Farewells

Janice Rappe died on November 8, 2023, at age 97. She was a Carleton employee from 1971 to 1991, working as a secretary in Alumni Affairs, Mathematics, and the Dean of Students office.

Ann Ness, age 83, died on June 30 in Northfield. Ann worked at Carleton for 25 years, beginning as a secretary in College Relations in 1982. She became the Interim Director of Career Planning in 1985; the permanent director in 1986; and then the Associate Director of the Career Center from 1989 to 2007. Ann cared deeply about every student, colleague, and alum with whom she worked, offering her encyclopedic knowledge and support to all.

Robert “Bob” Will ’50 died on June 25 at the age of 95. Bob taught Economics at Carleton from 1957 until his retirement in 1993 as the Raymond Plank Professor of Incentive Economics, Emeritus. He also served as an Assistant Dean of the College (1967–68), Director of International Studies (1968–70), and held the Wadsworth A. Williams Professor of Economics chair (1974–82). Many have described Bob as the quintessential Carleton alum and professor: a gifted and enthusiastic teacher, a knowledgeable scholar, an engaged college citizen, and a gracious mentor to his colleagues and students.

Charles E. Crutchfield III ’82 P’26, Benedict Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biology, died on June 21, 2023, following a battle with cancer. Dr. Crutchfield was 62 years old. As a student at Carleton, he was a biology major, resident assistant, Carleton Student Association Senator, and KRLX DJ. Many Carleton pre-med students will remember Dr. Crutchfield from his 5-week spring term course, Human Cutaneous Biology, which he taught each of the past 20 years.

Dale Haworth, age 98, died on May 14 in Santa Fe, NM. Dale taught Art History at Carleton for 36 years, beginning in 1960 and retiring as professor emeritus in 1996. During that time, he was also the Director of International Studies (1970–1971), Director of Exhibitions and Curator of the Carleton Art Collection (1980–1986), and chaired the Asian Studies as well as Art and Art History departments. Whether in the classroom or on Off-Campus Study or Alumni trips, Dale’s enthusiasm for art and architecture was infectious. His energy, kindness, knowledge, and dedication to teaching and his students made him a respected and welcoming colleague, mentor, and friend to many.

Mary Nelson, age 76, died on April 6 in Northfield. Mary worked for almost 38 years at Carleton, beginning in 1978 as an administrative assistant in Buildings and Shop, then in Admissions, and retiring in 2004 from Financial Aid. But retirement wasn’t for Mary, and she returned in 2006 as the Assistant to the Director of the Modern Language Center, retiring a second time in 2018. Former colleagues describe Mary as caring, strong, well informed, and energetic. Her big heart held a large place for students, who cared for and greatly respected her.

Robert (Bob) Reitz, age 96, died on March 22 here in Northfield. Bob taught Physics at Carleton for 36 years, beginning as an assistant professor in 1954 and retiring in 1990 as Professor of Physics, Emeritus. Former colleagues describe him as the “glue that held our department together.” Daily coffee sessions in his office were a time to share the challenges and successes of teaching, and Bob was a constant source of encouragement. He gave his students the same gifts of warmth, kindness, and dedication to their learning. Bob helped create a very friendly and supportive department and “taught us all how to be our better selves.”

Mary Jane Johnson, age 84, died on March 3 in Michigan. From 1976 to 1988, she was a secretary in the offices of both the Dean of the College and the President. She then became the secretary to the President until her retirement in 1997. During her 21 years at Carleton, she served with three academic deans (Sheridan, Stanley, and Elveton) and three presidents (Edwards, Porter, and Lewis). Mary Jane’s colleagues described her as a hard worker, a caring person, and a loyal friend with unfailing warmth and good humor.

Bonita “Bonnie” Pangburn, age 63, died on February 22 from cancer. Bonnie began work at Carleton as an assistant retail manager with Bon Appétit in August 2021 and went on medical leave in June 2022. Bonnie is described as funny, sassy, hardworking, and deeply caring about others. Her employees at Carleton and other Northfield locations knew they were there to work — and that she was there for them.

Shirley Dulski, age 82, died on January 29^th. Shirley worked in Carleton’s Business Office from 1991 to 2009 as an accounts payable specialist. For many faculty, staff, and students, she was the go-to person in the Business Office, helping to meet deadlines and get timely payments made. She was dedicated to her work and had many student workers who were devoted to her. She is described as a loyal and good friend to those who knew her.