1980s
Patt (Gamino) O’Neil’s stories have been featured in over 40 anthologies, online journals, and magazines. She and her husband reside in Thurston County, Wash. Her collections, Witness Testimony and Other Tales and Two Sides of the Same Coin, are available on Amazon (search P.A. O’Neil). She won the 2023 Mustang Flash Fiction Award with “The Great Burro Revolt,” which was also featured in the Saddlebag Dispatches anthology West of Dodge. Her article, “Northwest Passage,” about the Ellensburg, Wash., Rodeo from the summer 2022 issue of Saddlebag Dispatches Magazine, won 4th place in the national competition for nonfiction short essays (Will Rogers Medallion Award).
Greg Schieferstein is now a communication manager for the State of Washington in Olympia after 34 years in television news. Greg works for the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, writing, producing pictures, videos, graphics, and social media. In addition, he supports educational and organizational outreach across the state. He also earned his certification from the FAA as a commercial drone pilot. Greg and his wife, Barbara Andrews, are glad to return to the Northwest.
Greg Schieferstein is now a communication manager for the State of Washington in Olympia after 34 years in television news. Greg works for the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, writing, producing pictures, videos, graphics, and social media. In addition, he supports educational and organizational outreach across the state. He also earned his certification from the FAA as a commercial drone pilot. Greg and his wife, Barbara Andrews, are glad to return to the Northwest.
Erik Johnson retired after 32 years of teaching high school social studies in Oregon. He plans to enjoy family time with his wife, Miki Johnson, and children, Alek ’14, Lukas, Aaron, and Annika.
Amy Swanson was promoted to CEO of WCP Solutions, a Washington-based wholesale distributor with 14 locations across six states.
Amy Swanson was promoted to CEO of WCP Solutions, a Washington-based wholesale distributor with 14 locations across six states.
Gayle Ann Scheele passed away in West Seattle on Feb. 24, 2023. She graduated from PLU with a degree in business administration. In 1995, she was awarded an MBA from Bellevue City University. She was an accountant with commercial and residential property management companies in Seattle and Bellevue. Her love of travel took her to several countries. She was an avid sports fan and prolific reader. Gayle is survived by her mother, Marjean (Lawhead) Scheele ’62, father, Gerald Scheele ’60, and brother, Mark Scheele. Her Aunt Beatrice Scheele ’58 and Uncle Ted Scheele ’57 preceded her in death.
Gayle Ann Scheele passed away in West Seattle on Feb. 24, 2023. She graduated from PLU with a degree in business administration. In 1995, she was awarded an MBA from Bellevue City University. She was an accountant with commercial and residential property management companies in Seattle and Bellevue. Her love of travel took her to several countries. She was an avid sports fan and prolific reader. Gayle is survived by her mother, Marjean (Lawhead) Scheele ’62, father, Gerald Scheele ’60, and brother, Mark Scheele. Her Aunt Beatrice Scheele ’58 and Uncle Ted Scheele ’57 preceded her in death.
Rusty Carlson took the gold with his team (the Elder Hostiles) at the 2023 Summer Senior Games in men’s indoor volleyball. Rusty will also play in the doubles pickleball Senior Games with his long-time PLU friend, Paula Lindquist-Ihle ’87. “Way to go, Lutes!”
David Chun’s son, Marley, graduated from Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu, Hawaii, and entered PLU in the fall of 2024. “Go Lutes!”
David Chun’s son, Marley, graduated from Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu, Hawaii, and entered PLU in the fall of 2024. “Go Lutes!”
1970s
Jan (Berg) Hazelton published Life, Faith, and Saltwater Taffy (under J.B. Hazelton). Written in a conversational tone, it combines a playful beach theme, relatable anecdotes, and a scriptural foundation to bring fresh perspectives to topics we all face.
In an update to the last Class Note, one of the plumbing projects by Bruce Hoffman and Dale Perry ’78 was a “horrific failure.” They attest that “none of the courses taught at PLU from 1973 to 1978 discussed distinguishing hot and cold water pipes.” On a happier note, Bruce and Erma Hennessey ’77 and Dale and his wife, Betty (honorary Lute to Ben Perry ’09 and Sam Perry ’14), returned from a three-week tour of Europe. The trip was reminiscent of Dale’s 1979 tour of European financial capitals led by Dr. Stuart Bancroft, where they discovered that sometimes hot water switches sides.
Paul Griffith Swanson was born Feb. 28, 1955, and died Sept. 13, 2023. He was raised in Magnolia with his two sisters, Jean and Marji. He attended Queen Anne High School. After spending years in business, Paul began teaching middle school science, which turned out to be a rewarding job. A dedicated scout, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and later served as a Cub Scout den leader and Troop 406 Scoutmaster. Paul is survived by sons Kevin Swanson and Matthew Swanson, step-daughter Ashley Human, and six grandchildren (Caleb, Paige, Grace, Teagan, Blake, and Hawkens).
Paul Griffith Swanson was born Feb. 28, 1955, and died Sept. 13, 2023. He was raised in Magnolia with his two sisters, Jean and Marji. He attended Queen Anne High School. After spending years in business, Paul began teaching middle school science, which turned out to be a rewarding job. A dedicated scout, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and later served as a Cub Scout den leader and Troop 406 Scoutmaster. Paul is survived by sons Kevin Swanson and Matthew Swanson, step-daughter Ashley Human, and six grandchildren (Caleb, Paige, Grace, Teagan, Blake, and Hawkens).
Julia (Weisenborn) Scott received her post-masters Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Washington State University Vancouver in May 2024 and was awarded the Outstanding DNP Student award. With over 46 years in nursing, Julia has worked in medical-surgical services, labor and delivery, school nursing, and nurse delegation. She’s currently a clinical instructor in the nursing program at Clark College in Vancouver, Wash. Julia also retired from the Air Force Reserves with the rank of colonel in 2014 after 29 and a half years of service as a flight nurse and nurse administrator. Julia and her husband, Curtis, live in Vancouver.
Julia (Weisenborn) Scott received her post-masters Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Washington State University Vancouver in May 2024 and was awarded the Outstanding DNP Student award. With over 46 years in nursing, Julia has worked in medical-surgical services, labor and delivery, school nursing, and nurse delegation. She’s currently a clinical instructor in the nursing program at Clark College in Vancouver, Wash. Julia also retired from the Air Force Reserves with the rank of colonel in 2014 after 29 and a half years of service as a flight nurse and nurse administrator. Julia and her husband, Curtis, live in Vancouver.
Keith Davis serves as Board Chair of COLA.ORG, a leading accreditation organization for clinical laboratories. He’s a family physician in Shoshone, Idaho, married to Diane (Lund) Davis ’75.
Deanna (Thorp) Nowadnick recently released her fourth book and first children’s book, Grandma, You Found Me!. Deanna manages an investment advisory firm on Mercer Island, Wash., when not writing. She’s active in her church, volunteering and serving on the leadership team. Deanna lives in Monroe, Wash., with her husband, Kurt ’76. She’s the mother of two adult sons and the grandmother of four—her inspiration for additional books.
Deanna (Thorp) Nowadnick recently released her fourth book and first children’s book, Grandma, You Found Me!. Deanna manages an investment advisory firm on Mercer Island, Wash., when not writing. She’s active in her church, volunteering and serving on the leadership team. Deanna lives in Monroe, Wash., with her husband, Kurt ’76. She’s the mother of two adult sons and the grandmother of four—her inspiration for additional books.
Wendy (Enger) Gibson and Helen Pohlig were together in Florence, Italy, in October 2023. Wendy lives in Florence and studies classical portraiture in a three-year art program. Helen has retired from teaching contract law seminars and traveled for two weeks in Italy.
Wendy (Enger) Gibson and Helen Pohlig were together in Florence, Italy, in October 2023. Wendy lives in Florence and studies classical portraiture in a three-year art program. Helen has retired from teaching contract law seminars and traveled for two weeks in Italy.
Dr. Kim Nordberg, leading the Christian Medical Dental Association Group made up of University of Southern California School of Dentistry students, took a trip 20 years in the making to Tecpan in April 2023, where they treated 650 Guatemalans. With a team of 50 volunteers, they accomplished a full range of services, including surgeries, root canals, fillings, and periodontal care. In May 2024, Nordberg and a team of 47 traveled to the Antigua area and treated 667 patients.
Michael Tripp would like to greet everyone who lived in Evergreen or Delta Hall from 1969 to 1973 or attended PLU. Michael is now happily retired in the Sonoran Desert after a stimulating career in international business. He invites everyone to share their stories by emailing him at porsche001@gmail.com.
Halvar Olstead and Alvina (Hauf) ’73 continue to “fail” retirement. Halvar is the safety manager at Seabrook, Wash., and Alvina is the Harbor Home Care and Hospice chaplain. They’ve lived in Ocean Shores, Wash., since 2018, after Alvina’s ten years in far eastern Montana as an ELCA pastor. Halvar is currently the treasurer of Galilean Lutheran Church, where Alvina directs the bell and vocal choirs and plays for the church when she’s not serving as a supply pastor. They both play in community music groups at Grays Harbor College.
Richard Cockle published his seventh e-book novel, The Devil’s Good Boys, in February 2024. He retired in 2013 after 43 years as a journalist, mainly for the Portland Oregonian. He currently is a downhill skiing instructor at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort in northeastern Oregon. He lives in Union, Ore., with his wife, Brenda.
