July 14, 2020

I remember Professor Athey as a very gentle person with a passion for a unique part of American History which was a combination of the Labor movement and the development of the Agricultural and industrialization movements in Northeast America – late 18th century. I worked very hard on my thesis of the International workers of the World (the wobblies) and i was elated that he was pleased with my efforts because frankly he was such a lovely man, i wanted to please him. He also did a superb job taking our class through Studs Terkle’s book “working”. He was an extremley devoted educator and he made a prfound impact on me. These events i am relating occurred over 40 years ago but are still vivid to me. Professor Athey and Professor Pinsker together with Richard Schier  and Sidney Wise were pillars of the F&M faculty that burnished F&M as a great liberal arts college in the 70’s and 80’s. These men were superb educators. Eric Morrison 

August 04, 2015

Jean, Jan, Linda, Bruce, and Eric,  I was in Rotterdam at a professional conference when an email from Bob brought the news of Lou’s death and didn’t get back until Saturday night, missing the service. We hadn’t known he was ill, so it was a tremendous shock that inspired a deep sadness. Thinking back over our long history as neighbors and F&Mers, I have many memories of Lou. I’m glad I had a chance to tell him the last time we met that Greg had told me about an incident involving himself and Eric in which Lou intervened in a judicious manner that impressed Greg–they were kids, but I don’t remember how old (the famous tampering with Dr. Boben’s car!). We’ll remember him with fondness and the knowledge that he was a good person who lived life well. You are in my thoughts. Louise Barnett 

August 02, 2015

To all the members of the Athey family. I just returned home from a trip  and learned of Lou’s passing. I am most sad as he was a kind soul with deep passion for history the Cardinals and his family. He was a great proffessor and a great neighbor.  He had a common touch when speaking with people about  any subject. It is my hope that  all his friends and family remember the deep passion he had for history and the easy manner in which shared his favorite subject, US history. Speaking  to him was always engaging and we always seemed to run  out time exploring topics of mutual interest. You could always go to Lou and get both sides of the history  of any topic.  He was objective  and thorough. In talking to him you alway got a feeling that this man had real world expieriances and for that his advice and history lectures  reflected that.  He will be missed!
John T  Martino  F&M class of 1974 

August 01, 2015

My Dear Aunt Jean and Cousins, we send our love to you all, and are so very sad for your loss and ours. My uncle will be missed. Thinking of you especially today, warm hugs to all. Love, Ellen and Tery McAvoy
 

July 31, 2015

Eric & Laura
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  Prayers for comfort and peace to you and your family.  
Donna & Tom Sheehan

July 31, 2015

Athey Family,
So sorry for your loss. I remember Mr.Athey walking past our house on his way to F&M. He always had such a gentle smile and warm hello for you.
With Sympathy,
Linda DiCola Commale

July 29, 2015

Sorry to hear of Lou’s death.  I was the occasional participant in the poker games that left me poorer, but greatly entertained.
Heartfelt condolences from the remaining Russell family.
Richard

July 29, 2015

To the Athey family:  I had the privilege of working with Lou for many years at F & M.  He was a fine gentleman and a kind person.  My condolences to you all.
Mary Shelly
F & M Library (retired)

July 29, 2015

Dear Jean,  I am so sorry to hear of Lou’s passing.  My love to you and all your kids.  Sue (Skaggs)

July 28, 2015

To the Athey family.  We are so sorry to hear of your loss.  We weren’t as close as my dad LeRoy Kluthe was to Bud but we did enjoy our time we spent at the Gettysburg Battlefield and our email communications.  May your family find solace in that he is with God —  and perhaps there is a basketball court or baseball field there. 
Mike and Pam Kluthe

July 28, 2015

Bud was my Dad’s best friend in Irving, IL. I remember Dad talking about their high school and basketball days. My Dad was LeRoy Kluthe. I met Bud at my Dad’s funeral and our family, especially Mom, Maxine, was so glad he was able to be there that day. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.  Teresa (Kluthe) Parth

July 28, 2015

Jean:  I was both stunned and saddened to read of Lou’s passing. He and I have a long history going back to 1968 when we were together as hostages. Then we started playing poker with other faculty. A group which evolved into a long term, monthly gathering which continued for around thirty years. I will certainly miss him and his dry sense of humor tho I will not miss him winning consistently. My heartfelt condolences to you and the family. Don Tyrrell

July 28, 2015

I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Athey’s passing. I remember him as a very kind man.
Best to all of you,
Deena Joseph Kinsky

July 28, 2015

Dear Eric and Laura,
I read about your father’s death in the paper this morning.  What an accomplished gentleman he was.  Eric, you look very much like your handsome father.  I’m sorry I did not have the opportunity to meet and know him.  Please know that Gary and I are sending our love to you and your family.  In time, may the pain of losing him be replaced by fond memories you shared together.
Love, 
Sandy Cross

July 27, 2015

To the Family and Friends, so sorry for your loss. the Bible offers the best comfort at this time at “John 5:28,29 ” & ” Job 14: ,14,15″ . If you would like to learn more go to www.jw.org ( search ) why do people die ?