In Memoriam

Lind-Ritzville Alumni Association will Post Obituaries from the Last Two Calendar years.

Obituaries can be found from clicking the alumnus name in blue on their class page.

David Robert Manke, Class of 1958, passed away on March 1, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert E. and Hazel Manke, wife Phyllis "Pet" Manke, his wife Carolyn Myers Manke and brothers Albert (1950) Gerri), (1953) and Donald (1952) (Becky). He is survived by his two sisters-in-law Gerri (1953) and Becky, his niece Denise Vickerman (1976), (Mike); his nephews Ron Manke (1980) (Janet) and Chris Manke as well as several grand nieces and nephews.

Danette Allert Leisle, Class of 1963, passed away on February 18, 2024. Danette is survived by her husband, Michael Leisle (1963); two daughters Michelle Brown and Stephanie Leisle and their spouses Jef and Danielle; her brother Wally Allert (1966) and sister Raelene Long (1967) and their spouses Bonnie and Larry.

Donald W Heinemann, Class of 1946, was born in Ritzville in 1928 and passed away in Spokane on February 11, 2024. His parents Carl and Doris Heinemann were wheat and cattle ranchers. He graduated from WSU. He was preceded in death by his first wife Margaret Heinemann and his second wife Marianne Keison Heinemann (1947). He is survived by his 3 children Connie Meyer (1969), Cathy Tucker (1973) and William Heinemann (1971).

John W Dewald, Class of 1954, passed away on February 4, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents, Jesse Dewald and Pauline Dewald; his siblings, Robert (1947) and Doris Marshall (1946); and his former life partner Louise Scharff Dewald of Davenport.  He is survived by his son Robert Lee (1982) (Susan Gust Dewald (1982); his close friend Karen Kagele (1968); his grandchildren, Travis (2006), Stacey (2009) and Jake (2012) (Savanna); and his great grandchildren, Russell, Coen and Riley.

Gary Emil Schell, Class of 1966, passed away peacefully Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Maryhelen Schell. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sue; brother, Dale (Kathy) Schell, of Brentwood and Indio, Calif.; and two daughters Emily Schell (Brian) Jones and Evie (Vlad) Cartwright, of Alexandria; grandchildren Ingrid Jones, Georgia Cartwright, William Jones and Gretchen Cartwright; aunt and uncle, Sylvia and Keith Roys, of Columbia, Mo.; niece, Maria (Mike) Moran, of Portland, Ore.

June Laib Larsen, Class of 1954, passed away on February 3, 2023.  She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Emma Stoller Laib, daughter Laurilee Cassidy, brothers and sisters Herbert Laib, Irma Floether, Alvin Laib, Lenora Sackmann, Edna Langenheder, Verna Burghard, Lillian Nix and Delmar Laib (1950).  She is survived by her son Dana Larsen, daughter Cathy Larsen, grandchildren Chris, Ryan and Kyla Cassidy, her sister Della Kiesz (1950) and brother Harvey Laib (1957) and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Esther Schoessler Foley, Class of 1940, passed away on January 11, 2024.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Pauline Schoessler, siblings, Mary (1933), Hannah (1933), Harold (1937), Clarence (1937), and Sally. She is survived by 4 generations of nieces and nephews.  

Phyllis Jean Oestreich, Class of 1947, passed away on January 11, 2024. Preceding her in death were her parents, Clarence and Alice (Gillett) Oestreich (1921), her sister Genevieve (Oestreich) Massie (1945), brother Robert (Bob) Oestreich (1949), two nephews, Dwight Massie and Greg Oestreich (1973), and two great nephews Derrick Kennedy, Daniel Clark, and great niece, April Oestreich. She is survived by numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, and a growing number of great-great nephews and nieces.

Kenny Cooper, Class of 1985, passed away on January 3, 2024. Ken is survived by his wife of over 29 years, Kimberly Cooper, his father, Kenneth Cooper, his sister, Carah Cooper, his children, Nikkole Haase, Kaitlyn Cooper, Kenneth (K.C.) Cooper III and K.C.'s future wife, Kelli, his granddaughters, Phoebe, Evelyn, and Ellamae, and his "adopted" children, Justin Fear and Taylor Louis. He is also survived by countless cousins, nieces, and nephews whom he adored. He is preceded in death by his mother, Connie Cooper (1956), grandparents, Nance (1931) and Gerry Bauer (1933), Margret Watson and Harold Cooper, and his dog, Shadow.

