Rick Friedman Has Passed Away

 

Frederick (or noted as Frederic later) "Rick" Gale Friedman was an active member of the Douglas MacArthur Class of 1965.

His accomplishments were National Honor Society as a Freshman and Sophomore; Monitor News Staff for all four years and the Editor as a Senior; Latin Club all four years and its President as a Senior.

Rick was a semi-finalist for the AFS as a Junior and AFS Club as a Sophomore; Member of the Law Day Assembly as a Junior; Junior Kiwanias as a Senior; Student Council as a Senior; Class Council as a Freshman; Alternate as a Sophomore; Senior Class Play; National Election Assembly as a Senior; German Club as a Junior; and finally the Latin Club Float Chair as a Junior.

Rick moved to Wisconsin in 1973, after his extended education was completed. He died at Fox Point, Wisconsin.

Frederic "Rick" Friedman

Fox Point - Frederic "Rick" Friedman died on February 6, 2022, at age 74. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth ("Lili") Lindert Friedman, and his adoring children Meggan (Sam Valenzisi), Carrie (Stephen Lloyd), and Andy, as well as his cherished grandchildren Delainy, Alex, and Adeline. He is further survived by brothers James (Linda) Friedman and Dr. Robert (Nancy) Friedman; cousin Jodie (the late Dr. Lionel) Bernstein; brothers-in-law Dr. Peter (Linda) Lindert and Dr. David (the late Theresa and the late Madeline) Lindert; sisters-in-law Penny (Bijay) Roy and Joann (the late Albert) Lindert; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Mary Zeldes Friedman and Dr. Harold S. Friedman; his in-laws, Ruth and Albert Lindert; and sister-in-law Polly (the late David) Olfe.

Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1947, Rick matriculated at Millikin University and later received his J.D. and M.B.A. degrees from Northwestern University, where he is believed to have been one of the first students to combine the courses of study.

Rick spent his entire 44-year career with Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren and was a shareholder in the firm's Trusts and Estates Practice, which he chaired for 15 years. He was frequently named to various "Best Lawyers" lists for his work advising individuals, closely held business owners, and organizations on estate and succession planning issues. He was a founder of Leave A Legacy Wisconsin, an organization dedicated to promoting charitable giving through estate planning. He loved the law and loved learning, always. For years Rick led a regular "study group" of trusts-and-estates attorneys that he founded with the late Thomas Drought to continue to hone their understanding of the law.

Rick's clients considered him a close confidant and a trusted advisor, a responsibility that he viewed as sacred. He was often engaging with families at their toughest moments, bringing sensitivity and warmth to a process that could otherwise feel overwhelming in its cold finality. It was often noted that he was a great listener.

Rick was known for his sense of humor, which he employed to bring levity to dry topics and tough situations, and which was always rooted in kindness. That so many friends and colleagues loved his wit was a testament to the inclusivity of his humor. (Even if you were one of the friends he asked about "that rash" in a crowded elevator at work. Trust us, it was very funny pre-pandemic.)

Upon his arrival in 1973, Rick quickly became a champion for his adopted home state of Wisconsin, proudly supporting Milwaukee's world-class arts organizations in particular. Over the years, Rick served on many boards including the Wisconsin Humane Society and the Medical College of Wisconsin's Cardiovascular Center board, and was a founding member of the CAP Fund, fighting child abuse in Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Ballet Company held a special place in his heart and as a board member and patron, he enjoyed watching the Company flourish under the leadership of Michael Pink. He was a dedicated supporter of the Milwaukee Art Museum, where he served for over 35 years in numerous capacities including as a board member and trustee, and he was very proud and grateful to have received the Jean Friedlander Award in 2009 for his service.

Rick was a gifted photographer and an inspired artist, working mostly in the milieu of shells he collected on Marco Island, Florida, and he leaves behind many collectors of his creations -- creations which are now sure to soar in value. He would no doubt have advised his collectors to insure these separately….and to invest in a hot-glue gun to keep them in top form.

Rick and Lili loved entertaining friends with themed parties including highly choreographed video montages. Rick even famously goaded his family into appearing on "The Family Feud" while he cheered from the audience. (Dates and times of episodes redacted.)

Most of all, Rick loved spending time with his family, all of whom are left with years of memories. He was principled and fair, and, together with Lili, instilled in his family a sense of empathy and a commitment to community. He never missed an opportunity to tell his wife and children how much he loved them, and how proud he was of them. While in his professional life he would talk about "leaving a legacy" to the community, as his family, we are grateful that his legacy to us was love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in his memory to the Milwaukee Ballet Company, Milwaukee Art Museum, Wisconsin Humane Society, or Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN for Neurological Diseases Research/Dr. Rodolpho Savica MD, PhD Parkinson's Research.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date in the spring, when conditions allow.

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Thanks to Millie Smith ('65) and Terry Miller ('66) for communicating the loss.

Patricia Suhomske Passes Away

 

Douglas MacArthur High School Class of 1965 graduate Patricia Jean Suhomske, Patricia Jean Hood (born January 5, 1948) died on July 15, 2022.

Patricia Jean Hood also known as “Pat or “Tish”, 74, of Decatur, IL, passed away at 5:47 A.M. on Friday (07-15-2022) in Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Pat was born on January 5, 1948 in Decatur, Illinois, the daughter of Theodore Walter Suhomske and Ruth Jacqueline (Paye) Suhomske. She married Martin D. Hood on May 31, 1984 in Decatur, IL. He survives her.

She worked at the Clinton Power Plant, Decatur Memorial Hospital, for Dr. James Allen at Allen Chiropractic Clinic, Memorial Imaging Center, Forsyth, IL, and for Dr. Merle Schrodt, MD. Pat also enjoyed car racing.

Pat is survived by her husband Martin of Decatur, IL; son – Ted W. Wright and wife Lori of Forsyth, IL; step-sons: Tracy Hood and wife Lisa of Arthur, IL, Brad Hood of St. Charles, MO, Kevin Hood and wife Brandy of Maroa, IL, and Tim Hood of Peoria, IL, fifteen grandchildren; sister Cheri Sharp of Decatur, IL, and two nieces Terri Moore and Kristi Palmer both of Decatur, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Funeral Service was held at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home with burial at Graceland Cemetery, Decatur, IL.

Fred Miller Goes To Heaven

Fred Louis Miller's family announced via Facebook, on September 1, 2021, that Miller had passed away.

In the Senior Yearbook of the Graduating Class of Douglas MacArthur High School, Miller was acknowledged as a transfer from Stephen Decatur High School as a sophomore. He is listed as participating in Cadet Band as a Sophomore and Junior, Vice President as a Junior, and in the Concert Band as a Senior. He is noted as in Concert Choir as a Junior; in Choraliers, Music Man as a Senior, and in the All-State Music Festival as a Junior and Senior. Miller was in the German Club when a Junior and Senior. In high school sports, Fred Miller was involved with Football and Baseball as a Sophomore, and then Wrestling as a Junior and Senior.

Fred Miller's hometown was Decatur, Illinois, having been born there on January 28, 1946. At the time of his death, he lived in Oswego, Illinois.

 

After graduation, Miller joined the U.S. Marines. He mentioned that his final location where he served was at the Moffett Naval Air Station, near San Francisco, before coming home. He never talked too much about his service to the country, but he would remember his fellow Marines frequently on social media. 

Fred Miller went on to a university education in Music at Millikin University (Class of 1973, Bachelors of Music Education) in Decatur, and then on to study Music Ed-Choral at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, receiving a Master of Science. 

Fred Miller was involved with ΑΦΑ at the national level.

Besides the Marines, the other great fraternity Fred Miller joined was Alpha Phi Alpha. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (ΑΦΑ) is the first intercollegiate historically African American fraternity. It was initially a literary and social studies club organized in the 1905–1906 school year at Cornell University but later evolved into a fraternity with a founding date of December 4, 1906. It employs an icon from Ancient Egypt, the Great Sphinx of Giza, as its symbol. Its aims are "Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love For All Mankind," and its motto is "First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All."

