J. Raymond "Ray" McClure, Jr., DVM, ’77 MS, DACVS, St. Gabriel, La., died on Feb. 4, 2024, at age 81. Throughout his career, McClure made significant contributions as an equine surgeon. He was a member of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Large Animal Surgery. Later, he joined the faculty of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University, retiring as a full professor. McClure is survived by his wife, Angie; two former spouses; seven children; and nine grandchildren.

Robert Nelson, ’60 DVM, Rancho Bernardo, Calif., died on May 14, 2024, at age 89. After veterinary school, Nelson went on to a successful career at 3M from 1963 to 1997 where he held a variety of positions. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; two daughters; two sons; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. 

Bridget King, ’82 DVM, Aldrich, Minn., died on May 13, 2024, at age 70. In 1983, King started Homestead Vet Clinic in Aldrich. In 1998, she and her friends founded Pets Abandoned Wanting Support, a nonprofit to help animals find good homes. King was active in her community, sitting on the City Council and serving as treasurer. She was a large supporter of live music and the Wadena Area Concert Association.

James Thelen, ’62 DVM, Park Rapids, Minn., died on Nov. 29, 2023, at age 89. Thelen co-owned the Benson Vet Clinic, where he faithfully served the community until he retired in 1999, completing 37 years in veterinary medicine. He is survived by his son, Jim; daughter, Betsy; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters; and one brother.

Wesley Johnson, ’62 DVM, Boulder, Colo., died on April 2, 2024, at age 90. Johnson’s veterinary career spanned large and small animal clinics in North Dakota and Oklahoma, his veterinary service at the Oklahoma City Zoo, and his work as a USDA veterinary medical officer for the Food Safety and Inspection Service in Arkansas, its neighboring states, and ultimately in Washington D.C. He is survived by his wife, Joanne; two daughters; one son; one granddaughter; his daughter-in-law; his son-in-law; his sister and many other friends and family.

Warren Nystrom, ’58 DVM, Granbury, Texas, died on Nov. 26, 2023. Following veterinary school graduation, Nystrom joined the U.S. Air Force and served as a veterinarian on bases in Nevada and Japan. After his discharge from the military, he worked for the USDA in Minnesota before being transferred to Denton, Texas. Nystrom is survived by his daughter, Brenda; his son, Brian; seven grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Ann Valenti, ’93 DVM, Fox Island, Wash., died on April 15, 2024, at age 57. Valenti co-owned and managed Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital in the Twin Cities before heading to the Pacific Northwest where she joined Harbor Animal Hospital in Gig Harbor, Wash. She also taught puppy classes for over 20 years and mentored over 200 students from high school to veterinary school. Valenti is survived by her husband, Ed; three brothers; one sister; several nieces and nephews; two grandnephews; and a grandniece. 

Bill "Lucky" Luckemeyer, ’72 DVM, Alexandria, Minn., died on April 4, 2024, at age 77. Luckemeyer joined the Alexandria Veterinary Clinic where he cared for large and small animals. He became a partner in the clinic a year after joining. He is survived by his wife Donna; two daughters; two grandsons; two sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Darrel Joel, ’58 DVM, ’64 PhD, Rochester, Minn., passed away on August 6, 2022, at the age of 89. Joel joined Brookhaven National Laboratory as an assistant scientist and, several promotions later, led a research program focused on neutron capture therapy as a senior scientist. He later was appointed to serve as chairman of the lab’s medical department.