Phi Kappa Theta - Iowa State University

PAGE 3 FKQ FKQ P hi Kappa Theta was the only Catholic fraternity at Iowa State, which stood out to Jim Willer '69. Joining the brotherhood had a bigger impact on him than he expected—in some respects, more than his college education. "I ended up being a Vice President of the house, learning social and leadership skills along the way," Jim recalled. "I still connect with a number of guys in my era over 50 years later." Building VEISHA floats, serenading sororities, and playing intramural sports all remain vivid memories for Jim; even playing bridge with brothers was memorable! In one of Jim's earliest financial jobs, he managed a small office of 14 that eventually grew to 40. Promotions led him to oversee two offices, followed by 9-10 offices across several states. Jim's leadership experience carried over to community and charity work as well; he became president of Des Moines organizations (such as the Salisbury House and Hoyt Sherman Place) as well as Iowa's Variety Club charity. "I guess the work and community stuff just sort of overlapped." HONORING A BROTHER One of Jim's closest friends, Jim Victor '68, worked for the same company and found his own success in Davenport, Iowa. Jim Victor tragically died in a racecar accident in 2018, leaving multiple organizations with seven-figure donations—including Iowa Xi Chapter. "It truly changed our endowment and helped us remain a top fraternity at Iowa State," Jim said. Following that gift, Jim told the Iowa Xi Foundation about Jim Victor's life, and he ended up joining the foundation board himself. "I'm Vice President of the foundation today, largely because of my friendship with a man who graduated over 55 years ago. The fraternity experience has been very impactful on my life." Jim lives in Des Moines, Iowa, and his family regularly attends Iowa State football and basketball games. You can reach him at jim.f.willer@gmail.com. A Top ISU Fraternity Jim Willer '69 Shares His Gratitude I'll Order a Willer! If brothers find themselves Des Moines, Jim encourages them to visit 801 Chophouse. Jim used to have an office in the same building, often stopping by that restaurant after work to relax or entertain a client. His favorite drink to order was a variation on the Manhattan, replacing the sweet vermouth with Tuaca. After a few years, a manager asked his permission to add the drink to their menu, and the Willer was born. If you stop by, Jim hopes you enjoy it! chaPter eternaL Dennis K. Klute '54 entered Chapter Eternal on January 4, 2023. Dennis was born on March 28, 1933, in Boone, Iowa, and received his bachelor's degree in civil engineering. His dedicated career in civil service began with three years in the Wisconsin Highway Department before moving to Hawaii and Midway Island, where he worked for the Bureau of Yards and Docks as a construction management engineer for nine years. Dennis and a heroic group of 10 people representing seven family members met on June 23, 1968, to establish an Iowa chapter of the American Schizophrenia Foundation, where he was the organization's first president. Dennis J. Carr '56 entered Chapter Eternal on August 13, 2020. Dennis was born June 12, 1930, in Bancroft, Iowa. He received a doctorate in veterinary medicine and met the love of his life, Marilyn Fischer. Together, Dennis and Marilyn moved to Wisconsin, where he began his large animal veterinary practice and raised five children. Throughout his career, Dr. Carr wore many hats. In addition to his veterinary practice in Montfort from 1956-88, he was president of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association and chairperson of the American Veterinary Medical Association Executive Board. Dr. Virgil Bohnenkamp '56 graduated his doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1956 and served as a veterinarian for the rest of his career. Sadly, his life was taken too soon when he was killed in a tragic traffic accident on November 16, 1996.

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