R Connections
Add My Story
Welcome to R Connections! This is your go-to place for information about your graduating class and to explore alumni news and sightings.
Tips for Exploring R Connections
- Select your class year from the dropdown below and click “Search” to see your class information, class agents, recent news and more!
- Use additional filters or enter a classmate’s name if you’re looking for something specific
Share Your Story
We’re always looking for alumni news and sightings! If you have exciting news to share or have recently gathered with Ripon College friends, let us know through the “Add My Story” button at the top. Be sure to include a photo when possible. We look forward to seeing what you’ve been up to!
In Memory of Marjorie Miller Swartz ’52
In Memory of Marjorie Miller Swartz ’52
Marjorie Swartz
MARJORIE MILLER SWARTZ ’52 of Modesto, California, died Oct. 23, 2022. At Ripon, she studied biology and psychology. She lived in California, Texas, New Mexico and Mississippi, settling in Modesto in 1985. She worked for the Modesto Credit for 17 years until her retirement. She loved animals and enjoyed cooking, especially desserts. She was Lutheran by faith. Survivors include one son and two daughters. Her husband, DONALD L. SWARTZ ’52, died in 1997.
Full obituary: legacy.com/us/obituaries/modestobee/name/marjorie-swartz-obituary?id=36926373
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Dorien Schmidt Hammann ’55
In Memory of Dorien Schmidt Hammann ’55
Dorien Hammann
DORIEN SCHMIDT HAMMANN ’55 of Plymouth, Wisconsin, died Oct. 13, 2022. She retired as a health unit clerk with Sheboygan Memorial Hospital. She volunteered with various organizations including Cub/Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, PTA, F.I.S.H., her church, bowling league and Meals on Wheels. She was a member of Crystal Lake Golf League and enjoyed traveling by RV and bicycle, sporting events, children’s activities and live theatre. Survivors include two sons and one daughter.
Full obituary: sheboyganpress.com/obituaries/wis373397
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Redouan El Younsi ’90
In Memory of Redouan El Younsi ’90
Redouan El Younsi
REDOUAN EL YOUNSI ’90 of Tetouan, Morocco, died Oct. 8, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in French, computer science and a self-designed major in international commerce and management. He also participated in athletics. In Morocco, he worked for his family’s business, Haddou El Younsi and Fils, which produces and exports natural essential oils and spices. He also was elected secretary general for the Tetouan Chamber of Commerce and a member of the industrial branch and president of the electoral body commission. His duties included meeting with the U.S. ambassador to Morocco and visiting Washington, D.C., as a part of a delegation of the Association of the Mediterranean Chamber of Commerce. Survivors include his wife Awatef Tbatou; two sons, including MEHDI EL YOUNSI ’20; and a niece, DINA EL YOUNSI ’96.
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Peter J. Mortenson ’58
In Memory of Peter J. Mortenson ’58
Peter Mortenson
PETER J. MORTENSON ’58 of Madison, Wisconsin, died Sept. 30, 2022. At Ripon, he majored in economics and participated in WRPN, student theatre and Sigma Nu/Theta Sigma Tau. He was born July 26, 1936. His professional positions included operations manager at WKOW-TV; program service director at D’Arcy Advertising Co., Chicago; vice president of Stoffels/Mortenson, Madison; marketing services manager at Wick Building Systems, Mazomanie; and vice president-account supervisor at Lindsay, Stone, & Briggs. He retired in 2001. He was a member of Gov. Lucey’s Blue Ribbon Commission to study the implications of cable TV, and the Madison Advertising Federation, from which he received the Silver Medal Award in 2006. He was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed reading, music and the outdoors. Survivors include his wife, Jean; one son and one daughter.
Full obituary: legacy.com/us/obituaries/madison/name/peter-mortenson-obituary?id=36746962
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Anne Barber Hallock ’53
In Memory of Anne Barber Hallock ’53
Anne Hallock
ANNE BARBER HALLOCK ’53 of Longmont, Colorado, died Sept. 30, 2022. At Ripon, she studied biology and participated in Ver Adest and Alpha Phi/Kappa Sigma Chi. Her father was WILLIAM HARLEY BARBER, a longtime professor of physics at Ripon. She was an Army wife for 30 years, moving 50 times and hosting countless diplomatic and professional engagements. She also worked in an academic lab, an art gallery and a school for deaf children. She lived in Pueblo West, Colorado, for 45 years while her husband was a professor at the University of Southern Colorado. She was a founding member and elder in Pueblo West Ecumenical Church. Survivors include her husband, RICHARD G. HALLOCK ’53; one son and one daughter; and a sister, JANE BARBER EMERSON ’46
Full obituary: chieftain.com/obituaries/pcol0322216
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Patricia Cozart Kossoris ’53
In Memory of Patricia Cozart Kossoris ’53
Patricia Kossoris
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
In Memory of Donald Morris Higbie Jr. ’77
Donald Higbie
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
In Memory of Diane Rochelle Uhl ’59
Diane Uhl
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
In Memory of David H. Redemann Sr. ’60
David Redemann
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
In Memory of Arthur L. Scharff ’63
Arthur Scharff
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
In Memory of Eileen Hess Zneimer ’49
Eileen Zneimer
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
In Memory of John N. “Jack” Zneimer ’48
John Zneimer
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
In Memory of Linda Foster Adams ’62
Linda Adams
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
In Memory of Lois Hoeft Perrine ’51
Lois Perrine
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
In Memory of Scott C. Mathot ’68
Scott Mathot
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
In Memory of Nancy Thulin Kandutsch ’50
Nancy Kandutsch
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
In Memory of Richard R. McKeon ’50
Richard McKeon
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
In Memory of Daniel J. Minnema ’74
Daniel Minnema
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
In Memory of Marsha Blanche Jones Burzynski ’84
Marsha Burzynski
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
In Memory of Roger W. Newell ’56
Roger Newell
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