JAMES M. HANEY ’76 of Plover, Wisconsin, died Dec.  2, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in speech communications and history and was a member of Theta Chi and Phi Beta Kappa. He also served as a special graduate Trustee and received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2001. He earned master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Iowa. He was a retired professor from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, also serving as head of the Communication Division, associate dean and interim Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication. From 1991 to 2000, he was research and information director for the Wisconsin Department of Justice and communications director for the state attorney general. He enjoyed traveling, reading, discussing politics, the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks.

Full obituary:

James M. Haney, 67, entered eternal life on December 2, 2021, in Madison, Wisconsin. He was born in New London, Wisconsin, on August 2, 1954, the third child of Abner and Mae (Uelmen) Haney. He was a retired professor from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and had also been the director of communications for Wisconsin Attorney General James Doyle.

Jim was a graduate of New London Senior High School, Ripon College, and the University of Iowa. He was a world traveler and avid reader. He was a faithful fan of the Packers, Brewers, and Bucks and delighted in discussing politics.

He is survived by his siblings: Joyce Levenhagen, and Dan Haney (Mike Diestler); nephew, Troy Levenhagen; niece, Lynn (Adam) Swoverland; grandnephew, Joseph (Joey) Levenhagen, as well as extended family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, William Levenhagen.

Due to Covid, masks are encouraged for those attending Jim’s memorial service.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, New London with Fr. John Kleinschmidt officiating. Interment will be in Most Precious Blood Cemetery, New London. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Cline-Hanson Funeral Home New London is assisting the family with arrangements. 920-982-3232

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

ANDREW MARVEL JR. ’77 of Weston, Massachusetts, died Sept. 5, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in economics and participated in tennis and Phi Delta Theta. He also studied at the Boston Architectural Center, and he operated Marvel Construction Co. for more than 40 years. He was an Eagle Scout, talented painter, master chef, competitive tennis player, pianist, shellfish connoisseur, amateur inventor, and lover of all activities involving the ocean and heavy winds. He also contributed to his community, serving on the Josiah Smith Tavern and Old Library Renovation Committee. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth “Beanie” Marvel; and three daughters.

Full obituary:

MARVEL, Andrew Jr. Of Weston, lovingly known by family and friends as “Andy,” passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at his home on the Cape in Falmouth. Born on April 14, 1955 in North Caldwell, NJ to parents Andrew and Nancy Marvel, Andy was the youngest of two children. The son of an inventor father and artistic mother, he inherited a creative spirit, and uncovered his calling for craftsmanship in his youth while working alongside his father on Martha’s Vineyard. Andy graduated from Ripon College in Wisconsin in 1977, majoring in Economics and Modern Architecture, where he was also a member of Phi Delta Theta. He furthered his studies at the Boston Architectural Center, working for a variety of architects. This creativity evolved as the foundation for his business career when he founded Marvel Construction Co. in 1981, which he operated for over 40 years. As accomplished as Andy was in his profession, he was equally gifted in many other areas of his life. He was an Eagle Scout, talented painter, master chef, competitive tennis player, pianist, shellfish connoisseur, amateur inventor, and lover of all activities involving the ocean and heavy winds. Even in his later years, Andy had goals and dreams similar to most 20-somethings: learn to surf, travel the world, parachute, hang glide, kite sail, and most recently kite foil. Andy also contributed to his community, serving on the Josiah Smith Tavern and Old Library Renovation Committee. Andy’s life revolved around his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Beanie” Marvel, who he married in 1987, his three daughters, Stephanie and her husband Graham Allison of Cohasset, Jenna Marvel of Waltham, Julia Marvel of Charlestown, and last, but certainly not least, his cherished dog, Colby. He was also the best “Pop” to his grandchildren, Luke and Emily, with whom he built igloos, sandcastles, and model homes. He is survived by his sister and her husband, Christine and Brian Hotarek, of Scituate and their family. He will be remembered for his kindness to others, generosity and love of life. He made everyone around him feel warm, welcomed, and loved, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. An outdoor Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 2, at 11:00 am at the First Parish Church, 349 Boston Post Road, Weston. For COVID protocols in place for this service, please go to FirstParishWeston.org In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Celebration of Andy’s Life to the Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Arrangements entrusted to care of the John Bryant Funeral Home of WAYLAND. For condolences please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

ROBERT R. “ROB” “TEX” MEYER ’78 of Moscow, Idaho, died Nov. 22, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in drama and English and participated in College Days, Parallax, student government, WRPN Radio and theatre. He was a member of Theta Chi, Partners in the Legacy, Phi Beta Kappa, Alumni/Parent Admission Alliance and the Alumni Board of Directors. He also served as Class Agent. He earned a master’s degree in education from Brown University. He worked as a journalist and English teacher, then as a freelance writer and editor after retiring.

Submitted obituary:

Rob Meyer passed away on Nov. 22, 2021. A 1974 graduate of Amherst Regional High School in Massachusetts, he earned a B.A. in Drama from Ripon College (1978) and an MA in Teaching from Brown University (1985), and lived and worked in multiple US cities as a radio host, journalist, English teacher, freelance writer, and editor before retiring in Moscow, ID. At his request, no formal service was held. Those who would like to mark his passing are encouraged to donate to their local Humane Society.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

STANLEY J. CIESLEWICZ ’79 of Vancouver, Washington, died Nov. 11, 2020. At Ripon, he participated in forensics/debate, student government, theatre and ROTC. He received a degree in foreign service from Georgetown University and a doctor of jurisprudence from the University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho. He retired in June 2019 after 37 years in federal service from the Office of the Judge Advocate, U.S. Army Europe. He had served as an active duty officer, an Army and Air Force reserve officer, and as a civilian attorney in several assignments around the world. He was renowned throughout Europe and across the Services for his expertise in contract and fiscal law and was the U.S. Army Europe expert on Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreements.

Submitted obituary:

NOTICE OF PASSING – Mr. Stanley J. Cieslewicz

It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of Mr. Stanley J. Cieslewicz.  Stan, as he was known to family and friends, retired after 37 years of federal service from the Office of the Judge Advocate, US Army Europe, in June, 2019.  During his years of service, Stan served as an active duty officer, an Army and Air Force reserve officer, and as a civilian attorney in several different assignments around the world.  He was renowned throughout Europe and across the Services for his keen understanding in contract and fiscal law matters.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 8, 1956, Stan was the second of five brothers. In 1975, after high school, Stan attended Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin, and later, in 1979, graduated with Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, Washington, DC.  In 1982, Stan received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho.

Stan first commissioned as an officer in the US Army Adjutant General’s Corps in 1982.  Subsequently, he transferred to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, graduating from the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course in 1983. For the next four years, Stan served in a variety of positions at the US Army Armament, Munitions and Chemical Command at Rock Island, Illinois, in Korea, and at Fort Lewis.

After Stan left active duty in 1988, he worked as a civilian attorney for the US Army Corps of Engineers in the Seattle District.  He moved to Germany for the first time in 1990, when the US Army Contracting Command-Europe hired him as Regional Counsel in Fuerth, Germany.  In 1993, Stan left Germany to take a job as Regional Counsel, Defense Commissary Agency, Northwest/Pacific Division, Fort Lewis, Washington.  However, after three years, Stan returned to Germany as the Regional Counsel, US Army Contract Command Europe, Grafenwoehr, Germany.  In 1998, the US Army Europe Office of the Judge Advocate, then in Heidelberg, Germany, hired Stan as an Attorney-Advisor in the Contract and Fiscal Law Division (KFLD).  Stan moved with the Headquarters from Heidelberg to Wiesbaden in 2014 and remained with KFLD until his retirement in June 2019.

Concurrently with his assignments as a civilian attorney, Stan served as an Army Reserve Officer first in the Army and then in the Air Force Reserves, working in a variety of positions in both organizations.  Stan retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Lt. Colonel in 2010, with over 28 years of both active and reserve service.

Over the course of his 37 years of Government service, Stan provided legal support on thousands of procurement actions worth billions of dollars.  In fact, Stan’s career in Europe spanned several key events to which Stan contributed valuable legal advice to US Army Europe, such as responding to Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait, operations in the Balkans, and Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

Stan was an acknowledged expert on many facets of contract and fiscal law.  Of note, Stan was the US Army Europe expert on Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreements (ACSA), and for many years, provided invaluable insight to US Army Europe command and staff in the execution of its expansive ACSA program.

Importantly, over the course of his career, Stan also trained and mentored dozens of attorneys and junior officers. Stan was always willing to use his nearly four decades of acquisition experience to train and develop the next generation of attorneys.  But beyond being an iconic attorney within the contract and fiscal community, Stan was also a great colleague and friend.  Whether it was sharing stories about his travels to Spain, discussing the requirements for an ACSA order, filling in the legal history behind why things are the way they are in US Army Europe, or playing the “Cieslewicz song” for every new attorney, Stan was a fixture in the office and is sorely missed.

Stan passed away less than a month before his 64th birthday, on November 11, 2020, at his home in Vancouver, Washington.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul.  He is survived by brothers Mark, Bill, and Greg, along with a legion of Uncles, Aunts, cousins, and friends in the U.S. and around the world. Please keep the Cieslewicz family in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult of times.

A virtual tribute will be held for Stan, hosted by the US Army Europe, OJA on December 9, 2020, 1000 Eastern Standard Time (EST) (or 1600 Central European Time (CET)). Please contact Ms. Irina Edwards by email at [email protected] if you wish to receive an invite to view the virtual tribute over Zoom.

CHARLES N. PEDE
LTG, U.S. Army
The Judge Advocate General

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

MARY E. BRANDT ’80 of Surprise, Arizona, died July 24, 2021. At Ripon, she majored in psychology and educational studies. She also studied special education at the University of St. Thomas. She taught in Watertown and New Richmond, Wisconsin, before moving to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1984. She spent the past 37 years in the Washington Elementary School District. For many years, she was a reading interventionist and Title I coordinator. After joining the coaching team at the district’s Administrative Center, she mentored reading teachers from the district’s 32 schools, coordinated the intergenerational volunteer program and helped facilitate the Washington Education Foundation’s mini-grant program. She was a Lamp of Learning recipient in 2002, the district’s highest honor.

Full obituary:

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

JOHN M. DEAN ’80 of Tucson, Arizona, died July 10, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in psychology and participated in Theta Chi. He received a degree from Stanford University. He taught English in Taiwan through Volunteers in Asia and pursued a career as an editor in the publishing industry. His passions included speech and debate, creative writing, painting, swimming and theater. Survivors include his mother, Derry Dean.

Full obituary:

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

LAWRENCE L. SMITH JR. ’81 of McLean, Virginia, died Sept. 28, 2021. At Ripon, he was an All-American wrestler and a member of Phi Delta Theta/Alpha Phi Omega. He also wrestled at Ball State University. He worked for Brooks Brothers and Cuffs in Washington, D.C., and the family business, Rodes Clothing, in Columbus, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky. In the Washington, D.C., area, he coached for the Capital Area Wrestling League where he cultivated several champions including his son, Trey, and Olympic Gold Medalist Helen Maroulis. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, an avid hunter, and especially enjoyed training Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Survivors include his wife, Nicole; and one son.

Full obituary:

McLean, VA. – Louisville – Lawrence (“Larry”) Lithgow Smith, Jr. passed away peacefully on September 28th in the presence of his loving wife and son.

Larry was born on September 24, 1959 in Louisville, Kentucky.

He was an All American athlete at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where he won a State Championship. He went on to achieve national recognition as a collegiate All American wrestler at Ripon College and Ball State University.

Early in his professional career, Larry moved to Washington DC to work for Brooks Brothers and Cuffs. It was there he met Nicole Atkinson, his future wife and the love of his life. Larry and Nicole married in 1985 at St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square in Washington DC.

Larry and Nicole moved to Columbus, Indiana where he joined the family business, Rodes Clothing, as the general manager of the company’s Columbus store.

In the spring of 1989, Larry and Nicole moved to Louisville where he assumed the role of men’s clothing buyer and merchandise manager for Rodes. Later that summer, the couple welcomed the birth of their son, Lawrence (“Trey”) Lithgow Smith, III.

In the mid 1990’s, the family moved to Washington, DC to support Nicole’s dream of becoming an attorney. In 1997, Nicole graduated from Georgetown University Law Center with Larry and Trey proudly by her side.

The family settled down in the D.C. area where Larry continued to be a pillar of support to Nicole as her law career started and blossomed. Nicole never hesitates to credit Larry’s selflessness and dedication to her and Trey as the reason she was able to pursue and realize her professional dreams.

Larry went on to coach for the Capital Area Wrestling League where he cultivated several champions including his son, Trey, and Olympic Gold Medalist Helen Maroulis.

He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, an avid hunter, and especially enjoyed training his beloved Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.

Larry loved being known in the neighborhood as the house that handed out full sized candy bars on Halloween, a fourteen thousand bulb Christmas light display, and fireworks for every occasion.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Jane Ulferts Smith, and Lawrence Lithgow Smith, Sr., and his grandparents, Mary and Ray Ulferts, and Hanford and Elizabeth Smith.

In addition to his wife and son, Larry is survived by his sister, Susan Vogt, brother-in-law, Howard Vogt, and their son Howie Vogt, as well as beloved cousins, aunts, uncles and family and friends across the country.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday at St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church 6710 Wolf Pen Branch Road (at US Hwy 42). The funeral will be lived-streamed at SFITF.org/smith for those who can not attend in person. Burial to follow in Cave Hill Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Pearson’s.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Larry’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of his mother, Jane Ulferts Smith.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

ELIZABETH ANNE “LISA” FREEMAN ’83, a native of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, died June 28, 2021. At Ripon, she majored in psychology and participated in Alpha Delta Pi/Pi Tau Pi. She earned a master’s degree in educational psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Music was a passion. Survivors include her parents, A. John and Maria Freeman.

Full obituary:

Elizabeth Anne (Lisa) Freeman

Born to eternal life on June 28, 2021 at the age of 60. Mass of a Christian Burial will be held Wednesday July 7, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Francis Borgia North, Catholic Church (1375 Covered Bridge Road), Cedarburg. The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday at the church, from 10:00 -10:45 am. Inurnment will take place at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Cemetery to follow Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Heart Association are appreciated.

Lisa grew up in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Music and academia were her passions. After graduating from Cedarburg High school in 1979, her caring personality and intellect drove her to earn an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Ripon College, followed by a Masters degree in Educational Psychology from UW-Milwaukee, both with honors and recognition of outstanding achievement. With her degrees and various related counseling certifications, she went on to help others in need.

Lisa is survived by her loving parents A. John and Maria (Sandoval) Freeman, sisters Cathy (Mark) Antonneau, Margie Freeman (Peter Kudlata), and Diane (Don) Steinberg, nephews Jared Antonneau, Jacob Antonneau, Connor Martin and nieces Nicole Steinberg and Caitlin Steinberg. Further survived by many other relatives and friends.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

GWENDOLINE J. “GWEN” JONES ’87 died Aug. 29, 2021. At Ripon, she majored in history and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Her husband was THOMAS E. “TED” JONES, a professor of German at Ripon College from 1963 to 1995, who died in 2013.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

MARK A. SCOTT ’91 of Racine, Wisconsin, died Sept. 13, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in politics and government and played basketball. He worked as a procurement specialist with SuperValue, then with WE Energies. Since 2009, he worked with Miller Brewing, now Molson/Coors, most recently as senior category manager of capital expenditures. He loved all sports and watching Wisconsin teams. He coached and supported his children in sports and all other endeavors. Survivors include three children; and his companion, Jennifer Altenbach Maxwell.

Full obituary:

ark A. Scott

September 17, 1969 – September 13, 2021

Mark A. Scott, age 51, passed away unexpectedly on Monday morning September 13, 2021, at his residence. Mark was born in Racine on September 17, 1969, son of Patrick Scott and Bonnie Chillquist.

Mark attended St. Sebastian’s grade school and was a proud graduate of St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1987”. He excelled in basketball there, was a member of their State Championship team in 1985 and was named to the Racine All County Basketball team. Mark also played for Ripon College, where he graduated with a degree in Politics and Government with a minor in Philosophy. Mark was first employed as a procurement specialist with SuperValue, then with WE Energies. Since 2009 he had been working with Miller Brewing now Molson/Coors with his most recent role being Senior Category Manager of Capital Expenditures. When he wasn’t working in the office, Mark was busy coaching and supporting his kids in life, sports, and all other endeavors. Always with open arms and sage advice, Mark proved to be a good mentor for many people around him. In his spare time, Mark loved all sports and watching Wisconsin teams with his friends and family. A large man of stature with a huge heart to match, Mark will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, sarcasm, and honesty. Above all, he will be best remembered as a great father, son, brother, and dear friend to many people.

Mark will be dearly missed by his children, Quinten Scott, Cailey Scott (fiance, Tobias Barkley), and Cecelia Scott; parents, Patrick Scott, Bonnie (Keith) Chillquist; brother, James (Wendy) Scott; his loving companion for the last eight years, Jennifer Altenbach Maxwell and her family; his friend and mother of his children, Christine Scott; aunts, uncles, other relatives, and many dear friends.

All are welcome to join the family for a Celebration of Mark’s Life at Preservation Hall, 740 Lake Avenue on Friday September 24, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Big Brothers/Big Sisters 788 N. Jefferson St Unit 600, Milwaukee, WI 53202 or to J.I. Case High School-Theater Department 7345 Washington Avenue, Racine WI 53406 have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

NICHOLAS G. DAICOFF ’98 of Ranger, Georgia, died Aug. 19, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in biology and played football.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

HEATHER L. WITTIG ’07 of Redgranite, Wisconsin, died Nov. 9, 2021. At Ripon, she had a self-designed major in criminal justice and a minor in psychology. She played basketball and intramurals. She started her career at the Waushara County Sheriff’s Department in 2009, then became the jail administrator at the Waushara County Jail in 2014. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family and friends, and celebrating her Irish heritage.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

BEVERLY LLOYD KAAP ’49 of Hendersonville, North Carolina, died Jan. 14, 2022. At Ripon, she studied psychology and participated in Kappa Sigma Chi. She lived in LaGrange, Georgia, from 1952 to 2003, and then in Arden, North Carolina. She was active in church activities in all communities where she lived. She also was active in Girl Scouting, was an original member of the Tabard Book Club, a former member of the Talisman Garden Club and the Highland Country Club, and a tutor with the LaGrange School System Learning Disability Program. She enjoyed crafting and performing as a member of a dance team and a singing group. Survivors include one daughter. Her husband, GILBERT T. KAAP ’50, died in 1989.

Full obituary:

Mrs. Beverly Lloyd Kaap, 94, of Hendersonville, NC went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 14, 2022.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

ANN WILSON WOOD ’54 of Santa Barbara, California, died Nov. 18, 2021. At Ripon, she participated in Ver Adest and Kappa Sigma Chi. She graduated from the University of Minnesota and earned a credential in early childhood education from the University of California Berkeley Extension. She was a nursery school teacher and director, then parent coordinator for the University Children’s Center at the University of California Santa Barbara until retiring in 1998. She advocated for the education of young children as a frequent speaker and membership in several related organizations. She sang in the Santa Barbara Chorale Society for many years, performed music at La Mesa Community Church, and enjoyed camping at Yosemite National Park with her family. Survivors include three sons and one daughter.

Full obituary:

Ann E. Wood, 89, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2021, in Santa Barbara. She was born Ann Elizabeth Wilson to Dr. J. Allen and Grace (Babka) Wilson on June 30, 1932, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ann attended Ripon College, then graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota in 1954 and married her college sweetheart, Roger Wood. The couple moved west to California, eventually bringing their young family to Santa Barbara in 1965, when Roger accepted a faculty position at UCSB. Their family grew to include four children: Jenny, David, John, and James.

Ann earned a credential in Early Childhood Education from UC Berkeley Extension and taught at St. Mark’s Nursery School in the 1970’s. She later moved to St. Michael’s Nursery School, where she served as Director from 1980 to 1988. After St. Michael’s was decommissioned, Ann served as Parent Coordinator for the newly-founded University Children’s Center at UCSB until she retired in 1998.

Ann was a tireless advocate for the education of young children throughout her career, serving as President of the Tri Counties Association for the Education of Young Children (TAEYC), President and Vice President of the Santa Barbara AEYC affiliate, as well as state and local AEYC positions. She was active in program accreditation, and served as a National AEYC Validator. Ann was a frequent speaker at Annual AEYC state and national meetings, focusing on children with special needs, literacy, and programmatic development.

Ann and Roger enjoyed a large circle of friends from many different arenas, and their gift of hospitality meant that their house was a center of activity and fellowship. Many of their children’s friends from high school or college choirs, sports teams, etc. have fond memories of being hosted at the Woods’. Ann was an accomplished musician, who passed her love of music to her children and many of her grandchildren. She sang in the Santa Barbara Chorale Society for many years, sang in the choir and played piano for productions at La Mesa Community Church, and enjoyed piano duet sessions with her dear friend, Carol. The entire family has fond memories of the dueling piano version of The Twelve Days of Christmas played by Ann and her son, Jim. Ann and Roger treasured summer camping trips in Yosemite, frequently in the company of their children, spouses, and dozen grandchildren, and though Ann had lasting effects from childhood polio, she hiked right along with the rest of the family. Roger called her “Leadfoot Annie”, and joked that the aerodynamic curves on her Ford Taurus station wagon were designed to evade radar detection. Ann mastered the space-time continuum to remain 29 years old, even while everyone else aged around her, proudly proclaimed through her email address [email protected].

Although a stroke robbed her of coherent speech for her last five years, Ann retained the radiant smile that charmed her caregivers and warmed the room. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Heritage House, Santa Barbara, for the loving care Ann received there.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents and by her beloved Roger in 2013. She is survived by her brother John Wilson (Jill), her four children: Jenny Hawkes (Ed Hawkes), David Wood (Jane Doughty), John Wood (Ruth), and James Wood (Jen), 12 grandchildren (Michael Hawkes, Stuart Hawkes, Erin Ayers, Sam Hawkes, Lyle Wood, Alex Wood-Doughty, Zach Wood-Doughty, Jim Wood, Marion Wood, Patrick Hawkes, Andrew Hawkes, and Levi Wood), and five great-grandchildren. An outdoor Celebration of Life is planned for Manning Park on April 30th at 1 pm, with a reception in the park to follow. All who have been touched by her life are welcome to attend. Contact [email protected] to RSVP, share memories, or ask questions about the service.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

KEVIN R. NORRIS ’89 of Palatine, Illinois, died Jan. 2, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in business management and participated in student government, rugby and Beta Sigma Pi. Survivors include his wife, Linda Norris; and two daughters.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

A fun night in Bonita Springs, Florida. Old friends are such a joy! The following Ripon alumni met for plenty of good cheer on January 26, 2022: (from left to right in the featured photo) Gary Lederer ’72, Lynne Horne Gasiorek ’72, Linda Brassington Daniels ’72, Jean Kirkpatrick Lederer ’73, and Al Gasiorek ’73.

Submitted by: Jean Kirkpatrick Lederer

MICHAEL PAUL ’89 of Portage, Wisconsin, died Jan. 25, 2022. At Ripon, he played football. He led the A&W Drive-In in Portage. He also was active in the community, serving as an alderman for the City of Portage and on the Board of Zoning Appeals; coaching Portage Youth Football; and serving in various ways at Grace Bible Church. Survivors include his wife, Ronda; three sons and two daughters.

Full obituary:

PORTAGE – Michael Paul, age 55, of Portage, passed away on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at his home with his loving family by his side. After a three-month battle with cancer, he is completely healed in the presence of the Lord.

