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Obituaries
IN MEMORY/OBITUARIES
The following are notices received by the International Office between November 1, 2014 and July 1, 2015.
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Arkansas
ralph T. Pay (’55). He worked for the Arkansas State Plant Board for 34 years. He was also a lifelong farmer. He lived in North Little Rock, Ark. He died on May 27, 2014. He was 82.
Colorado State
Warren G. Clair (’60). He served one year in Vietnam and became a captain in the U.S. Army. He worked for Do-ItYourself Irrigation before retiring in 2007. He lived in Las Vegas, Nev. He died Sept. 11, 2014. He was 72.
Idaho
Kirk rush (’75). He received his master’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Idaho. He taught vocational agriculture and was an FFA advisor for 29 years. He served in the U.S. Navy Repair Force. He was honored by the FFA Alumni Association in 2012 and the University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 2013. He lived in Boise, Idaho. He died on April 21, 2015. He was 96.
Illinois
Verne W. erdman (’41). He was a life-long farmer in the Chenoa area. He was a salesman for many years and then had a long career as a salesman for Central Illinois Harvestore, working with farmers. He lived in Chenoa, Ill. He died Feb. 22, 2015. He was 92.
Dennie J. Knight (’66). He owned Knight Insurance Services, Inc. He served as FFA State Vice President. He lived in Indianola, Ill. He died Oct. 8, 2014. He was 68.
William D. swaar (’72). He was a farmer, pastor and computer consultant. He lived in Mason City, Ill. He died on June 12, 2014. He was 60. richard W. Justice (’94). He attended the University of Illinois for his PhD in education administration. He was the associate dean of students and executive director of the University’s Senate subcommittee on discipline. He lived in Urbana, Ill. He died Oct. 21, 2014, at 68.
Iowa State
J. Parry Dodds (’37). He served in the
Master Builder Gauger dies
C.J. (Carlyle John) Gauger (IA ’37). The evening of Sunday, April 26, C.J. Gauger, Master Builder, passed away peacefully with family at his side in Ames, Iowa. He was 101 years old. Affectionately referred to as the Dean of Iowa State FarmHouse, his service to FarmHouse went far beyond his home chapter. He was recruited to join FarmHouse by our C.J. Fraternity’s Founder, D. Howard Doane, at the Iowa State
Gauger Chapter’s 10th Founders’ Day in 1937. C.J. himself recruited hundreds of men to join FarmHouse over the course of his 78-year active membership in the Fraternity.
After graduating from Iowa State, he served in World War II as an aviation engineer. After the War, he began his career teaching agricultural education and then worked as a county agent for Iowa State Extension. Later he became the State Director of Iowa 4-H & Youth Programs and over the course of his 20-year leadership, came to be known by many as a forward-thinking, innovative leader within the state and across the country.
His extensive service to FarmHouse at the local level was recognized with the Darl Snyder Alumni Award in 1973. He served on the Fraternity’s National Board from 1978 to 1982 and was the Fraternity’s first director of expansion serving from 1981 to 1984. During this time he helped establish chapters at the University of West Virginia, the California Polytechnic Institute at Pomona, Tennessee Tech University, the University of Nebraska-Curtis and Illinois State University, from which over 500 men joined our Fraternity. He received the Friend of Ceres Fraternity Award and his commitment to FarmHouse was recognized when he received the Fraternity’s highest honor and title, Master Builder of Men, in 1984.
Many FarmHouse men live long lives, but few remain as active and involved throughout their lives as C.J.—visiting the Iowa State Chapter each semester to meet the new members, as recently as last fall. He was an avid Cyclone fan, a former chair of the Iowa State Athletics Council and was involved at the local, state and national levels of the United Methodist Church. His service to 4-H was recognized as an inaugural inductee into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame and the National 4-H Hall of Fame. Long at his side was his beloved wife, Dorothy, of 66 years. Their legacy of leadership and service was honored and is now memorialized in the C.J. & Dorothy Gauger Endowment Fund, with the FarmHouse Foundation, when friends, family and brothers raised $100,000 in just 100 days in celebration of his 100th birthday in 2014.
