Farewells

Geri M. Joseph died peacefully, with her family by her side, at 100 years of age on October 16, 2023. Joseph served as a Carleton trustee beginning in 1977, received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Carleton in 1998, and was a Carleton parent (’79). In addition to her leadership at Carleton, Joseph played a major role in Democratic Party politics, working closely on the mayoral campaign of Hubert Humphrey and the presidential campaign of Adlai Stevenson. She served as US Ambassador to the Netherlands from 1978-1981 and was the recipient of countless awards and honors. We invite you to read her full obituary.

Fay Vincent, former Carleton Trustee (1988 to 1994) and Honorary Degree (2001) recipient passed away February 1st at the age of 86. Vincent was a generous supporter of Carleton and served in many distinguished professional roles, including as the 8th Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Chairman of Columbia Pictures, and Vice Chairman of Coca Cola. Obituaries and remembrances can be found at ESPN, the New York Times, MLB.com, and the Wall Street Journal, among others.

Clark G. Ohnesorge, age 63, passed away at his home in Northfield on Saturday, December 21, 2024. Since 1998, Clark held various roles at Carleton, including Assistant Professor of Psychology (1998-1999), Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology (2005-2007), Admissions Reader (2016), and most recently as a Research Associate in the Psychology Department. A St. Olaf graduate, Clark gained his PhD in Cognitive Science from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. An accomplished violinist, he will be remembered for his music, together with his service to his community on the Board of the Just Foods Co-op.

Nancy Kay Lehman, passed away on Thursday night, December 12, 2024. She was 84. Nancy spent her entire career at Carleton College, in the early years as a secretary for Paul Wellstone. She worked with many other professors, eventually becoming Director of Special Events. As director, Nancy coordinated many receptions and other college events with great detail and thoughtfulness. Her former colleague, Kerry Raadt, described her as “unflappable when faced with the unexpected.” Nancy retired in 2005 after working at Carleton for nearly 42 years.

Barbara Louise Johnson, former Treasurer and VP of Finance at Carleton, passed away April 25, 2024. Johnson served Carleton until 2007, after-which she became the Vice Chancellor for Business & Finance at the University of Nebraska Kearney. Upon her retirement, she returned to Northfield. Barbara has degrees from Hampton Institute (now University) and Atlanta University. In addition to Barbara’s academic excellence and love of education, she also had a love of the arts. She loved to paint abstract pictures as well as sketch. She loved to collect black art, listen to jazz, Earth, Wind and Fire, cook, host college faculty/students, dance to 70’s & 80’s music, travel, and visit museums.

James Edgar Finholt, William H. Laird Profess of Chemistry and the Liberal Arts, Emeritus, age 91, passed away on October 29, 2024. James began teaching at Carleton in 1960 and retired in 2001. He received his B.A. in chemistry from St. Olaf College and his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.

Pamela Lee Germundson passed away on August 31, 2024, after serving Carleton for 21 years as heavy duty custodian. She retired in 2006. Born on May 6, 1944, Pamela was a long-time resident of Northfield, a cherished member of her community, and a devoted caretaker to numerous beloved cats throughout her life.

Carl D. Weiner, William H. Laird Professor of History and the Liberal Arts, Emeritus, passed away August 25, 2024 at the age of 90. Born and raised in New York City, Carl spent most of his adult life (somewhat to his own surprise) in Minnesota as a beloved history professor at Carleton College, teaching his first class in 1965. He was a natural raconteur, bringing the French Revolution, the Reformation and the great political, social and intellectual upheavals of Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Europe to life for generations of Carleton students.

Jerry M. Ashleson passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 16, 2024. Jerry served in food service at Carleton until 1997, eventually becoming Head Custodian of the Rec. Center before retiring in 2006. He enjoyed playing pool, golfing, playing cards, raising tropical fish, and fishing. He is survived by his children, Michelle Ashleson of Faribault and William Ashleson (and special friend Jessica Sanderson) of Kasson, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.