Obituaries
-
Luisa Lang Owen, 90, Associate Professor of Art Education
Luisa was a storyteller, a creative powerhouse and fearless in her convictions, able to see beyond politics and brilliant in understanding and expressing nuance. Her memoir as a girl in the death camp. Casualty of War, a Childhood Remembered, was published in the early 2000s. She died March 3, 2026.
-
Paul Demitro Pushkar, 89, Professor, Geological Sciences
Paul led many BULL MOOSE geologic expeditions, field work, mapping, visiting mines and geologic sites across USA, Canada and Mexico, as well as volcanic sampling in the Caribbean. He died on February 12, 2026.
-
Wetona Elaine “Toni” Walchner, 76, Business Manager, Research and Sponsored Programs
Toni worked in business administration at Wright State for 19 years. Toni was known for her love of family, her infectious laugh, and devotion to her dogs and grandpups. She died on December 24, 2025.
-
Glorial J. Sickles, 78, Executive Secretary, Food Service
She dedicated many years of service to Wright State University, where she was named she was named Employee of the Year. She died on December 22, 2025.
-
Michael Ondrasek, 82, Instructor, Computer Sciences
Col. Ondrasek served his nation with honor in the US Air Force for 28 years, including service during Vietnam and Desert Storm. His exceptional service earned him multiple military decorations. He died on Dec. 4, 2025.
-
Barbara Murphy, 86, Professor of Nursing
Barbara was a world traveler with her stepdaughter Sean. She also enjoyed travel closer to home and in Europe with friends and family; attending music performances; watching OSU football, and was an animal lover. She died on November 12, 2025.
-
Ernest Frederick Koerlin, 86, Associate Professor, Art
An accomplished artist, Ernie was best known for his beautiful en plein air drawings and paintings of landscapes. He painted extensively in Maine, Ohio, California and The Netherlands. His work reflected his deep connection to place and his keen sensitivity to color and light. He died Nov. 7, 2025.
-
Connie Ann Bajek, 66, Administrative Support Coordinator, University Advancement
Cionnie enjoyed life and was a gracious hostess, delighting her friends and family with her extravagant home-cooked meals. She loved cooking, crafts, quilting, music, and relaxing on the beach. She died on November 3, 2025.
-
Mary W. Gromosiak, 82, Administrative Assistant, Boonshoft School of Mecicine
Mary lived a life rich with laughter, purpose, and an endless supply of food for anyone who walked through her door. Her greatest gift was her ability to connect people. She never missed an opportunity to bring everyone together around a table. She died on October 22, 2025.
-
John Summers Martin, 94, Professor of Physics
An empathetic man with a deeply progressive spirit, John treated every individual with unwavering dignity and respect and expressed his hope to one day see a female president. He died on October 3, 2025.
-
James Joseph Kane, 96, Professor of Chemistry
Jim served as the first Chemistry Department chair and was proud and honored to have been a part in the growth and development of that branch campus into Wright State University. He died on October 4, 2025.
-
Donald James Beelick, 84, Professor of Philosophy
Donald J. Beelick, 84, of Springfield, passed away on October 1, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on March 16, 1942, the son of the late Lewis Beelick. Donald was raised, in part, by his grandmother, Mary Smith. Donald was preceded in death by his wife Carol, his parents; honorary grandparents…
Upcoming Events
-
Wright State Retirees Picnic
Wright State University retirees and friends are invited to a picnic on Saturday, Sept. 19, 1:30–4:30 p.m., in Rotary Park, 2260 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek, OH 45432.
See what’s coming up in our Events Calendar