1960s
Thomas “Tom” Edward Fenn passed away on May 1, 2024, at age 78, after a courageous battle with cancer. Tom was a proud PLU graduate, earning his bachelor’s in 1968 and master’s in business administration in 1984. He was an accomplished athlete in swimming and rowing, even taking turns in the wooden shell made famous by the novel The Boys in the Boat. After PLU, Tom had a successful career as an insurance executive. Passionate about athletics, he completed marathons and triathlons, including Ironman Hawaii and the World’s Toughest Triathlon. He was a devoted family man to his children, Brian and Karin, and grandchildren, Graham, Odin, and Aneva.
Thomas “Tom” Edward Fenn passed away on May 1, 2024, at age 78, after a courageous battle with cancer. Tom was a proud PLU graduate, earning his bachelor’s in 1968 and master’s in business administration in 1984. He was an accomplished athlete in swimming and rowing, even taking turns in the wooden shell made famous by the novel The Boys in the Boat. After PLU, Tom had a successful career as an insurance executive. Passionate about athletics, he completed marathons and triathlons, including Ironman Hawaii and the World’s Toughest Triathlon. He was a devoted family man to his children, Brian and Karin, and grandchildren, Graham, Odin, and Aneva.
James Reece passed away on March 7, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. He was born on Nov. 24, 1944, in Palo Alto, Calif. As an undergraduate at PLU, he studied abroad in Germany at the University of Heidelberg, where he recognized his passion for German language and literature. He graduated magna cum laude from PLU with a bachelor’s degree in German. After PLU, he earned a master’s degree and a doctorate from the University of Oregon alongside lifelong friend Gerald Fetz ’66. In 1970, Reece relocated to Moscow, where he spent 38 years teaching German language and literature at the University of Idaho.
James Reece passed away on March 7, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. He was born on Nov. 24, 1944, in Palo Alto, Calif. As an undergraduate at PLU, he studied abroad in Germany at the University of Heidelberg, where he recognized his passion for German language and literature. He graduated magna cum laude from PLU with a bachelor’s degree in German. After PLU, he earned a master’s degree and a doctorate from the University of Oregon alongside lifelong friend Gerald Fetz ’66. In 1970, Reece relocated to Moscow, where he spent 38 years teaching German language and literature at the University of Idaho.
Theodore “Ted” John Vigeland (born April 13, 1943) passed away on Jan. 31, 2024. Ted graduated from the University of Oregon Medical School, completing his internship and orthopedic residency. In medical school, he married his high school sweetheart, Julie Shiffer Vigeland, and they were married for 58 years. Over the years, they visited 67 countries. Ted relished his work in Peru and Ecuador with a local medical team. After years of private practice, he joined the medical staff at Oregon Health Sciences University, where he served as associate professor and later at the Veterans Hospital. He and Julie had two children and six grandchildren.
Theodore “Ted” John Vigeland (born April 13, 1943) passed away on Jan. 31, 2024. Ted graduated from the University of Oregon Medical School, completing his internship and orthopedic residency. In medical school, he married his high school sweetheart, Julie Shiffer Vigeland, and they were married for 58 years. Over the years, they visited 67 countries. Ted relished his work in Peru and Ecuador with a local medical team. After years of private practice, he joined the medical staff at Oregon Health Sciences University, where he served as associate professor and later at the Veterans Hospital. He and Julie had two children and six grandchildren.
Rhoda Pappajohn passed away on March 16, 2023. After PLU, she received a master’s degree in librarianship from the University of Washington. She was a teacher and school librarian at Eatonville Schools. Rhoda is survived by her husband, Ken Miller ’64, and her sons, Jon and Marc.
Dr. William Ronald (Ron) Heyer passed away on Oct. 8, 2023, in Arlington, Va. He was born in Bellingham, Wash., in 1941. Dr. Heyer was a curator in the division of amphibians and reptiles at the Smithsonian Institution Museum of Natural History from 1973 until retiring in 2013. He had more than 150 publications, named over 50 frog species, and had eight animal species named after him. He mentored doctoral students, supported scientific journals, and was a member of herpetological societies. He was devoted to his wife, Miriam (Muedekig) Heyer ’64, and his daughters, Laura and Elena Heyer, and their families. He and Miriam traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad, and he instilled a love of good food and reading in his daughters.
Lou Blaesi passed away on Sept. 4, 2023. He was a devoted husband to Karen, a loving father to Matt and Chris, and a proud grandfather to Andrew, McKenzie, Tyler, Ben, and Jack. He played football at PLU for four years, from 1958 to 1961. He was a teacher and coach in the Federal Way School District and was inducted into the Federal Way Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010 for his 28-year teaching and coaching career. He remained active at his Lake Chelan and Palm Desert homes in his retirement. Lou had a passion for the outdoors and hard work.
