Obituaries

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John F. Fessler

Dr. Fessler (OSU '60), 76, West Lafayette, Ind., died April 23, 2011. A diplomate and past president of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, he was professor emeritus of large animal surgery at Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine since 2002. During his tenure, Dr. Fessler helped establish the ACVS surgical residency program at the university and served as a mentor to students specializing in veterinary surgery. He received the ACVS Distinguished Service Award in 1997. In 2002, the American Association of Equine Practitioners honored Dr. Fessler with a Distinguished Educator Award. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and two sons. Memorials may be made to the Fessler Large Animal Surgery Residency Research Fund, Room 1177, Lynn Hall, 625 Harrison St., West Lafayette, IN 47907.

Bradley R. Gramm

Dr. Gramm (IL '83), 53, Bloomington, Ill., died April 28, 2011. He was senior technical support veterinarian at Phibro Animal Health in Ridgefield Park, N.J., since 2001. Following graduation, Dr. Gramm owned a mixed animal practice in Lexington, Ill., for two years. During that time, he was also the staff veterinarian for Illini Sire Services. Dr. Gramm then served as technical services veterinarian and branch manager at Parker Livestock Supply in Manchester, Iowa. From 1988-2000, he worked for Pfizer Animal Health in Pennsylvania and Missouri. While employed at Pfizer, Dr. Gramm served as senior technical services veterinarian and cattle marketing manager. He was a member of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians. Dr. Gramm's wife, LuAnn; two sons; and a daughter survive him. His nephew, Dr. Jayme Richardson (IL '10), is a veterinarian in Chicago. Memorials toward the Gramm Children College/Educational Fund may be made c/o LuAnn Gramm, 3 Aster Court, Bloomington, IL 61704.

Peter W. Laffan

Dr. Laffan (UP '61), 74, Tampa, Fla., died April 8, 2011. He served as a captain in the Army Veterinary Corps.

Duard D. Linam

Dr. Linam (TEX '45), 91, Cedar Park, Texas, died April 9, 2011. Prior to retirement in 1981, he practiced at the Austin Cat and Dog Hospital in Austin, Texas, for more than 35 years. Dr. Linam helped establish the Austin Humane Society in the 1950s and served on its board of directors. He was recognized as a life emeritus director of the society and was named Humanitarian of the Year in 1981. Dr. Linam was a member of the Texas and Capital Area VMAs and the American Animal Hospital Association. He helped found a services exchange program between the Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the Capital Area VMA, and the Austin Humane Society. The American Humane Association honored Dr. Linam in 1976 and 1982 for his service and contributions to the humane movement in the country. His wife, Dorothy, and two daughters survive him. Memorials in his name may be made to the Capital City A&M Club Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 332, Austin, TX 78767; Austin Humane Society, 124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752; Austin Animal Center, 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78703; or the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.

John W. Petscher

Dr. Petscher (PUR '77), 65, Madison, Ind., died Feb. 27, 2011. A mixed animal practitioner, he owned Madison Animal Clinic since 1980. Earlier in his career, Dr. Petscher practiced at Dublin Animal Hospital in Dublin, Va., and Hilltop Animal Hospital in Madison. He was a member of the District 9 VMA (Indiana) and served as Indiana's representative to the Christian Veterinary Mission. Active in civic life, Dr. Petscher was a past president of the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce and The Salvation Army board and served on the Boy Scouts Council. He was a veteran of the Army, attaining the rank of 1st lieutenant. Dr. Petscher's wife, Janis; three daughters; and a son survive him. One daughter, Dr. Joy Barron (PUR '08), is a small animal veterinarian in Madison. Memorials may be made to the Christian Veterinary Mission, 19303 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98133; or The Salvation Army, 331 E. Main St., Madison, IN 47250.

Thomas E. Van Cise

Dr. Van Cise (PUR '74), 60, Corona, Calif., died Dec. 30, 2010. He owned All Animals Exotic or Small Hospital in Norco, Calif., focusing on alternative and homeopathic medicine. Dr. Van Cise is survived by his fiancee, Michelle Skok.

David M. Ward

Dr. Ward (CAL '61), 74, El Dorado Hills, Calif., died April 17, 2011. He owned a mixed animal practice in northern California prior to retirement. Dr. Ward is survived by his wife, Earlene, and two sons. Memorials may be made to Yosemite High School Sober Grad Night, 50200 Road 427, Oakhurst, CA 93626.

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