Doris Stroup Bieber (’55)
09/12/1935 - 11/13/2025
Doris Stroup Bieber (’55) passed away on Nov. 13, 2025. She was born in Burke, South Dakota, on Sep. 12, 1935, to John and Catherine Stroup. Doris was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend whose memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her. She is preceded in death by her parents, John Stroup and Catherine Hull Stroup; brother, Kenneth Stroup; and sister, Betty Veit. She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Jim R. Bieber (’52); sons, Jim L. (Lanette) Bieber and Ken (Tami) Bieber; six grandchildren; as well as seven great-grandchildren.
Violet Boyko Zapara (’44)
04/21/1926 - 10/22/2025
Violet Boyko Zapara (’44) known to her family as “Vi,” died on Oct. 22, 2025. She was 99 years old. Her husband, Tom, had preceded her in death on June 16, 2024. Both were visionary, loyal, and generous supporters of Seventh-day Adventist education. Vi was born on Apr. 21, 1926, near Max, North Dakota to Ukrainian immigrant parents. Determined to become a teacher, she did not allow adversity—including the early death of her father—impede her preparation for this life mission. After her graduation, she married Tom Zapara, a fellow Ukrainian. They spent their lifetime as philanthropists: they sought to honor God with the assets with which divine providence had blessed them. Vi is survived by her daughters, Shelley (Jere) Fox and Cindy Zapara; her grandchildren; and her great grandchildren. An incredible friend and a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she will be greatly missed by the many people with whom she was deeply and warmly connected. Her contributions to humanity will only be fully acknowledged in heaven.
Robert “Bob” Romans (’57)
02/26/1932 - 09/18/2025
Robert “Bob” Romans (’57) died on Sep. 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born Feb. 26, 1932, in Erlanger, Kentucky, to Carl and Lida Romans, Bob grew up in Colorado and graduated from Campion Academy in 1950. He served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict before completing a degree in music. Bob taught music in Adventist schools and later in the Lodi public schools from 1968 until his retirement in 1995, inspiring generations of students. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Carole; children Mark (Valerie), Beth (Toby), and Matt (Helena); stepdaughters Christine and Tara; five grandchildren; and siblings Marjorie, Kathy, and Kenny. He was preceded in death by his brother Jim and both parents. Bob’s love of music and devotion to teaching will be remembered by all who knew him.
Joan Peters Blair ’54
03/18/1933 - 08/11/2025
Joan Peters Blair ’54 was born on Mar. 18, 1933, to Henry and Katrina Peters. She passed away on Aug. 11, 2025, at the age of 92. Joan was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her children: Michael (Judy), Robyn (Kevin) Edgerton, Douglas (Gracie Kahler Blair ’82), and Beth (Loren Birmingham); eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind two beloved sisters, Louesa Peters ’48 and Marlene Keaton (’53). Joan was eagerly awaiting Christ’s second coming and the joyful reunion it promises with her husband of seventy years, Mardian Blair ’54, and their son, Johnny, who both preceded her in death.
Leonard Coy ’61
12/05/1936 - 08/05/2025
Leonard Coy ’61 was born on Dec. 5, 1936, and died on Aug. 5, 2025. Prior to Union College, he attended Laurelwood Academy and Walla Walla University. He graduated from Union in 1961 with a degree in Business Administration. He married Erma Crofoot Coy ’59, and they were together for 65 years before he passed. He is survived by his wife, Erma; and his children, Carmen Hardt, Karen Karnell, David Coy and Suzanne Coy (’80).
