Obituaries

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AVMA member

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Richard D. Conner

Dr. Conner (KSU '74), 61, Leawood, Kan., died Oct. 12, 2011. He was senior vice president and investment officer at Wells Fargo Advisors in Kansas City, Mo. Earlier in his career, Dr. Conner co-owned a mixed animal practice in Iola, Kan. He is survived by his wife, Diane. Dr. Conner's brother-in-law, Dr. David Granstrom (KSU '78), is director of the AVMA Education and Research Division. Memorials may be made to KC Hospice House, 12000 Wornall, Kansas City, MO 64145.

Peter W. Farin

Dr. Farin (COL '86), 57, Raleigh, N.C., died Aug. 30, 2011. A diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists, he was an associate professor in the Department of Population Health and Pathobiology at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Farin's research focused on the effects of in vitro embryo production on subsequent fetal development. He wrote the first review paper that summarized disorders associated with in vitro embryo production of animals and brought attention to the term "abnormal offspring syndrome."

Immediate past president of the International Embryo Transfer Society, Dr. Farin was instrumental in establishing the IETS young scientist group. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Farin, PhD, and two daughters. Memorials, with checks payable to the IETS Foundation, may be made to the Peter W. Farin Student Travel Fund, c/o IETS Foundation, 2441 Village Green Place, Champaign, IL 61822.

Robert C. Gonser

Dr. Gonser (OSU '46), 87, North Canton, Ohio, died Oct. 24, 2011. He co-founded Stark Animal Hospital in Canton, Ohio, where he practiced small animal medicine for 35 years. Earlier in his career, Dr. Gonser was in mixed animal practice in Canton for five years. He served in the Army during World War II. Dr. Gonser is survived by two daughters. His son-in-law, Dr. Robert R. Smith (OSU '77), is a small animal practitioner in Beaufort, S.C., and his grandson, Dr. Andrew P. Smith, a 2008 graduate of St. George's University in Grenada, practices small animal medicine in Cumming, Ga. Memorials may be made to the Stark County Humane Society, P.O. Box 7077, Canton, OH 44705.

John R. Gorham

Dr. Gorham (WSU '46), 88, Pullman, Wash., died Oct. 14, 2011. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists and American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, he was a professor of veterinary microbiology and pathology at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Gorham also served as research leader for the Animal Disease Research Unit of the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service in Pullman from 1948-1995. He was known for his expertise on fur animal and canine diseases and his contributions to slow virus disease research. Dr. Gorham's efforts led to the discovery of a new rickettsial disease of dogs, control of nutritional diseases of mink, laboratory tests for dog and mink diseases, and a spray vaccine used for immunization of mink worldwide. He was an honorary member of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and American Veterinary Epidemiology Society.

Dr. Gorham received the Gaines Award in 1970, the USDA Distinguished Service Award in 1976, and the XIIth International Veterinary Congress Prize in 1985. Dr. Gorham was the Washington State Veterinarian of the Year in 1987 and received the WSU Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus Award in 1990. In 1991, he was named ARS Distinguished Scientist of the Year and was elected into the National Academies of Practice. Dr. Gorham was inducted into the ARS Hall of Fame in 1993. In 2001, he received the K.F. Meyer—James H. Steele Gold Headed Cane Award.

Dr. Gorham was an Army veteran of World War II and served as a major in the Army Reserve. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; a daughter; and a son. Memorials may be made to the Comparative Medicine Scholarship, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, P.O. Box 647010, Pullman, WA 99164.

Stephen R. Holmes

Dr. Holmes (OKL '66), 69, Yukon, Okla., died Oct. 7, 2011. A small animal practitioner, he owned Yukon Veterinary Hospital since 1974. Earlier in his career, Dr. Holmes served in the Army Veterinary Corps and taught anatomy at the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Active in civic life, he was a member of the Homeland Security Commission for Oklahoma, and in Yukon he served on the planning commission and the city council and was a past president of the chamber of commerce and Rotary Club. In 1980, Dr. Holmes was named Yukon Outstanding Rotarian. His wife, Dee; a son; and a daughter survive him. Memorials may be made to the Oklahoma State University Foundation for the Companion Animal Fund, c/o Sharon Worrell, 308 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078.

Roland V. Humerickhouse

Dr. Humerickhouse (MSU '42), 93, Au Gres, Mich., died Oct. 31, 2011. Prior to retirement in 1983, he worked for the state of Michigan on the polybrominated biphenyls project. Following graduation, Dr. Humerickhouse joined what was known as the federal Bureau of Animal Industry, working on tuberculosis eradication. He then owned a practiced in Ludington, Mich. In 1948, Dr. Humerickhouse established a practice in Twining, Mich., where he remained for 30 years. Active in civic life, he served on the Arenac Eastern School Board for 16 years. Dr. Humerickhouse's wife, Shirley; two sons; and three daughters survive him.

Alan N. Knudsen

Dr. Knudsen (ISU '56), 79, Lake City, Minn., died Oct. 30, 2011. He practiced mixed animal medicine in Lake City from 1956-1998, focusing on dairy medicine. Dr. Knudsen was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Lake City. He is survived by his wife, Marcia; a son; and two daughters. Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church Building Fund, 100 Peace Ridge, Highway 63 S., Lake City, MN 55041.