Christine Franc Harder Tangvald, Class of 1959, passed away on, November 23rd, 2023. Christine was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Franc Lucille, husband, Roald Tangvald, and her son, Thor Tangvald. She is survived by her son, Rolf Tangvald (De Ann), Leif Tangvald (Tonya), and Rondi DeBoer (Brian), her grandchildren, Kjerste Dingle (Ryan), Kaitlund Johnson (Josh), Thor Tangvald (Laura), Annika Burkhalter (Colin), Rakel, Christian Tangvald, Rachael, Emma, Belle and Jada DeBoer, six and a half great-grandchildren, and her brothers, Carl and Paul (Herman) (1966) Harder.

Ronald R Grams, Class of 1951, died November 11, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Otto and Israel, sisters Helen (1941) Erna and Marion, his wife Claudia, and his eldest son Richard (1971). He is survived by his brother Wilmer (1954) children Dale (1975) (Bonnie Lind Alumni 1973) Grams, Holli (1978) (Steve) (1978) Kembel, (Jadine) (1973) Grams and 6 grandchildren, Janell (2000), Rodney (2003), Jesse, Ray (2008), Whitney and Brooke, as well as 6 great grandchildren.

Rita LaPearl Grams Imler, Class of 1951, died on Nov. 10, 2023. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Reinhold and Mary Grams, her siblings Martha (1935) Albert, Adolph (1938), LaVina, Olive (1945), and Richard, and great granddaughter Sofie Herzog. She is survived by her daughter and husband Becky and Mike Wells, son Danny Imler, grandson and wife Chad Imler and Jessie Sciara, granddaughter and husband Corie and Chad Herzog, four great grandsons Hayden John Herzog, Mason Herzog, Callahan Herzog, and Benson Herzog, and sister Juanita Sharp (1955).

Janice R. Schroeder Sullivan, Class of 1955, passed away October 13, 2023. She was born on June 23, 1937 to Levein and Dora Arlt Schroeder (1926). Janice is survived by her son Bill Markum (1976) (Vera (1973) and daughter Keri Markum Gassett (1977) (Deke Lind Grad 1976), her grandchildren Jessica (Danny), Drew (2000) (Carlye 2000), Anneka and Melissa. She is predeceased by her parents, brothers John (1950) and Stanford (1952), sisters Katherine (1959) and Barbara (1960), husband Syd, son Bobby and grandson Ryan. Services will be determined at a later date.

Patty Lou Vostral Richmond, Class of 1952, passed away on October 9, 2023. She was the wife of the late Thomas Richmond. They shared 17 years together and lived in Spokane Valley. Born in Lind, Wash. in 1934 and raised in Ritzville, Wash. daughter of Rudolf and Hazel Vostral. She graduated from Ritzville High School in 1952. She raised 3 boys and had a love for interior decorating!  She is survived by her 2 sons, Kevin and Kent and 3 grandsons and Ryan Kyle and Daniel, and 5 great grandchildren. 

A. Wayne Carter, 84, Class of 1957, passed away on September 22, 2023. Wayne is survived by his wife Diane Carter, children Brett Carter (Michelle), Renee Rodriguez (Bobby), Marian Hinson (Jamie) and Lisa Britton (Vince); grandchildren Lauren, Evan, Alicia, Courtney, Joshua, Jacob, Victoria and John Hunter; great grandchildren Mason, Maddie, and Jessie-Kate; and sister Carole McClimon (1959) and brother Ellis Carter (Joann). He was preceded in death by his parents Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Carter and brother Terry.

Oscar L Olson, Class of 1949, passed away July 28, 2023. He is survived by his children Dwight, 1970, Linda Waltman (1972) (Ed) and Kelly (1976) (Lori 1979);  his grandchildren Jarrod (2005) (Erin), Shane (2008) (Courtney), Colby (2010)  (Karina) and Carrie Waltman; and his great-grandchildren Emily, Myah, Bennett, Eleanor and Harrison; many cherished nieces and nephews; and his loving companion, Della Kiesz (1950)..  Oscar married his high school sweetheart, Irene Schell Olson (1949), and they celebrated 65 anniversaries. Oscar was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Marie Olson and wife Irene.

Sandra K. Stanton-Heimbigner, Class of 1979, passed away July 21, 2023. She is preceded in death by her Father, Earl Stanton, and her Foster parents Art and Pauline Leisle. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Randall (1969) Heimbigner, daughter Sasha of Spokane, and other siblings Alton (1967) and Lynn Leisle, Linda (1970) (Lynn)Borders, Dwight (1972) and Teri Leisle, and Dewayne Leisle (1975); including all of their children.

Delmar Laib, Class of 1950, passed away May 3, 2023.  Delmar was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Emma (Stoller) Laib, brothers Herbert and Alvin Laib and sisters Irma Floether, Lenora Sackmann, Edna Langeneder, Verna Burghard and Lillian Mix.  He is survived by his brother Harvey Laib (1957) and sisters Della Kiesz (1950), June Larsen (1954) children Tim Laib, Glen (Michelle) Laib, Karen (Mike) McClure and several grandchildren.

Kurt McCrady, Class of 1973, passed away on March 15, 2023.  He is survived by his wife Kathleen, daughter Maggie and son-in-law Brady Hopkins, his mother Joanne Kessler McCrady (1951), brother Kole (1974) (Eva 1976) McCrady, and sister Kiera (1983) (Ben) Buriak. He was preceded in death by his father Virgil McCrady and brother Klay (1978) McCrady.  

Beverly Marie Heinemann Scherr, Class of 1965,  passed away March 8, 2023. She was born on Jan. 11, 1947 in Ritzville, WA to Wilmerd (1936) and Helen (Johnson) Heinemann She had two brothers Jay (1963) and Gary (1971). Beverly is survived by her brother Gary Heinemann, children Larry and Lien Scherr, and grandchildren Brett and Brayden Scherr.

Joyce Rehn Geschke, Class of 1953, passed away on March 9, 2023.  She is survived by her children, Tim (1974) (Kathy) Geschke, Colleen (1975) (Fritz) Coon, Mike (1980) (Stephanie) Geschke, and Daniel Geschke (1982); seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents Reuben and Pauline (Lesser) Rehn and her husband Donald Geschke (1953).

Marilyn Audrey Edwards Schoesler, Class of 1949, entered into rest on February 27, 2023 at the age of 92, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.  The love of her life and husband Jim (1949) passed away in 2003.  The loving couple had 6 children (Randy (1970), JoAnn Wagner (1971)  (Craig), Don (Mike Kloster), Gary (Suzanne Arlt (1982), Tom (Melanie) and MaryAnn Whitney (Craig), 9 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.  Marilyn was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, aunt, and sister, and will be lovingly remembered by her friends and family.

Arla Kechter Wright, Class of 1956, passed away on January 6, 2023.  She is survived by her children Don (Karen) Wright and Donette Wright Walker.  She is also survived by her four grandchildren Ryan, Brian, Shane and Lexi and nine great-grandchildren Hunter, Tatiania, Hayden, Everett, Gavin, Connor, Kyah, Ava and Daniel.  She was preceded in death by her husband Don Wright, her parents Carl and Pauline Gerlack Kechter and her in-laws.

Don Van Buren, Class of 1954, passed away on December 19, 2022..  He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Borth Van Buren (Lind graduate 1958), brother Gerald Van Buren, brother-in-law John Olden, parents Karl and Esther Van Buren, and parents-in-law Rudolph and Barbara Borth.  He is survived by his sister Mildred Olden (1952), sister-in-law Patricia Van Buren; son Ron (Kelly Ryan) and granddaughter Jessie (Dakota Wilson); son Bruce (Brandi) and granddaughter Jaycee; and son David (Shannon) and grandsons Ketcher and Kason; along with many nieces and nephews.

Connie Schuler Rogel, Class of 1961, passed away on November 20, 2022.  She is survived by her husband Steve Rogel (1960), daughters Wendy (Horst) Mueller and Julie (Jeffrey) Leonard, son Randall Rogel, grandsons Zachary Mueller and Jakob Leonard and granddaughters Ryann Mueller and Jordan Leonard.  She was preceded in death by her parents Clifford (1934) and Dorothy Schuler, sister Gwen (1954) Schuler Bernard and brother Dennis (1957) Schuler.  

Gerald Ray, Class of 1953, passed away on November 15, 2022.  He is survived by his son Tom and a granddaughter.  

Patricia Smith Fode, Class of 1957, passed away on September 22, 2022.  She was preceded in death by her father and mother Lorraine Schwisow Smith (1938), husband Ruben Fode (Lind Grad 1950), and brother Kent Smith (1962).  She is survived by her sister Marcy Dunlap (1970), daughter Bonnie (Lind Grad 1981) and son-in-law Randy Holce and son David (Lind Grad 1984) and daughter-in-law Christine Haase Fode (Lind Grad 1985), 4 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.  

Vivian Allert Grams, Class of 1956, passed away on September 4, 2022.  She is survived by her sister Beverly Allert White (1954), daughters Terrie Grams Teeter (1978), Debbie (1981) (Brad 1979) Gering, son Kurt Grams (1982), granddaughter Ashley (Jon) Lehman, great-grandson Mateo, Grandson Brent Teeter and great-grandson Gage Teeter, grandson Bryson (2016) (Jacqueline) Gering and Granddaughter Abby (2018) Gering.  

Mary Hille Reilly, Class of 1969, passed away on September 2, 2022. Mary is survived by her husband Garry Reilly, sons Daniel (1993) (Abby) Carlson, Matthew (Maggie) Carlson, Andrew (2002) (Chauna) Carlson, stepdaughters Shannon (1992) Reilly (Robin) Kraus, Michelle (1994) Reilly (Matthew) Phillips and stepson Ryan (2002) Reilly. She is also survived by her sister Nancy (1970) Hille and brothers Scott (1973) Hille and Mitch (1976) (Penny) Hille, 7 grandchildren and 5 step grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Daniel “Boyd” (1945) and Elaine Lofgren Hille.

Robert “Bob” Schoessler, Class of 1961, passed away on September 2, 2022.  Bob is survived by his wife Marge (1962) Sanger Schoessler, son Bo (1983) (Janna 1990) Gingrich, daughters Keri (1986) (Scott Steinmentz (1985) Gingrich and Traci (1994) (Josh Reidt) Schoessler, grandchildren Katheran Gingrich (2020), Tanner Marecz, Jarod Marecz (2011), Margaret Reidt and Jack Reidt.  He is also survived by his sister Marva Schoessler (1958).  He was preceded in death by his parents Walter (1925) and Ann (1930) Schoessler.  

Margaret Peot Cassens, Class of 1950, passed away late August 2022.  Her parents were Leo M. Peot and Catherine Harder Peot.  She had five siblings, Leo Peot (1947), Hans Peot (1949), Catherine Peot Hofmann (1953), Anna Peot Walker (1958) and Peter Peot (1958).

Fay Telecky Lybecker, Class of 1963, passed away on August 17, 2022.  She is survived by her husband Roger Lybecker, daughter Kimberly Lybecker, and sister Sara Telecky Collison (1969).  She was preceded in death by her parents Howard (1935) and Selma Telecky and sister Gail (1959) Bafus.

L. Darlene Hille Smith, Class of 1955, passed away on July 5, 2022.  She is survived by her husband Greg Smith, brother Dennis Hille (1958), daughters Julie Boyles and Jennifer (Mark) Boyles Erwin.  Four stepchildren Todd Smith, Trevor Smith, Regan Smith, Sari Collins, 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents Reuben and Esther Hille.

Ron Gering, Class of 1971, passed away on July 3, 2022. He is survived by his wife Karen, daughters Tiffany Gering and Megan Gering, five grandchildren, father Martin Gering (1947), brothers Bruce (1975) (Patti 1974) Gering and Brian (1977) (Gail 1977) Gering.

Delmar Borgens, Class of 1944, passed away on, June 2, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughter Dee Dee Logsdon (Dean), son David Borgens (Carol), five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren

Katherine (Kathy) Schroeder, Class of 1959, passed away on May 12, 2022. She is survived by here sister Janice Schroeder (Syd) Sullivan (1955), her children Greg (Mari) Martinen, Rachel Martinen and Kristina (Lance) Nelson, five grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Dora (Arlt) (1926) and Levine Schroeder, brothers John (1950) and Stan (1952) Schroeder and sister Barbara (1960) Schroeder.

Tom Kadlec, Class of 1952, passed away on May 22, 2022. He is survived by his wife Linda, sister Sandy Kadlec (1955) Schafer, and sons Kelly (1985) (Kelly Sue) Kadlec, Kyle (1994) (Michelle) Kadlec and grandsons Jaret, Trevor and Reece. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Mabel Kadlec.