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In Memory of Jack C. Bloedorn ’55
In Memory of Jack C. Bloedorn ’55
JACK C. BLOEDORN ’55 of Terry, Mississippi, died April 10, 2020. At Ripon, he majored in mathematics and economics and participated in athletics, Phi Kappa Pi (Merriman) and Phi Beta Kappa. He received an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. in management from Northwestern University. He served as regional finance officer for the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Totten, Long Island, New York; systems analyst for Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, New York; and administrative manager for Booz Allen & Hamilton in Chicago, Illinois. He also founded and was president/CEO of Management Systems Corp., a consulting company. He taught management at the University of Wisconsin, DePaul University, Northwestern University, Mississippi State University and Jackson State University; and wrote the book Designing Social Service Systems. Survivors include his wife, Judy Maxey Bloedorn; and two sons.
Full obituary: https://www.stringerfuneral.com/obituaries/Jack-Bloedorn/#!/Obituary
In Memory of James M. Hintz ’72
In Memory of James M. Hintz ’72
James Hintz
JAMES M. HINTZ ’72 of Salem, South Carolina, died Sept. 28, 2023. At Ripon, he majored in psychology and participated in athletics and Sigma Nu/Theta Sigma Tau. He had been a mechanical engineer at the Science and Arts Academy. He was an avid golfer and an accomplished guitarist.
Full obituary: https://wgog.com/james-murray-jim-hintz/
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
1996 F’23 Class Letter
1996 F’23 Class Letter
Jason Wood
Happy Fall Class of 1996!
WOW – it is fall already. 2024 is right around the corner, which means most of us are hitting our milestone 50th birthday. Honestly, where did that time go? Because I sure don’t know! I do hope that everyone had a great summer filled with barbecues, picnics, beach time, and travels. I can tell you that I had another great summer keeping busy with personal and work trips throughout North America, getting some beach time here in New Jersey, and all while still plugging away with work.
As always, I want to thank all of you again for those who have supported Ripon College this past fiscal year, especially those who supported the Ripon Fund, as well as Ripon Rally Days. Even though it is not our reunion year, these donations are so integral for the college to sustain. If you have not done so already, I urge you to please do so.
Ripon College formally launched the Forever Ripon campaign, a $75 million effort to expand access through student affordability and innovative programs, enhance our facilities, and strengthen our institution through the Ripon Fund. This campaign will prepare Ripon for the celebration of our 175th anniversary in 2026, adapt to an evolving higher education landscape and ensure a Ripon College degree is relevant for generations to come. Please see ripon.edu/forever-ripon/ for more information.
CLASSMATE UPDATE
AMY TINCHER-DURIK ’96: “My husband, Jake, and I love to travel, so as soon as we were able to freely travel again, we hit the road! Our 2022 trips included: Boston (where we went to a Brewers game with KYRSTEN KOEBACH ’96 and her wife, who hosted us for a long weekend!), and a cruise along the California coast (so happy we were able to meet ELKE SPORSEEN BETONTE ’96 and her daughter for dinner!). We also spent two weeks in Vietnam to celebrate our 25th anniversary. We started 2023 with a cruise around South America and are planning our next adventures.”
Have a great next couple of months and hopefully winter won’t be too cold/snowy/gross. I will touch base with you in the spring (hopefully with a lot more photos from the next couple of months)!
Regards,
Jason ’96
201.747.7719
Submitted by: Jason Wood
In Memory of Jeffrey M. Kjos ’83
In Memory of Jeffrey M. Kjos ’83
Jeffrey Kjos
JEFFREY M. KJOS ’83 of Madison, Wisconsin, died June 4, 2021. At Ripon, he participated in basketball. He also studied at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Northern Arizona in Flagstaff before he earned his bachelor’s degree in geology and geophysics from UW-Madison. He also earned a certificate in environmental studies. He was an independent travelling painter. He enjoyed the outdoors, nature and wilderness, hiking, fishing, playing disc golf, kayaking, cross-country skiing, crossword puzzles, Scrabble and gardening, keeping the same community garden plot for more than 20 years. Survivors include his wife, Sara Andrea Arscott; and one son.
Full obituary: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/28673371/jeffrey-mark-kjos
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Charlotte Salverson Ewald ’48
In Memory of Charlotte Salverson Ewald ’48
Charlotte Ewald
CHARLOTTE SALVERSON EWALD ’48 of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, died Sept. 22, 2023. At Ripon, she majored in history and was a founder of Alpha Delta Pi/Pi Tau Pi. She received a master’s degree in library science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She taught at St. John’s, a military boarding school in Delafield, Wisconsin, and the Orthopedic School at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. She also served as an assistant librarian at Frank Allis Elementary School and then head librarian at Ray F. Sennett Middle School in Madison. She also served on the Book Selection Committee for the Madison school system. She enjoyed Elderhostel courses, traveling, crossword puzzles baking, antiquing and being active in numerous activities in her church. Survivors include two daughters.
Full obituary: https://www.gundersonfh.com/obituaries/Charlotte-Jean-Ewald?obId=29321201
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Teresa “Terry” Hall Kuehlwein ’61
In Memory of Teresa “Terry” Hall Kuehlwein ’61
Teresa Kuehlwein
TERESA “TERRY” HALL KUEHLWEIN ’61 of Delaware died Aug. 16, 2023. At Ripon, she majored in art. She also attended the Kansas City Art Institute and worked for Hallmark cards. She also worked at a medical answering service, cared for an elderly neighbor, and did sales at Macy’s. Her husband had served in the U.S. Army and they lived in several places before settling in Wilmington, Delaware. Survivors include two sons and one daughter; a sister CATHERINE HALL GANT ’57; and a niece, STEPHANIE ADAMSKI HALL ’82. Her husband, ROBERT E. KUEHLWEIN ’58, died in 2002.
Full obituary: https://www.delawareonline.com/obituaries/pdov0560351
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Thomas Jefferson Hamilton ’65
In Memory of Thomas Jefferson Hamilton ’65
Thomas Hamilton
THOMAS JEFFERSON HAMILTON ’65 of Washington, D.C., died July 19, 2023. At Ripon, he studied art. He received a master’s degree in urban studies from Roosevelt University and a degree in economics from Northwestern University. During the Vietnam era, he served in the U.S. Army as a clerk at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds from 1965-1967. He was a retired computer systems consultant. He worked in IT at the Bureau for Consumer Affairs until 1997 and then worked for a private company. He enjoyed painting, writing poetry and plays, and acting, and had been a director at Source Theatre Co. in Washington, D.C. He also served as a commissioner on the D.C. Advisory Neighborhood Commission and volunteered as an aide at a local primary school.
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Richard M. Kovarik ’64
In Memory of Richard M. Kovarik ’64
Richard Kovarik
RICHARD M. KOVARIK ’64 of Aurora, Illinois, died April 16, 2023. At Ripon, he majored in economics, participated in Sigma Nu/Theta Sigma Tau and was commissioned through ROTC. After serving for two years in the U.S. Army, he worked for the Comptroller of the Currency for 24 years, five years at Shawmut National Bank and on his own as a banking consultant. Survivors include his wife, JUDITH ELLICSON KOVARIK ’63; and two sons.
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
J.C. Snead ’72 and Katrina Etter ’83 in Almont, Colorado
J.C. Snead ’72 and Katrina Etter ’83 in Almont, Colorado
Submitted by: J.C. Snead '72 and Katrina Etter '83
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 James Carlson Spotts ’69
In Memory of James Carlson Spotts ’69
James Spotts
JAMES C. SPOTTS ’69 of Cape Coral, Florida, died Jan. 2, 2023. At Ripon, he majored in economics and participated in athletics and Sigma Nu/Theta Sigma Tau. He previously lived in Islamorada where he was a dive boat captain and dive instructor. He lived in the Keys from 1995 until his move to Cape Coral. Survivors include two sons.
Full obituary: https://www.fortmyersmemorial.com/obituaries/James-Spotts/#!/Obituary
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Rosemary Middleton Molinari ’44
In Memory of Rosemary Middleton Molinari ’44
Rosemary Molinari
ROSEMARY MIDDLETON MOLINARI ’44 of Wilmette, Illinois, died Dec. 31, 2012. At Ripon, she majored in English and drama and participated in Alpha Phi/Kappa Sigma Chi. She enjoyed the written word, knitting, card games and all things sport. Survivors include one son and one daughter. Her husband MADEO “MOON” MOLINARI ’43, died in 2011.
Full obituary: https://www.donnellanfuneral.com/obituaries/Rosemary-Molinari?obId=7469139
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of John M. Steenport ’57
In Memory of John M. Steenport ’57
John Steenport
JOHN M. STEENPORT ’57 of Chilton, Wisconsin, died Aug. 18, 2023. At Ripon, he studied economics. He received a master’s degree in finance from Indiana University Bloomington. He served in the U.S. Navy and was employed by American Electric Power.
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/john-steenport-obituary?id=52833045
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Geraldine Schmidt Krumwiede ’53
In Memory of Geraldine Schmidt Krumwiede ’53
Geraldine Krumwiede
GERALDINE “GERRY” SCHMIDT KRUMWIEDE ’53 of Park Ridge, Illinois, died May 3, 2022, At Ripon, she majored in English and participated in Ver Adest and Alpha Phi/Kappa Sigma Chi. She assisted at the family business, C-Line Products. She was an active member of Park Ridge United Methodist Church, the 20th Century Club and Park Ridge Junior Women’s Club. She was a benefactor of the Park Ridge Civic Orchestra and enjoyed golf, bridge, gardening and reading. Survivors include two sons and one daughter.
Full obituary: https://www.glhillsfuneralhome.com/obituary/geraldine-gerry-krumwiede
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Dennis S. Pordon ’74
In Memory of Dennis S. Pordon ’74
Dennis Pordon
DENNIS S. PORDON ’74 of Delafield, Wisconsin, died July 10, 2023. At Ripon, he majored in economics and participated in football, baseball and Phi Delta Theta/Alpha Phi Omega. He worked for more than 40 years as an investment banking and business professional. He was devoted to his faith. He was a member of Divine Redeemer Lutheran Church for more than 30 years and was actively involved in the men’s ministry and Christian Athletic Scholarship Foundation. He enjoyed the outdoors and all things sports, particularly playing golf and pickleball. Survivors include one son and one daughter; and a sister-in-law JOAN UETZMANN LEROY ’74. His wife, JEAN UETZMANN PORDON ’77, died in 2017.
Full obituary: https://www.krausefuneralhome.com/obituary/dennis-s-pordon/
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Nancy A. Ramer ’81
In Memory of Nancy A. Ramer ’81
Nancy Ramer
NANCY A. RAMER ’81 of Clifton Park, New York, died Dec. 28, 2018. At Ripon, she majored in psychology and participated in the Crimson yearbook and Beta Sigma Pi. She worked for many years in the finance department of DeCrescente Distributing Co. in Mechanicville and retired in September 2017. She previously had been treasurer of her father’s company, Pillow-Tech International LTD, headquartered in Stoughton, Massachusetts. While living in California, she also owned and operated the jewelry company Mystic Mirage. She volunteered at the Animal Protective Foundation in Scotia and loved travel, cooking, Stephen King novels, movies, craft fairs, shopping at HomeGoods, and cookouts at camp. Survivors include her fiancé, Scott A. Westcott.
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/timesunion-albany/name/nancy-ramer-obituary?id=5034260
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Charles “Chuck” Dolezal ’62
In Memory of Charles “Chuck” Dolezal ’62
Charles Dolezal
CHARLES “CHUCK” DOLEZAL ’62 of Roselle, Illinois, died Dec. 11, 2018. At Ripon, he participated in Phi Kappa Pi (Merriman). Survivors include his wife, Joyce; Chuck will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Joyce; and six children.
Full obituary: https://memorials.countrysidefuneralhomes.com/charles-dolezal/3674663/service-details.php
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Joan C. Bennett ’71
In Memory of Joan C. Bennett ’71
Joan Bennett
JOAN C. BENNETT ’71 of Laurel, Maryland, died March 8, 2023. At Ripon, she majored in French and English. She taught English for a year in France. She then studied at the University of La Verne College of Law and enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. She worked for the Port of Oakland in California, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office and the State of California as an attorney. She transferred to the U.S. Navy Reserves and specialized in loading non-nuclear weapons, traveling to Panama, Hawaii, Washington, D.C., and onboard the USS Anzio before reaching the rank of Commander and retiring in 1996. She operated her own immigration law practice in Conroe, Texas, retiring in 2017. She enjoyed church activities, cooking, audiobooks and gardening. Survivors include one daughter.
Full obituary: https://www.donaldsonlaurel.com/obituary/Joan-Bennett
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of James A. Shannon ’55
In Memory of James A. Shannon ’55
James Shannon
JAMES A. SHANNON ’55 of Neenah, Wisconsin, died March 25, 2023. At Ripon, he majored in economics, participated in Phi Delta Theta/Alpha Phi Omega, and was commissioned through ROTC. He then enlisted the U.S. Army Reserves and was honorably discharged. He worked for Associated Bank in Neenah for almost 50 years. He served as treasurer of the Neenah Rotary and was on the boards for the Neenah Park and Rec and the Red Cross. He enjoyed camping, boating, golfing, cross-country skiing, watching sports and traveling, leading travel groups around the world. Survivors include his wife, Beverly; one son and one daughter.
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/james-shannon-obituary?id=51488031
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement
In Memory of Mark Larson ’70
In Memory of Mark Larson ’70
Mark Larson
MARK A. LARSON ’70 of Bluffton, South Carolina, died May 21, 2023. At Ripon, he majored in mathematics, played football and participated in Phi Delta Theta/Alpha Phi Omega. He received Ripon’s Distinguished Alumni Citation in 1995. He lived in numerous locations, including Switzerland and several in the United States. He worked in the wine industry until retiring in 2022. He played golf on six of the continents, with his wife sailed America’s Great Loop, circumnavigating the eastern half of the United States and part of Canada, and was involved with the United States Power Squadron (America’s Boating Club), serving leadership roles in the Hilton Head Squadron and South Carolina/Coastal Georgia Power Squadron District. He loved the Green Bay Packers. Survivors include his wife, LINDA WOHLSCHLAEGER LARSON ’70; one son and one daughter
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/mark-larson-obituary?id=52052616
Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement