl L Schiefer FS. Ginny was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Boca Rato, Florida. In 2004, she retired after a 30-year teaching career as a Lutheran Elementary School teacher. Ginny was a master teacher and highly respected at the schools she served in Michigan, India, Hong Kong, and Boca Raton. She also served as a church organist, taught piano, and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, and singing in the church choir. She was an excellent home maker and enjoyed cooking unique meals including her specialties: Indian and Chinese dishes. She enjoyed traveling to many different states and countries and was privileged to live three years in India (1971-73), and ten years in Hong Kong. Surviving Kodai family: husband Carl Schiefer (former staff). For her full obituary, go to: http://www.clarindaherald.com/obituaries/virginia-goecker-schiefer/article_113786fe-d19d-11e4-9214-ebd4c0401de9.html

William (Bill) McClelland '40
19 May 1923 to 23 Feb 2016

Bill’s wife Betty shared that Bill died on February 23, 2016. Surviving Kodai family: brother Dalton ’48. For his full obituary, go to: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/recorder/obituary.aspx?pid=177824543

Mary Sandberg Lindell - former staff, parent
27 Oct 1924 to 25 Jan 2016

Mary died on January 25, 2016. She was born October 27, 1924 in Galesburg, Illinois, to Oscar and Esther Sandberg. In 1957 she married Rev David Lindell. They served as missionaries in India until their retirement in 1991 when they settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota. While in India, Mary taught school, directed theater productions and hosted many visitors. In 2014 Mary moved to the Augustana Apartments, where she enjoyed social activities and took an active role in worship services and Bible study groups. Surviving Kodai family: children John Lindell ’78, Lisa Hoh ’81, and Mimi Lindell ’84. For her full obituary, go to: http://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/121130/?fullname=mary-m-%28sandberg%29-lindell

Norma Jane Humble - former staff, parent
15 Jul 1928 to 17 Jan 2016

Jane, age 87, of Dearborn, Michigan, passed away January 17, 2016 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born July 15, 1928 in Lansing, Michigan to Vernon and Helen Smith Hooper. On June 29, 1949 she married Harold Humble in Middleville, Michigan. Jane was a member of the United Methodist Church of the Dunes in Grand Haven, Michigan where she sang in the choir, was active in United Methodist Women, and was a former Methodist District Chair. She was a talented artist and musician and was a member of the Lighthouse Quilt Guild. She played the xylophone, drums, organ and piano, and received many awards for her quilts and paintings. She earned an Education degree from Western Michigan, a Bachelor’s degree from Wayne State and a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan. She began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse and retired as a media specialist from the Grand Haven Public Schools. She also assisted at a mission school in Kodaikanal, India, and volunteered for many charitable organizations while living there. Surviving Kodai family: husband Harold Humble former Principal; and children Susan Sridharan ’70 and John ’73. For her full obituary, go to: http://www.vbkfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Norma-Humble/#!/Obituary

Ruth Hattendorf - former staff, parent
19 Nov 1935 to 13 Jan 2016

Ruth Ann Schweppe Hattendorf died January 13, 2016. She was born November 19, 1935 to Arthur F and Jessie M Schweppe in Titonka, Iowa. Ruth married Norbert E Hattendorf ’49 on August 4, 1956 in Algona, Iowa. Their marriage celebrated the arrival of Nancy Ann Giehl, Paul Mahler and Andrew ’85. Ruth treasured her grandchildren. She was a psychiatric staff nurse at Charles T Miller Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota, a nursing team leader at Boulder Community Hospital, and a home nurse with Boulder County Hospice. She was a nurse and instructor at KIS in 1982/83. Ruth and Norb retired in 1996. They spent time living in India, RVing across the US, Mexico and Europe. In 2004, when they were in their early 70s, they took up boating, completing the Great Loop and later took a small tug boat up the Inside Passage to Alaska. Sadly, Ruth also began a journey where her family could not follow, into Alzheimer’s disease. Surviving Kodai family: son Andrew Hattendorf ’85. For her full obituary, go to: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailycamera/obituary.aspx?pid=177521649

2015

Lois Perry Stewart - parent, grandparent
25 Sep 1936 to 24 Nov 2015

Lois was born on September 25, 1936 in Windsor, North Carolina to the late Lloyd Caswell Perry and Rena Elizabeth Jernigan Perry. Lois has been the adoring wife these past 58 years to the love of her life and devoted husband, David E Stewart Sr. They met in 1955 at Southeastern Bible College. On November 24, 2015 Lois was received into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and introduced to the glories of heaven. Lois was faithful to her calling as a missionary to India for 50 years. She served as a mother, teacher, minister, hostess and much more. She and her husband, David, worked hand in hand with Indian believers in many ministries including building schools and churches where tens of thousands have heard about her precious Lord and continue to engender opportunities through the education of generation after generation. Surviving Kodai family: husband David Stewart Sr Parent/Grandparent; children David Stewart Jr ’78 and Lisa Stewart FS, Anita Pipkin ’81, Lloyd Stewart ’84 and Kevin Stewart ’90; and grandchildren Emily Pipkin ’07, Andrea Stewart ’09, Caleb Pipkin ’10, Tiffany Stewart ’11, Joshua Pipkin ’15, Elija Stewart ’18. For her full obituary, go to: http://www.walkerfh.net/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/11627/id/3391545

Gerhard (Gay) Johnson - former staff, parent, grandparent
In India: 40 years

Rev. Johnson, 89, died in Tucson, Arizona on October 31, 2015. He and his wife Virginia “Ginny” Wehr Johnson worked together in India for 40 years. Gay was ordained as a Methodist pastor in India and became a pastor of both English- and Gujarati-speaking congregations. He pastored in Pune for 9 years, and was Chaplain at KIS from 1975-84. Pastor Johnson, or PJ as we affectionately referred to him, was special and will be remembered every time I hear Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony (or the hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee), one of his favorite hymns. Pastor Johnson invited students into exchanges with him. He cared, and had an infectious laugh. He would pause in his schedule to take time to chat and connect with people. His love for God was an attraction. It was real. My faith was nurtured and encouraged because of PJ. He made a difference and impacted my world for good. ~Julie Nichol Stengele ’80, FS, P Surviving Kodai family: wife Ginny Johnson FS/P/GP, and children Kathy Narney ’71, Joy Pickard ’73 and Alan Johnson ’79. For his full obituary, go to: http://www.trivalleycentral.com/obituaries/gerhard-johnson/article_7fccd508-87c1-11e5-a5b1-17a016f61fcd.html

Elizabeth Hannaford Banks MacRury - former staff
29 Mar 1916 to 13 Oct 2015

Beth, age 99, died on October 13, 2015 at the Wolfeboro Bay Center in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire after a period of failing health. Born March 29, 1916 in Fairfield, Connecticut, she was the daughter of Clifford S and Grace Hannaford Banks. Beth received her bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College, majoring in Mathematics; her master’s degree from Columbia University in Administration; and completed her sixth year of study at New York University where she specialized in Child Development. She taught in the Fairfield School System for 8 years and was elementary school principal for 27 years. She also worked with native children at the Grenfell Mission in Labrador, and the Kodaikanal Mission School in South India. In addition, she worked with schools in the Orient, Australia, and New Zealand. Beth believed one should help the community with whatever one does well and regularly did what she felt would make a difference in peoples lives. For her full obituary, go to: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/fosters/obituary.aspx?pid=176159242

Ernest (Ernie) Wessley Nunn - parent, grandparent
In India: 13 years

Ernest Wessley Nunn passed away on September 28, 2015, just a few weeks short of his 83rd birthday, in LaFayette, Alabama. Ernie was known as the “Gentle Bear” by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), where he worked for many years. He spent 12 years working for IRRI in various capacities, the longest as Director of Operations at headquarters (1989-95). He also represented IRRI as part of the All-India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project (1971-73) and as a research development specialist in Cambodia for IRRI’s then Training and Technology Transfer Department (1988). In 1996 he was a consultant for IRRI’s Central Research Farm. In 1997 he was a consultant in Cambodia for IRRI’s International Programs and Management Office. After 13 years in India, he continued work with international crop research stations and lived in Zimbabwe and Indonesia. Surviving Kodai family: children Ron Nunn ’76 and Anne Bredeck ’78. For his full obituary, go to: http://irri-news.blogspot.com/2015/10/ernie-nunn-former-irri-director-of.html

Katherine (Kathy) Belle Michalk - parent
27 Dec 1925 to 18 Sep 2015

Kathy passed away September 18, 2015. She was born December 27, 1925 to Maud (Rau) and Adolph Kicker. Kathy enrolled in Harris Teachers College in order to fulfill her dream to become a teacher in the mission field. She met Theodore Michalk, a student at Concordia Seminary St Louis. Her wish to be a missionary was realized when Ted accepted a call to serve in India, and they married on 1 July 1945. In October 1945 Kathy and Ted sailed from Boston to India. They remained in South India for 26 years. Kathy worked with Ted as they ministered to the people of Ambur, Pernambut, Krishnagiri, Kodaikanal and Nagercoil. Surviving Kodai family: children Nancy Michalk ’64, Audrey Abel ’65, Grace Perez ’70, Judy Michalk ’72, and Paul Michalk ’74. For her full obituary, go to: http://www.phillipsandluckey.com/obituaries/Katherine-Michalk/#!/Obituary

Janet Storm Pengelley '48
6 May 1931 to 13 Sep 2015

Janet died peacefully on September 13, 2015. She was beautifully cared for in the Palliative Care Unit by understanding and skilled nurses who also ministered with kindness and consideration to the needs and questions of her family. Much loved mother of Jenny, Kathy, Richard and Jo; grandmother of Emily, Ashleigh, James, Tim, Miriam, Oliver, Rebecca and Lara; and great-grandmother of Hamish, Oscar and another for whom she could not wait. She was a dear friend to many.

Theodore (Ted) William Fritz '48
Ted Fritz, age 86, died September 7, 2015 at Mt Carmel East Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He was the son of Lutheran missionaries. He was born and lived 17 years in India. A veteran USAF. Graduate of Capital University in 1958. Ted taught at Marion Franklin High School and retired from Capital University in 1995. For his full obituary, go to: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/Dispatch/obituary.aspx?pid=175809817
Gene Hennig '65, Chair KFI Board, KIS Council
KFI and the entire Kodai School community suffered a great loss in August 2015 when Gene Hennig ‘65 died after a twenty-one month battle with a brain tumor. Gene served the school and its alumni in many different capacities over the years. He was a prominent and valued member of the governing body of the school until his retirement in 2014; he was a founding member of KFI and thereafter its president. Earlier, he was an active member of the board of KW International (which supported both Woodstock and Kodai Schools). He received the Margaret Eddy Award, the school’s highest honor, in 2015. Gene was also one of the founders of Bethania Kids, an American non-profit corporation that sponsors and supports a number of residential, care, and rehabilitation centers for orphaned, abandoned, and disabled children in South India (with two facilities in Kodaikanal) and that presently cares for over a thousand children. He was continuously involved in its operations from the time of its founding in 1987, recently serving as its chairman. He also served for some years as a board member of the Vellore Christian Hospital Foundation. I first met Gene in the 1990s when we both served on the KWI board, the predecessor organization to KFI. Starting in 2005, we worked together closely and continuously, first to incorporate and organize KFI, and thereafter to manage it. At my urging, he succeeded me as president in 2009. I loved to remind him that he had the perfect profile to lead KFI: his parents were beloved missionaries who served for many years at Loch End; he had attended the Loch End School and then Kodai School for a total of eight years; and he was a successful and practical business lawyer who gave back to the community in many ways, not only to Kodai School but also to his church and his profession. He was an idealist, but a practical idealist who got things done. During Gene’s tenure as President of KFI, he took on and completed many projects to benefit the school and its alumni. He always worked in a collegial manner, hearing out all people involved with patience and courtesy before making a decision. Perhaps his most notable achievement, however, was the contribution of a pipe organ for the Margaret Eddy Memorial Chapel, personally leading a fund-raising drive that raised more than $80,000 and overseeing the acquisition, restoration, transportation, and installation of the pipe organ in the chapel. As many others would testify, Gene was a wonderful colleague and friend. He was pleasant and fun to be with. We often spoke on the phone for an hour or more, usually starting with whatever problem KFI was facing but sometimes wandering far afield. We attended the Kodai Reunions at Camp Kirchenwald every year, both of us opting to stay at the Mt. Gretna Inn rather than rough it at the camp. Five or six years ago we discovered that it was a great relief and pleasure in the early evenings to retreat from the hubbub of the reunion to the very comfortable front porch of the Inn and ruminate on KFI matters and the state of the world while we sipped single malt scotch. Gene’s character came out in the way he dealt with the discovery of his brain tumor and its prognosis – with courage and good humor, sustained by family and faith. He made an effort to put people at ease in dealing with him, sometimes commenting that the bad news is that he has a malignant brain tumor but the good news is that his medication and treatment are not inconsistent with the use of moderate amounts of alcohol. He continued his work for KFI for months after his diagnosis until his term as president came to an end at the time of the 2014 reunion. He attended that reunion and was in fine form. We once again adjourned to the Mt Gretna Inn, this time joined by our friend and Gene’s classmate, David Morris, who himself was weakened, recovering from a debilitating illness. Once again, it took us till well past midnight to solve all the problems of the world. Gene was a fine man and a good friend. He gave selflessly to his school and his community. He will be greatly missed. ~ John MacKay ’52

Surviving Kodai family: wife Kristie Hennig FS/P; children Katherine Teece, Emily and Luke; and sister Anne Wunderlich ’69 and brother Mark Hennig. For more obituaries, go to: http://www.startribune.com/gene-hennig-no-bucket-list-needed-after-a-life-of-adventure-and-caring/324021491/ http://video.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/98036/?fullname=gene-harold-hennig

Eunice Naumann Nissen '51
28 Oct 1933 to 19 Aug 2015

Eunice, 81, of Prior Lake was called to hear heavenly home on Tuesday, August 19, 2015 while visiting her childhood home in India. Eunice blessed all with her grace, strong faith, easy smile and heart-felt conversations. Eunice was born on October 28, 1933 to Rev John and Marie Naumann, Lutheran missionaries. Eunice filled her life with service to others through music, teaching, ministry, and unwavering family dedication. While saddened by her passing, we are grateful for precious memories and confident in our eventual reunion in heaven. Surviving Kodai family: siblings Helen Spitzack ’48, Miriam McCreary ’51, John Naumann ’58, and Walter Naumann ’63.

