R Connections

FRED KIEKHAEFER ’69 of Castle Rock, CO: “I officially retired in 2012; I finally admitted it in 2023. After building a marine propulsion company (in seven years), selling it to Mercury Marine and, then, managing Mercury Racing for 22 years, I moved to Colorado from Wisconsin. I started a small consulting firm, K-Lab Design Works. My first major project was again in marine propulsion: I conceived a variable pitch surface drive for high-performance diesel-powered boats. From concept to design. From design to prototype. From prototype to design refinement. From refinement to second prototype. From second prototype to project termination. Working mostly alone, this took eight years. In those eight years, my target market moved to outboard engines. So, I quit. That was a hard decision. In the midst of this project, my wife, Carol, and I moved to Miami (for the water and boat testing). Then COVID hit. We moved back to Colorado for more space; less restriction. Carol went back to graduate school studying artificial intelligence and machine learning as applied to targeted medical therapeutics. She’s a critical care physician and research scientist, so that makes sense.

Now, I spend time differently. With charities. Since I have a few exotic cars, I donate race track time and show time to entertain and raise funds for Morgan Adams Foundation (childrens’ cancer research), Warrior’s Chariot and Wounded Warrior Project (for military vets, police and first responders), AeroAngels (donated pilots and private aircraft getting sick and damaged kids to specialized, far-away treatment) among others. To keep my creative skills functioning, I am designing and building unique outdoor furniture (like my ergonomic hammock). In other down time, I hang out with three cats and a dog – or go to a gym (typically six days a week). Although voted “least likely to return for a second ski trip” by my Ripon frat brothers, I’m still skiing. I haven’t missed a season in 55 years. Catch me if you can, snow bunnies!”

Submitted by: Scott Nyquist

DEBBIE HAMELE KUKLA ’69 of Long Boat Key, FL: “In early June, my husband, TOM KUKLA ’70, and I met JAN KINGERY BEVERLY ’69 and her friend for lunch on Anna Maria Island. It was a very special reunion sharing past and present happenings. Jan and I were Ripon classmates and Alpha Chi Omega sorority sisters.

Florida feels like home, especially because we see our three grandchildren (12, 14, and 15) and daughter often. Being on the Gulf has opened up so many new adventures from turtle hatchings to seeing manatee and dolphins to magnificent sunsets! In two weeks, Tom and I are headed back to Italy to three of our favorite places (Sorrento, Cinque Terre, and Lake Como), as well as a stop in London, then back to the beach!”

Submitted by: Scott Nyquist

DAVE LEACH ’69 of Chandler, AZ: “After my travels around the US last year and my December trip to Israel, France and England, I came home and started to date, and quickly marry a lady I have known for about five years. We are now Mr. and Mrs. David and Judy Leach. We honeymooned in the RV boondock camping in Northern Arizona and Utah, visiting Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. If anyone has never been there they are incredibly beautiful and wondrous to behold. Once we got back I moved to Judy’s house in Chandler, AZ (I don’t recommend moving in Arizona in July!). Now we are planning to take a few months on a working RV vacation to Judy’s home in southeastern WI, then north to the lake areas in Northern Wisconsin to the Upper peninsula and back into the lower states to New England for the fall foliage. We’ll visit friends and family along the way and then press on down the East Coast to D.C., Virginia and the Carolinas. We’ll try to see a bunch of sights and points of interest as we go. Then west to Knoxville and down to Atlanta to see more friends and family. Then west and back to Arizona possibly through mid-Texas to see more places and people. We figure to be on the road for two to three months. It should be a great time. We’ve also got a Northwest tour to do some time, but I’m not sure when.”

