Class Notes for Doane Magazine 2023

Rev. Robert L. Polk ’52
Philadelphia, Pa., has recently published his third book, a compelling autobiography titled, “Fly in the Buttermilk: One Black Man’s Odyssey.” Polk, 94, has authored two other books, “Crossing Barriers & Building Bridges, a memoir” and “Tight Little Island.”

Ronald L. Chrans ’56
Mount Pleasant, Mich. While on a family visit to Nebraska, Commander Ronald Chrans (Retired) received a Quilt of Valor after serving for 27 years of active duty in the Navy. Chrans was a naval aviator with 3,700 hours of flying and 370 carrier landings — 120 of which occurred at night. During his career, Chrans served two deployments to Vietnam. He was also stationed at Pensacola and Key West in Florida, on a cruise to Europe, and as Officer in Charge at a base in Christ Church, New Zealand, before being stationed in San Diego.  

Daniel DePasquale ’67
Niagara Falls, N.Y., and his spouse, Trudie, were on an Antarctic cruise when two serious incidents occurred resulting in one person dying and others being injured. While the DePasquales were exploring on land, an inflatable boat taking passengers to a submarine malfunctioned, tossing one person into the frigid waters and causing injuries to two others. As a result of the injuries, the cruise ship headed back to Ushuaia, Argentina. En route, the ship encountered gale force winds in the Drake Passage and was hit by a rogue wave and a second giant wave that broke into seven second-floor cabins and rocked the ship, tragically causing a death and multiple injuries. The DePasquales themselves were not injured. Once in port, the cruise line offered the DePasquales the option of flying home or spending four nights in Buenos Aires, the latter being the option the DePasquales selected. The DePasquales reported they returned to their home safely following their trip.  

James R. Beatty ’70
Omaha, will be inducted into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame. Read more about Beatty in our February Tiger Bites.

Stephen C. Joel ’76
Lincoln, retired as superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools after serving in the position for the past 12 years. Joel has served in various capacities over a span of 46 years in education and is a member of the Doane Board of Trustees.

David L. Rosenbaum ’77, ’03E
Plymouth, is serving as librarian of the Plymouth Library. Rosenbaum spent 27 years in education serving various locations of Tri County, Norris and Beatrice High School, and held a position with the National Archives in Washington, D.C. before taking the position in Plymouth. Rosenbaum considers himself to be an educator surrounded by books, rather than a librarian.

Steven D. Schulz ’77
Kearney, recently retired as the Director of Sports Performance at the University of Nebraska-Kearney where he worked with athletes from 2016-2022. A native of York, Schulz was a Doane College football standout. He earned his Master of Exercise Science from UNL and was hired as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Stanford University, where he led the Cardinals from 1981-1994. Schulz moved across the bay to work at Santa Clara from 1994-2010, then led the Boise State Bronco strength program from 2010-2013 before returning to Nebraska. Schulz led the Hastings College strength and conditioning program from 2013-2016 before finishing his career with the UNK Lopers. He has been nominated for various national awards and was also a competitive lifter at national and international competitions. Schulz has two sons, Nicholas and Christopher, and granddaughter, Scarlett. 

James R. Olsen ’79
Macomb, Ill., retired from Western Illinois University on June 30 after teaching mathematics and mathematics education for 29 years. Coupled with 10 years of teaching high school math in Nebraska and 5 years of teaching in graduate school, Olsen has taught mathematics for 44 years. 

He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Illinois Section of the Mathematical Association of America (ISMAA). The award is given each year to a "friend and supporter of the section and its programs." The recipient must have been a member of the MAA, and have lived in Illinois for at least 10 years, with additional service requirements for the award. In 2019, Olsen was presented with the Award for Academic Excellence in Enhancing Learning with Technology from the WIU Provost's Office, and with the Outstanding Faculty Award for Teaching with Technology from the WIU College of Arts and Sciences. Olsen shares that it has been an honor and joy to teach mathematics for 44 years and is very thankful for the math and teacher education he received while enrolled as a student at Doane.

Keith R. Kester ’80
Grand Island, was named the Independent Boys Coach of the Year for the second time (2004) after leading the Grand Island Central Catholic boys track team to their second state track championship.

