Normal College of the American Gymnastic Union - Gymnast Yearbook (Indianapolis, IN)

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In Memory of Dr. W. A. Coker The sudden death of Dr. VVilliam A. Ocker, Director of Physical Education in the Indianapolis Public Schools, and lecturer in the Normal College A. G. U., occurred on Friday afternoon, November 13, in his office at school headquarters, the cause being heart failure. Dr. Ocker was born on February 7, 1870, in Vlashington, Mo. He received his early education in the public schools of St. Louis. He also made an extensive study of music and became an accomplished pianist. Qn completing his high school course, he entered the Normal College of Gymnastics, then located at lVIilwaukee, and graduated in 1892. He then taught physical education at Hughes High School in Cincinnati, until june 1900. ln 1897, he was graduated from the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, having attended late afternoon and evening classes while teaching at Hughes. After a business experience of ten years in St. Louis, and teaching two years in the Soldan High School of that city, Dr. Ocker accepted the position of Di- rector of Physical Training and Hygiene in the Indianapolis schools in 1912. ln addition to his regular duties, he also had charge of the safety program until September 1931. He wrote two books for publication, and finished a new syllabus of physical education on the night before he died. For a period of nineteen years, Dr. Ocker lectured at the Normal College. He also made contacts with the many students through their practice teaching in the city schools. His genial personality, his thorough knowledge of his sub- ject, and his abounding faith in the value of physical education, made him an in- spiring teacher, and his sudden death brought grief to his many admirers among the faculty and students of the Normal College. The tribute paid him by Paul Stetson, Superintendent of the Indianapolis Schools, emphasized traits of character that were seen in Dr. Qcker by all who knew him: He believed thoroughly and sincerely in our public school system and the department which he directed. This enthusiasm was evident to all. Noth- ing was allowed to prevent him from performing his tasks. Dr. Ocker believed in physical education and made a lasting tribute to it. Williawiz N. Otto. .

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In Memory of Gerhardt Haase lt is with the deepest feeling that we record the passing of a true classmate, Gerhardt l-laase. His death was the result of a most unfortunate accident which occurred while he was performing on a piece of apparatus. Mr. l-laase was a member of the class of l927, and had returned to com- plete his work for a degree. He was a member of Phi Epsilon Kappa. His genial personality, his strength of character, his sincerity, his attitude toward his fellowmen, are well-expressed by the thoughts of a close student as- sociate of Mr. Haase: His memory must remain with us as an ideal upon a pedestal. His deeds must feed the tire of inspiration as we travel the road of Destiny. His character shall add to the spirituality of each one of us as we see the picture of our class- mate, Gerhardt Haase . Men who sacrifice material happiness to gain knowledge and to press onward to earthly success, only to be cut down by Fate, walk i11 paths higher than the common one. May the courage of Gerhardt Haase be a monu- ment in heaven to the body that lies asleep on earth. When we leave classmates, take back this monument in your hearts. Take it over the roads and highways that brought us together in life, Let us forget the cause of his death, and remem- ber how he lived in life, as only a true gymnast can live-a clean and full life. 'l'o the little daughter left in a beautiful world, may her father's strength be given unto her as the years pass, on pages of the story we know as Life. May she grow into that splendid womanhood which her father would have wanted her to. May the mother of this little girl be given strength spiritually to bear her sorrow until years shall obliterate this sorrow, until her life is only moments of sunshine and joy. As strong men passed and lived on the pages of history, as courageous women passed and became makers of nations, so Gerhardt Haase has passed, but will live among us in the halls of Normal College. This is our message to those who loved and respected him. Raymoiia' Lynn.