Ken Rhylander #633
Ken Rhylander, #633, passed away October 22 in Honolulu, Hawaii, having lost the battle with lymphoma. He served as Rush Chairman in 1966 and Venerable Dean in 1967. He was an ROTC member and, following his graduation in 1969, he had a long career with the Army. He is survived by his wife Rolen, stepdaughter Chrisca, and daughter Kathy, as well as a son by a previous marriage, Col. Erik Rhylander USAF.
Ken with the rendering of the new house on Vine St for 1968
More Stories coming in the future:
—John Thompson #651
Michael Widel #986
Michael J. Wiedel, Jr. of Chicago, Illinois, the son of Michael John Wiedel (Jack) and Cheryle Ann (Paugh) Wiedel, was born December 8, 1966, in Hebron, Nebraska. Michael passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at the age of 55 years. Michael began his schooling in Hebron, graduating from Hebron High School. He obtained his
undergraduate degree from University of Nebraska and his master’s in business administration from Northwestern University.
Following college, Michael was honored to serve in the Peace Corps, volunteering first in Togo, Africa in 1990, educating on and implementing farming systems. Following two years of service overseas, Michael was then positioned in Chicago, Illinois, handling recruitment efforts and program administration.
Michael met his devoted partner, Humphrey A. Granger, in 2007, and they enjoyed building their lives together in Chicago, where they were engaged to be married. They shared many interests, including travel, cuisine, and spending time in nature. Michael was embraced by his partner’s family and friends in France, where they enjoyed many travels and experiences. Michael was a respected colleague at The Gallup Organization, where he held several positions over the course of his career, most recently serving as a Senior Research Consultant. Michael was proud to have been recognized often by the company for his excellent and valuable contributions.
He is survived by his partner, Humphrey, his sister Dawn Wiedel and wife Rhonda Henning of Lincoln, Nebraska, his brother, Jerrod Wiedel and wife Haley of Hebron, Nebraska, his aunt, Sandra Carbonneau and husband Jim of Hebron, Nebraska, his uncle James Paugh and wife Alta of Hebron, Nebraska, his aunt Tana Benavides of Corpus Christi, Texas, his aunt Jeanette Else and husband Kenny of Hebron, Nebraska, his uncle Ron Hintz of Hebron, Nebraska, his aunt Darlene Emanuel of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, nieces and nephew, Koti Wiedel, Jay Henning, Kari Pester,
Alexandra Fintel, a host of cousins and friends.
Michael was a registered organ donor and an avid proponent of the cause; memorial donations can be made to Live on Nebraska at https://liveonnebraska.org/give. Memorial services to be announced at a later date.
Written by Tom Macy (#1012) May 12th 2023
He was a pledge brother of mine and was Venerable Dean. Mike passed away suddenly of a heart attack in October.
Mike went on to join the Peace Corps after his time at UNL and then to work for Gallup in Chicago. He lived there until his death. I’ve attached a copy of his obituary.
There will be a celebration of life for Mike on Saturday, April. 22nd in Hebron where he grew up. I’ve attached a copy of the announcement. I’m hoping that this can go out to all Alumni or be included in the next Asp.
Additionally, Sue Osterberg Bath (former Acacia Sweetheart and friend of Mike’s) and I worked with the NU Foundation to setup a scholarship in Mike’s name. Individuals can make donations by going to https://secure.nufoundation.org/give?fundid=01159910&tribute_type=memory or by clicking on the QR code below. Donations should be made in Mike’s name to the NU Foundation Holding Fund. Once the official fund is established the money will be moved there.
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