Rockford University mourns death of former president Gretchen von Loewe Kreuter
From news reports
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Rockford University is mourning the death of Gretchen von Loewe Kreuter, who served as president from 1987-1992.
Kreuter, who was also an alumna of the university and graduated from what was then-Rockford College in 1955, died Feb. 1 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The university shared the news on Thursday. Kreuter was 87.
“President Kreuter was a lifelong educator whose passion, advocacy and faithfulness was felt throughout academia,” said Rockford University President Eric Fulcomer in a statement on the university’s website. “She was once a student here and rose to lead the university during a difficult season. Her commitment and dedication were key to the success of our institution and allowing us to celebrate our 175th anniversary this year. She will be missed.”
Kreuter arrived when the college’s budget was strained, and she worked diligently during her five-year tenure to shore up the college and its finances, the university said.
She was a professor, assistant to the president and an assistant to the vice president of academic affairs at various institutions before leading Rockford College.
“We are fortunate that many alumni have come back to serve our community and our school,” Fulcomer said in the statement. “President Kreuter was an embodiment of that, and we will forever be grateful for her service.”
After leaving Rockford College, Kreuter continued to work in academia until she retired to Wisconsin and then Minnesota, where she contributed to newsletters and journaling.
A service will be held on March 3 at Unity Unitarian Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Visitation is scheduled for 1 p.m., followed by a service at 2 p.m., and a reception at 3 p.m.
The service will be live-streamed at https://youtu.be/lwYkKSbY0v8.
