Edward F. Jankus, ’59 DVM, Chicago, Ill., died September 29, 2019 at 89. Jankus attended veterinary school after serving in the US Army during the Korean War. After working in private practice for two years, he went on to work at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine as an instructor of Veterinary Physiology. While teaching at the U, Jankus obtained his PhD and published multiple research studies. He is survived by his two sons.

Wendell H. Nieman, ’57 DVM, Tucson, Ariz., died August 13, 2019 at 86. After veterinary school Nieman was drafted into the military, where he reached the rank of captain. He then began working in medical research, a career that included working with NASA on Project Mercury, which sent primates into orbit. He is survived by his wife; three children; and four grandchildren.

Gary R. Sampson, ’60 DVM, Indianapolis, Ind., died September 5 at 82. While attending veterinary school at the U, Sampson helped charter the Nu Chapter of Alpha Psi, a professional veterinary fraternity.  He went on to become the Director of Research Animal Care at the U’s School of Medicine. Sampson’s true passion was companion animals, and he even converted his home garage into a companion animal clinic. He provided pet behavioral services for over 25 years, and served on the board of the Indianapolis Humane Society. Sampson co-wrote two animal behavior books, and often made appearances on TV. He is survived by his wife, Elaine Sampson; 2 children; and 3 grandchildren.

Donald D. Johnson, ’54 DVM, Fridley, Minn., died September 4 at 89. Johnson was a veterinarian at Steele Animal Hospital in Northeast Minneapolis. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; his son, Tim; and four grandchildren.

Paul E. McCune, ’85 DVM, Cedar Lake, Ind., died March 24 at 59. After veterinary school, McCune moved to Indiana where he started the Illiana Equine Clinic. He is survived by his wife, Debbie McCune, and two children.

Wendell H. Nieman, ’57 DVM, Tucson, Ariz., died August 13, 2019 at 86. After veterinary school Nieman was drafted into the military, where he reached the rank of captain. He then began working in medical research, a career that included working with NASA on Project Mercury, which sent primates into orbit. He is survived by his wife; three children; and four grandchildren. 

Ronald D. Ferguson, ’64 DVM, Austin, Minn., died May 10, 2019, at 79. Ferguson practiced veterinary medicine for over 50 years, and enjoyed building connections with his many patients and their owners. He is survived by his wife, Sherri Ferguson; 3 children; and 5 grandchildren.

Ronald B. Hass, ’61 DVM, Milaca, Minn., died May 2, 2019, at 82. Hass practiced veterinary medicine in Milaca for 41 years. His favorite part of veterinary medicine was working with farmers and their horses, which were his favorite animal.

Gerald W. Peterson,’53 DVM, Belgrade, Minn., died May 18, 2019, at 91. Peterson served as the first alumni president for the CVM. He then went on to work in private practice, taking care of both large and small animals. Peterson later moved to California to work as a veterinarian in the poultry industry.