Welcome to R Connections!

Dive into the hub of all things alumni! Whether you’re curious about your graduating class or eager to catch up on the latest alumni happenings, this is the place to be.

In Memory of Stephen F. Mowe
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
Ripon, WI
Obituary

In Memory of Stephen F. Mowe

Stephen F. Mowe
Stephen Mowe
Class of 0
Ripon, WI
Obituary

STEPHEN F. MOWE of Ripon, Wisconsin, professor of military science at Ripon from 1980-1983 and a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, died Feb. 3, 2022. He studied at Wentworth Military Academy, Murray State University, Georgia State University and The Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was a U.S. Army helicopter pilot, commander and educator for 24½ years, including service in Vietnam and Iran. He was awarded three Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. After retiring from the Army, he was a professor at Camden Military Academy in Camden, South Carolina, for seven years. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, watching sports, and volunteering in his community and at church. Survivors include two sons and one daughter.

Full obituary: riponpress.com/obituaries/stephen-frederick-mowe

 

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of John Schieber
Portage, WI
Obituary

In Memory of John Schieber

John Schieber
Class of 0
Portage, WI
Obituary

JOHN J. SCHIEBER of Portage, Wisconsin, a former instructor of ROTC at Ripon College, died June 17, 2021. He served in the U.S. Army in Japan in the post-World War II military government, NATO headquarters in Italy, Minneapolis, Korea on the inspector general’s staff, and Washington, D.C., as an instructor at the Defense Language School in the Naval Annex. He retired as a sergeant first class. After retiring in Wisconsin, he helped run Schieber’s Country Store in Montello and Briggsville and was human resources director for Divine Savior Hospital in Portage. In Portage, he was active in the arts community and many church and community organizations. Survivors include his wife, Florence; three sons and three daughters.

In Memory of Toni Hollenback
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
Ripon, WI
Obituary

In Memory of Toni Hollenback

Toni Hollenback
Class of 0
Ripon, WI
Obituary

TONI HOLLENBACK, a secretary/technician at Ripon for 43 years, died Dec. 11, 2021. She retired in 2017. She was a lifelong member at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she currently chaired the Social Concerns and Beautification committees. She was a member of the Evangelism Committee, Woman of Grace, Eve Circle and Quilting, and for many years headed up the Thanksgiving Day dinner. She was instrumental in many fundraisers at Grace, including the Lasagna Take and Bake along with her husband. She and her husband enjoyed traveling to historic places, and she also enjoyed cooking and preparing food. Survivors include her husband; two sons, including DAVID HOLLENBACK ’00; a sister, PATTI WORM, retired director of student accounts at Ripon; and nieces, MELISSA ANDERSON ’02, former vice president of marketing and communications, and AUTUMN SENNER ’89.

Full obituary:

Toni Dana Hollenback, age 67, of Ripon, WI, passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at her home.

Toni was born January 25, 1954 in Fond du Lac, WI, the daughter of Vernon and Orline (Wiese) Dorsey. She graduated from Ripon High School and married Steven Roger Hollenback at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ripon in 1975. Toni worked for 43 years as a secretary/technician at Ripon College until her retirement in 2017. During which time she developed lasting relationships which remained until her passing.

She was also a lifelong member at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she currently chaired the Social Concerns and Beautification Committees. She was a member of Evangelism Committee, Woman of Grace, Eve Circle, Quilting and for many years headed up the Thanksgiving Day Dinner. She was instrumental in many fundraisers at Grace, including the Lasagna Take and Bake along with her husband.

She and Steve enjoyed traveling to historic places to learn and embrace the history. She enjoyed people and was always willing to help make any food event a good presentation and have everyone happy.

Along with her culinary skills, the important things in life were her and Steve’s two sons and the grandchildren. The grandchildren brought an exceptional amount of joy.

Survivors include her husband, Steven R. Hollenback of Ripon; sons, David A. (Ariane Stiegler) Hollenback of Ripon and Thomas J. (Kristin) Hollenback of Lamartine, WI; grandchildren, Ethan and Quinn Hollenback of Lamartine, WI; and sisters, Cherie (John) Anderson of Ripon, Terri (William) Drake of St. Pete Beach, FL and Patti Worm of Ripon. She is further survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews. Toni was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Orline Dorsey; and brothers, Ronald and James Dorsey.

A visitation for Toni will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 9 – 11:00 am at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 430 W. Griswold St., Ripon, WI 54971.

A funeral service for Toni will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 11:00 am at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church with Reverend Clay R. Salmela officiating. Interment will follow at Dartford Cemetery, Green Lake, WI. Memorials in her name may be directed to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 430 W. Griswold St., Ripon, WI 54971 or Muscular Dystrophy Association, 161 N. Clark, Suite 3550, Chicago, IL 60601.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

In Memory of Lucille Przbyl Gloyd
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
, 0
Obituary

In Memory of Lucille Przbyl Gloyd

Lucille Gloyd
Class of 0
, 0
Obituary

LUCILLE E. PRZBYL GLOYD, a former employee in Student Activities, died Oct. 14, 2021. In Ripon, she had worked at Ripon Knitting Works, Montgomery Wards and Braun’s Restaurant. She worked at Ripon College for more than 23 years, retiring in May 2002. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, puzzles, card games, traveling to see the countryside, and spending time with her family. Survivors include three daughters.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

In Memory of Frank Sek
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
McHenry, IL
Obituary

In Memory of Frank Sek

Frank Sek
Class of 0
McHenry, IL
Obituary

FRANK W. SEK of McHenry, Illinois, died July 21, 2021. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, attended Ripon College, Stanford University and the University of Illinois at Navy Pier, graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He attended medical school at the Illinois College of Medicine and became the longest-serving general practitioner in McHenry County, working 57 continuous years in his own solo practice. He also served on the staff of Harvard Hospital in Harvard, Illinois. Survivors include three sons and one daughter.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

In Memory of John “Jack” White Jr.
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
Tomah, WI
Obituary

In Memory of John “Jack” White Jr.

Jack White
Class of 0
Tomah, WI
Obituary

JOHN “JACK” C. WHITE JR. of Tomah, Wisconsin, died Jan. 16, 2021. He attended Ripon before serving with the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. He also attended Carroll College in Waukesha and Wisconsin Mortuary School in Milwaukee. He joined the family business, White Funeral Home, eventually buying it from his parents. He was involved in numerous community organizations and enjoyed traveling, motorcycling, boating and water skiing, piloting his small plane, fishing and hunting. Survivors include his wife, Helen; four sons and two daughters.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

In Memory of Marceline “Marcie” Kuehn Mitchell
Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement
Waupun, WI
Obituary

In Memory of Marceline “Marcie” Kuehn Mitchell

MARCIE MITCHELL
Class of 0
Waupun, WI
Obituary

MARCELINE “MARCIE” KUEHN MITCHELL died Jan. 4, 2022. She worked at Ripon College. She lived in Waupun, Wisconsin, for many years, working for more than 25 years as a personal secretary at National Rivet. After her retirement, she was church secretary at Immanuel Lutheran. In 1998, she moved to White Bear Lake, Minnesota, to be closer to family. She was president of her condominium association for many years, as an election judge in Ramsey County and a volunteer preschool screener. She enjoyed traveling and working with flowers. Survivors include one son, JEFFREY MITCHELL ’72. Her husband, JOHN MITCHELL ’50, died in 1987.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

In Memory of Janet P. Wodrich
Submitted by: DevStudent
Green Bay, WI
Obituary

In Memory of Janet P. Wodrich

Janet Wodrich
Class of 0
Green Bay, WI
Obituary

Janet P. Wodrich, age 75, of Almond, passed away Friday afternoon, December 7, 2019 at BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay.   She was born March 6, 1944 in Wautoma, the daughter of Pearl (Fink) and Walter Bliske.

Janet moved from Wautoma area at a young age where she started a series of interesting jobs including working in the kitchen at Ripon College, Ripon Good Cookies, Shelmet, Berlin Foundry and also a Special Deputy for Waushara County Sherriff’s Department when she lived in what’s now known as the museum in Wautoma. Her favorite work was drawing, oil painting and photography. Janet was also a leader in the Waushara County 4H Club and shared her love of painting by teaching classes.

She later moved back to the Wautoma area and on October 12, 1974 Janet married the love of her life Carl W. Wodrich. They enjoyed 45 years of marriage together, where they spent their time raising and showing horses, gardening and spending time with friends and family.  Janet and Carl very much loved going to their grandchildren’s school and sporting events together.  She was an active member of the New Life Assembly of God in Plainfield.

She is survived by her husband, Carl W. Wodrich, Almond; her daughter, Carol Brewer (Greg Otto), Almond; daughter Kelly Lewallen, Berlin; son Clint Lewallen, North Carolina; brother Clifford (Debra) Bliske, Wautoma; grandchildren, Angela Rogers, Connor and Cody Brewer, Almond, Ethan,  Jenna and Evan Anderson, Berlin.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Ruby Mildred, (twin) Jane and brother Donald.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, December 13, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the New Life Assembly of God, Plainfield.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. Friday until the time of services at the church.  The Stahl Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Please visit www.stahlfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest book or leave a message for Janet’s family.

Submitted by: DevStudent

In Memory of Ione (Radke-Hoehne) Harris
Niagara, WI
Obituary

In Memory of Ione (Radke-Hoehne) Harris

Ione Hoehne-Harris
Class of 0
Niagara, WI
Obituary

NIAGARA, Wis. — Ione (Radke-Hoehne) Harris, 92, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Maryhill Manor in Niagara where she had been a resident since July 2012. Ione was loved by all who cared for her, and staff will miss her feisty sense of humor.

Ione, Onie to her friends and family, was born on April 24, 1927, in Ripon, Wis. She was a child of The Depression and fondly remembered selling home-grown vegetables door-to-door in a little red wagon. Her father let her keep a penny for every nickel’s worth of vegetables she sold.

That work ethic remained with her throughout her life. She and her family eventually moved from town to the family farm on Rush Lake; a place she loved and that became a fond memory for all of her children. Onie loved nature, animals, classical music, and reading.

She did well in high school and graduated from business college in Oshkosh, Wis., in an era that saw few educated young women. Her first job was as a secretary to the president of Oshkosh Teacher’s College – now the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She proudly recalled getting hired because she had spelled every word correctly on the transcription/typing test she was given as part of the interview.

She met her first husband who was a student at the college. They were married for five years when he died tragically, leaving her with four young children to raise.

Ione moved her young family back to Ripon and raised them close to her parents and the family farm. She was hired by Ripon College as a secretary in the Dean of Students Office, where she worked for 29 years until her retirement on April 30, 1987.

Upon her retirement, the college newspaper wrote that she was actually the “Person who ran the College,” and that “No one would deny that she had been a significant individual to generations of Ripon College students.”

Onie loved her job and spent her evening hours typing term papers for students and dissertations for professors to earn extra money.

She was a strong believer in the importance of education for all of her children and raised them surrounded by the atmosphere and influence of Ripon College. Growing up, her children all had summer jobs, but their only job during the school year was their homework. All went on to graduate from college and to embody her work ethic in their own lives.

Later in life, Ione was reunited with Doyle Harris, a former high school sweetheart. They were married only 18 months before he passed away. For the remainder of her life, she dedicated herself to her children and grandchildren.

Ione was preceded in death by her first husband, Arthur R. Hoehne; her second husband, Doyle Harris; her parents, Oscar Radke Sr. and Gertrude (Kloehn) Radke; a brother, Oscar Radke Jr.; and a sister, Violet (Radke) Merck.

Ione is survived by her four children and their families. Children include: Suzanne (Patrick) Killian of Niagara, Thomas Hoehne of Kingsford, Ted (Karen) Hoehne of Libertyville, Ill., and Vicki (Loren) Mathias of Palmdale, Calif. Grandchildren include: Timothy (Eliza) Killian of Green Bay, Wis., Robert (Melissa) Killian of Eagan, Minn., Kristina (Mike) Smoley of Wilmette, Ill., and Alyssa Hoehne, also of Wilmette. Great-grandchildren include: Gabriel, Oliver and Desmond Killian of Green Bay and Kevin and Natalie Wood of Eagan.

Onie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She will always be remembered for her sense of humor and fun-loving spirit, her intense loyalty to her family, her generous nature, her work ethic, and her belief in education.

A small, private graveside ceremony will be held in the spring at the Waukau Cemetery near Ripon.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Obituary can be viewed here.

