R Connections

On Saturday, Oct. 26, Jon P. Wilcox ’58 received the 2019 Resource Award of Merit from the Wisconsin State Council of Trout Unlimited in Madison.  Wilcox was recognized for his life-long support of Wisconsin Cold Water Resources.

Wilcox grew up in Wild Rose and received his undergraduate degree from Ripon College in 1958 and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1965. From 1959 to 1961 he served as an officer in the U.S. Army.  After serving his country, he started his own law practice in Wautoma and represented the 72nd Assembly district from 1969 to 1975.

On February 23, 1971 at a law office in Berlin, several men from Berlin, Wautoma, and Poy Sippi met in what was called an “organizational meeting.”  That was the start of the new Wisconsin Trout Unlimited chapter, which would be called the Central Wisconsin Chapter.  Wilcox was elected to serve on the board of directors for the chapter.

Wilcox fished in the local waters of Central Wisconsin  as well as beautiful streams in Idaho and Montana with his good friends, Dr. Tom Poulette, Russ Younglove, Arling Erickson, and others.

Wilcox developed a love of trout and their beautiful environs and realized their habitat needed to be protected.  As a state representative, Jon wrote and introduced Wisconsin to a bill in 1971 which proposed that Wisconsin fishing license holders who wanted to fish for trout pay an additional $1 for a trout stamp to fund trout habitat improvement.  The bill did not pass, as the Department of Natural Resources did not think separate funding was a good idea at the time.

But Wilcox persisted and continued to push the bill for the remaining tie he was in office.  He was then elected to the Wisconsin Conversation Congress from 1975-1980.  During that tie he continued to push for passage of his bill.  The trout stamp bill final passed and the first trout stamp came out in 1978 and sold for $2.50.

Jon Wilcox served as circuit court judge in Waushara County for 13 years and Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial District.  He was appointed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court by Governor Tommy Thompson in 1992 and elected to a 10 year term in 1997.  His term expired in 2007 and he did not see reelection.

Throughout Judge Wilcox’s long career he remained a strong supporter and member of Trout Unlimited and its mission to improve trout habitat and protect our coldwater resources.  The trout stamp program continues to this day and the cost is now $10.

Submitted by: DevStudent

Spencer Charles Peterson, a man with a Guitar and a Heart of Gold 71, Life-long Minneapolis resident and renowned local rocker, passed on October 25th, 2019, surrounded by family, friends and adoring fans. Spence was known for his straightforward personality, an uncanny ability to connect with strangers and his deep repertoire of songs and anecdotes. He was a natural entertainer on and off the stage. Born July 6th, 1948 to parents Sally and Cyrus, Spence grew up with two younger sisters he adored, Janet (Jajie) and Melissa (Missy). He attended Blake High School and Ripon College, making many life-long friends. Above all else was Bay Lake, where Spence spent summers at his grand-parents’ cabin. There, his grand-father, Papa, laid deep foundations in the young man’s heart and mind, teaching him the guitar and setting an example for the life well lived — working hard and playing hard. Spence dedicated himself to that credo, traversing many careers while raising four children, Nicholas, Nathan, Kelsey and Schuyler with his former wife, Tori. Countless summer days and nights filled with laughter echo off The Point. Whether cheering on the Gophers, casting a hook for crappies, walking the links or enjoying a cocktail cruise. Or the tough decision you needed help thinking through, the missteps, the hard times. He was with you all the way. He couldn’t pound a nail to save his life, but his fingers could walk the strings like an old country road he’d built himself. A little old-school in his ways, once he started singing, the room was helpless catching fire. It didn’t matter if it was family sing-a-longs with best buds Denny, Tony or Billy or the JR Spencer Band before a cheering crowd, we would all get lifted “higher and higher”. The family is especially grateful to Lucy Stringer, his partner the last six years. They shared a love that bridged our families and put a twinkle in his eye. Services will be announced for gatherings at Bay Lake and Madeline Island in the Spring. Spence, we thank you for all the love you gave, right to the last note.

Submitted by: DevStudent

Submitted by: DevStudent

Captain Brandon Kasubaski ’12, U.S. Army, has written an article for Small Wars Journal. He is a space operations officer serving as the lead planner for space control operations for U.S Army Space Missile Defense Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. He holds a BA in psychology from the Ripon College, Wisconsin and is studying for an MS in space studies from American Military University. Previously, he served in the 25th Sustainment Brigade and 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Hawaii. You can read the article here.

Submitted by: DevStudent

Mike Maxwell ’03 recently announced a 2020-21 Campus Tour. He writes,

 “I am a Chicago area comedian and formerly a NACA member. I am a regular at the Chicago Improv and tour nationally at clubs, colleges and corporate events. I’ve showcased at the Mid America conference before and I’m currently lining up my 2020-2021 calendar. I’ve performed at over 30 colleges, universities and prep schools. My stand up show is an upbeat, sarcastic and lightly customized show that would be PG-13 rated. I was one of three stand up comedians selected to the Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival too! Colleges have booked me for stand up, improv, late night shows, and emceeing. I’ve performed all over the US, London, Dublin and Montreal. It would be great to talk about how I can fit into the upcoming programming calendar.”

You can learn more here.

Submitted by: DevStudent

Frank Merritt Wheeler, age 74, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on August 14th at Munson Hospice House surrounded by the love and care of his family. Frank was born on January 3rd, 1945 to Barbara (Merritt) and Grant Wheeler in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He earned a BA in History from Ripon College, where he was a member of the SAE fraternity. After earning an MBA from Western Michigan University, he enjoyed a varied career in business finance in Chicago, Illinois, Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin, and Juneau, Alaska. Ultimately, his career led him to Traverse City where he and his wife Cheryl raised their two boys Dan and Jeff.

Frank and his family spent many years enjoying travel, downhill and cross-country skiing as well as fun bike trips. He also treasured time with his family boating, water skiing, and relaxing at the cottage in Northern Wisconsin. His friends and family were always amazed by his photographic memory and incredible sense of humor. He had a natural curiosity and could often be found reading about history and following stock market and automobile trends. He was a Deacon at the Presbyterian Church, and in his retirement volunteered as a patient escort at Munson Medical Center. He was active in the Parkinson’s Support Group, served on the Parkinson’s Network North Board of Directors and the Munson Volunteer Board.

Frank is survived by his wife of 46 years Cheryl (Geib), his sons Daniel (Peter) of Chicago, and Jeffrey of Chicago, brothers Grant (Nancy) of West Virginia, Kevin (Ann) of Michigan, and James of Michigan, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and Grant Wheeler.

A memorial service will be held at The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, August 27th, with visitation at 10:00 A.M. and lunch following the service. Memorial contributions can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the American Cancer Society.

Frank and his family are being cared for by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Submitted by: DevStudent

Stevan Zimmer, age 65, of Minnetonka, passed away Feb. 1, 2017. Born Oct. 19, 1951, in Minneapolis to Edward D. “Pete” Zimmer (d. Feb 18, 2019) and Ruth Quarfot Zimmer (d. July 6, 1953). Graduated Alexander Ramsey High School, Roseville, Minn., 1969; Ripon College, Ripon, Wisc., 1973; and University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, 1981. Survived by mother Marjorie Zimmer; children Patrick, Molly (Thomas Rude), and Tommy; siblings Jon, Debra, William, and Peter; nephews Jon and Tom; aunt Ione Boettcher Schlipp; former wife Peggy Zimmer Pomije; and many cousins.

Memorial Service Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, 1 p.m., Cherrywood Pointe Community Room, 2680 Lexington Ave., Roseville, Minnesota. Memorials preferred to Lions Gift of Sight.

Submitted by: DevStudent

In October 2019, Lawrence (Larry) Honaker ’11 successfully defended his Ph.D. thesis, “Liquid Metals and Liquid Crystals Subject to Flow: From Fundamental Physics to Functional Fibers”, at the University of Luxembourg in the Experimental Soft Matter Physics Group of Prof. Jan Lagerwall. He will remain at the University of Luxembourg through the end of March as a postdoctoral researcher to finish up some loose ends and last papers from his Ph.D. work while looking for the next opportunity, hopefully still in Europe.

Submitted by: Lawrence Honaker

Sun Prairie – John (Jack) Louis McMahon was born on February 28, 1933 to Ervine (E.P.) McMahon and Amanda (Setz) McMahon in Beaver Dam, WI.

Weighing in at over 10lbs, right from the start he was a force to be reckoned with. With his parents, and his brother Jim, they moved to Sun Prairie in 1935.

A gifted athlete, he lettered in all four sports, all four years of high school. After high school, he attended Ripon College, where he was the star of the football team. He married Nancy Jeane Chase on June 1st, 1957. Between E.P, Jim, and Jack, they ran E.P. McMahon and Sons Concrete for over 70 years, building a large portion of Sun Prairie.

He had a quirky sense of humor and loved to play pranks. First impression for most people was that he was fierce and scary. They didn’t know he always hid the last piece of a puzzle in the sugar bowl. He loved a good story, and often made up tall tales. Six-foot beavers, Sasquatch, and a lake haunted by a team of white oxen dragging a load of logs who fell through the ice were all part of Jack’s lore. He tried to have the image as someone who didn’t care, or who played hardball, but if someone ever really needed help, he was right there.

Jack loved his dogs, the Northwoods, and his family.

Jack’s purpose in life was to take care of his family. Everything he did was to provide for, and take care of, his wife, his children, his parents, his brother, and his nephews. He did a magnificent job.

After a long battle with Parkinson’s, Jack passed away peacefully at home on December 6, 2019 surrounded by the family he loved.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, E.P. and Amanda McMahon, and his brother James (Jim) McMahon. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Nancy Chase McMahon, sons Patrick McMahon and Daniel (Jeane) McMahon, daughters Amanda McMahon Helman, and Michelle (Kevin) Koessl. He is also survived by grandchildren John Shipp, Jason Shipp, Sean McMahon, Kodiak Koessl, Jackson McMahon and great-grandchildren Saraphin White and Ethan Shipp.

Jack taught his family what responsibility, commitment and caring meant. They will continue with what he wanted. And he will be sorely missed.

There will be no services for Jack but look for the party next spring.

Donations may be made to St. Alberts Catholic Church, 2420 St. Albert Drive, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.

Submitted by: DevStudent

Jenny Pool Radway ’00 has been named the new executive director of the Lower Columbia Hispanic Council, replacing Jorge Guttierez who resigned in July for another position in Washington State. Pool Radway comes to Astoria from Denver, Colorado where she founded and directed Diverse Communities LLC. Her company designed and implemented programs for international and national organizations to increase capacity for building and implementing diversity and inclusion strategies while addressing systemic and institutional inequity. She has in-depth experience working with immigrant communities while working in the mental health field as well as the 2020 Census preparation. Born and raised in Costa Rica, Pool Radway has degrees in Spanish and Political Science from Ripon College, a Master’s Degree in Human Services from Capella University and is currently a Master’s in Latin American Economics and Politics candidate from the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain.  She has worked primarily in non-profits throughout her career.

Rocio Simmons, co-president of the board of directors for the Lower Columbia Hispanic Council said that Pool Radway stood out to the board “not only because of her ample experience working as a community leader, but also because she is bilingual and bicultural and possesses the necessary skills to manage a non profit dedicated to help the Latinx community.” The board brought Pool Radway to visit the area and the Latinx community prior to the offer of employment.  Community businesses, such as the Hotel Elliott, offered services gratis to Pool Radway during her visit in September to help the Council make the visit possible.

Pool Radway is excited about her new position and the move to the new community: “I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve the Lower Columbia Hispanic Council. The Hispanic Council is poised to really develop its vision and build on the tremendous momentum of recent years.” Pool Radway added that she looks forward to “being a part of this effort, supporting and uplifting our members, and making a positive difference for the Latinx community of the Oregon coast.”

Maritza Romero, the Family Engagement Specialist for the Hispanic Council, served as the interim director after Gutierrez departed in July. Craig Hoppes, another board member of the Hispanic Council, emphasized how grateful the board is to her service during the interim. “We appreciate the dedication and work that Maritza Romero did during the hiring process for the new director.  Her work with her staff and the community has only made the Lower Columbia Hispanic Council stronger.”  Hoppes added the that the board looks forward to Maritza’s continued effort to support the Hispanic community.

Submitted by: DevStudent

Connie Smith Linde ’54 finished her journey home on December 24, 2019. Her travels began in Chicago on September 29th, 1932. Her parents, Elmer and Ruth Smith gave Connie a strong happy beginning. Her Aunt Ruby Smith gave her colorful inspiration. She was the “little mom” to her younger brothers Lee (Cindy) and Robert (Connie) Smith.

