In Remembrance

Marcus R. Berg, ’69 DVM, Rochester, died on November 8, 2020, at 76. Berg started his career practicing veterinary medicine in Fairmont, Minn., where he met his beloved wife, Susan. He eventually purchased the Sleepy Eye Veterinary Clinic after practicing in Fairmont, Clarks Grove, and Tracy. His interest in small animals and the Arizona sun led him to the Phoenix area in 1996, where he provided pet care before eventually retiring in 2007. He is survived by his wife, two children, three grandchildren, four brothers, and many nieces and nephews.

John Melancon, ’68 DVM, St. Cloud, died on October 30, 2020, at 77. Melancon owned a veterinary clinic in Sauk Center, Minn., for many years and then went on to work in veterinary pharmaceuticals. He retired from Merck/Merial in 2003. When not travelling the globe with his wife, Nancy, he enjoyed spending time with his adored children and grandchildren, playing bridge, fishing, and hunting. Melancon is survived by his wife, five children, brother, two sisters, and seven grandchildren.

Don Minnick, ’63 DVM, Richland, Wash., died on November 14, 2020, at 84. Minnick was a co-founder of the Moffat Minnick Animal Hospital in Kent, Wash., where he practiced for 33 years. He loved caring for all types of animals and treasured getting to know his clients. Following his retirement, Minnick volunteered for and supported several charitable causes, including helping the homeless and ministering to prisoners. He is survived by his wife Joan, three children, two sisters, his grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

William Zwiener, ’55 DVM, St. Cloud, died on November 9, 2020, at 92. Zwiener practiced veterinary medicine into his 80s and was able to help many animals and meet many wonderful people—many of whom became good friends. He also was passionate about Boys State, a summer leadership camp where he served as a counselor or director for 65 years. Zwiener is survived by four children and 10 grandchildren.

Jack Lambert, ’58 DVM, Wolf Point, Mont., died on December 1, 2020, at 86. Lambert started a private practice in Townsend, Mont., often performing spaying and neutering on the ironing board in the kitchen. In 1961, his family moved to Wolf Point, and Lambert accepted a job with the USDA as a veterinarian, working with the agency until his retirement in 1992. He is survived by five children, a niece and nephew, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchild.

Harold Leo “Bud” Strandberg, ’54 DVM, Tacoma, Wash., died on March 31, 2020, at 92. Strandberg worked for the state of Minnesota upon graduating with his veterinary degree, but after two years, he was activated as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. He retired from the Army with the rank of colonel. Standberg went to work for the United States Department of Agriculture and retired after 20 years at age 71. Strandberg is survived by his wife, Ginger, five children, 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, his sister, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Arnie Jostock, ’70 DVM, Dawson, Minn., died on December 5, 2020, at 76. Jostock worked as a veterinarian until retiring in 2014, after working in the field for more than 40 years. He was always active in the community, including serving as a hospice volunteer with his dog Rascal. Jostock is survived by his wife, Bonnie, five children, 12 grandchildren, two brothers, and numerous nieces and nephews.

John B. Gratzek ’56 DVM, Athens, Ga., died on November 22, 2020, at 89. Gratzek began his veterinary career in Ames, Iowa, before moving to Athens, Ga., in 1966, where he became professor and head of medical microbiology at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. His field of expertise was aquatic medicine, and he often encouraged fellow veterinarians to learn more about treating fish and other aquatic animals. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, four children, and seven grandchildren.

Steven J. Wilcox, ’73 DVM, St. Cloud, Minn., died on June 15 at 70. Wilcox worked as a small animal veterinarian in Bloomington, Minn., and Lancaster, Calif., for 10 years before transitioning into a position with the USDA Department of Food and Safety Inspection Services. He was a veterinarian medical officer for 31 years before retiring. Wilcox is survived by his wife, Diane; five children; eight grandchildren; and his brother.