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1950s Featured Legacies Home

Allen Strunk (BSJ51)

Allen D. Strunk, former owner and publisher of the McCook Gazette died at age 95 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As publisher for more than three decades, Strunk carried forward the family legacy of community journalism established by his father, Harry Strunk, while steering the Gazette into the modern era of printing and production. Under his leadership, the Gazette earned recognition among the nation’s leading small-market dailies, a reflection of both his technical foresight and his deep commitment to community journalism.

Born and raised in McCook, Strunk left his hometown to serve with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. After his military service, he pursued a journalism degree at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, one of the nation’s most respected programs. When his studies were complete, he returned to McCook to join the Gazette staff in 1953.

Six years later, he succeeded his father as publisher, guiding the newspaper through its transition from letterpress to offset printing and into a new facility in 1966. His tenure was distinguished by a commitment to innovation, journalistic integrity, and the public’s right to know.

A firm believer in open meetings and government transparency, Strunk became a leading advocate for Nebraska’s early open-meetings laws, often challenging local boards and agencies to conduct the people’s business in public view.

Yet Strunk’s influence extended far beyond the newsroom. He played a key role in McCook’s civic and economic development, leading efforts that resulted in additions to McCook College and the construction of a new YMCA and Community Hospital. As chairman of the Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Committee, he was instrumental in attracting new industry to the city.

A firm believer in the power of education and community leadership, Strunk later endowed a fund to recognize outstanding local educators, ensuring that his commitment to public service continued long after his retirement. His support for medical and recreational facilities, as well as his leadership on state boards including the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation and the University of Nebraska Medical Center Board of Governors, reflected a lifetime of civic engagement.

Allen Strunk retired from publishing in 1986, but his imprint on McCook endures – in the institutions he helped build, the open government principles he championed, and the newspaper he modernized for generations to come.

https://www.mccookgazette.com/story/3065253.html

Andy Wolfson (MSJ78)

Andy Wolfson, an investigative reporter for more than 44 years at The Courier Journal and its former afternoon affiliate, the Louisville Times, has died. He was 70.

Wolfson died Sept. 17 at his home in Louisville where he had been managing several health problems, including recovery from a stroke last year, according to his wife, Mary Welp.

His death was reported Thursday by The Courier Journal, where he served as an award-winning journalist covering the justice system and other subjects for most of his career.

His work helped The Courier Journal win two Pulitzer Prizes, one in 1989 for team coverage of the fiery Carroll County church bus crash that killed 27 children and adults. In 2020, he was among reporters who won a Pulitzer for the coverage of a flurry of last-minute, highly-controversial pardons by outgoing Gov. Matt Bevin.

But Wolfson, who retired in 2024, was best known for his work covering legal affairs and the justice system, including reporting on the case of a man on Kentucky’s death row, Gregory Wilson, who was freed after Wolfson’s work outlined Wilson’s poor legal representation and other flaws in the prosecution, The Courier Journal reported.

He was known and largely respected by lawyers and judges throughout the commonwealth and beyond.

“I think he’s the best investigative reporter in Kentucky,” Scott Cox, a prominent Louisville defense lawyer and former prosecutor said when Wolson retired last year, according to The Courier Journal. Cox called Wolfson “fearless” and said he “doesn’t back down.”

Brusque and at times abrasive, Wolfson was known for asking pointed questions and striking alarm in subjects through an unexpected call or visit.

Among stories Wolfson liked to tell on himself: Some years ago, he visited Jefferson District Court to protest a traffic ticket he believed was unfair.

The judge was calling cases alphabetically and he waited several hours till most of the other cases were called, the courtroom cleared, and the judge, recognizing Wolfson, asked what he was doing in the courtroom.

Wolfson explained he came to protest a ticket. The judge, in relief, said he thought Wolfson was there to investigate his handling of traffic court and promptly addressed his complaint.

A native of Connecticut, Wolfson graduated from Colorado College and Northwestern University, where he received a master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism in 1977.

He came to work in Louisville in 1980, first at the Louisville Times, before moving in 1983 to the morning statewide newspaper, The Courier Journal.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Welp; a son, Wylie Wolfson; his sister, Ellen Wolfson; her husband, Neil Grosberg, and a niece and nephew.

https://kentuckylantern.com/2025/09/18/andy-wolfson-journalist-whose-beat-was-justice-dies-in-louisville/

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Andy Hullinger (Medill Lecturer)

Post author By Belinda Clarke
Post date July 16, 2025
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Andrew Steven Hullinger, known affectionately as Andy, left this world on July 4, 2025, suddenly and unexpectedly due to complications of cancer, which he had been living with for over a year. Born in Decatur, Illinois on October 12, 1965, Andy’s optimism and imagination inspired everyone he met. He passed away with his wife by his side in Evanston, Illinois, leaving a legacy of curiosity, creativity, and joy.

Andy was the beloved husband of 35 years to Meg Egan and the proud father of Lily (Michelle) and Ben (Margaret) Hullinger. He was a cherished brother to Dana (Lynnette), Jon (Morgan), and Ty Hullinger. His role as a fun-loving uncle to Amanda, Fiona, Rachel, Maeve, Riley, Cait, Roan, Finley, Maddie, and Luke, as well as a great-uncle to Joseph and Isaac, will be fondly remembered. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper and Joyce Hullinger.

Andy earned his Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication at Blackburn College in 1987 and applied his skills and passion for design throughout his professional life. His career included influential positions as Creative Director/Designer for numerous advertising agencies, including Dept. 11, HY Connect, energyBBDO, Y&R, Element 79 Partners, Leo Burnett Company, Capps Digital, and Willson Graphics. In 2008, Andy changed career paths to become a Design Professor and Department Chair of Web Design & Development at Harrington College of Design. In 2015, he achieved his MFA in Communications Design and worked as an educator and lecturer at Medill. He loved his new role as a teacher, helping to shape the talents and creativity of his students. His students all loved learning from him. His creative pursuits and recognitions also included working as a Type Designer for T26 and the creation of the award-winning children’s book App, Dragon Brush. One of his font designs, Christmas Gift Script, can be found in the older editions of the 3rd Harry Potter book, The Prisoner of Azkaban, in reference to Mr. Padfoot on the Marauder’s Map.

Whether playing guitar with his band at The Musical Offering, singing with the North Shore Choral Society, or designing for the Women’s Western Golf Association, Andy brought a unique flair and enthusiasm to every creative endeavor. A noted “jack-of-all-trades and self-proclaimed “Renaissance Man”, his talents and hobbies ranged from caring for animals to collecting fountain pens, Blackwing pencils, and Field Notes. Andy was a skilled woodworker, luthier, and entertainer, who was a card-carrying member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Order of Merlin.

Andy was a devoted and loving father to Lily and Ben Hullinger. He took great pride in being a parent, especially through reading books to his kids, creating costumes for Halloween, assisting them with the Science Olympiad, and being an active mentor in their day-to-day lives. Andy was proud to see his creativity reflected through Lily and Ben’s numerous artistic passions.

Andrew Steven Hullinger’s journey through life was one marked by laughter, hope, and an unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of others through his creative spirit, kind heart, and quick wit. His memory will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to know him.

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Madeline Halpern (MSJ86)

Madeline J. Halpern, née Jackolin, passed away peacefully at home on May 8, 2025. She was 79. Beloved wife of the late Richard C. Halpern, loving mother of Rebecca (Hal Rudnick), stepmother of Susan Winstead and Daniel (Mary) Halpern, and “Mam” to grandchildren Eden, Megan and Nathaniel.

Madeline, or “Maddi”, was born in Chicago, IL, on August 11, 1945, the daughter of Arlene Eier Jackolin and Luigi Giuseppe Iacolin (Louis Joseph Jackolin), a brick mason who immigrated from the town of San Leonardo in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. She was a devoted sister of Joyce June Keith, and Louis (Judy), Bill (Janet) and Robert Jackolin, and aunt and cousin to many.

A graduate of Harrison High School, Maddi was a lifelong learner who earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, which she parlayed into a successful career as a food journalist. In 1987, she developed, produced and starred in “All About Food” for Cablevision, the first food-related magazine show of its kind that later became the format of so many of the cooking shows we see on television today. She was also a regular columnist for several Chicago-area publications, including Today’s Chicago Woman, The Pioneer Press and Fra Noi.

Maddi and Richard, her soulmate of 44 years, were partners in the truest sense of the word. Maddi was instrumental in helping grow Richard’s career as a master builder who oversaw the construction of more than 200 Chicago-area landmarks and buildings around the world, including the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Harold Washington Library. A former member of the Women’s Board of the Goodman Theatre and Ravinia Festival, and a Governing Member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Maddi and Richard also endowed the M.J. Halpern Scholarship Fund for Medill at Northwestern, and established the Architectural Engineering & Design Certificate Program and the Richard C. Halpern/RISE International Distinguished Architect in Residence at the McCormick School of Engineering. Maddi was a longtime member of the Chicago Botanic Garden, and she loved tending to her herb, vegetable and cut flower beds at the home that she and Richard built with Architect Tom Beeby in 2005.

A guiding light to all who were inspired by her, Maddi’s life was a masterclass in living, and dying, well. Her family is forever grateful to the many caregivers and cherished friends who helped maintain her charm, elegance and dignity to the very end.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/wilmette-il/madeline-halpern-12369249

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Ferguson Elwyn Rood (MSJ56)

Post author By Belinda Clarke
Post date March 26, 2025
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Ferguson Elwyn Rood, 95, formerly of Atlanta, Georgia, a distinguished pioneer in newspaper marketing and a beloved family man, passed away peacefully in Winchester, Virginia on February 24th, 2025 at Orchard Woods Healthcare Center at the Village at Orchard Ridge. Born on August 2, 1929, in Joliet, Illinois, Ferguson was the son of Owen and Euphemia (Ferguson) Rood. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Owen and Frank Rood, and his wife, Nancy Haltom Rood.

Ferguson graduated from Lapier High School in 1947 and pursued higher education at Joliet Jr. College and Illinois Wesleyan College, earning a degree in Business. In 1952, he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and served with the Army Signal Corps at Camp Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. After his military service, Ferguson attended Northwestern University in Chicago, where he earned a Master’s in Journalism in 1956 and met the love of his life, Nancy Haltom. The couple married in 1958 and were devoted to each other throughout their 58 years together.

Upon graduation, Ferguson began his career with the Atlanta Journal and Constitution in 1956, where he was instrumental in establishing the first Research and Marketing Department. His groundbreaking work in market research set new standards in the industry and was recognized in academic texts for advertising and marketing. Ferguson retired as the VP of Research and Marketing for Cox Newspaper, Inc. in 1988.

Throughout his career, Ferguson was actively involved in community and service organizations, including Toastmasters, Travel Aide Atlanta, The Newspaper Marketing and Research Association, Dekalb County PTA, and Oak Grove United Methodist Church.

Ferguson and Nancy were proud parents to three daughters: Cindy Robinson (David), Cathy Philips (Skip), and Carolyn Ferguson (James). He was a devoted grandfather to seven grandchildren: Emily Kauchak (Kevin), Will Heine, Stephen Philips, Christopher Philips, Erin Philips, Gavin Little, and Arden Little; as well as a cherished great-grandfather to Kingston and Harper Kauchak, and Camden and Beckham Heine.

Ferguson had a passion for travel, exploring all 50 states with Nancy in their beloved RVs. His sense of adventure and his joy in every place he visited were as remarkable as his renowned love for a good cigar and his quirky sense of humor.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers who supported Ferguson in his later years; Inus Quincey, Blue Ridge Hospice, the staff at The Village at Orchard Ridge and the nurses and caregivers at Orchard Woods Healthcare Center for their tender loving care. Each caregiver was special and so appreciated.

Ferguson Elwyn Rood’s legacy of innovation, service, and love for his family will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. His life was a testament to dedication, curiosity, and a deep affection for those around him.

https://www.winchesterstar.com/obituaries/ferguson-elwyn-rood/article_45517de9-d73a-5fc2-a63c-4633d785bfe1.html

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Tom Germuska (BSJ62)

Thomas Allen Germuska, Sr., 84, retired communications consultant, formerly of Palatine, passed away unexpectedly on February 12, 2025 at home in Rolling Meadows, IL.

Born in Cleveland, Tom graduated from John Marshall High School and received his undergraduate degree from Medill. He was a Chicago Sun-Times reporter for six years before taking on a public relations position at United Airlines. He was at United for two decades before starting his own independent consulting company.

Tom was devoted to his church, and for many years ran the PADS Overnight Shelter Program at All Saints Lutheran Church. He enjoyed building homes with Habitat for Humanity.

Tom gave deeply of himself, had a strong sense of duty, and celebrated over 46 years of sobriety. A skilled ceramicist, he enjoyed his time at Thrown Elements Pottery in Arlington Heights. He especially loved exhibiting and selling his work at art shows, including the Edgewater Arts Festival, where he had numerous repeat customers.

Loving father of Thomas (Megan) Germuska of Avon Lake, OH and Joseph (Jenni Grover) Germuska of Skokie, IL. Proud step-grandfather (“Mr. G”) of Regan and Emma Campbell.

Dearest older brother of Richard “Dick” Germuska and Marilyn Best; brother-in-law of Joanne Germuska; and uncle of Jennifer (Tina Cameron) Rhone, Jill (Michael) Rotkis, and Jamie Germuska.

Preceded in death by former spouse Constance Ann Germuska (nee Gorlo) and parents Ladislaw and Stella Elizabeth (nee Vernick) Germuska.

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Howard Geltzer (BSJ58, MSJ59)

Post author By Belinda Clarke
Post date January 14, 2025
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Howard Geltzer, longtime Medill board of advisers and Hall of Achievement member, died Jan. 7, 2025. He was 88.

Geltzer and his wife Sheila started their public relations agency, Geltzer & Co. public relations, in New York City in 1974. At the end of the 1970s, Sony gave the agency responsibility to launch the Walkman. Sony had low expectations for the product and wanted to keep down costs. No advertising; no promotion; only the Geltzer & Co. publicity effort. The contract was three months long. The Walkman exceeded all sales expectations. The three-month assignment lasted 12 years. Sony moved all of its product publicity business to Geltzer & Co. Other clients over the years included Black and Decker Housewares, Dow Chemical, Morton Salt, Samsung, and Toshiba.

The Geltzers also ran the 2000 New York presidential campaign of Dick Gephardt, a fellow Northwestern alumnus.

After 26 years in business, the Geltzers sold their agency to Publicis, the multinational advertising and marketing agency.

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Richard Lee Harris (BSJ76)

Post author By Belinda Clarke
Post date October 21, 2024
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Richard Lee Harris, a beloved family man and distinguished journalist, died in hospice in Washington DC on October 2, 2024. He was 70.

Richard, a member of Medill’s Hall of Achievement, shaped some of the world’s biggest news stories over the past half century as a broadcast producer for NPR’s All Things Considered, news editor at NBC News, and senior producer for ABC News’ “Nightline” for almost two decades. He structured a first-of-its-kind televised town hall between Israeli and Palestinian leaders in 1988 and secured an interview for “Nightline” with Nelson Mandela moments after his release from South African prison. Richard’s pitch for Ted Koppel to interview Brandeis professor Morrie Schwartz on the topic of death and dying put in motion the global best-selling memoir “Tuesdays with Morrie.”

Richard won 14 News & Documentary Emmys and a Columbia DuPont award, and is honored as a standout alumnus in the Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism Hall of Achievement.

In his personal life, Richard enjoyed playing word games with his sister, taking photographs of nature and family moments, bonding with the family dog on late-night walks, and savoring coffee and ice cream (or better yet ½ coffee ice cream). Richard spent some of his happiest moments as Papa to his three grandchildren, reading together, filling the bird feeder, and indoctrinating them into Red Sox Nation.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Kit (O’Connell) Harris; daughters Emily Harris, Susannah Harris, and Lily Harris; sons-in-law Duza Baba and Ben Estabrook; grandchildren Miles Baba, Cecelia Baba, and Norah Estabrook, and sister Debbie Mozes, along with many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred ‘Millie’ Harris and Lester ‘Lefty’ Harris, and his uncle Jonas Chaves.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/washingtonpost/name/richard-harris-obituary?id=56561625

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Neil King (MSJ90)

Neil King wearing a tweed cap and gray fleece jacket outdoors.

Neil King, the former global economics editor at The Wall Street Journal, died Tuesday from cancer.

He left The Journal in 2016. Last year, his book “American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal” documented his 330-mile walk from Washington to New York.

King worked for 15 years in the Journal’s Washington bureau, where he covered beats ranging from terrorism and foreign policy to trade and the international oil industry. He served as national political reporter from 2010 until early 2014, when he took over as editor of the Journal’s economics coverage.

He first joined Dow Jones in January 1995 as a reporter for The Wall Street Journal Europe, based in Prague. In November of that year, he moved to Brussels as chief correspondent of the European Journal’s Central European Economic Review. In 1996, he became the European Journal’s chief diplomatic and security correspondent.

Prior to joining Dow Jones, King was a staff reporter for the Tampa (Fla.) Tribune in 1990 and moved to Prague in 1992 as a freelance correspondent. He did freelance reporting for the European Journal from Prague from 1993 to 1994.

Born in Colorado, King earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Columbia University in New York and a master’s degree from the Medill.

King, former WSJ global economics editor, has died

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Stephen Byers (MSJ71)

Stephen Byers passed away on June 2, 2024 at the age of 81. Beloved husband of Gen McBride for 24 years. Loving father of Steven Byers, Mark Byers (Mary Krogmann), John (Laura) Caspari and Cate (Kyle) O’Connell. Proud grandfather of Allen Byers, Dawson O’Connell, Brynn O’Connell, Zoe Caspari and the late Hannah O’Connell; step grandfather of Ian McVeigh, Gwen Atkins, Carrie Krogmann and Bella Krogmann. Dear brother of George “Mike” (Judy) Byers, the late Jane (Lynn) Carstens, Bill (the late Janice) Byers, Phyllis (Dick) Lacey, Rick (Dorie) Byers. Dear brother-in-law of Joe McBride, Mike (Kerin) McBride, Pat (Kim) McBride, Dennis (Karen Barry) McBride, Mark (Kim Stanton-McBride) McBride and Tim (Shirley Porterfield) McBride. Proud great grandfather of Lacey and Allen Byers Jr. Steve will be greatly missed by his wonderful home health aide Laura Buchman, his nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Steve attended Indiana State University for his undergraduate degree Northwestern University for his masters in journalism UW Milwaukee for his doctorate in Urban Studies.

Steve was a talented journalist, wrote for several papers and was a reporter and editor for more than three decades at the Milwaukee Journal and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He then was a professor of journalism at Marquette University.

Steve devoted his life to Gen and her children and their grandchildren for the last 30 years. He brought laughter wherever he went, always brightened the room and taught many how to love with a bigger heart.

He loved basketball, traveling, sailing and cooking. But most of all he loved his many talks with Gen about books and politics. Steve and Gen had the joy of together writing the book Dear Mrs. Griggs: Women pour out their hearts from the heartland.

While later in life Parkinson’s took away many of the things that made him happy, he kept a good spirit and only wanted happiness for those he loved.