Navy Supply Corps, and retired with the rank of captain. He worked at South Dakota State University and Iowa State University before working at Fresno State University. He lived in Fresno, Calif. He died on Aug. 29, 2014, at 97.
Harold G. barrett (’40). He farmed for over 70 years. He was honored to host a visit to his farm by President George W. Bush in 2001. He was a life-long member of the Iowa Farm Bureau and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. He lived in Dallas Center, Iowa. He died on Feb. 23, 2015, at 94. stanley e. Held (’50). He began his career at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He owned a private veterinary practice from 1962 to 1996. He was inducted into the National Academics of Practice in 1991 and served as president of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association in 1972. He lived in Buffalo, Minn. He died Sept. 22, 2014. He was 83.
Kansas State
Harold r. Fox (’37). He owned a farm in Ivanhoe, Calif., for 68 years. He died on Mar. 30, 2014, at age 96. leonard a. Deets (’39). He worked at the Federal Intermediate Credit Bank in Wichita, Kan. for 21 years. After he
retired, he left the family farm and moved to Mt. Vernon, Wash. He died on Nov. 8, 2014. He was 95.
Delbert l. larson (’53). After attending medical school at the University of Iowa, he became a family physician. He worked as a physician for more than 30 years. He served as a flight surgeon for the Air Force Reserves and volunteered with Heart-to-Heart International. He lived in Hiawatha, Kan. He died Sept. 24, 2014. He was 84.
Gary l. Mundhenke (’60). He worked for IBM, where he was twice named to the “Golden Circle” for being in the top 3 percent of their national sales force. He also worked as vice president of IT and member services at Far-Mar-Co and as the vice president of IT with Farmland Industries. Until his retirement, he was president of Business Resource Planning, Integrated Solutions Group, Professional Data Services and Agtrax. He lived in Hutchinson, Kan. He died on March 4, 2015. He was 73. ross a. Olson (’64). He was in the Kansas Army National Guard, serving as an E-6 personal specialist. He worked for Kansas State University’s Extension Service and the Farm Management Association. He then became an agricultural loan officer before serving full time in ministry. He lived in Council Grove, Kan. He died Sept. 9, 2014. He was 72.
Frances louise “Mom” russell. She was a long-time housemother at the Kansas State Chapter. A graduate of Kansas State University, she spent many years as a farmer, homemaker and retail business owner in and around Garden City, Kan. In retirement she enjoyed her new role as “Mom Russell” first to Sigma Chi Fraternity and then to FarmHouse at Kansas State. She was active as a 4-H volunteer and served many years as a spokesperson for the Kansas Wheat Commission, conducting breadmaking demonstrations and promoting the state’s wheat commodity. She is fondly remembered by many as the mom who made the chapter house a home, away from home. She passed away on Aug. 9, 2015, in Hugoton, Kan., at 81.
IN MEMORY/OBITUARIES
Kentucky
John e. Couey (’52). He served in the 179 Field Artillery Platoon, 3rd Division Army. He saw action in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He received a Bronze Star and Victory Medal for his military service. Following the Army, he was an area agricultural extension agent and avid horseman, raising Morgan horses. He lived in Auburn, Ind. He died on April 5, 2015. He was 94.
Chester J. Whitaker (’58). He served as a lieutenant colonel during the Vietnam War. He lived in San Antonio, Texas. He died March 26, 2014, at 75.
James b. Gooch (’85). He served in the U.S. Army. He was a Kroger procurement manager for over 44 years. He was an avid golfer, U of K sports fan, and Kentucky colonel. He lived in Louisville, Ken. He died Feb. 18, 2015. He was 77.
Michigan State
alton b. Carlson (’38). He served as a U.S. Navy lieutenant during WWII and participated in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He taught agriculture classes at many schools and was an FFA compete in state and national competitions. After retiring from teaching, he raised sheep and crops for two decades. He lived in Alexandria, Minn. He died on Nov. 27, 2012, at 95.
Donald eppelheimer (’39). He served in the U.S. Navy for five years. He was awarded a Silver Star. He began his career as Berrien County extension agent, and later joined the Bank of Niles. From 1960 until his retirement, he worked in the banking industry. He lived in St. Joseph, Mich. He died on Oct. 25, 2014. He was 93.
James s. lay (’48). He served in the U.S. Army and was awarded various medals of honor including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He worked for Eli Lily & Co. for 33 years. He founded the Fresno Agriculture Roundtable and Agriculture Legislative Intern Program. He lived in Sun City West, Ariz. He died on May 8, 2013. He was 91.
Neal l. First (’51). He received his PhD in reproductive physiology and advisor who sent numerous teams to
worked at the University of WisconsinMadison until his retirement in 2005. He served as a professor emeritus at Mississippi State University after his retirement. He died on Nov. 20, 2014. He was 84.
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Master Builder Schrader dies
lynwood schrader (KY ’51). He grew up in rural Graves County, Ky. After graduating from high school, he served as state FFA president. Schrader was a charter member of the Kentucky chapter and served as the first chapter president.
He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in agriculture. Schrader began a 38 year career with Kentucky Utilities
Lynwood Schrader Company after graduation. He served in many roles, beginning as a Farm Service Advisor and retiring as senior vice president. He earned an honorary master’s degree from the University of Kentucky and an honorary doctorate from Cumberland University.
After retiring, he became an assistant to the dean of the UK College of Business. He was also active in business and civic organizations, serving in leadership roles for professional and national organizations. He served as Chairman of the Board of the United Way of the Bluegrass, and was awarded the United Way Helping Hands award. He was also given the Distinguished Service Award from the University of Kentucky National Alumni Board.
He was an active member and supporter of FarmHouse. Schrader served as association president, chaired the chapter’s 50th anniversary celebration and co-chaired the capital housing campaign for the Kentucky chapter. He was named Master Builder in 2010. He and his wife, Pat, lived in Lexington, Ky. when he passed away on Dec. 30, 2014. He was 84.
IN MEMORY/OBITUARIES
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Gene a. Veliquette (’66). He was a cherry farmer, serving on many national cherry industry boards. He helped create the Cherryland Youth Association, which helped to support area youth sporting activities. He lived in Williamsburg, Mich. He died on June 7, 2015. He was 67.
Minnesota
John a. Goodding (’41). He was professor emeritus for the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota. He lived in Roseville, Minn. He died on May 18, 2015. He was 93.
James l. edman (’43). He started his career teaching agriculture at a high school. He then worked as Swift County extension director for 31 years. He served multiple organizations in his community such as the Kiwanis and the Minnesota County Agriculture Agents Association. He became professor emeritus for the University of Minnesota. He lived in Benson, Minn. He died on Jan. 31, 2012. He was 87.
Norman G. brakken (’45). He was a vocational agriculture teacher, FFA advisor and farmer. He received the FFA American Farmer Degree. He created one of the first outdoor classrooms in Minnesota. He was inducted into the Chippewa County Historical Society Hall of Fame. He lived in Wayzata, Minn. He died June 6, 2015. He was 93.
Curtis J. Overdahl (’46). He earned his master’s degree from the University of Minnesota and doctorate from Purdue after his service in the Army Air Corps. He was a 34-year member of the faculty in the Department of Soil Science at the University of Minnesota. After retirement, he lived in Fort Wayne, Ind. He died on Dec. 4, 2014, at age 97.
H. David Thurston (’49). He earned a PhD in pathology from the University of Minnesota. He worked at the Rockefeller Foundation as director of the plant pathology program in Colombia, for the Potato Program in Bogota and the Plant Sciences of Colombian Agricultural Institute. He was a professor of plant pathology and international agriculture in the College of Agriculture at Cornell University. He lived in Ithaca, N.Y. He died on Sept. 26, 2014. He was 87.
Claude J. Nelson (’52). He received a degree in veterinary medicine and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Minnesota. He worked in a government service career for 35 years. He lived in Georgetown, Texas. He died March 6, 2015. He was 83.
David P. Olstad (’58). He worked on his family farm. He held leadership positions in Farm Bureau, Dairy Herd Improvement Association and various community groups. He lived in Hanska, Minn. He died on Oct. 20, 2014, at 78. everett e. Gerths (’59). He worked as a plant manager for ADM, Ashland, Spencer Kellogg and Reichold. As a member of the Rotary Club, he received the Paul Harris Award for his service and served as club president. He lived in Chipley, Fla. He died Nov. 7, 2014, at 77.
