The Mater Dei community proudly announces the Mater Dei Hall of Honor Class of 2026, who will be inducted on May 1, 2026: Richard Dermody, M.D. ’70, Rick Gerstner ’76, Duane Grapperhaus ’70, John Jennetten ’61, and Dan Liening ’76.

Established in 1997, the Hall of Honor recognizes alumni and friends of Mater Dei who have lived their lives as witnesses of her mission.  The celebration will begin with Mass, followed by dinner and the induction ceremony.

Richard Dermody, M.D., Class of 1970
Following his graduation from Mater Dei in 1970, Richard earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a Doctor of Medicine from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.  He also earned American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology certification and served as a member of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

In keeping with our calling to “serve as our brother’s keeper,” Richard began his medical career at St. Joseph’s Hospital.  In 1982, he founded Southern OB/GYN Associates (SOGA) in Breese, where he provided comprehensive women’s healthcare to our local community until 2004, when he and his wife, Mary Ann, moved to Everett, WA.  He then continued his career as an obstetrical hospitalist at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett until his retirement in 2013.  Internationally, he provided medical care to those in need in Tagbilaran, Philippines in 2013.

In his community, Richard is a faithful member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, serving as a choir member.  He has also participated in multiple Fred Hutch Obliterides to raise funds for groundbreaking research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, WA.

Richard and Mary Ann are blessed with three children (Michelle ’90, Shannon ’95, and Melissa ’97) and three grandchildren.

Rick Gerstner, Class of 1976
Following his graduation from Mater Dei in 1976, Rick earned an associate degree in plumbing and pipefitting from Ranken Technical College.  He spent the majority of his career as a journeyman plumber for Gerstner Plumbing Company, from where he retired in 2018.  Since his retirement, he has served as an Illinois Certified Plumbing Inspector for local communities.

In keeping with our calling to share our time and talent, Rick served as a coach for the Breese youth football program for 25 years, developing in local youth not only the knowledge of and a passion for football, but also an understanding of the importance of teamwork and leadership skills. For Mater Dei, he generously shared his expertise in the completion of various plumbing-related projects, including the installation of a sprinkler system for the athletic field (prior to the turf field).  Moreover, he has served as an active member of Fathers & Friends and a supporter of Mater Dei Knight Club.

A resident of Breese, Rick is an active member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, where he currently serves as a Holy Name Men’s Society member and previously served as a Building and Maintenance Committee member.  In the community, he currently serves as a member of Sons of the American Legion and previously served as a member and vice president of Optimist Club of Breese and Breese Jaycees.

Rick and his wife, Barb ’79, are blessed with three children (Adam ’05, Justin ’07, and Logan ’13) and six grandchildren.

Duane Grapperhaus, Class of 1970
Following his graduation from Mater Dei in 1970, Duane earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.  He then built a successful career at the U.S. Department of Labor, from which he retired as a district director following 35 years of service.

In keeping with our calling to serve others, Duane has loyally shared his time and talents in support of the Mater Dei community by serving as a volunteer sound technician.  Initially, he provided both his equipment and his services to Mater Dei’s theatre productions.  Duane then assisted with the selection of, installation of, and training for Mater Dei’s current audio systems in the gyms, commons, and multi-purpose stadium.  “Only a call away,” he continues to provide assistance with the sound systems, even with only short notice.

In addition to providing similar services to many local parishes, Duane’s passion for music led him to serve as the organist at St. Mary Catholic Church in Carlyle.  For nearly 20 years, he has also provided music entertainment at numerous nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.

A resident of Breese, Duane is a faithful member of St. Dominic Catholic Church.  In the community, he currently serves as a member of the Knights of Columbus-Breese Council #2869, Sons of the American Legion-Breese Squadron #252, and Auxiliary of HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese.  He previously served the Breese Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter and trustee.

Duane and his wife, Carol ’75, are blessed with two children (Karen ’98 and Kevin ’00) and six grandchildren.

John Jennetten, Ph.D., Class of 1961
Following his graduation from Mater Dei in 1961, John earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Quincy College (now Quincy University).  He then returned to Mater Dei, where he served as a teacher (1965-1969) and an assistant principal (1968-1969), before teaching at Cross Keys Junior High School in Florissant, MO (1969-1970).  Led by his passion for educational leadership, John chose to pursue a Ph.D. in higher education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

In keeping with our calling to share our talents in service to others, John supported generations of students through his effective, student-focused approach to administering financial aid resources, which included developing policies and procedures, overseeing student employment programs, implementing outreach initiatives, and providing training for fellow financial aid administrators, as well as high school and college counselors.  Specifically, he served as Director of Student Financial Aid for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) from 1972-1991 and Chief Program Officer for Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) from 1991-2007.

In retirement, John continues to serve others through volunteerism, dedicating his time to the SIUE Center for Spirituality and Sustainability, SIUE Newman Catholic Community, and SIUE chapter of the State Universities Annuitants Association.

A resident of Edwardsville, John is an active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, where he previously served as the Finance Council chair.

John and his wife, Judi, are blessed with two children (Paul and Patrick) and five grandchildren.

Dan Liening, Class of 1976
Following his graduation from Mater Dei in 1976, Dan began his career in the concrete industry, serving Quad-Country Ready Mix for 21 years as a truck driver and plant manager.  He then transitioned to the construction industry, in which he not only utilized his knowledge of concrete, but also expanded his knowledge to include air barrier installation and building envelope installation.  At both The Korte Company and Holland Construction, Dan has served as a quality assurance manager.  With The Korte Company, Dan’s expertise influenced projects across the globe, including projects for the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Postal Service, and Amazon.  In recognition of this influence, in 2020, the Tilt-Up Concrete Association recognized him as one of the Top 50 World’s Most Influential Tilt-Up Professionals.  In 2025, Dan semi-retired from The Korte Company.

In keeping with our calling to share our time and talent, Dan also serves his community.  A resident of Breese, he is an active member of St. Dominic Catholic Church, where he previously served as a Building Committee member and an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and Knights of Columbus–Breese Council #2869.  For Mater Dei, Dan previously volunteered to assist with the Building Trades homes, often painting in the evenings.  Finally, he enjoys mentoring graduates choosing to enter a trade field.

Dan and his wife, Cindi, are blessed with three children (Candace ’01, Courtney ’07, and Travis ’09) and six grandchildren.