R Connections

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Welcome to R Connections! This is your go-to place for information about your graduating class and to explore alumni news and sightings.

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In Memory of Patricia Cozart Kossoris ’53
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1953
Menomonee Falls, WI
Obituary

In Memory of Patricia Cozart Kossoris ’53

Patricia Cozart Kossoris '53
Patricia Kossoris
Class of 1953
Menomonee Falls, WI
Obituary

PATRICIA COZART KOSSORIS ’53 of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, died May 29, 2022. At Ripon, she majored in biology and participated in Ver Adest and Alpha Phi/Kappa Sigma Chi. She was a lab technician and a secretary for her husband’s business until her retirement. She was an excellent bridge player and loved to ski, play tennis and travel. Survivors include her husband, GERALD “JERRY” KOSSORIS ’53; and three sons.

Full obituary: jsonline.com/obituaries/mjs063486

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Donald Morris Higbie Jr. ’77
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1977
Basalt, CO
Obituary

In Memory of Donald Morris Higbie Jr. ’77

Donald Higbie
Class of 1977
Basalt, CO
Obituary

DONALD MORRIS HIGBIE JR. ’77 of Basalt, Colorado, died April 27, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in biology. He then held a summer internship at Harvard Medical. His love for diving took him to Maui, then work as a divemaster in Cayos Cochinos, an island in Honduras, and Maya Ha, a resort in Mexico. He and his wife survived two small plane crashes into the ocean and, with their daughter, Hurricane Mitch while living in the Caribbean. After returning to Colorado, he volunteered with the Independence Pass Foundation bike race, was involved in local environmental conservation, and, with his daughter, located Boreal toads, thought to be extinct in the area, and guided Colorado Parks and Wildlife to their habitat. Survivors include his wife, Dana; and one daughter.

Full obituary: aspendailynews.com/obituaries/obituary-donald-morris-higbie-jr/article_58a453c8-4008-11ed-a4f3-a7dbec51198f.html

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Diane Rochelle Uhl ’59
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1959
Tucson, AZ
Obituary

In Memory of Diane Rochelle Uhl ’59

Diane Uhl
Class of 1959
Tucson, AZ
Obituary

DIANE ROCHELLE UHL ’59 of Tucson, Arizona, died April 6, 2022. At Ripon, she majored in speech communication and participated in Alpha Delta Pi/Pi Tau Pi. She received her master’s degree in speech correction/special education from Northwestern University. She taught in public schools for 33 years. After retiring in 1993, she and her husband traveled full time in an RV to all the continental states. She was a longtime member and benefactor of the Freedom from Religion Foundation.

Full obituary: freethoughttoday.com/sections/500-features/in-memoriam-sun-has-set-on-ffrfs-friend-diane-uhl/

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of David H. Redemann Sr. ’60
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1960
Lakewood, WA
Obituary

In Memory of David H. Redemann Sr. ’60

David Redemann
Class of 1960
Lakewood, WA
Obituary

DAVID H. REDEMANN SR. ’60 of Lakewood, Washington, died Sept. 14, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in physical education, participated in Phi Delta Theta/Alpha Phi Omega and was commissioned through ROTC. He received a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in several parts of the world, his favorite being Kailua, Hawaii. After two tours in Vietnam and 30 years of military service, he retired as a lieutenant colonel. He enjoyed camping, traveling, grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, and holiday dinners. Survivors include his wife, Donna; one son and three daughters; and grandchildren, including DAVID H. REDEMANN III ’14.

Full obituary: riponpress.com/obituaries/david-h-redemann-sr/article_0656ef0a-3d37-11ed-8bce-93c0063444f4.html

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Arthur L. Scharff ’63
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1963
St. Louis, MO
Obituary

In Memory of Arthur L. Scharff ’63

Arthur Scharff '63
Arthur Scharff
Class of 1963
St. Louis, MO
Obituary

ARTHUR L. SCHARFF ’63 of St. Louis, Missouri, died July 26, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in history. He ran Smith Scharff Paper Co., a wholesale distribution business that his father had started in the 1930s. He then founded Presidents Council, which enriches executives’ leadership skills and wisdom in monthly peer discussions. He was an active volunteer, including as an advisor of his temple youth group, a foster parent, advocate for the Forest Park playground, and executive board member for Logos School. He helped raise millions of dollars for these and other nonprofits. Survivors include his wife, Susie; one son and one daughter.

Full obituary: dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/st-louis-mo/arthur-scharff-10866536

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Eileen Hess Zneimer ’49
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1949
Portland, OR
Obituary

In Memory of Eileen Hess Zneimer ’49

Eileen Hess Zneimer '49
Eileen Zneimer
Class of 1949
Portland, OR
Obituary

EILEEN HESS ZNEIMER ’49 of Portland, Oregon, died Oct. 3, 2020. At Ripon, she majored in English and participated in Ver Adest, theatre and Alpha Phi/Kappa Sigma Chi (Duffie Girls). She also wrote for the literary magazine. She completed a teaching certificate in English from Indiana University and later taught. She earned a master’s degree in English from Purdue University. She and her husband lived in New York City, Iowa, Madison, Wisconsin, and Hessville, Indiana. She was active in the community and enjoyed books, road trips around the United States and Europe. Survivors include two sons and one daughter. Her former husband, JOHN N. “JACK” ZNEIMER ’48, died June 28, 2022. A daughter, CARY ZNEIMER FAIRCHILD ’72, died in 2014.

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of John N. “Jack” Zneimer ’48
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1948
Sarasota, FL
Obituary

In Memory of John N. “Jack” Zneimer ’48

John Zneimer
Class of 1948
Sarasota, FL
Obituary

JOHN N. “JACK” ZNEIMER ’48 of Sarasota, Florida, died June 28, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in English and participated in Phi Kappa Pi (Merriman). He earned a master’s degree from Columbia University and was a veteran of World War II. Survivors include two sons and one daughter. His former wife, EILEEN HESS ZNEIMER ’49, died in 2020. A daughter, CARY ZNEIMER FAIRCHILD ’72, died in 2014.

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Linda Foster Adams ’62
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1962
Cedar Rapids, IA
Obituary

In Memory of Linda Foster Adams ’62

Linda Adams '62
Linda Adams
Class of 1962
Cedar Rapids, IA
Obituary

LINDA FOSTER ADAMS ’62 of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Sept. 9, 2022. At Ripon, she studied history and drama and participated in music, theatre and Alpha Phi/Kappa Sigma Chi. She was a member of the Ninety-Nines, the International Organization of Women Pilots, after earning her license with the help of her great friend and instructor, Richard Bach. She participated in many local telethons and political events by flying VIPs in from Des Moines in her own Cessna 172 (N3807L). Her greatest joy was singing and playing guitar or piano. She also was a writer and wrote “Luke Letters,” a subscription series for children, which was inspired by her own favorite dog. Survivors include one son and two daughters.

Full obituary: obituaries.ottumwacourier.com/obituary/linda-adams-1086211464

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Lois Hoeft Perrine ’51
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1951
Normal, IL
Obituary

In Memory of Lois Hoeft Perrine ’51

Lois Perrine
Class of 1951
Normal, IL
Obituary

LOIS HOEFT PERRINE ’51 of Normal, Illinois, died Aug. 17, 2021. At Ripon, she studied English, psychology and Spanish. She participated in Ver Adest, drama, music and Alpha Xi Delta/Kappa. Her first husband, NORMAN E. LADD ’51, died in 1988.

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Scott C. Mathot ’68
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1968
Loudon, TN
Obituary

In Memory of Scott C. Mathot ’68

Scott Mathot '68
Scott Mathot
Class of 1968
Loudon, TN
Obituary

SCOTT C. MATHOT ’68 of Loudon, Tennessee, died Sept. 9, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in mathematics and physics and participated in athletics and Phi Delta Theta/Alpha Phi Omega. He completed his MBA in 1970 from Indiana University and completed Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program in 1988. He worked in various management roles for Timken Co. until his retirement in 2000, including locations in Colmar, France, Columbus, Ohio, Keene, New Hampshire, and Canton, Ohio. After his retirement, he was an active leader in the Tellico Village community. He also served with the Kiwanis Club. He enjoyed volunteering, boating, watching the Green Bay Packers, traveling the world and golfing. Survivors include his wife, Karen; and three sons.

Full obituary: legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/scott-mathot-obituary?id=36551189

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Nancy Thulin Kandutsch ’50
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1950
Surry, ME
Obituary

In Memory of Nancy Thulin Kandutsch ’50

Nancy Kandutsch '50
Nancy Kandutsch
Class of 1950
Surry, ME
Obituary

NANCY THULIN KANDUTSCH ’50 of Surry, Maine, died Aug. 29, 2022. At Ripon, she majored in biology and participated in Ver Adest and Alpha Xi Delta/Kappa Theta. She especially enjoyed sailing and was a gourmet cook. She also was an artist and for many years led the Blue Hill Drawing Group. She also supported oppressed peoples’ struggles from Cuba to Palestine, and of the antiwar and civil rights causes domestically. Survivors include her husband, ANDREW KANDUTSCH ’50; and two sons.

Full obituary: mdislander.com/obituary/nancy-kandutsch

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Richard R. McKeon ’50
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1950
Stuart, FL
Obituary

In Memory of Richard R. McKeon ’50

Richard McKeon '50
Richard McKeon
Class of 1950
Stuart, FL
Obituary

RICHARD R. MCKEON ’50 of Stuart, Florida, died Feb. 6, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in history and participated in Ver Adest and Sigma Chi/Omega Sigma Chi. He began studies at Ripon but enlisted in the Air National Guard and was called to active duty on April 7, 1952. He served as an air defense specialist and an assistant to the base chaplain. He joined his brother, Robert Jr., in Ossining (New York) Sash and Door, a successful building supply and home improvement business. In the late 1970s, he worked independently to build homes and retired in 1980. He was a master bridge player. Survivors include his wife, Shirley; two sons; and a nephew, TODD NOGGLE ’94.

Full obituary: dorseyfuneral.com/obituaries/Richard-McKeon?obId=24623927#/obituaryInfo

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Daniel J. Minnema ’74
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1974
Summerfield, NC
Obituary

In Memory of Daniel J. Minnema ’74

Daniel Minnema '74
Daniel Minnema
Class of 1974
Summerfield, NC
Obituary

DANIEL J. MINNEMA ’74 of Summerfield, North Carolina, died July 27, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in chemistry and biology and was a member of Beta Beta Beta Honor Society. After working for the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, he earned a Ph.D. in toxicology from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond and did postdoctoral work as an assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati. He later worked at a Covance research facility in Great Falls, Virginia, and Syngenta in Greensboro. He enjoyed fishing, boating, science, science fiction, reading, watching old movies, building shelves and teaching. Survivors include his wife, Kristi; and three daughters.

Full obituary: dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/greensboro-nc/daniel-minnema-10864801

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Marsha Blanche Jones Burzynski ’84
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1984
South Milwaukee, WI
Obituary

In Memory of Marsha Blanche Jones Burzynski ’84

Marsha Blanche Jones Burzynski '84
Marsha Burzynski
Class of 1984
South Milwaukee, WI
Obituary

MARSHA BLANCHE JONES BURZYNSKI ’84 of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, died Aug. 3, 2022. At Ripon, she majored in biology, was a member of Beta Beta Beta Honor Society, was a resident assistant in Tri-Dorms and Bartlett Hall, and participated in track and filed. She received a master’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She worked for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources from 1991 until the time of her retirement in 2021. She played a crucial role in numerous contaminated sediment cleanups in southeastern Wisconsin. She enjoyed gardening, and camping. Survivors include her husband, Thomas Burzynski.

Full obituary: molthenbell.com/memorials/marsha-burzynski/4996495/obituary.php

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Roger W. Newell ’56
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1956
Rockford, IL
Obituary

In Memory of Roger W. Newell ’56

Roger Newell
Class of 1956
Rockford, IL
Obituary

ROGER W. NEWELL ’56 of Rockford, Illinois, died May 28, 2022. At Ripon, he participated in Sigma Chi/Omega Sigma Chi. He graduated from Northwestern Military Academy and was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was employed for many years in management for Commonwealth Edison. He was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church and volunteered for several community organizations, including One Body. Survivors include his wife, Margaret; two sons and one daughter.

Full obituary: legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/roger-newell-obituary?id=35015924

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Gerald L. Wadleigh ’50
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1950
Geneva, IL
Obituary

In Memory of Gerald L. Wadleigh ’50

Gerald Wadleigh '50
Gerald Wadleigh
Class of 1950
Geneva, IL
Obituary

GERALD L. WADLEIGH ’50 of Geneva, Illinois, died Feb. 23, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in biology and participated in Theta Chi/Alpha Omega Alpha. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked for Travelers Insurance Co. After retiring, he worked at Ace Hardware in Geneva. He was a member of the Scottish Rite, the Fox Valley Shrine Club and the Geneva Masonic Lodge, and he was a Master Mason. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, attending his grandsons’ baseball games and fishing with all of his grandsons. Survivors include one son and one daughter.

Full obituary: malonefh.com/obituary/GeraldL-Wadleigh

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Doris Fry Clark
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1940
Santa Clara, CA
Obituary

In Memory of Doris Fry Clark

Doris Clark '40
Doris Clark
Class of 1940
Santa Clara, CA
Obituary

DORIS FRY CLARK ’40 of Santa Clara, California, died Jan. 3, 2022. At Ripon, she majored in English and speech communication and participated in music and Kappa Delta/Delta Phi Sigma. She taught high school until she could join the U.S. Army Air Corps where she served as a corporal until 1945. She and her family moved to Chico in 1979 where she opened Venus De Milo Health Spa. After retiring, she enjoyed walking every morning in Bidwell Park with her friends. She volunteered at Enloe Hospital for many years and served as auxiliary president from 2001-2003. Survivors include one son and one daughter.

Full obituary: legacy.com/us/obituaries/chicoer/name/doris-clark-obituary?id=32198036

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Henry Clay Potter ’80
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1980
Highlands, NJ
Obituary

In Memory of Henry Clay Potter ’80

Henry Potter
Class of 1980
Highlands, NJ
Obituary

HENRY CLAY POTTER of Highlands, New Jersey, died July 27, 2022. He attended Ripon College. He worked at the Chicago exchanges but soon focused his professional pursuits on financial investing. He was an avid sailor from an early age and enjoyed sailing and racing small boats on the Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers and sailing a sloop in and around Raritan Bay.

Full obituary: tworivertimes.com/henry-clay-potter/

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Myron Dudek ’50
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1950
Bensenville, IL
Obituary

In Memory of Myron Dudek ’50

Myron Dudek '50
Myron Dudek
Class of 1950
Bensenville, IL
Obituary

MYRON DUDEK ’50 of Bensenville, Illinois, died April 7, 2016. He served in the U.S. Navy in the submarine service for three years during World War II. He then attended Ripon for one year. He was a postal clerk for seven years; a partner in the Dudek-Jensen Insurance Agency in Racine and Milwaukee for 15 years; and administrator of the Central Baptist Home in Norridge, Illinois, for 18 years. He also was active in the North American Baptist General Conference churches in the Christian Education Ministries and their state summer camp programs, as well as numerous community programs. Survivors include his wife, Caroline; one son and two daughters.

Full obituary: christianfuneralservices.com/obituary/3660774

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

In Memory of Patricia “Joy” Cullen Holperin ’48
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1948
Eagle River, WI
Obituary

In Memory of Patricia “Joy” Cullen Holperin ’48

Patricia Holperin
Class of 1948
Eagle River, WI
Obituary

PATRICIA “JOY” CULLEN HOLPERIN ’48 of Eagle River, Wisconsin, died June 19, 2022, At Ripon, she majored in biology and chemistry and participated in student government and Alpha Phi/Kappa Sigma Chi. She worked at her husband’s family grocery business and later at her son’s business, TV Tronics, well into her 90s. She was deeply involved in the First Congregational United Church of Christ, teaching Sunday school and serving on various boards and committees. She was a Cub Scout den mother, cancer fundraiser, nursing home volunteer, and library and arts advocate and donor. She enjoyed reading, traveling, playing competitive bridge player and fitness. Survivors include her husband, Jim Moon; three sons and one daughter; stepchildren; a nephew, KEITH A. CULLEN ’75; and a niece, CONTANCE E. HOLPERIN ’72. Her first husband, RUSSELL H. HOLPERIN ’48, died in 1993.

Full obituary: gaffney-busha.com/obituaries/Patricia–Joy-Holperin?obId=25158020

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement