Rockford Sun

Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, is mourning the passing of its former president, Gretchen von Loewe Kreuter, who served as president from 1987-1992. Kreuter was also an alumna of the university, graduating from then-Rockford College in 1955.

Her death was announced by her family, who shared that she passed peacefully on Feb. 1, 2022 in St. Paul, Minn. She was 87.

“President Kreuter was a lifelong educator whose passion, advocacy, and faithfulness was felt throughout academia,” said Rockford University President Dr. Eric Fulcomer. “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.” 

Arriving when the college’s finances were strained, President Kreuter was well received by faculty, staff, and students, and revered by fellow alums who knew of her strong academic and administrative background. During her five-year tenure, President Kreuter worked diligently to shore up the college and its finances.

She gained experience in higher education as a professor, assistant to the president, and assistant to the vice president of academic affairs at various institutions, which provided her the expertise to lead Rockford College.

“We are fortunate that many alumni have come back to serve our community and our school. President Kreuter was an embodiment of that, and we will forever be grateful for her service,” President Fulcomer said.

Following her time at Rockford College, President Kreuter continued to work in academia until retiring to Wisconsin and then Minnesota, where she pursued her work as a writer and scholar, contributing to newsletters and journaling.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on March 3 at Unity Unitarian Church in St. Paul, Minn. There will be a visitation at 1 p.m., followed by a service at 2 p.m., and a reception at 3 p.m.

The service will be live-streamed and recorded for everyone at https://youtu.be/lwYkKSbY0v8.