Mississippi State
robert D. Griffith (’65). He served in the U.S. Navy. He worked as an accountant at Mississippi Employment Security Commission, Jitney Jungle Stores of America and River Oaks Hospital. He served as a deacon and elder at his church. He lived in Madison, Miss. He died Oct. 20, 2014. He was 68. sam a. swearengen (’69). He was an equipment rebuilder. He lived in Thomastown, Miss. He died Oct. 27, 2014. He was 66.
Missouri
edgar W. sundermeyer (’37). He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was employed with the USDA Seed Branch and then with Farmland Industries. He was a Boy Scout troop leader and coach for little league baseball. He lived in Washington, D.C. He died on April 1, 2013. He was 96. r. Harley Kennedy (’39). He served in active military duty and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and three Bronze Stars. He gave flight lessons, farmed and taught veteran agriculture students. He worked for the Farmer’s Home Administration in Minnesota, and retired from government service in 1983. He lived in Marshfield, Wis. He died on Apr. 27, 2014, at age 95.
James H. Gibbs (’55). He worked for Upjohn Company for thirty years. He was involved with judging teams for the American Royal, the Lions Club of Lenexa and various other groups in his community. He lived in Springdale, Ark. He died on Oct. 16, 2014, at age 78.
William M. Crouch (’58). He was a founding partner of the Capital Group. He served on boards at William Jewell College, the Missouri 4-H Foundation and Missouri Quarter Horse Association. He lived in Saint Louis, Mo. He died on Dec. 10, 2014. He was 81.
Nebraska
Harold N. bacon (’39). He served in the U.S. Navy as an officer on the destroyer USS Glennon and then on the USS Dickson. He was a county extension agent and then a manufacturer and supplier of agricultural products. He received his master’s degree from the University of Colorado and went into banking. He and his brother founded the North Platte State Bank, where he served as president. He lived in Gulfport, Miss. He died on Jan. 11, 2014. He was 93.
Merle e. lipe (’47). He was a farmer and real estate agent. He lived in Lincoln, Neb. He died Oct. 24, 2014. He was 91.
Norman r. swanson (’48). He was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran. He served on the Waverly Rescue Squad for 17 years, responding to over 1,000 calls. He was a dairy farmer and enjoyed giving tours of his farm to students. He lived in Waverly, Neb. He died on May 13, 2015. He was 85.
Paul Yeutter (’55). He served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 13 years, where he was captain. He then farmed on his family farm. He was named Outstanding Young Farmer of Nebraska in 1970. He served in various leadership roles in his community. He lived in Eustis, Neb. He died on Nov. 7, 2014, at age 78.
North Carolina State
robert W. bresler (’63). He was president of a company called, ‘They Shoot Videos, Don’t They?’, a company that recorded plays for theatres. He also worked as a cruise counselor. He lived in Atlanta, Ga. He died on Sept. 17, 2014. He was 70.
North Dakota State
William J. Costello (’55). He served in the U.S. Army. He received his master’s degree in animal science and his PhD in meat science from Oklahoma
State University. He was a professor at South Dakota State University, where he specialized in animal science and meat production. He co-authored the textbook, ‘The Meat We Eat.’ He was elected Outstanding Instructor three times during his tenure at SDSU. He was also awarded the Gamma Sigma Delta Award of Excellence in teaching, the F.O. Butler Award for service to students and academic advising and was named a SDSU Distinguished Professor. He lived in Brookings, S.D. He died May 6, 2014. He was 82.
Curtis C. lawrence (’62). He lived in Birmingham, Ala. He died April 28, 2014. He was 73. No other information available. robert H. busch (’77). He was a wheat geneticist for the USDA. He lived in Saint Paul, Minn. He died June 29, 2012. He was 74.
Ohio State
robert J. McCoy (’53). He earned his master’s degree from Ohio State University in agricultural economics. He worked at Procter and Gamble for 37 years, eventually becoming associate director. He served as a trustee of the Ohio 4-H Foundation. He lived in Montgomery, Ohio. He died on June 14, 2015. He was 83. roger G. Johnston (’56). He lived in Lewis Center, Ohio. He died May 5, 2015. He was 81. No other information available.
