Farewells

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.

Harry Nordstrom died at his home in Northfield on November 13th, eight days shy of his 98th birthday. Harry taught Music at Carleton, beginning as an Instructor in Violin in 1950 and retiring as Professor of Music, Emeritus, in 1989. He continued to teach a few violin students after his retirement and he treasured the ongoing connection to students and the college.

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.

Gerry J.C. Hill, age 87, died on August 20 in San Francisco. Gerry taught Biology at Carleton for 28 years, beginning as an assistant professor in 1971 and retiring in 1999 as the Towsley Professor of Biology. His great enthusiasm for science, his kindness and care for his colleagues and students, and his great sense of humor continue to shape Carleton and the many lives he touched.

Aidan Price, class of 2024, died suddenly on June 20 in Berkeley, California. Although his time at Carleton was brief, Aidan was a beloved member of our community and formed a tight network of close friends here. A lover of music—he played trumpet and piano—Aidan also had a competitive spirit that was fulfilled through Ultimate.

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.

Roger Bechtel, age 62, died from ALS on May 10th at home in Tucson, AZ. Roger taught Theater at Carleton from 2012 to 2018. He had an impact on many students’ lives as a compassionate and dedicated mentor. He understood his role as an educator to be supporting students in reaching their goals, and he continued to mentor his former students after they graduated.

Barbara Field, age 87, died of complications from a stroke on Feb 21. Barbara was a Dayton Hudson Visiting Teacher/Artist in Theater at Carleton several times between 2001 and 2010. The connection began when the Carleton Theater Department put on two of her plays, including an adaptation of “The House of Seven Gables,” commissioned by retired professor Ruth Weiner. Because Barbara loved the students, and they loved her, she returned to teach playwriting.