In Memoriam

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James G. Betts

Dr. Betts (KSU '41), 85, Horse Shoe, N.C., died Aug. 2, 2001. From 1956 until retirement in the mid-1980s, he practiced in western North Carolina and upper South Carolina. Following graduation, Dr. Betts practiced in northeast Kansas. In the early 1950s, he took the position of federal meat inspector in St. Joseph, Mo.

An avid horseman, Dr. Betts owned Standardbred, Saddlebred show, Missouri Foxtrotting, Racking, and Walking horses. In the 1940s, he became involved with the Quarter Horse Association. Dr. Betts served as a commissioner for the Missouri Foxtrotting and Racking breeds of horses. In 1981, he helped establish the Appalachian Singlefooting Horse Breed Association.

Dr. Betts' wife, Loa, survives him.


Earnest L. Forbes

Dr. Forbes (GA '62), 70, Wadesboro, N.C., died Nov. 7, 2001. He owned the Anson Animal Hospital in Wadesboro, practicing there for nearly 40 years. Dr. Forbes was a Navy veteran, serving in the Korean War. A staunch supporter of the Anson County Humane Society, he was also an avid golfer and a master Mason. Dr. Forbes is survived by his wife, Pat, and three sons. Memorials may be made to The Anson County Humane Society, Route 2, Box 1, Wadesboro, NC 28170; Anson Community Hospice, 205 Morven Road, Wadesboro, NC 28170; or First United Methodist Church, 118 E. Morgan St., Wadesboro, NC 28170.


Frederic W. Hansen

Dr. Hansen (KSU '40), 83, Great Falls, Va., died July 18, 2001. Prior to retirement in 1976, he worked for the Department of Agriculture for 31 years. Dr. Hansen was involved in federal animal disease eradication programs in Colorado, Vermont, and Oklahoma. In 1963, he was posted to Washington, D.C., subsequently serving as senior staff veterinarian and overseeing national disease eradication programs. Early in his career, Dr. Hansen practiced in Pelican Rapids, Minn.

A World War II veteran, he served as a captain in the Army Veterinary Corps. Dr. Hansen was a member of the National Association of Federal Veterinarians. His three daughters survive him. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4240 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060; or Hospice of Northern Virginia, 6565 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church, VA 22042.


George L. Holzer

Dr. Holzer (COL '71), 54, Boise, Idaho, died Oct. 16, 2001. He owned Treasure Valley Transplants Inc., an embryo transfer and bovine reproduction practice in Boise. Dr. Holzer was also the co-founder of XY Genetics LLC, based in Idaho. From 1977-1979 he was senior veterinarian at Alberta Livestock Transplants in Calgary, Canada. Prior to that Dr. Holzer was resident veterinarian and manager for Porcupine Hills Embryo Transfer Center in Claresholm, Alberta, for three years. Early in his career, he practiced at Blue Cross Veterinary Center in Salmon, Idaho.

Dr. Holzer was a charter and committee member of the International Embryo Transfer Society. He also served as past president of the American Embryo Transfer Association. Dr. Holzer received a Special President's Award for outstanding service to the association and profession.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; two daughters; and a son. Memorials may be made to the George Holzer Memorial Scholarship Fund, American Embryo Transfer Association. P.O. Box 2118, Hastings, NE 68902-2118.


Kenneth Kronman

Dr. Kronman (COR '51), 75, Smithtown, N.Y., died July 18, 2001. At the time of his death, he was employed by the New York State VMS as an animal hospital inspector. Dr. Kronman also served as a consultant and a relief veterinarian and worked for Bide-A-Wee and Aldridge Animal Hospital in New York. From 1951-1955 Dr. Kronman practiced at Ellenville Animal Hospital in Ellenville, N.Y. He went on to establish the Smithtown Animal Hospital, practicing there for over 30 years.

Dr. Kronman was a past president of the Long Island VMA. He was active in the Cornell Alumni Association, recruiting and advising prospective students. A World War II veteran, Dr. Kronman served as a field artillery officer. His three daughters and son survive him. Memorials may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Office of Donor Services, 1311 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY 10605; or Temple Beth Sholom, Edgewood Avenue and River, Smithtown, NY 11787.


Gerald H. Long

Dr. Long (ISU '34), 96, Mount Sterling, Ill., died Oct. 30, 2001. He was in mixed practice. Dr. Long was a member and past president of the Illinois State VMA.

At age 96, Dr. Long was still practicing veterinary medicine. He was the 2001 Mount Sterling Citizen of the Year and Mount Sterling Optimist Club's Man of the Year in 1980, having been a member and past president of the organization. Dr. Long also served as past president of the Brown County School Board.

Dr. Long's wife, Jessie; two sons; and two daughters survive him. Memorials may be made to the Mount Sterling First United Methodist Church, 105 E. South St., Mount Sterling, IL 62353.


Lester S. Nelson

Dr. Nelson (MIN '53), 80, Santa Ana, Calif., died Oct. 17, 2001. Before retiring in 1982, he was the chief veterinarian at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. Prior to that, Dr. Nelson served in the same capacity at the San Diego Zoo. From 1953-1962 he had a large animal practice in Princeton, Minn.

An Army veteran, Dr. Nelson served in the infantry during World War II in the Pacific theater and Japan. He attained the rank of 1st lieutenant. Survivors include three sons and a daughter.


Ronald W. Schmidtke

Dr. Schmidtke (OSU '72), 56, Portland, Ore., died July 29, 2001. From 1972 until mid 2001, he owned the Pacific Veterinary Hospital in Portland. Dr. Schmidtke was a member of the Portland VMA and the Oregon VMA. In 1989, he received The Award of Merit and Recognition for Distinguished Service and Contributions to Veterinary Medicine from the Oregon VMA.

Dr. Schmidtke assisted in launching the canine patrol for the Portland Police Department. He donated his time to the Animal Aid and Nature Conservancy organizations in Portland. Dr. Schmidtke also participated in radio programs dealing with pet health. He is survived by his wife, Barbara.