The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn of the passing of two alumni during the latter part of 2025.
Dr. Donald F. Disque, a member of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s first class, the Class of 1963, passed away October 18, 2025 in Farmington, Connecticut. He was 86.
Born and raised in Alexandria, Indiana, he grew up on a farm where he learned his love of taking care of animals. He also was known as a student who worked hard in school and focused on getting good grades. In his free time, he loved playing basketball. He enrolled at Purdue University as a member of the first class of veterinary students in 1959. After graduating, he taught in Illinois, was married and then moved to Connecticut where he and his wife Sharron raised their family.
At one point, the family moved to New Zealand, where Dr. Disque worked in large animal practice for a year and a half, before they returned to Connecticut and he opened his own small animal practice in Farmington. In his free time, he loved golf, flying his plane, and boating. He also was an active member of Asylum Hill Congregational Church.
Dr. Disque was known as a very sweet man who loved his family, friends, work, hobbies, and adventures very much. In particular he and Sharron enjoyed travels to Europe, China, and Africa.
A complete obituary may be found here.
Dr. Leonard A. Jenkins of Marion, Indiana, passed away December 31, 2025 in Marion. He was 81.
A native of Warsaw, Indiana, he earned both his BS degree in agriculture and his DVM degree at Purdue University in 1973 and 1976, respectively. He dedicated his life to caring for animals and serving his community through his profession.
Dr. Jenkins also was a lifelong sports enthusiast. He played softball throughout his life and enjoyed golfing and cheering for his favorite baseball team, the Chicago Cubs. He also was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is remembered for his kindness, dedication, and love for family, and his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories shared.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Marion-Grant County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1921, Marion, IN 46952. A complete obituary is available here.
In Memory – Correction: Dr. Jeffrey Hanssen (PU DVM ’80)
We regret that an error was made inadvertently in the memorial story published recently about Dr. Jeffrey Hanssen, a longtime practitioner from Greenfield, Indiana, who passed away March 12, 2026. The wrong class year was listed in the headline. Dr. Hanssen was a member of the DVM Class of 1980.
