Remembering SigEp Giant, Fred Turner, 1933-2013

Kevin Teets provided this outstanding tribute to Fred Turner. Thanks Kevin.

Remembering SigEp Giant, Fred Turner, 1933-2013 Fred Turner, Drake ’54, was no ordinary man. At the age of 35, Turner was elected president of the board of McDonald’s and later became the company’s chief executive officer. He has been called the architect behind McDonalds—introducing the world to the Chicken McNugget, the Egg McMuffin and the Happy Meal. Turner died on Monday in Glenview, Ill., at the age of 80. His life reflects that of a pioneer in the food and service industry, accomplishments which earned him a SigEp Citation, an award that recognizes those SigEp alumni with the highest of professional and personal accomplishments. Turner started his career with McDonald’s at age 23. In a meeting with Drake University SigEps in 2007, Turner shared that his career choice was one that happened by accident. Before flipping burgers at a newly formed McDonald’s in 1956, Turner was a driver for a cookie delivery company in Des Moines, Iowa. He told the students that he wrecked the delivery truck and was fired from his first job. It was then that he met McDonald’s pioneer, Ray Kroc. Turner was pointing out to those students that sometimes “failure” and “bad luck” open the biggest doors. He said, “If I didn’t wreck that cookie delivery truck, I may not be where I am today.” When Turner met Kroc, McDonald’s had only 14 restaurants. Turner’s mishap in cookie delivery brought him together with Kroc at the right place and the right time. His leadership and dedication built the present McDonald’s empire into more than 31,000 restaurants in over 120 countries. Turner will be known for giving back to the places he loved. In 2010, he gifted $1.3 million to Drake University to build the Fred and Patty Turner Jazz Center, a 4,600-square-foot facility that now adjoins the Harmon Fine Arts Center on Drake’s campus. The center includes a practice and performance studio, jazz gallery, piano alcove, recording studio and student lounge called “Patty’s Place,” named in honor of Fred’s wife, Patty Shurtleff, who passed away in 2000. The two kindled their relationship on Drake’s campus. Iowa Delta Alumni Board President Gary Ordway '64, said that Turner has also given generously to the chapter’s capital campaign. “Fred made life-long commitments to enhancing the lives of Drake students. He really enjoyed young people and valued giving them opportunities. We are all fortunate that Fred found time to visit the chapter and attend chapter and alumni meetings at the Drake Relays. In addition to his generosity, Turner will be remembered as someone who loved to enjoy life and have fun. “Rod Rhodes and I got the chance to attend Fred’s annual ‘Fred Party', in Chicago,” Ordway said. “What a blast it was to have fun with Fred. His life and legacy will live on.” In his 2007 Citation acceptance speech, Turner said that the most common character trait you will find in successful people is persistence. He encouraged undergraduates to be persistent in all that they do and told the alumni that the best thing that can be given to “our descendants” are “roots” and “wings.” During that same Conclave, Grand Chapter President Stephen Shanklin said in his speech, “We are all standing on the shoulders of giants.” Fred Turner will be remembered as one of those giants. Fraternally, Kevin Teets Tennessee-Martin '06

Former McDonald's CEO Fred Turner dies

Farewell to Brother Fred Turner, Drake '55. Holder of a Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation.

Chicago Tribune - Former McDonald's CEO Fred Turner dies

By Emily Bryson York, Tribune reporter
9:37 am, January 8, 2013

McDonald's Senior Chairman Fred Turner, one of Ray 

Kroc's first employees, flips burgers at the company's 

first restaurant in Des Plaines for a charity even in 2002.

Former McDonald's Corp., CEO Fred L. Turner, who had been named honorary chairman of the board, died late Monday from complications from pneumonia, the company said. He was 80.

A native of Des Moines, Iowa, he was one of founder Ray Kroc's first employees in 1956, and then partnered with Kroc in building the McDonald's system. His grandfatherly persona and popularity among company employees made Turner something of a company mascot in his retirement.

"Fred was a true pioneer and shaped the quick service restaurant industry. We will remember his leadership, passion and dedication to McDonald's, our customers and our people," said Andy McKenna, McDonald's chairman.

Turner became president and chief administrative officer in 1968 and was named McDonald's president and CEO in 1974. He was elected chairman and CEO in 1977 and served in that capacity until 1987.

He remained chairman until 1990, when he was named senior chairman. He continued in that role until 2004 when he retired and became honorary chairman.

Turner is credited with significantly building the Oak Brook-based burger giant’s restaurant base. The chain more that tripled its number of locations and expanded into new international markets during his tenure as CEO.

He also is considered the architect of the "quality, service, and cleanliness" (QSC) restaurant operations model that launched McDonald's global growth.

Lt. Colonel David Yockey, 1965 ~ 2010

Lt. Colonel David Yockey, 1965 ~ 2010

died 2010-06-03  

The life of David Leland Yockey ended on June 3, 2010. He was born Aug. 9, 1965, in Ft. Wayne, Ind., to Judith King Yockey and Leland K. Yockey.

David’s family moved to Williamsport, Pa. when he entered second grade. There, even in grade school and junior high, his accomplishments began to exhibit the leadership qualities that would develop throughout his life. He played basketball, golf, and baseball, competing in Little League and playing at Lamade Stadium, the home of the Little League World Series games.

David’s family moved to Moab, Utah, and he began eighth grade. He was inducted into the Junior National Honor Society that year. At Grand County High School in Moab he excelled academically, played basketball, golf, baseball, and pitched for his team, which won the state tournament. He was inducted into the National Honor Society, held class offices, and was elected student body president.

During two summers, David went to Hamilton, Mont. to live with his grandfather and grandmother, Elizabeth and Hersch King. He played with the Bitterroot Bucks one summer and worked in the pro shop at the Hamilton Golf Course the other.

Prior to graduation, Sen. Orrin Hatch nominated David to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Rep. Howard Nielson nominated him to the United States Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Sen. Jake Garn nominated him to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

After high school, David spent his freshman year in college at Utah State University, where he pledged Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and was selected as a member of the President’s Leadership Council. After his freshman year his family moved to Hamilton, Mont., and Dave transferred to University of Montana to complete his B.S. in business administration.

He held the office of president of his fraternity and was one of three students in the United States to be elected to hold a position on its national board of directors. David was a Montana University Peer Advisor and was invited to membership in Silent Sentinel, the only honor society selecting from the university at large. Since the U of M was founded in 1893, only 742 men and women had been nominated for Silent Sentinel. He was also a University of Montana Advocate.
 
David and Tamara Frey were married on Sept. 2, 1989, in Hamilton, just prior to his entrance into the United States Air Force. His military career began at Officers Candidate School at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, and then began his first assignment as officer in charge at Norton AFB in California.

Within two years he was competitively selected for a 15-month master’s degree program at AFIT, the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. After completion of the degree he remained there as logistics support manager for the C-17 System Program Office, was directly responsible for the logistics support elements of the C-17 mission systems, and analyzed and validated logistics requirements for the Department of Defense’s acquisition program, the largest at the time. He then went to Rota, Spain where, as squadron maintenance office and director of operations, he led 120 assigned personnel to perform quality maintenance on Air Mobility Command weapon systems for global mobility mission.

At his next assignment at Scott AFB, Ill., he began as the C-17 weapon system manager responsible for monitoring and managing the C-17 Globemaster III fleet, and later becoming the executive officer, directorate of logistics, HQ Air Mobility Command. At Scott AFB he was selected for position as the general’s right hand, above 114 majors of all logistics disciplines in Air Mobility Command.

David then went back to school, having been one of the top 15 percent in his peer group selected to attend the 42-week professional military masters program at Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, Ala. From there, he was assigned as squadron commander of 281 personnel maintaining systems on the 41 KC-135 aircraft, Fairchild AFB, Spokane, Wash. Also at Fairchild AFB, he was selected to command the largest squadron on base, leading 400 personnel and providing fleet management, mission configuration, launch and recovery of 41 KC-135 aircraft. He was hand-picked as the wing’s deployed maintenance group commander during Expeditionary Operational Readiness Inspection. At Hill AFB, his next assignment, he was deputy director, Electronics Maintenance Group, and he assisted the director in leading 900 personnel.

During this assignment he deployed to the Middle East as the deputy director of logistics for Air Force Forward, in support of Operation IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM and Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. After his deployment he became the military deputy, hand-picked by the wing commander to initiate aerospace maintenance throughout an 8,500-person wing.

David retired in January, 2010, after 20 years of service and dedication to his country. He received the following awards and decorations:

Meritorious Service Medal, (three awarded), Air Force Commendation Medal (three awarded), Air Force Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (two awarded), Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with device), Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon, and many Office and Professional of the Year Awards.

During his time at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio, Dave and Tammy’s son Kyle was born, and while they were in Rota, Spain, son Ryan was born.

The pride of service to his country was paramount to David and was superseded only by his devotion to his family. David was an amazing, bright, accomplished, humorous, thoughtful, loyal, and loving person. Life will never be the same without him.

He is survived by his wife, Tamara; sons, Kyle and Ryan; parents, Lee and Judy Yockey; brother, Greg, his wife, Amy, and their children, Megan, Kellen, and Quinn; grandmother, Elizabeth King; aunt, Marlene Blankenship, her son, Jeff, and daughter, Kris Heckaman; uncle, Tom King, his wife, Diane, and their children, Chris King, wife, Kristin, and their, daughter, Claire, and Kelly King, and her husband, Jon Zogg; and numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The Yockey family would also like to acknowledge its third son, Terry Frey. David loved you like a brother, Terry.

The Malmstrom Air Force Honor Guard honored David at a memorial service that took place on June 14 at Daly Leach Chapel. June 14 had significance as it was Flag Day, and the birthday of his late grandfather, Herschell King. A reception immediately followed at the Elks Club.

The family has asked that donations in David’s name be made to the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Hoffman and his staff have shown great professionalism and caring throughout this family tragedy.

Loran B. Smith - A Sig Ep of the Highest Order

Loran B. Smith - Loyal Sig Ep Forever

We have received word that Dr. Loran B. Smith has died. Loran was a very loyal Sig Ep and well involved in the development of the Balanced Man Program. He was at one time one of six senior stewards for the program and was a very positive critic in demanding that the program meet very high standards. He was truly a Sig Ep for all time - a man who lived virtue, diligence and brotherly love EVERY DAY

Dr. Loran B. Smith, 63, of Topeka, passed away Friday, July 24, 2009 at his home. He was born July 23, 1946 in Medford, Massachusetts, the son of Gordon T. and Edith A. (Hibbard) Smith. He was a 1964 graduate of Winthrop High School, Winthrop, MA. He received a B.A. in Salem State College in 1968, a M.A. at Oklahoma State University in 1971, and a Ph. D. at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln in 1980. Dr. Smith was a Professor of Political Science at Washburn University, Topeka from 1982 until his death. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and served as Chapter Counselor and Faculty Advisor. Survivors include his brother, Richard Smith of Revere, MA. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jeannie L. Boivin. Dr. Smith will lie in state after 3 p.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th St., Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison, Maine.

A Great Sig Ep - OGH Bob McCune Dies in Iowa

Robert McCune Passes

Order of the Golden Heart recipient, Robert L. McCune, Bradley University (Illinois Delta), ’50, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008. Brother McCune was 80 years old. Brother McCune received the Order of the Golden Heart, the Fraternity’s highest award, in 1987.

Brother McCune was a longtime advisor to the chapter at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa and volunteered with many chapters in the Upper Midwest, and across the U.S.

Brother McCune was a District Governor in the early 60's and 70's, and Chairman of the Order of the Golden Heart nomination Committee. In 1979, Brother McCune was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award, presented for his outstanding service to the Fraternity. Brother McCune was also a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation Board of Governors and a donor since 1975.

This past April, an 80th birthday and reunion celebration was held for Brother McCune at Loras College with more than a hundred family, friends and alumni in attendance. The evening was filled with many photos, memories and stories from Loras College and Iowa Eta alumni.

Brother McCune epitomized the “lifetime devotion” to the Fraternity that the Order of the Golden Heart represented for him. Few in our ranks have had such a profound impact on so many young men. Many volunteers link their involvement back to his influence on their lives as undergraduates. Brother McCune proved to us all how a little brotherly love can leave a lasting mark on a young man’s life—a mark that gets passed on and on again.

Services for Brother McCune will be held Monday, September 22 at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 255 W 10th St. Dubuque, IA 52001 (563-582-3648).

Visitation will be held Sunday, 3-7 p.m. at Egelhoff Siegert Casper funeral home, 2659 JFK Rd. Dubuque, IA 52002 (563-556-0776). A second visitation will be held Monday, 9:30-11 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ.

Following the service at First Congregational, a graveside service will take place in Silvis, Illinois at 3:00 p.m.
Further information and obituary will be available at http://www.trimblefuneralhomes.com/.

Jonathan "Jon" DeCleene

It is always sad to mark the passing of a brother. Even more so when he is so young.

DeCleene, Jonathan "Jon"

Jonathan "Jon" DeCleene, 23, Greenleaf, died Monday, Sept. 24, 2007, following a lengthy illness. He was born March 20, 1984, in Green Bay, to Gloria (Haen) DeCleene and the late Howard DeCleene. Jonathan attended St. Mary's Grade School in Greenleaf and graduated from Notre Dame Academy, Class of 2002. He was a student at Michigan Tech University in Houghton majoring in chemical engineering, and was a proud member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He was known for his great sense of humor, and his vast knowledge and appreciation of history, especially military history. His hobbies included video games, Tom Clancy books and good action movies. Jonathan will miss his Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers and spoke well of the camaraderie and fun of Winter Carnival.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Gloria and Pat Kennedy, his sister, Valerie DeCleene, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Green Bay Press-Gazette - DeCleene, Jonathan "Jon"

S. Ted Antholis, 67, leading advocate for disabled

S. Ted Antholis, a fighter for disabled rights, died Sun. Feb. 25, in New York City. He was 67. The cause was complications from decades of having multiple sclerosis, his brother, Ernest Antholis, said.

Antholis lived at W. 26th St. and Sixth Ave. in Chelsea for the last four years, having previously lived in Glendale, Queens. Disabled since his 20s, in more recent years he had used a wheelchair.

His influence on legislation was groundbreaking, and the introduction of designated seating for the elderly and handicapped on Metropolitan Transportation Authority subways is attributable to his efforts. He also spearheaded the effort to implement sidewalk curb cuts and to make theaters and restaurants handicapped accessible.

Under former Mayor Ed Koch, from 1978 to 1989, Antholis served as a commissioner and vice chairperson on the New York City Commission on Human Rights. In September 1988, he was recognized for exceptional contributions to revisions in the New York City Human Rights Law protecting the disabled and other disadvantaged communities. He served five years as C.H.R. legislative chairperson and four years as vice chairperson. Previously, Antholis served in the late ’70s as executive director of PRIDE, a physical rehabilitation group. He was a member of Mensa, the high-I.Q. society, since 1950. His letters to the editor were frequently published in The New York Times, expressing clarity of thought on discrimination issues and calls for action.

Antholis graduated from New York University in 1963. At N.Y.U., he was inducted into the New York Gamma chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, where he became chapter president. At the fraternity, he made lifelong friends, whom he often met in Manhattan. Previously, in 1960, he graduated from the New York Institute of Technology with an electronics technology degree.

Antholis was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1968. Given a 10-year prognosis because of his illness, Antholis embarked on a yearlong journey around the world. Barely able to walk years later, he was pleased to be accepted into the Circumnavigators Club in 1983.

Antholis is predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Helen Samos Antholis, of Glendale, Queens. He is survived by his brother, Ernest; sister-in-law, Helen Z. Antholis, of Middletown. N.J.; niece and goddaughter, Diana Antholis, of New York City; nephew, Steven Antholis, and his devoted longtime friend, Ms. Dale Johnstone.

A connoisseur of food and wines, he attributed this trait to his father having owned the well-known restaurant Ernie’s in Ridgewood, Queens. During his teens, Antholis worked at the restaurant, known for its fine German cuisine.

Donations in Antholis’s name may be made for M.S. research to the Mount Sinai Development Office, Box 1049, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, N.Y., 10029-6574.

Antholis graduated from New York University in 1963. At N.Y.U., he was inducted into the New York Gamma chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, where he became chapter president. At the fraternity, he made lifelong friends, whom he often met in Manhattan. Previously, in 1960, he graduated from the New York Institute of Technology with an electronics technology degree.

S. Ted Antholis, 67, leading advocate for disabled: "Sigma Phi Epsilon"