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In Memory of Marilee Hoffmeyer Shore ’69
In Memory of Marilee Hoffmeyer Shore ’69
Marilee Shore
MARILEE HOFFMEYER SHORE ’69 of Maryville, Tennessee, and formerly of Hendersonville, North Carolina, died May 10, 2023. At Ripon, she majored in German and participated in athletics, student government, music, theatre and Kappa Delta/Delta Phi Sigma. She earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan and worked in both public and private libraries primarily in Illinois and North Carolina. She and her husband, Bob, were active in the Little Theater in Hendersonville. She loved cats, who were named after opera characters. She was also active on the boards and committees in churches and other groups everywhere she lived. Survivors include three stepdaughters.
Full obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/alcoa-tn/marilee-shore-11285426
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Genevieve “Honey” Hipke Leibham ’54
In Memory of Genevieve “Honey” Hipke Leibham ’54
Genevieve Leibham
GENEVIEVE “HONEY” HIPKE LEIBHAM ’54 of New Holstein, Wisconsin, died July 1, 2023. She attended Ripon and graduated from Sheboygan Business College. She and her husband opened their home to foreign exchange students from Germany, Native American children from a Wisconsin reservation and several minor league baseball players from Australia. She traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe and New Zealand. She played French horn in the New Holstein High School Band, Ripon College Band and Kiel Municipal Band. In the community, she worked with The Community Chest, American Cancer Society, New Holstein Historical Society and for more than 25 years as a volunteer for Salvatorian Mission. She enjoyed reading, playing bridge and cooking. Survivors include her husband, John; two sons and one daughter.
Full obituary: https://www.postcrescent.com/obituaries/wis396497
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Vance Cope-Kasten
In Memory of Vance Cope-Kasten
Vance Cope-Kasten
VANCE COPE-KASTEN, professor emeritus of philosophy who taught at Ripon from 1970-2013, died March 15, 2023. He received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Lawrence University and his master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, where he was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. He also was a Fulbright Scholar in Freiburg, Germany; and studied Eastern thought at the University of Michigan. At Ripon, he served as chair of the philosophy department, the Victor and Carrie Palmer Endowed Chair for Leadership Values, originator and co-director of the Women’s Studies Program, and faculty development coordinator. He designed the first Eastern philosophical tradition course at Ripon; devised the Palmer Leadership Exploration event; and received the James Underkofler Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching; and the May Bumby Severy, Class of 1908, Award three times. He enjoyed music and played cello in the Ripon College Orchestra. He also loved flowers, reading, poetry, gardening and learning new languages. Survivors include his wife, Janilyn Cope-Kasten, niece of Professor Emeritus of Philosophy Robert “Spud” Hannaford; one son and one daughter.
Full obituary: https://www.butzinmarchant.com/obituaries/carlton-wayne-larson
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Michaei True ’76
In Memory of Michaei True ’76
Michaei True
MICHAEl TRUE ’76 of Neillsville, Wisconsin, died June 29, 2023. At Ripon, he majored in economics and participated in Phi Kappa Pi (Merriman). He had been self-employed. Survivors include two children; a brother, RODNEY TRUE ’74; and a sister, BARBARA TRUE BALKE ’79.
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/michael-true-obituary?id=52356470
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Wayne Larson
In Memory of Wayne Larson
Wayne Larson
CARLTON WAYNE LARSON of Ripon, Wisconsin, a professor of mathematics and computer science at Ripon College from 1955 to 1989, died June 27, 2023. He was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Cornell College and earned his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was an instructor at the Milwaukee School of Engineering from 1950-1955.
At Ripon, he was chairman of the mathematics department, received the May Bumby Severy, Class of 1908, Award in 1966 and 1986, and was a charter member of Partners in the Legacy. He was a pioneer in the use of computers and introduced them to the classroom at very early stages of their development. Along with Edwin Comfort, professor emeritus of mathematics, he established the Edwin Comfort-Wayne Larson Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Fund.
He loved all card games, especially duplicate bridge, and had attained Life Master status. He also enjoyed reading, playing flute, piano and organ, and watching the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. He was a member of First Congregational Church of Ripon.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church of Ripon. Visitation and luncheon will follow the service. Interment will take place at a later date at Forest City Cemetery in Forest City, Iowa.
Memorial gifts may be directed to the Ripon College Advancement Office or First Congregational Church of Ripon.
Full obituary: https://www.butzinmarchant.com/obituaries/carlton-wayne-larson
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Chad Butterfield ’98
In Memory of Chad Butterfield ’98
Chad Butterfield
CHAD BUTTERFIELD ’98 of Buckeye, Arizona, died Jan. 30, 2023. At Ripon, he participated in baseball and football.