Alexander B. Koss

Dr. Koss (MON '62), 75, Scottsdale, Ariz., died Aug. 31, 2011. A graduate of the University of Montreal, he practiced small animal medicine in Scottsdale prior to retirement in 2003. Dr. Koss's wife, Clarisse; two daughters; and a son survive him.

Joseph A. Molello

Dr. Molello (COL '43), 90, Arvada, Colo., died Oct. 17, 2011. Prior to retirement in 1986, he was a senior research scientist with Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences. Following graduation, Dr. Molello served in the Army Veterinary Corps. He then practiced small animal medicine in New Jersey, later moving to Holdrege, Neb., where he took over a large animal practice. From 1957-1963, Dr. Molello taught at Colorado State University. During that time he earned a doctorate in animal pathology and was appointed an assistant professor of pathology. Dr. Molello joined Dow in 1963. He is survived by two sons and a daughter. Memorials may be made to St. Clare's Table, 126 W. 2nd Ave., Denver, CO 80223.

Jeffrey B. Nesse

Dr. Nesse (PHI '70), 65, Great Neck, N.Y., died Sept. 9, 2011. A graduate of the University of Philippines-Diliman, he practiced small animal medicine for more than 38 years at Howard Animal Hospital in Great Neck. Dr. Nesse is survived by his fiance, Fujun Wang, and a son.

Phillip A. O'Berry

Dr. O'Berry (AUB '60), 78, Ames, Iowa, died July 28, 2011. He worked for the Department of Agriculture for 48 years prior to retirement. During that time, Dr. O'Berry was a research veterinarian, directed the National Animal Disease Center, and served as the national technology transfer coordinator. He also earned a doctorate in veterinary microbiology from Iowa State University in 1967. Dr. O'Berry was named a 1991 Distinguished Alumnus of Auburn University.

Active in civic life, he was a past president of Youth and Shelter Services, Ames United Way board of directors, Mary Greeley Medical Center board of directors, and Noon Kiwanis Club. He was a member of the Ames Chamber of Commerce board of directors and a founding member of the Iowa Runaway, Homeless, and Missing Youth Center board of directors. In 2000, he was named City of Ames Citizen of the Year. Dr. O'Berry's wife, Terri; four sons; and two daughters survive him. Memorials may be made to Youth and Shelter Services, 420 Kellogg Ave., Ames, IA 50010; or Israel Family Hospice House, 400 S. Dakota Ave., Ames, IA 50014.

Colin M. Robertson

Dr. Robertson (COR '43), 90, Madison, Wis., died Sept. 13, 2011. From 1955 until retirement in 1981, he worked for the Department of Agriculture, including service in Jamestown, N.D., and Eau Claire, Wis. Earlier in his career, Dr. Robertson was in private practice in South Royalton, Vt. His daughter and three sons survive him. Memorials may be made to James Reeb Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 2146 E. Johnson St., Madison, WI 53704; or Outreach, 600 Williamson St., Madison, WI 53703.

John L. Schmidt

Dr. Schmidt (MSU '68), 67, Holland, Mich., died Sept. 24, 2011. He practiced small animal medicine at Schmidt Veterinary Clinic in Holland. Dr. Schmidt's wife, Marilyn, and two daughters survive him. Memorials may be made to The Boys and Girls Club of Holland, Holland, MI 49423; or Harbor Humane Society, 14345 Bagley, West Olive, MI 49460.

Harding G. Warren

Dr. Warren (KSU '53), 90, Ballwin, Mo., died Nov. 1, 2011. He owned a practice in Streator, Ill., prior to retirement. Active in civic life, Dr. Warren was a lifetime member of Kiwanis International and a member of the West County Kiwanis Club. He served in the Army Medical Corps during World War II. Dr. Warren's son survives him. Memorials may be made to Gambrill Gardens, 1 Strecker Road, Ellisville, MO 63011; Circle of Concern, 112 St. Louis Ave., Valley Park, MO 63088; or St. Louis Salvation Army, 3949 Forest Park Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108.

George C. Wreath

Dr. Wreath (KSU '45), 90, Belleville, Kan., died Sept. 30, 2011. During his career, he owned a mixed animal practice in Belleville. Dr. Wreath was also a partner at the Intermountain Veterinary Supply Company and a founding partner of the Belleville Livestock Sales Commission. Active in civic life, he served as mayor of Belleville from 1955-1959. Dr. Wreath's wife, Joyce, and two sons survive him. Memorials may be made to Meadowlark Hospice, 709 Liberty St., Clay Center, KS 67432; or Belleville Public Library, 1327 19th St., Belleville, KS 66935.

Emanuel R. Zingeser

Dr. Zingeser (MSU '44), 90, Farmington Hills, Mich., died Oct. 18, 2011. He was chief executive officer of ERZ Inc., a medical supply company he founded in Farmington Hills in 1987. Following graduation, Dr. Zingeser served in the Army Veterinary Corps during World War II. In 1948, he established Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital, a small animal practice in Lincoln Park, Mich., where he worked until retirement in 1984. Dr. Zingeser was a member of the Michigan VMA. His wife, Sylvia; two sons; and two daughters survive him. One son, Dr. James Zingeser (MSU '79), is an epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


Obituary notifications

For an obituary to be published, JAVMA must be notified within six months of the veterinarian's date of death via a toll-free phone call at (800) 248-2862, Ext. 6754; newsatavma [dot] org (email); or fax at (847) 925-9329.