In Memoriam - Faculty

Faculty	John P. Brokaw	Flora Buday	Frank J. Cala
	Jean Carpenter	Helen J. Close	Ms. Coughlin
	Mary Graham	J.P. Green	Roberta M. Henderson
	William L. Hessenflow	Robert Jackson	Wayne Johnson
	Al Kellers	Rudolf Littleton	Donna McKeown
	Michael Marucci	Margurite Milke	Roland W. Peterson
	Paul Sawada	Loreen M. Snider	Milton Sosnick
	Ms. Sowa	Robbie Tye	Dora Frances Weeks
	Robert C. Weir	Richard Van Zwoll

John P. Brokaw, Ph.D., Administration

Submitted on 2/24/01

John Parkinson Brokaw, Ph.D., 66, Indianapolis, died February 17 of a heart attack. For more than 32 years, he served as a music teacher and administrator in France, Turkey, Japan, Korea, Philippines and Germany for the Department of Defense Dependents Schools. After serving as administrator of schools in the Philippines and Japan, his last position included seven years as principal of Patch American High School, located on Patch Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany, at European Command headquarters. He was active in the Department of Defense Overseas Schools Retirement Community.

Originally from Shelbyville, he began his teaching career as a music teacher for Fowler High School, Fowler, Indiana, in 1959. He spent three years there, before going overseas, working with a variety of great band directors, including the legendary Al G. Wright, Ph.D., Purdue University's former band director.

Founding father in 1954 of the Indiana Delta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon, he most recently served as secretary of the board of directors. He also was serving his second term as president of Indianapolis Computer Society after being membership leader and special interest group leader. As a member of Crestview Christian Church, he was serving as head deacon.

Doing business as Brokaw Enterprises, he was brokering potential buyers to the Quixstar web site to enable consumers to buy products at a more cost-effective rate and have their products delivered to their homes. He also was serving as a Northwest Radiology Network courier. In addition, he was active in the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed sponsoring overseas students, visiting nursing home patients and corresponding with prison inmates.

Flora Buday, Faculty

Memories from Marci Jenkins

My Mother taught 5th grade and high school chemistry in 1955. Her name was Flora Buday. As I browsed through the pages of the '55 yearbook, tears came to my eyes. It is so unbelievable that someone saved this book and the joy you have given me today is more than I can describe. My Mom passed away 19 years ago and these memories have become even more precious to me. I love seeing her photo in the yearbook, it confirms that she was here and she made a difference.

She really enjoyed her kids at Wagner. I remember her spending a lot of time making projects at home as well as checking papers. She worked as many hours at home as she did in the classroom.

Mom was a terrific swimmer and took me to the synchronized swimming demonstrations at the pool.

Jean Carpenter Faculty

Memories from Laurie Carpenter McDonald '67

Submitted on 5/04/01

Jean Carpenter taught first grade way back in the mid-60's at the elementary school in the PI. She had 6 children, 5 of whom attended school at that time--3 in high school--Bill, Laurie and Abby. After leaving the PI, her family was stationed in Alabama for one year and then to Virginia for five years. During those five years she received her masters degree, taught school and continued raising her children. She then moved to Stuugart, Germany and again taught in DOD schools. Her husband retired to San Antonio,

Texas four years later. She again taught reading in a Catholic school. She died in 1993. Two of her daughers, Laurie and Mary followed her into education and are now elementary school principals in Northern Virginia. She was a gifted educator, always looking for and usually finding the strengths in

the children with whom she worked! She loved her assignment in the PI--with two maids, it was easy to care for a house, a big family (6 kids) and still do a great job of teaching!