In Memory of Frederick Oliver Pinkham
Submitted by: DevStudent
Holland, MI
Obituary

In Memory of Frederick Oliver Pinkham

Frederick Pinkham
Class of 0
Holland, MI
Obituary

Former Ripon College President Frederick “Fred” Pinkham, age 99, of Holland, Michigan, died Nov. 26, 2019. He was Ripon College’s eighth president from 1955 to 1965, and was at that time one of the youngest college presidents in the nation at age 34.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945. He graduated from Kalamazoo College and earned a master’s degree and doctorate in education from Stanford University. He also received honorary doctorates from Lawrence University, Kalamazoo College and Ripon College. At Ripon, he oversaw the building of several facilities, including Farr Hall, S.N. Pickard Commons and Kemper Computer Center, which was first built as a medical facility. He grew the enrollment and endowment, substantially raised faculty salaries, and helped found Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM).

He went on to work in the areas of higher education accreditation and on population and humanitarian issues. He was president and CEO of the Population Crisis Committee and was hired by President Gerald Ford as assistant administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Pinkham and his wife, Helen, traveled all over the world assisting developing countries promote programs in primary health care, population and family planning. Later, he was involved with the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, recommending grants for funding projects in numerous fields.

Survivors include two sons and one daughter.

Private family services will be held. He will have a cross placed at Arlington National Cemetery for his service during World War II.

Submitted by: DevStudent

In Memory of Anna Sherwood
Submitted by: DevStudent
Ripon, WI
Obituary

In Memory of Anna Sherwood

Anna Sherwood
Class of 0
Ripon, WI
Obituary

Anna Sherwood, age 59, of Ripon, WI, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at her home due to her struggle with depression.

Anna was born on October 11, 1959, the daughter of Sidney and Arleen (Sommerfeldt) Sherwood. Anna worked as a custodian at Ripon College. She was also a lifetime member of Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ, where she served as a church usher and a former Sunday school superintendent. Anna had a passion for helping others and made a lasting difference in the lives of many children through her work as a Boy Scout Leader and a mentor for Green Lake County Social Services. Anna was also a proud member of the Nepeuskun Anti-Horse Thieves Association.

Anna is survived by her sisters, Nancy (Ralph) Baker of Oshkosh, WI, and Sue (Richard) Kohl of Ripon; brother, Ralph (Donna) Sherwood of Ripon; nephews, Josh Warren of Oshkosh, WI, and Chris (Tracy) Kohl of San Francisco, CA; niece, Angela (Brian) Kohl-Pitman of Pittsburgh, PA; special friends, Stewart Schumacher of Oshkosh, WI, and Robyn Hardy of Milton, FL; and her dog, Stanley. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Arleen Sherwood; aunt, Rachel Sherwood; and uncles, Somers and Wesley Sherwood.

A visitation for Anna will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2019 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ, 343 Scott St., Ripon, WI 54971.

A memorial service for Anna will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 11:00 am at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ, with Rev. Dr. Kevin P. Mundell officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Hillside Cemetery, City of Ripon, WI. Memorials may be directed to Community for Hope- Suicide Prevention and Support, 2700 W. 9th Ave., Suite 100, Oshkosh, WI 54904 or Friends of the Ripon Dog Park, Elizabeth Olson- Treasurer, 709 Thorne Street, Ripon, WI 54971. We want to remember Anna as she was, not her final act. The family is grateful for the Ripon Police Department and all of Anna’s friends and neighbors who have shown such kindness and support.

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

Submitted by: DevStudent

In Memory of Mary Beaumont
Submitted by: DevStudent
Kansasville, WI
Obituary

In Memory of Mary Beaumont

Mary Beaumont
Class of 0
Kansasville, WI
Obituary

Mary Beaumont, 86, of Kansasville, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 11, 2019.

Mary was born Sept. 2, 1932 to Floyd and Evelyn Beaumont. She was the oldest of three daughters. She was raised on the Beaumont Farm and was known to be quite a mischievous child. Mary was valedictorian of the 1950 graduating class of Waterford High. She went on to study mathematics at Beloit College, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1954. She then completed her Masters and post-graduate work at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Mary was a math teacher. She taught at Ripon College, Carroll College, and Port Huron High School in Michigan. She later taught at Burlington High School from 1977 until her retirement in 1992. She loved helping young people learn. After retirement, she happily continued on for the next 21 years as a volunteer math and science tutor for Waterford High School.

Mary was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church of Rochester. This tight-knit community meant a great deal to her. She was devoted to various church activities, many of which included counting the money at gatherings and events. Mary enjoyed having many travel adventures, as a tourist, a missionary, and as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. She remained active with Beloit College over the years and volunteered on their Alumni Board, Reunion Committee, and at many student career fairs.

Mary had a steel-trap memory and a special passion for genealogy. She would always tell you who was related to whom, along with little anecdotes about their lives, not in a gossipy way, but rather in the spirit of an historical record-keeper. This talent extended beyond her own family, encompassing her little corner of the world. An avid reader with a wide range of interests, her loved ones estimate that Mary read five or six books per week throughout her life, in addition to the daily newspaper and scores of magazines. She was a generous and caring person who could not be bested in a game of trivia. Mary loved gardening, crossword puzzles, her cats, and cross-stitch. She did not like doing the dishes, talking on the phone, or being told what to do. She will be missed.

Mary is survived by her sisters Jane Haglund and Flora Roy; nephew Eric (Cathy) Haglund; nieces Elke (Tim) Hucek, Jennifer Roy, and Juliette (Jeff) Roy; great-nephews and nieces, Brendan (Kacie), Erica, and Alyssa Haglund and Liam and Devon Hucek; and a great many cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents and stepfather, Arthur Ruggles.

Mary was able to live out her days in the farmhouse she loved. A special thank you to Don Bonner and Gigi VanAcker, Connie and Andy Rusk, and Chuck and Peggy Ostrander for helping her to achieve this goal. Mary spent most of her life at her home on the Beaumont Farm and per her request her ashes will be buried under an old oak tree on the farmland.

A Memorial Gathering will take place on Saturday, June 29, 2019, from 1 to 3 p.m., with services starting at 3:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Rochester, 103 S. State Street, Rochester.

In lieu of floral expressions of sympathy, please consider a donation to the First Congregational Church of Rochester.

Mealy Funeral Home is serving the family. Well-wishers may visit www.mealyfuneralhome.com.

Submitted by: DevStudent

In Memory of James Beatty
Submitted by: Zach Messitte
Sierra Visa, AZ
Obituary

In Memory of James Beatty

James Beatty
Class of 0
Sierra Visa, AZ
Obituary

It is with sadness that I report the passing of Professor of Chemistry Emeritus, James W. Beatty.  Professor Beatty came to Ripon College in 1963 and retired from the College in 2002.  Dr. Beatty passed away on December 15, 2018.

A service and inurnment will be held in Ripon on June 8.  Details will be made available as the time nears.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Dr. Beatty’s wife, Cathy Beatty, at 4408 Desert Springs Trail, Sierra Visa, AZ  85635 or [email protected]..

Submitted by: Zach Messitte

In Memory of Julie Johnson
Submitted by: DevStudent
Ripon, WI
Obituary

In Memory of Julie Johnson

Julie Johnson
Class of 0
Ripon, WI
Obituary

Ripon – Julie Marie Johnson, age 53, of Ripon, WI, passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2019 after a long and hard fought battle with cancer. She was at peace surrounded by her loved ones.

Julie was born on September 16, 1965 in Ipswich, SD, the daughter of Cletus and Ella Heinz. After graduating from Ipswich High School she attended Dakota State University where she excelled at basketball. After finishing her undergrad she attended South Dakota State University where she found her love of coaching. Her next stop was Ripon College where for 29 years she would coach, teach, and for the last nine years work as the Director of Athletics. She loved coaching and mentoring student athletes and was very passionate about seeing them go on to do bigger and better things. Julie was very active in the community and a member of various organizations.

Surviving Julie is her husband of 22 years, Steve Johnson; her son, Hunter; mother, Ella Heinz; two sisters, Marian (LeRoy) Kilber and Joanne (Richard) Klein; three brothers, Mel (Marge) Heinz, Terry (Cindy) Heinz, and Dennis (Peggy) Heinz; father-in-law, Charles Johnson; brother-in-law, Dan (Julie) Johnson; sister-in-law, Kathleen (Jon) Mueller; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Cletus Heinz; mother-in-law, Betty Johnson; and brother-in-law, Mark Johnson.

Julie was most of all a great and loyal friend, loving mother and devoted wife. Julie will be truly missed by all who were lucky enough to cross paths with her and the many people she touched. Most of all we will miss her smile and the ability to find good in all people.

Visitation for Julie will be held on Friday, June 21, 2019 from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Wilmore Center on the campus of Ripon College, 400 Union St., Ripon, WI, 54971.

A Celebration of Life for Julie will be held on Friday, June 21, 2019 at 6:00 pm also at the Wilmore Center, with Chaplain Barry Zabel officiating. A reception will be held immediately following in the atrium of the Wilmore Center. In lieu of flowers, for those wishing to honor Julie’s commitment to Ripon College, donations may be made “In Memory of Julie Johnson” for a purpose to be designated by the Johnson family. Please forward donations to: Office of Advancement, Ripon College, PO Box 248, Ripon, WI, 54971. Other donations may be directed to the Ripon Food Pantry and Thrift Store, 102 W. Jackson St., Ripon, WI, 54971.

Julie’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the care given Julie for over three years by the staff of Dr. Jones and especially the staff and nurses of Agnesian Hospice.

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

Submitted by: DevStudent

In Loving Memory of Ralph Gabriel
Submitted by: Kimberly Scanlon
Irondale, AL
Obituary

In Loving Memory of Ralph Gabriel

Ralph Gabriel
Class of 0
Irondale, AL
Obituary

Ralph (Gabe) Gabriel, a resident of Danberry at Inverness, passed away Wednesday, February 13th. His memorial will be in Hickory, NC, next Sunday.

 

Submitted by: Kimberly Scanlon

In Loving Memory of Raymond “BJ” Kelch
Submitted by: Kimberly Scanlon
Ripon, WI
Obituary

In Loving Memory of Raymond “BJ” Kelch

Raymond Kelch
Class of 0
Ripon, WI
Obituary

Raymond “BJ” Kelch, 73, of Ripon passed away Feb. 8, 2017 at Manor Care in Fond du Lac, WI.

He was born July 5, 1943 in Dayton, Ohio, a son of Raymond A “Buzz” and Shirley (Smith) Kelch. BJ graduated from Oakwood Ohio High school in 1962. On June 17, 1967 he married Kay (Techtman) Kelch. Raymond worked at different jobs during his lifetime. He was a draftsman for Kiekhaefer Marine (now Mercury) in Oshkosh. Eventually his talents as a sales and promotions man found a home in Schaumberg, Illinois with the Columbia Record Company (now Sony Records). Throughout his life, Raymond enjoyed many hobbies. Free flight model airplanes, radio controlled cars, fishing, benchrest shooting and model railroading are just a few. He was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ripon, and a member of several hobby organizations over the years.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kay Kelch; his sons Jason of Santa Rosa, CA, and Bradley of Eden Prairie, MN; grandson Caleb Kelch of San Francisco, CA; step-grandson Killian Forth of Oakland, CA. He is further survived by 2 brothers Robert “Tim” (Lisa) Kelch of Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, and Stephen (Lori) Kelch of Spring Valley, OH; 1 sister, Laura (William) Winterhalter of Biltmore Lakes, NC; brothers-in-law Jerome (Annette) Techtman and James Techtman, sister-in-law Beth (James) Vreim, as well as many nieces and nephews. Raymond was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Walter and Josephine Kelch; maternal grandparents, Carlton and Jeanette (Hawes) Smith; brother, Carlton Kelch and brother-in-law, Carl Techtman.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date. A memorial is being established in Raymond’s name at BMO Harris Bank, 333 Blackburn Street, Ripon, WI, 54971.

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

Submitted by: Kimberly Scanlon

In Loving Memory of Barbara Kimpton
Submitted by: Kimberly Scanlon
Rosendale, WI
Obituary

In Loving Memory of Barbara Kimpton

Barbara Kimpton
Class of 0
Rosendale, WI
Obituary

Rosendale – Barbara J. Kimpton, age 69, of Rosendale, passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at ThedaCare Hospital in Appleton, WI with her family by her side. Barbara was born on April 21, 1949 in West Union, Iowa the daughter of LeRoy and Bonnie (Immel) Maser. She attended Ripon High School and was united in marriage to DuWayne Kimpton on April 21, 1967 in Ripon. Barbara was a school bus driver in Ripon for Laper for 10 years. She then worked at Ripon College as a Housekeeper until she retired.

Barbara loved flowers and working in the garden. She would watch the animals outside and enjoyed feeding the birds. She loved playing with all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and traveling with her husband DuWayne. She looked forward to spending time with her sister’s every Wednesday which she called “Sister’s Day”.

Barbara is survived by her husband, DuWayne; 4 children: Ann (Baron) Campbell of Baraboo, Terry (Paula) Kimpton of Fond du Lac, Michelle “Shelly” Hendricks of Fond du Lac and Sara (Mike) Brace of Ripon; brothers and sisters: Lee (Kathy) Maser of North Fond du Lac, Eugene Maser of Pickett, Charlotte (Gary) Due of Fond du Lac, Shirley (Roy) Wyatt of Sheboygan; Pauline (Dana) Berry of Ripon, Helene (Rich) White of Oshkosh, Sue Kwakkel of Ripon, Eldon Immel of Germania and Mark (Cindy) Immel of Ripon; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, LeRoy Masar; mother, Bonnie Immel; step-father, Henry Immel; brother, Alvin Immel; niece, Kathy Wyatt; brothers-in-law, Dale Kimpton, Lloyd Kimpton and John Kwakkel; parents-in-law George (Sarah) Kimpton.

A visitation will be held for Barbara from 5:30PM to 7:00PM on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at Divine Passage Funeral Home, 175 N Douglas Street in Ripon.

A Funeral Service will be held for Barbara at 11:00AM on Monday, January 14, 2019 at United Church of Christ in Rosendale with Rev. Wes Wassell officiating. Friends and family may visit at the church on Monday from 10:00AM until the time of the service. Burial will be held in Zoar Cemetery in Utica. Divine Passage Funeral Home is proudly serving the Kimpton family during this difficult time.

Submitted by: Kimberly Scanlon

In Loving Memory of Estelita Saldanha
Submitted by: Guy Saldanha
Harpswell, ME
Obituary

In Loving Memory of Estelita Saldanha

Estelita Saldanha
Class of 0
Harpswell, ME
Obituary

HARPSWELL – Dr. Estelita L. Saldanha, 97, of Harpswell, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2019, at home, surrounded by his family. Estelita (East) was born in the Portuguese colony of Goa, India to the late Vitorino and Maria Saldanha. The youngest of seven children, he was predeceased by siblings Jerónimo, Hipolito, Estefania, Julia, Alberto, and Ursula. He was the beloved husband of 62 years to Louise Angela Ridley Saldanha, of Bath, England (d. 2013) and loving father to their son Charles (d. 2012).

Estelita was a professor of psychology, who began his career at the age of 17 teaching English at the local Lyceum. He was educated at the historic Rachol Seminary in South Goa; St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai; the University of Lisbon (B.A., 1943); the University of Nebraska (B.S., 1946, M.A., 1947); and Cornell University (Ph.D., 1950), where his dissertation focused on relational learning. He served as an assistant professor at Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin (1950-1954); researcher at the Medical Research Council, Cambridge University, U.K. (1954-1957); associate professor at Wells College in Aurora, New York (1957-1966); and full professor at the University of Southern Maine, Portland (1966-1985), from which he retired professor emeritus while continuing to teach part-time into the 1990s. Estelita specialized in behavioral and educational psychology. Renowned for the narrative clarity and liveliness of his lectures, he frequently spoke from memory, while consistently incorporating the latest research. He was an editorial reviewer for numerous psychology textbooks and a contributor of research papers to the Acoustical Society of America.

Estelita came to the United States from Europe in 1945 at the age of 23 on a Liberty ship – part of Operation Magic Carpet – in the company of returning American troops; he became a U.S. citizen in 1964. He was an avid gardener, who enjoyed sharing his experience with family and neighbors. An interest in timbre cues and the identification of musical instruments informed his love of opera and classical music. Students, whose professional aspirations he helped to shape, appreciated an advisor who was generous and warm-spirited. Colleagues respected a departmental chairman who was loyal, independent-minded and steadfast in support of traditional liberal arts. Above all, he was devoted in retirement to the loving care of his ailing wife Louise, who predeceased him by six years.

Estelita is survived by his sons, Ashley and Guy, and daughter, Clarissa, of Harpswell; grandson Adrian of Montreal, Canada, granddaughter Kaitlynn of London, England, and a large family of nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews across England, Canada, India and the United States.

A funeral mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Church – All Saints Parish, in Brunswick, Maine on Friday, May 10, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.FuneralAlternatives.net

Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives. Brunswick.

Submitted by: Guy Saldanha

In Loving Memory of Dorothy Ellen “Dottie” Norris
Minneapolis, MN
Obituary

In Loving Memory of Dorothy Ellen “Dottie” Norris

Dorothy Norris
Class of 0
Minneapolis, MN
Obituary

Dorothy Ellen (Neuenfeldt) Norris, 83 of Minneapolis, MN, passed away on April 10, 2019.

Always called “Dottie,” she was born on April 21, 1935, the third daughter of Lorena Mae (Swick) Neuenfeldt and Ernst Fredrick Neuenfeldt on the family farm at Ripon, WI on Co. KK. She grew up on the farm and attended Osborn School and graduated from Ripon High School.

At age 14, Dottie contracted polio and spent 2 months in the hospital. Polio caused the loss of the use of her legs, and she had to learn to walk again.
This may have given Dottie her outlook on life – to learn and live in, “What is” and not, “What if’.” She received a degree in nursing from Fond du Lac and served as Director of Nursing at Ripon College for 31 years, retiring in 2000. After her retirement she lived independently in Yuma AZ for many years before moving to Minneapolis where her family was able to help care for her.

She was married three times; to James C. Prellwitz, Lawrence Sommers, and Jerry Norris. She is survived her three children, Michael (Susan Haas) Sommers, Cindy Sommers (Berlin), and William (Jeannie) Sommers (Pennsylvania), sister, Marjorie Lind of Berlin and brother, Ernst Ray (Ida) Neuenfeldt of Ripon, grandchildren Kathryn (Adrian Malloy) Sommers, Bonnie (Chris) Budelier, Alma, Zoe (Ben), and Noah Sommers Haas, Maxwell, Bianca and Olivia Sommers, nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Carol Wilcox, her brother, Fredrick Neuenfeldt and her son, Mark.

Special Thanks to her caregivers at Hometown Senior Living in the Twin Cities.
A memorial service will be held later at Nepeuskun Cemetery near Berlin, WI.

Photo of Jeffrey Frost, Ripon College Class of 1989

Ripon anthropology major has lead to success for Frost ’89

Jeffrey Frost ’89 is a specialist in Central and South American archaeology. Since graduating with his major in anthropology from Ripon, Frost has conducted archaeological research in Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, Mexico and throughout the Midwest and eastern United States.  He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is currently an […]

Ulysses S. Doss Jr. Ripon College Class of 1957

Doss ’57 achieved two firsts for African Americans

Ulysses S. Doss Jr. ’57 was the first African American to become an ordained minister in Wisconsin and first to become a full professor at University of Montana-Missoula. It was at Missoula where, in 1968, he worked with students to found what was just the second African-American Studies program in the nation. He served as […]

Ripon College Student Council Photo from 1951

Cornick ’52: Ripon’s first black student council president

In 1951, Delroy L. Cornick ’52 became the first black student to be elected president of the Ripon College Student Senate (referred to as Student Council at the time). It was not without controversy, however, as his opponent dropped out of the race, “refusing to compete against a black” (Ripon Magazine Winter 2000). Later, the […]

Share Your Story!

Got some exciting news or a recent meetup with Ripon College friends? We want to hear all about it! Just click the “Add My Story” button at the top to share your adventures—don’t forget to include a photo! We can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!

Upcoming events

Feb
23
2025

Chicago Blackhawks Game & Gathering

Chicago Blackhawks v. Toronto Maple Leafs at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, Chicago, IL Hosted by Lauren Hince ’18 and Tyler Sturzl ’19 Ripon alumni and families can gather together on Sunday, Feb. 23 in Chicago. An optional pre-game gathering will be held beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Great Central Brewing (free street parking, 10 minute […]

Event Info

Mar
16
2025

Denver Presidential Brunch

Sunday, March 16 from 12 to 2 p.m. Brasserie Brixton, 3701 N Williams St, Denver, CO 80205 Over spring break 13 Ripon students will be participating in the Career Discovery Tour in Colorado, and the Office of Advancement will be hosting a special brunch for local alumni, parents and friends of the College to meet […]

Event Info

May
3
2025

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:

Event Info