Alumni notes
Virginia Wohlforth Blais (SN'40) passed away October 30, 2000.
Emil Elvin Merkel (SM'40) passed away at approximately 7:00 a.m., on January 20. He lived in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
Dorothea Forsberg-Brown (SN'41) married her husband, Edwin, in 1943 and spent 54 happy years assisting him in his ministry. She writes, "I did office nursing while the children were in academy and college, but otherwise I am a full-time mom and pastor's wife."
Euliel Maloney (SN'43) says "Hello class!" She and her husband are doing well. They have four children, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Frances Duffie (SN'45) reports that her family is doing well. She is currently residing in Alpena, Michigan, where the temperatures can be as low as zero degrees F.
Luthea Eleonore Owen (SN'45) is now retired. She taught pediatrics in Nigeria and has had various temporary jobs in several Indian reservation clinics.
Jeane Ewald (SN'47) spends her time writing true stories of peoples' conversions and God's providence.
Waloma Elsie Bennett-Fehrenbach (SM'48) a resident of Calexico, passed away on January 1, 2001. Born in 1926, she studied pre-nursing at La Sierra College before attending LLU in 1945. Following graduation in 1948 with a certificate, she obtained her BS degree in nursing education at Pacific Union College in 1950. Mrs. Bennett-Fehrenbach married Marvin Fehrenbach in the same year. Together, they worked in the Arizona Conference of Seventh-day Adventists as her husband pastored churches and held evangelistic meetings. In 1957, they went to South America as missionaries, working among the Otaval Indians of Ecuador and the Campo Indians of Peru. In 1968, they returned to the United States. Mr. Fehrenbach studied for his master's degree and she worked in the drug rehabilitation program in Chino. They then moved to Calexico where her husband served as principal of the Calexico Mission School, then later pastored churches in that area. Mrs. Bennett-Fehrenbach earned her master's degree in education while she worked as school nurse for the Holtville Union School district. She and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in September, 2000, following her hospitalization for cancer the previous week. She rests in the Montecito Cemetery, Loma Linda.
The La Porte Hospital (LPH) medical staff recently honored William E. Wolf Sr. (SM'52). Dr. Wolf was saluted for his 48 selfless years of medical practice in this community. The tribute was given by his son, William E. Wolf III (SM'87), who currently serves as the medical staff president. The LPH medical staff has established a couple of awards over the years, which are occasionally used to honor highly distinguished physicians among its staff. One such award is the R.B. Jones award, which was presented to Dr. Wolf. This particular award is set aside to honor select physicians whose lives and careers exemplify a dedication to the La Porte community and show a history of promoting and strengthening the image of medicine in La Porte. Dr. Wolf opened the doors to his general medical and surgical practice on Lincolnway in 1952. In the early years of his career, he practiced many aspects of medicine including family practice, pediatrics, orthopedics, surgery, emergency room, obstetrics, and also tirelessly responded to the endless requests for house calls. Throughout these years, he was well recognized for the love and respect he so effortlessly showed his patients. It was his surgical experience that led him to realize the need for better anesthesia services in this community. In 1963, with many mixed emotions, Dr. Wolf decided to close his general medical and surgical practice so that he could concentrate on improving the safety and comfort of patients undergoing surgery and anesthesia in La Porte. He spent the next two years specializing in anesthesiology at the University of Illinois. He then returned to La Porte to help establish the high-quality anesthesia department that La Porte Hospital is so proud of today. His son joined him in practice in 1991, and he himself remained active in the practice of anesthesia until 2000. The La Porte Hospital medical staff thanked him for being such a fine example of a dedicated physician servant to their community and for strengthening the quality of medicine from which the community benefits. Other La Porte Hospital medical staff members present at the award ceremony included Dr. Wolf's daughter, Lovera (Wolf) Miller (SM'77A), son-in-law, David C. Miller (SM'84), daughter-in-law, Renee Ostermiller Wolf (SD'86), Smari Thordarson (SM'87), and Douglas J. van Putten (SM'85).
Flogean Hardt (SN'52) has two sons serving at an eye clinic in Siapan.
