The Memorial Wall

Dr. Richard A. Rettig passed into eternal life on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. He was 87. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Rettig graduated from the University of Washington and came east to pursue professional opportunities. He became a tireless researcher and author on medical technology and government healthcare, specifically cancer and kidney failure. His focus was on how these forces could be harnessed to improve peoples’ lives. He testified before Congress and wrote two books on these topics and in 1993, was elected to the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Rettig held a PhD in Political Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and held faculty appointments at three universities. His longest tenure was as a Senior Social Scientist at the RAND Corporation.

In 2001, he retired to St. Augustine and became involved in both church and larger community. At Memorial Presbyterian Church he was strengthened by his faith. He was compassionate and generous, a family man and true scholar. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Marisella Veiga, his daughter Kirsten, his son Mark, and two grandchildren.

Former Louisville and Tulsa coach Steve Kragthorpe has died at age 59 following a years-long battle with Parkinson's disease, Louisville and LSU officials confirmed to the Louisville Courier-Journal.

Kragthorpe's lengthy coaching career began at Northern Arizona in 1990 and spanned more than 20 years with stops as an assistant at North Texas, Boston College, Texas A&M and with the NFL's Buffalo Bills. He landed his first coaching job with Tulsa in 2003 and took a downtrodden Golden Hurricane program that hadn't posted a winning season since 1991 to three bowl games in four years. He was inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Following his stint with Tulsa, Kragthrope spent three seasons as the coach Louisville from 2007-09, finishing his coaching career with a 44-43 record. After a year away from football in 2010, Kragthorpe was hired as LSU's offensive coordinator in 2011 but ultimately stepped down from his post following his Parkinson's diagnosis; however, he remained with the Tigers for multiple years in an off-field capacity. 

Scott Bruce Meyer, age 73, husband, father, grandfather, entrepreneur, all round funny guy passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 4, 2024, from Lewy Body/Parkinsons, which he suffered with for nearly 12 years.

Scott was born on Mar 6, 1951, to parents Seymore and Doris Meyer in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family moved to Jericho, Long Island, where he grew up and attended Jericho High School. He went on to attend SUNY Albany and remained in the Capital District.

Scott is survived by his wife, Annette Nanes; daughters, Orah LeHockey (Tim) and Lily Meyer; his grandchildren, Naomi and Dylan LeHockey; his brother, Mitchell Meyer (Susana); sister-in-law, Carol Oren; brother-in-law, Bob Nanes (Jaew); and several nieces and nephews and cousins.

Scott with his wife, Annette, and partners opened the 3rd Street Theatre in 1980 and then the Spectrum Theatres in 1983. In 2009, he and Annette opened the New World Bistro Bar and later The Kitchen Table restaurant. These prominent Albany businesses were beloved by the Capital District Community and are an important part of his legacy.

Scott will always be remembered by all for his sharp wit, always coming up with the zingers that kept everyone around him laughing. He enjoyed the outdoors, hiking and biking and a love of fine cuisine. He was an accomplished keyboard player and enjoyed playing piano and his Hammond B-3 organ. He loved to travel, especially to Mexico, where he had many adventures with his wife Annette and later his family. He had a beautiful life, and he will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.

A man’s man and a coach’s coach.

That was Bob Monken, in the words of one of his peers.

The hall of fame Lake Park High School football coach and 57-year Wheaton resident died Sunday at 86 from Parkinson’s disease, a little over a year after his wife of 61 years, Jo Ellen, died in May 2023.

“I feel like I am incredibly lucky to have him as my father. He was a great example of how to be a husband, father, and a man,” said Ted Monken, one of their three sons, all football coaches.

Bob Monken, 86, and his brothers Glenn, Mike, Bill and Jim all are in the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Twelve Monkens have coached high school, college or professional football, including Bob’s son, Todd, offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, and nephew, Jeff, Army’s head coach.

Ted Monken said his father taught the same lessons at home as he did on the football field.

“He was the same person for all his players as he was to his sons,” said Ted Monken, Glenbard South’s defensive coordinator. “Tough but fair. He prepared all his ‘sons’ to be successful in life. Not at that particular moment, but for the rest of our lives.

“The number of messages I have received the past few days from former players, coaches, and friends has been humbling,” he said.

Lake Park's career football victories leader, Bob Monken went 151-112 with the Lancers from 1964-93, winning conference championships in three decades.

He also was Lake Park's first department chair of physical education and briefly served as athletic director.

“I love the guy, and he’ll be missed tremendously. He had a lot of impact on my life, and I know he did on a lot of others,” said former Lake Park Principal Marty Quinn, who successfully pushed for Lake Park’s West Campus football stadium to be dedicated as Bob Monken Field. That happened last October.

When Quinn informed Bob Monken’s former players of his death, they were “devastated,” Quinn said.

“Education and academics came first to Bob regardless of the 32 years (two as assistant at Lake Park) he was as a coach. He got that in the minds of his players, that the academics come first,” Quinn said.

“I think that was something all of us appreciated about Bob. It wasn’t just about football, it was about developing the character of your players. There’s life after football.”