Connie’s journey crossed tracks with her future husband Richard in a Milwaukee railroad station when they were both headed back to Ripon College after Christmas break. They married on June 6, 1953 and were partners and traveling companions for life.

Fellow wayfarers are her children Kim Linde, Shan Linde (Kevin Cooper), Jo (Bruce) Walker, and Mace (Amy) Linde; grand children Rick (Ibetliza), Mike (Stacey), Trevor, Carra, Holt (Emily), Grayson, Tate (Chelsea), Kelsey (Andrew), and Chuckles; and great grandchildren, Niko, Sophia, Matthew, Mia, Oliver, and River along with many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service for family and friends will be on December 30, 2019 at 4pm at First United Lutheran Church in Sheboygan, WI.

At Ripon College, Connie studied mathematics.

View full obituary here.

06/08/1946 – 10/17/2019

Diann revered the written word, from Shakespeare to the Bible, the poetry of Billy Collins to the barroom wit of Billy Joel. She rooted for the underdog, except on Derby Day. She believed in speaking truth to power and standing up to bullies big and small. And she was also unafraid to address the unspeakable, whether that meant helping a dear friend navigate a fresh diagnosis or bravely healing a horrifying local tragedy through a gaspingly forthright editorial in the community paper. Diann worked hard as an educator, a manager, an advocate, supporter and volunteer. She was the family grammarian and the keeper of manners and formalities, not because they were fancy, but because she believed they gave our lives grace and continuity. And she was smart, a born debater with skills that left many of us wondering why she’d walked away from her acceptance to law school. But then Diann was often difficult to figure: an intensely sensitive soul who projected confidence and toughness, an intensely private woman who deeply felt the solitary nature of existence but could connect with anyone in a grocery store or soup kitchen. We watched Diann shy away from the sort of social gatherings others find easy and fun, but walk calmly into the difficult stuff most of us fear and avoid, to help a person she’d just met through a crisis of sickness or despair.

She delighted in nature, but greeted the prospect of “camping” with a long silent stare that dared you to ask twice. She loved jokes but struggled adorably and quite literally for years, to master one through to the punchline. She was a deeply spiritual, in the sense of remembering to fill the birdfeeder, just in case her father came back to visit as a cardinal, which he definitely would, every day. And despite being deeply invested in the importance of maintaining the family history for the next generation, stuffing the family bible with immaculate cursive notes on 17th century immigrant namesakes and homesteading Iowan ancestors, Revolutionary War surgeon grandpeople and her dad’s early life in New Orleans and various family farms between the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, Diann felt that her own life history somehow didn’t count.

On her death, her family was instructed to skip the usual list of accomplishments and memberships and who begat whoms, announce that “Diann was here, and she left,” and leave it at that. And while we honor her memory, we cannot honor that request. The truth was vitally, essentially, stubbornly important to Diann, but she often didn’t give that truth to herself, and sometimes at great personal expense. And what’s true is that the contradictions are part of our memory, and part of what made her beloved to so many around the country, from her native Iowa to her longtime Connecticut home, from those who once gathered in her hydrangea garden on Nantucket to her newer neighbors in Southwest Florida. Those contradictions also happen to make Diann especially difficult to summarize in an obituary.

Now those contradictions will be puzzled over by those she leaves behind: the handsome motorcycle riding boy whose pet name for Diann was “Iowan”, and the man who, after 51 years of marriage, still does, Dr. Charles W. Graeber; her sons Charlie and Matthew and their spouses Gabrielle Allen and Jana Graeber; her grandchild Thomas, to whom she was “Baba”; her sister Jane and husband George Maciel, her aunt Anne Gillespie, and a gaggle of beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and admirers. We will remember a woman who could be fierce in her love, and whom we fiercely loved. We also remember that Diann taught us how to correctly use the word “whom”. She will be missed mightily. The morning that Diann left us, the morning papers reported that a rare bird had been spotted nearby, a yellow cardinal, one in a million. We will keep our feeders stocked with black oil seed and milk duds, and watch the skies.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019 at Christ Church in Harwich Port, MA. Details, as well as an invitation to add remembrance and celebration will be posted on www.morrisoconnorblute.com. Diann beat cancer, and knew firsthand the importance of research and great patient care, so in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute www.dana-farber.org/gift.

At Ripon College, Diann studied English.

