Richard "Rich" G. Scamehorn

Richard “Rich” G. Scamehorn, age 83, of Ripon, WI, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Rich was born on June 20, 1942, in Elkhart, IN, son of Richard and Evelyn (Krider) Scamehorn. He graduated from Bristol High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Hanover College, and then his PhD in Organic Chemistry from Northwestern University. On August 2, 1964, he married Sandra “Sandy” Nice in Speedway, IN. After moving to Ripon, Rich began his teaching career as a Professor of Chemistry at Ripon College. He taught for 37 years until his retirement. Rich was a devoted member of Immanuel United Methodist Church in Ripon, and was very active on numerous boards and committees. He was also a member of Ripon Noon Kiwanis over 40 years.

The love of his life was his wife of 61 years, Sandy. They were partners in all things with a love that was an inspiration of everyone who knew them. He loved family gatherings, featuring sing alongs on his ukulele. Watching his sons and grandchildren grow up and explore the world was his greatest joy. He had many passions including music in all forms, fishing, woodworking, cooking, traveling, reading, teaching and home improvement projects.

Rich is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Scamehorn of Ripon, WI; two sons, David (Andrea) Scamehorn of Eau Claire, WI and Richard (Lisa) Scamehorn of New Brighton, MN; four grandchildren, Perry Scamehorn of Eagan, MN, Annalise Scamehorn also of Eagan, MN, Henry Scamehorn of Eau Claire, WI, and Stuart Scamehorn of Milwaukee, WI; a sister, Trudy (Dave) Wheeler of Atlanta, GA; sister-in-law, Linda Matthiesen of Fish Creek, WI; brother-in-law, Gary (Sandra) Nice of Bradenton, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Evelyn Scamehorn; brother, Vernon Scamehorn; father and mother-in-law, John and Mary Nice; and a brother-in-law, Eric Matthiesen.

Memorial service for Rich will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 401 W. Fond du Lac St., Ripon, WI 54971, with Rev. Dr. Heather Brewer officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:00 am until the time of the service. You may view a livestream of the service at 11:00 am by visiting www.ButzinMarchant.com. Inurnment will take place at Garden of the Cross Cemetery, Ripon.

Memorials in Rich’s name may be directed to Ripon Noon Kiwanis, P.O. Box 504, Ripon, WI, 54971; Immanuel United Methodist Church “Music Department,” 401 W. Fond du Lac St., Ripon, WI, 54971; or Ripon College “Fine Arts Department,” P.O. Box 248 Ripon, WI, 54971.