Obituaries
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Frances Eileen Hilderbrand, 87, Administrative Assistant, University Communications
Eileen was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, and neighbor. But her absolute favorite title and the joy of her life was being grandma to her six grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy or made her more proud than seeing those six grandkids and spending as much time with them as possible. She died on…
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Peter Kurt Alfred Lauf, 91, Chair & Professor, Physiology and Biophysics
Peter had a sharp mind throughout his entire life, engaging friends, family and colleagues in spirited discussions about philosophy, music, sciences, and life. His legacy lives on in his contributions to science, and in the hearts and minds of all those he touched. He died on Feb. 3, 2025.
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Richard A. Upton, 65, Telecommunications Plant Engineer, CaTS
Richard enjoyed running his Karate Dojo, American Pangainoon Academy. The Dojo meant the world to him. He died on Jan. 28, 2025.
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Mark Sheets, 71, Supervisor, School of Medicine Courier Services
Mark found great joy in gardening, traveling, and reading. Whether tending to his garden or exploring new destinations, he embraced life with enthusiasm. His love for travel was especially evident in his pilgrimages to religious sites that deepened his spiritual connection. He died on Jan. 1, 2025.
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Robert Irwin, 80, Supervisor, Shipping & Receiving
Robert, a man of immense resilience and indomitable spirit, was a beacon of love and wisdom to all who knew him. His life was a testament to the words of Winston Churchill, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” He died on Dec. 28, 2024.
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Carol Ann Baumhauer, 76, Regional Director, Ohio Small Business Development, Raj Soin College of Business
She built her career in the insurance business, running her own business, Baumhauer Insurance Agency, and later became the director of Ohio Small Business Development Center. She helped many people start their own businesses, including her children. She died On Dec. 25, 2024.
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Lorna Dawes, 89, Director, University Center
Lorna’s personal and professional commitment to education, to the flourishing of the arts and the empowerment of artists, and her dedication to Wright State, the Muse Machine, and the Dayton Community will stand as an example of how one person can contribute to the development of resilient, benevolent institutions. She died Nov. 30, 2024.
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Linda Su Shook, 85, Administrative Specialist, School of Professional Psychology
She was about kindness, compassion, care and forgiveness. A part of the United Methodist Church and a choir member and director for nearly 50 years, she had a strong faith. Throughout life’s struggles, she stood strong and steadfast in hope that things would get better. She died Nov. 24, 2024.
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Jerald "Jerry" Kay, 79, Chair and Professor of Psychiatry
Dr. Kay was a passionate educator with a deep commitment to his own lifelong learning and was known as a talented photographer, acrylic painter and musician. A highlight in his last year of life was playing drums weekly in a jazz trio with Hiroshi Yamazaki and Miles Gilbert at the Club at Briarcliff Manor and…
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Kenneth "Ken" A. Davenport, 85, Director of Admissions
Known for his sense of humor and infectious laugh, Ken had a special talent for brightening any room. He was particularly captivated by World War II and found joy in visiting the Air Force Museum, where he could immerse himself in the stories and artifacts of the past. Ken embraced retirement with enthusiasm, making the…
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Nancy E. Schneberger, 84, Senior Secretary, Electrical Engineering
Throughout her life, Nancy enjoyed cooking, baking, singing in the Fairhaven Church Choir, playing piano, gardening, needlework, walking and puzzles. She died On Oct. 19, 2024.
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Leon James Testas, 89, Associate Director, Research and Sponsored Programs
Leon was a retired US Air Force Lt. Col., proudly serving for 28 years, and retired from Wright State University as associate director of Research and Sponsored Programs, after 15 years of service.
Upcoming Events
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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