In Memoriam: Fall/Winter 2025-26

We celebrate the lives of the following alumni and friends, whose deaths were recently shared with us. We are thankful for their friendship.

Remembering Marina Spheeris Krejci ’68

Marina Spheeris Krejci ’68 passed away on Sept. 15, 2025. Marina had a lifelong passion for service, both to nonprofit organizations in Milwaukee, and to University School of Milwaukee. She was a student at Milwaukee Downer Seminary when the three predecessor schools merged to become USM in 1964. In 1984, she spearheaded the development of the Alumni Service Award, given annually to individuals who exhibit service and volunteerism. She earned the award in June 2025, and it has since been renamed in her honor. 

In 2001, she served as vice president of USM’s Board of Trustees before being hand-picked by then-Head of School Ward Ghory to become USM’s director of advancement starting in 2002. As director, she successfully led fundraising efforts for Phase I and Phase II of USM’s $45 million The Next Generation campaign—in part during a global recession. 

Marina had a long history of volunteering, both at USM and in Milwaukee. Highlights include co-chairing the UPAF Ride for the Arts; St. Robert School Emerald Auction; and Salsa Sampler for Notre Dame School of Milwaukee. In addition to her tenure at USM, Marina has held various roles leading development and advancement efforts for the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and Lake Forest Academy.

Marina is survived by her husband of 41 years, Frank Krejci; their children, Elizabeth Krejci ’05, Bennett Krejci ’07, and Susan Callan ’09, as well as granddaughter Jade Marina Callan, nephew Jack Frankenberry, brother Constantine Spheeris, other relatives, and many dear friends.

Remembering Charles F. Wright ’68

Charles Frederick Wright ’68 died on Dec. 21, 2025, in St. Augustine, Florida, following a battle with cancer. Born in Milwaukee, Charlie was a lifelong entrepreneur, investor, teacher, and spiritual seeker who lived with deep intention and conviction.

As vice chairman of The Fall River Group Inc., Charlie played a key role in its growth and diversification, and held leadership roles across numerous investment, technology, and biotech firms. A respected trading expert, he was a member of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, author of “Trading as a Business,” and mentor to traders worldwide.

He was a longtime supporter of USM, having served as a trustee from 1993 to 2002, twice co-chaired the school’s annual fund campaign, and chaired the USM committee on trustees and the USM technology committee. In 1992, Charlie and his uncle, Jim Wright MCDS’39, established the Wright Family Faculty Fund to reward USM faculty who exemplify the highest standards of independent school teaching. He also established the Charles F. Wright Technology in Teaching Award and the Wright Family Distinguished Faculty Chair. In 2003, he was given the Alumni Service Award. In 2022, he was inducted into the USM Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the 1968 hockey team, whose season-ending record of 18–2 stood for 33 years.

Charlie is survived by his life partner, Tina Henle; his brother William Wright Jr., and sister, Sally Furlong; his sons Charles Wright Jr. ’04 and Andrew Wright ’06; and grandchildren Eliza Wright ’39, Fritz Wright, and Arthur Wright.

Remembering Lowell MacDonald Sr.

Lowell MacDonald Sr. passed away at the age of 84 on Dec. 28, 2025. Lowell began his coaching career at USM in 1979 after a successful 14-year career in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins, during which he was twice named to the all-star team. He reached the pinnacle during the 1973–74 season when he scored 43 goals and was awarded the Bill Masterton Trophy—an achievement that reflected his skill but also his relentless work ethic, resilience, and dedication to hockey.

After retiring from professional hockey, Lowell devoted his life to education at USM. He wore many hats during his tenure from 1979 to 1997, including athletic director, boys’ varsity hockey head coach, and varsity golf head coach. He was known for always stepping in to help support the lives of USM athletes, and for championing the growth and success of USM athletics. In hockey, he compiled a record of 263-180-17, winning multiple WISAA state championships, but his greatest passion was helping students become not just better athletes, but better people. Lowell was elected into USM’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022.

Lowell is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce; his son, Lowell MacDonald Jr. ’83 and his family; his son, Lane MacDonald ’84 and his family; and his sister, Karen MacLeod. In lieu of flowers, Lowell’s family asked that donations be made in his memory to the USM hockey program through the school’s USM Fund. 

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1930s

Martha Miller Barnhart MDS’33, Erie, Pa.

Charles Keppler MCDS’36

Ruth Dwight Row MDS’37, Mequon, Wis.

Mary Cudahy Keogh-Stringer MDS’38, Sanibel, Fla.

Edith Pendock Stowers MDS’39, Dallas

1940s

Barbara Meyer Elsner MDS’44, Milwaukee

Arthur Jordan MUS’46, Homosassa, Fla.

Sally Day MDS’47, Oconomowoc, Wis.

Martha Nesbit Frankwicz MDS’47, Madison, Wis.

Robert Lown MCDS’49, Kennebunkport, Maine

1950s

Michael MacKedon MUS’50, Milwaukee

Gail Brisco Schaefer MUS’52, Hartland, Wis.

Louise Lau Hedrick MDS’54, Elm Grove, Wis.

Jonathan Harper MCDS’55, Mequon, Wis.

David Barrow III MCDS’56, West Bend, Wis.

John Carpenter MCDS’56, Milwaukee

D. Stevens Garlick MCDS’56, Charlottesville, Va.

Thomas Klug MCDS’57, Mequon, Wis.

Douglas MacNeil MCDS’57, Milwaukee

Frances O’Neill Mosle MDS’57, Nashua, N.H.

Carroll Disbrow MUS’58, Milwaukee

Matson Holbrook MCDS’58, Mequon, Wis.

Christopher Barrow MCDS’59, Vero Beach, Fla.

Robert Ott MCDS’59, Pewaukee, Wis.

1960s

Alan McGregor MCDS’62, Denver, Colo.

Michael Kotovic ’66, Milwaukee

1970s

Michele Vogel ’74, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

1980s

Catherine Broom Duncan ’82, Beltsville, Md.

1990s

Anwar Floyd-Pruitt ’95
Milwaukee

Friends

Judith Bergstrom, Franklin, Wis.
Grandmother of Josh Baker ’12 and Amber Baker Bender ’14

Roger Boerner, Mequon, Wis.
Grandfather of Kelly Riordan ’08

Patricia Bridge, Mequon, Wis.
Mother of Gardiner Flint Bridge ’69, Gerald Bridge ’72, and Jonathan Bridge ’78

Jerrel Jones, Brown Deer, Wis.
Father of Lynda Jones-Reyes ’80, Stacey Jones ’85, Jerrel Jones ’89, Earnest Jones ’96, and Mary Ellen Jones ’99, and grandfather of Alexis Reyes ’09

Nagaveni Reddy, Brookfield, Wis.
Mother of Anjali Reddy ’05

Correction: Clair Baum was listed with an incorrect relationship to August Baum ’27 in the Spring/Summer 2024-25 issue. Clair was August’s grandfather. We sincerely apologize for the error.