WINTER 2025
IN MEMORIAM: WINTER 2025
1930s
1940s
1950s
1951
Robert A. Villegas, C.S.C. (NICO), 95, passed away on July 10, 2025. A native of El Paso, Texas, he graduated in 1951 and served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Fulton before following his call to the priesthood. Ordained a Holy Cross priest in Rome in 1963, Fr. Villegas spent nearly five decades serving small, close–knit parishes along the Rio Grande in New Mexico. Remembered for his warmth, humility, and tireless devotion, he once wrote, “I am truly happy. I needed to be here to do what God has allowed me to do.”
1955
Lewis R. Armstrong (NICO), passed away on October 2, 2025. Born in Liberal, Kansas in 1929, he left high school at 17 to serve as a tail gunner on a B–24 in the Fifth Air Force during World War II. Known for his ingenuity, Dr. Armstrong built and refurbished small aircraft; one of his planes is displayed at the Mid–America Air Museum. A talented watercolorist, he was honored with a retrospective exhibition. In retirement, he traveled the country in his van and volunteered to drive veterans to the VA Hospital in Amarillo. He is survived by his wife, Mari, and their children, grandchildren, and great–grandchildren.
1958
William “Bill” McGee Tucker (NICO) 100, passed away on August 3, 2025. Born in Greenville, N.C., he built a life with his wife, Bernice “Bunny” Buettner, rooted in racial equality, faith, and service. The Tuckers moved to Rocky Mount, N.C., where he opened a racially integrated optometry practice. In 1955, they responded to the Bahá’í call to pioneer in Argentina and later served communities across the southeastern U.S., the Bahamas, and Jamaica. After settling in Carrboro, they remained devoted to the Bahá’í Faith and community service. Dr. Tucker retired at 87 and is survived by his two daughters and three grandchildren.
1958
Harlan “Harley” H. Geiger, 93, passed away on October 27, 2025. Immediately upon graduating from ICO, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He settled, with his wife JoAnn, in Fargo, N.D., where he practiced optometry for 37 years. A leader in his field, Dr. Geiger served as president of the North Dakota Optometric Association and on the State Board of Examiners in Optometry. Named the 1967 National Contact Lens Man of the Year by Wesley Jessen, he was recognized for his pioneering work fitting athletes with gas–permeable bifocal lenses. A VOSH volunteer, he provided eye care in Medellín, Colombia. Dr. Geiger is survived by his wife, JoeAnn, four daughters, eight grandchildren, and six great–grandchildren.
1960s
1966
Dennis D. Cobler, 84, passed away on June 22, 2025. After graduating from ICO, he served with the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps in Texas and Vietnam. In 1969, he returned to his hometown to build a life with his wife of 50 years, Kathleen, and to open his own practice. Remembered for his steady leadership, Dr. Cobler took pride in serving his community through the Jaycees, Lions Club, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the VFW Honor Guard Team. He is survived by his wife, their children, and granddaughter.
1966
Stephen “Steve” A. Miller, 83, passed away on July 30, 2025. Born in 1942 in Napoleon, Ohio, he was known for his devotion to family and community. After attending ICO, he served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1973, and later in the Air National Guard until 1986. Following his military service, Dr. Miller practiced optometry in Tucson, Arizona until his retirement in 2013. A gifted photographer, singer, and active member of the Tucson Breakfast Lions Club, he will be remembered for his humor, compassion, and service to others.
1966
Stephen O. Sherburne, 82, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, passed away on June 2, 2025. After earning his doctorate from ICO in 1966, he served in the U.S. Army as an optometrist and later established a private practice in the Waterloo area. A gifted writer, he shared his insights in his column, “You and Eye.” Stephen loved gardening, fishing at his family’s Minnesota cabin, and cheering for the University of Iowa women’s basketball team. He is survived by his companion, Joyce Sturgill, his family, and many dear friends.
1967
Mark S. Braun, 81, passed away on July 14, 2024. A 1967 graduate, he practiced for many years in Brookfield and New Berlin, where he was known for his professionalism, kindness, and dedication to patient care. An active member of Elmbrook Church, he enjoyed traveling and biking in Door County with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Linda, and will be fondly remembered by his family, friends, and the many patients he cared for throughout his career.
1969
David W. Dudovitz, 84, passed away on July 7, 2024. Born April 24, 1940, in St. Paul, Minnesota., he was deeply devoted to his family and his profession. After graduating from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1969, he built a career defined by service, compassion, and Dr. Dudovitz was also a loyal Braves fan, an avid tennis player, and a proud grandfather who treasured time with his family.
1969
Gerald N. Gauthier, 81, passed away on September 12, 2025. Born in Flint, Michigan, he discovered a lifelong passion for helping others through optometry. While at ICO, he was a member of the National Fraternity of Optometry, Omega Delta. He later built a respected practice in Waterford, where he was affectionately known as “Doc.” An avid sportsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the quiet of the outdoors. He will be dearly missed by his family, and his beloved dog, Oreo.
1970s
1970
Gerald Edward Hart, 81. passed away on April 9, 2025. He served for two years in the U.S. Army before graduating from ICO and establishing his own practice in Bad Axe, Mich. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he cherished dinners out with his wife and visits from his grandchildren. Dr. Hart enjoyed working in his yard, tackling home projects, and staying informed on current events. Deeply committed to his community, he served as president of the Rotary Club and helped establish a local children’s baseball league.
1976
Neil J. Frischknecht, 78, passed away on November 4, 2025. After graduating from ICO, he practiced optometry in Utah until his retirement in 2020. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints, he served a mission in Germany and later taught Primary, the Church’s official children’s organization, with his wife, Judy, for 12 years. Known for his humor, artistry, and generosity, he found joy in building, painting, and planting, and shared his skills freely with others. He was a devoted husband to Judy and a proud father of four, remembered for his warmth, faith, and zest for life.
1979
Marvin P. Binstock, 71, passed away on January 20, 2025. A graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry, he devoted his career to caring for patients with skill and compassion. Dr. Binstock practiced for many years in New York’s Bronx, earning the respect of colleagues and the gratitude of those he served. Known for his warmth, integrity, and quiet generosity, he will be fondly remembered by his family, friends, and patients.
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
Friends and Family
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The following abbreviations denote predecessor names of the Illinois College of Optometry.
NICO: Northern Illinois College of Optometry
CCO: Chicago College of Optometry
MCO: Monroe College of Optometry
