Farewells

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.

Barbara Blackstone ’63, age 79, died peacefully on January 6. Barbara was Director of Alumni Affairs from 1988 to 1991, at a time alumni involvement with the college was increasing rapidly. She graduated from Carleton in 1963 with a degree in religion, and ultimately found her calling as a mediator for the State of Minnesota and an educator on women’s power in the workplace.

Nancy Wilkie, age 78, died at home in Northfield on January 18th after a long battle with cancer. Nancy taught at Carleton for 39 years, beginning as an adjunct instructor in Classics in 1974, adding Sociology/Anthropology as one of her home departments, creating and directing the Archaeology program at Carleton, becoming an “honorary member” of the Geology department, and retiring as the William H. Laird Professor of Classics, Anthropology, and the Liberal Arts, Emerita.

Carolyn Soule ’58, age 84, died on Sunday, January 10 in Northfield. Except for two years from 1970–72, Carolyn was the administrative assistant in the English Department and the editor and manager of The Carleton Miscellany from 1963-2015 — which means she was employed by the college for 50 years.

Paul Lovestrand, age 53, died at his home in Northfield on December 1st.  Paul began work at Carleton as a baker with Sodexho in 2000, and continued here as Lead Baker with Bon Appetit until his death. Paul greeted everyone with a smile and conversation while he worked and was well-liked and respected by all.