Oklahoma State
Jack C. Decker (’46). He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He farmed and had a passion for history and spent much of his time researching the history of Johnston County and Oklahoma. He lived in Nida, Okla. He died on Aug. 11, 2014. He was 88.
Fred C. Knight (’48). He served in the U.S. Army and received the WWII Victory Medal. After college, he shared the cattle ranching business with his father. He received his master of theology degree from Perkins School of Theology. After retiring from the ministry, he was a stockbroker with several Oklahoma City companies. He lived in Edmond, Okla. He died June 10, 2014. He was 86.
Donald a. Flasch (’55). He served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S Air Force. He
IN MEMORY/OBITUARIES
worked for the Corps of Engineers in Tulsa for 18 years and helped design the city’s current flood mitigation system. He earned his juris doctor from the University of Tulsa and practiced law for 25 years. He also attained his PhD in environmental engineering from Oklahoma State University. He lived in Tulsa, Okla. He died on April 25, 2012. He was 77.
Purdue
John W. larsen (’52). He served in the U.S. Army for 22 years and retired as lt. colonel. He taught ROTC at Purdue, and was director of Georgia Military College. He lived in Stuart, Fla. He died on Feb. 28, 2015. He was 84.
William P. Martin (’52). He worked for the USDA Soil Conservation Service as a head of the field office in Lafayette, Ind. He lived in Williamsport, Md.
Clarence l. Voliva (’52). He lived in Woodburn, Ore. He died on June 15, 2015. He was 87. No other information available.
Jay butler (’65). He worked for Eli Lilly for 35 years. He retired in 2005. He worked with the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention & Prevention and the Indy Homeless Connect. He lived in Indianapolis, Ind. He died on Sept. 13, 2014. He was 68.
Martin stob (’71). He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and later began his career teaching and doing research for the department of animal science at Purdue. He retired in 1992. He lived in West Lafayette, Ind. He died Nov. 14, 2014. He was 88.
South Dakota State
James a. Danekas (’66). He served in the U.S. Army. He started his own entity, James Danekas and Associates later in life. His business grew from a sales management team with the incorporation of a publication division. Three are still produced today, Western He travelled all over the country managing purebred cattle auctions and representing the publications at numerous events. He lived in Sacramento, Calif. He died Feb. 9, 2015. He was 67.
Gary W. leske (’72). He taught high school agricultural education, was an associate professor of agricultural education at SDSU, and finished his teaching career at the University of Minnesota in agricultural education. He was inducted into the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame and was awarded state and national Farmer Degrees. He also received the Gordon L. Starr Award for outstanding service to students. He lived in Fridley, Minn. He died Feb. 18, 2015. He was 75.
Duane everrett (’74). He was a professor and head of the education department at South Dakota State University. He later became director of International Programs for SDSU. He went on to work for the University of Nebraska. He lived in Washington, D.C. He died on Oct. 26, 2014. He was 83.
Wyoming
J. William eckerdt (’50). He served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. He worked as the Big Horn County extension agent for the University of Wyoming for 29 years. He lived in Worland, Wyo. He died on Sept. 11, 2014, at age 88.
Donald W. Force (’53). He received his master’s degree and PhD in plant science. He worked as an assistant professor of plant science at the University of Wisconsin and head of the state seed certification program. He and his wife owned a tax business. He worked as a stockbroker for more than 20 years before his retirement. He lived in Laramie, Wyo. He died on Oct. 18,
Cowman, Angus Icon and Wagyu World.
2014, at age 80.
We rely on our alumni to send us alumni news and obituaries of brothers who have passed away. So that we may properly record the death of our brothers for our membership, please provide obituaries and/or information about profession, date deceased and age to FarmHouse Fraternity.
You may email notices to fhhq@farmhouse.org or call (800) 7221905. Badges of deceased members may be returned to the FarmHouse Foundation at the discretion of the family. Badges are passed on to the deceased member’s chapter of initiation.
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Parents: While your son is in college, this publication will be sent to his home address. If he is no longer in college and not living at home, please send us his new information.