Submitted by: Scott Nyquist

DAVE LEE ’69 and SUE STEGER LEE ’69 of Appleton, WI: Sue and I are looking forward to Alumni Weekend 2024. Hard to believe that our class falls into the elders group, but if, like me, likely retaining at least some of the wild ass elements of our youth – who am I kidding? Sue and I are beginning to spot vision screen this year’s batch of school kids for our Lion’s Club – at the rate of 13,000 screenings per year, we expect to surpass 100,000 vision screenings by Fall 2024. Sue is a Lion’s zone chair and I am secretary of our past district governors group for Wisconsin. Also this year I am serving as the Lion’s state chair for childhood cancer, which is one of Lion’s five global focus areas – we have an initiative to get donations from all of the 600 Lion’s clubs in Wisconsin this September which is childhood cancer awareness month – those funds will be used to help families of need who are dealing with childhood cancer. Wishing all of our classmates the very best of health and happiness for the coming year and hoping to see a mega turnout of classmates for our 2024 Reunion.

Submitted by: Scott Nyquist

NANCY OLIVER LEIFHEIT ’69 of Sycamore, IL submitted:

“A Class Letter poem”
It is with reluctance I search for the words, similar words to the past,
And know full well, this request won’t be the last.
So,
I feel sure the Class of ‘69
Has spent the year pretty close to fine.
Searching for something new to impart
When Scott Nyquist emails and asks us to start
Thinking about what we did this past year.
Was there anything different, did we go far or stay near?
Are your hips, knees, and shoulders all old or some new?
Did your children or grandkids grow taller than you?
Looks like Farr Hall will be new and the football field, too,
But our memories of Chem Phys and Homecoming we still view
With our minds that are sharp, fully remembering it all,
Getting our credit cards ready when the new students call
To ask us to support our Alma Mater this year,
And we say, “Of course! While we were here,
We earned much more than just an education of knowledge
But gained friendships, camaraderie, and the value of college
Not to mention the era of freedom and exploring of the soul
The water tower, Greekers, the Spot and the Toilet Bowl.
So, Scott, until next year, this is my letter.
Perhaps next year with 2 new knees, I’ll think of something better!

Submitted by: Scott Nyquist

PHIL MCCULLOUGH ’69 of Woodstock, IL: “Just started my 47th year at the med school at Northwestern. Also, will be having our 50th med school reunion this fall. Time flies. Trying to spend a lot of time with five grandchildren ages two through nine. As an old Farr Hall rat, I am very excited about the upcoming major renovations and science curricular expansions. See you in June at the Reunion.”