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of John O. Riemer ’56
In Memory of John O. Riemer ’56
John Riemer
JOHN O. RIEMER ’56 of Waukesha, Wisconsin, died Feb. 21, 2023. At Ripon, he participated in Sigma Chi/Omega Sigma Chi.
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Willam G. Schrage ’55
In Memory of Willam G. Schrage ’55
Willam Schrage
WILLIAM G. SCHRAGE ’55 of McFarland, Wisconsin, who attended Ripon in the 1950s, died May 10, 2023. He also attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and UW-Madison. He held senior-level sales management positions, primarily in the decorative laminate industry. He was an avid turkey and deer hunter, fisherman and trap shooter, including hunting pheasants with his beloved English setters. He enjoyed many caribou and elk hunting trips in the United States, Canada and Newfoundland, and fishing trips to Alaska, Canada and Mexico. A skilled woodworker, he made many furniture pieces for friends and family. He enjoyed watching Badger men’s basketball and the Green Bay Packers. Survivors include his wife, Joann; one son and three daughters.
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Alice “Mike” Hawley Neuschwanger ’63
In Memory of Alice “Mike” Hawley Neuschwanger ’63
Alice “Mike” Neuschwanger
ALICE “MIKE” HAWLEY NEUSCHWANGER ’63 of Mount Carroll, Illinois, who attended Ripon in the 1960s, died April 22, 2023. She attended Ripon for one year and graduated from Shimer College in Mount Carroll in 1963. She was active in the community and enjoyed attending theatre; volunteering at the theatre, Mayfest and holiday parades; creating crafts; and substitute teaching. She was an active member of Saints John and Catherine Catholic Church.
Survivors include three sons and two daughters.
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Steven L. Beacom ’77
In Memory of Steven L. Beacom ’77
Steven Beacom
STEVEN L. BEACOM ’77 of Marshall, Wisconsin, died Feb. 13, 2023. At Ripon, he majored in physical education and participated in football, wrestling and Phi Delta Theta/Alpha Phi Omega. He taught and coached in Marshall for more than 30 years. He led teams to the state track title multiple years, taking the boys’ football team to state for the first time in Marshall’s history. He was elected to the track coaching Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Marshall Lion’s Club for many years. He enjoyed playing golf, gambling and watching John Wayne movies.
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Marvin “Budd” Humphrey ’60
In Memory of Marvin “Budd” Humphrey ’60
Marvin Humphrey
MARVIN “BUDD” HUMPHREY ’60 of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, died June 23, 2023. At Ripon, he participated in football, baseball and track. He served in the U.S. Army on active duty and for five years in the Reserves. He was a platoon leader and his drill team won the base competition. He worked at Inland Marine Boat Co.; and then for Stuart Tank Sales in Elkhorn as a salesman, business partner and president. He retired in 2015 after 50 years of service. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and sailing on Lake Geneva, and traveling with Irene. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Survivors include his wife, Irene; and one son.
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/lakegenevanews/name/marvin-humphrey-obituary?id=52339153
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Roger D. Venden ’59
In Memory of Roger D. Venden ’59
Roger Venden
ROGER D. VENDEN ’59 of Andover, Massachusetts, died June 7, 2023. At Ripon, he studied history and physical education, participated in football and student government, and was commissioned through ROTC. He also served as a class agent and 50th reunion volunteer, and was a member of Partners in the Legacy. He established the Roger D. Venden ’59 and Manon R. Venden Family Liberal Arts Scholarship. He received a master’s of business administration from the University of Utah. He retired as director of administration with Kean, Miller, Hawthorne, D’Armond, a business law firm in Plaquemine, Louisiana. He also had been president of Cypermort Point Inc., representing recreational homes and fishing camps, which was owned by his wife’s extended family. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Manon. They had a son and a daughter.
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/roger-venden-obituary?id=52210475
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Jennifer Johnson Wild ’93
In Memory of Jennifer Johnson Wild ’93
Jennifer Wild
JENNIFER JOHNSON WILD ’93 of White Lake, Wisconsin, died June 24, 2023. At Ripon, she participated in volleyball and basketball. She earned a degree in accounting from St. Norbert College and received her CPA designation. She was the business administrator for the White Lake School District for many years and also worked for a local accounting firm and her own business in White Lake preparing taxes. Her faith was important to her. She was an avid Packers fan and skilled paddler, enjoyed traveling and learning to ski in Utah, and loved being on the Wolf River. Survivors include one son and one daughter.
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/jennifer-wild-obituary?id=52326989
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Nancy J. Safeblad ’80
In Memory of Nancy J. Safeblad ’80
Nancy Safeblad
NANCY J. SAFEBLADE ’80 of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, died June 23, 2023. At Ripon, she studied politics and government. She worked as a nanny in France, in a kibbutz in Israel and as a nurse’s aide for many years. She enjoyed reading, swimming, sailing, hiking and camping. Survivors include her mother, Evelyn Safeblade; and siblings, including DAVID E. SAFEBLADE ’81.
