Faculty & Staff

Robert W. Batchelder

Robert W. (Bob) Batchelder, ’51, died Jan. 8, 2023. Also known as “Coach” and “Batch,” Batchelder turned down an offer to play for the Green Bay Packers after a stellar performance in the 1951 Cigar Bowl. Instead, he pursued graduate degrees in educational administration. He joined the UWL Exercise and Sport Science Department in 1956. Batchelder became a full professor in 1965 and coached football, basketball and golf, as well as established the wrestling program. He chaired the department from 1970-75, received an Excellence in Teaching Award and retired as professor emeritus in 1988. He is survived by a son, Craig, and grandchildren. Send memorials to the Robert W. and Beverly J. Batchelder Scholarship, UWL Foundation, 615 East Ave. N., La Crosse, WI 54601

1965 — Larry Dittman, Onalaska.

1965 — Ann Enos Kurth, Westby.

1965 — Frank Rudrud, Weirsdale, Florida.

1967 — Karen (Johnson) Zimpel, Rice Lake.

1968 — Eleanor Bagstad, Westby.

1972 — Linda (Nelson) Bleskachek, Hudson.

1972 — Robert Grathen, La Crosse.

1972 — David “Dave” Manke, Lodi.

1973 & ’75 — Sarah (Widstrand) Gudgeon, Viroqua.

1973 — Thomas “Tom” Hoof, Watertown.

1975 — Thomas “Tom” King, Hartford.

1976 — Michael Walters, Bangor.

1987 — Bridget (Schaefer) Hanchette, La Crosse.

1992 — Sarah Boardman, De Soto.

1997 — Kraig Hoff, West Salem.

2004 — Ryan Donovan, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Gary William Coorough

Gary William Coorough, 83, died Feb. 2, 2023, at his La Crosse home after a long-fought battle with several medical conditions. Coorough, ’62 & ’69, taught at Lincoln Junior High for five years before joining the UWL faculty in 1968. He then earned his master's from UWL in 1969 and continued working on campus for 36 years, running the film library and eventually textbook rental until retiring in 2004. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and four children. Send memorials to the UWL Foundation, 615 East Ave. N., La Crosse, WI 54601. See a complete obituary.

Lee

Glasel

Lee James Glasel died Feb. 20 in La Crosse. Glasel taught music and English in Abbotsford and Marshfield before coming to UWL in 1962 as an instructor in the English Department. He taught until retiring in 1991 as professor emeritus. Glasel was a wellknown trumpet player in La Crosse. He was a founding member of the Tom Lee Orchestra, the Grumpy Old Men Big Band and the Seven Rivers Jazz Band. During summer, he traveled with the Clyde Beatty – Cole Bros. Circus, playing trumpet with the band. Read his obituary.

master’s and began teaching at Wayne State College. He and his wife, Barbara, came to La Crosse in 1966 where he joined the Biology Department. Barb later worked in Murphy Library. In 1970, he earned a doctorate from the University of Georgia. Nord mentored faculty over the years and chaired the Faculty Senate. In 1973, he was one of six faculty honored as an “Outstanding Educator in America,” based on contributions to teaching, administrative abilities, community service and professional recognition. Nord retired as professor emeritus in 1995. Barbara worked in Murphy Library until 1998. They relocated to Arizona. Send memorials to the UWL Foundation, 615 East Ave. N., La Crosse, WI 54601. See a complete obituary.

Leonard Stach

Richard P. Nord

Richard “Dick” P. Nord died Feb. 17, 2023, in Flagstaff, Arizona. Nord earned a bachelor’s at Moorhead State College in 1962. He continued his education at the University of Mississippi, earning a

Leonard “Len” Stach died in early 2023 in La Crosse. Stach earned a bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and a master’s from the University of Montana. He taught at Earlham College, Washington State University and Arizona Western College before joining the Art Department in 1970 as a ceramics instructor. He continued his education and earned an M.F.A. from UW-Milwaukee in 1973. During his tenure, he served as gallery director, department chair and a member of the Faculty Senate. He retired in 1997.