In Memory – January 4, 2024

David J. Abdinoor

Dr. Abdinoor (Pennsylvania ’74), 75, Bozeman, Montana, died November 13, 2023. He owned a veterinary orthopedic practice based in Salem, New Hampshire, serving all of the New England area. Dr. Abdinoor’s life partner, Coreen Malone; a daughter and a son; a grandchild; and four brothers and a sister survive him. Memorials may be made to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, 3800 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, or the University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College, 50 Stone Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1.

William D. Blohm

Dr. Blohm (Iowa State ’59), 92, Carroll, Iowa, died September 29, 2023. Following graduation, he owned a practice in Carroll, Iowa. Dr. Blohm subsequently merged his practice with Carroll Veterinary Clinic, where he served as a partner. He retired in 2000. Dr. Blohm was a past president of the Iowa VMA. He also served as president of the Carroll Community School District board of directors. Dr. Blohm was a veteran of the Air Force. He is survived by three daughters; five grandchildren; and two sisters.

Shawn R. Callahan

Dr. Callahan (Oregon State ’21), 51, Tampa, Florida, died October 18, 2023. She practiced at KindVet of Sarasota Urgent Care in Sarasota, Florida. Earlier in her career, Dr. Callahan worked at Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Care Center in Largo, Florida. She is survived by her husband, David; a son; her parents; and a sister. 

Elizabeth J. Colleran

Dr. Colleran (Tufts ’90), 72, Chico, California, died September 30, 2023. Following graduation, she founded a feline practice in Portland, Oregon, later establishing Chico Hospital for Cats in Chico. Dr. Colleran was a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and a past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). Known for her expertise in feline medicine, wellbeing, behavior, and ethology, she chaired the AAFP Cat Friendly Practice Committee for several years and represented the AAFP on the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee. Dr. Colleran is survived by her husband, Hollis Elliott, and her family.

Melissa A. Kennedy

Dr. Kennedy (Tennessee ’83), 64, Alcoa, Tennessee, died May 19, 2023. She served as an associate professor at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Kennedy is survived by two brothers. Memorials may be made to the Young-Williams Animal Center, 3201 Division St., Knoxville, TN 37919, or the Companion Animal Initiative of Tennessee, c/o the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996.

Roy Nielsen

Dr. Nielsen (Kansas State ’59), 93, Mesa, Arizona, died November 21, 2023. Following graduation, he practiced in Worthington, Minnesota, and George, Iowa. In 1974, Dr. Nielsen moved to Sioux Center, Iowa, where he became co-owner of the Sioux Center Veterinary Clinic. He later founded Revival Animal Health, a pet product company. Dr. Nielsen’s six children, 10 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren survive him.

Roger L. Schladetzky

Dr. Schladetzky (Iowa State ’60), 87, Bellevue, Iowa, died November 5, 2023. Following graduation, he served two years in the Army Veterinary Corps, attaining the rank of captain. Dr. Schladetzky subsequently established a mixed animal practice in Bellevue. He retired in 1995. Dr. Schladetzky was a life member of the Iowa VMA. Active in his community, he served 14 years on the Jackson County Conservation Board and was a member of the Bellevue Rotary Club for more than 50 years, serving 13 of those years as its secretary-treasurer. Dr. Schladetzky was also a member of the American Legion and served on the Legion Honor Guard. His wife, Eunice; two sons and a daughter; seven grandchildren; and two brothers survive him.

A version of this story appears in the March 2024 print issue of JAVMA

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