Starting in August 1980, "Mr. Miller," as his junior high school students knew him, was to become an extremely admired and popular music teacher at Valley View Community Unit School District 365 in Oswego, Illinois, until he retired in June 2011. 

"One of the most influential teachers I've ever had," said one student who went on to be a published author and ordained minister.

Fred and Gwen Miller

Regina King

Fred married Gwendolyn Thomas-Miller on August 7, 1977. Some have commented on how much Regina King looked like Gwen Miller. The Millers raised a family (son Nicholas), and went on family outings such as to Cubs vs  White Sox games, and trips to Washington D. C. 

Fred Louis Miller was an active member of the Cathedral of Grace - St. John AME Church.

Fred immensely loved being a husband and father.

He also loved being a grand dad.

He is missed. 

Fred Miller's favorite quotes are:

"It is within my power to dream, to build air castles, to think great thoughts, to aim at the stars and grasp the moon...whatever I do I will strive to do it so well that no man living and no man dead and no man yet born can do it better." Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, "I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me," Philippians 4:13, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love cast out fear; because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love," 1 John 4:18

The Mac Class of 1965 sends our deepest condolences.

.

John Massey Dies

 

John Massey III was born on June 25, 1947, and grew up in Decatur, Illinois. 

John passed away August 3, 2021, reportedly from COVID-19, while living in Fort Myers, Florida.

While at Douglas MacArther High School, John was involved in Vocational Arts Mechanics as a junior and senior; Football as a sophomore, junior, and senior; Basketball as a sophomore; and Track for all four of his high school years.

John graduated from Douglas MacArthur High School in 1965, and joined the military on December 15, 1965. 

John Massey trained at Fort Leonard Wood, where the above series of photos were taken.

John married Connie Erue Massey on July 28, 1968. She graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1968. 

John noted in the Mac65 50th reunion survey that he was a Caterpillar employee from 1965-1998, and that the first car he ever owned was a 1940 Ford coupe.

Another Caterpillar employee whom John knew, Bill Tuttle, died only a few days ago, on July 27, 2021. 

The Massey couple remained together for life, having children, grandkids, and enjoying their retirement in Florida.

Our condolences to Connie, their children, their family and friends.

Rod Simmons Passes Away

Rod Stanley Simmons was born February 27, 1947.

Rod was a 1965 graduate from Douglas MacArthur High School. He was in Cadet Band, played football, and in the organizing committee for the Big Mac Day, all as a freshman. As a sophomore, he played football again, and added golf. As a junior, Rod played in the Student-Faculty Game.

Rod's formal obituary noted:

Rod Stanley Simmons, 72 of Tacoma, WA formerly of Decatur, IL. passed away peacefully on Thursday July 9, 2020 at 8:25am.
Rod was born on February 27, 1947 in Centralia, IL to the late Gerald and Nancy Simmons. He married Annette M. Jacang on August 11, 1973 in Wahiawa, HI and she survives his passing along with their 2 children.
Rod graduated from Decatur MacArthur High School in 1965, after which he joined the U.S Navy and was stationed in Honolulu, HI. Rod enjoyed his sports and coaching his kids and others. Rodalso enjoyed rebuilding old classic cars and boats and making them amazing. Some of Rod’s other hobbies were cooking, fishing, his family and spending time with his grandchildren.
Surviving are his wife, Annette Simmons of Tacoma, WA for 47years; daughter, Lauren (William) Wall and Son, Roe Simmons. Rod has 3 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren which he loved all so very much; Step- Sister Pamela (Jeff) Luecke, Aunt Shirley Simmons Radom, IL, Cousin Andy (Monica) Simmons; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Nancy Simmons, step-mom Joan Simmons, Grandparents Marion and Ralph Williams, Grandfather Wayne Stewart, step brother Chris Simmons, Uncles William, and Dwight Simmons.
Cremation rites have been accorded and there will be plans for a small ceremony at Rod & Annette’s House 2320 N. Narrows Dr. Tacoma, WA. 98406
There will be another service held in December where Rod will be placed at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, HI. Actual date TBD.

The following public exchange appeared on Facebook, soon after the news of Ron Simmons’ departure swept through our alumni community. It is shared here to recall the enjoyment some of the memory still give us.


Debbie Burrows Wilcox said:

So sorry to hear about Rod’s passing. I always smile when I hear his name because of all the adventures he and Doug Wilcox shared and stories Doug or Dondeville related. One always stands out. He and Doug decided to skip school. They are at Doug’s house. Rod calls school, disguising his voice. “Ahh..this is Mr. Simmons. Rod’s father ahh..and I am calling to say he is sick and I won’t be coming to school today!!” Good times....

Michael Dondeville replied to Debby Burrows Wilcox:

didn’t they skip and go play golf, and one of them made a hole in one and made the newspaper. And because they did they got in trouble with school?

Debbie Wilcox Burrows replied to Michael Dondeville:

I'm not sure if Rod was in on that one, but probably. I’m thinking Loren Reuler and maybe Bob Dondeville were connected. It was Doug who got the hole-in-one. I think I still have the newspaper clipping unless I already gave it to Greg. Doug got a 3 day vacation for that one! Thanks for that memory. If Rod wasn’t there that day I’m sure he laughed his rear end off. What a bunch!

Michael Dondeville reflected to Debby Burrows Wilcox: 

oh ok. Well I’ve heard Rod’s name in many stories while being a kid growing up.

Debbie Dondeville said to Michael Dondeville 

I’m sure you did! Your Dad was one of the pack. Actually, Leader of the Pack!

(See below, for more about the members of the "Gang": Bob Dondeville, Loren Reuler, and Doug Wilcox.)

More on Rod Simmons

Rod moved to Hawaii in the 1970s, married Annette from Hawaii, and then lived in Tacoma since the early 1980s. Annette and Rod had two adult children and grandchildren. 

Rod had suffered a stroke on Christmas Eve 2019, and had been in hospice.

Rod Stanley Simmons died on July 10, 2020, in Tacoma, Washington State. 

Rod's daughter, Lauren Simmons Wall.

2011.

Thanks to Millicent McCaddon Smith for passing along the sad news of the loss of another classmate.

Condolences to his family and friends.

Let's hope Rod's catching and releasing the big one every day now...

###

Debbie Burrows

Notes on the Gang:

Bob Dondeville is still living; see more here about his Vietnam War art.

Loren Reuler passed away on June 23, 2013. He celebrated his 66th birthday on June 10, 2013. (See his obit here.)

Douglas O. Wilcox passed away on February 28, 2009, at 61. He was in the Army Transportation Corp in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. Douglas was a graduate of SIU in Carbondale with a degree in Marketing. For more see, here.

Linda S. (Barnes) Whitaker Dies

Linda Sue Barnes (incorrectly spelled as "Barns" in the Cadet), with the married name Whitaker, 72, died on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. She was a 1965 graduate of Douglas MacArthur High School, Decatur, Illinois.

Linda's cause of death is not noted in her published obituary.

The Decatur Herald and Review published Linda S. Whitaker's obituary on June 11, 2020.

Linda S. Whitaker, 72, of Decatur, [Illinois] passed away June 10, 2020 at her home.

Graveside services will be 10:00 AM, Monday, June 15, at Graceland Cemetery, Decatur. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur is assisting the family. Memorials in Linda's honor may be given to Camp Wilson Foursquare Church, 7570 W Main St, Decatur, IL 62522.

Linda was born September 4, 1947 in Decatur the daughter of Teddy R. and Doris B. (Eaton) Barnes. She married Charles “Bud” Whitaker in February of 1968. He preceded her in death in August, 1995. Linda worked as the office manager for the Macon County Health Department and also worked for Sangamon Card Company in Taylorville. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading books and watching old mystery movies.