Evangeline Knittel Bowen (SN'54A) is retired and living in Exeter, with her husband, Donald Leroy Bowen (SD'60). Mrs. Bowen worked at the Loma Linda Sanitarium and hospital until 1960 then put work in the nursing profession on hold for 19 years while her three daughters were growing up. In 1984, she returned to California State University/Fresno, and completed the requirements for a health services credential and worked at a Tulare County school for handicapped children from 1985 until her retirement in 1998. All three of Mrs. Bowen's daughters have carried on the nursing tradition: Jill Bowen Hoenes (SN'80) worked as an RN in Visalia until 1989. She earned her MS at University of California/Los Angeles, in 1992. Since 1992, Jill has worked as a CRNA in Fresno and in Los Angeles. Heidi Bowen (SN'84) worked as an RN at LLUMC and in San Bernardino until 1998, when she moved to St. Helena. Presently she is clinical coordinator for the St. Helena Institute for Plastic Surgery. Julie Bowen (SN'91) worked as an RN at the University of California/Los Angeles Medical Center until 1995. Since that time, she has worked at Valley Children's Hospital in Fresno and Madera, as a nursing supervisor and is chair of the retention committee.
Susan Klebe (SN'54B), along with her husband and grandson, went on a trip to Norway in June for three weeks with Maranatha. They helped build a 10,000-square-foot school.
Yvonne Dysinger (SN'55B) is living in Williamsport, Tennessee, with her husband, Bill, where they are heavily involved in international health care. They had a busy year in 2000 after returning from a 12-month stay in Yemen. Their international experience has inspired the Dysingers to set up a nonprofit corporation called Development Services International (DSI) to help support their outreach efforts in health. They believe they can be most successful by preparing appropriate educational materials and providing training workshops. They receive requests for help from many places. Mrs. Dysinger writes, "Helping physicians and others learn how to work in preventive medicine and improve lifestyle is the particular challenge of our retirement."
 Evangeline Knittel Bowen (SN’54A) with daughters: Jill Bowen Hoenes (SN’80), Heidi Bowen (SN’84), and Julie Bowen (SN’9) ...carrying on the nursing tradition |
Henry A. Williams (SD'62) died at home in Evans, Georgia, on March 1, 2000. Dr. Williams, affectionately known as Hank, practiced dentistry in Colorado for 10 years prior to joining the faculty of the newly established dental school at the Medical College of Georgia. He rose rapidly from assistant to full professor. He was a popular mentor and a sought-after lecturer on electrosurgery, esthetic, and cosmetic dentistry, giving more than 100 clinics, seminars, and national presentations. He was author or co-author of 21 refereed papers and six books or chapters in reference works of his discipline. Dr. Williams' contributions were cited in numerous certificates of merit, including the Most Outstanding Faculty Award, Certificate of Special Appreciation, and Certificates of Recognition from the American Dental Association. He was a member of the board of directors of the Medical College of Georgia Dental Foundation, serving a term as president. He was vice president of the American Academy of Dental Electrosurgery. He was an active member of the National Association of Seventh-day Adventist Dentists, and an elder in the Augusta Seventh-day Adventist Church. Dr. Williams repeatedly served in missions to third-world countries, including Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, and Thailand, providing dental relief working in the refugee camps. Dr. Williams is survived by his wife, Barbara J. Williams, a son, Jeff A. Williams, two daughters, Linda K. Meister and Brenda L. Williams, four brothers, a sister, and a grandchild, Ashley Meister.
Lucy McGill (SN'63) is proud to announce the arrival of her first great-grandson, Chance Gustafson.
Robert Eugene Solderblom (SM'63) has been elected president of the Loma Linda University School of Medicine Alumni Association, according to the Redlands Daily Facts. As president he will serve as chair of several committees and oversee the annual Alumni Postgraduate Convention.
Ernest James Kijak (SD'64) passed away on December 12, 1999, after a two-year illness and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He graduated from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, with a BS in 1959, and a BA in 1960. He completed his DDS at Loma Linda University in 1964. Dr. Kijak practiced dentistry in Trenton, New Jersey, from 1965 to 1990. He retired to Stuarts Draft, Virginia, in 1993. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Vera, and three children: Kathleen Kijak of New Haven, Indiana; Stephen Kijak of Key West, Florida; and Gail Martens of Alexandria, Virginia.
Victor Knolty (SD'63) died at home on September 1, 2000. He and his wife, Elaine, were in the midst of moving their belongings to their new home in Reche Canyon. Dr. Knolty had several health problems but lived an active life. He and Elaine had recently returned from a Yosemite-Kings Canyon-Sequoia National Parks vacation. They loved to travel together and spent 10 years exploring the world. Dr. Knolty was born in Oakland, and was raised near Sacramento and Vallejo. He attended San Pasqual Academy, Pacific Union College, and La Sierra University as a business administration and pre-dental student. After his 1963 graduation from Loma Linda University, Dr. Knolty practiced general dentistry in Barstow, Fresno, and Palm Desert. He and and his wife owned several businesses. They supported Seventh-day Adventist mission work around the world. Dr. Knolty is survived by his wife of 44 years, an adult son and daughter, and a half sister.
