Category: Staff

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.

Janet Swearer, age 90, died on November 6th in Northfield. Jan was married to Howard Swearer, the President of Carleton from 1970–1977. In her role as the president’s spouse, Jan graciously welcomed faculty, staff, students, trustees, and speakers into Nutting House, which she developed into the presidential home using her creative eye.

Elizabeth “Betty” Raadt, age 92, died on October 9th. Betty was a secretary in Admissions from 1947–49 and 1950–52. She worked most of her career at St. Olaf, but returned to Carleton as a food service checker for Sodexho from 1998–2002.

Jackie Detlie, age 81, died on Saturday, Sept 26th. Jackie retired in 1999 from Custodial Services after more than 21 years of work primarily in Watson Hall. After her retirement, she continued working until 2005 in the Recreation Center as a Control Counter Staff.

Carol Eyler, age 69, died on September 23rd. Carol was the Head of Technical Services in the Library from 1999–2017. Under her leadership, Carleton launched the joint online catalog with St. Olaf College.

Lorraine Andreas, age 80, died on August 23rd. Lorraine worked at Carleton in catering for the Sodexho food service from 1999–2002.

Jean Osman, age 90, died on May 17th in Rochester, MN. Jean was an instructor in Education at Carleton from 1975–1986. She returned as a tutor and tester in the Learning Center from 2000–2002.

Betty Pelkey, age 95, died on May 22nd. Betty worked as a custodian at Carleton from about 1980 to her retirement in 1994. Before coming to Carleton, she worked as a cook in the Randolph Schools and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Stanton area.

Marianne Elofson, age 79, died on May 16th at her home near Alexandria, MN. Marianne worked in several positions during her 18 years at Carleton, but primarily as the Administrative Assistant in the Psychology Department.

Charlotte Lobitz, age 96, died on April 22nd in Mt Horeb, WI. Charlotte worked in the Carleton Library from 1971 to 1985, starting as an Assistant in Technical Services and then becoming an Associate in Public Services and Reserves, where she worked closely with faculty members and her crew of student employees.