In Memoriam…
Submit any information about those not listed here via email at myhcaa@outlook.com . Please copy and paste a death announcement or provide a link to the obituary if possible.
When Harper Friends Pass Away
a reflection by Michael Nejman
When I was the editor of the HCAA newsletter, we had our share of special editions that were released for only one reason: To announce the death within the HCAA family. It was depressing. Instead of the up-tempo, positive guy I try to be, I often felt like a journalistic grim reaper delivering bad news via email on a regular basis. Rather than looking forward to another edition, I felt like the membership would dodge my missives for fear the subject line would read: “Sad news.”
Losing HCAA members who were also good friends is especially heartbreaking. Unlike ending a friendship through disagreement or distance, death is final. Extreme ghosting. Along with a sense of loss, we are also reminded of our own mortality. As a nod to magical thinking, I always note the person’s age and determine how much time I might have left, as if one death had any impact on another. As retirees, we are all at an age that, when we read obits, the cause of death is often “natural causes.” So, losing friends is a constant, a reality, a reason we buy more sympathy cards than birthday cards these days.
Having worked at Harper College for more than 30 years, I have observed that many of us interacted with our Harper colleagues more than with our own family members (especially our mothers who we never seemed to call enough). It wasn’t hard to consider our bond as if it were family-like. In fact, many of us refer to our colleagues as “our Harper family.” There’s one thing I’ve learned: We have the best of intentions to connect with friends on a regular basis, but life gets in the way, and we lose track of people.
It’s important to remind ourselves that we shouldn’t wait until a memorial to share our thoughts and feelings about a Harper colleague and friend. Let them know how you feel now, so they can hear the compliment and feel the love. A regret I often hear is that “I didn’t get to tell (the person) what (they) meant to me.”
Live life without regret.
Share your feelings with those Harper friends
and family members you care about.
-Michael Nejman-
If you are struggling with grief there are ways to cope . The Mayo Clinic has a guide to help you through the process of grieving which you can access here.
2023
Find details about the passing of fellow Harper College colleagues.
2025
Art Bowers, 83 – We are sad to share the news of the passing of Art Bowers, 83, in West Linn, Oregon on August 23rd, 2025. Art began his career at Harper on November 11th, 1980, when he was hired as the Director of Data Processing. On July 1st, 1983, he became the Director of Computer Services. He retired on June 30th, 1991, but returned as an Adjunct faculty member in CIS in the Fall of 1991, and for the Spring semesters of ’92, ’93, and ’94. The link to his full obituary can be found here.
Barb Bednarz – We were sad to learn about the passing of another of our Harper colleagues. Barb Bednarz, 78, of Chesterfield, Missouri, passed away on August 27th, 2025. Barb began her Harper career as a Secretary in the Business and Social Science division on January 3rd, 1989. In April of 1995, she moved to the User Support/Information Systems area, starting as a Help Desk Specialist, then to a position as an Advanced Technology Specialist in 1997, and moved up once more to the Manager of User Support, IT/Client Systems in 1999. She retired on May 31, 2007 as the Manager of Client Services. In April of 2008, she returned as a temporary employee working on a project in IT/CS, through September 30, 2011. The link to her obituary can be found here.
Marge Skold – We were sad to learn about the passing of Marge Skold, 80, of Omaha, Nebraska, on July 25th, 2025. After having worked at several other institutions of higher education, Marge was hired as Harper’s Vice President of Academic Affairs on February 18th, 2002. She retired after eight and a half years, on September 30, 2010. The link to her obituary can be found here.
Judith Carolyn Oswald (nee Fromm), Age 74, of Mount Prospect, Illinois, passed away on June 23, 2025, surrounded by loving family.Judy was born January 14, 1951 in Oak Park, Illinois, the daughter of Clifford Fromm and Dorothy Fromm (nee Granow).
Judy was raised in Skokie, Illinois where she attended Niles North High School before moving to Glenview, Illinois where she graduated from Glenbrook South High School in 1969. She earned her teaching degree from National College of Education in 1972. She taught elementary school in Bensenville, Illinois then went on to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to adults at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois.
Obituary for Judith Carolyn Oswald
James (Jim) Ryan James (“Jim”) Ryan passed away on June 12, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and two grandchildren, Samantha and Owen. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Reggie. He was a resident of Evanston and began working at Harper College in July of 1993 as an Intramurals Coordinator and PEAR Supervisor. He later served as Interim Coordinator and WHP Supervisor. He retired in 2009.
Jim taught bowling, volleyball, basketball techniques, baseball techniques, and he was a softball coach. He had a very positive impact on his students, many who dearly loved and admired him, knew him simply as “Coach Ryan.”