Ellen Doermann Hillmer '40
23 Nov 1922 to 4 May 2015

Ellen, age 92, of Cedar Falls and formerly Waterloo, died May 4, 2015 at New Aldaya Lifescapes in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She was born November 23, 1922 in Ambur, Chittoor District, South India, the daughter of missionary parents, Rev Carl M and Cora Knupke Doermann. Ellen attended high school in India and came to the US to attend nursing school in Milwaukee. She met her future husband, Rev Sigmund W Hillmer just before returning to India to be the Nursing Administrator for a hospital. The couple was later married on June 18, 1950 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He preceded her in death on April 25, 2007. Surviving Kodai family: brothers Ralph Doermann ’48 and Al Doermann ’51. For her full obituary, go to: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thepostandmail/obituary.aspx?pid=174884171

Elizabeth (Esther) Vail Falk '38
28 Nov 1920 to 1 Feb 2015

Esther, 94, of East Dummerston, Vermont died February 1, 2015 at home. Born in Bombay, India, the daughter of the late Charles E and Elizabeth Crane Vale, her father was a medical missionary in India, where she grew up. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College and her registered nurse certification from John Hopkins University. She married in 1949 in Lahore, Pakistan, where her husband worked in agricultural and economic development and she worked as a nurse in makeshift hospitals and refugee camps during the partition of India. In Lahore, she helped set up and teach at a nurses’ training school. When the Falks came to Brattleboro, Vermont, Clarence worked at the Experiment in International Living and Esther worked at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. She was active in community organizations and hosted hundred of people from around the world, many of whom she stayed connected to. For her full obituary, go to and scroll down: http://www.commonsnews.org/site/site05/story.php?articleno=11870&page=1#.VzOjKuTaM4B

James (Jim) Gordon Gosselink '49
14 Sep 1931 to 18 Jan 2015

Dr James Gordon Gosselink, age 83, passed away on January 18, 2015, in Austin, Texas. Jim was born on September 14, 1931, in India to George and Christina Gosselink, who were missionaries in Iraq at the time. Jim married Jean Vining December 29, 1955 in Atlanta, Georgia where they met while he served in the Army during the Korean War.  James and Jean Gosselink then moved to New Brunswick, New Jersey, where James completed his Doctorate of Philosophy at Rutgers University. Following completion of his degree, they lived in Miami, Florida and Binghamton, New York before settling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where they lived until James retired from Louisiana State University. They then retired to Rock Island, Tennessee, living in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains until health issues forced them to move closer to family in Texas in 2010.  He was beloved by his family and was an example of patience, open-mindedness and above all, consideration for the world and the environment. Jim’s academic and experienced leadership inspired students and colleagues for more than three decades. He was a leader in wetland ecology for more than 40 years as a scientist and a scholar and as a communicator of science. He has authored and co-authored more than 100 scientific contributions on wetland ecology, and he has collaborated with virtually every federal agency responsible for managing wetlands in North America, and was awarded the National Wetlands Award in 2001. He co-authored one of the most widely read books on wetland ecology and management-Wetlands, now enjoying its fifth edition.The publication has become widely regarded as the premier reference book on wetland ecology, and it is perhaps the only book that synthesizes wetland ecology at a landscape scale. A colleague described him succinctly and precisely: “When Jim Gosselink speaks, everyone stops to listen.” Surviving Kodai family: Charles “Chuck” Gosselink ’53. For his full obituary, go to: http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/gosselink/Subpage.aspx?mod=1

2014

Antoinette (Toni) Tingley Schleyer - former staff
at KIS: 1975-1976

Toni Tingley, as she was known at Kodai School, of Foxborough, MA, died on October 12, 2014 after a battle with cancer. She was 69. She leaves her devoted husband of 29 years, John “Jack” Schleyer, 3 stepchildren, 5 step grandchildren, a brother and many other relatives. Toni was born in Biloxi, MS, but raised in Massachusetts. She graduated from Brown University and received a MEd from Lesley University. During the 1960’s and 1970’s she taught elementary education abroad in Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom and India. She was the Grade 2 teacher to the Class of 1986 during her year at Kodai School. Toni and Jack met at the International House in Providence, RI in 1981; were married in 1985. They both were faithful attendees at the Boston Chapter summer picnics.

Donald (Don) Oberdorfer '53, former staff
at KIS: 1939-1953 and 2002-2005

Don Oberdorfer, age 79, died in September 2014 in Russia while on a trip with his wife Betchen who was also on Staff at KIS as Career Counselor from 2002-2005. Don attended Kodai School as a student from Kindergarten to his graduation in 1953. He is survived by his wife Betchen (former staff), four children, seven grandchildren and countless nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He also left behind a huge collection of friends and acquaintances. Don is a man who touched everyone who met him. A memorial service was held in Roseville, MN, on 4 October 2014.

Sarah Dennison - former staff
at KIS: 1952-1957 and 1966-1984

Sarah E Dennison, age 95, of Lancaster, PA, died peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2014 at the Willow Valley Communities. Sarah, born in Delaware, graduated from college with a teaching degree in 1940. She taught first grade for many years in Delaware before traveling to India in 1952 to teach at Kodai School. She was in Kodai for a 5-year term, teaching elementary classes before returning to the USA for a 9-year period. She then returned to Kodai School where she taught Grade 1, was dormparent for elementary students, and was the Elementary School Librarian at the time of her retirement in 1984. Sarah returned to KIS for the 90th Anniversary celebration of Kodai School. In retirement at Willow Valley she continued to enjoy working with children and teaching them to read as she volunteered at a nearby elementary school in Lancaster until she was 92 years old. Two sisters and three nephews preceded her in death; she is survived by a brother, three nieces, five nephews and many great nieces and nephews.

Diane Carlson - former staff, parent
at KIS: 1978-1981

Diane Carlson, age 72, of Waconia, MN, died at home on September 4, 2014. A life-long follower of Jesus Christ, she was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in the Lutheran Church. She was active in many church activities. She married her high school sweetheart, Daniel Carlson, in 1962. During her 3-year term on staff at KIS, Diane was dormparent at Sherwood dorm to over 30 boys. After returning to the US in 1981, she was a tutor for many ESL students and other students in the local schools. She was a loving grandmother who loved hosting birthday parties and other family events. Diane is survived by her husband, Dan (former staff), their three sons: Dave ’84, Brian ’87 and Allen ’90, and many other relatives and dear friends.

Norbert (Norb) Hattendorf '49, former staff, parent
at Loch End School: 1937-1945 | at KIS: 1982-1983

Norb Hattendorf, son of Lutheran missionaries, was born in Nagercoil, India in 1932. He studied in the Koehne Memorial School at Loch End. He continued his education in the US at Saint John’s Academy and College, Winfield, KS; Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis, MO; Luther Seminary, Saint Paul, MN. For a six-year period he taught at Concordia Academy, Saint Paul, MN, and was pastor at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in that city. He then was pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Boulder, CO, for 34 years before retirement in Boulder. Norb enjoyed theology, reading, travel, motor homing in North America and Western Europe and sailing in his boats, “Maharani” and “Two If By Sea.” Norb died in Boulder, CO, in April 2014. He was survived by his wife, Ruth (former staff) at KIS; and three children including Andrew ’85, and seven grandchildren.

2013

David Muyskens '47
at KIS: 1935-1947

The Rev. Dr. David P. Muyskens, Class of 1947, died at home on December 21, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Ann, their 3 children, 3 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and his sister Bernice Muyskens, Class of 1940, Lettenmaier. David was born in India in 1930 to missionary parents. He came to the USA at age 17 to attend Hope College. He earned Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Princeton Seminary. During 40 years of ministry he served three Presbyterian Churches in New Jersey and a United Church in Fayetteville, NY. Growing up in India during the struggle for independence under Gandhi’s leadership contributed to a lifelong passion for peace and justice. He became active in the civil rights movement, mobilizing the local community and participating in protest marches. He fought world hunger through local CROP walks which he organized and served on the National Board of CROP. David and Ann received numerous citations from the community and church for their efforts to combat hunger and poverty and to work for peace and justice. David was a natural athlete who love tennis, cycling and skiing, and represented New Jersey in the National Senior Olympics.

David Nykerk '61
at KIS: 1954-1961

News has come of the mid September 2013 death of David Nykerk, a retired English teacher. David joined Kodai School in Grade 6 in 1955 and was at the school until his graduation in 1961. He taught English from 1966 to 2000 at Hinkley, Central and Rangeview high schools in Colorado. He also served on the Aurora Education Association Board from 1970-1973 and was President in 1971-1972. David is survived by his wife, two children and grandchildren.

Robert Bruce Cummings '53
at KIS: 1949-1953, Fall 1996

Bruce Cummings of La Porte, Indiana, died in September 2013. He was born in Moulmein, Burman to American Baptist missionary parents. He was also grandson and great-grandson of Baptist missionaries to Burman. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Carol Grieves, and his brother Gordon ’57. He is survived by his wife, Louise (former staff), his brother, William ’54, two daughters, Lois Vertullo and Linda Young; two grandsons, a granddaughter and three great grandsons. After his graduation from Kodai School, Bruce received his B.S. and M.S. from Purdue University in entomology and insect ecology. He was employed for 40 years by the State of Indiana Department of Natural Resources inspecting greenhouses and nurseries. Bruce loved God and was a choir member, deacon, trustee and a Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church in La Porte. He loved the outdoors, especially camping; was a Boy Scout leader for more than 40 years. During his volunteer semester at Kodai School, Bruce was involved in the hiking and camping programs as well as the activities of the school.

