Richard J. Zellmer

Captain Richard J. Zellmer, USN (Ret) was born on January 12, 1945, and passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at home in Ripon, WI, after a difficult journey with multiple myeloma. He was the son of Fred and Emma Zellmer of Tomah, WI, and the youngest of nine children. He married his senior prom date Janet Roscovius on October 22, 1966.

CAPT Zellmer spent his elementary school years in Wilton, WI. A week before his freshman year of high school, his family moved to Tomah, WI, where he joined the graduating class of 1963. He attended UW-Eau Claire, separating his first two years and his final two years with a six-year enlistment in the U.S. Navy. After completing his enlistment, he returned to complete his Bachelor of Arts in English and Broad Field Social Studies education. He later went on to complete his Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction at UW-Madison. Following graduation, he began his 27.5-year teaching career at Ripon High School, where he taught numerous literature and composition classes along with U.S. history and social studies subjects. He also coached boys’ basketball at RHS for 18 years.

After enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1966, CAPT Zellmer attended cryptologic training before serving on the USS Jamestown (AGTR-3) in support of American forces in Vietnam. After additional cryptologic maintenance training, he reported to NSGA Azores, followed by NSGA Homestead, FL. He left active duty as a Communications Technician – Maintenance First Class in 1971. CAPT Zellmer joined the Naval Reserve Security Group in 1974 and received his commission in 1977. His reserve assignments included command of units in Milwaukee, Oshkosh, and Madison, WI, Detroit, MI, Great Lakes, IL, and Commander, Reserve Cryptologic Area East – one of four Area Commanders for the Commander, Naval Reserve Security Group (NSRG) Command. CAPT Zellmer had tours with the National Security Agency, Naval War College, and Naval Technical Training Center in Corry Station, FL. After 9/11, he was mobilized as Deputy Commander, Naval Security Group Reserve Command with headquarters at Naval Air Station, Fort Worth, TX, before retiring in 2005. In addition, CAPT Zellmer was a Naval Academy Information Officer, helping local students gain acceptance to the Naval Academy. Among his personal medals are the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and numerous unit and campaign medals.

CAPT Zellmer served on the Ripon Police and Fire Commission and as President of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church and board member of the Ripon Education Foundation.

CAPT Zellmer lived his life with unselfish service to his faith, family, community, and his country. He said he never went to work; he merely went to school every day. Seeing former students and ball players and reminiscing about the old days brought him great joy. He was an avid Badger basketball fan and attended games for over 25 years with his bride. According to CAPT Zellmer, the answer to every question is chocolate. He always had a story to share and a bad joke. His persistently positive attitude was essential throughout his 12-year journey with cancer. The impact he made on hundreds of people in his teaching, coaching, and military careers will remain forever.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Janet (Roscovius) Zellmer; his children, Tim (Diane) Zellmer, Elizabeth Zellmer, and Christine Engel; and his grandchildren, Grant and Ben Zellmer, and Leila, Luke, and Isaiah Engel. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Lydon; and many nephews, nieces and friends.

Preceding him in death was his parents, Fred and Emma (Blado) Zellmer; his parents-in-law, Rueben and Esther (Berg) Roscovius; his siblings DeVere “John” (Celeste) Zellmer, Evelyn Zellmer, William (Gwen) Zellmer, Leila (Dorwin) Bernhardt, Elsie “Lois" (Darwin “Doc”) Kroeger, Darrel “Jake” (Nancy) Zellmer, Charles Zellmer, and John Lydon.

Special thank you to the doctors, nurses and care teams at Froedtert, including Dr. d’Souza, SSM Health Cancer Care, including Dr. Jones and Dr. Gauthier, and SSM Hospice, who are “angels on earth.”

Visitation for CAPT Zellmer will be held from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 307 Mt. Zion Dr., Ripon, WI 54971.

Memorial service for CAPT Zellmer will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Ripon, with Pastor Dennis Meier and Pastor Nickolas Haasch officiating. You may view a livestream of the service at 12:00 pm by visiting this link LIVESTREAM. A final salute and full military honors will take place at the church immediately following the service. Inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Ripon Education Foundation, P.O. Box 395, Ripon, WI 54971.