Farewells

Irene Marcella Valek Horejsi, age 93, died on August 21 in Northfield.  Irene worked for many years in Carleton’s food service, retiring in 1996. She was a big-hearted and fun person with a deep faith.

Gerry J.C. Hill, age 87, died on August 20 in San Francisco. Gerry taught Biology at Carleton for 28 years, beginning as an assistant professor in 1971 and retiring in 1999 as the Towsley Professor of Biology. His great enthusiasm for science, his kindness and care for his colleagues and students, and his great sense of humor continue to shape Carleton and the many lives he touched.

Aidan Price, class of 2024, died suddenly on June 20 in Berkeley, California. Although his time at Carleton was brief, Aidan was a beloved member of our community and formed a tight network of close friends here. A lover of music—he played trumpet and piano—Aidan also had a competitive spirit that was fulfilled through Ultimate.

Ronald Wolf, age 92, died on June 29th. Ron was the Chief Operating Engineer of Carleton’s power plant for about 20 years, retiring in 1994. Former colleagues that he was a good person to work with and very dedicated to his job of keeping Carleton safe, warm, and well-powered.

Roger Bechtel, age 62, died from ALS on May 10th at home in Tucson, AZ. Roger taught Theater at Carleton from 2012 to 2018. He had an impact on many students’ lives as a compassionate and dedicated mentor. He understood his role as an educator to be supporting students in reaching their goals, and he continued to mentor his former students after they graduated.

Barbara Field, age 87, died of complications from a stroke on Feb 21. Barbara was a Dayton Hudson Visiting Teacher/Artist in Theater at Carleton several times between 2001 and 2010. The connection began when the Carleton Theater Department put on two of her plays, including an adaptation of “The House of Seven Gables,” commissioned by retired professor Ruth Weiner. Because Barbara loved the students, and they loved her, she returned to teach playwriting.

Alice Virginia (“Ginny”) Stansell, age 81, died on February 9 after a battle with cancer. Ginny was an instructor in harpsichord at Carleton from 1983 to 1994. She was also a member of Carleton’s Pro Musica group, singing and playing viola da gamba. In the 1970s and 80s, Ginny hosted high school students and served as president of Northfield’s “ABC Program” (A Better Chance) for inner city youth, sponsored by Carleton.

Jeanne Jacobson, age 96, died on January 31st. From 1966 to 1985, Jean worked as an administrative assistant in departments and offices across campus (PEAR, Student Activities, Dean of the College, Music, and Alumni Affairs). She immersed herself in campus life, including as an avid Carleton basketball fan.

Teresa Pittman, age 56, died of complications related to COVID-19 on February 9. She was known as a wonderful teammate in Custodial Services, always reaching out and trying to lift people up.  She was warm and outgoing, sharing a smile or a kind word with those around her. She was highly regarded as a colleague and will be deeply missed.

Sylvia Mollenhauer, 93, died on January 29th. Sylvia worked for many years in the Carleton food service, retiring in 1994. Co-workers said that she enjoyed her work in the Burton Dining Hall, usually in the kitchen pantry doing prep work. She was kind, fun, and a hard worker.