Tina Lalvani Lauto '81
at KIS: 1979-1981

To those of us who went to school with her, Tina, resident of Kennedy dorm at Kodai, was gorgeous, smart, funny, and slender, a gracious classmate, and faithful friend. As an adult she added layers of that beautiful, kind, compassionate, witty, loving persona onto whom she was as a child. Tina was athletic and art loving, serious and silly, creative and curious, fashionable and free all at the same time. At the Lauto home with it’s welcoming open door, she was the hostess par excellence, the stylish soccer mom and nice neighbor all in one. Those of us at her memorial quietly stood in shock and sadness with no comprehension of a person so swiftly snatched from us. Ellah Allfrey, editor, said it best that life often denies us understanding and sometimes all there is to hold on to is our ability to endure. Tina Lalvani Lauto ’81, mother of Michele and Matteo, wife of 19 years to Nando, sister to Jetu, Andre and Sunita, friend to many, passed away in Los Angeles, California, on September 4, 2013. Submitted by Roxanna Khan ’82.

Edward (Ed) Krafft - former staff
at KIS: 1979-1981

Ed Krafft died on August 31, 2013 in northern Colorado at the age of 92. Born in Chicago, IL, he was a graduate of Concordia Teacher’s College, River Forest, IL and obtained his master’s degree from Washington University, Saint Louis, MO. In 1945 he married the late Winifred Schroeder Krafft ’40. Together they served Missouri Synod mission schools in South India for 16 years before returning to the US where he began a second career of teaching. Ed taught at the University of Northern Colorado’s Lab School for 20 years before he retired in 1984. He leaves behind 8 children including son Thomas Krafft ’83, 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Ed & Winnie are remembered as the dormparents of East House during their two years at Kodai School.

Richard (Dick) Updegraff '46
at KIS: 1930’s-1946

Dick Updegraff died in August 2013 in Duluth, MN. Dick was born in 1928 to missionary parents in Miraj, Maharashtra. After graduating from Kodai School, he attended Oberlin College and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. Dick served from 1961 to 1984 with the Global Ministries of the United Church of Christ as a medical missionary in Turkey, Ghana and Liberia. His wife and fellow physician, Virginia preceded him in death in March 2013. He is survived by four daughters, Ruth, Karen, Gwen and Nancy as well as one son David.

Gerhard (Jerry) Tauscher '57
at KIS: 1947-1956

In August 2013 Jerry died of a massive stroke, suffered while he was at home in Deland, FL. Before his retirement had taught in both public and parochial high schools in Florida. Jerry left Kodai School at the end of his Junior year and graduated from high school in St. Louis while living in a YMCA and working in a hospital as a food server. He later graduated from Berea College, Berea, KY, in 1962. After teaching German and PE at Berea, he attended Springfield College, MA where he received a Master’s in Recreation Administration. He planned and developed the 170 acres known as Jackson Park for the Henderson County Recreation Department,FL where he was an athletic director. He is survived by his twin brother Wilfried ’58 in Bremen, Germany, and brothers Herman ’55 of Germany, and Rolf ’54 of Red House, WV, as well as his sister Helga Tauscher Wente ’51 of Bethel Park, PA.

Marjorie (Maj) StormoGipson '74, parent
at KIS: 1965-1974

“To love another person is to see the face of God.” Maj modeled this for all of us. She knew what it meant to love and be fully alive. Maj, named for her mother and grandmother, was born in Kodaikanal in 1956 and spent most of her youth in India. At Kodai School Maj was enthusiastically involved in a variety of activities. After graduation from KIS she went on to the University of California in Santa Cruz where she met the love of her life, Justin Stormo. They were married in Stavanger, Norway on July 29, 1976. Maj graduated with highest honors from UC Santa Cruz. Justin and she both attended Dartmouth Medical School. After completing their internship, they did volunteer medical work in Nicaragua for two year. Maj completed her residency in pediatrics at the University of California San Francisco in 1989, by which time they had three children. The family moved to Coeur d’Alene, ID, in 1991 where Maj was a beloved pediatrician. Maj and Justin shared a passion for providing volunteer medical care to the under-served community in Latin America. Maj loved water activities of all kinds, especially with her family. She tragically died in July 2013 in a river rafting accident while with her family on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. Maj is survived by her husband, Justin, their three children, Kenna ’98, Kate , Luke ’08, her mother, Marjorie Gipson, and her siblings, Tracy ’59, Marcia ’61, Reg ’63, Carol ’67 and John ’73.

James (Jim) Carman '78
at KIS: 1968-1978

Although born in Rochester, NY, Jim spent most of his youth in India where his parents, Bob & Lucile Carman ’48 & FS served at the Christian Medical Center, Vellore. Jim attended KIS from Grade 3. After graduating from KIS, Jim went on to Macalester College, MN where he graduated with a degree in Anthropology. He was happiest when he was helping others; he worked as an organizer for several nonprofit organizations, as a teacher and as a stay-at-home dad. He was truly engaged in the moment–everything he did was done with all his heart. Jim cared about peace, nature and everyone he knew; he was a warm, positive presence in so many people’s lives. Jim unexpectedly died in July 2013 of undetermined causes. He is survived by his wife, Karen, and their three children, his parents, Bob ’48 & Lu ‘FS, his brother Chuck ’76, sister Betsy ’80 as well as numerous other relatives from the KIS family; he was preceded in death by his brother Paul ’83. A remembrance ceremony was held at the Lyndale Peace Gardens in the Twin Cities.

