C L A S S 1941 and attended U of P until he went into the navy during WWII. He played football and sang in the glee club. After the war he returned and graduated in 1947 in engineering and then went to Notre Dame, where he received a Ph.D. degree in physics. Starting a career with General Electric working in the nuclear power group, he traveled to help install and operate many nuclear power plants. Our family has had many attend the U of P. John, my brother Kevin (1954) and I (1950) all attended Columbia Prep and U.P. The family still has students there. Kelly Brandenburg, Dr. Paul Wack and my sister Mary Ellen’s grandaughter, is there. We even have a faculty member, Jacquie Van Hoomissen, in biology. My three brothersin- law George, John, and Robert Charters all attended Columbia Prep and either U of P or Notre Dame. If you check on the last names of Van
Died in January, at age 91: Sister Francella Mary Griggs ’59 (third from left), of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. A sweet brave funny gentle woman who loved children, taught thousands of them in Oregon and Washington, and worked relentlessly and sweetly for her Siletz people. A remarkable soul. See in the inside back cover of this issue for more. Photo courtesy SNJM archives/ Marylhurst.
Hoomissen, Wack, and Charters the list will be long and cover many years. Thanks for the picture as it brought back many great memories of my years on the bluff.” You bet Peter, we’re
happy to jog such wonderful memories, and you’re not kidding about the long legacies of the Van Hoomissen, Wack, and Charters families. Christopher Paul Mestrich 50’ passed away on January 24, 2012, in Astoria, Ore. Both of his parents were Croatian, a heritage that he was very proud of. Chris graduated as Salutatorian from Star of the Sea High School at the age of 17, and graduated cum laude with a degree in business administration from the University of Portland at the age of 21. Following college, Chris was drafted into the U.S. Army, and after training was sent to Fort Lewis where he served until the end of the Korean conflict with the rank of corporal. Working at the headquarters of Fort Lewis, Chris met the love of his life, Marlene Ballew of Tacoma, and they were married in 1953. Chris was well known by his constant presence at Chris’ News, which was considered by many to be an Astoria institution until its closure in 2005. Using the motto “Chris’ News; For Everything You Use,” the store at 14th and Commercial carried books, magazines, beer, wine, snacks, sundries and more. The business was started in 1931 by his father and carried on by Chris and his brother Charles. If asked what his favorite hobby was, he would always reflect on his love of music and immediately burst into song and dance. Survivors include his wife, Marlene; son, Paul; daughter, Carol; daughter, Monica; grandsons, Sebastian and Harrison Lynch; his brother, Charles; as well as his cousin, Margie Radich; and four first cousins in Croatia. Our prayers and condolences to the family. Ivan Husovsky ’52 passed away on December 25, 2011, in Wilton, Conn. A native of Budapest, Hungary, Ivan completed most of his undergraduate work in Munich, Germany and finishe his degree after emigrating to the U.S. in 1949. His law career included stints at Vicks Chemical, Merrell International, and others. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Joanna; sons Hal and Peter, and granddaughter Lila. Our prayers and condolences to the family. James Estes ’54 passed away on March 26, 2012. Jim is survived by his two sons, Mark Estes (Marsha) and Matthew Estes; and his two daughters, Nancy Hoyt (Jim) and Susie Jansky (Andy). Jim has nine grandchildren: Jenna and
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We heard recently from Inarose Ries Zuelke ’47, who sent us the above photo and writes: “I read your request for information on music at the University of Portland and thought I would share a few of my experiences. Thank you for reviving some very old and wonderful memories. “Father Dum and the Hooyboer brothers were family friends and my mother enjoyed inviting them for dinner. Fr. Dum would ‘sing for his supper’ and I would accompany him on the piano. After I enrolled in the University of Portland School of Nursing, he asked me to play for the Glee Club. This resulted in many fun trips around the state as the club entertained at other events arranged by Fr. Dum. “I recall that Marian Bergstrom, one of the nursing students, was a vocalist and Sal Mardesic was frequently the accompanist. Sal was a gorgeous pianist...well, he was really a great pianist but he was also gorgeous! He passed away a number of years ago. “The two Fathers Hooyboer officiated at my wedding, and Fr. Dum brought the Glee Club to sing and he arranged for the recording of the event. They did a great job; the marriage lasted over 60 years.” Inarose was married to legendary Portland obstetrician Dr. Paul Zuelke; he passed away in August 2007. Molly Jansky, Tyler and Ryan Hoyt and Julie, Steven, Kirstin, Allison and Josh Estes. Our prayers and condolences to the family. Richard C. Benevento ’58 passed away on January 14, 2012, in Portland, Ore. Survivors include his wife, Susie ’62; daughters Barbara and Julie; son, Rick; and four grandchildren. Our prayers and condolences to the family. Patricia Lynne Allessio Senko ’59 (pictured at right) passed away on November 3, 2011 after a courageous struggle
Summer 2012 39