Farewells

Robert (Bob) Reitz, age 96, died on March 22 here in Northfield. Bob taught Physics at Carleton for 36 years, beginning as an assistant professor in 1954 and retiring in 1990 as Professor of Physics, Emeritus. Former colleagues describe him as the “glue that held our department together.” Daily coffee sessions in his office were a time to share the challenges and successes of teaching, and Bob was a constant source of encouragement. He gave his students the same gifts of warmth, kindness, and dedication to their learning. Bob helped create a very friendly and supportive department and “taught us all how to be our better selves.”

Mary Jane Johnson, age 84, died on March 3 in Michigan. From 1976 to 1988, she was a secretary in the offices of both the Dean of the College and the President. She then became the secretary to the President until her retirement in 1997. During her 21 years at Carleton, she served with three academic deans (Sheridan, Stanley, and Elveton) and three presidents (Edwards, Porter, and Lewis). Mary Jane’s colleagues described her as a hard worker, a caring person, and a loyal friend with unfailing warmth and good humor.

Bonita “Bonnie” Pangburn, age 63, died on February 22 from cancer. Bonnie began work at Carleton as an assistant retail manager in Bon Appetit in August 2021 and went on medical leave in June 2022. Bonnie is described as funny, sassy, hardworking, and deeply caring about others. Her employees at Carleton and other Northfield locations knew they were there to work—and that she was there for them.

Melinda Russell, Professor of Music and M.A. and A.D. Hulings Professor of American Studies, died on February 22 after a long illness. She was 61 years old. A member of the Carleton faculty since 1993, Professor Russell taught courses in music and American studies that included “Ethnomusicology and World Music,” “Introduction to American Studies,” and “Music and Social Movements.” Many of her courses, such as “Music of Africa,” “American Folk Music Revival” and “Music of South Asia,” combined academic work with hands-on musical performance. She also taught karimba and kalimba to many students.

Shirley Dulski, age 82, died on January 29^th. Shirley worked in Carleton’s Business Office from 1991 to 2009 as an accounts payable specialist. For many faculty, staff, and students, she was the go-to person in the Business Office, helping to meet deadlines and get timely payments made. She was dedicated to her work and had many student workers who were devoted to her. She is described as a loyal and good friend to those who knew her.

Marilyn Fintel, age 79, died on January 25th in Northfield. Marilyn worked in the Carleton Library for 29 years, beginning as an assistant in circulation in 1976 and retiring as the Library Associate in Government Documents in 2005. She took her role in processing government documents and making them accessible to the public very seriously and built a large and loyal group of student workers to help in this effort.

Charles (Chuck) Carlin, age 83, died on January 2. Chuck taught Chemistry at Carleton, beginning in 1966 as an instructor and retiring in 2004 as the Charles “Jim” & Marjorie Kade Professor of the Sciences, Emeritus. He is remembered fondly by colleagues and alumni as a wise, funny, kind, generous, and irreverent teacher dedicated to his students’ learning. His pithy humor and colorful phrases kept organic chemistry students engaged and departmental meetings lively.

Jackson Bryce, age 78, died on December 12 in St. Paul. Jack was hired in 1972 to teach Classics at Carleton. He retired in 2012 as the Marjorie Crabb Garbisch Professor of Classical Languages and the Liberal Arts, Emeritus. He was also a senior lecturer in bassoon and chamber music. Jackson had a joyous approach to life. An immensely learned and creative teacher, he was also a gracious, welcoming, and kind colleague who could be counted on to offer a friendly word, erudite discussions of grammar, and witty anecdotes.

Gary Iseminger, age 85, died on December 11th in Northfield. Gary taught Philosophy at Carleton for 42 years, beginning in 1962 as an instructor and retiring in 2004 as the Stephen R. Lewis Jr. Professor of Philosophy & Liberal Learning, Emeritus. Among his many gifts, Gary was well-known for helping students grapple deeply with complex philosophical issues, inspiring them in the philosophy of art, aesthetics, music, logic, law, medical ethics, epistemology, and the history of philosophy.

Stanley Sunderland, age 86, died on November 16 at his home in Stanton. As a member of the Project and Relief custodial crew, Stan could make the rare claim to have worked in every building on Carleton’s campus. He was hired in December 1975 and worked first as the custodian in the Music and Drama Center and later in Leighton and Laird. He retired in 1998 after a second assignment with the Project and Relief crew. Stan is remembered for his sense of humor and deep dedication to his family.