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.

Larry P. Traynor, ’65 DVM, River Falls, Wis., died on July 4 at 79. Upon completing his studies at the University of Minnesota, he began practicing veterinary medicine the same year in Ellsworth, Wis. Traynor’s practice served the greater Ellsworth and surrounding areas until his retirement in 2001. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; his sister; four children; and four great-grandchildren.

Earl “Hunt” McCauley, ’66 DVM, Bozeman, Mont., died on June 11, 2018, at 84. He followed his father’s footsteps to become a veterinarian after realizing he did not want to continue engineering. Hunt lectured at the University of Minnesota in large animal medicine and other topics. Later on he became a consultant for the World Bank and traveled the world to assess and investigate livestock. He is survived by his wife, Sue Claypole McCauley; two children; four grandchildren; and his sister.

Geraldine Elliston, ’64 DVM, Amarillo, Texas, died on June 28 at 73. Elliston worked for the USDA in Ames, Iowa; for Bio-Tec and Jensen-Salsbery Laboratories in Kansas City, Mo.; and as a relief veterinarian in Minneapolis, the Kansas City area, Dallas, and Amarillo before opening her own practice, Evening Pet Clinic in Amarillo in 1985. Elliston closed her practice and retired in 1999. She is survived by her son, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Jay Heezen, ‘68 VMD, passed away on August 6, 2020. After graduation, Jay enlisted in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corp and served from 1968 to 1970. He started a veterinary practice outside Plankinton, SD and practiced in the area for 35 years. Jay retired from full-time veterinary practice in 2006 and enjoyed his retirement in Keystone, SD. Jay is survived by two sons, Jason (Angie) Heezen of Plankinton, and Jon Heezen of Hadley, MN; a daughter, Jennifer (Bob) Hammond of Rapid City, and seven grandchildren.

Joe Poindexter, ’66 DVM, Ree Heights, S. Dak., died June 26, 2020 at 78. Poindexter’s love for animals started at a young age on his family’s ranch, where he eventually went on to raise his own family. His favorite part of veterinary medicine was getting to work with and learn from all of his clients. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; five children; and many grandchildren. 

Bradford C. Yoho, ’68 DVM, died March 11, 2020 at 84. Yoho co-founded the Stillwater Equine Veterinary Clinic and Stillwater Veterinary Clinic. When not working, Yoho trained and showed hunting dogs, and also bred, trained, and raced Thoroughbred horses. He is survived by his wife, Carole; two children; four grandchildren; and a brother.