Remembering Our Founder Family

Remembering Our Founder Family

Dr. Stanley Bushouse

Dr. Stanley Bushouse passed away Nov. 26, 2020. While never a camper himself, he was married to Judy Staebler Bushouse for 57 years. Judy, who survives him, attended Miniwanca beginning in 1954 and graduated from Older Girls Camp in 1962. Their five children, Deborah, Karen, Kristen, Steven, and Wendy, all attended Miniwanca in the ’80s and ’90s, along with many grandchildren. Stan dedicated his professional life to educating youth and was active in his community. He will be dearly missed by family and friends.

Rev. David W. Cammack

The Rev. David Walker Cammack, 95, passed away Aug. 5, 2020. David attended Younger Boys Camp at Miniwanca in 1938 and 1939 and returned as a staff member in Older Boys Camp in 1966 and 1967. His father, Howard H. Cammack, graduated in 1918 from Conference Point on Lake Geneva. David’s sister, Anne, also attended Miniwanca Younger Girls Camp; his daughter, Sally, attended Merrowvista. David dedicated his life to others through the many parishes he served.

Charles Chriswell Jr.

Charles Albert Chriswell Jr., 79, passed away on July 1, 2021. Charlie first came to Miniwanca in 1961 as an Older Boys camper and Younger Boys leader. He would return to both Merrowvista and Miniwanca, his “favorite place on earth,” in many different staff roles for the next 40 years. Charlie’s sister, Peggy Chriswell Peacock, attended Miniwanca Older Girls Camp in the early ’60s. Charlie’s daughter, Stacy, attended camp and ILC and worked at both Merrowvista and Miniwanca in the late ’80s and through the mid-’90s. Charlie is remembered with love by many friends and family.

Harriet Hart Collier

Harriet Hart Collier passed away Nov. 3, 2020. Harriet began attending Camp Miniwanca in 1951 and graduated from Older Girls Camp in 1956. Harriet is survived by her sister, Anne Hart Raymond, who attended Miniwanca Older Girls in 1948. Harriet was married to her husband, Jon Collier, 48 years. Their three children, Karen, Kenneth, and Julanie, all attended Miniwanca as well. Harriet was a lifelong teacher and is remembered with love.

Bonita G. Bichan Fischer

Bonita G. Bichan Fischer, age 98, passed away on July 14, 2021. Bonnie graduated from Older Girls Camp at Miniwanca in 1943. Her sister, Madeline Bichan Bowlus, graduated from OG in 1941. They both went on to be OG Leaders. Bonnie was married to husband Bud Fischer for 72 years. Their three daughters, Cheryl, Nancy, and Sandy, along with several nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, have attended Miniwanca. Bonnie was committed to modeling a balanced life.

John Foltz

John Charles Foltz passed on Jan. 7, 2021, at 87. He attended Miniwanca Older Boys Camp and graduated in 1953. John’s father, R.M. Foltz, was an Older Boys leader at Miniwanca in 1945. John’s wife, Anne, also attended Miniwanca Older Girls Camp. The framework of four-fold living guided John throughout his personal life and his distinguished career. He will be dearly missed.

Carolyn Finch Ford

Carolyn East Finch Ford passed away June 5, 2021. Carolyn began attending Miniwanca in 1944 and graduated from Older Girls Camp in 1949. Her sister, Jane East, who survives her, graduated from Older Girls camp in 1960. Carolyn stayed in touch with her camp friends and attended Summer Seminars for Women in the early 2000s with her daughter, Laura. Carolyn served her community as a school board member and many other volunteer activities and was an active member of her church.

Dr. Norma Ann Gilbert

Family physician Dr. Norma Gilbert passed away Monday, June 8, 2020 at 69. She came from Ashtabula, Ohio, and set up a family practice in Hart, Michigan, where she worked for many years. She graduated from Miniwanca Older Girls Camp in 1971. During those years she was also a Younger Girls cabin leader and a part of the work staff. She returned to Miniwanca to serve as the camp doctor in the early 1980s. Norma served her community as a board member of a local women’s shelter for over 30 years.

Katharine Ann Cooper Hrach

Katharine Ann Cooper Hrach, 87, passed away Nov. 23, 2020. Katharine attended Miniwanca Younger Girls camp beginning in 1948 and graduated from Older Girls Camp in 1954. She returned as a leader many times. Her sister, Mary Cooper Nelson, graduated in the Older Girls class of 1961, and her brother, Stencil Cooper, attended Younger Boys Camp in the ’50s. She was the wife of the late William F. Hrach and loving mother of Elizabeth and William. She spent her life serving others as a mother and a teacher.

Kenneth Wesley Langer

Kenneth Wesley Langer, age 100, passed away Nov. 26, 2020. Ken attended Miniwanca Older Boys Camp in 1938 and 1939. He spent many years as an active member of many service-oriented groups in his community, as well as his church. He will be dearly missed by his family.

Donald Crane Morgan

Donald Crane Morgan, 80, passed away March 26, 2021. Don attended Older Boys Camp at Miniwanca in 1957. A longtime resident of Plymouth, Michigan, he was a pillar of his church and community for over 55 years, as well as spending many years as a dedicated attorney. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy, along with two daughters and many grandchildren. His family will remember him for many things, including his sense of humor and his devotion.

Mary Frances Streed

Mary Frances Patterson Streed, 94, passed away on Oct. 14, 2020. She was a Danforth Freshman in 1945, and returned to Miniwanca as a faculty member through 1954. Mary mentored Tokata Class of 1954. She married Edward Streed in 1957, and their children, extended family, and family friends were also involved in Miniwanca as campers and staff. Her family will remember her life of leadership and service. She is survived by her children, Karen, Laurie, Sara, and Jim; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of these memorials. Please accept our sincerest apologies for any errors or omissions.