Alice Tegenfeldt Mundhenk '62
at KIS: 1955-1961

Alice was born in 1945 in Kodaikanal and survived her twin sister who died about a month later. Her parents worked in northern Burma (Myanmar) and Alice began attending Kodai School from Grade 6. After studying at Bethel College in St. Paul, MN, Alice worked as a linguist in Vietnam. She married Norman Mundhenk in Saigon. Norm and Alice worked for many years in Papua New Guinea, where Norm was a consultant for Bible translators. Alice studied early childhood education, taught preschool in Mount Hagen, and later went to Burma as a consultant. She worked there for about 15 years, founding the Yinthway Foundation, which focuses on early childhood issues. Alice died at home in Pearson Point, WA in May 2013. She is survived by her husband, six children, and her Kodai School alumni siblings, Ed ’56, Judy ’61, John ’64, Paul ’70 and David.

Walter Pringle - former staff
at KIS: 1967-1970

Walter was born in Port Huron, MI. His happy childhood was spent on his family’s wooded acreage which he explored with his dog. He enjoyed athletics, participating in baseball, football, track and field as well as boxing. He studied two years of pre-engineering before serving in the US Army from 1954-1956. After his military service, he continued his studies at Anderson College, Adrian College and Wayne State University where he received his Master’s degree in Educational Guidance and Counseling. It was at Anderson that he met and married Jacqueline Schieck ’57. After teaching junior high math for six year in East Detroit, he and Jackie went to Kodai in 1967 for three years. They were on the staff of Kodai School where Walter was Guidance Counselor and taught Math. After teaching seven more years in MI, Walt and his family moved to Camrose, AB, and he became a Canadian citizen. Walt died in May 2013 and was interned in the Camrose Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, son Gregory, two grandsons and other family members in both Canada and Michigan.

Keith DeJong '46, former staff, parent, grandparent
at KIS: 1939-1946; 1957-1993

Keith DeJong, born in 1928 at Kuwait City, Kuwait, to Reformed Church of America missionary parents, was a student at Kodai School from age 10 until he graduated in 1946. He excelled in academics, track, trombone and singing. Among his many Field Day feats, his record for the Rope Vault still stands; that unique KIS sport was retired. His fantastic tenor voice will long be remembered by all who heard him sing. After Kodai School, he attended Hope College, MI, graduating in 1951. After college, he had a two-year stint in the US Marine Corps, during the Korean Conflict, as a chaplain’s assistant. In 1957 Keith and his wife, Marcine, joined the staff at Kodai School where they raised their four childre:, Garry ’74, Bruce ’77, Dorothy ’78 and Jim ’80. Five of their eight grandchildren also attended KIS: Terah ’01, Hans ’04, Ketsa ’06, Leif ’09 and Andry ’11. His brothers David ’51 and wife, Dorothea Essebaggers DeJong ’51 and Garrett “Ed” ’54 are all part of the extended Kodai School Family. Keith, suffering from Alzheimer’s during his final years, died in peace and comfort in Waterville, MN on May 16, 2013. Interment was in Orange City, IA. Keith and Marcine were members of the KIS Shola Society and will long be remembered for their generosity to the KIS Music Department.

Marjorie Hoffman - former staff, parent
at KIS: 1950-1957

Marjorie Hoffman, widow of Nelson M. Hoffman, Jr., President Emeritus of Midway College, passed on to new life on April 13, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. Marjorie and Nelson were on staff at Kodai School where Nelson was Bursar, forerunner to Finance Director. Born in Kansas, Marjorie earned a Baccalaureate degree at Asbury College. A published poet, she edited several literary magazines and achieved recognition for her critical ability. Marjorie is survived by her five children of whom the two older sons, Nelson M, III ’66 and Michael ’68 are alumni of Kodai School. A memorial service was held at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY on April 27, 2013.

Albert Shaw - former staff, parent
at KIS: 1957-1974

Al Shaw was born in Union City, NJ, and raised by his maternal grandmother in Valley Cottage, NY. He graduated from Rockland State Hospital Nursing School and then from Nyack Missionary Training Institute, where he met Bernice Garrison. After he proposed 3 times (!) they married in 1942 and sailed with their daughter, Peggy ’61, to India, where 2 more daughters, Lynette ’66 and Vivian ’68, were born. They served in Maharashtra as missionaries with the Christian Missionary Alliance until moving to Kodai in 1957 to teach in Kodai School and serve as dormparents at Longcroft. Al taught 7th Grade, high school Biology and First Aid, but his first and great love may have been hiking to Tope. In 1974 he and Bernice went to Quito, Ecuador to teach in the Alliance Academy. After their retirement in 1982, they moved to Portland, OR, to be close to their daughters and families. Al’s passion for healthy eating, exercise, good manners and correct grammar were matched by his lifelong belief in conservation (“Please turn off the light when you leave a room!”) and his love of God’s glorious creation. He is survived by his daughters and their husbands, 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Al died in April 2013.

Donald Curtis '53
24 Sep 1936 to 2 Mar 2013

Don was born September 24, 1936 in Willimantic, CT to Philip and Doris Curtis who served as missionaries in India. Don attended Wooster College, Ohio State University, and was employed as a steel representative by Republic Steel. He was also a US Army veteran and served during the Korean occupation. Surviving Kodai family: siblings Paul Curtis ’48 and Jean Curtis Scott ’51. For his full obituary, go to: http://www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Donald-Curtis/#!/Obituary

Diana Bohl - former staff
at KIS: 2000-2001

Diana Bohl, born in Tiffin, OH, died in February 2013 from complications of Alzheimer’s. Diana graduated from Heidelberg College and Northwestern University and taught in public schools in Ohio and Illinois before moving to Erie, PA, where she served on the faculty of Mercyhurst College. She was on sabbatical from Mercyhurst when she and her husband Adrian spent the academic year as volunteers at Kodai School. At KIS Diana helped with the development of the Student Resource Center. She retired in 2008. Diana is survived by her mother, her husband Adrian, two daughters, a granddaughter and siblings.

2012

Ruth Esther (Chellie) Manley Rowland '39
at KIS: 1928-1939

Much loved Chellie, 91, went home to be with her Lord Jesus right after Christmas 2012. She was born in India to Dr. Charles and Mrs. Ruth Bass Manley, American Baptist missionaries based in Hanamakonda, AP. Most of her childhood was spent in India, where her two older brothers, Tracy, Class of 1931, and Charles, Jr., Class of 1937, gave her the nickname Chellie (short for Chellamma), “little sister” in Telegu. At age 6, she joined her brothers at Highclerc School at Kodaikanal where she participated in many music programs and plays. Her family vacationed in Kodai and Chellie was especially fond of rowing on the lake and hiking the hills. After her graduation in 1939, she attended Linfield College in McMinnville, OR, where she met her husband John Rowland. The two were married after she graduated in 1943. While Chellie was busy raising their growing family, John taught in Alton, IL, and was on the faculty of Gonzaga in Spokane and Washington State in Pullman before working for Boeing. Chellie and John were both active in church and were both involved in the ministry of music. Chellie returned to college in the 1970’s and became a music teacher in local schools. She was the choir director at her church. Her passion for family, music and faith showed in every aspect of her life. Chellie made it her mission to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord!”! Preceded in death in 1997 by her husband John, Chellie is survived by their children Gladys, John and Alice who continued support to KFI in their mother’s memory.

Gary Knapp - former staff
at KIS: 2000-2003

Gary passed away in December 2012 from an aorta dissection. He taught physics, woodworking, design technology, computer graphics and was Web Master at KIS. He later returned to Kodai to work on Ann Peck’s (former staff) efficient stove project, installing new stoves in villages houses around Kodaikanal. At the time of his death, Gary was planning to present a paper on the smokeless stove project in Cambodia in March 2013. Gary and his wife Loey moved to Montana in 2005 where he took up his interest in woodworking, building beautiful craftsman style clocks. He had just sold his 900th clock in November 2012. He is survived by his wife, Lois “Loey” Heibert Knapp ’67.

Jean Dettman - former staff and parent
at KIS: 1964-1967

Jean Emery Dettman, born in Toledo, OH, died in November 2012 in Hingham, MA. Jean and her late husband Paul were on staff at Kodai School where she taught French and Paul was the Bursar (Finance Director). She was active in her church. She was devoted to her family and was a life-long learner. Jean is survived by six children who are alumni of KIS, twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A memorial service was held in December 2012 at House of Prayer Lutheran Church, Hingham, MA.

Harold Wolverton '37
Harold, known as Bubba, passed away in October 2012, two months shy of his 94th birthday. He was born in India where his parents were serving with the Canadian Baptist Ministries. He attended Kodai School and was in the Class of 1937. He was a radar technician in the Air Force in England during World War II, he received his post-secondary school education at the University of British Columbia and the University of Alberta. He practiced dental surgery for four decades and was a Renaissance man who could fix anything and discuss matters of any kind. He will be remembered as a kindhearted and generous gentlemen. His generosity extended to KFI and KIS. He was a member of the KIS Shola Society.

2010

Dorothy Harrison '41
Dorothy L “Dee” Harrison died on October 26, 2010 at the age of 86. Dee was born in Muscat, Oman on December 13, 1924 to Paul and Regina Rabble Harrison. She married Marvin Harrison on May 14, 1944 in New York City. Dee was a homemaker and worked as an artist and musician. Surviving Kodai family: sister Barbara Harrison Mulder ’42. For her full obituary, go to: http://musgroves.com/obituary.cfm?name=DorothyHarrison