Category: Classmate News

Margery (Marge) Evert Hoppin passed away on July 17 at home under hospice care in the presence of her family. She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on August 29, 1925 to John and Pearl Evert. At the age of two, her family moved to Glendive, Montana where her father was a surgeon at the Northern Pacific hospital.  Upon the death of her father in 1937, the family moved back to St. Paul where Marge graduated from Murray High School with top honors in 1943.  During the summer of 1943, she worked as a file clerk and receptionist at the University of Chicago Memorial Hospital during World War II while the Manhattan project was underway just a few blocks away.  She then enrolled at the University of Minnesota and graduated with a BA in Psychology with a minor in Economics in 1946.  While a senior in college she met Richard (Dick) Hoppin whom she married in September 1947.  They moved to Pasadena, California where Dick earned his PhD in Geology and Marge earned a Master’s Degree at Claremont College in Educational Psychology.  Following brief stays in Florida and Cape Cod, when Dick was serving in the Air Force Reserve during the Korean War, they moved along with their small son Art to a house on Melrose Court in Iowa City in August 1952.  Dick then began his long career at the University of Iowa as a Professor of Geology. During the 1950s, as the family grew, Marge enrolled in more graduate courses in child psychology and was a Research Associate at the Institute of Preventative Psychiatry at the University until 1961.  The family moved to a new house on Lee Street in 1964, where Marge lived until her recent death.

In 1965, Marge began her distinguished career at the University of Iowa in the Sponsored Programs Division.  She served as Director of the division from 1969 until her retirement in 1991. During that time, the total grants and contracts from various government agencies awarded to the University of Iowa grew from $20 million to over $122 million, which she always credited to the excellence of the proposals from the teaching faculty.  Marge was very active in the National Council of University Research Administrators that represented more than 500 colleges and universities. She served as the Council’s first female President in 1978 through 1979.  She was honored as a charter member and fellow of the Nation Academy of University Research Administrators in 1985. Marge published several articles in national journals and gave over a dozen invited presentations at various national meetings. 

Marge served on the Board of Directors of First National Bank in Iowa City from 1975 to 1993 and was Chairman from 1990 to 1993. 

Marge was a longtime and active member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Iowa City. She freely and generously volunteered her time to numerous community activities including serving on the Board of Directors of the local Unicef and United Way campaigns, as well as the Family Planning Council of Iowa, and the Emergency Housing Project. After retirement from the University and well into her nineties, she volunteered at the Iowa City Public Library, the University Hospital, and the Kirkwood College Adult Literacy Program to help new immigrants become US citizens.  She enjoyed concerts at Hancher, was a prolific reader, and avid gardener.  Marge was proud of her community and dearly loved her many caring neighbors and friends. 

Marge was preceded in death by husband, Richard ‘Dick’, son, Arthur and brothers, John and Robert Evert.  She is survived by sons, Charles Hoppin (Bonnie) and Andrew Hoppin, and daughter, Jan Hensel (Paul) and daughter-in-law, Karla Presler; grandchildren Tim Hoppin (Kate), Dan Hoppin (Kandace), Brian Hensel (Sarah), Matt Hensel (Kristen), Anna Hensel, and Angela  Kumar (Jai), as well as five great grandchildren.  

The family would like to thank Sue Chase and all the caregivers (Alishea, Brooke, Tamara, Deb L, Deb U, Sheila, Jean, Julie, Alexis, Akyrah) and to St. Croix Hospice for all their compassionate care while she remained at home throughout the past few months. 

A memorial service for Marge will be held at the Congregational United Church of Christ in downtown Iowa City on August 15th with visitation at 2:30 pm, service at 3:30, and a reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials directed to either the Community Foundation of Johnson County, the UI Center for Advancement, or the Congregational Church. 

Janelle and I are on trip to Missoula to see our oldest, Nate and his wife Erin.  We took a side trip to the Banff area, and visited Lake Louise (pictured).  When Janelle was in the travel business, she traveled several times to Banff and Lake Louise. We had a great time seeing the sites and the glorious railroad hotels.

Patricia M. Hanson (Pat) passed away May 21, 2023 at her home in Williamsburg, Iowa.  She was 93 years old.

Pat was born August 1st, 1929 in Albia, Iowa, the daughter of William and Dorothy (Lawson) Ford.  She married Raymond Hanson on June 25, 1954 and they had 4 children together, eventually settling in Coralville. Pat enjoyed helping others and worked as a registered nurse throughout her life.  She loved sewing and would make beautiful and elaborate dresses for her daughters when they were young and later her granddaughters as well.  She was an artist and enjoyed creating paintings and also decorating ceramic buildings for her Christmas Village.  She had a flair for interior design and assisted each of her daughters with their own home decor. Pat also loved to travel and spend time with family. Being raised during the depression gave Pat a healthy appreciation for the value of hard work and being frugal; traits that she passed on to each of her children.

Pat is survived by her beloved children, Annette Hanson, Dr. Paula (Bruce) Hanson-Garver, Dr. Laura (Dave Gustafson) Hanson, and Craig (Carol) Hanson; grandchildren, Brooke Hanson, Carter (Sarah Hooper) Hanson, Bethany Garver, Ben Garver and Dayne (Megan) Gustafson.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Hanson; grandson, Dominick Gustafson; siblings, Helen Clark and Velma Trussell.

Pat will be laid to rest next to her husband at Oak Hill Cemetery in Coralville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s honor to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Williamsburg, IA or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Please continue to keep Patricia’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Howard Haigh, 78, of Asbury died Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Dubuque. The visitation will be held Monday, April 10 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road, Dubuque, Iowa.  A Celebration of Life and burial at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City, IA will take place at a later date. 

Howard was born in Manchester, Iowa on March 21,1945 to Howard Lain Haigh and Ula Juanita (Bacon) Haigh. He graduated from West Delaware High School in 1963 where he participated in football, wrestling, golf, and theater. 

Howard attended the University of Iowa. In 1967, he entered the workforce and then enrolled in the United States Army. He spent six months training in Ft. Holabird in Baltimore, Maryland at the military intelligence school. He served in Vietnam from 1968-1969 as military intelligence officer with the 525th military intelligence group, followed by a year in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina with the Continental Intelligence Command. 

Howard earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa, in 1971. He earned his graduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1972. He worked for one year at Ft. Dodge Community College. In 1973, he began his career with the Iowa Department of Human Services in Cedar Rapids, IA. He was employed as a social worker, youth service worker, supervisor, and Family Therapist. 

Howard married Susan Davison on April 28,1979 in Iowa City. Following their time living in North Carolina and  Mount Vernon, Iowa, they moved to Dubuque where Howard started his career with Hillcrest Family Services.There he served as a social worker, supervisor, and eventually Director of Adult Mental Health Services where he developed and administered clinics and facilities in Eastern Iowa. 

Howard was a skilled therapist, a strong and gentle leader; and appreciated by staff and administration. He received two awards for leadership: The Iowa Association of Community Providers and the Nancy Hill Award for Service and Leadership. Following retirement, he continued his work with Hillcrest in mission advancement until 2020. 

He also served as the President and member of the Dubuque Mental Health Association; received training for family therapy from Mental Health Institute in Palo Alto, California. He was a member of the Phi Delta Kappa and a member of the state Mental Health Advisory Board with Magellan. 

Howard had many interests and hobbies and was known for his lifelong love of sailing. Whether he was boating on Lake McBride with family and friends, navigating destroyers with the United States Navy Reserve, chartering on the Great lakes, or steering a retired America’s cup ship in Australia, he had a delighted smile with each adventure. His joy extended to teaching Sue, his daughters, and grandchildren these skills. 

Woodworking was another passion, he and a childhood friend built two wooden sailboats together. They also were working on a larger version of their original, but probably most enjoyed the planning aspects. Howard, his father, and brothers worked together to help build Howard and Sue’s first home. Later Howard could be found teaching his grandchildren how to build wooden cars, boats, airplanes, or anything else that they could imagine. 

Building and testing model rockets was another interest. The only rule was to make sure that the Federal Aviation Administration knew when they were set off. His goal was to build a rocket that would reach the speed of sound. 

Howard was an avid reader, on topics of history, economics, Egyptology, opera or other eclectic interests. He could discuss anything  and was truly a “renaissance man” in his learning and conversations especially with his coffee groups. He loved a good discussion, and one could see that twinkle in his eye when he was about to make a point. 

Howard was a strong liberal and good Democrat; he served as a delegate at county conventions and often served on the Democratic platform committee.  He was Sue’s dear partner in promoting the Palestinian cause and he was proud of that heritage and culture. The annual Palestinian dinners for family and friends were filled with Middle Eastern food, music, comradery, and all looked forward to his special preparation of the roast lamb. 

He and Sue took many wonderful trips across the world. One of his greatest joys was watching his daughters as they explored Europe for the first time. Other favorite trips included, a month living in Paris, Russia, trips to meet Sue’s family in Palestine, and meeting his new grandchildren in Korea. The annual family time in Florida, Door County, and the Smoky Mountains, offered time to be with Sue, his beloved daughters, wonderful son- in-laws and delightful grandchildren. After retirement they would winter in Gulf Shores, Alabama along with many good friends and family. Watching his entire family playing on the beach were such special memories for him. 

His true love was for his family. He was the most beloved and best friend to Sue, his wife of nearly 44 years. He was adored by his two daughters Sara and Shannon, and he was so proud of them. He was a gentle, safe, and caring influence and had a delightful and creative sense of humor. He taught his daughters and grandchildren to play chess, to sail, the joy of exploring the world, as well as the important lessons of life.  He was a good friend to his family, to his sons-in-law and to all who knew him. His quiet gentleness, wisdom and unconditional love will be so missed. 

Howard is survived by wife Sue Davison, daughters, Sara (Mike) Wiedemann, Shannon (John) Davison-Wiese, four grandchildren, Nicholas and Addison Wiedemann, Alex and Madelyn Wiese; a brother, Hartsel (Kitty) Haigh; sister, Ulaine (Harry) Delancey, sister- in-law, Anne Davison; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ula (Bacon) Haigh and his brother, Hubert (Lynn) Haigh. 

Thank you to so many people for the supportive care of Howard during his illness. To our amazing family and lifelong friends;  our dear personal health staff of Chloe, Rachel, Abby, Steph, Caitlin, Avery and also to Lisa, Susan, Mary, Rosa, Gretchen, Alex, John, Tammi, Tori, Theresa and the many others that made this difficult journey easier. 

Sail gently on, our sweet Howard… 

Bonnie (Tappan) Weldon gave us permission to share the obituary of her sister Melanie.

Melanie Kay Tappan left to fly with the angels on Feb 8th, 2023. She passed peacefully at the Solace House hospice in Joplin, MO due to a sudden illness.

Melanie was the fifth of six children to be born to Sheldon and Connie (Hastings) Tappan on Oct 31, 1964. She grew up on the Century family farm west of Iowa City as the 5th generation to be raised there. She attended West High in Iowa City.

Mel was a free spirit, caring, loved anything from the ‘70’s (especially music), lived life on her own terms and had a kind loving heart. Her family, friends and all animals big and small were very important and dear to her heart. Everyone she met was considered a friend and she would do anything for anyone. Melanie loved to travel and one of her favorite places was Estes Park, Co where she lived for many years. Melanie married Kenny Westcott and they later divorced.

Melanie is survived by her siblings: Bonnie Weldon of Iowa City, Becky (Craig) Tubandt of CA, Kevin (Carolyn) Tappan of Riverside and Wendy (Tom) Strabala of Ainsworth. Nephews and niece: Eric Weldon, Matt Weldon, Andy Tappan, James Tappan, Mike Tappan, Travis Tubandt, Tyler Tubandt, Trent Tappan and Carly Tappan and great nephews and nieces. She is also survived by many cousins, friends and her very special friend, Steve Porter of Joplin, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Mark, brother-in-law Larry Weldon, Grandparents, Carl and Rose (Bayer) Hastings and Oscar and Bessie (Westfall) Tappan, special aunt Karleen (Bob) Ferguson, many aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. We know she was happy to be reunited with her dogs, Sniffles and Tessie, whom she dearly loved. There was a wonderful reunion on the other side when Melanie arrived.

We love and will miss you, Mel. We are thankful you are now at peace and out of pain.

Our family would like to especially thank Dr. Memon and the ICU staff at Mercy hospital and the Solace House hospice, in Joplin, MO for their wonderful loving care. There are no services planned at this time. Private family services will be held in the summer.

Bonnie (Tappan) Weldon let us know that Julie Rogers’ mom Fran Rogers passed away recently. Julie has given us permission to share the obituary of this remarkable woman

Opal Frances (Fran) Wenman was born January 30, 1925, in Harrisburg, Illinois, and died February 16, 2023. She was the third child of Charles and Lora Fulkerson Wenman. She graduated from University High School in Iowa City and the Iowa City Business College.

Fran had many accomplishments in her life. She loved to read and felt that a library was essential in a growing town. Her Girl Scout troop decided to have some bake sales to earn money to start a library in Coralville, and many private book donations were accepted. On September 13, 1965 the library opened at 405 2nd Avenue, which was the Coralville City Hall. They grew fast and expanded to larger quarters at 806 5th Street in January, 1967, then built a new library at 1401 5th Street which opened in March 1987. Fran volunteered and worked at the Coralville Library from 1965 to 1991, when she retired.

Fran and her husband Bob moved to Wellman, Iowa in 1986. She worked at the Wellman Public Library until retiring in 2009.

Fran and her husband Bob moved to Wellman, Iowa in 1986. She worked at the Wellman Public Library until retiring in 2009.

Fran was a beautiful soul whose kindness, grace, and mercy will be long remembered by all who knew her.

In 1947 she married Robert Rogers at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. She is survived by five children: Karen Ackerman (Bill), Debbie, Carole, Julie, and Teri Rogers; eight grandchildren: Allison Buschy (Doug), Anne Ackerman, Clint Ackerman, Chris Fry, Sara Fry (Isaiah Matthews), Carrie Evans (Chris), Tony Wai, and Jordan Rogers; eleven great-grandchildren: Abbey and Dade Buschy, Wyatt and Kolt Ackerman, Rowa Anderson, Will, Dylan, Tom, Joe, and Matt Evans, David Davis, brother Richard Wenman (Mary), and brother-in-law John Rogers.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, granddaughter-in-law Beth Shapcott Fry, grandchild Javon Stovall, great-grandchild Kindrey Ackerman, and siblings Roy Wenman, Laverne Flansburg, Stasha Jones, Art Wenman, Jim Wenman, Lynn Wenman, Della Hartvigsen, Bob Wenman, Dale, Bonnie, Donnie, Lloyd, and Floyd Wenman.

On Monday January 23, 2023 Paul had surgery at the University of Iowa Hospital for colorectal cancer which had been diagnosed in 2022.  The surgeon said the procedure went as planned.  She removed the section of bowel where the tumor was and stitched the ends together.  They had also seen some cancerous spots on the liver but after four rounds of chemo infusions followed by 25 days of radiation/oral chemo, they could no longer visualize any of those spots on ultrasound at the time of surgery!!   He is happy to be home now, 6 days post surgery and on the road to recovery.  He still needs 8 rounds of chemo infusion later in the year to finish out that treatment.

Julie Roberts, Paul’s wife