Michael was born on November 2, 1966, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, the son of Raymond and Lovice (Hamley) Paul. He attended Randolph High School where he discovered his passion for football, playing under Coach Pat Winch, whom he greatly respected. On defense, Mike played middle linebacker (ironically called the “mike linebacker”); on offense, right tackle. He worked hard at those positions and developed an attitude of “always give your best effort.” After graduation, Michael’s experience at Ripon College was highlighted by continuing his passion for playing football as a linebacker. In college, he built on his attitude of “always giving his best effort,” spending many hours in the weight room in preparation for being a leader on the football field. He appreciated the friendships that developed while working hard towards a similar goal with his teammates in both high school and college.

He married Ronda Roberts in March 1987, and they devoted their lives to serving others through hospitality at the A&W Drive-In, Portage. Michael had high expectations for all his employees, challenging them to “always give their best effort” and to make their customers’ day special. “Mr. Paul” was a “father figure” to many of the teens he employed, and a friend to the adults. He poured into his employees, teaching them how to selflessly serve others and modeling a strong work ethic.

Community was important to Michael. He served the City of Portage as an Alderman and was on the Board of Zoning Appeals. He also coached Portage Youth Football focusing on, not only technique and strategy, but also teaching some of the same life lessons he learned as an athlete. Michael also served in various ways at Grace Bible Church.

Michael’s children will remember dancing in the kitchen to “the oldies” with him, spontaneous wrestling matches in the living room, and listening to his imaginative bedtime stories. He graciously gave the gift of time to his children. When they encouraged, “Come play with me, Daddy,” the “castle men” would be arranged for battle with creative, valiant storylines, and tea parties would be served in child-sized tea cups. As much as Michael enjoyed watching his children play sports, it was playing catch in the front yard or basketball in the driveway with them that he treasured most.

His wife will remember his humor and compassion for others that first captured her heart, his willingness to love her unconditionally, his amazing ability to problem solve situations and fix anything that was broken, and his attitude of thankfulness, but it was their final dance together in the kitchen to Louis Armstrong’s “It’s a Wonderful World” that she will treasure most.

Michael was a gentleman. He loved the Lord, and he loved people. He delighted in engaging conversations and a competitive game of euchre. Time spent with God, family, and friends was precious to him.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Ronda; their children, Jensena (Tyler) Wishau, Ryan Paul, Claire (Lance) Barnett, Nolan (Lindsey) Paul, and Isaac Paul; grandchildren, Sophie, Caleb, and Luke Wishau; mother, Lovice Paul; sister, Lona (Scott) Alsum; brothers, Wayne (Sharon) Paul, and Darrell Paul; parents-in-law, Hugh and Jane Roberts; sister-in-law, Kim (Dennis) TeGrootenhuis; brothers-in-law, Hugh (Jana) Roberts and Paul (Becky) Roberts; many precious cousins, nieces/nephews, great-nieces/nephews, great-great nieces/nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Paul and his niece, Christine Wickizer-Tobin.

A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Grace Bible Church with Rev. Jeremy Edmondson officiating. Burial will be at 3 p.m. on February 5, 2022, at Randolph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 4, 2022, and 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the church. A livestream of the service will be available on the Grace Bible Church website (www.gbcportage.com).

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the SSM Health staff who compassionately cared for Michael and all those who uplifted the family with prayers, cards, text messages, food, and other gifts as they walked through this dark valley of cancer. The Paul family has been humbled and comforted in so many ways by the love they have received. They have seen God’s grace generously poured down on them. The void and the earthly sorrow that lingers in their hearts is wrapped in the eternal joy of knowing that Michael is face to face with Jesus. Thank you, Jesus!

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

Jean Kirkpatrick Lederer ’73 and Gary Lederer ’72 had dinner with Suellen “Sudy” Reigle Altholz ’73 and Tom Altholz ’72 in late January in Florida. Jean writes, “Fifty years of catching up! Such great fun!”

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

1971 – Spring 2022 Class Letter

Class Agent:

JIM BEISNER ’71

(770) 570-7725 / [email protected]

Greetings, Class of 1971

It is hard to believe another school year has about passed by. One has to wonder where the time has gone. One thing I do know is Ripon is still providing the same quality education we experienced so many years ago. Our continued financial support of this vital mission will ensure incoming classes will experience the best quality education possible. And now, I share some class news that I have received.

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.

As we look back at our experiences at Ripon, we can all see the benefits we derived from that special time. In some way, the Ripon Fund assisted all of us. It underwrites all aspects of yearly operations, including but not limited to laboratory supplies, technological innovations, library resources, faculty support, financial aid and scholarships, athletics, opportunities to study abroad, the arts, and facilities. I urge your consideration to increase this year’s gift in recognition of all we have accomplished because of Ripon College. 

Last year was such a special celebration of our 50th Class Reunion. Thank you to all who came out to celebrate, those who contributed to our Class Gift, and those who made a submission to our 50th Reunion Memory Book. So many of you contributed in various ways and I am grateful. Alumni Weekend this summer is June 23-26 and now that we are part of the Golden R Reunion celebration, we have a special gathering every year! Please feel free to contact me at any time during the year with your updates so that I can include more Class Notes in our future Class Letters. I enjoy staying connected with all of you.

Always for Ripon, 

JIM BEISNER ’71

A Note from Your Friends in Smith Hall:

Save the date for #OneDayRally, Ripon’s fifth annual day of giving, April 27! Follow Ripon College’s social media and watch for emails to find out more about how you can support Ripon College on this day.

Submitted by: Class Agent: Jim Beisner

Greetings, Class of 1967!

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is “What are you doing for others?” 
           – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Happy almost Spring!

Here in North Carolina, the weather has been like a ping pong ball. It was 70 and sunny yesterday, and cold and rainy today. Me thinks there is truth to climate change!

I imagine many of you continue to follow Marie Kondo’s decluttering advice. Donating your treasures is one way to help others in need. Another really good way to help others is by donating to the Ripon Fund. Over the years your generous contributions have enabled many students to graduate. As they pursue meaningful careers they in turn are able to contribute to others in many ways. And, so it goes on and on making our world a better place.

While perusing the internet, I discovered the city of Ripon has been a finalist for a “Great American Street.” There seems to be a resurgence of many new shops and restaurants. However, there were two that looked familiar – Red’s Bar and Miller’s Tavern. Dare I say many of you may have fond memories and pride of times spent in each one! You will have an opportunity to relive those memories during our 55th (whew!) Reunion June 23-26! Please mark your calendar and make your reservations. If you have any requests for activities or ideas, PLEASE let me know.

And now for some class notes from our fellow classmates:

BILL NEILL ’67 and JUDY WILKINSON NEILL ’67 of Ripon, Wisconsin, are looking forward to renewing old friendships. Depending on the weather they have offered to host a gathering during the weekend. As usual, they have joined the other snowbirds in Florida for the winter months.

Wanting permanently warm and sunny weather was the incentive for KAREN BRO STOPPS ’67 and her husband to move to Savannah, Georgia. Before moving they took a cross-country car trip stopping to see friends and family along the way.

Also living in the sunny Peach State is MIKE MILLER ’67 of Ringgold, Georgia. He has been married for 54 years and has two children living nearby along with a fifteen-year-old grandson. So many of us are fortunate to live fairly close to our children and grandchildren. Times spent with family is precious indeed.

TOPHER SMALL ’67 and COLLEEN DURKIN SMALL ’67 of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, had a five-day family reunion on the shores of Lake Michigan. They had a great time celebrating high school graduations and one daughter’s 50th birthday.

Those of you who may be Yellowstone fans should watch for Piper Perabo in the upcoming season. Rumor has it she kisses Kevin Costner!

Remember to put our 55th Reunion on your calendar: June 23-26, 2022.

Hope to see you!!

KATHY SANTIMAYS DUNN ’67
(704) 633-8999
Your 1967 Class Agent

Submitted by: Class Agent: Kathy Santimays Dunn