Carl N. Karcher, 90. He parlayed $325 investment into Carl's Jr. hamburger chain. Jan. 11.

Johnny Podres, 75. He pitched Brooklyn Dodgers to their only World Series title in 1955. Jan. 13.

Richard Knerr, 82. Co-founded Wham-O toy company that popularized Hula Hoop, Frisbee. Jan. 14.

Dr. Judah Folkman, 74. Researcher who worked to cut off cancer from its blood supply, giving hope for a cure. Jan. 14.

Bobby Fischer, 64. Reclusive chess genius who dethroned Soviet champion in 1972. Jan. 17.

Eugene Sawyer, 73. Chicago mayor for 16 months in late 1980s. Jan. 19.

Suzanne Pleshette, 70. Beautiful, husky-voiced actress; sardonic wife on "The Bob Newhart Show." Jan. 19.

James L. Sorenson, 86. Utah billionaire; built fortune in medical devices, real estate. Jan. 20.

Kenneth Eugene Parnell, 76. Notorious California child molester; held young Steven Stayner for years. Jan. 20.

Heath Ledger, 28. Actor nominated for Oscar for "Brokeback Mountain"; the Joker in "The Dark Knight." Jan. 22. Drug overdose.

Miles Lerman, 88. Helped found U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Jan. 22.

Richard Darman, 64. White House budget director; helped persuade first President Bush to compromise on new taxes. Jan. 25.

George Habash, 81. His PLO faction gained notoriety for 1970 hijackings of four Western airliners. Jan. 26.

Viktor Schreckengost, 101. Artist, industrial designer. Jan. 26.

Lovie Yancey, 96. She founded Fatburger restaurant chain. Jan. 26.