She is survived by her children, Angela (Danny) Lowe of Decatur, William Joseph Whitaker of Decatur; sisters, Cindy (Don) Sutman of Decatur, Vicki (Ralph) Schultz of Decatur; brother, Stan (Diane) Barnes of Oreana; grandchildren, Miranda, Danielle, and Wyatt Lowe; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Linda was preceded in death by her parents; husband “Bud” Whitaker; and sister, Pamela Jean Jones.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes.

Thanks to Richard Williams and Millie Smith for the alert to the notice of Ms. Whitaker's passing. 

Our condolences to all her family and friends. 

May all of you remain safe and healthy during the pandemic.

Vicki Hendrickson Coyle Has Passed Away

Douglas MacArthur High School graduate of 1965, Vicki Hendrickson Coyle has lost her battle with cancer. She died on Monday, May 20, 2019, at 11:30 am, local time.

Vicki was born on December 19, 1946, and lived her early years in Decatur.

At MacArthur, Vicki Hendrickson was involved in singing (Chorus as a Freshman, Mixed Chorus and the Music Festival as a Sophomore, and Girls Chorus as a Junior). Also as a Junior, she was a member of Junior Achievement, and as a Senior, with the Office Occupations Club and the Office Occupations Float.

After high school, Vicki studied at Richland Community College/Richland College in Dallas, married, and then lived in Phoenix, Arizona.


Vicki's formal obituary was published on June 8, 2019. Here it is:

Vicki Hendrickson Coyle, 72, died at 11:25 AM Monday, May 20, 2019, at The Seasons Hospice Center in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born December 19, 1946, in Champaign, Illinois, to Kenneth and Vera Hendrickson. She married John Coyle on April 12, 1996, in Phoenix, AZ, and he survives.

Also surviving are her two sons, Phillip Murphy of Phoenix, Arizona, and Bradley Murphy of Decatur, Illinois; three grandsons, Tanner, Nicholas, and Taylor, and one great-grandson, all of Decatur, Illinois; two sisters, Cheryl Harshman of Alta Loma, California, and Janet Drumm of Lutz, Florida; one nephew, Jason Davis of Fontana, California; and two nieces, Stephanie Drumm of Lago Vista, Texas, and Elizabeth Drumm of Lutz, Florida.

Vicki was a long-time resident of Phoenix, where she lived since leaving her childhood home in Decatur, Illinois, in 1989. She graduated from MacArthur High School in 1965 and retired from The Vanguard Group, Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona in 2009.

Vicki loved kids and while at Vanguard she was active with their children's program. She enjoyed life to its fullest and was always happiest when busy; working, traveling, shopping, enjoying her pets, gardening, Saturday morning bargain hunting, and spending time with family and friends.

A memorial service will take place in Decatur, Illinois, at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Vicki's sweet Shih Tzu.

Thanks to Jackie Clark Cole, Millie McCaddon Smith, Donna Maddox, Tracey Devore, and others for sending along the news. Appreciation to Dave Lehman for the obit.

Our condolences to her family and friends.

Jim Klausmeier Passed Away: Info Needed

Jim Douglas Klausmeier, a member of the Douglas MacArthur High School, Decatur, Illinois, Class of 1965, apparently has passed away.

Millicent Smith has heard that our classmate died in the early 1980s, in the Pacific Northwest-Seattle area.

No other information is known, and this is an appeal for any additional data to be shared here with classmates.

At MacArthur, Jim was very involved in activities that may indicate he went into work in fields related to entertainment or the media.

As a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior, Jim Klausmeier was a member of A.V.A. and the Stage Crew. He was part of the Senior Class Play as a Senior, as well as the Radio Club. As a Junior, he was in the Press Committee.

An initial online search of the Internet has not revealed any hint of an obituary.

Please leave a comment if you know more. Thank you.

The Year 2019 has begun, and it is amazing to reflect that it has been six months since an obituary has been published here.