Jim and his wife, Nancy, taught abroad in Jakarta, Indonesia; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Damascus, Syria. He had a profound love of sports in general, however he was especially a fan of baseball, horse racing, boxing and a proponent of women’s basketball and softball.
He was a good friend, colleague and mentor who will truly be missed.
On behalf of HCAA, we all send our condolences to his family and friends.
Currently, there are no other details or an obituary available.
Joseph M. Bauer, 96, of Lake in the Hills, Illinois passed away peacefully at home on April 19, 2025. Joe began his Harper career as an Assistant Professor (Chemistry) on September 9th, 1968. He was promoted to Associate Professor on September 1st, 1974, and again to Professor on August 17th, 1982. Joe retired on August 1st, 1990. The link to his obituary can be found here.
Fred Vaisvil – We are sad to share news about the passing of one of Harper’s very first administrators. Fred Vaisvil, 93, of Hampshire, IL, passed away on April 14, 2025. Fred started his Harper career when the college opened in 1967, having been hired on July 1st as the Director of Placement and Student Aids. He became the Director of Public Information on July 1, 1980. In July of 1982 he moved into the role of Director of the Career Center, and remained with the Center through a few title changes, until his retirement on July 31st, 1991. Fred was a kind man, who will be missed. The link to his obituary can be found here.
Dr. Carol Neuhauser -We are sad to share with you that Dr. Carol Neuhauser of Franklin, Tennessee, passed away on April 5th, 2025. Carol began her career at Harper as an Assistant Professor of Child Development in LS/HS on September 4th, 1973. She was promoted to Associate Professor on August 16th, 1977, to full Professor on July 1st, 1985, and retired on July 31st, 1998. The link to her obituary can be found below
Obituary for Dr. Carol Nehauser
Shirley Shetka – HCAA has recently learned of the passing of Shirley Shetka on February 4th, 2025. Shirley was hired as a part-time Cashier in the Bursar’s Office on January 4th, 1982. She resigned on August 8th, 1986, but was rehired as a full-time Secretary in Accounting on September 14th, 1987. She moved to the Admissions area in January of 1985; her title changed to Administrative Secretary on July 1st, 1992. Shirley retired on December 31st, 2003. If an obituary becomes available, we’ll provide the link here on the In Memoriam page.
Lawrence “Larry” Wayne Knight – HCAA is sad to share that we’ve recently learned of the passing of Larry Knight, 83, of Palatine, on February 19th, 2025. Larry taught at Harper for over 30 years, having been hired as an Instructor in Math and Physical Science/Geology on September 13th, 1971. He was promoted to Assistant Professor on August 5th, 1978, and again to Associate Professor on August 18th, 1981. Larry retired from Harper on July 31st, 2006.
Obituary for Larry Knight
John Muchmore 88 – We are sad to announce that we have lost another of Harper’s founding faculty members. John Muchmore, 88, passed away on the morning of Tuesday, January 14th, 2025. After teaching at the high school level for a number of years, Dr. Muchmore began his career at Harper when it opened in August of 1967, as an Associate Professor of Communications. He was promoted to Professor in August of 1975, and retired on July 31, 1995, after having influenced and inspired thousands of students in his 28 years here. He will be missed by many.
Obituary for John Muchmore.
2024
William Miller, 96, of West Union, Iowa, passed away on October 1st, 2024 after a brief illness. William held a number of teaching positions in his career, including being one of Harper’s first faculty members. He began at Harper on 8/21/1967 as an Associate Professor in Life Sciences, where he taught Biology and Botany classes. He retired on 1/31/1987.
Obituary for William Miller
Richard “Dick” Kolze, 94, a Harper Trustee – During his retirement, he served on the Harper College Board of Trustees for twelve years. He was the Board President for four of those years. One of the interior perimeter roads surrounding the Campus is called Dick Kolze Lane.
Dick was a longtime member and Past-President of the Rotary Club of Palatine. He was also a Mason and a Shriner. He held memberships in the Northwest Suburban Shrine Club and the Medinah Shrine Center. He was a member of St. Paul Church in Palatine for many years. Dick served in many appointed and volunteer positions in the community and in his profession.
Obituary Richard Kolze
James Blasky, 81, of Huntley, IL, passed away recently and unexpectedly after undergoing a heart procedure. Jim started his busy Harper career on November 10, 1986 as the CE Coordinator. He retired from this position on May 31, 2003. He had also worked as an Adjunct Instructor teaching Physical Fitness courses from 1990-2004. After officially retiring in 2003, Jim worked part-time as the Fitness Center Assistant from 2005-2007, and then worked seasonally as the InZone Bus Driver from 2007-2009. Jim had also served as a Commissioner on the Huntley Park District Board for 15 years. He was known for his gentle sense of humor and for always wanting to keep busy.
Obituary James Blasky
Larry Lasko, 73, of Schaumburg IL,recently passed away unexpectedly in his home. Larry worked at Harper as an adjunct counselor for many years before being hired FT as an Instructor/Counselor in Student Development on August 2, 2002. He retired on July 31, 2020 as an Associate Professor/Counselor. He also taught a number of courses over the years, including the popular Psychology of Happiness course, which he developed. He was also instrumental in helping to develop Harper College’s Standards of Academic Performance policy, which helped students struggling academically to get back on track. Larry had recently become an active and enthusiastic member of the HCAA Board. He was known as a kind and caring individual, and will be missed.
Obituary Larry Lasko
Janice June Langdon, 89, passed away on May 22, 2024, in Appleton, WI. Jan started her time at Harper on November 4, 1971, as a temporary employee, working as a secretary in a number of departments. She was hired as a full-time secretary in Health Services under Liz McKay in September of 1977, and moved to a secretarial position in HR in May of 1981. She retired from Harper on April 30, 1990.
Obituary Janice June Langdon
Dennis Kmiec We are sad to share the news that we’ve lost another member of our Harper family. Dennis Kmiec, 76, of Oak Park, IL passed away suddenly on July 23, 2024. Dennis started part-time at Harper in March of 1989 in Community Counseling Services, helping members of the community make work and career changes. He was hired full-time on August 16, 2004 as a Student Development Specialist, and retired on April 29, 2016 from the Center for New Students and Orientation as a New Student Specialist. Dennis is remembered as a kind man with a wide variety of interests, and who was much appreciated as Student Development’s AV expert for many years. He will be missed.
Obituary: Dennis Kmeic
Kathi L. Nevels, of Westchester Illinois, passed away on June 12, 2024. Kathi worked in higher education for 36 years, 16 of them at Harper College. She started at Harper as an Instructor/Counselor on August 20, 2002, and retired on May 31, 2019 as an Associate Professor/Counselor. Her dedication to her students and passion for helping them succeed was evident in everything she did. She was known across campus as a strong and caring advocate for our students, and was involved in numerous initiatives that promoted student success.
Laura Lynn LaBauve, former Associate Dean of Multicultural Learning, passed away on April 26, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer. She began at Harper on August 26, 2002, and resigned on August 9, 2013 when she moved to Florida. Laura was known for her enthusiasm and zest for life, as well as her passion for serving underrepresented students. She spearheaded a number of initiatives designed to help diverse students achieve their goals.
Obituary: Laura Lynn LaBauve
Dorothy “Kris” Howard, 98, of Arlington Heights, IL, passed away on March 13, 2024. Kris was well-known in the Palatine area for her volunteer work and leadership positions in numerous organizations. She was elected to Harper’s Board of Trustees in 1981, and served for 24 years, twice as chair. Afterward, she served on the Board of Directors for Harper’s Education Foundation.
Obituary: Dorothy Howard
Charles (Chuck) Norris passed away February 5, 2024. Charles E. Norris was born in West Chicago in 1939 and began his career at Harper College in 1969. He founded and built the Anthropology Department and Archaeology programs and brought passion, wisdom, and humor to his classrooms for over thirty years, semi-retiring in 1999.
He loved South America and Mexico throughout his service in the Peace Corps (Peru), graduate studies in Mexico City, digs in Arizona, Illinois, and many travels, and he shared that love with those who knew him.
He was an adoring and devoted husband to his wife Laurie and an exceptional father to his son Justin. He was with his family in Florida as he passed on February 5, with his usual dignity and grace, and will be greatly missed. To those who knew him, please raise a glass to this amazing man who touched so many lives.
Gary Nowickas passed away January 14, 2024. A link to his obituary can be found below.
Obituary: Gary Nowickas
2023
Cecilia Cooper, 89, of Naperville (formerly Northbrook) passed away on October of 2023. Cecilia taught math at several colleges, and began her Harper career as a Math Instructor on August 7, 1982. She became an Assistant Professor on July 1, 1985, and was promoted to Professor on August 19, 1986. She retired on July 31, 1998. Her full obituary can be found here.
Betty Marie Cords, 91, of South Elgin, IL, passed away on December 7, 2023. Betty began her career at Harper in September of 1982 as a Clerk II Night Supervisor in the Bookstore and worked in a variety of positions over the years. She was a Secretary in LS/HS when she retired in September of 2005. She returned to Harper in a variety of part-time positions through 2012.
Darrell RIchie passed away on November 5, 2023 –
Darrell Richie, 83, of Carpentersville, IL passed away on November 5, 2023. He had battled a number of serious health issues in recent years, and bounced back after each one, until the last, never wanting to give up.
Darrell started at Harper on June 13, 1983 as a Maintenance Mechanic, later becoming a Foreman in the Utilities department, and in his last position, served as the Project Supervisor in the Physical Plant. He retired from Harper on June 30, 2005.
Darrell is survived by Gloria, his wife of 60 years, his son James, granddaughter Sophia, and grandson James. He will be remembered as a kind man who loved playing golf and spending time with his family.
Diana Sharp passed away on October 10, 2023. Diana served as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Harper College from 7/2002 – 7/2012. A link to her obituary can be found below.
Janet “Jan” Trede passed away on August 18, 2023. Jan worked as an executive secretary until her retirement in 1997. The link to her obituary can be found below.
2022
Teresa Bachara passed away on July 20, 2022. Teresa was employed for many years as an Administrative Assistant at Harper College. She passed away at home after a long illness, surrounded by family. The link to her obituary can be found below.
Pauline Jenness passed away on June 6, 2022. Pauline was a long-time member of the math faculty, and was instrumental in a number of key projects
over the years. She was very student-oriented, and created the Math Lab approach to individualized instruction at Harper, a new and unique method at that time. She was also a strong proponent of the metric system when it was gaining favor in the 70’s, and prepared many helpful materials and resources on the subject, some that are still being used today. The link to her obituary can be found below.
2021
Jan Jacobsen passed away on October 15, 2021. Jan worked as a Veteran’s Assistant in the Veteran’s Affairs and Financial Aid Office from 1983 – 2008. We will post her obituary when it becomes available.
Frances Brantley passed away on October 6, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. Frances was a Faculty Counselor in Student Development from 1978 – 2002. She returned as an Adjunct/working retiree counselor from 2003 to 2006. A memorial in the Chicago area is being planned by the family, but no details yet. Please view a brief obituary here. We will post more details as they become available.
Here’s Frances’ obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/salem-or/frances-brantley-10393940
Barbara Jay “Bobbye” Levine passed away on September 2, 2021. She worked in Business Services/Finance and retired in 1994. Please see her obituary for more details.
Gerald Mellenthin passed away on August 28, 2021. He worked at Harper College for 25 years and retired as Coordinator of the Data Processing Department. Please see his obituary for more details.
Dr. Elizabeth (Betty) Anne Hull died August 3, 2021. She taught English and Science Fiction for over 30 years at Harper College, where she headed the Honors Program and earned the school’s Distinguished Faculty Award in 1997. She taught English and Science Fiction for over 30 years at Harper College, where she headed the Honors Program and earned the school’s Distinguished Faculty Award in 1997. After retiring as professor emerita, Hull established a scholarship at Harper named the Elizabeth Schmik Hull Fund, to honor her mother, after whom she was named. Betty was an integral part of HCAA Board for many years. For more information, here is her obituary.
Debbie Hajek, passed away on May 2, 2021. Debbie began working at Harper in 1998 in Continuing Education. Through the years, she worked as a Registration Assistant, Wellness and Sports Assistant, and Dual Credit Coordinator. Debbie retired from her most recent position as an Administrative Assistant in Career and Technical Programs in July, 2019. Information will be updated on Debbie’s Memories site along with pictures and memories from her life. For more details, please view Debbie’s Eulogy
Gail Hoban, who worked as the secretary in Math and Science from 2002 until she retired in 2012, passed away on April 11, 2021. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at the Davenport Funeral Home in Barrington. For more details, please view the obituary here.
Bill Miller, passed away on April, 2021, former History Professor.
Gene (Eugene) Kimmet, passed away in Lake Geneva, WI on February 13, 2021. He was chair of the Economics Department until he retired in 1988. For more details, please view the obituary here.
Edward Liska, passed away peacefully January 13, 2021 in Lake Zurich, Illinois. He was born January 8, 1938 in Chicago to Edward and Anna Liska.
Edward graduated from Northern Illinois University where he earned an undergraduate and graduate degree. He also earned a Master’s Degree from Cal State, and an Ed.D. from Northern. Ed taught Psychology and was a counselor at Harper College from 1969 until his retirement in 1995.
Ed is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen. Services for Ed were held privately.
For prior years go to the In Memoriam Archive page.
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