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/spooneradvocate/name/nancy-safeblade-obituary?id=52321499
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Robert L. Nelson ’63
In Memory of Robert L. Nelson ’63
Robert Nelson
ROBERT L. NELSON ’63 of Suring, Wisconsin, died June 13, 2023. At Ripon, he majored in mathematics and was commissioned through ROTC. He earned a master’s degree in mathematics from Northern Michigan University. He served in the U.S. Army until February 1966, then in the Army Reserves until 1972. He taught math in the Suring Public Schools for 33 years, retiring in 1999. He enjoyed golfing.
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/robert-nelson-obituary?id=52236048
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of James M. Huffman ’70
In Memory of James M. Huffman ’70
James Huffman
JAMES M. HUFFMAN ’70 of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, died Nov. 13, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in chemistry, participated in intramural sports and was commissioned through ROTC. He served as a combat engineer in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He went to graduate school in chemistry at Northern Illinois University. He worked as a manufacturing chemist. While he worked for Lever Brothers, he spent a year in Liverpool, England. He was an avid Green Bay Packers and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He enjoyed golf, card games and alpine skiing in the western states and Europe. Survivors include a brother, LEE HUFFMAN ’73.
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Daniel D. Harmon ’54
In Memory of Daniel D. Harmon ’54
Daniel Harmon
DANIEL D. HARMON III ’54 of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, died June 6, 2023. At Ripon, he studied economics, participated in Ver Adest, athletics and Sigma Nu/Theta Sigma Tau, and was commissioned through ROTC. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army in Korea. He worked for the family insurance firm The Harmon Agency. In his younger years, he raced boats, was a multi-year golf champion at the Oshkosh Country Club and an avid fly fisherman. The Dan Harmon III Fly Fishing School is conducted yearly by the Central Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited. He also was a dedicated Packers fan and served on several community boards. Survivors include his wife, Judy; two sons and one daughter. His brother, JOHN HARMON, was Ripon’s honorary degree recipient in 2020.
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/oshkoshherald/name/daniel-harmon-obituary?id=52191952
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Joan Anderson Bachus ’57
In Memory of Joan Anderson Bachus ’57
Joan Bachus
JOAN ANDERSON BACHUS ’57 of Chico, California, died May 18, 2023. At Ripon, she majored in biology, participated in Alpha Xi Delta/Kappa Theta, serving as president her senior year, and was a 50th reunion committee volunteer. She was the first in her family to earn a college degree. She worked as a library researcher for Encyclopedia Britannica before obtaining her teaching credential. She taught in Chicago and California. She was an avid golfer, playing into her 80s, and enjoyed gardening, stitchery, sewing, quilting and dogs. She also wrote a golf column for a local newspaper and volunteered at Empire Mine State Historic Park and Hospice Gift and Thrift. Survivors include one son; one daughter; and a sister-in-law, MARY BACHUS MILLER ’61. Her husband, JOHN A. BACHUS ’58, died in 2003.
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of J. Peter Jensen ’58
In Memory of J. Peter Jensen ’58
J. Peter Jensen
J. PETER JENSEN ’58 of Santa Rosa, California, died May 5, 2023. At Ripon, he studied economics and participated in theatre, ROTC, Sigma Chi/Omega Sigma Chi, Partners in the Legacy and as a founder of WRPN. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve and worked for Aetna Insurance Co. in several locations. He lived in Belmont, California, for 52 years. He was a longtime member of Transfiguration Episcopal Church and Masterworks Chorale Society. He loved gardening. He was a member of San Mateo Master Gardeners, a docent at Filoli Historic House and Garden, a Boy Scout leader, a member of the Rotary and San Mateo Radio Club and an instructor and state coordinator for the AARP Safe Driving program. Survivors include his wife, Jan; one son and one daughter.
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sfgate/name/j-jensen-obituary?id=52093799
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of (Howard) Lee Jones ’73
In Memory of (Howard) Lee Jones ’73
(Howard) Lee Jones
(HOWARD) LEE JONES ’73 of Austin, Texas, died Jan. 15, 2023. At Ripon, he majored in economics and participated in student government and Sigma Nu/Theta Sigma Tau. He received a master’s of business administration degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1978 and a master’s degree in history from the University of North Texas in 2012. He had worked as an outreach coordinator with the Government Emergency Telephone Service and Wireless Priority Service since 1995, first at Verizon and then for the Department of Homeland Security. He also gave presentations regarding priority call setup services available for emergency responders in times of telephone network congestion. Survivors include one son and one daughter; three sisters, including LINDA JONES KAMMEN ’69; and a brother-in-law, RICHARD KAMMEN ’68.
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement