R Connections

ROBERT M. LASKE ’49 of Middletown, Rhode Island, died May 28, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in chemistry and participated in basketball and Sigma Alpha Epsilon/Delta Sigma Psi. He received a master’s degree in international affairs from George Washington University. He was a pilot in the Naval Air Corps, and assignments included patrolling the Soviet Union border from the Alaska Territory; serving in Japan during the Korean War and in Saigon, Vietnam; patrolling the Mediterranean in Morocco; and working as a communications officer for the USS Forrestal in Norfolk, Virginia, and editor of the Naval War College Review. He attained the rank of commander. He enjoyed traveling, wintering in Pensacola, Florida, and golf. Survivors include his wife, Shirley; one son and three daughters.

Full Obituary: www.newportri.com/obituaries/ppvp0227174

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

BONNIE BUCK BARRETT ’62 of Raleigh, North Carolina, died Dec. 26, 2019. She attended Ripon from 1958-61, majoring in physical education and participating in sports and Alpha Xi Delta/Kappa Theta. She became a youth soccer coach when her children played and also enjoyed golf and tennis. At the age of 51, she completed her college degree at North Carolina State University, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in accounting and passing the entire CPA exam on her first attempt. She had a successful career as an accountant, retiring in 2006. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading and knitting. Survivors include one son and two daughters.

Full Obituary: www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/bonnie-barrett-obituary?pid=195415521

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

ELIZABETH “LIZA” BLACK KRAMER ’62 of Westerville, Ohio, died Nov. 3, 2021. At Ripon, she participated in Alpha Phi/Kappa Sigma Chi. She received a nursing degree from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree from Marquette University. She worked as a nurse, nursing home administrator and home healthcare provider. Survivors include one son and one daughter.

Full Obituary: www.hillfuneral.com/westerville-funeral-home/obituaries-services/obits-photos/1097

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

NATHAN KITTLESON ’53 of Brookfield, Wisconsin, died May 19, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in economics, participated in athletics and Sigma Nu/Theta Sigma Tau, and was commissioned through ROTC. He received a master’s degree in orthodontics and a doctorate in dentistry from Marquette University. He served in the Army Dental Corps as a dentist and attained the rank of captain. He and his brother, RUSSELL KITTLESON ’55, established two successful orthodontic practices in the greater Milwaukee area. He enjoyed traveling, outdoor activities and spending time at his lake house. Survivors include his wife, Nancy; two sons and one daughter, including DAVID KITTLESON ’86; and his brother, Russell.

Full Obituary: www.jsonline.com/obituaries/mjs063130

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

ELEANOR HEALY ANDERSON ’48 of Racine, Wisconsin, died June 7, 2022. At Ripon, she majored in speech communication and history and participated in Alpha Phi/Kappa Sigma Chi. She taught at Union Grove High School from 1948 until 1961. She enjoyed being outside, gardening, writing short stories and traveling with her husband. They had been to all 50 states, and countries including Europe, Israel and China. She was a member of Calvary Memorial Church and was involved in Sunday school, camp life, missions and youth group ministries. Survivors include her husband, Henry Anderson; one son and one daughter; and a sister, HELEN HEALY EDINGER ’55. Her uncle was SILAS EVANS, a longtime president of Ripon College.

Full obituary: www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/journaltimes/name/eleanor-anderson-obituary?pid=202167868

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

ELIZABETH ELTON MERCHANT ’55 of Rothschild, Wisconsin, died May 22, 2022. At Ripon, she majored in biology and participated in Alpha Xi Delta/Kappa Theta. She attended from 1951-1953. She lived in Germany for two years while her husband served in the U.S. Army. They then lived in Beloit. She moved to Rothschild in 2009. She loved gardening, her cats, doing cross stitch, antiquing, reading and traveling, especially camping and visits to Sanibel Island, Florida, Mazatlán, Mexico, and their cabin in northern Wisconsin. Survivors include two sons and one daughter. Her husband, GEORGE D. MERCHANT ’55, died in 2007.

Full obituary: www.beloitdailynews.com/records/obituaries/elizabeth-ann-elton-liz-merchant/

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

SHERYL GUMZ ALBERS-ANDERS ’76 of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, died May 28, 2022. At Ripon, she studied art. She earned a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a certificate in human resources from Madison College. She worked on the family farm, served on the Sauk County Farm Bureau Board, was a founding member of the Sauk County Women in Agriculture-Eagle Bluff Chapter, and was a member of the Wisconsin Mint Growers Association, Wisconsin Muck Growers Association and Wisconsin Drain Boards Association. She was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in a special election and served until her retirement in 2009. She also practiced law, worked in human resources at the Department of Corrections and had a private pilot’s license. She enjoyed sewing and tailoring, traveling, attending races and entertaining friends. Survivors include her husband, STEVE ANDERS; one son and four stepchildren; and seven siblings, including JOLANDE “JONDI” GUMZ ’75 and JOY GUMZ ’78.

Full obituary: www.gundersonfh.com/obituaries/Sheryl-K-Albers-Anders

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

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

John Michael Ackley Sr. was born on December 2, 1940, in Waukesha, WI, and lived nearly his entire 81 years in Pewaukee, WI. He attended Ripon College where he received his degree in Finance and Economics and went on to complete his Masters of Business Administration at Ohio University. He was an avid sports fan and especially loved all of his Wisconsin teams including the Badgers, Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. Over his lifetime, John was a successful business executive, loving family man and avid cyclist. He passed away on May 16, 2022, at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Sr. and Anita, and brothers James Jr., Michael and Eugene. He is survived by his wife of 59 years and 11 months, Helen, son John Jr., daughter Donna (husband Mark Muehl), granddaughter Ashley (husband Michael Wright), and great-granddaughters Kami and Skyler.

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

PAUL M. HOFFMAN SR. ’73 of Clintonville, Wisconsin, died May 12, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in physical education and participated in football, baseball and Phi Kappa Pi (Merriman). He earned a master’s degree in education and was assistant defensive football coach at Northern Michigan University. He also coached football at Kansas State University. He worked for the Soo Line Railroad in Escanaba, Michigan, for a time, then in corporate insurance for about 25 years. He ran his own insurance firm, Paul Hoffman & Co., in Chewelah, Washington, and owned a 120-acre beef ranch. He moved back to Clintonville last year and was a member of Christus Lutheran Church. He enjoyed traveling to Mexico, coaching, and watching professional sports teams. Survivors include his wife, Kathryn; one son and two daughters.

Full obituary: https://www.tchdailynews.com/2022/05/16/paul-m-hoffman-sr/

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

JEFFREY L. GOHLKE ’68 of Viroqua, Wisconsin, died May 3, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in economics and participated in Phi Kappa Pi (Merriman) fraternity. He served in the U.S. Army and had a long, distinguished career helping build Milwaukee’s economy and contributing to the success of local businesses. He started at the Department of City Development in 1971 and retired as vice president of industrial development from the Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation in 2001. After retiring in the Viroqua area, he served for six years as Viroqua city administrator and held officer roles at the Vernon Economic Development Association, Viroqua Development Association and the Viroqua Area Rotary Club. Survivors include his wife, Carol; two sons and two daughters.

Full obituary: legacy.com/us/obituaries/lacrossetribune/name/jeffrey-gohlke-obituary

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

MARCIA MACLEISH HIGGINS ’63 of Sarasota, Florida, died Jan. 29, 2022. At Ripon, she majored in history, participated in Alpha Phi/Kappa Sigma Chi and served as Class Agent and 45^th Reunion Committee coordinator. She was a teacher and later the office manager for Libertyville Vision Center. She was an avid golfer who enjoyed travel and boating on Green Lake, Wisconsin. Marcia is survived by her husband, JUDSON HIGGINS ’62; two sons; a sister, and sister, LORNA MACLEISH ’64; and a cousin, PHILIP K. MCCULLOUGH ’69.

https://libertyvillefuneralhome.com/tribute/details/905/Marcia-Higgins/obituary.html

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

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

Recently six alumni were celebrating the Class of 1972’s 50th anniversay by sailing the British Virgin Islands. Pictured left to right:

JACK SEAVER ’72, RUTH ANN DELESS SEAVER ’73 , BOB SCHENCK ’72, LYNN BENSON SCHENCK ’72, STEVE SANDSTROM ’72, and Nancy Sandstrom.

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

Robert J. Gill, III ’93 of Dunstable, MA, died March 29, 2021, after a lengthy illness, his family at his side. Born in Lowell on September 3, 1971, the son of Robert J. Jr. and Linda (Ely) Gill of Dunstable. He received his early education in the Norfolk, VA and Lowell school systems. He graduated from Bishop Guertin HS with the class of 1989. He furthered his education at Ripon College in Ripon Wisconsin earning a BA in Economics in 1993. After graduating, he was offered a full scholarship in the PHD program at Boston College. He rejected that and moved to California to work in the high-tech industry for many years. When he became ill, he moved back to his family and did independent programming, taught himself the Russian language, enjoyed his family, his dogs and sports. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, Jonathan P. Gill of Dunstable, and his two favorite dogs, Bustah and Eva.

Full obituary: tributearchive.com/obituaries/20575676/Robert-Gill

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

JOHN X. JAMRICH ’43 of Savannah, Georgia, died Feb. 20, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in mathematics, physics and German and participated in music and Lambda Delta Alpha/Delta Upsilon. He received Ripon’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1983. He also received degrees from the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps before embarking on a career in higher education administration. He served in Iowa and Nebraska, then as the eighth president of Northern Michigan University from 1968 to 1983. He impacted academic programs, autonomous student life and infrastructure. John X. Jamrich Hall is named in his honor. After retiring, he was a consultant and volunteer. An accomplished pianist, he performed at nursing homes and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Survivors include his daughters.

Full obituary: canalefuneral.com/obituary/639384/dr.-john-x.–jamrich/

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

JAMES L. REITER ’73 of Shawano, Wisconsin, died April 18, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in economics, sociology and anthropology and participated in cross country, football and Phi Kappa Pi (Merriman). He earned a master’s degree from Silver Lake College. He was passionate about serving his Menominee Tribe. He was associate director of Ripon Upward Bound, working to get many Menominee youths to look toward college. He also belonged to the National Indian Education Association and Native American Tourism of Wisconsin; served as director of the JOM education program; and was general manager of the Menominee Casino for more than 19 years, winning an award from the National Indian Gaming Association for pioneering and longevity in gaming. Survivors include his wife, Amy; two sons and one daughter.

Full obituary: greenbaypressgazette.com/obituaries/wis357077

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

GAIL BRAINARD LANGDON ’60 of Springfield, Missouri, died Feb. 24, 2022. At Ripon, she studied biology and participated in Alpha Chi Omega/Alpha Gam Theta. She also served in her 50th Reunion committee. She lived in the Chicago area until 1977, when she and her husband purchased Fish ‘n’ Fun Resort in Shell Knob, Missouri. They later moved to Springfield. She was an active member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Springfield. She also was an avid gardener. Survivors include three sons and three daughters, including MARY LANGDON ROGERS ’89. Her husband, ROBERT E. LANGDON ’58, died in 2010.

Full obituary: obits.klingnerfuneralhome.com/obituary/gail-langdon

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

GINNY MICHAELS ABRUZZO ’77 of Libertyville, Illinois, died March 26, 2022. At Ripon, she majored in art and participated in Alpha Chi Omega. She retired in March 2021 after more than 25 years working for the Health Information Management team at Advocate Condell Medical Center. She loved the outdoors, wildlife, Chicago sports teams and gardening. Survivors include her husband, Joseph Abruzzo; two sons and one daughter.

Full obituary: strangfuneral.org/ginny-l-abruzzo/

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

KATHRYN “KATHY” WILSON BRIMHALL ’71 of Morristown, Tennessee, died March 26, 2022. At Ripon, she studied anthropology and psychology and participated in Alpha Delta Pi/Pi Tau Pi. She received a degree in anthropology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and received master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Connecticut. She was a professor of sociology and anthropology at Lakeland College near Sheboygan, Wisconsin, before graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine. She practiced psychiatry in Sheboygan and Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, before moving to Lexington, Kentucky, and then Morristown, Tennessee. She was a member of PEO, hosted many international exchange students, and enjoyed gourmet cooking, reading, traveling, needlework and crafts. Survivors include her husband, Conrad L. Brimhall; one son, CRISTOPHER “KIT” BRIMHALL ’22, and one daughter.

Full obituary: citizentribune.com/obituaries/kathryn-kathy-wilson-brimhall/article_0182bf22-bdee-11ec-a7aa-0b8555d2f385.html

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement