Ferne Baldwin , professor emerita
Jim Gratz , associate professor emeritus
MU | Notes
In Memoriam
Ferne Baldwin , professor emerita
Ferne Baldwin ’ 58 , 97 , professor emerita of sociology and social work , died Nov . 26 , 2016 .
Ferne taught at Manchester from 1969 to 1998 . She also managed the University print shop for several years and served as University archivist .
Ferne graduated from Manchester in 1958 and earned two graduate degrees from Ball State University – a master ’ s in 1967 and a Ph . D . in 1973 . From 1944 to 1962 , she and her husband , Elmer , were missionaries in Nigeria where all three of their daughters were born .
A statement from her family said that Ferne “ was passionate about learning , treating the Earth and its inhabitants kindly – with justice for all – living simply and always trying to make a positive difference in the world .”
For many years , she was active in leadership of the Manchester Church of the Brethren and the North Manchester Historical Society .
Survivors include daughters Lois Baldwin ’ 72 Good ( Dave ) and Barbara Baldwin ’ 67x Bryant ( Tim ), eight grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren .
Jim Gratz , associate professor emeritus
Jim Gratz , 92 , associate professor emeritus of health , physical education and recreation , died Feb . 3 , 2017 .
Jim was a legendary figure in Manchester athletics , joining the faculty in 1962 . He coached the Spartan baseball team for 24 years , and also served as athletic director , wrestling coach , assistant football coach and assistant track coach . He retired in 1987 and later served for a time as executive director of the M Association .
A native of Bluffton , Ohio , Jim graduated in 1950 from Bluffton University . He went on to earn two master ’ s degrees from Indiana University .
Jim is survived by his wife , Jane , of North Manchester , and four children who graduated from MU : Robin Gratz ’ 70 , retired Funderburg Library director ; Reed Gratz ’ 73 ; Randy Gratz ’ 75 ; and Wendy Gratz-Borman ’ 79 , who previously served as the vice president for advancement at MU .
Manchester ’ s baseball field bears his name today as a testament to the many young men he coached and the immeasurable ways he prepared them for successful lives after graduation .
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