September 13, 2002: Volume 56, Number 1

Union College mourns Hans Freund, Mary Wemple and John Young

The College recently mourned the loss of three retirees: Hans Joachim Freund, the Edward E. Hale, Jr., Professor of English emeritus; Mary E. "Betty" Wemple, who worked at Union for 44 when she retired as associate registrar; and John P. Young, a longtime employee who retired from the College's grounds and maintenance departments.

Prof. Freund died Aug. 24, 2002 at the age of 83.

He accepted a position in the English Department at Union in 1964. He retired in 1989.

Prof. Freund was described by a former dean of the faculty as "the true modern Renaissance man of Union," and his teaching was often hailed by students for the power, range, and intensity of his teaching. He taught a wide range of English courses that often explored the Western cultural heritage in breadth as well as depth, and he also enlightened students – both in and outside of the classroom -- in German, the classics, art, and religious studies.

Freund, who kept a small farm in Sprakers, west of Schenectady, frequently brought fruit and vegetables to his colleagues at Union.

He was born in Cologne, Germany, in 1919, leaving as a teenager when it became clear that he would not be able to attend a German university (the grandparents of his mother were Jews). He became an acting student in Vienna, Austria, and soon got a contract to play leading roles at the Reinhardt Theater. He came to America in 1939. After combining a variety of jobs with small roles in radio and in a play, he was drafted and served in the Army from 1943 to 1946.

After the war, he went to work to support his family still in Germany, but wrote two plays and continued to pursue a career in the theater. In 1951, eager to take some courses in English literature that might broaden his background in the language in which he had chosen to write, he entered Columbia University's School of General Studies. He received his B.A. and M.A., with an award for the best master's essay in English and comparative literature. He received his Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1971.

Ms. Wemple, who worked at the College for 44 years before retiring as associate registrar in 1985, died on Friday at Ellis Hospital. She was 82.

A lifelong city resident, she was a graduate of Nott Terrace High School and Russell Sage College.

She received the faculty meritorious service award in 1985. "As a member of the registrar's staff, the important role you played in the lives of virtually all alumni … is indelibly etched in their minds," the award citation said. "It was your orderly records which ultimately determined whether or not they had the required credits and grades to allow them to graduate."

She was a volunteer at the Schenectady Museum and the Schenectady County Public Library. She was a member of St. George's Episcopal Church.

Survivors include a brother, Delmont of Milford, Conn.

A memorial service is set for Saturday, Sept. 21, at 1 p.m. at St. George's Church. There are no calling hours.

Contributions may be made to the College or to Sunnyview Hospital Foundation. Arrangements are with Gleason Funeral Home.

Mr. Young died Sept. 8 at St. Clare's Hospital. He was 83.

A Scotia resident for 52 years, he worked for ALCO in Schenectady before joining the College. He worked in grounds and maintenance from 1970 until 1981, when he retired.

He was married for over 60 years to his wife, Ellen Sweet Young.

Survivors include two daughters, Sheila of Holden Beach, N.C.; and Judy Anderson of Northwood, N.H.; a sister, Marguerite Carr of Glenville; a brother, Frederick of Rotterdam; and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Burial was in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ft. Johnson.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Greenhouse at the College.

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