Lois Michalec Prior (’50)
01/22/1930 - 08/04/2025
Lois Michalec Prior (’50) was born on Jan. 22, 1930 in Cedar Rapids, IA, and died on Aug. 4, 2025 in Loma Linda, CA. She is survived by Gary Prior, Cindy Prior; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Martha Reddy Robison ’56
04/14/1933 - 08/01/2025
Martha Reddy Robison ’56 lovingly known as “Marty,” passed on Aug. 1, 2025. She was born on Apr. 14, 1933, in her grandparents’ home to A.A. Reddy and Martha McCarty Reddy. Martha grew up primarily in Wichita, Kan., and graduated from North High School in 1951. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1956. While at Union College, she met the love of her life, Melvin Robison (’56). They were married on June 27, 1954, and shared a beautiful life together, raising three precious daughters: Brenda Marcotte ’81, Dian Larrew ’84, and Karen Sanchez ’87. Martha was a nurse at Porter Hospital, where she primarily served in the operating room. She also served faithfully as a secretary at the Denver South Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she was an active and devoted member for many years. Martha is preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, Tim Marcotte ’79. She is survived by her daughters; sons-in-law, Michel Jay Larrew, and Dan Sanchez ’86; four grandchildren, Katelyn (Connor) Marcotte-Crawford (’13), Moriah (Andrew) McIlhany, Makayla Sanchez ’19, and Nathaniel Sanchez; and two great-grandchildren.
Dorothy Stacey Snyder-Metzger ’54
10/31/1931 - 07/02/2025
Dorothy Stacey Snyder-Metzger ’54 was born in La Paz, Bolivia on Oct. 31, 1931 to her missionary parents, George and Mary Stacey. Dorothy and her husband Tedd Snyder ’55 served in the mission field for 17 years in Puerto Rico and Curacao. Dorothy passed away on July 2, 2025 in Berrien Springs, Mich. Dorothy was preceded in death by her first husband, Tedd Snyder, second husband, Arthur Metzger, and son, Donald. She is survived by her siblings Laurene Cleveland ’55 and Edward Stacey ’57; her three girls, Meredith (Walter) Snyder, Martha (Larry) Rentfro, Loretta (Mark) Howell; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Joan Sharp Bissell ’51
12/25/1928 - 07/01/2025
Joan Sharp Bissell ’51 was born on Dec 25, 1928, and died on July 1, 2025. Joan was born into the big family of Grover and Esther English Sharp on Christmas Day, at their home in Beemer, Neb. As the seventh of eight children–and the youngest daughter–Joan spent her happy childhood immersed in the dynamic life of the family farm. Thanks to her vibrant and social spirit, Joan thrived in high school and participated in theater productions, played piano at the family’s Methodist church, roller skated, and worked as a soda jerk at the local drugstore. Determined to pursue higher education and despite familial resistance, Joan–with the help of her older sister Mary–convinced her father to let her attend college so long as she lived with her sister. She became the first daughter in her family to attend college and receive a college education. Joan began her studies at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, NE. During a summer trip to Yellowstone National Park after her first year of college, the Sharp family encountered a Seventh-day Adventist, a meeting that led many in the family to convert. Joan then transferred to Union College, where she met the love of her life, Gordon Bissell (’56). They married in 1951, the day after Joan graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. In 1964, Joan began her 30-year teaching career at the Washington State School for the Deaf in Vancouver, WA, balancing full-time work with raising her eight children. She also earned a master’s degree in Special Education from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR. After retiring in 2006, Joan and Gordon relocated to Walla Walla, WA, to be closer to several of their children. She is survived by her eight children and their families: Lee and Janet Bissell; Lewis and Conni Bissell; Linda and Tom Hickerson; Laurie and Lou Roosma; Lisa and Bob Paulson; Larry Bissell; Lavonne Bissell and Lou Urrutia; Lafe and Rebecca Bissell; 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gordon Bissell (2017), and all seven of her siblings.
Leo Herber ’52
07/27/1930 - 06/18/2025
Leo Herber ’52 was born in Shattuck, Okla. on July 27, 1930, and died in Scottsdale, Ariz. on June 18, 2025. He lived to the age of 94 and was married for 73 years to the love of his life, Claudine Huber Herber (’52). Together, they raised five children and were blessed with seven grandchildren. His life was a legacy of faith, love, and gentle wisdom.
Leon Sanders ’59
03/05/1937 - 06/11/2025
Leon Sanders ’59 was born Mar. 5, 1937, and died June 11, 2025. Elder Sanders spent 46 years and seven months working faithfully for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was a graduate of Ozark Adventist Academy and Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was married in 1957 to Doris Browning (’57), and they had three children – Ronald Leon Sanders, Cheryl LeAnn Beauchamp, and Teresa Lynn Hochstedler. Elder Sanders served on a number of major boards and committees and was not only a Certified Public Account but also a Certified Fraud Examiner. He was also an ordained minister of the SDA Church. Leon Sanders was preceded in death by his wife of almost 64 years, Doris; and his son, Ron. He is survived by his two daughters, and five grandchildren.
