John Ridge

John Wm. Ridge, age 89, died on March 29 at The Classic in Altoona. He was born October 29, 1935 to Harvey and Mildred (Mills) Ridge in Rice Lake, WI. John graduated from Wausau Senior High, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He received a master's degree from West Virginia University. His doctorate degree was earned in higher education administration at the Pennsylvania State University.

He married Alice Ann Gaedtke on June 6, 1959. John's career as an academician began as a math teacher at Ela-Vernon High School (IL); thence, after graduating school, as assistant director of institutional research, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI. He came to Eau Claire in 1967 as director of the office of institutional studies at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 1967-1984. Then was associate professor of computers in education in the School of Education at UWEC, 1985-1996.

He was active in the world of institutional research, as a member of the Association for Institutional Research, Association for Institutional Research for the Upper Midwest (Founder), and the Association for the Study of Higher Education. He also founded the Unitarian Fellowship of Marquette, Michigan.

Publications included papers about higher education research presented in London, England, South Carolina and the upper Midwest. He also published computer-aided instructional programs in algebra, wrestling-scoring, and games.

John came from a family of intellectually curious people, visible in his love of travel. From England to Eastern Europe in 1981; to four trips each to Hawaii and Alaska; to teaching in Malaysia (1986-1987); to Asia; to Australia; and to genealogical trips to England. He enjoyed all.

After retirement in 1996, John and his wife dedicated their lives to research related to the historic Yellowstone Trail, a 1912-1930 coast-to-coast auto highway. Researching the trail for 25 or so years, they enjoyed going west and seeing back roads in their beloved Jeep. Along the way they met many wonderful people with stories about the trail. Their research resulted in three books, a video, and founding the national Yellowstone Trail Association.

John was predeceased in death by his parents, two aunts, and a niece Ruth Ann Watson.

Survivors are his wife, Alice, of 65 years; daughter, Holliday Ridge, PhD; granddaughter, Lydia Jones; nephews, Scott (Carol) Hartwig, Paul (Sterling) Hartwig, Chris (Lisa) Hartwig, Dan Hartwig, Tim Hartwig, and niece Carol Erickson.

Celebration of Life Center, Devney Dr, Altoona, is serving the family. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to donate to the Nature Conservancy.

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services - Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at chippewavalleycremation.com.