This page is dedicated to the memories of 91st Division soldiers, past and present, who have died. If you have a name you wish to submit please send it to: divisionleague@yahoo.com. Please include full name, current or retired rank, dates of service with 91st Division (if known) and date of death.
You can include a Memorial or testimonial of 25 words or less with the submission. Once the name is posted other memorials and testimonials may be submitted to the email address above for posting to the soldier’s name.
The 91st Infantry Division League is sad to announce the death of MG (R) Fred Lawson, Commanding General 91st Division
Fred Lawson, aged 97, of Carmel, California, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025. Renowned for his remarkable achievements, ceaseless quest for knowledge, and deep commitment to family, Fred left a profound and lasting imprint on the lives of all who had the privilege to know him. Born and raised in Aledo, Illinois, Fred enjoyed a childhood rich with adventures influenced by his parents’ strong values of responsibility, diligence, and respect for others. He graduated from Aledo High School in 1944, a year that marked a pivotal moment in world history.
Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the Army, serving with honor and distinction during World War II and continuing through the subsequent conflict in Korea. As he rose through the military ranks, Fred attained the distinguished rank of 2-Star Major General in the Army Reserves, showcasing his exceptional leadership abilities, dedication to service, and commitment to his country. His contributions included significant roles in logistical operations and engineering projects that shaped military strategy and public service efforts for years to come.
Fred’s thirst for knowledge led him to the University of Illinois, where he pursued a degree in business administration and graduated in 1952. It was on this campus that he met Peggy, the love of his life. Their romance blossomed into a marriage that would last an incredible 70 years, characterized by steadfast partnership and countless shared adventures, both big and small. Launching his professional career at Kaiser Aluminum, Fred quickly ascended to the role of Executive Vice President, thanks to his impressive work ethic, innovative ideas, and strategic foresight. He earned a reputation as a trusted negotiator in labor relations, skillfully addressing complex global challenges with integrity and pragmatism. Undeterred by success, Fred continued his pursuit of education at Stanford University, where he was accepted into the prestigious MBA Sloan Program, graduating in 1964 with a renewed focus on leadership in the corporate world.
Outside of his notable professional endeavors, Fred was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He took immense pride in his family, often reflecting on the life lessons and core values he imparted to his children and grandchildren. His ability to combine wisdom, humor, and a passion for storytelling created a rich tapestry of memories that will be cherished by his loved ones. Gatherings were often filled with laughter and warmth as Fred shared tales from his life-be they military adventures, career anecdotes, or heartfelt family stories.
Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy, who remained by his side throughout their extraordinary journey together; their two sons, Ted and Tom, who carry forward his legacy; and his precious grandchildren, Andrew and Sarah, who were the pride and joy of his later years. As they navigate life, may they continue to embody the kindness, dedication, and resilience that Fred exemplified. His legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of everyone he touched.
91st Division Soldiers who have passed
SGT Jan Cayot – 26 Jan 2026 – Jan served in the 91st at the Presidio SF. He was a Retired Senior Engineer at Lockheed Missile and Space Company. His father and his uncle also served with the 91st Division. Although Jan did not attend League events, he was a longtime supporter of the League thru his annual donations. Jan’s family were early settlers of California. He was buried at the La Porte Cemetery, La Porte, Plumas County, California. (Photo)
SGT Kelly Hope Watts – early 2025
LTC (R) Bill Wellever – 25 September 2025
CW3 (R) Eddie Kendall – 5 February 2025 – Served with HQ 2nd Brigade, Hamilton Field (obit)
MG (R) Fred Lawson – January 23, 2025
CW5 (R) Mary Fetherolf – 20 December 2024 – Served in the 91st Division Leadership Academy, 1st Brigade (BCST), and 91st Maneuver Training Command (obit)
COL Ret. Joseph Piasta II – passed away in his Santa Rosa home on July 19, 2024, surrounded by his children, at the age of 73, following a harrowing and heroically fought battle against cancer. (Photo and obit)
SFC James Hudson – 8 July 2024 – Served as part of the 91st Division in Chico (obit)
COL (R) Jim Dyson – 9 May 2024 – Served as a 91st Division Brigade Commander
MSG (R) Christi Williams – 10 March 2024 – Served in the 91st Division’s Information Management Office
MSG (R) Lyle Seeband – 17 January 2024 – Served in the 91st Division band and with the bag pipers (photo and obit)
LTC (R) Chris Miller – 29 December 2023 – Served in the 91st Aviation Section (photo, words from SSG (R) Gaytan)
SGM (R) Michael Elliott – 27 October 2023 – Served as a drill sergeant at the 91st Division’s San Bruno Battalion (photo, funeral service, words from his friends)
SSG (R) Cliff Rezentes – 13 October 2023 – Served with the AG/Finance Team
LTC (R) Leonids Bitners – 18 September 2023 – Served as the Leadership Academy Director, Battalion Commander for the San Bruno Battalion, and as the Division G4 (photo and Obit)
Maj (R) Bill Tubbs – 2 September 2023 – Served as piper with the 91st Div Band. Also served as an officer in the USCG and then was retired as a Major in the USAR. (photo)
SFC (R) Marvin Green – 14 August 2023 – Served as the NCOIC of the Aviation Team of 1st Brigade from 1984 until 1996.
COL (R) Jess Oji – 14 June 2023 – Served in numerous positions in the 91st Division. (military assignments)
MG (R) T. K. Moffett – 5 June 2023 – Served as Deputy CG for the 91st Division (photo and Obit)
LTC (R) Robert Williams – 13 February 2023 (photos, Obit)
SFC (R) Reggie Ramsey – 18 December 2022 – Served as the 91st Division Security Manager (photo)
CW4 (R) Vincent Gagliardo – 8 December 2022 – CW4 Gagliardo (nicknamed Gags) served with the 4th Brigade, 91st Division (photo and Obit)
COL (R) Richard Sperling – 6 October 2022 (photo)
MG (R) Robert Menist – 29 September 2022 – MG (R) Menist served the 91st Division as a Chief of Staff, Leadership Academy Director, and Commander of the 2d Battalion 361st Regiment, 2nd Brigade, and Training Command. (photo)
CSM (R) Bob Kirkley – 24 August 2022 – CSM (R) Kirkley, 2nd BDE CSM 91st DIV TNG, passed away in Grants Pass Oregon.
COL (R) Ed Flint – 14 May 2022 – COL (R) Flint was a 91st Division Officer and Soldier. He was a great Wild West Warrior and will be missed.
T-5 Richard Owens – 5 April 2022 – T-5 Richard Owens served with the Weapons Platoon, I Company, 362nd Infantry Regiment, 91st Division during WWII. (photo)
CPT (R) John van den Berg – 15 February 2022 – CPT(R) John Van den Berg served in the Combat Services Support Exercise Division, 91st Maneuver Training Command. (photo)
MSG (R) Robert Maerdian – 15 August 2021 (photo)
LTC (R) Steven Ansel – 10 June 2021
MSG (R) Stan Kamiya – 12 December 2020
CSM (R) Art Bowen – 6 December 2020
COL (R) Douglas Patton – 24 November 2020
Anthony Brandano – 28 June 2020 (note)
PFC Leo Owens – 6 June 2020 – PFC Leo Owens served with the 2nd Platoon, I Company, 362nd rifleman from Nashville, Arkansas during WWII. (photo)
PFC Bob Palassou – 25 May 2019 (photo and note)
LTC (R) Ron Sarhad – 27 August 2017 (photo)