Beverley McCowen Dunkin (’51)
03/18/1932 - 04/29/2025
Beverley McCowen Dunkin (’51) of Woodland Park, Colo, was born Mar. 18, 1932. She died Apr. 29, 2025. Beverley was preceded in death by her husband Donald Dunkin ’54. She is survived by four children: Dennis Dunkin ’76, Robert Dunkin (’84), David Dunkin ’91, Sharon Dunkin Hagopian ’87; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Melvin Axt ’55
05/03/1930 - 04/06/2025
Melvin Axt ’55 was born on May 3, 1930 in Goodrich, N.D. Just one month shy of turning 95 years old, he passed away on Apr. 6, 2025, in Glendale, Calif.
Patricia Gober Sorensen (’50)
10/31/1929 - 03/29/2025
Patricia Gober Sorensen (’50) passed away at her home on Mar. 29, 2025. Born on Oct. 31, 1929, in Loma Linda, California, she was the oldest child of the late Jerry and Forest Askey Gober. Patricia was loved by her late husband, Dr. Eugene Sorensen (’50). Patricia met Eugene in 1947, and after dating for 5 days, they married on March 27, 1947. Eugene passed away on March 27, 2006, exactly 58 years since they were married. Patricia’s last words to him on their final anniversary were, “I Love You,” and he replied, “And I love you too.” Patricia lived a full and wonderful life as an RN, assistant director of nursing, nursing instructor, office manager, mother and friend. She was an active member in the Hanover Seventh-day Adventist church, and of the executive committees for both the Pennsylvania Conference and Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. She had a strong faith in Jesus her entire life and rests waiting for His soon return. She is survived by three children: Mark (Beverly) Sorensen, Penny (Mike) Kelly, and Lisa (Randy) Geske; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Tricia Dillaman; a grandson; her sister, Bonnie Grainger; and a brother, Dan Gober.
Wilma Jones Hepker ’53
11/01/1933 - 03/15/2025
Wilma Jones Hepker ’53 was born on Nov. 1, 1933. After graduating from Union College, she began her 53-year long service-oriented career as an educator, which included work in Arkansas, Nebraska, Lebanon, and Walla Walla. Dr. Hepker and her husband, Dale, first arrived at Walla Walla’s campus in 1972, and she was a pioneer in the development of their Social Work major. She was instrumental in the creation of social work departments in numerous other colleges and universities and was the recipient of countless awards and distinctions. She leaves behind a monumental legacy of excellence in thought, generosity in service, beauty in expression, and faith in God, in addition to many family members and loved ones.
Barbara Meyer Kimzey ’59
10/22/1936 - 01/13/2025
Barbara Meyer Kimzey ’59 passed away on Jan. 13, 2025, after an extended battle with dementia. Barbara was born in Fargo, ND on Oct. 22, 1936, to Frank and Inez Meyer. After growing up in Fargo, she attended Union College in Lincoln, NE, graduating from the school of nursing in 1959 as a registered nurse. While working in Denver, CO she met Gerald “Gerry” L. Kimzey, a US Forest Service Engineer, while visiting her sister Carol in Kalispell. They were married on Jan. 16, 1969 in Sedalia, CO in the living room of the Douglas County judge, with her belongings already packed for the drive back to Kalispell. They set up their permanent household in Kalispell, where they have resided until the time of her passing. Barbara and Gerry traveled the world but took their greatest pleasure from spending time with friends and family. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents; sister Carolyn Meyer Korb; brothers, Richard and Raymond “Pete” Meyer; and daughter, Ann Kimzey. Barbara is survived by her beloved husband Gerry; sister Frances Meyer Sabbe; daughter Amy (Scott Berger) Kimzey; two granddaughters; and a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jack Blanco ’55
06/17/1929 - 01/12/2025
Jack Blanco ’55 born on June 17, 1929, passed away on Jan. 12, 2025. More info to come.
Ramona Heim Greenhaw ’61
11/24/1938 - 01/12/2025
Ramona Heim Greenhaw ’61 passed away on Jan. 12, 2025. Born on Nov. 24, 1938 to John Heim and Ethel Stewart Heim. Ramona was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and educator who left a mark on the hearts of all who knew her. She grew up on a farm in Cashion, Oklahoma. Ramona attended the local Cashion schools through the ninth grade where she made some lifelong friends and started playing basketball, a sport that remained dear to her heart her entire life. She continued her education at Southwestern Academy and Jr. College and attended Southern Adventist College in Tennessee for one year before transferring to Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she earned at BS in Education and Home Economics, which became the foundation of her lifelong commitment to teaching and learning. She later earned a Master’s degree in Education from Michigan State University. At the age of 13, at church in Oklahoma City, Ramona unexpectedly crossed paths with a young man named Jerry Greenhaw ’69. At the age of 22 Ramona finally married Jerry on July 24, 1960. Together they raised four children: Brian (Melissa) Greenhaw, Steven (Nora) Greenhaw, Cindy (Wil) Reyna and Susan (Richard) Moth. Ramona’s family was her pride and joy and she took immense pleasure in watching it grow to include 14 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, all of whom survive her and will carry on her legacy of love.
Mike Korgan (’60)
07/14/1939 - 01/07/2025
Mike Korgan (’60) died on Jan. 7, 2025. He was born on July 14, 1939, in a two-room farmhouse on his family’s dairy farm in Moore, Okla. He attended high school at the Ozark Academy in Gentry, Ark, and then attended Southwestern Union College when his family moved to Keene, Texas. In the late 1950s, he moved to Lincoln, Neb. to attend Union College where he majored in music and radio engineering. While in Lincoln, he fell head-over-heels with and married Carol Codr on Nov. 19, 1960. Mike is survived by his wife, two sons, daughter, daughter-in-law, and three grandsons.
Velma Dutton Shultz Burns (’60)
01/07/1940 - 11/30/2024
Velma Dutton Shultz Burns (’60) was born Jan. 7, 1940, and died Nov. 30, 2024. Velma was the oldest of five children born to Roy and Gwendolyn Lemon Dutton. She attended Adventist schools before enrolling at Union College in 1958. She chose Union because she could live with her aunt and uncle, John and Gertrude Lemon Mayer, who managed the book bindery. Velma married Alfred Shultz ’49,’61 and they moved to Topeka, Kansas, where Alfred served the Church for many years. Their marriage ended in divorce after 27 years, and with four children. Velma then married Kenneth “Curly” Burns, and they lived near Topeka for 24 years until Curly’s death. After that, Velma went to live with her daughter’s family in Texas. Survivors include daughters Carol Shultz Allred (’81) and Myrna Shultz Carpenter (’83); sons Joseph Shultz (’89) and Jonathan Shultz (’90); four grandchildren; three great-granddaughters; a stepdaughter, Kathy Kaesewurm; four siblings; sister-in-law, Rose Chaney Shultz Binder (’62); and extended family and friends.
Jack Nay ’58
12/23/1929 - 11/27/2024
Jack Nay ’58 died Nov. 27, 2024. He was born Dec. 23, 1929, in Kalamazoo, Mich., the son of Raleigh and Pauline Houghtaling Nay. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. Jack was a graduate of Union College and went on to receive a master’s degree in social work from the University of Nebraska. He worked at the Battle Creek V.A. Hospital for nearly 15 years, and retired from V.A. Hospital in Murfreesboro, Tennessee before returning to Battle Creek. On Feb. 17, 1952, he married Geraldine Mayer in Lincoln, Neb. Together they enjoyed traveling, having been to all 50 states, most of those on a motorcycle. Jack was preceded in death by his wife on May 8, 2022, a sister Joan Nay, two brothers James and Joseph Nay, and granddaughter Yvonne Ahlberg Elmore. He is survived by two children: John (Judy) Nay and Karen (Denny Olson) Nay; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and multiple nieces and nephews.
