About this project
This index is a joint project of the Ripon Public Library, the Ripon Historical Society and the Winnefox Library System. Ripon Commonwealth Press and Oshkosh Daily Northwestern newspapers were read and names and dates recorded. While every attempt has been made to index accurately, there is a possibility of error in transcription, database entry or on the part of the newspaper.
Date Tips
Remember that only the years 1961 to recent issues are indexed.
Name Tips
During this time period, an obituary for a woman was frequently listed under her husband's name only. So an obituary for "Jane Smith" may actually appear only as "Mrs John Smith" and needs to be searched with the last name "Smith" and the first name left blank.
Some obituaries use initials rather than the person's name spelled out. The obituary may be listed under "G. Smith" rather than "George Smith". This would need to be searched using the last name "Smith" and the letter "G" as the first name.
Capitalization is not required. Names may be typed in either upper or lower case.
Omit punctuation marks such as a period "." Type last name "Smith" first name "G" rather than "G."
If you are uncertain of the exact name or spelling, type in as much of the name as you know. For example, type dicken for the last name if you do know if the name is dickenson or dickensen.
Search Results
Results are displayed alphabetically by name and include all variations of the name you enter. If you enter "smith" you will see results displayed alphabetically as "Coppersmith, Goldsmith, Hammersmith, Hoffsmith" and then "Smith." If you enter "lee" as the last name, you will see "Bleecker, Colee, Conlee, Decleene, Fleener, Gleed, Killeen, Kirkfleet, Kleeber, Kleeman, Klees" and then "Lee." This search result format does allow genealogists to search for name and spelling variations.
No attempt has been made to cross index or correct misspellings in the newspaper's printing. There is no legal requirement for births, marriage licenses or obituaries to be printed in the newspaper so there may not be any information published even if you have an exact date to search.
Highlighted Names
Click on these names for additional information, usually the names of the spouse.
Resort
The Resort function allows the search results to be displayed in order by date or first name rather than by surname. A date sort can be used when the first name is uncertain but you have an approximate date, such as “Uncle Bud was killed in a car crash when I was small.” The first name sort allows you to easily search a truncated last name such as “Anders . . “ and then sort to group all Andersons and Andersens by first name.
Help/Feedback
To obtain help, report problems or make suggestions, please email us.
Requesting photocopies of obituaries
Requests for photocopies must be made by mail or telephone. Charges for photocopies will include only the actual cost of photocopies plus postage. To make your photocopy request, locate the obituary you'd like and choose Mail request in the far right colomn:
The library will contact you to let you know what the cost will be. All requests will be filled as time permits.
For all time periods be aware that there is no legal requirement for records to be printed in the newspaper. There may be other sources for information including the county seat, local municipal records, other area libraries, or the State Historical Society in Madison. For articles that could have appeared in the Fond du Lac newspapers, check the Fond du Lac Public Library website.