Karen Radke (SN'64) became the associate dean at the University of New York, Buffalo, as of August 1, 1998. She writes, "Having spent 13 years in research and teaching at the University of New York, Rochester, I was ready for a new challenge. I oversee all academic programs, including a doctoral program in nursing and do some teaching here and there for the School of Nursing, as well as the department of physiology. One of the biggest highlights this past year was launching a baccalaureate program for registered nurses in the British Virgin Islands...I went down in April for about a month to teach pathophysiology...." Karen also says, "After commuting for two years between Rochester and Buffalo, I finally moved into a new house that I had built--a good creative outlet to balance the intensity of my work."
Miriam Moore Ross (SN'64) is still working part-time and helping her sister with her residential care facility for the elderly and enjoying life with her husband and family.
Diane Johnson (SN'70) is going with Collegedale Academy, Collegedale, Tennessee, to Venezuela with her son. This year's project is a four-bedroom bunkhouse that holds 48 to 60 people. She will be the nurse on the 12-day trip.
Brenda Duerksen (SN'70) went with her husband, Richard, to Tazmania, Australia, where he did some ministerial work and she directed the campmeeting choir. They went to South Africa in May to speak at a medical convention. She presented with the doctor she works with on, "Infusing your medical practice with spirituality." Brenda works at Woman's Center at Celebration Health in Orlando, Florida.
Robert L. Merlin, DDS (GS'72), a Woodland Hills periodontist, was honored as the Dental Alumnus of the Year 2000 by the University of California/Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry. The award was presented at the annual UCLA Dental Alumni Day held at the Tom Bradley International Center on the UCLA campus. The award is given annually to an alumnus of the UCLA dental school for outstanding contributions to organized dentistry, the dental school, community, and the alumni association. Dr. Merlin is the current president of the California Society of Periodontists, a previous education director for the San Fernando Valley Dental Society, and a founding member and a past president of the UCLA Dental Alumni Association. He has also served as chief of dental service at West Hills Hospital and as a past chief of periodontal service at Mather Air Force Hospital. He is the first UCLA dental graduate to become a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.
Kathy Langley-Ryan (SN'74) is working as a cardiac rehabilitation nurse in a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. Her husband, Rod, had a liver transplant on January 30, 2001, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Scottsdale, Arizona. They have two children: Danielle, age 19, and Scott, age 17. On October 17, 2000, they welcomed a new grandchild, born to Danielle. Mrs. Langley-Ryan says "[He is] cute! I love him."
Jon Ruckle (SM'80B) has relocated from Tacoma, Washington, and is the associate medical director of Radiant Research/Honolulu, Hawaii. He has served as the principal investigator for more than 100 clinical trials. Radiant Research/Hawaii performs Phase I-Phase IV clinical trials, with special interest in Japanese-Caucasian "bridging studies."
After working in hospital administration and health-care consulting for 10 years, Darlene Uhrig Stevens (SN'87) sat for and passed the CPA exam in November, 2000. She now works part time as an accountant, specializing in tax and business consultation. She is married to Eric Stevens and they have one son, Collin, age 6. They live in Nashville, Tennessee, where Eric is an administrator for Tennessee Christian Medical Center, an Adventist Health System/Sunbelt Hospital.
Loren L. Munson (SAHP'92) and Jennifer Hegg Munson (SAHP'92) welcomed a new baby into their family on May 11, 2001. Jessica Emmalee was 6 pounds, 13 ounces, and 19H inches long. She joins her brother, Alexander Loren, 4H, and sister Kayla Victoria, 2. Jennifer occasionally sees home health patients. Loren is becoming a partner at Sierra Physical Therapy, an outpatient clinic. They make their home in Sonora.
Jennifer Bastian (SN'95) writes that after working for six years in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at LLUMC, she moved to San Diego in April of 2001. She now works in the PICU at Children's Hospital of San Diego.
After graduating with an MPH in health promotion and education, Jennifer Shouse (SPH'97) worked for two years at Stanislaus County Public Health Services as health educator in the immunization and registry program. In August of 2000, Ms. Shouse moved to Portland, Oregon, where she works as a health educator in a breast and cervical cancer/healthy start program. She says she is loving life in Portland and is planning a trip to Italy in the summer of 2002.
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