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. 

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.

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. 

Floyd "Doc" Ralph Garrett, Jr., ’67 DVM, ’81 MPH, Taft, Texas, died on Jan. 14, 2024, at age 85. Recruited by the USDA, Garrett worked as an enforcement officer in animal health in New Orleans. He later purchased Flour Bluff Animal Hospital and Island Animal Clinic in Port Aransas, Texas. Garrett also led low-cost vaccination clinics and in his semi-retirement, he served as a relief veterinarian. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; three children; and three grandchildren.

Gerald "Jerry" Lahmers, ’63 DVM, Elk River, Minn., died Dec. 17, 2023, at age 91. Lahmers opened his own veterinary practice In Eyota. He and his family later moved to Melrose and Lahmers joined the Melrose Veterinary Clinic. Lahmers is survived by his children, Bob, Victoria, and Eric, and grandchildren, Maya, Max, and Leah.

David Espeseth, ’64 DVM, died on February 3, 2024, at age 84. Espeseth joined the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps and served two years, attaining the rank of captain. Upon completion of service, he went to work for USDA where he worked through the ranks to become director of the agency’s Center for Veterinary Biologics. He spent 33 years with the USDA before retiring. Espeseth is survived by his wife, four children, six grandchildren, and two brothers.

Clarke Poad ’63 DVM, Combined Locks, Wis., died on Feb. 2, 2024, at age 93. Poad founded two veterinary practices, Appanasha Pet Clinic in Menasha, Wis., followed by the Animal Medical Center in Appleton. He is survived by his wife, his son, two grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, his mother-in-law, sisters- and brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Russell Wambeam, ’65 DVM, Laramie, Wy., died on July 18, 2023, at age 88. After graduating from veterinary school, he practiced in Minnesota before moving to Laramie and running a veterinary hospital for several decades. He also taught classes in Animal Care at the University of Wyoming. He is survived by four children, five grandchildren, two sisters, and a brother.