Obituaries

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AVMA member

AVMA honor roll member

David J. Classen

Dr. Classen (MO ‘76), 56, Kearney, Mo., died Aug. 1, 2005. He established Liberty Animal Hospital and Animal Care Center, where he was president and head veterinarian for 27 years.

He also earned a PhD in pathology from the University of Missouri. Dr. Classen’s wife, Michelle, and two daughters survive him.

Peter J. Clemens

Dr. Clemens (OSU ‘45), 84, Bessemer, Ala., died July 30, 2005. He retired from full-time work in 1982 after decades in a mixed practice he built on a farm he renovated in Geauga County, Ohio.

Dr. Clemens served on the board of the Kenston Local School District in Geauga County for 31 years, and he also served on the advisory board of Kent State University’s Geauga County branch. He was a past president of the county board of health.

During World War II, he served in the Army.

Dr. Clemens’ wife, Betty; six sons; and a daughter survive him. One of his sons, Dr. Paul E. Clemens (OSU ‘78) of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, took over the family practice.

Duke H. Ducor

Dr. Ducor (OSU ‘40), 89, Farmington, Conn., died June 29, 2005. He established the Farmington Animal Hospital in 1947.

Dr. Ducor was a past president of the Hartford County VMA.

During World War II, he served with the U.S. Public Health Service in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Community Health asked for his assignment to its Bureau of Laboratories, where he developed a procedure that reduced the production time of smallpox vaccine.

Dr. Ducor’s wife, Muriel, and three sons survive him. His second son, Dr. Donald B. Ducor (ISU ‘82), had worked with him and assumed ownership of the family practice.

Memorials may be made to the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association, Hospice Group, 8 Old Mill Lane, Simsbury, CT 06070; or to the West Hartford Rotary Scholarship Fund, c/o Deborah Buckley, P.O. Box 270252, West Hartford, CT 06127-0252.

David L. Lynn

Dr. Lynn (GA ‘56), 76, Orlando, Fla., died Sept. 24, 2005. Until 2003, he owned Lynn Animal Hospital in Orlando, which his uncle Dr. W.M. Lynn had founded in 1926.

He was an active member of the Central Florida VMA, holding every office except for president, and chaired committees and held offices in the Florida VMA. He had also served as a director of the Orlando Humane Society.

Edward H. Stodtmeister

Dr. Stodtmeister (COL ‘49), 82, Reno, Nev., died Sept. 29, 2005. He established the Sparks Animal Hospital, where he practiced for 30 years.

He was a past president of the Nevada VMA and of the Canvasback Gun Club. He served in the Navy during World War II.

Dr. Stodtmeister’s wife, Vernette; three sons; and a daughter survive him. Memorials may be made to VA Hospital, c/o Veterans Guest House, 880 Locust St., Reno, NV 89502.

John S. Yocum

Dr. Yocum (COL ‘63), 72, Atascadero, Calif., died Aug. 23, 2005. He opened his animal clinic in 1969 and retired from practice in 1995.

He was a member of the Mid-Coast VMA and of the Atascadero Trail Riders. Before becoming a veterinarian, he spent four years in the Air Force.

One son and three daughters survive Dr. Yocum. Memorials may be made in his name to the Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.