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In Memory of Robert Tykal ’61
In Memory of Robert Tykal ’61
Robert Tykal
ROBERT W. TYKAL ’61 of Davis, Illinois, died May 4, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in physics and mathematics, participated in student government and athletics, and was commissioned through ROTC. He received a master’s of business administration degree from the University of Chicago. He served in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. He was an information systems executive at Motorola Inc. in Schaumburg, Illinois, for more than 30 years, retiring in 1996. He enjoyed time at Lake Summerset and his second home in Naples, Florida, fishing, golf, and singing in church choirs in Illinois and Florida and in the barbershop quartet Three Shots and a Chaser. Survivors include three sons and one daughter. His wife, MARILYNN DEPLEWSKI TYKAL ’60, died in 2014.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of Stephanie Rowland Dunlavy ’63
In Memory of Stephanie Rowland Dunlavy ’63
Stephanie Dunlavy
STEPHANIE ROWLAND DUNLAVY ’63 of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, died Dec. 6, 2021. At Ripon, she studied French and was a member of Alpha Chi Omega. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Arizona Western College in Yuma, Arizona. She was a Marine Corps wife and ran several independent businesses, including the Jolly Greens Plant Business. Survivors include three sons and three daughters; a brother, STANLEY ROWLAND ’58 sister-in-law, ROSE MARY SYCK ROWLAND ’58; and nieces and nephews, APRIL DUNLAVY ’03, KIRBIANNE DUNLAVY ’14 and JOHN DUNLAVY ’07. Her husband, KENNETH DUNLAVY ’62, died in April 2021.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory Karen Goepfert Johnson ’63
In Memory Karen Goepfert Johnson ’63
Karen Johnson
KAREN GOEPFERT JOHNSON ’63 of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, died Aug. 7, 2021. At Ripon, she participated in Alpha Phi Sorority and became a lifetime member. In 1960, she joined her parents in Brussels, Belgium, and later lived in Germany while her husband served in the Army. They settled in Burlington, Wisconsin, where she worked in various administrative and clerical roles at Burlington Memorial Hospital for more than 25 years. She retired to Sturgeon Bay in 2002 and was involved with Birch Creek Music Theater, Crossroads at Big Creek, Friends of White Fish Dunes State Park, Miller Art Museum, Bay View Lutheran Church, and Learning in Retirement. She enjoyed painting, creating collages, attending concerts, knitting and participating in book clubs. Survivors include two sons.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of Hank Mathews ’63
In Memory of Hank Mathews ’63
Hank Mathews
HENRY B. “HANK” MATHEWS ’63 of San Diego, California, died Feb. 22, 2020. At Ripon, he majored in mathematics and was a member of Delta Upsilon. He received an MBA in marketing from Loyola University Chicago.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of William Beyer ’64
In Memory of William Beyer ’64
William Beyer
WILLIAM J. BEYER ’64 of Greenleaf, Wisconsin, died July 24, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in chemistry, participated in Theta Chi and was commissioned through ROTC. He had worked in healthcare. Survivors include his wife, CAROL HABERKORN BEYER ’66; and children, including ELISABETH BEYER NOLEN ’86.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of James Kleinhans ’64
In Memory of James Kleinhans ’64
James Kleinhans
JAMES S. KLEINHANS ’64 of Whitewater, Wisconsin, died Sept. 1, 2021. At Ripon, he played basketball under KERMIT “DOC” WEISKE ’50, who had been his coach at Fort Atkinson High School. He also was a member of Sigma Chi. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He had a 40-year career in journalism, printing and publication, serving as editor at newspapers in Ripon, Minocqua, Arcadia and Menomonie. He also was senior associate editor at J.J. Keller and Associates in Neenah and an administration officer in the Bureau of Information/Education with the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. He was active in environmental issues and sports activities at local, county and state levels throughout his life. Survivors include his wife, Penny; one son, TODD KLEINHANS ’86; and two daughters.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of Barbara Carlson Wattman ’64
In Memory of Barbara Carlson Wattman ’64
Barbara Wattman
BARBARA CARLSON WATTMAN ’64 of Wichita, Kansas, died May 28, 2020. At Ripon, she studied art. She also studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, earned a degree in art history at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and studied at Wichita State University. She taught at Wichita State and the Wichita Art Association. She was active in the Oz Bicycle Club; and was a member of the Scandinavian Society, researched her Swedish heritage and traveled to Sweden four times. Later in life, she earned a master’s degree in gerontology and worked in the memory care unit at Catholic Care Center. She was active in the Adoration group at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Survivors include one son and two daughters.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of David Meissner ’65
In Memory of David Meissner ’65
David Meissner
DAVID C. MEISSNER ’65 of Alfred Station, New York, died July 22, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in psychology and was commissioned through ROTC. He received a master’s degree in psychology and a Ph.D. in experimental psychology from the University of Maine. He entered the Army and taught psychological operations to Vietnamese officers. He was honorably discharged as a captain in 1971, at which time he joined the psychology department faculty at Alfred University.
He enjoyed gardening, photography and collecting antique toys, rocks and minerals. Survivors include one daughter; and his former wife, AROLANA “LANA” JOHNSON MEISSNER ’65.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of James Semrad ’65
In Memory of James Semrad ’65
James Semrad
JAMES A. SEMRAD ’65 of Greenfield, Wisconsin, died Nov. 14, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in psychology, was a member of Merriman/Phi Kappa Pi and the undefeated 1963 football team, and was commissioned through ROTC. He served in the U.S. Army. Survivors include his wife, CHARLOTTE TINKER SEMRAD ’67; three children, including ANDREW SEMRAD ’93; a brother, JEROME SEMRAD ’61; a sister-in-law, CAROL TINKER BAINBRIDGE ’69; and a niece, KRISTIN SEMRAD LIEBERMAN ’90.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of Rudolf Von Watzdorf ’65
In Memory of Rudolf Von Watzdorf ’65
Rudolf Von Watzdorf
RUDOLF A. VON WATZDORF ’65 of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, died Sept. 22, 2020. At Ripon, he majored in history, economics and German, participated in WRPN Radio and athletics, and was commissioned through ROTC. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. His Army awards include the Gallantry Cross with Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, The Purple Heart, Air Medal, Air Medal with 13 Oak Leaf Clusters and National Defense Service Medal. He retired in 2000 as vice president of the former Chase Manhattan Bank, now JPMorgan Bank, after 35 years. He was a Knight of the Order of St. John. Survivors include his wife, Annette; and three daughters.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of Bonnie MacDougall Cottrell Beck ’68
In Memory of Bonnie MacDougall Cottrell Beck ’68
Bonnie Cottrell Beck
BONNIE MACDOUGALL COTTRELL BECK ’68 of Hamilton, Missouri, died Oct. 19, 2021. At Ripon, she majored in psychology and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi. She also received a degree in education from Loyola University Chicago. She worked for 17 years as a Chicago public school teacher while simultaneously managing multiple real estate properties for her parents. She then bought and operated a family-oriented campground in Turney, Missouri, with her second husband, Oren D. Beck. In Missouri, she continued her career in education as a school librarian in the Breckenridge and Mirabile School Districts. Bonnie devoted her life to children as a mother and grandmother, a teacher and a Girl Scout leader. Survivors include two daughters; and two unofficially adopted sons.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of Richard Brockhaus ’68
In Memory of Richard Brockhaus ’68
Richard Brockhaus
RICHARD R. BROCKHAUS ’68 of Rockville, Maryland, died Aug. 12, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in physics and philosophy and was a member of Partners in the Legacy. He received a Ph.D. in philosophy from Brown University. He taught philosophy at Bucknell University before moving to the Washington, D.C., area. “Doc Brock” taught calculus and physics at Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland, for close to 30 years. Survivors include his wife, Ann; one son and one daughter.
Full obituary:
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of David Kennicott ’68
In Memory of David Kennicott ’68
David Kennicott
DAVID L. KENNICOTT ’68 of University Place, Washington, died Aug. 31, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in philosophy. After serving the Army in Fort Knox and Bübligren, Germany, he received a master’s degree in library science from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He was the branch administrator for the Pierce County Library Systems for more than 20 years. He enjoyed traveling, visiting California, Hawaii, Europe and all parts of the northwest United States and southwest Canada. He loved crossword puzzles, traveling to car races and rally races, collecting model cars and toys, and gathering and dispensing facts and information. Survivors include his wife, Elaine; and one son.
Full obituary:
David Langdon Kennicott
October 8, 1945 – August 31, 2021
University Place, Washington – David Langdon Kennicott was born October 8, 1945, and died August 31, 2121. He was at home with Kaiser Hospice and surrounded by his loving family and friends.
David is preceded in death by his parents, Hiram and Mary Kennicott, and his brother Hiram. He is survived by his wife Elaine, his son James (Copper), his fierce granddaughters Hazel and Juniper, his sister Susan Tappert (Kenneth), numerous nieces and nephews and a dozen of the most loved and nurturing friends from first grade and college anyone could ever have. They’ve kept him on his toes.
David was born and raised in Highland Park, Il, and attended grade and high schools in his hometown. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in philosophy from Ripon College in Wisconsin. He was drafted into the Army in 1968 and served in Fort Knox and Bübligren, Germany where David and his first wife, Nancy, learned to love German food and enjoyed traveling about Europe.
Life happened, and in 1971 he met his sister’s physical therapy roommate and married the love of his life, Elaine Earley. They have lived just short of 49 years together. David used the GI bill and received his Masters degree in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He was born to be a philosophic librarian with his encyclopedic memory for facts—both little known and long buried—and enumerable songs, ditties, and sea shanties.
David and Elaine lived in Highland Park for the first years of their marriage and moved out to the wild west in 1984 to be with many of his college and childhood friends with whom he kept in close and loving relationships with since first grade and college.
They both formed close friendships with Pierce County Library staff and the Home Care staff of Group Health. He worked as the Branch Administrator at Pierce County Library systems for over 20 years.
David enjoyed traveling with family and friends visiting California, Hawaii, Europe and all parts of the Northwest US and Southwest Canada. He loved crossword puzzles, traveling to car races and rally races, collecting model cars and wonderful toys, and gathering and dispensing wanted (and sometimes unwanted) facts and information.
He will be missed. Have a Rum and Coke looking out at a sunset over water.
Donations may be made to: Pierce County Library Foundation- Kaiser Hospice- Planned Parenthood—and the American Lung Association.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of Edward Simeth ’69
In Memory of Edward Simeth ’69
Edward Simeth
EDWARD F. SIMETH ’69 of Appleton, Wisconsin, died Dec. 21, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in history, served as a resident assistant, was a member of Phi Delta Theta and was commissioned through ROTC. He received a master’s degree in counselor education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He worked for 30 years in industrial sales with his brother, Steve. In his younger years, he played football, basketball, racquetball and softball. He later enjoyed the outdoors, skiing, biking, camping and kayaking. He enjoyed learning and reading, including studies of Christian literature, health, finance, nature and psychology. He also sang in his church choir. Survivors include one son and two daughters.
Full obituary:
Edward Simeth
Appleton – Edward F. Simeth, 77, of Appleton, left this life for his next adventure on December 21, 2021. He was a devout follower of Christ and was looking forward to being with Him in Heaven.
If you knew him, you already heard his life story, but for the uninitiated, Ed was born to Audrey and Edward L. Simeth on December 18, 1944, in Milwaukee. Ed often impressed family by remembering the first and last name of every neighbor, classmate, and teacher he had from former haunts such as Hales Corners, Marquette High School, and Ripon College. He was generally a rule follower but there have been rumors of blowing up someone’s lunch and sneaking ducklings into a science class. Despite any alleged shenanigans, he managed to obtain a totally legitimate master’s degree in education guidance from UW Oshkosh. He put it to good use for more than 30 years in industrial sales with his brother Steve. One of the joys of his work was getting to know his customers and many counted him as a friend. Ed never met a stranger and wanted everyone to know how unique and important they are.
Ed was full of life and loved being active outdoors. He was a gifted athlete as a young man, and loved to recall achievements in football, basketball, racquetball, and softball. Later in life, some of his greatest joys were skiing, biking, camping, and kayaking. Ed was known as a “gear head” and intentionally bought two of everything so that friends could share in his outdoor adventures. One of his most special life achievements was hiking a portion of the Ice Age Trail.
He was very generous, exuberant, often irreverent, always playful. He was curious and loved to learn. His bookshelves were full of Christian literature, health, finance, nature, and psychology books. He loved singing in the church Choir and blasting music.
He is survived by his children Anna (Tom) Beno, Peter Simeth, and Rachel Simeth, as well as his brother Steve (Denise) Simeth. Ed was preceded in death by his mom and dad, brother James, and son Joel.
A celebration of Ed’s life will be held in the spring or early summer, and will be announced nearer that time. There may or may not be a bounce house, but there will certainly be good food and laughter.
Please see Ed’s page at wichmannfuneralhomes.com to express condolences and for further information regarding services as they become available.
Posted online on December 29, 2021
Published in The Post Crescent
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of Susan Barden Walker ’71
In Memory of Susan Barden Walker ’71
Susan Walker
SUSAN BARDEN WALKER ’71 of Chicago, Illinois, died July 16, 2021. At Ripon, she studied psychology and educational studies and participated in Alpha Chi Omega. She worked for 30 years at William Blair Co., Chicago, as the senior relationship manager for The Mabie Wealth Management Group and for Geneva Investments for eight years. She held a FINRA Series 7 License. She was a volunteer at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago for more than 25 years. She loved animals, photography, cross stitch and knitting.
Full obituary:
Susan Barden Walker, 72, of Chicago, IL, died peacefully on July 16, 2021 at Silverado North Shore Memory Care Community, Glendale, WI, from a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
She was born on May 25, 1949 in Kenosha, WI. Susan is preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Barden Walker, her father, G. Thomas Walker, Jr, her step-mother, Mary Eileen (Honey) Richards Walker, her brother-in-law, William G. Blighton, as well as, her maternal grandparents, Dick & Gladys Barden and paternal grandparents, George & Elaine Walker.
She is survived by her siblings: Margaret E. Walker Blighton, Wauwatosa, WI, George T. Walker III (Claire), San Diego, CA, Sarah L. Walker Pederson (David), Ft. Meyers, FL, William R. Walker, (Barb), Wauwatosa, WI, Robert D. Walker, (Penny), Kenosha, WI.; as well as 12 nieces and nephews, and 14 great-nieces and nephews, and a large and loving family of dear cousins.
Susan graduated from Kemper Hall, Kenosha, WI and Ripon College, Ripon, WI with a B.A. degree in Liberal Arts. Susan worked 30 years at William Blair Company, Chicago, IL, as the Senior Relationship Manager for The Mabie Wealth Management Group, Geneva Investments for 8 years, and held a FINRA Series 7 License.
Susan was an avid animal lover, as well as the resident family photographer. She was a docent (teaching volunteer) at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago for over 25 years. She adored and photographed the big cats as well as her little ones, and took many family photos, as well as, photos of her favorite animals and every one of them was well loved!
And, when out on a shopping errand, she stopped to speak and pet every dog on Michigan Avenue!
Susan was also wonderfully creative and very talented in cross stitch and knitting, and who loved knitting all the new family babies and toddlers’ wonderful sweaters, hats, blankets and mittens. As they grew older, she was the master of their elaborate Halloween costumes and fabulous Christmas Decorations. Susan was a kind and fun-loving Aunt & Great Aunt with a sharp wit and dry sense of humor … always “game” for a fun adventure.
But her favorite pastime, above all others, was walking the stunning white-sand beaches of Sanibel Island, and searching for the most perfect shells that had rolled up on the beach during low tide. . . just before the sun met the horizon in all its glorious splendor.
Throughout Susan’s life, her strong belief was that, “The Love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”, a quote from Charles Darwin.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Susan’s life will be held at St Mary’s Chapel, Kemper Center, 6501 Third Avenue, Kenosha, WI on July 29th at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held at Ambrose Hall, Kemper Center, 1 hour prior to the service on July 29th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Susan will be buried in a private service at Green Ridge Cemetery, Kenosha, WI.
Those who wish to remember Susan in a special way, may make gifts in her memory to the Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614, or The Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org
Susan’s family would like to thank all of the staff at Silverado’s North Shore, Oak Village and Naperville Memory Care Communities for years of love and kind and patient care, and also, Susan’s hospice team from Brighton Hospice for their loving and compassionate care and kindness to Susan and her family.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of Roger March ’72
In Memory of Roger March ’72
Roger March
ROGER J. MARCH ’72 of Jackson, Wisconsin, died Aug. 16, 2018. He worked in the ink industry for 44 years. He enjoyed golfing and watching the Milwaukee Brewers, Red Sox, Chicago Bears and Patriots on television. He also enjoyed outdoors and fishing with his family and being outside and watching birds with his wife. Survivors include his wife, Susan; two sons and two daughters.
Full obituary:
Roger J March passed away Thursday, August 16, 2018 at the age of 67 surrounded by loved ones at Community Memorial Hospital in Menomonee Falls, WI.
Roger was a wonderful, loving man, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved every day and gave his all to everything he did. Roger was the type of person that you could count on for anything and he left a lasting memory on you no matter how many times you crossed his path. Roger was one of a kind and will be remembered as such by many.
Roger’s best friend in life was his wife of 40 years Susan. Together they enjoyed many things, from watching their four children grow into proud adults to sitting together watching whichever of Roger’s favorite sports teams on television. They spent quite a bit of time up-north when their children were younger, taking in the outdoors and fishing. In recent years they enjoyed being outside and watching the many birds together that visited their abundance of bird feeders or being around family and seeing the joy they brought to their children’s and grandchildren’s lives.
Roger spent a good portion of his life working in the ink industry, 44 years to be exact. He learned a lot, taught many people a lot, mastered the field, and was able to meet many special people throughout his career. He enjoyed work and thrived in his industry of choice. When he wasn’t working Roger could be found spending time with family, golfing with his sons and friends, or watching the Brewers, Red Sox, Bears or Patriots on television, he truly had a zest for life and love.
Roger is survived by his wife Susan March, his youngest brother Peter March (Ellen), his sister in-law Susan March-Schwarmann (John), and his four children Jonathan March (Theresa), Kristin Mamayek (Scott), Melissa March (Patrick), and Joshua March. He is also survived by his five grandchildren Taylor, Camron, Alivia, Jaxon, and Mason.
Roger was preceded in death by his father John March, mother Ruth March, stepmother Beth March, and his oldest brother William March.
A visitation will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, September 8, 2018 with memorial service to follow at 4:00 pm at Schmidt Funeral Home of Jackson, N168W20135 Main St, Jackson, WI 53037
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Prostate Cancer Foundation in memory of Roger March at pcf.org and the in memory of Roger March fundraiser.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of Catherine Masson Lewis ’73
In Memory of Catherine Masson Lewis ’73
Catherine Lewis
CATHERINE MASSON LEWIS ’73 of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, died Oct. 22, 2021. At Ripon, she studied Spanish and anthropology and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Survivors include two daughter; and a sister, LINDA MASSON KASTENDIEK ’66.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of Sam Weller ’73
In Memory of Sam Weller ’73
Sam Weller
SAM L. WELLER ’73 of Delray Beach, Florida, died in September 2021. At Ripon, he majored in economics. He ran C & S Weller Corporation and was a general contractor who built communication towers throughout the state of Florida.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of Annette Reigle Barrett ’75
In Memory of Annette Reigle Barrett ’75
Annette Barrett
ANNETTE REIGLE BARRETT ’75 of Tucson, Arizona, died Sept. 8, 2021. At Ripon, she studied sociology and anthropology and was a member of Alpha Xi Delta. She worked in the construction industry. She was an avid reader, crafter and dog owner. Survivors include two daughters; siblings, including a sister, SUELLEN “SUDY” REIGLE ALTHOLZ ’73; and a brother-in-law, THOMAS ALTHOLZ ’72.
Full obituary:
Annette Barrett passed away on September 8, 2021. Annette was born on October 23, 1953 to Janie and Ronald Reigle in West Bend, WI. She attended Ripon College, and after being a loving stay-at-home mother she found a career working in the construction industry. Her true passion in life was her family. She leaves behind her daughters, Jennifer Keim (George) and Georgeanne Barrett (Robert) and cherished granddaughters, Lucy and Charlie. Annette also is survived by her sisters, Sudy Altholz (Tom), Lynne Klein (George) and brothers, Ronald Reigle (Lynne) and Jamie Reigle; as well as other nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Annette was an avid reader, crafter, and a treasured friend of the small dog side of the Udall Park dog park with her beloved dog Riley. Most of all, she was dearly loved by everyone who knew her and will be sorely missed. A Celebration of Life will be held to celebrate Annette at the Desert Hope Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements by BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
In Memory of Jeffrey Clark ’76
In Memory of Jeffrey Clark ’76
Jeffrey Clark
JEFFREY P. CLARK ’76 of Poynette, Wisconsin, died May 9, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in economics and participated in baseball, Phi Kappa Pi, Phi Beta Kappa, Partners in the Legacy and other Ripon memberships. He received a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
He worked for his entire 42-year career at Lathrop (later Boardman) & Clark. He served as president of the State Bar of the Wisconsin Elder Law & Special Needs Section and of the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. He loved sports, especially the UW Badgers football and basketball, and played curling and golf. He enjoyed landscaping, history and travelling. Survivors include his wife, Susan; son ADAM CLARK ’07; daughter LAURA CLARK CULLINANE ’02; and brothers JAMES CLARK ’68 and JOHN CLARK ’71.
Full obituary:
POYNETTE – Jeffrey P. “Jeff” Clark entered the world on June 20, 1954, into the hands of close family friend, Dr. Stevenson, at Dr. Focke’s Poynette Hospital, a mere 75-feet from the Clark residence, and passed away peacefully at home in his native Poynette on May 9, 2021.
The son of James and Gloria Clark, Jeff married Susan Kutzke at the St. Thomas Catholic Church in Poynette on Aug. 5, 1978, and together they raised two wonderful children, Laura and Adam, who have continually expanded their horizons and currently reside in Ireland and Hong Kong respectively. After graduating from UW Law School in 1979, Jeff worked his entire 42-year career at Lathrop (later Boardman) & Clark, practicing primarily in the Poynette area. While enjoying a general practice, Jeff was especially gratified by his specialization in elder law, where he took particular pride helping his clients gain peace of mind by getting their fiscal “house” in order. He served as President of the State Bar of the Wisconsin Elder Law & Special Needs Section, President of the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and was chosen for the Member of the Year Award by the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys in 2019.
In high school, Jeff fully participated in football, basketball and baseball. Jeff continued this love of sports as a 40-plus year season ticket holder to UW Badgers football and basketball, rarely missing a game. Sporting a RZBOWL license plate for over a quarter-century, Jeff’s steadfast loyalty was rewarded when he twice-fulfilled a lifelong dream, traveling to watch his beloved Badgers compete in two Rose Bowls and two Final Fours. Until recently, Jeff was an active member of the Poynette Curling Club and member of the Portage Country Golf Club. Jeff enjoyed the competition and camaraderie of each sport in equal measure.
Jeff was also an avid amateur landscaper. Part hobby, part fixation, Jeff (and his family) battled rocky soil, floods, muskrats, and more for over three decades, slowly crafting a serene backyard where Jeff and Sue enjoyed grilling and relaxing on the deck, observing the fruits of their labor. While partial to his native Wisconsin, as a history buff, Jeff enjoyed traveling to experience new cultures and visit his kids, venturing to Mexico, China, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Eastern Europe.
A beloved husband and father, Jeff will be sorely missed by his family.
He is survived by his loving bride of 42 years, Susan; his children, Adam (Sophie) Clark and Laura (Sean) Cullinane; grandchildren, Liam Cullinane and Valorie Clark; his 99-year-old mother, Gloria Clark; as well as his brothers and sister, James (Martha) Clark, John (Patti) Clark, and Cynthia (John) Loescher; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and many more. Jeff was preceded in death by his father, James Clark.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH in Poynette on Monday, May 24 at 1 p.m., with Father Dan Sanders presiding. Inurnment will be private at Hillside Cemetery. Visitation will be at PFLANZ MANTEY MENDRALA FUNERAL HOME in Poynette on Sunday, May 23 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Masks and social distancing rules will be observed at the funeral home, with a limit of 50 people attending at one time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Friends of the MacKenzie Center or to The Clark Family Scholarship, which is awarded annually to one or more deserving Poynette High School senior(s) to help with tuition costs.
The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Poynette (www.pmmfh.com) is assisting the family.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
Alicia Rytlewski ’10 to perform piano, voice recital April 26
Classical pianist and vocalist Alicia (Rhyner) Rytlewski ’10 will perform an alumna piano and voice recital in Demmer Recital Hall of Ripon College’s C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m. Rytlewski will be performing pieces mostly from her debut album of songs, “When We Were Bears,” released in late January. […]
Ripon College Rally Days 2025 exceeds goal
Ripon College surpassed its goal of achieving 1,000 gifts during the eighth annual spring giving event, Rally Days 2025, from April 2-4, with more than eight hours left of the event. At the end of Rally Days, the College received 1,091 gifts and raised $506,534.20. The theme this year was “Impact History.” Every contribution moved […]
Celebrating ‘National Puppy Day’ with Danielle Gunter ’06
Danielle Paiz Gunter ’06 is helping feed dogs and cats in no-kill shelters. As executive director of Puppy Food Bank, she spearheads efforts to collect donations that fuel the work of rescue organizations across the country. Since its founding in October 2022, Gunter has helped Puppy Food Bank distribute more than 500,000 pounds of dog […]
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Upcoming events
Physics and Engineering Seminar – Jared Zeman ’19
Jared Zeman ’19 will be presenting his Ph.D. research to our undergraduate students.
Alumna Recital: Alicia Rytlewski, piano
Pianist and vocalist Alicia (Rhyner) Rytlewski ’10 released her debut album of original works, “When We Were Bears,” in January of this year and is celebrating the release with a recital of works in Demmer Recital Hall. The Milwaukee-based composer, performer, and educator graduated summa cum laude from Ripon with a music major and minors […]
Milwaukee Brewers v. Chicago Cubs
Includes an all-inclusive ticket in the Associated Bank Power Alley. Featuring a private game experience with dinner buffet, non-alcoholic beverages, and 2 Molson Coors products per person. Register: