Category: Staff

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.

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.

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 Appétit until his death. Paul greeted everyone with a smile and conversation while he worked and was well-liked and respected by all.

James Stenstrom, age 83, died on November 19th in Northfield. Jim began working at Carleton as the college’s chauffeur, enjoying the chance to meet and talk with people on the way to and from the airport. Jim’s primary work at Carleton was as Assistant Locksmith, a role that grew out of his earlier business as a jeweler and watch repairer.