Ruth Kainer Gascay ’57
08/10/0934 - 10/09/2024
Ruth Kainer Gascay ’57 passed away on Oct. 9, 2024, at the age of 90. She was predeceased by her husband Stephen Gascay. She is survived by: her children, Dana and Doug; her siblings, Marie and Gordon; her grandchildren, Hunter, Allie, Skyler, Jordyn, and Madison; and her great grandchildren, Charlotte, Henry, Teddy, Jack, Nora, Joanna, and Lucas. She is also survived by many nieces & nephews.
Roger Quast (’59)
06/22/1939 - 06/16/2024
Roger Quast (’59) born on June 22, 1939, in Ellendale, ND, died on June 16, 2024 in Bismarck, ND. A member of the Bismarck Church, he was preceded in death by his wife, Karene and a sister. Survivors include daughter Moneé; sons Mark, Michael, and Marlo, one sister; five grandchildren; many foster grandchildren.
Lloyd Herr ’52 and LaVerne Vietz Herr ’50
07/15/1930 - 06/20/2023
Lloyd Herr ’52 and LaVerne Vietz Herr ’50 passed away within days of each other at their home in Vancouver, WA. Lloyd was born July 15, 1930 in McClusky, North Dakota, and he died on June 20, 2023. He was #9 out of 12 children. LaVerne was born March 27, 1930 in Cleveland, North Dakota, and died on June 24, 2023. She was oldest of 4 children. Lloyd and LaVerne met at Sheyenne River Academy in Harvey, North Dakota. After graduating, LaVerne taught at a small school while Lloyd continued his education to become a minister at Union College, in Lincoln, Nebraska. They were married in Clear Lake, Wisconsin on August 7, 1950. During their married lifetime they served over 68 churches in 5 different states starting with Wisconsin, Michigan, Washington, Oregon and Hawaii. They were known for their love of music and enjoyed singing duets. They leave behind a legacy of God’s Great Love.
Norma Jeanne Goins DeAllen-Hartsfield ’56
09/18/1934 - 01/15/2022
Norma Jeanne Goins DeAllen-Hartsfield ’56 was born Sep. 18, 1934 in Idaho to Edward and Ethel Goins. She passed away on Jan. 15, 2022. Jeanne became a registered nurse with her degree from Union. In 1962, she taught nursing assistants, and in 1995, she earned a Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology. She worked with incest survivors until her retirements in 2006. Jeanne was predeceased by her husband of 22 years, Arnett Hartsfield, two step-daughters, two sisters, and three brothers. She is survived by her sister, Ruth; daughter, Sharyna (Ron) Reece; three step-children; and a host of grandchildren; nieces and nephews; extended family; and many beloved friends.
James Trumbo (’60)
08/04/1939 - 04/26/2021
James Trumbo (’60) was born Aug. 4, 1939, in Chula, Miss., the third child to Maurice and Lucile Trumbo. In 1968 James graduated with a BS Degree in Accounting from Walla Walla University in Washington. James was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Norton, Kan. He was an elder and treasurer from 1968-2017. James died on Apr. 26, 2021 and was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, of fifty-four years, Joyce Trumbo; sister, Marcia; and brother-in-law, Egon. James is survived by his three sons; Timothy, Richard, and Steven; sister, Arlene; sister-in-law, Beth; ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Viola “Vi” Lowry Case (’58)
02/27/1937 - 12/14/2019
Viola “Vi” Lowry Case (’58) passed away on Dec. 14, 2019, in Canon City, Colo. She was born in Colorado Springs, Colo., to Julia and Edward Lowry on Feb. 27, 1937. After graduation from Pikes Peak Junior Academy, she attended Campion Academy in Loveland, Colo., and then Union College in Lincoln, Neb. She made numerous friends throughout her education that have remained close until the time of her death. On June 10, 1973, Vi married John “Larry” Case. In 1975, they moved to Cañon City where they permanently settled. Through the years, she was active in support of the Cañon City Seventh-day Adventist church and the church school. Vi is survived by her sons Joel, Rick, and Dave, brother Bob, and seven grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her husband Larry Case, sister Coriena Hendricks ’57, and brother-in-law John Hendricks.