Lou Blaesi passed away on Sept. 4, 2023. He was a devoted husband to Karen, a loving father to Matt and Chris, and a proud grandfather to Andrew, McKenzie, Tyler, Ben, and Jack. He played football at PLU for four years, from 1958 to 1961. He was a teacher and coach in the Federal Way School District and was inducted into the Federal Way Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010 for his 28-year teaching and coaching career. He remained active at his Lake Chelan and Palm Desert homes in his retirement. Lou had a passion for the outdoors and hard work.
1950s
Neil Eastvold passed away on Sept. 19, 2023. He earned his business degree at PLU, but equally important, it’s where he met the love of his life. After graduation, he spent his tenured career working in sales and later as an engineer at various cement companies in Seattle. He had a full life with many adventures, but his favorites were the ones with his family. Neil is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janice (Campion) Eastvold ’59; children Lynn, David, and Bryan; grandchildren Kelsey Smith ’11, Shelby, and Tyler; and one great-grandchild.
Neil Eastvold passed away on Sept. 19, 2023. He earned his business degree at PLU, but equally important, it’s where he met the love of his life. After graduation, he spent his tenured career working in sales and later as an engineer at various cement companies in Seattle. He had a full life with many adventures, but his favorites were the ones with his family. Neil is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janice (Campion) Eastvold ’59; children Lynn, David, and Bryan; grandchildren Kelsey Smith ’11, Shelby, and Tyler; and one great-grandchild.
Don and Alta (Prestbye) Gaarder graduated from “PLC” in 1955 and married in 1956. At PLC, Alta was in the Homecoming Royalty during her junior year. She taught 3rd and 1st grades for over 30 years and participated in parish activities. Don, a three-sport letterman, was student body vice president during his senior year. After over 30 years in Lutheran ministry, he sold insurance and volunteered with Sanford Health. He served on the Augustana University Board of Regents and was inducted into its Honorary Alumni Association in 2023. Don and Alta turned 90 in 2023 and celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Alta passed away on June 27, 2024. Don resides in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Don and Alta (Prestbye) Gaarder graduated from “PLC” in 1955 and married in 1956. At PLC, Alta was in the Homecoming Royalty during her junior year. She taught 3rd and 1st grades for over 30 years and participated in parish activities. Don, a three-sport letterman, was student body vice president during his senior year. After over 30 years in Lutheran ministry, he sold insurance and volunteered with Sanford Health. He served on the Augustana University Board of Regents and was inducted into its Honorary Alumni Association in 2023. Don and Alta turned 90 in 2023 and celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Alta passed away on June 27, 2024. Don resides in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Grace (Foege) Holmes passed away on Feb. 8, 2023, in Lenexa, Kan. She was the first woman to graduate from PLU to be accepted to the University of Washington Medical School and one of two women in her class who graduated with M.D. degrees in 1957. Grace married Fred Holmes, a fellow medical school classmate, in 1955. She had an interesting career serving on faculties at Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, interspersed with medical mission work in Malaysia from 1959 to 1963, and in Tanzania from 1970 to 1972, in addition to publishing medical papers, writing several books, and caring for six children (five adopted and one biological).
Grace (Foege) Holmes passed away on Feb. 8, 2023, in Lenexa, Kan. She was the first woman to graduate from PLU to be accepted to the University of Washington Medical School and one of two women in her class who graduated with M.D. degrees in 1957. Grace married Fred Holmes, a fellow medical school classmate, in 1955. She had an interesting career serving on faculties at Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, interspersed with medical mission work in Malaysia from 1959 to 1963, and in Tanzania from 1970 to 1972, in addition to publishing medical papers, writing several books, and caring for six children (five adopted and one biological).
Frank E. Witt passed away on May 16, 2023, at age 94. He attended PLU after serving in the Army in WWII. Frank’s teaching career began in the Steilacoom School District. He transferred to the new University Place School District and Tacoma Community College, retiring in 1990. He volunteered to teach horticulture at the women’s prison in Purdy. He did this well into his 90s. He received his master’s from Washington State University in 1966, and was also a Master Gardener. He’s survived by his wife of 74 years, Gloria (Christenson) Witt ’66, and his children Virginia ’75, Chris ’78, and Margaret ’86, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Frank E. Witt passed away on May 16, 2023, at age 94. He attended PLU after serving in the Army in WWII. Frank’s teaching career began in the Steilacoom School District. He transferred to the new University Place School District and Tacoma Community College, retiring in 1990. He volunteered to teach horticulture at the women’s prison in Purdy. He did this well into his 90s. He received his master’s from Washington State University in 1966, and was also a Master Gardener. He’s survived by his wife of 74 years, Gloria (Christenson) Witt ’66, and his children Virginia ’75, Chris ’78, and Margaret ’86, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.