J.P. Green, Faculty

Memories from Earl Davis (Brother-in-law)

Submitted on 4/20/01

Hello, My name is Earl Davis. I am the brother in law of J.P.Green who taught in the Philippines many years ago. (In the early to mid 1950s I think) J.P. passed away on February 25th of this year from a battle with skin cancer. He fought skin cancer for many years with flare ups every year or so. ... In personal papers I've located this e-mail address and recall J.P. and I dialing up information from the web site of

www.whoa.org . I have found that J.P. had many friends and former students around the world and it is a problem making sure everyone is aware of his passing. I thank you for your time.

William Leroy Hessenflow, Faculty

This was written to the whoa.org mailing lists within a year or so before Mr. Hessenflow passed away ...

For the directory, and publish anythng you like, I have no secrets at age 77: William Leroy Hessenflow I was "Bill" back then, but now use my middle name, but also answer to Bill. Taught Math and Science from 1956 to 1958. Arrived Fall of 56, left Spring of 58. No spouse at present (I have buried 3 of them!) Retired since 1982. Lived for 24 years in Japan, after leaving the Philip

pines. Now live in Sun City, AZ, a retirement community. Love fast cars, fast women, and my grandkid. (his father was killed in Vietnam!) First greatgrandkid due in October.

Mr. Robert Jackson, Faculty

Memories from Bonnie Carter '83

I remember Mr. Jackson as one of the younger cooler teachers at Wagner. It is hard to imagine that he is gone. My condolences to his family. If not for him I would not be typing this. Had I paid better attention, I might not have so many typos!

Mr. Al Kellers, Faculty

Memories from Michael L. Farris

I am grateful for the time he held me back on a math class I failed. I went to summer classes also taught by Mr. Kellers. He turned me around and started me into engineering with his electronics class.

Mr. Rudolf "Tiny" Littleton, Office Secretary

Memories from V.J. Slupecki '70

Great sadness!!!!!!

Tiny was one of the finest persons I've ever known. "Tiny" he was not and if you've ever had the pleasure of meeting this 6'5", 270 lbs gentle giant you are a better person for it.

I first met "Tiny" when I returned to Clark in 1981 and decided to pay Mr. T a visit and check out the old alma mater. He was an odd ball if you consider that I've never seen a male secretary at Wagner before. Very pleasant and always upbeat with a heart worth "his" weight in gold.

He retired from the USN and was married to a Filipina and had a large family. He was a Shriner/Mason and a brother Past President of the Rotary Club and Angeles West. Tiny was also active in the American Legion and VFW. Always around to volunteer his time to worthy causes.

My best memories of "Tiny" was when he appeared at my children's birthday parties as "Tiny Bubbles" the clown. The biggest clown you've ever seen. Blowing balloons and making animal figures for all the kids. He was at our Christmas party that we threw for the Angeles City orphanages as "Tiny Bubbles" and made their lives richer from poor kids who had nothing.

Wagner has lost one of it's finest and I will miss him.

Here's to you "Tiny Bubbles"!

Memories from Bruce F. Hawkins, faculty

I knew Tiny very well! I was on the Wagner staff when he started work there! At first it did seem a little strange having a 'guy' as a secretary, but Tiny was quite a great person. Being a retired Navy Chief, he tried at first to carry that into his job, and just about ran the office by himself! Of course, he slowed down a bit. As any that may have been in the Navy knows, the Navy Chief is 'top dog' in the service! No other branch has anything to compare.

I got to know Tiny during the remainder of my time there, and had a lot of respect for him. A true professional!

Memories from LindaMarie '88

This is so sad. I remember Mr. Littleton. He was a great man with an even greater heart. He was a funny person, one of the things he used to razz us about was that we were slow typists, he could do 90 wpm without blinking. Yet when seriousness was called for, he was stern but not hard. I remember watching him in action, staring down students in the morning, as they couldn't really lie to him--"you were late because......?" or "you were that sick yesterday??" He could worm it out of you. (I never really got the chance to do any of that, damn!)