Submitted by: Scott Nyquist

SCOTT NYQUIST ’69 and CYNTHIA SANBORN NYQUIST ’69 of Naples, FL: “As I write this, Cynthia and I are just back from a trip to Freiburg, Germany, to visit our daughter, son-in-law and 12-year old granddaughter. Remarkably, our flights to and from were no hassle and on-time (some even early). Normally, Freiburg has pleasant summer weather in August: 80s during the day, 60s overnight. But this year we had extremes. The first ten days were mid to high 90s. Only about 10% of the buildings in Germany are air conditioned. Then the next eight days were chilly (highs in the 60s) and rainy. But we had a fabulous time. Hadn’t been there since 2019. We celebrated my 76th birthday while there by dining at a Michelin star restaurant. Fabulous food! But the dinners at the beer gardens had great food also. Cynthia got to take our granddaughter, Emma, shopping. They also spent lots of time drawing and painting together, something they both love. Cyn and I enjoyed shopping at local markets, riding the tram around the city. (Freiburg has about 300,000 people.) Prior to leaving for Germany, the weather here in Naples was HOT. Many daily high temp records were broken this year. Hurricane Idalia hit while we were in Germany. Fortunately, Naples experienced only minor weather difficulties and there was no damage to our home.I did visit Ripon for Alumni Weekend 2023 and had a great time. I saw ART SCARLETT ’69, FRANK ANDERS ’69 and BOBBI SUESS ANDERS ’69, plus many friends who are alums from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Attended the memorial service for Seale Doss, and listened to former students and faculty (including Spud Hannaford and Doug Northrop) recalling their experiences with him. Walked the campus and went into every building. Saw the new football field being built. I think the week after Alumni Weekend, construction started on the new Franzen Science Center. Ventured up and down Watson Street and was amazed at how vibrant the downtown area is. Dined at the Fox & Crow restaurant, a new Ripon eatery that has great food. I still participate in a weekly Zoom call with seven other Beta Sigma Pi fraternity brothers. We talk about everything from politics, to sports, to kids and grandkids and a lot of discussion about Ripon. In October, the eight of us will meet for our annual four nights in Siesta Key, FL.”JOHN RICCIARDI ’69 of Raleigh, NC: “Debbie and I have a great year so far. We have managed to stay healthy and out of the doctor’s office! We had a great spring traveling in Switzerland and Italy. Spent two weeks in Lugano where our grandson goes to boarding school and then had the unique opportunity to travel on to Venice with our son and daughter without their spouses or grandkids. It was so much fun getting the original family band back together again! Summer here in Raleigh with the entire family and then off to Saudi Arabia to spend Christmas and New Year’s with our daughter. I hope to make the 55th Reunion next June.”TOM SCHARBACH ’69 of Madison, WI: I spent a day at Ripon last spring. I was asked to record an interview by EMMA SAGARTZ ’23, a drama student who planned to use the interview as the basis for a one-act play she was writing about the experiences of a closeted gay Ripon student in the 1960’s. Emma distilled several hours of the interview into a script, which I’ve read, but I didn’t see the play she wrote. The script was well done and I hope Emma got a good grade. I drove over in the morning, spent an hour wandering around campus, and then headed to the grill in Harwood Memorial Union, where I met Emma. The grill, which used to be tiny, is now large. The food isn’t as good now as I remember it being then, but then, I’m not young and constantly hungry any more. The campus itself has changed a lot, particularly in the area where Dawes Cottage used to be and I had to stop and think for a few seconds to get my direction sorted more than once. Merriman House is gone, and I spent a while sitting on the site, remembering the house and the friends I made during those years. Emma introduced me to several students (bright, energetic and, well, young), including a few who were LGBT.  As I talked with them, I realized both how different things are now, and how much the same, as well.  Emma took the time after our interview to show me things that are new on campus, including the Rodman Center, which is remarkable. I’ve stopped by the campus a few times over the years when I drove through Ripon for one reason or another, but it was good to spend a day meeting students, and I’m glad I did it.”

Submitted by: Scott Nyquist

Tom Mueller ’89 retired from HP in April 2023.

Submitted by: Office of Advancement

BOB “OTTO” WACHHOLTZ ’69 of Papillon, NE: “No significant changes from past years and still trying to adapt to retirement after five years. Still active in two sports though I notice that everyone seems to get faster. Once again “summering” in New Hampshire during September and maybe stay into October to watch the colors ‘pop’.”

Submitted by: Scott Nyquist

JILL ALEXANDER WILLIAMS ’69 of Snohomish, WA: “I feel very lucky my husband, Dick, and I are doing a lot of traveling this year. In February & March we spent 2 nights in Tahiti and then 16 days exploring New Zealand and our two daughters were able to join us. This summer we stayed at a VRBO on Guemes Island and also made a trip in our pop top camper to rustic Shaw Island which is our favorite of the San Juan Islands we’ve visited so far. The ferry rides are so fun. Nature preserves, hiking trails, interesting houses, few people. Living in Washington state there are so many beautiful places to explore. Now we are planning a late October trip to Oaxaca, Mexico.”

Submitted by: Scott Nyquist

Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are,
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
– Alfred Lord Tennyson’s Ulysses

Dear Classmates,

After a summer of oppressive heat, cooler temperatures prevail. Sadly, I have no excuse to avoid weeding and trimming bushes! Now that fall is here, so is football. Those of you in Wisconsin would have had the opportunity to watch Ripon play Cornell College in the new Hopp Stadium on September 30, or attend the grand opening celebration on October 21 when the Red Hawks shut out Lake Forest College 12-0. I’m sure many of you have fond memories of walking to Ingalls Field on a Saturday afternoon to cheer our team to victory. Now students don’t have so far to walk!

Along with the new stadium there will be a renovation and expansion to the science center. The “F” is still there, but it is Franzen, not Farr! This expansion will enable Ripon to offer a new engineering program. But wait, there’s more! Next year the students majoring in exercise science will have the opportunity to pursue a Master’s Degree at Ripon College. All of these great enhancements have been made possible by generous donations. You, too, can have a named space on campus just by giving a huge contribution! But, seriously, any donation helps. It all adds up.

BILL NEILL ’67 pointed out that it’s been sixty years since we were naïve women and men embarking on a new adventure. How many of you remember the nickname assigned to you during orientation? Mine was Santa Claus! And who can forget the ubiquitous green beanies!

Speaking of green, this past summer, GREG ’68 and I visited Ireland for the first time. NANCY WADLEY KEOUGH ’67 and her husband, Jim, just returned from their umpteenth visit!. We spent the first three nights in Dromoland Castle. Fortunately, we had great weather – no rain! One of the highlights was visiting the home and dairy farm of a lovely local couple. They greeted us with an Irish coffee and delicious tarts served in their living room. We also learned how to make Irish soda bread and scones at the Ballyknocken House and School owned by Chef Catherine Fulvio. It was great fun!

Sorry to report that PHILIP METCALF ’67 of Bethel, Connecticut, died March 9, 2023. At Ripon, he majored in philosophy and participated in student theatre, music, government and Sigma Chi. He also received a degree in philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He started his career in publishing at Random House, later moving into telecommunications and voice recognition software. He was an avid golfer, tennis player, hiker and church choir member. He also enjoyed gardening, travel, cooking and fine dining, architecture and garden design, reading, listening to music, and reciting trivia. Survivors include two sons and one daughter.

I, and other classmates, would enjoy hearing about your adventures. Or anything else you would like to let us know! Have a happy, healthy fall!

Kathy

Submitted by: Kathy Santimays Dunn '67

DOLORES “LAURIE” PAULSON of Ripon, Wisconsin, a former secretary in the Office of Admission, died April 6, 2023. She was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, had taught business education in Columbus, Wisconsin, and evening business classes for Moraine Park Technical College, and was a substitute teacher at Ripon Middle and High School for many years. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Survivors include her husband, Donald; two sons and one daughter.

Full obituary: https://www.riponpress.com/obituaries/dolores-laurie-marie-paulson/article_7dd2109c-d584-11ed-963b-13651e69d078.html

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

ROBERT L. TAYLOR of Markesan, Wisconsin, former director of computer services and assistant professor of computer science, died April 7, 2023. He worked at Ripon from 1967 until retiring in 1992 and created the Ripon College Computer Center, now called the Office of Information Technology. Other positions included assistant to the vice president for finance, development associate-federal programs, and coordinator of data processing. He studied at Rutgers University in New Jersey and received his MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He served in the U.S. Army and worked in the insurance industry and at Control Data in Bloomington, Minnesota, before coming to Ripon. He was active in the Ripon community and with the Ripon Jaycees. After retirement, he went into business with partners at Ripon Data Services and Video Age Productions. He also started the vacation rental company Green Lake Vacations LLC. He was active in his church. Survivors include his wife, Kathro; and one son.

Full obituary: riponpress.com/obituaries/robert-bob-lee-taylor/article_c9aab150-dd58-11ed-8f5c-e3fdfa7ed355.html

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

LEROY “LEE” SCHOENFELD of Westfield, Indiana, died Oct. 31, 2022. He was an assistant professor of physical education at Ripon College from 1963 to 1967. He attended the University of Wisconsin on a football scholarship, received his bachelor’s degree in education and biology from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and his master’s degree from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War. He retired from DePauw University, where he taught and coached wrestling, golf and football for 23 years. He then helped with the Greencastle High School swim team and for 30 years during summers was assistant director of Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. Survivors include one son and one daughter.

Full obituary: dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/greencastle-in/leroy-schoenfeld-10992720

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

JACK WESLEY POWERS of Brevard, North Carolina, a professor of chemistry at Ripon College from 1957 through 1969, died Oct. 28, 2022. He also served as a Scoutmaster for Troup 40 while in Ripon. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from Purdue University in 1957 and completed post-graduate work at the University of Utah and the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. He later worked for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, and Davidson and St. Andrews Presbyterian Colleges in North Carolina. He also ran a consulting firm, was active in arts and historical societies and church activities, and enjoyed golfing, camping, fishing and creating artwork. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ollhoff Powers; two sons and two daughters.

Full obituary: transylvaniatimes.com/townnews/university/jack-wesley-powers/article_b4aea23e-5bc1-11ed-9513-8396f2a3d629.html

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

HARALD M. NESS JR., who taught at Ripon College in 1998-1999, died Sept. 28, 2021. He served his country in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of captain. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Wisconsin State College in Superior, Wisconsin, received graduate meteorology training in the University of Wisconsin-Madison in conjunction with his Air Force service, and obtained a Master of Arts degree from Central Michigan University. After his Air Force service, he taught mathematics at high schools in Hayward and Kohler, Wisconsin, and at the University of Wisconsin Center-Fond Du Lac, and was the mathematics department chairman for the University of Wisconsin Center System. After his retirement, he taught at UW-Fond du Lac, Marian College and Ripon College, among other institutions.

Full obituary: zacherlfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Harald-M.-Ness,-Jr.?obId=22542435#/celebrationWall

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

Pearl M. Terbilcox, age 72, of Ripon, WI, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2022 at Markesan Resident Home in Markesan, WI. Pearl was born on October 14, 1949 in Norway, MI, the daughter of Howard James and Lucille Wolfgram. On November 14, 2008 she married William Terbilcox in Oshkosh, WI. He passed away on April 4, 2010. Pearl worked as a cashier at Ripon College for many years. She loved to crochet, solve cross-word puzzles, elephants, and anything Betty Boop. Most of all she cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren.Pearl is survived by her children, Jason (Bonnie) Miller of Oshkosh, WI, Jeremy Miller of Ripon, WI, and Kelly (fiancé Brandon) Witak of Ripon, WI; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a half-sibling. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard James and Lucille Wolfgram; husband, William Terbilcox; and several brothers and sisters.

Full obituary: riponpress.com/obituaries/pearl-m-terbilcox/article_e0dcb6ea-06bf-11ed-8d51-5f946de26cc9.html

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

Adjunct Instructor of Music TODD A. TRUESDALE of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, died Thursday, May 19, 2022, after a brief illness. He received music degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and enjoyed performing and teaching percussion. In addition to Ripon College, he taught at Xavier High School, Neenah High School, Shattuck Middle School of Neenah, Little Chute High School, Oshkosh West High School and Appleton Music Academy. He also performed with the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, Manitowoc Symphony, Vento Winds, Wisconsin Symphonic Winds and his hometown band 3 Way Street. He was self-employed through Truesdale Drum Works and also repaired percussion equipment and restored vintage drums. He also enjoyed building things, barbecuing, camping and bow hunting. Survivors include his wife, Hannah; and two children.

Full obituary: legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/todd-truesdale-obituary

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

PHILIP B. CLARKSON of Carmel, California, professor of theatre at Ripon from 1963-1972, died April 29, 2022. At Ripon, he was head of the drama department and interim dean. He received the May Bumby Severy, Class of 1908, Award in teaching, and an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree in 1994. He received his Ph.D. from Stanford University and also trained at Central School, London, and the University of Paris. He had extensive experience as a director and producer, wrote numerous books and was literary executor to playwright William Inge. He also served Norwich University, Morningside College and SUNY at Plattsburgh. He lived in Carmel Valley for more than 40 years, was active in his church, taught at Monterey Peninsula College, worked in community theatre and led a play reading group for more than 25 years.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/montereyherald/name/philip-clarkson-obituary?id=34641482

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement