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.

Thomas Wanous, ’59 DVM, Minneapolis, died on October 17 at 84. After earning his degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Minnesota, Wanous joined the U.S. Army and served as a captain in France. He worked with local churches in Kenya and other East African countries to provide veterinary care and community support workshops. He returned to veterinary practice in Minnesota in the 1980s. Wanous is survived by his wife, Bette; his brother; five children; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

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.

Robert Steinkraus Jr., ’53 DVM, Milwaukee, Wis., died on May 15 at 90. He began his career of caring for animals as a "kennel boy" at a local animal hospital. Steinkraus went on to co-found the Wauwatosa Veterinary Clinic in Wauwatosa, Wis. He also served as chair of the Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board from 1975 to 1980. He is survived by his four children, seven grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

William Pritchard, ’53 PhD, Davis, Calif., died on October 18 at 95. He served as dean of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine for 20 years from 1962 to 1982. He participated in international consulting for agricultural research and development programs for the Rockefeller Foundation. He was awarded the University of Minnesota Outstanding Award in 1976.

Kakambi V. Nagaraja, ’80 DVM, St. Paul, died on July 22 at 76. Nagaraja worked for the University of Minnesota from 1974 to 2020, most recently serving as a professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. His research involved the study of food safety, including bacterial and viral diseases of poultry.

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