Category: Staff

Leonard (Len) Wenc, age 82, died on March 29th in Northfield. Len was the Director of Student Financial Services from 1970 until his retirement in 2000. During his 30 years at Carleton, Len is quoted as saying he had “a social worker’s mentality—the need to open doors to higher education for those unable to attend due to financial circumstances.” Students and colleagues respected his forthright commitment to equity in meeting students’ full financial needs, advocating for grant aid, and further developing the work-study program.

Marlene Kispert, age 89, died on March 13th. Marlene worked as a switchboard operator at Carleton for 27 years, from 1971 to 1997. She was a caring and generous person who will be greatly missed.

James Stowe, age 75, died at home in Northfield on Feb 21st. Jim worked at Carleton for 39 years, beginning in 1969 on Grounds right out of Northfield High School, then as a chauffeur, and retiring as Locksmith Lead in 2008. He was a kind, caring, and quiet man, dedicated to his work and to Carleton.

Brian Murphy, age 65, died on Sunday, January 30, surrounded by his family. Brian worked in the Career Center beginning in 2011 and left in June 2021 as his health began to deteriorate due to a brain tumor. In his primary role as Program Director for Internships and Experiential Learning, Brian went above and beyond for students, supporting their dreams with careful listening and extensive research on their behalf.

John Jindra, age 54, died on January 7 at his home in Le Center, Minn. John worked in Dining Services from 2002–2005 and then as a Custodian from 2005–2019. John was helpful, thoughtful, and tender-hearted, working even the second shift with enthusiasm.

Vickie Duscher, age 64, died of cancer at her home in Aitkin, Minnesota on January 2nd. Vickie worked in the President’s Office from 1998 to 2012. Vickie formed genuine relationships with people across campus, reminding us all that, at its core, a residential college is about human interactions as we seek to better understand the world.

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.

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.

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.