Yes, there is. For Monken there was also grandchildren, travel and golf. He was part of a group of retired football coaches, dubbed the Coach’s Tour, who continue to play on Thursday mornings.

Retired Oak Park-River Forest head coach and Downers Grove South assistant Jack McInerney has led the Coach’s Tour for two decades, enlisting coaches such as Joe Petricca, Paul Murphy, Jim Covert, Larry McKeown, Joe Bunge, Ken Schreiner, the late Bob MacDougall and others.

Even with Parkinson’s, Monken came to the course until about a year ago, McInerney said. In his heyday he was among the group’s top players.

“He was a man’s man and a coach’s coach. He always had great stories, a terrific personality. He was just a lot of fun to be around,” McInerney said.

“It’s a big loss for all of us because he was in our group initially and everybody liked him, everybody knew him. Guys like that don’t come around that often,” he said.

“When it is my time,” Ted Monken said, “if a fraction of people remember me the way so many remember Dad, I will have a life well-served.”

EAGAN, Minn. – Michael “Risko” Roman Ryskewecz, 71, of Eagan, formerly of Hurley, Wisconsin, passed away on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, after a 20-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born on May 5, 1953, in Ironwood, Michigan, a son of Roman and Iris (Richards) Ryskewecz. Michael graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1971. After graduating, he worked at his father’s body shop, Romey’s Body Shop, then went on to work at McFarland’s Cranberry Marsh, Ironwood Products and Bessemer Auto Company.

On July 27, 1974, Michael married Linda Traczyk. Mike and Linda made their home in

Hurley and raised their daughter, Tina.

He was an avid Green Bay Packers, Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Tigers and NASCAR fan. He played on local bar league softball teams, Horse’s Corral, Norrie Club, Bessemer Auto and the Old Timers’ League. He played league pool during the winter months. He was a member of the Norrie Club and the ATeam – ATV Club from the Alaska House.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Tina, Eagan; a sister, Susan Buck, Ironwood; two brothers, Gary (Karen) and Jon “Chuck,” both of Ironwood; two brothers-in-law, Gary “High Rise” Traczyk and Brian Traczyk, both of Hurley; and his loving dog, Tasha. He is further survived by nephews, a niece, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Linda, in 2017; and a brother, Peter, in 2018.

Garry "Butch" Yancey, of Chattanooga, died on Thursday, August 1, 2024, after a brutal battle with Parkinson's disease.

Born Nov. 28, 1952, Garry was a graduate of Chattanooga City High School and UT - Chattanooga. Garry spent the majority of his career as a research and development chemist, a subject of lifelong fascination to him.

Garry enjoyed good food, good music, good beer, and good company. He loved going to the YMCA, and in later years exercising with the Rock Steady Boxing program for Parkinson's sufferers. He also enjoyed playing softball, watching college football, and any kind of baseball he could watch. One of the last outdoor activities he was able to enjoy was walking their cat, Romeo, around on his leash.

Garry was preceded in death by his parents, Fobbus and Rowena (Pike) Yancey.

He is survived by his wife, Robyn; his children, Joseph and Sarah; his grandson, Monoa; his sisters, Sarah Lou (Pat) Bakken and Pam Yancey; his brothers, Jack (Carol) Yancey and Mike (Lori) Yancey; cousin and caregiver, Frank Pike; dear friend and caregiver, Carol Standifer; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout Chattanooga and on Sand Mountain, Al.

BENBROOK - Richard Wayne Beard, 67 years old, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on August 1, 2024 after a long and frustrating battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Richard was born on December 11, 1956 in Tupelo, Mississippi, but enjoyed life experiences all over the Southern United States before settling down in The Lone Star State, where he spent most of his adult life.

A proud Georgia Tech alumnus, Kappa Alpha Fraternity alumnus, and self-identified "Yellow Jacket," Richard derived great joy in cheering on his alma mater during college football season. He liked a challenging riddle, good board games, and bad jokes. He made legendary weekend breakfasts and was the ultimate grill master. He was fearless in the face of a steep roller coaster and bravely challenged any monsters under the bed. More than anything, he loved music, attending concerts of some of the biggest names in classic rock, and passing down this enthusiasm to his daughters who will always think of him when a Grateful Dead song is played.
Richard is survived by his brother (John), sister (Kaye), and his four daughters (Chamberlaine, Mckenna, Oakleigh, and Tulley).

He was preceded in death by his mother (Ruth), sister (Alice), and a number of very dear pets that he cared for like family.

Sandy Bresler of Beverly Hills passed away on August 1, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.
Sandy was born on January 20, 1937 in Los Angeles to Mildred and Jerry Bresler. Sandy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy, their son Eric Bresler and daughter Jennifer (Rob) Galperson. He is also survived by his grandchildren Brandon and Jonah Galperson. Sandy will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The former alderwoman, who served from 1989 to 2011, championed historical preservation, beautification and the protection of park spaces, friends, family and colleagues said.Former Ald. Mary Ann Smith, who oversaw Edgewater’s beautification and historic preservation in her two decades in office, died Wednesday at 77, according to her family.

A native of the Northwest Side, Mary Ann Smith died from complications of Parkinson’s disease, said Matthew and Michael Smith, her two sons.

As 48th Ward alderwoman from 1989 to 2011, Smith prioritized creating park spaces, improving local schools, introducing traffic calming measures and preserving the ward’s historic blocks, her family, friends and colleagues said.

Smith “radiated authenticity, sweetness, compassion,” and was always followed around by her dogs and cats, Matthew Smith said.

“Her spirit translated seamlessly into her aldermanic years,” he said. “She was very much a mother to the 48th Ward community, whether they were ready for it or not.”

Thom Greene, an Edgewater resident and architect, worked with Mary Ann Smith throughout her time as alderwoman and remained friends long after. He and others who knew her well attribute much of Edgewater’s success and beauty to her and her predecessors’ work.

Smith succeeded two other eminent female leaders in Edgewater: former alds. Marion Volini, who served the neighborhood from 1978-1987, and Kathy Osterman, who was alderwoman from 1987-1989.

“Everyone thinks, ‘Oh, this neighborhood’s really great,’ and they don’t realize how we got there and what we did to create the world that they just walked into,” Greene said. “It’s a great legacy of those women; they really were the forefront and leaders for decades in the 48th Ward.”

Mary Ann Smith even went so far as to earn a brief criminal record for her commitment to keeping the neighborhood looking good.

In 1993, a private group began putting up “terrible” advertisement benches and wouldn’t listen to the alderwoman’s warning that they couldn’t use public space like that. So, she took matters into her own hands, Greene said.

Mary Ann Smith, Greene and one of her sons went out one night and painted over the benches — only to be caught, arrested and charged with criminal damage to property, Greene said and according to a 1993 Chicago Tribune article.

“She was all about beautification,” Greene said, recalling the story with laughter. “She always loved that story.”

Another of her lasting legacies was the restoration of neighborhood schools like William C. Goudy Technology Academy, George B. Swift Specialty School, Pierce Elementary School and Nicholas Senn High School, said former Ald. Harry Osterman.

“Mary Ann was really able to lead the effort to make sure the schools were top notch,” Harry Osterman said. “The kids going back to school in the fall are going to be in better learning environments because of Mary Ann.”

Mary Ann Smith was also chair of the City Council’s committee on parks, ensuring the community had the green space it deserved. In her later years in office, she helped lead an effort to get smoking banned at city beaches.

Parks on the 6100 and 5900 Blocks of North Sheridan Road, as well as green space behind Senn High School, are thanks to Mary Ann Smith, said Jack Markowski, another of her longtime friends in the neighborhood and the former commissioner for the Department of Housing.

“Mary Ann was always looking out for the good of the community, working with the block clubs, the neighbors, the condo associations,” said Markowski, who also was executive director of the Edgewater Community Council from 1983 to 1990.

Mary Ann Smith was Kathy Osterman’s chief-of-staff, and, before that, was involved in community organizing with the Independent Voters of Illinois and her local block club, her friends said.

In a 2016 Chicago Sun-Times article, Mary Ann Smith attributed her community work — and her experience as a young mother — as the inspiration for her jump into politics.

“I remember literally walking in to see Mayor Richard J. Daley’s health commissioner in 1974 with a baby on each hip,” she told the newspaper. “There’s no one more passionate than a person with a new baby.”

After her tenure as alderwoman, Smith remained involved in community affairs, including serving on the Chicago Landmarks Commission and, most recently, on Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth’s (48th) zoning advisory council.

“Alderwoman Mary Ann Smith paved the way for women like me to serve on City Council. It has been an honor to follow in her footsteps,” Manaa-Hoppenworth said in a statement. “She will be greatly missed and my thoughts are with her family.”

Mary Ann Smith attended the College of Saint Teresa from 1964-1967 and graduated from Mundelein College in 1985.

John McKinley a long time Rochester resident died on Tuesday, July 30th due to complications from a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body dementia at River Bend Senior Care.

John was born in Muncie, IN in 1938 and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 to 1961. An early pioneer in the computer sciences he moved to Rochester in 1971 and worked at the Mayo Clinic’s computer research and IT support teams until his retirement in 2001.

John was an avid climber who took on many of the tallest mountains in the Rockies after his retirement. He was also active with a number of climbing clubs in the region. His other outdoor passions included flyfishing the local trout streams, camping, hunting in the Whitewater River valley and countless trips to the Minnesota North Shore, where he introduced his love of the outdoors to friends, family members and work associates.

John is survived by his wife of 49 years Shirley McKinley of Rochester, his son William McKinley and daughter in law Melissa McKinley of Omaha, NE, brother Michael McKinley of Muncie, IN, sister Jayne Gentry and brother in law Ed Gentry both of Bluffton, IN and 2 grandchildren Oliver and Hannah Gjere who both reside in Rochester and are carrying on the tradition of working for the Mayo Clinic. John was preceded in death by his daughter Sarah Szabo, and his sister Joanne Curtis.