J. Marty Hughes ’82
Auburn, was recognized for his 40 years of service by Auburn Public Schools, the Nebraska Association of Secondary School Principals, and the Nebraska Coaches Association for his service.

Marjorie I. Daley ’87
Laramie, Wyo., published “An Unorthodox War,” a historical fiction novel about a female operative stationed in WWII France.

Jeffrey M. Johnson ’88
LaVista, has joined the Nebraska School Activities Association as interim associate director after serving as the director of athletics at the College of Saint Mary.

Elizabeth L. Boesch ’92L
Columbus, served as commencement speaker for Central Community College–Columbus’s Dec. 9 winter commencement ceremony. Boesch earned an associate of arts degree at CCC and a business administration degree from Doane University. She has 40 years of supervisory and executive management experience with the Nebraska Public Power District.

Sandra L. Hilsabeck ’93L
Lincoln, published her book, “Ready or Not: 10 Reasons to Love Your Baby.”

Terence “Terry” A. Hejny, Ph.D. ’94E
Lincoln, was recognized for outstanding service by the International Association of Programs for Agricultural Leadership (IAPAL) and selected as the 2022 Outstanding International Leadership Program Director.

Kenneth E. Schroeder ’95
Ravenna, returned to Ravenna Public Schools as superintendent, effective July 1, 2023, after serving as chief financial officer for Grand Island Public Schools.

Matthew E. Bertrand ’96    
Humphrey, was awarded the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association Outstanding Music Teacher for 2022-2023. Bertrand is a band instructor at Humphrey High School.

Daniel H. Behrens ’97
Albany, Ore., and his partner Jaymi Nash welcomed their son, Harlow Harold, on July 5, 2022.  Harlow joins his older brother Charlie, age 13.

Jamie D. Ulmer ’97
Beatrice, will step away as the Community Players’s managing artistic director after serving for 25 years.

Christine M. Brown ’97E
Bladen, is director of learning and engagement at the Museum of Nebraska Art located in Kearney.

Jamie L. DeWispelare ’98
Dallas, Tex., is now chief financial officer at Humphreys & Partners Architects.

Justin L. Rowe ’99
Laramie, Wyo., is associate director of retention marketing at the University of Wyoming.

Summer Wait Stephens ’99, ’02E
New Fallon, Nev., is associate superintendent for Grand Island Public Schools. With 20-plus years in public education, Stephens has a strong record of championing students, building unity within teams and leading through cultural and curricular shifts. Beyond Nebraska, she was named the Nevada Superintendent of the Year in 2023 for her work leading the Churchill County School District for five years. Stephens began her appointment in the summer of 2023.

Jaime J. Parr ’00L
Grand Island, is the executive director of the 2023 Nebraska State Fair.

Wayne P. Webster ’00, ’04A
Wooster, Ohio, After serving as interim president at Wooster College, Webster was appointed president of Albion College in Michigan. Webster brings 23 years of experience to his new role, including an extensive background in development, alumni relations, student engagement and shared governance. During his career, Webster led initiatives to raise more than $25 million to fund endowments, support capital campaigns, enhance infrastructure and engage with constituents. 

Benjamin C. Struby ’01
Overland Park, Kan., is a newly elected partner at Lathrop GPM effective January 1, 2023.  Struby focuses his practice on bankruptcy, restructuring and creditors’ rights. 

LaVonna J. Emanuel ’03E
Fremont, is the principal at Trinity Lutheran School and Church in Fremont.

Heather Nicholson Leader ’03
Lincoln, was named Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Shape Nebraska Society of Health & Physical Educators.   

Nathan S. McKown ’03
Ashland, was promoted to managing director of commercial banking at First National Bank of Omaha.

Amber Smith Roland ’03
Lincoln, was a featured artist at the Metro Gallery in Lincoln. Roland featured more than 20 paintings in her mixed-media exhibit, “Ever Changing.”

Joel T. Bacon ’04
Blair, has been promoted to market president for the Washington County Area at First State Bank & Trust Co. – Blair, to lead agricultural and commercial banking efforts and take on strategic initiatives and branch leadership.

Tracy Hightower-Henne ’04
Omaha, launched her campaign for the 2024 election to represent District 13 in the Nebraska Legislature.  

M. Justin Kozisek ’04
Crete, is president of the Pinnacle Bank located in Crete.

Nicole M. Schatz ’04
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, commands the 88th Security Forces Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

Kelly Lewis Newvine, Ph.D. ’05, ’08E
Uniontown, Ohio, is director of the School of Health, Education, Sustainability & Society at Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio.

Samantha Sindelar Bradley ’05
Republican City, was promoted to associate vice president of early childhood mental health at the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation.

Elizabeth A. Spencer ’05, ’18A
Lincoln, was honored as Corporate Office Employee of the Year, for her role as district supervisor for Runza Restaurants.

Danielle Settles Beerbohm ’06, '11E, '23E
Ashland, was named director of learning at Ashland Public Schools

Jeffrey A. Hatcliff ’06, ’08E
Cheyenne, Wyo., is assistant principal at Cheyenne Central High School.

Amanda Craven Madewell ’07 
Eugene, Ore., and her spouse Steve moved from Wichita, Kan., to Eugene, Ore., where Mandie is associate director of residential operations at the University of Oregon.

Brian L. Hoogheem ’07
Stillwater, Minn., was promoted on January 1, 2023 to director, HR strategy at 3M. Hoogheem will be responsible for developing HR Strategic Plan and translating into annual operating plans/budgets while supporting key enterprise-wide HR projects that support 3M’s people plans.  Hoogheem has been employed by 3M for 12-plus years.

Michelle L. McCarthy ’08A
Lincoln, is  regional manager for the Americas and president of US operations for ALLPLAN USA.

Ryan E. Hogue ’08, ’12E
Kearney, was selected as the 2022 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Nebraska State Association of Secondary Principals. This award is presented annually to a principal who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their school, region and at the state level. 

Niki Stuertz Stehlik ’08
Crete, is promoted to assurance director at HBE LLP, one of Nebraska’s premier certified public accounting and consulting firms. Since 2013, Stehlik has been providing specialized employee benefit plan audits and not-for-profit audits to HBE clients, most recently as assurance manager.

Rebecca Edgington Henning ’09, ’11E, ’19E 
Lincoln, and her spouse Kennan welcomed their daughter, Kyndal, on May 26, 2022. Kyndal joins older sisters Kamden and Karsyn.

Kari Adolf Peña ’10
Omaha, and Melissa Peña were married in Niagara Falls, NY, on October 22, 2022 - which also happens to be Kari’s birthday.

Chip P. ’10, ’12E and Sarah (Merithew) Daehling ’12
Elkhorn, welcomed their son, Maverick Gerald on April 3, 2023. Maverick joins siblings Caden, Maddox and Charlotte.

James R. Marsicek ’10
Manhattan, Kan., is senior manager at Sink, Gordon and Associations (SGA).

Jacob E. Leuenberger ’11, ’16E
Lincoln, and his wife Meagan welcomed their daughter, Scout, on December 12, 2022. Leuenberger was also selected as one of 10 American teachers to present at the Fulbright Best Practice Conference for Sustainable Development Goals in Future Classroom Activities. Leuenberger presented on teaching sustainable development in rural areas at the conference held in Tokyo, in August 2022.

Sadie Martin Wright ’11
Benedict, and her husband Kyle welcomed Jacey Claire on October 10, 2022. She joins sisters Juliet (3.5) and Jocelyn (1.5).

Ashli O’Brien Coles ’12, ’15E 
Lincoln, and her husband Carson welcomed their daughter Ellis on July 19, 2022. Ellis joins older sister Thea (2).

Adam G. Baxa ’13
Louisville, and his spouse Alexandria welcomed their daughter, Parker Jo, on May 3, 2023.

Mark C. Funkey ’13A
Hastings, is vice president of workforce services at Danville Community College of Virginia. 

Veronica J. LeDuc ’13
Elkhorn, is promoted to chief compliance officer and counsel at Republic Capital.

Vincent L. Krejci ’13
Crete, is vice president at the Crete location of Pinnacle Bank. Krejci has worked at the bank since 2018.

Laura McNerney Happold ’13
Giltner, and her spouse Joseph welcomed their son, Asher Gary, on August 1, 2022. Asher joins his three older siblings, Luke, Mallory and Michael.

Alexander S. Arkfeld ’14
Omaha, and his wife Sara Gentzler welcomed twin sons, Otto Peter and Felix Russell, on June 13, 2022.  

Ryan A. Baumgartner ’14, ’17A
Crete, and his spouse Deidre welcomed their son, Boone RJ, on February 17, 2023. Boone joins his older sister, Laikynn (2).

Grant ’14 and Brooke (Burianek) Harms ’14
Sioux Falls, S.D., welcomed twin daughters Anika and Nicklin on March 9, 2023.

Heather J. Husen ’14
Crete, and her husband Jeff Jirovec welcomed their son, Jackson James, on January 25, 2023.
  
Alex C. Scheuler ’14L
Lincoln, is head coach for men’s and women’s soccer at Western Iowa Tech Community College.  

Zachary J. Wordekemper ’14
West Point, is a family medicine practitioner at Franciscan Healthcare.

Ethan M. ’14 and Nichole (Cromwell) Zoerb ’13
Mason City, welcomed their fifth daughter, Merit, on April 18, 2023. Merit joins her older sisters, Faith, Charity, Grace and Harbor.  

Nicole Reetz Gierhan ’15
Beaver Crossing, and her spouse Cale welcomed twins, Anistyn Jay and Bennett Darrell, on April 10.

Garrett C. ’16, ’19E and Taylor (Lucas) Borcher ’15  
Lincoln, welcomed their son, Cole Garrett, on March 21, 2023. Cole joins older brother Lucas.

Brianna Golka Olson ’15, 18E 
Lincoln, married Dustin Olson on July 23, 2022. Brianna teaches at Lincoln Pius X High School.

Ryan K. Harris ’15
Grand Island, and his spouse Lexi welcomed their son, Jackson Daniel, on April 17, 2023.

Alexis R. Lipson ’15
Lincoln, through Civic Nebraska, Lipson is a school community coordinator at the Lincoln Northeast High School Community Learning Center.

Alika E.K.K. McNicoll ’15 and Julie A. Jirovec ’16
Ewa Beach, Hawaii, were married on January 7, 2023 at Lanikuhonua Kapolei, Hawaii.

JaCee Pilkington Petko ’15 
Scottsbluff, and her husband Michael welcomed their son, Jack Robert Petko, on May 13, 2023.  Jack is welcomed by his sister Olivia.

Kellie Carnes Lundy ’16 
Crete, and her spouse Adam welcomed their son, Hudson, on April 10, 2023.

Jennifer Davis Bova ’16
LaVista, graduated with her Master of Business Administration and is working as a strategic account director of Licensing Partnerships at Data Axle (formerly Infogroup).

David J. ’16 and Breanna Fye McDonald  ’16, ’18E, ’20E
Phillips, welcomed their son, Archer, on June 29, 2023. Archer joins his older sister Kollyn (2). Archer is the grandson of Marty ’83 and Pamela Bartlett ’84 Fye. 

Haley Norvell Hoarty ’16, ’19E
Fairmont, is the 7-12 guidance counselor and head volleyball coach at Fillmore Central.

Jordan A. Olson ’16E
Mayville, N.D., is head softball coach for Mayville State University.  

Amber J. Taylor ’16E, ’22E
Elm Creek, is assistant principal for Northeast Elementary School.

Kacie A. Wise ’16L
Lincoln, joined the Nebraska Community Foundation as office and gift processing assistant.

Tyler N. Chapa ’17
Forest City, Iowa, is interim head football coach at Waldorf University. Chapa served as assistant for the Warriors prior to receiving the appointment.

Brian J. Gralheer ’17E
Lincoln, is high school principal for the York Dukes starting in the  2023-24 academic year. Gralheer was previously principal of West Point-Beemer High School.

Taylor M. Hayes ’17 and Shelby J. Krueger ’19
Lincoln, married on December 3, 2022.

Morgan Hill Dowdy ’17
Carleton, and her spouse Spencer welcomed their son, Westyn Lee, on December 27, 2022.

Grant W. Nuttelmann ’17L
Gretna, was promoted to HBE 360 outsourced accounting director, effective January 1, 2023.  HBE LLP, is one of Nebraska’s premier certified public accounting and consulting firms.  Nuttelman has been with the firm since 2016.

Karli J. Weise ’17
York, and Jordan Schoch married on April 1, 2023. Karli is a clinician at an optometrist center.

Kelsey L. Bernhardt ’18
Athens, Texas, is an assistant coach at Trinity Valley Community College.

Zachary S. ’18 and Morgan (Meyer) Zahnow ’18
Ashland, welcomed their daughter, Parker, on October 18, 2022.  Parker joins her sister Rylie (age 2).

Bryce J. ’19, ’22E and Paige Teahon Chudomelka ’19
Ashland, welcomed their daughter, Lacey May, on May 20, 2023. Bryce is a fifth grade teacher and assists in coaching football and wrestling at Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools. Paige is a Medicaid waiver services coordinator at the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging (ENOA).

Jasey J. Hartman ’19, ’21E and Turner C. Hill ’19
Crete, married on June 18, 2022, in Panama, Neb.

Dana R. Johnson ’19, ’21E
Lexington, was named as Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Shape Nebraska Society of Health & Physical Educators.

Catherine M. Theiler ’19
Lakewood, Colo., is a veterinarian at Foothills Animal Hospital.

Landon J. Zarybnicky ’19
Beatrice, is a physical therapist at Jefferson County Health & Life Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Services.

Janey M. Due ’20
Exeter, was a featured artist at York Kilgore Memorial Library in January. Due’s diverse work of art ranges from vibrant water paintings of fictional figures to a shelf of carved artist conk.

Tamara L. Gerlach ’20E
Lincoln, is the girl’s basketball coach for Northwest High School in Lincoln. Gerlach is a Lincoln Public Schools educator teaching sixth-grade math, science and design thinking.

Jennifer Kuncl Parker ’20, ’22E
Crete, married Shane Parker on June 4, 2022. Jennifer completed her master of education degree in curriculum and instruction in December 2022.

Ayden G. Benavides ’21
Lincoln, and his partner Mackensie Renner welcomed their son, Noah Ray, on February 27, 2023.

Haylee M. Heits ’21 and Cole W. Bruns ’21
Sioux City, Iowa, married August 6, 2022, in Falls City.

Meredith R. Johnson ’21E
Kearney, has been selected to lead Emerson Elementary school as principal. She previously worked as assistant principal at Emerson.

Andrew T. Theiler ’21
Arlington, joined the Lincoln Saltdogs on a limited contract in 2022, playing in four games at center field. Highlights of his brief but successful stint included a trip to Canada to take on Winnipeg. With the Saltdogs, Theiler recorded 14 at bats, 3 hits, 2 runs scored, and a .214 batting average.

Ian J. White ’21
Valparaiso, along with his brother Eli, created a clothing brand, “Workman.” The clothing highlights blue-collar workers.

Sean L. Murray ’22
Lincoln, is a grad research and teaching assistant at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Aaron M. Forrest ’23
Peoria, Ariz., is in his second year as a pitcher with the Traverse City Pit Spitters, a baseball team based in Michigan.

Bethany “Bee” J. Mahan ’23C
Lincoln, joined Daring Minds Therapy as a provisionally licensed mental health provider (PLMHP).

Bernhard R. Peterson ’V5
June 6, 2023
Omaha

Charles R. Svoboda ’V5
September 16, 2022
Kansas City, MO

Paul N. Exstron ’V12 
November 21, 2022
Dubuque, Iowa

Frank W. Schmechel ’V12
December 14, 2022
Marion, Ill.

Ramona Dreyer Wickenkamp ’49
September 21, 2022
North Platte

Marjorie Nuckolls Mooberry ’49
February 3, 2023
Omaha

Mary Ludwig Anderson ’49
May 8, 2023
Irwin, Iowa

Donn H. Crilly, M.D. ’50
June 16, 2023
Superior

Herald W. Kruse ’50
November 29, 2022
Las Alamos, NM

Jean Warren Tyser ’50
November 13, 2022
Kalispell, Mont.

Glennys Tyser Ziegler ’50
May 23, 2023
Crete

William C. Nuckolls ’51
December 18, 2022
Lincoln

William K. Picard ’52
August 8, 20022
Geneva

Joseph A. Pospichal ’53
March 25, 2023
Lincoln

Darlene Roelfs Balderson ’55 
April 7, 2023
Diller

Marjory Chab Cizek ’56
June 15, 2022
Boulder, Colo.
 
Mary N. Hawkes ’56
July 8, 2023
Cromwell, Conn.

Gladys Schumacher Dobler ’56
June 5, 2022
North Chesterfield, Va.

Edward McIninch ’57
March 29, 2023
Fredericksburg, Vir.

Joan L. Kerssenbrock ’58
January 22, 2023
Wilber 

John C. Kosterman ’58
January 7, 2023
David City

William R. Lovercheck ’59
August 23, 2022
Omaha

Donald R. Mazonec ’59
August 17, 2022
Tucson, Ariz.

Christa Bickel McIninch ’59
January 9, 2023
Fredericksburg, Vir.

Prosper “PD” Duensing ’60
August 1, 2022
Lincoln

Anne Dedrick Best ’62
December 5, 2022  
Wheat Ridge, Col.
  
Patrick L. Hanrahan ’62
March 6, 2022
Port Orange, Flo.

David J. Vitek ’62
January 22, 2022
Normal, Ill.

Robert E. Beetley ’63
March 8, 2022
Fairbury

Allen O. Grell ’63
October 28, 2022
Beatrice

Jean Krebs Weers ’63
July 18, 2022
Diller

Brian E. Watson ’65
February 18, 2023
Phoenix, Ariz.

George W. Miller ’65
October 23, 2022
Lincoln

David J. Jelinek ’66 
April 7, 2023
Grand Island

Dale H. Lovejoy ’66
January 3, 2023
Phoenix, Ariz.

Scott W. Dittrich ’67 
March 21, 2023
Norfolk, Mas.

Joseph A. Mares ’67
June 25, 2023
Friend

David O. Dunham ’68
July 25, 2022
Bennington, Kan.

James L. Lantis ’68
November 5, 2022
Sutherland

Alonzo Y. Elliott ’69
February 20, 2023
DeWitt

David L. Nienkamp ’69
July 7, 2022
Edgar

Mark H. Epstein ’70
March 3, 2023
Englewood, Col.

Ronald L. Oleson ’70
February 13, 2023
Lincoln

Thomas C. Nowiszewski ’71
May 26, 2023
Blue Springs, Mo

John S. Shurtleff ’72 
July 29, 2022
Grand Island

John N. Wissler ’72 
March 10, 2023
Pawnee City  

Brian H. Horst ’73
July 27, 2022
North Platte

Eric L. Trump ’77
October 25, 2022
Emporia, Kan.

Elise M. Buchman ’79
June 4, 2023
Eagle Rock, Mo.

Mary Olsen Steiner ’80
January 17, 2023
Lincoln 

Marlene Christensen Weed ’82
September 18, 2022
Flagstaff, Ariz.

Anthony E. Heinzmann ’88L
July 14, 2022
Lincoln

Craig D. Potter ’77, ’90L
August 11, 2022
Lincoln 

James E. McGrath ’93 
June 19, 2023
Aurora, Col.

Paula “Jean” Strathman Rumsey ’94
July 13, 2022
Norfolk

James W. Hilmer ’95
June 10, 2022
San Jose, Calif.

Fannie Lowe Atcitty ’97E 
November 29, 2022
Shipwreck,  NM

Carol J. Schulz ’97E
December 4, 2022
Beatrice

Matthew S. Short ’05
July 31, 2022
Sioux City, Iowa

Michael R. Sorensen ’06
August 4, 2022
Wauneta

Kelly J. Heser ’07
September 12, 2022
Milford

Amanda M. Herman ’09L
March 20, 2023
Crete