In memory of Matthew Schoenecker (1974–2025)
- Jul. 11, 2025

Matthew Charles Schoenecker ’98, age 50, of New York, NY, passed away on June 18, 2025, due to drowning while trying to save a friend during a hike in Rattlesnake Falls near Lake Tahoe, California. He studied electrical engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and dove for the diving team. He obtained a master’s degree, also in electrical engineering, at Marquette University in 2001. After additional graduate studies at Columbia University in New York, he obtained a PhD in biomedical engineering in 2010 at the University of California, Berkeley. His research focused on improving cochlear implants, electronic medical devices that can help people with severe hearing loss regain the ability to hear.
More Alumni Notes
Robert Alan Cook MS’61 — a.k.a. Bob, Uncle Bob, UB, or Yoo-Bee — died peacefully in the presence of loved ones in his home in Palo Alto, CA, on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the time — appropriately for a mathematician – of 3:14:15 p.m. at the age of ...
Michael Staudenmaier Jr. ’91, MS ’93 provided the initial vision and leadership for developing the award-winning HeatRisk tool, managing resources and his team’s expertise to achieve success. He also was instrumental in expanding the tool national...
John Kromer MS’10, MA’11 was named a fellow of the Special Libraries Association. At UW–Madison, he earned a master of science in chemistry and a master of arts in library and information studies.
Jeff Maskalunas ’18, MS’20 started ultimate frisbee programing at local Boys & Girls Clubs in the Capital Region, New York, two years ago. He recently won a grant through the USA Ultimate Foundation to continue this volunteer work.
Elmer Clemans Beale, who was a student at UW–Madison passed away on May 7, 2025, in Little Falls, MN due to an accident. He survived a massive stroke in 2021 and spent his remaining years at home enjoying the company of his family and dogs. A cele...
Robert Alan Cook MS’61 — a.k.a. Bob, Uncle Bob, UB, or Yoo-Bee — died peacefully in the presence of loved ones in his home in Palo Alto, CA, on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the time — appropriately for a mathematician – of 3:14:15 p.m. at the age of ...
Michael Staudenmaier Jr. ’91, MS ’93 provided the initial vision and leadership for developing the award-winning HeatRisk tool, managing resources and his team’s expertise to achieve success. He also was instrumental in expanding the tool national...
John Kromer MS’10, MA’11 was named a fellow of the Special Libraries Association. At UW–Madison, he earned a master of science in chemistry and a master of arts in library and information studies.
Jeff Maskalunas ’18, MS’20 started ultimate frisbee programing at local Boys & Girls Clubs in the Capital Region, New York, two years ago. He recently won a grant through the USA Ultimate Foundation to continue this volunteer work.
Elmer Clemans Beale, who was a student at UW–Madison passed away on May 7, 2025, in Little Falls, MN due to an accident. He survived a massive stroke in 2021 and spent his remaining years at home enjoying the company of his family and dogs. A cele...
Robert Alan Cook MS’61 — a.k.a. Bob, Uncle Bob, UB, or Yoo-Bee — died peacefully in the presence of loved ones in his home in Palo Alto, CA, on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the time — appropriately for a mathematician – of 3:14:15 p.m. at the age of ...
Michael Staudenmaier Jr. ’91, MS ’93 provided the initial vision and leadership for developing the award-winning HeatRisk tool, managing resources and his team’s expertise to achieve success. He also was instrumental in expanding the tool national...
John Kromer MS’10, MA’11 was named a fellow of the Special Libraries Association. At UW–Madison, he earned a master of science in chemistry and a master of arts in library and information studies.
Jeff Maskalunas ’18, MS’20 started ultimate frisbee programing at local Boys & Girls Clubs in the Capital Region, New York, two years ago. He recently won a grant through the USA Ultimate Foundation to continue this volunteer work.
Elmer Clemans Beale, who was a student at UW–Madison passed away on May 7, 2025, in Little Falls, MN due to an accident. He survived a massive stroke in 2021 and spent his remaining years at home enjoying the company of his family and dogs. A cele...