Bereavement Notice – Dr. Wade R. Ragas

We have learned of the death of Dr. Wade R. Ragas, the father of Matt Ragas of the College of Communication.  

Wade R. Ragas, Ph.D., MAI, SRA, died peacefully at Inspired Living of Kenner, LA at the age of 76 on April 25, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Yvette Manthey Ragas, his children, Matthew Wade Ragas (Traci) and Joshua Paul Ragas, and his sister, Susan Ragas Price (Andy).  

Wade was a Jefferson Parish native with Louisiana roots that went back over 200 years. He enjoyed Louisiana cuisine, travel, taking the family on trips to Europe from the time his sons were in diapers. He was a student of history and loved to keep up with politics and world affairs.  

Wade was a teacher at heart. For 30 years, he was a professor of finance at the University of New Orleans and created the Real Estate Market Data Center, which he directed from 1978 to 2005. After earning his doctorate in Real Estate and Urban Analysis from The Ohio State University, Wade returned to Metairie and joined the faculty at what was then called LSUNO. While at UNO, he directed a wide range of applied real estate projects through the Center. Over this time, he authored 35 volumes of the 100-page semi-annual “New Orleans Real Estate Market Analysis.” As a research and full professor at UNO, he taught thousands of students and some 30,000 real estate professionals over his career. He authored over 30 articles and a textbook.   

As the president of Real Property Associates, Wade specialized in commercial appraisals, litigation services involving real estate, marketing feasibility studies and other complex commercial asset analyses, primarily in the Southeast Louisiana market. His practice contributed to over $2 billion of residential and commercial real estate valuation and feasibility studies since Hurricane Katrina.  

Services were held on May 3, 2024 in Metairie, Louisiana.  Online condolences may be posted at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/new-orleans-la/wade-ragas-11787574   

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made online to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA.org) or mailed to: LBDA, 912 Killian Hill Rd. SW, Lilburn, GA 30047. 

Bereavement Notice – Jen Sweet

Jen Sweet, a former employee of DePaul, passed away on April 6 after fighting cancer for 16 years. Before leaving DePaul for her medical treatment, Jen had served as the director of assessment at the Center for Teaching and Learning. While helping schools and colleges with accreditation related assessment reports, she inspired many faculty and staff with her unbeatable spirit and commitment to work and life.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 24 at 10 am at Faupel Funeral Home, New Port Richey, Florida.

Jennifer M. Sweet Obituary 2024 – Faupel Funeral Home & Crematory

Bereavement Notice – Maria Elise Jabon

Maria Elise Jabon

It is with great sadness that we share that Maria Elise Jabon, daughter of David Jabon, Chair of the STEM Studies Department, died on February 13th at the age of 38 after being struck by a vehicle while cycling in Los Altos, California.

Maria studied electrical engineering at Stanford University and then worked as a trailblazing engineer at LinkedIn and Netskope, leaving a legacy of excellence and having served as an exceptional mentor to junior team members and interns. Known for her keen intellect, Maria was an exceptionally kind and considerate person who cared deeply about all those in her life and found meaningful ways to connect with others.  She was an avid backpacker and cyclist who loved the outdoors, a competent outdoorswoman who took pleasure and solace in pushing herself through challenging terrain while still pausing to appreciate alpine wildflowers.  Her death occurred less than three months before her wedding to her fiancé, Matthew.

She is survived by her parents, David and Therese Jabon; her fiancé Matthew Hoffman; her brother Michael Jabon, her sister-in-law Maya Koenig-Dzialowski, and her nephews Rémy Jabon and Maxime Jabon; her sister Sarah Wilder, her brother-in-law Kevin Wilder, and her nephews Finn Wilder and Roman Wilder; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, February 21, from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST at Willow Glen Funeral Home (1039 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125). An additional visitation in the Chicago area is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 25, from 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM.

For more obituary and service information, Click Here.

Online condolences may be submitted to https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/san-jose-ca/maria-jabon-11669900/add-memory

Bereavement Notice – Eric Hoerdemann

Eric Hoerdemann, the brother of Carolyn Hoerdemann, faculty member of the Theatre School, passed away on November 21, 2023 at the age of 60.  Eric enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, and sports.  He is survived by his wife, three children, four siblings, and extended family and friends.  He will be greatly missed.

Services were held on November 24.  Online condolences may be posted at https://www.carmodyflynn.com/obituaries/Eric-G-Hoerdemann?obId=29952590&fbclid=IwAR3h3gygRFkDSa7fLkrvCL08_04TK_8mx-zEANntuJcJrvcBXNIWjK2pUIw

Bereavement Notice – Patricia Corinne McMahon

Patricia Corinne McMahon, the mother-in-law of Susan McMahon of the Psychology Department, passed away on November 6, 2023 at the age of 89.

Patricia had a love of learning, and in the early 1970’s, she began teaching students with learning disabilities, embarking on a rewarding thirty-year career as a special education teacher at Senn High School on Chicago’s Northside. Her deepest love was for her family, with whom she shared her enthusiasm for people, nature, cooking, history and the culture of many travel destinations.

She is survived by her four children, four grandchildren, sister, and many nieces and nephews.  Services were held on November 10, 2023.  Online condolences may be submitted at https://www.donnellanfuneral.com/obituaries/Patricia-Mcmahon?obId=29820743

Bereavement Notice – David Frank Dvorak

David Frank Dvorak, the brother of Susan McMahon of the Psychology Department, passed away on October 19. 2023 at the age of 62, after a brief illness.

David grew up loving the land and his family farm. He committed himself to being a good steward of the land throughout his 40 years of farming. Farming was his pride, joy, and life’s work. Dave cherished long-time friendships and business relationships as members of AAPEX, the Association of Agriculture Production Executives, and his Farm Journal peer group. David furthered his commitment to his hometown and the ag community at large by serving as President of the Iowa Farm Business Association and contributed to the education of farmers through his support of the local FFA and the Muscatine Community College Ag program. He was most recently serving on the WeLead board of directors. Beyond his community, David was an enthusiastic world traveler, a joy he shared with his family. David played rugby for ISU and continued to play into his 40’s with the Ruffians and the Iowa City Ducks.

He is survived by his parents, former wife, two children, one grandchild, two siblings, and extended family and friends.  Services were held in October.  Online condolences may be submitted at https://hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/1148/David-Dvorak/obituary.html#content-start

Bereavement Notice – Rommie Khalifeh

Rommie Khalifeh, the son of faculty member Jumana Khalifeh of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Sociology, passed away on October 30, 2023 at the age of 29.  He is survived by his parents, Bassam and Jumana, siblings Rana and Jenna.  Rommie graduated from DePaul in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and completed Law School at UIC in 2019. Services were held on November 5 at Donnellan Family Funeral Home.

 

Online condolences may be submitted at https://www.donnellanfuneral.com/obituaries/Rommie-B-Khalifeh-JD?obId=29764123#/obituaryInfo.

May he rest in peace.

Bereavement Notice – Connor Creadon

Connor Creadon, the brother of Kaitlin Creadon, faculty in the College of Computing and Digital Media, passed away on July 3, 2023, at the age of 30. He is survived by his parents, sister, and daughter Jaidyn.

Connor loved spending time with his beloved daughter Jaidyn.  He also had a special bond with his best friend and favorite four-legged companion, Stormy.  Connor had a special talent to effortlessly connect with others, and his contagious sense of humor, clever jokes, and fun storytelling will be sadly missed.  He had a passion for fast cars and fast boats. Some of his favorite family times were spent in the Northwoods of Wisconsin wakeboarding, skiing, kayaking, and other water activities.

Services were held in July.  Online condolences may be submitted at https://libertyvillefuneralhome.com/tribute/details/1061/Connor-Creadon/obituary.html

Bereavement Notice – Barbara J. O’Brien

Sadly, we have learned of the death of Barbara J. O’Brien (nee Sullivan), mother of Kate O’Brien of Athletic Academic Advising. Barb passed away at the age of 80 on August 24, 2023.

Barb graduated from St. Scholastica High School and went on to earn a degree in elementary education from DePaul University (where her father graduated from in 1938 and both of her children earned master’s degrees). She started her career as a teacher at St. Henry’s in Chicago and then moved to St. James in Arlington Heights where she taught 1st grade for 27.5 years.

She is survived by her husband Jim, two children Kate (Dave) and Kevin (Kim) of Rolling Meadows, two grandchildren, and many extended family and friends.

Barb was best known for going anywhere, anytime to watch her grandchildren in their activities, was a frequent fan at DePaul Athletics competitions, and loved outings with her retiree and birthday friends.

Services were held on August 27 and 28. Online condolences may be submitted at https://www.glueckertfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Barbara-Jo-Obrien?obId=28797690#/obituaryInfo

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated in Barb’s name to the 100 Club of Illinois (100clubil.org/donate-now/) or DePaul Athletics Dream Big Fund (give.depaul.edu/obrienmemorial).

Bereavement Notice – Jeff Setnes

 

We have sadly learned of the death of long-time friend and colleague, Jeff Setnes, who passed away on Friday August 18, 2023 at the age of 63.

Jeff joined the Registrar’s Office as a summer temp in June 1987 and then moved into his full-time role. Over the years, Jeff continuously expanded his expertise and knowledge. He was one of the quiet, unsung heroes in DePaul’s transition from a manual, mainframe environment to the systems that we use today.

Jeff was a true academic records professional. He noticed everything, remembered everything. His integrity and dedication were unparalleled. Each record represented a person, and he thought that there should be no errors in the story of that person’s life at DePaul. Jeff was a great colleague, always willing to help his co-workers with the intricacies of degree conferral or to sleuth out any issues with a record. He had a great sense of humor and made us laugh every day, including his favorite day of the year—Paczki Day, the day before Lent begins, when he could consume an unbelievable number of those delicious filled donuts.

He was proud of his family’s nearly 70 years of service to DePaul: mother Ginny (Admission), brother Greg (Registrar, Advancement), and sister Debbie (EMM). He retired from DePaul in June, after serving the university for 36 years, and his colleagues have already missed him dearly.

Jeff grew up in North Dakota and Illinois and was a long-time resident of Clarendon Hills. When he wasn’t at work, he was out spending time in nature. In addition to his DePaul friends, Jeff is mourned by Ginny (mother), Danita (sister), Deb (sister), Greg (brother), and Kevin (brother), as well as his nephews, grand-nephews, and grand-niece.

Services were held on August 24th. Online condolences may be submitted at https://www.tews-ryanfh.com/obituary/jeffrey-jeff-setnes