I remember him being in the shriners, helping all those less fortunate children. He always could give a good laugh as well. Such a good person. One less angel for us here

Donna McKeown - Faculty

Memories from Debbie Goldey Wardick '76

"Mom" as we all called her was the class of 76 sponsor. She stuck by us all 4 years at WHS. I remember her classroom door was always open to all her kids. I spent time and money searching for "mom" over the years. I wish I could have found her before she died to thank her for being a mom and a

friend to me back at WHS, and for being a wonderful teacher. I remember two things that stand out amongst my many memories of her. 1) She let students smoke in her classroom, but not during classes. 2) Her standing on the stage at graduation, crying while she cut the apron strings on her apron, telling us it was time for "mom" to let us go. Thank you Mrs McKeown for the wonderful memories.

Memories from Tish Rush '75

I know that there are hundreds of us right now mourning the death of this wonderful woman. What she did for so many of us at such a tumultuous time in our lives was truly the act of a teacher, friend and

a family member. She helped me with things my own mother couldn't. She didn't care what class you were from or your background or what your parents did, she only cared about you. I was her teacher's assistant when I was a senior. All we did was talk and talk and talk. I really loved her. This news hit me like a ton of bricks. I will never ever forget Ma.

Memories from Shannon (McKeown) Holifield '84

I am not sure where to start in the last few days as I have heard from former friends and loved ones I have been overwhelmed. I popped on to this list to let everyone know that momma was proud of everyone of you and that in her last week of life she spoke of her kids at Clark a lot. I wish there was a way to remove your pain...or at least lessen it...and maybe by being here where you can talk with me a bit about mom or whatever it will help.

Aside from that I remember so many of you so well. my own years in highschool were a shadow because I had already graduated and gone through high school when I got there....I had gone with so many of you.

To those that knew and loved Donna McKeown. In her leaving she has asked that no flowers be sent. No honoriam be established. Her only request is that each of her kids donate a book in her name to the Copperas Cove Junior High School Library and a second book to the library of your choice. I know for many that this request may sound silly and for some other person it might be, but we all know that mom's true love was the written word. So if there are any interested in doing this for our mom, please do so.

Copperas Cove Jr High School Library

702 Sunny Street

Copperas Cove, Texas 76522

I know with each book that passes from your loving hands into the hands of another child, mother's legacy of love, learning, life and her kids will go on forever.

Love and God bless,

Shannon (McKeown) Holifield

Class of 76....and 84

Memories from Bill Kemp '76

Donna McKeown (taught English 72-76, class of '76 sponsor/'mom'). I have just read of the passing of one of my favorite teachers, Donna McKeown. This fine lady put up with us, a bunch of spoiled, but fun loving, brats with long hair and strange fashions, and I never once heard her complain. She provided some relief from the algebra and gym class by her open class atmosphere where we could relax and listen to Jesus Christ Superstar or Tommy all day. She made the world a little better place. I'm sure a star somewhere above shines with her spirit.

Mr Milton Sosnick, Faculty

Memories from Aaron Sosnick '84

As you will glean from this note and the attached letter, the current discussion of my father is very meaningful to my family. We appreciate all the thoughts and memories that his students are sharing. Russel's letter, in particular, moved me, and I thought it merited a special response. Some of the other notes remembered my father's undeniable spirits of fun, irreverence, and cynicism but I thought Russel's letter best demonstrated the motivation underlying such fun, irreverence, and even cynicism.

Memories from Russell D. Ollie '86

I too am very saddened to learn of Mr. Sosnick's passing. Too few of us have had a teacher who took the time and interest to help us along the way. I count myself fortunate that I ended up in a class taught by one of the most passionate teachers I ever came across. The interest Mr. Sosnick showed in me came during a very formative period of my life.

In addition to being an excellent teacher, Mr. Sosnick also served as one of the PVOT (the on the job training program in existence during the '80s) Coordinators. During my Junior year in 1985, I decided that I wanted PVOT position where I could train beside fighter pilots at the F-4 Simulator on base (at this point in time my goal in life was to be an Air Force fighter pilot). Of course this was the one position that wasn't available through the program. Regardless, Mr. Sosnick and Mr. O'Connor somehow managed to open doors and set me up to spend time in the F-4 simulators every day after school. As you might imagine I counted myself a bit luckier than my counterparts working the legal, accounting, or medical offices on base (undoubtedly many others had as rewarding experience in their chosen fields). I continued in this job for the next year and a half until graduation.

Mr. Sosnick was also instrumental in my decision to attend M.I.T. after graduation. Not only did he help convince me that I was possessed of sufficient intellect to merit applying but he also wrote one heck of a recommendation that helped me get in.

Durng my time at Wagner I thanked Mr. Sosnik on several occasions for his help. However, I had always hoped to someday look him up and thank him for helping me to achieve some of my larger successes in life. I regret that I shall not have that chance and will have to settle for publicly acknowledging the positive influence Mr. Sosnick played in my life. He is greatly missed.

Memories from Jennifer Keenan '86

I loved Mr. Sosnick. I'm sorry to hear that he had passed away. I remembered in 1985/86 I had him for a class. That was the year of the shuttle Challenger disaster and he had taped it for the class. He never hid his feelings-that's what I respected most about him. He always gave me a hard time regarding softball and volleyball because his daughter Tamara and I were teammates, and of course Tamara was the best you know! Was Wagner the last place he taught?

Memories from Kim Eubanks Jantzen '82

It's been years since I heard of Mr. Sosnick's death, and still it tugs at my heart. As a teacher, now I know what a gift he possessed, seeing in each of us the ability to go far, reach higher, fly farther. There are days I wish he could be at my side as I struggle to motivate someone who is bright, talented and wasting the opportunities the world has laid at the door.

Then, there are days when I'm taken with a need to wear a bright red t-shirt with a pair of olive drab pants, claim I'm an olive and beg passersby to toss me in a man-size martini (knowing full well I'd never drown, if it was "dry" enough!)

We were a lucky bunch at Wagner. And I think most of us knew it.

Memories from Tom Ngo '82

Milton Sosnick taught with the heart and to the heart. One afternoon nearly two decades ago, he got me to see my thumb as I'd never seen it before. The thumb, to me, had been the lowliest of the fingers: stubby and awkward for lack of a third phalanx. In that hour my thumb was revealed to be a marvel of evolution that, by opposing the other four fingers, allowed us to make tools, homes, and civilizations. To Mr. Sosnick, this was no mere piece of academic trivia. He wanted us to feel this and a million other insights right in the gut, where they would combine into a whole truth that made sense and actually mattered. With that passion he got under our skin, helping us shed that "ignoramus" persona that made us teenagers comfortable, but, well... ignorant.

Through my friendship with Aaron '84, I was privileged also to know Milton Sosnick in his home. There, relentlessly but with a touch of love and humor, he continued to challenge us. Rarely content with blandness, he made us take positions and find ourselves. We will miss him... but I believe he knows what a positive influence he had on so many lives.

Mr. Richard Van Zwoll, Faculty

Memories from Michelle Gildore '91

I remember Mr.Van Zwoll he was a great guy. Although I never had a class with him I had the pleasure of getting to know him because he was a family friend. We were stationed at Travis AFB, CA at the time and we'd visit Kala his daughter in San Francisco. I remember when I was about 8 yrs old and we'd visit our friend "Tita Kala," and her father Mr. Van Zwoll would play with me. He was very playful and encouraged me in improving my Math skills. He was very tall and from the pictures that I had seen from his late wife Leonor Van Zwoll he was very handsome and was a good father to his two children (Kal and Mark) and a caring and loving husband. I will always keep him and his family in my daily prayers.

Mr. Van Zwoll, I know you can read this- I hope that you are happy and at peace in heaven. Please kiss God's face for me. It was a pleasure to meet you in this life. See you in the next one! May God bless and keep you in his tender loving care always. Rest in Peace.