Read Diann’s obituary here.

Robert J. Bednarek ’49 of Truro died December 7, 2019 at Seashore Point Wellness Center in Provincetown MA. He was 91.

Born November 24, 1928 in Berlin, Wisconsin, he was the son of Bernard and Mary (Butler) Bednarek. He was raised on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin. Robert was proud of his rural upbringing and his education from local schools including a one room school house in Green Lake County and later Berlin High School.

In 1946 he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan. He served our country while preforming his duties at the Far East Command in Tokyo primarily by typing copies of investigation reports and legal files of war crime evidence. Robert later mentioned he worked for a General because unlike most others they told him he listened well and typed quickly. While in Japan he became interested in their architecture which pointed him in that direction professionally. After his Honorable Discharge from the US Army he formally pursued his interest in architecture by attending Ripon College in Wisconsin. After his initial undergraduate studies at Ripon he participated in an exchange program with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. At MIT he continued his studies of drafting, design and architecture and after completing his formal education he worked on numerous residential and commercial design projects from his office in Cambridge and later Truro.

In 1957 Robert moved to Truro, with his partner Dr. Charles Davidson where he lived until his death. He loved the “backshore” of the Cape with its unforested hills covered with bearberry and its salt marshes. Until a few years ago he rode his bicycle or hiked to the shore every day, combing the sands for treasures, always with binoculars around his neck. He was an avid bird watcher, naturalist, preservationist, collector of local history and a common sight beachcombing the sands and surf.

Robert was a long-time member of the Truro Conservation Trust where he held positions as Secretary and Trustee Emeritus. He enjoyed the services and company of the Truro Council on Aging Senior Center, attended the Christian Union Church and was a member of the First Congregational Parish, established in 1709, both in Truro.

Robert’s comment about his beloved community was that “In Truro people go off in little houses in the woods and come out when they feel like it. That was the attraction for writers, artists, theater people between jobs – they could be alone and not be bothered.”

A kind, proud, observant, knowledgeable man, “Uncle Bobby” will be terribly missed by his nieces and nephews; Amy Stocklein, Brian (Jamie) Bednarek of Custer WI, Andrew (Amy) Bednarek of Rancho Palos Verdes CA, Mira (Dain) Trafton of Livingston MT and Jonas (Carrie) Bednarek of Verona WI and their families. He was preceded by his partner Dr. Charles Davidson of Truro, his brother Donald Bednarek of Madison WI, and his parents.

Family and friends will be invited to a celebration of Bobby’s life in the spring, at a time and date to be announced.

Obituary can be viewed here.

Patricia Jenkins Steaffens ’53, age 88, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2019. She was born in Chicago on July 22, 1931, the daughter of Howard and Virginia Jenkins. Pat graduated cum laude from Ripon College with a Bachelor’s Degree. On June 14, 1952 she married William C. Steaffens at Ravenswood United Methodist Church in Chicago. Pat worked as an Administrative Assistant at Nelson Industries for many years. She was a longtime dedicated member of Stoughton United Methodist Church where she served as the first woman Chair of Trustees, chair of the Worship Committee and SPRC, Lay Leader, and Member of the Annual Conference. Pat was a longtime member of the Madison Area Chapter of the Embroiderers Guild of America, and Oregon Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star where she served as Worthy Matron, Grand Martha, and Grand Representative Idaho in WI from 1995-1996. Pat was a founding member of the Southeast American Cancer Society in Dane Co. and was Volunteer of the Year in 1987. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Pat is survived by her daughter, Debra Steaffens; son Jeffrey Steaffens; daughter, Susan Steaffens; daughter-in-law, Trinice Steaffens; granddaughter, Sarah Nuccio; grandson, Matthew Steaffens; great grandson, Michael Nuccio; great granddaughter, Abigail Nuccio; sister, Marianne Gallagher; and many extended relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; and son, Gregory. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Stoughton United Methodist Church, 525 Lincoln Avenue, Stoughton, with Rev. Cathy Christman officiating. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon, immediately following, in the church fellowship hall. Friends may greet the family from 10:00 AM until the time of services Saturday at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stoughton United Methodist Church or to the Fisher House Foundation in Milwaukee. Please share your memories of Pat by posting Tributes.

Cress Funeral Service
206 W. Prospect Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-9244

Obituary can be viewed here.

Carrol Maynard Falberg ’48 toured Scotland and Northern England in 2018. She visited the Ripon Cathedral while in the UK.

Rick Schroeder ’67, age 75, of Greendale, Wisconsin, passed away December 25, 2019.

Rick is survived by his wife Teri Clapper; son Ricky (Chrysee) Schroeder; daughter Elizabeth Schroeder; stepdaughter Teresa (Scott) Swift; stepson Chris (Christine Dettmer) Cyr; sister Barb (Tom) Knoff; nephew Scott (Randi Mastroianni) Cohen; step-grandchildren Eowyn and Ronan Swift, Alex and Ceci Cyr; other relatives and many friends. Rick was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth “Libby” and Walt Schroeder.
Rick was born at Fort Riley, Kansas, graduated from Shorewood High School, earned his B.A. in history and economics from Ripon College, and his M.B.A. from Marquette University. He served in the US Army with the 32nd Armor Regiment, Fort Knox, Kentucky, as a Tank Unit Commander. He worked in financial planning most of his career.
Rick had a wonderful sense of humor, delighting in good chats with his friends. He was actively involved with the Shorewood High School Alumni Association and threw himself into the coordination of SHS Class of 1963 reunions throughout his adult life. Rick was a history buff and a natural teacher. He was adept at German, engaging in cultural activities and outreach to young people interested in practicing their language skills. His love of the outdoors included fishing, archery, and hunting. Passionate in his love of dogs, Rick’s beloved canine companions were Shadow and Lucky.
Rick’s family thanks the Clement J. Zablocki Veteran Affairs Medical Center (Milwaukee VA) for the love and care they provided Rick during the past two years. Memorial donations to the Milwaukee VA or Wisconsin Humane Society would be deeply appreciated.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 25, 2020, at 2 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m.

Obituary can be viewed here.

My latest book, A Risky Solution for America: The Case Against an Article V Convention, was released in November 2018. The book argues that calling a constitutional convention for the sake of amending the nation’s founding charter would precipitate the erosion personal freedom, individual liberty and self-government.

Submitted by: Christopher Schaefer

I returned to Ripon for my first ever reunion and got to spend quality time catching up with Class of ’79 pals, Jim Shanks ’79 and Alice Anthony Moy ’79.  Also enjoyed seeing Alan Lovell ’79, Matt Dacy ’79 and Lea Colquin.  Even got to chat with Professor Woolley following a Beta Sig gathering.  Following the reunion, I had a chance to spend time with Jeff Shanahan in Omaha.  Good to see so many young faces.

Submitted by: STORRS DOWNEY

Mary P. Krueger, age 94, of Ripon, WI, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2020 in the home that she and her husband built, where they raised their family of five children and lived for 72 years.

Mary was born on September 8, 1925, the daughter of John and Georgia (Booras) Pappas of Ripon. She graduated from Ripon High School in 1942 and then attended Ripon College and UW-Madison. A lifelong resident of Ripon, she married Arden “Dutch” Krueger on June 26, 1948. As a young mother, Mary enjoyed sharing her love of the outdoors with her family during snow skiing adventures at the Sunny Valley Ski Club, and fishing and water skiing with friends and family at her parents’ cottage on Big Green Lake. Mary ensured that the Krueger household was a loving home to many cats over the years, and caring for creatures great and small, is a legacy that she has passed on to her children. Bird watching, and observing the wildlife of her Combe Street neighborhood, became fulfilling activities in her later years. Mary was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Fond du Lac, WI and also Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ in Ripon.

Mary is survived by three sons, Kirby (Val) of Green Lake, WI, Kevin of Ripon, and Kurt (Maria) of California; daughter, Kea (special friend, John Toufar) of Markesan, WI; sister-in-law, Leona Krueger; nieces, Niki Russos and Loraine Wetzel; nephew, Ted Russos; cousin, Toula Sievers; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Arden; son, Kelly; parents, John and Georgia Pappas; and sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Tony Russos.

Per Mary’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral services. The family wishes to extend a thank you to Agnesian Hospice and Denise Nelson for helping make Mary’s last days as peaceful as possible. Memorials may be directed to the Green Lake Area Animal Shelter, N6217 Busse Drive, P.O. Box 86, Green Lake, WI 54941.

Please visit www.butzinmarchant.com to send online condolences.