Kathleen Abel (MA ’78) resides in St. Paul, Minn.

Christopher G. Adams (BS ’95) writes, “I’m still doing environmental consulting work at Marshall Miller & Associates, Inc. I am also a committee chairman with the Missouri Groundwater Association. Check out our website at www.missourigroundwater.com.”

Rhesa M. Allen Jr. (FC instructor ’60, ’62) resides in Dallas.

William B. Allen (FC ’40, MA ’41) writes, “Agnes and I did not have a good 2004. In February Agnes died, and I am continuing to live at home to check on the family: two sons, two daughters, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Memories of field camp and Columbia are still around even at 90.”

Art Banet (MA ’76) writes, “Some big changes this year, and I’m not just talking about those 1/4 carat kidney stones. To even my surprise, this geology gig has gotten gooder, and it’s not the recent exploration or the coal bed methane and hydrates stuff. Thanks to serendipity and SEPM at SMSU in Springfield, I may be a junior impactologist, along the same lines as Dave King and George Davis (irrespective of what they may say, I probably didn’t do it). Somehow I’ve gone from cuttings and cores to craters and shocked quartz in my spare time. My spare cash and everything that isn’t tied down is going to Missoula with Ceri. She took down slightly more than just a duffle bag and a clock radio. I don’t recall all those skateboards on campus or so little clothing on the ladies. I’ll have to think about this when I’m out at Eek River looking for the lost Yupik coals.”

Bret S. Beall (FC ’81, BS ’82) writes, “Who knew my having been a paleontologist would open so many doors for my company www.god-dess.com (hyphen needed). Forget my old nicknames. Now I’m ‘the Martha Stewart for interesting people,’ or ‘The Fab Five’ rolled into one! Life is very good.”

Deborah Bergfeld (FC ’90, BS ’91, MS ’94) writes that she just completed her third year in California and has recently moved into the redwoods where she is enjoying life away from the “burbs.” Deb says that the summers are still busy. She just returned from St. Helen’s and Yellowstone, where both trips reminded her of why she went back to school.

Bill Berthold (BS ’85) resides in Eureka, Mo.

Joseph F. Born Jr. (Grad student ’69-’70) writes, “I’m working primarily Gulf Coast geology from, of all places, Tulsa, Okla., and loving it. P.S. – E-mail me, Bob Bush.”

William C. Bridges (FC ’55, BA ’56, MA ’58) resides in Dallas.

Jack D. Burgess (MA ’55) reports that he is completing his 50th year since graduation in the oil business and looking forward to many more. Jack writes, “Still working and very busy. Hope you have a wonderful year.”

Wayne F. Canis (MA ’63, PhD ’67) writes, “Hello to all. By the time you read this I will have retired from 35 years of university teaching.”

Cynthia J. Carroll (MA ’83) works for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in Jefferson City, Mo.

Randy Cox (PhD ’95) writes that he and Angie still live with their many cats and dogs and are within walking distance of the University of Memphis, where they teach geology and math. They like bird watching, bicycling and painting.

John R. Crocker (FC ’50, BA ’50) still resides in Dallas and spends retired life in world travel from Cape Town, South Africa to Cairo, China and Antarctica. John writes, “Retirement fits us just fine. Lots of MU alum activity in and around Dallas.”

Jessica Cundiff (FC ’98) is a curatorial assistant with the Museum of Comparative Zoology in Cambridge, Mass.

George H. Davis (FC ’86, MS ’89) reports another busy year. He attended and presented at the Underground Construction Technology 2004 and 2005 conferences. George went to Tucson, Ariz., for a biennial meeting of Abandoned Underground Mine Interstate Technical Group in 2004 and to Bozeman, Mont., to teach a spring engineering workshop at Montana State University. He is still involved with Crooked Creek, Decaturville and Weaubleau Osceola meteorite impact structures and will attend the SEPM special conference in May as a field trip leader and will also present a paper and a poster. He writes, “Very, very busy but very, very HAPPY!”

Stanley Davis (Former Faculty ’67-’72) recently finished a review paper on bromide in potable water in addition to a longer summary of the history of hydrogeology in the United States for the years 1780 through 1950.

Robert D. Diem (FC ’51, BA ’52, MA ’53) writes that he and Anne continue to enjoy good health and various activities. They stay in touch with many friends made in the oil industry in North and South America.

Joseph Dom (MS ’02) resides in Topeka, Kan., where he works as an environmental geologist.
Andrew J. Downs (BS ’99) resides in Overland Park, Kan.

John G. Elliott (FC ’74) reports that he is currently working on USGS projects related to hillslope erosion, fluvial sediment transport and reservoir sedimentation. John writes, “Colorado has been a great place to work for over 27 years.”

Evard P. Ellison (FC ’46, BA ’46, MA ’47) writes that he enjoyed part of the summer in Montana. Evard resides in Houston, where he visits often with Tom Rush.

Brad Esslinger (FC ’80, BA ’81, MA ’83) writes, “Still loving life here in Arkansas. Anyone know the whereabouts of John Callanan? If so, please let me know or have him contact me. Hope to see anyone if in our area.”

Jerome Eyer (FC ’59, BA ’60, MA ’61) reports that he is well, working seven days a week consulting, writing and teaching.

Stanley C. Fagerlin (PhD ’80) writes, “I am enjoying my retirement in the north woods of Wisconsin. I get to see Olav Malvik frequently as he resides in Madison. All my old friends are welcome if they find themselves in the north country. The Point beer will be cold and the grill can be fired up for brats on short notice.”

Daniel Ferber (MA ’79) writes, “I am busy practicing child and adolescent psychiatry in the Columbia Gorge. Reen and I are busy renovating our house. Doug and Kate have left the nest, so we have more time to enjoy the northwest. Hello to Bill ‘Bucky’ Mills, Jerry Yunker, Dave Steyaert and Rob Kalish.”

Lee Florea (MS ’98) writes, “I have one last year before completing my PhD at the University of South Florida. Several papers are in press. I hope to have a postdoc position lined up by the time I leave Tampa. I am continuing my work in several locations, including Florida, Belize and the Bahamas.”

Richard M. Foley (FC ’46, BA ’47) is the owner of Food For Thought, Inc. in Wichita, Kan.

Robert L. Foster (FC ’60, MA ’62, PhD ’66) is still prospecting in central Nevada with additional exploration north of Haines, Alaska.

James R. Frank (FC ’75, BS ’76, MA ’79) writes, “In Houston (still), working offshore Angola; 16 years and counting. Best wishes to Glen Himmelberg and Don Zenger. Don, thanks for the ride to the Lander hospital with my broken hand (1975).”

Dave (MS ’85) and Sara (MS ’85) Fulton write, “We’ve survived our third year of playtime in Colorado and are still loving it here. Eric turns 16 this fall and is a sophomore at Boulder High School – snowboarding, tennis and track are his activities. Anna will be 13 soon and is in the seventh grade enjoying middle school, including rock climbing, theater and basketball. Sara and I are keeping up with our youth and enjoying the occasional visits back to Columbia.”

Richard J. Gentile (FC ’56, BA ’56, MA ’58) reports that he gave a paper at the International Geological Congress meeting in Florence, Italy, in August, 2004. He also took tourist trips to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Venice and Rome.

James P. Grady (FC ’80, BS ’81) writes, “I am returning to Dallas for a six-year project to build an extension to the Light Rail Transit System there. I hope to have a new home completed in time for the Superbowl in 2006. So what am I doing building on expansive clay soils? Go figure!”

Norman Grannemann (FC ’74) reports that he started a new position as Great Lakes Program Coordinator with the USGS in Lansing, Mich., about a year ago. Norman writes, “It’s a great job. Sarah is nearly done with her first year of college — remember those days? Hello to all of the ’70s era folks from Karen and me.”

Melvin Haley (FC ’53, BA ’54) is still enjoying retirement from the Defense Mapping Agency, where he was a cartographer/production controller.

Richard Hamilton (FC ’53, MA ’55) writes, “I still enjoy geological excursions in the hills of western Massachusetts. My wife and I work one day a week in our son-in-law’s water garden business, and we treasure the time spent with our four grandchildren. I continue my satisfying work as director of the Berkshire Circus Camp at Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield, Mass.”

Joseph E. Hazel (FC ’54, BA ’56, MA ’60) retired from Louisiana State University and now runs a free fossil and rock identification service for children of all ages (7 to 87).

Lisa Head (FC ’96) is a master’s student at Michigan Tech University in Houghton.

Larry Heflin (FC ’59, BA ’59, MA ’61) has been doing geotechnical consulting on earthquake engineering in California and on tunnels in South America, New York and a couple within 10 miles of his home in Maryland. Larry writes that he is winding down to have more time for vacation.

Robert Heller (FC ’77, BS ’79) reports that after five years as a geotechnical consultant and 20 years in the oil and gas industry, he decided he had had enough of the corporate world and “retired” to sell real estate in the mountains of Colorado. Bob says to give him a call if you’re in the area.

Richard Hoare (MS ’53, PhD ’57) is still working on Paleozoic invertebrates but slowing down a little.

Ray Holifield (FC ’64, BS ’59, MA ’64) resides in Giddings, Texas.

William C. Hood (FC ’58, BA ’59) writes, “Sandy and I are up to our eyeballs in volunteer work for the National Park Service. We create interactive exhibits covering geology, plants, animals and culture for visitor centers. We are working on our fifth one now.”

Art Kasey (Grad Student ’65-’70) is starting his 35th year teaching earth science and geology at Fox High School in Arnold, Mo. Art writes, “I still love the challenges of teaching the teens about geology and the earth sciences. I am very grateful to Prof. Walter Keller and Prof. Clayton Johnson for leading me to this great career.”

Robert Kick (FC ’77, BS ’78) continues to work for the Forrester Group in Springfield, Mo., doing environmental investigation and remediation.

David T. King Jr. (PhD ’80) writes, “We have been working on a stratigraphic revision of northern Belize (north of the 17th parallel) including a new geologic map. Our KT boundary studies have lately focused on microtektite beds in Wilcox County, Ala. Hello to all old friends.”

Renee Knecht (FC ’00) works for Retec in the Seattle area.

Paul C. Knowlton (FC ’50, BA ’51) resides in Covington, La.

Romaine L. Kupfer (FC ’48, MA ’49) writes that in early July she flew from Cody, Wyo., to Bangor, Maine, to attend her 60th class reunion at the University of Maine (in Orono) and returned home to observe Don’s and her 53rd wedding anniversary on June 7.

Roger Kussow (PhD ’71) writes that he has enjoyed his past 30 years of work with the CAS Division of the American Chemical Society and has no intention of retiring soon.

Troy J. Laswell (PhD ’53) writes that although he has lost his left eye and his ability to drive at night, he hasn’t lost his ability to loaf and watch TV! He is thankful that he can still get around, though slowly. Troy is also thankful for a small lot in a Huntington Park subdivion, and for a whole bunch of good neighbors!

Dottie Lofstrom (MS ’87) write, “I’m enjoying a particularly nice year with the simultaneous publication of my hiking book, Geology Trails of Northern California (co-written with author/partner Robin Johnson), and my recent promotion to senior engineering geologist at the EPA.”

Fred Lohrengel (MA ’64) writes that he still enjoys teaching at Southern Utah University. He says they are doing more and more undergraduate research.
Stuart Maier (FC ’76, BS ’76) writes, “Where are all the young geologists?”

Kenneth Markwell (MA ’73) resides in St. Joseph, Mo.

Earle F. McBride (FC ’54, MA ’56) writes, “After 46 years of teaching and research at the University of Texas-Austin, I retired. I have five years of unfinished projects to work on. I am also doing some family history research.”

Patrick McClung (FC ’93, BS ’94) writes, “An angel named Ella Gracen arrived via UPS on March 14, 2005. Package weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 19 inches long. Very healthy and well-behaved.”

Gordon McWilliams (Grad Student ’89-’90) writes, “I’m still teaching earth science for these little youngsters. They kill me. Can’t say I get too far beyond the geology aspect of the textbook. Weather, astronomy, etc. — (not). Hope everything is good.”

Greg Mehlhose (FC ’93, BS ’94) writes that he and family are enjoying life in Colorado Springs raising their son, Karston.

Leisa Meitl (FC ’04) recently graduated from Kansas State University and started her master’s at the University of Wyoming in August.

Arthur B. Merkle (PhD ’67) writes, “Starting my sixth year teaching at Okaloosa-Walton College. No classes today. Just watching Katrina blow through. It’s the third one since my last letter. Teaching is still interesting and fun. We have excellent students at OWC.”

John Miller (FC ’65, MA ’68) writes, “Much of Mary’s and my time has involved travel and birding (U.S., Canada and Mexico). I continue to write short stories. Largemouth bass in the spring and summer and ‘specks’ in the winter provide relaxation and tasty meals. Living good!”

Joseph G. Minke (PhD ’69) writes that he successfully concluded a 10-year groundwater litigation case in Denver. He is publishing proceedings of the 4th Park County History-Science Symposium and serving as a director of the Park County Historical Society.

Gary C. Mitchell (FC ’67, BS ’70, MA ’71) sends greetings to everyone. He writes, “Going strong. Exploration still exists and hopefully is growing. Let Jan and me know if you are in the Denver area. Hope all is well with everyone!”

Carla Wilson Moore (FC ’72, BS ’72, MA ’75) is still enjoying working at the “weather station” after 29 years — never a dull moment, she says.

Thomas R. Moore (MA ’81) writes, “Switching jobs again, back to industry, but not because there was anything really wrong with the Illinois State Geological Survey, but ‘location, location, location’. The northern Appalachians are home, always were at heart.”

Dennis Murphy (BS ’74) resides in Milford, Del.

Matt Neuner (FC ’99) reports that he has spent the last few years living in Jackson Hole, Wyo., learning how to climb mountains while surveying. Matt writes, “Fortune was lent to me on many wonderful climbs including Denali on a day that even allowed me the snowboard descent of the Orient Express route. Now I am off for a master’s at the University of British Columbia.”

John Nold (FC ’62, BA ’63, MA ’64) is still teaching geology at Central Missouri State University and enjoying it. John writes, “Still doing research on iron deposits in the St. Francois Mountains terrane. Wife Judy and I walked across England last summer, the most fun thing we have ever done.”

Dennis Ojakangas (FC ’57, MA ’58) remains active jogging, golfing, gardening, cooking, participating in church activities and grandparenting.

Richard Ojakangas (FC ’55, MA ’60) writes that he is retired and busier than ever!

Robert Orr (FC ’87, BS ’87) is a project manager for Bucher, Willis and Ratliff Corp. in Kansas City, Mo.

David Parrish (FC ’66, BS ’66, MA ’68) enjoys living in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where he operates a rock mechanics consulting business. David writes, “My wife, Donna, and I travel occasionally, and we are both members of a local Toastmasters club.”

Dustin Pearce (FC ’99) writes, “After finishing all but the final details on my research project for a master of arts in teaching at SMSU, I’ve begun a teaching career in southeast Missouri at Caruthersville High School. My teaching duties include courses in physical science, physics, geology and astronomy.”

Patrick Perfetta (MS ’98) writes that he’s relocated from Texas to Alaska while working for ConocoPhillips.

Mark E. Petersen (FC ’74, MA ’77) continues to work for Marathon in Houston.

Melissa Pratt-Bautz (FC ’95, MS ’99) writes, “I’m enjoying the slow life in Lander. Our second child, Theresa, was born November 1, 2004. Now Jenny (3) has a playmate! I still teach and play bagpipes and go fishing and hunting with my husband, Greg. I’m working three-quarter time at the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. I make a lot of maps using ArcGIS and All-Topo programs. Life is good.”

James Pulliam (FC ’52, BA ’53, MA ’54) enjoys spending half the year in Missouri and the other half in the upper peninsula of Michigan, where there are many interesting glacial effects and deposits.

Mike Quearry (FC ’72, BS ’73, MA ’75) joined the geology department development board this year and looks forward to serving the department. Mike works for Chevron conducting stratigraphic projects in the deep water of the Gulf of Mexico. He writes, “I am a deacon in our church. Eva and I enjoy our family, friends and community and like to entertain and travel. Please contact us if ever you are in Houston.”

Scott Raymond (FC ’71, BS ’72, MA ’74) writes that he’s been enjoying skiing as a pleasant diversion from the unexpected responsibilities he never dreamed he’d have in his retirement.

Carl B. Rexroad (FC ’48, BA ’49, MA ’50) writes, “My survey work has changed only in that I’m not getting a salary for my conodont biostratigraphy in the Late Mississippian and Pennsylvanian. We took two weeks in March for a fabulous trip to Peru including Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca as high points.”

Roger F. Rice (MA ’70) writes, “I am more active at present in real estate sales and investment. Also, I am looking at participants for some oil and gas ventures. Have lived in south Texas for 30 years.”

Audrey C. Lipke Rule (BA ’75, MA ’78) writes, “I am a full professor in curriculum and instruction at SUNY-Oswego. I am chair of the K-12 education committee for the Clay Minerals Society and an associate editor of the Journal of Geoscience Education. Hello to my old friends from Mizzou!”

Mark Russell (FC ’76, BS ’77) writes, “Solid waste business keeps piling up. It was good seeing Dave Bockelmann this winter. Any other FC 76ers out there?”

John W. Runk (FC ’57) reports that he sold his quarry and is still active in fishing camps in Canada and Panama. He still fishes a lot and is a Ford dealer in St. Charles, Mo.

Edward M. Ryan (MA ’43) has been retired from teaching geology at Stephens College since 1984. He started the development of two museums in his home: one of minerals (2,000 of them) and the other of fossils (3,000 of them). In 2004 these two museums were donated to Adams State College in Alamosa, Colo., where they may be seen as the Edward M. Ryan Geological Museum.

Beverly J. Sapp (Former Office Staff) has been working on the family genealogy and volunteers at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Hospital gift shop in Columbia, Mo. Beverly writes, “Try to keep up with 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Congrats to Himmelberg.”

Gene W. Schmidt (FC ’53, BA ’55) continues his consulting practice in forensics of petroleum hydrocarbons. Gene gave a paper at the 2005 Goldschmidt Conference on age dating distillate fuels. He enjoys being a member of the geology development board.

Ruth Thompson Schulte (FC ’02) married in September 2004 to Dennis L. Schulte of Columbia, Mo. Daughter Cecilia Grace arrived in 2005.

Tom Searight (FC ’50, BA ’51, MA ’52) writes, “I am retired from Illinois State University where I helped establish the geology major. In the 35 years I was there, we graduated approximately 400 geology majors, 87 percent of whom are still employed in geology. I retired in 1994 and moved to Kansas so my wife and I could be near our daughter. I taught field camp for 22 years and enjoyed every one of them.”

Cecil Slaughter (FC ’76, BS ’76) reports that life is good! He is still working for the USGS and lives in Denver. Cecil writes, “When is the next field camp reunion?”

Maynard Slaughter (FC ’54, MA ’57) writes, “Retired, having fun doing research in particle physics, gravity and behavior of quarks.”

John H. Spotts (FC ’49, BA ’50, MA ’51) writes that he has been doing some traveling, dabbling in a little geology and doing a lot of searching for genealogical roots.

M. Ray Thomasson (FC ’50, BA ’52, MA ’53) writes, “Thomasson Partner Associates is enjoying the current ‘sunshine’ and is ‘making hay’ as fast as possible. Merrill and I are enjoying our home in North Carolina, traveling to grandchildren and traveling to interesting parts of the world. I still love the ‘exploration game’ and work very hard at it.”

Nick Thompson (BS ’02) writes that he finished his master’s degree at the University of Nevada-Reno and is currently working as an engineer in Reno. He is working on a doctorate in geological engineering.

George J. Ulmo (MA ’79) writes that after 16 years of self-employment, he decided to accept a job with an oil company again and enjoy the oil boom. George writes, “Family is doing well. Congratulations to Dr. Himmelberg on his retirement.”

Paul Weaverling (FC ’79, MS ’87) writes, “Now well into three years with IRG – a company specializing in assuming and insuring environmental liability with transfer of property for redevelopment, a key piece of the puzzle. I inherit the project after the deal closes and need to bring it all in on time, and of course under budget. No pressure at all! Sort of like mapping Dallas Dome in several hours.”

Robert Weigel (FC ’56, BA ’58) says that he’s forgotten so much that he thinks he should take a hard rock class at the University of Arizona. Robert writes, “I’m teaching a few wood-turning classes and doing some consignment work, but I live in constant fear of creating a successful business. Retirement is great!”

Robert “Bud” Weiser (FC ’57, BA ’58, MA ’60) writes, “We are enjoying retired life on Lake Norman, N.C. (30 miles north of Charlotte). We have a second home on top of a mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains in southwest Virginia overlooking the New River and a 360-degree view of mountains in every direction. The New River is geologically the oldest river in the USA. Sue, whom I met at MU, and I celebrated our 47th anniversary this past September. I still do some training/consulting. We have two sons, two daughters and three grandsons. Life is good.”

Lee Wilkening (FC ’79, BS ’80) reports that the mining business is booming these days, but that doesn’t make finding water to support it any easier. Lee writes, “But hey, at least you can cycle year-round in Arizona. Hi to all those who remember the good times we all shared at MU and field camp.”

James H. Williams (FC ’50, BA ’51, MA ’52) is still doing a mix of geology, farming and flying as Civil Air Patrol. Jim writes, “I enjoy the newsletter.”

Ed Williamson (MA ’73) writes, “It’s wonderful to see that so many Mizzou geology alums have done so well in life. Connie (former geology librarian) and I still live in the Houston area, mostly due to inertia.”
 

Last Modified: winter 2008