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In Memory of Patricia Keeley Winter ’50
In Memory of Patricia Keeley Winter ’50
Patricia Winter
PATRICIA KEELEY WINTER ’50 of Downers Grove, Illinois, died Feb. 20, 2022. At Ripon, she majored in psychology and participated in Ver Adest and Alpha Delta Pi/Pi Tau Pi. She was a former co-publisher and business manager of Reporter/Progress Newspapers and Printers, publishers of numerous newspapers. She was active in several clubs and organizations, including the Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce, Downers Grove Women’s and Junior Woman’s clubs, AAUW, DuPage Easter Seals, Downers Grove Special Events Committee, Downers Grove Community grants Commission, and Good Samaritan Auxiliary. She enjoyed traveling and spending winter months in Marco Island, Florida. Survivors include two sons, including CRAIG R. WINTER ’76; and a nephew, ROBERT S. KEELEY ’79. Her husband, CHESTER JOHN “JACK” WINTER ’49, died in 2001.
Full obituary: toonfuneralhome.com/obituary/patricia-winter
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Charles P. Stathas ’55
In Memory of Charles P. Stathas ’55
Charles Stathas
Charles P. Stathas ’55 passed away on February 16, 2022.
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of LTC Lee J. Harrer ’52
In Memory of LTC Lee J. Harrer ’52
LTC Lee Harrer
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Sarah Uihlein Fitzgerald ’50
In Memory of Sarah Uihlein Fitzgerald ’50
Sarah Fitzgerald
Sarah Uihlein Fitzgerald ’50 of Mequon, Wisconsin, died Aug. 16, 2021. At Ripon, she majored in philosophy. Survivors include her children.
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Joyce Prout Kasson ’61
In Memory of Joyce Prout Kasson ’61
Joyce Kasson
JOYCE ANN PROUT KASSON ’61 of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, died April 3, 2022. She attended Ripon from 1957-1959, studied biology and physical education, was a cheerleader and participated in Alpha Chi Omega/Alpha Gamma Theta. She later served on reunion committees and supported the Red Hawks Club and Ripon Booster Club. She received a degree as a registered nurse and worked for Portage County and St. Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point before her retirement. She was an active member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. She enjoyed reading, tennis and traveling to visit family. Survivors include her husband, PETER KASSON ’59; two sons and one daughter, including RICHARD KASSON ’91 and CONNIE KASSON NEGAARD ’85; and a sister, BARBARA PROUT DIXON ’58.
Full obituary: tributearchive.com/obituaries/24479736/joyce-a-kasson/stevens-point/wisconsin/shuda-funeral-services-crematory
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Claudia L. Kasperek ’70
In Memory of Claudia L. Kasperek ’70
Claudia Kasperek
CLAUDIA L. KASPEREK ’70 of Chicago, Illinois, died Oct. 29, 2021. At Ripon, she participated in Alpha Phi/Kappa Sigma Chi. She earned a degree in art from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Survivors include her wife, Susan Prohaska.
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Kathryn “Kathy” Brimhall ’71
In Memory of Kathryn “Kathy” Brimhall ’71
Kathryn "Kathy" Brimhall
KATHRYN “KATHY” WILSON BRIMHALL ’71 of Morristown, Tennessee, died March 26, 2022. At Ripon, she studied anthropology and psychology and participated in Alpha Delta Pi/Pi Tau Pi. She received a degree in anthropology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and received master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Connecticut. She was a professor of sociology and anthropology at Lakeland College near Sheboygan, Wisconsin, before graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine. She practiced psychiatry in Sheboygan and Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, before moving to Lexington, Kentucky, and then Morristown, Tennessee. She was a member of PEO, hosted many international exchange students, and enjoyed gourmet cooking, reading, traveling, needlework and crafts. Survivors include her husband, Conrad L. Brimhall; one son, CRISTOPHER “KIT” BRIMHALL ’22, and one daughter.
Full obituary: citizentribune.com/obituaries/kathryn-kathy-wilson-brimhall/article_0182bf22-bdee-11ec-a7aa-0b8555d2f385.html
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Ginny Michaels Abruzzo ’77
In Memory of Ginny Michaels Abruzzo ’77
Ginny Abruzzo
GINNY MICHAELS ABRUZZO ’77 of Libertyville, Illinois, died March 26, 2022. At Ripon, she majored in art and participated in Alpha Chi Omega. She retired in March 2021 after more than 25 years working for the Health Information Management team at Advocate Condell Medical Center. She loved the outdoors, wildlife, Chicago sports teams and gardening. Survivors include her husband, Joseph Abruzzo; two sons and one daughter.
Full obituary: strangfuneral.org/ginny-l-abruzzo/
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Gail Langdon ’60
In Memory of Gail Langdon ’60
Gail Langdon
GAIL BRAINARD LANGDON ’60 of Springfield, Missouri, died Feb. 24, 2022. At Ripon, she studied biology and participated in Alpha Chi Omega/Alpha Gam Theta. She also served in her 50th Reunion committee. She lived in the Chicago area until 1977, when she and her husband purchased Fish ‘n’ Fun Resort in Shell Knob, Missouri. They later moved to Springfield. She was an active member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Springfield. She also was an avid gardener. Survivors include three sons and three daughters, including MARY LANGDON ROGERS ’89. Her husband, ROBERT E. LANGDON ’58, died in 2010.
Full obituary: obits.klingnerfuneralhome.com/obituary/gail-langdon
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of James L. Reiter ’73
In Memory of James L. Reiter ’73
James Reiter
JAMES L. REITER ’73 of Shawano, Wisconsin, died April 18, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in economics, sociology and anthropology and participated in cross country, football and Phi Kappa Pi (Merriman). He earned a master’s degree from Silver Lake College. He was passionate about serving his Menominee Tribe. He was associate director of Ripon Upward Bound, working to get many Menominee youths to look toward college. He also belonged to the National Indian Education Association and Native American Tourism of Wisconsin; served as director of the JOM education program; and was general manager of the Menominee Casino for more than 19 years, winning an award from the National Indian Gaming Association for pioneering and longevity in gaming. Survivors include his wife, Amy; two sons and one daughter.
Full obituary: greenbaypressgazette.com/obituaries/wis357077
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Robert J. Gill ’93
In Memory of Robert J. Gill ’93
Robert Gill
Robert J. Gill, III ’93 of Dunstable, MA, died March 29, 2021, after a lengthy illness, his family at his side. Born in Lowell on September 3, 1971, the son of Robert J. Jr. and Linda (Ely) Gill of Dunstable. He received his early education in the Norfolk, VA and Lowell school systems. He graduated from Bishop Guertin HS with the class of 1989. He furthered his education at Ripon College in Ripon Wisconsin earning a BA in Economics in 1993. After graduating, he was offered a full scholarship in the PHD program at Boston College. He rejected that and moved to California to work in the high-tech industry for many years. When he became ill, he moved back to his family and did independent programming, taught himself the Russian language, enjoyed his family, his dogs and sports. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, Jonathan P. Gill of Dunstable, and his two favorite dogs, Bustah and Eva.
Full obituary: tributearchive.com/obituaries/20575676/Robert-Gill
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Marcia Macleish Higgins ’63
In Memory of Marcia Macleish Higgins ’63
Marcia Higgins
MARCIA MACLEISH HIGGINS ’63 of Sarasota, Florida, died Jan. 29, 2022. At Ripon, she majored in history, participated in Alpha Phi/Kappa Sigma Chi and served as Class Agent and 45th Reunion Committee coordinator. She was a teacher and later the office manager for Libertyville Vision Center. She was an avid golfer who enjoyed travel and boating on Green Lake, Wisconsin. Marcia is survived by her husband, JUDSON HIGGINS ’62; two sons; a sister, and sister, LORNA MACLEISH ’64; and a cousin, PHILIP K. MCCULLOUGH ’69.
https://libertyvillefuneralhome.com/tribute/details/905/Marcia-Higgins/obituary.html
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
Lynn Benson Schenck ’72 and friends celebrate 50 years
Lynn Benson Schenck ’72 and friends celebrate 50 years
Lynn Schenck
Recently six alumni were celebrating the Class of 1972’s 50th anniversay by sailing the British Virgin Islands. Pictured left to right:
JACK SEAVER ’72, RUTH ANN DELESS SEAVER ’73 , BOB SCHENCK ’72, LYNN BENSON SCHENCK ’72, STEVE SANDSTROM ’72, and Nancy Sandstrom.
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Jeffrey Gohlke ’68
In Memory of Jeffrey Gohlke ’68
Jeffrey Gohlke
JEFFREY L. GOHLKE ’68 of Viroqua, Wisconsin, died May 3, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in economics and participated in Phi Kappa Pi (Merriman) fraternity. He served in the U.S. Army and had a long, distinguished career helping build Milwaukee’s economy and contributing to the success of local businesses. He started at the Department of City Development in 1971 and retired as vice president of industrial development from the Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation in 2001. After retiring in the Viroqua area, he served for six years as Viroqua city administrator and held officer roles at the Vernon Economic Development Association, Viroqua Development Association and the Viroqua Area Rotary Club. Survivors include his wife, Carol; two sons and two daughters.
Full obituary: legacy.com/us/obituaries/lacrossetribune/name/jeffrey-gohlke-obituary
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Paul Hoffman, Sr. ’73
In Memory of Paul Hoffman, Sr. ’73
Paul Hoffman, Sr.
PAUL M. HOFFMAN SR. ’73 of Clintonville, Wisconsin, died May 12, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in physical education and participated in football, baseball and Phi Kappa Pi (Merriman). He earned a master’s degree in education and was assistant defensive football coach at Northern Michigan University. He also coached football at Kansas State University. He worked for the Soo Line Railroad in Escanaba, Michigan, for a time, then in corporate insurance for about 25 years. He ran his own insurance firm, Paul Hoffman & Co., in Chewelah, Washington, and owned a 120-acre beef ranch. He moved back to Clintonville last year and was a member of Christus Lutheran Church. He enjoyed traveling to Mexico, coaching, and watching professional sports teams. Survivors include his wife, Kathryn; one son and two daughters.
Full obituary: https://www.tchdailynews.com/2022/05/16/paul-m-hoffman-sr/
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of John Ackley Sr. ’62
In Memory of John Ackley Sr. ’62
John Ackley
John Michael Ackley Sr. was born on December 2, 1940, in Waukesha, WI, and lived nearly his entire 81 years in Pewaukee, WI. He attended Ripon College where he received his degree in Finance and Economics and went on to complete his Masters of Business Administration at Ohio University. He was an avid sports fan and especially loved all of his Wisconsin teams including the Badgers, Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. Over his lifetime, John was a successful business executive, loving family man and avid cyclist. He passed away on May 16, 2022, at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Sr. and Anita, and brothers James Jr., Michael and Eugene. He is survived by his wife of 59 years and 11 months, Helen, son John Jr., daughter Donna (husband Mark Muehl), granddaughter Ashley (husband Michael Wright), and great-granddaughters Kami and Skyler.
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Sheryl Gumz Albers-Anders ’76
In Memory of Sheryl Gumz Albers-Anders ’76
Sheryl Albers-Anders
SHERYL GUMZ ALBERS-ANDERS ’76 of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, died May 28, 2022. At Ripon, she studied art. She earned a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a certificate in human resources from Madison College. She worked on the family farm, served on the Sauk County Farm Bureau Board, was a founding member of the Sauk County Women in Agriculture-Eagle Bluff Chapter, and was a member of the Wisconsin Mint Growers Association, Wisconsin Muck Growers Association and Wisconsin Drain Boards Association. She was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in a special election and served until her retirement in 2009. She also practiced law, worked in human resources at the Department of Corrections and had a private pilot’s license. She enjoyed sewing and tailoring, traveling, attending races and entertaining friends. Survivors include her husband, STEVE ANDERS; one son and four stepchildren; and seven siblings, including JOLANDE “JONDI” GUMZ ’75 and JOY GUMZ ’78.
Full obituary: www.gundersonfh.com/obituaries/Sheryl-K-Albers-Anders
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Elizabeth Elton Merchant ’55
In Memory of Elizabeth Elton Merchant ’55
Elizabeth Merchant
ELIZABETH ELTON MERCHANT ’55 of Rothschild, Wisconsin, died May 22, 2022. At Ripon, she majored in biology and participated in Alpha Xi Delta/Kappa Theta. She attended from 1951-1953. She lived in Germany for two years while her husband served in the U.S. Army. They then lived in Beloit. She moved to Rothschild in 2009. She loved gardening, her cats, doing cross stitch, antiquing, reading and traveling, especially camping and visits to Sanibel Island, Florida, Mazatlán, Mexico, and their cabin in northern Wisconsin. Survivors include two sons and one daughter. Her husband, GEORGE D. MERCHANT ’55, died in 2007.
Full obituary: www.beloitdailynews.com/records/obituaries/elizabeth-ann-elton-liz-merchant/
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Eleanor Healy Anderson ’48
In Memory of Eleanor Healy Anderson ’48
Eleanor Anderson
ELEANOR HEALY ANDERSON ’48 of Racine, Wisconsin, died June 7, 2022. At Ripon, she majored in speech communication and history and participated in Alpha Phi/Kappa Sigma Chi. She taught at Union Grove High School from 1948 until 1961. She enjoyed being outside, gardening, writing short stories and traveling with her husband. They had been to all 50 states, and countries including Europe, Israel and China. She was a member of Calvary Memorial Church and was involved in Sunday school, camp life, missions and youth group ministries. Survivors include her husband, Henry Anderson; one son and one daughter; and a sister, HELEN HEALY EDINGER ’55. Her uncle was SILAS EVANS, a longtime president of Ripon College.
Full obituary: www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/journaltimes/name/eleanor-anderson-obituary?pid=202167868
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Nathan Kittleson ’53
In Memory of Nathan Kittleson ’53
Nathan Kittleson
NATHAN KITTLESON ’53 of Brookfield, Wisconsin, died May 19, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in economics, participated in athletics and Sigma Nu/Theta Sigma Tau, and was commissioned through ROTC. He received a master’s degree in orthodontics and a doctorate in dentistry from Marquette University. He served in the Army Dental Corps as a dentist and attained the rank of captain. He and his brother, RUSSELL KITTLESON ’55, established two successful orthodontic practices in the greater Milwaukee area. He enjoyed traveling, outdoor activities and spending time at his lake house. Survivors include his wife, Nancy; two sons and one daughter, including DAVID KITTLESON ’86; and his brother, Russell.
Full Obituary: www.jsonline.com/obituaries/mjs063130
Submitted by: Office of Constituent 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: