Dr. Orlando Ruschmeyer was the first in his family to attend college and complete his PhD. He received his degrees in Microbiology, Environmental Health and Public Health. He had an influential teaching career as an assistant professor at University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, School of Public Health from 1952 until his retirement in 1990. Dr. Ruschmeyer was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa society. An invitation to join Phi Beta Kappa recognizes and honors exceptional academic achievement in the arts and sciences. Dr. Ruschmeyer was chosen three times as "Outstanding Professor" by graduate students in the School of Public Health. Prior to his teaching position, he served in the Air Force and was a proud WWII veteran. His was the radio operator on a B17 Bomber and he flew his first mission at age 18. They frequently flew supplies in the areas of Northern Africa and Middle East. His military service allowed him to travel and see many parts of the world that may have otherwise remained unknown to him.
He had a great respect for the environment, and he enjoyed time spent at the family cabin in Northern Minnesota. Orlando enjoyed cross country skiing and frequented the U of MN golf course and County parks. He had skied every County park in the Twin Cities and surrounding area, earning a 50 kilometer patch which he displayed on his ski jacket. Ice fishing, ice hockey, hunting, fishing, gardening, learning and reading were all favorite past times. He never stopped learning, and never stopped teaching.
Dr. Ruschmeyer was proud of his beautiful family and intelligent students. He loved Charlie Chaplin films, Benny Hill Shows, and the TV Show "Cheers". He was always happy to spend time with family, especially connecting with relatives in Germany and tracing the family tree. He loved eating freshwater fish he caught himself, as well as salmon, sardines and smoked cisco. Other favorites include shish kebabs and dinner at House of Wong, ice cream, angel food cake, watermelon and lemon merengue pie. He was always ready to read a bed time story to his kids, or set up the electric train and play for hours. His story telling capabilities were enhanced by his teaching experience, making every story captivating. He was honored to receive an Ojibwe Indian name: Waase Giizhik. This name translated means "moon shining through the cedars".
Dr. Ruschmeyer was involved with many organizations: VFW, American Society of Microbiology, U of MN Retirees Association, U of MN Alumni Association, National Association for Amateur Radio Operators, Air Force Association, and the American Legion. He supported the following: National Parks and Rivers, National Geographic Society, Environmental Defense Fund, American Indian Education Fund, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, American Red Cross Disaster Action, American Heart Association, Union of Concerned Scientists, SW Indian Relief Council, M.A.D.D., Science Museum of MN, and the Minnesota Historical Society, to name a few of the worthy causes he believed in.
Some memorable trips include our adventures to many of our National Parks. With a love of the outdoors and the environment, he made it his mission to instill a great respect for our natural world in his kids. He was so well-read, and had a curiosity about everything. His book collection was his pride and joy. Even after retirement, he found interesting newspaper articles to share, or television programs he thought everyone should view.
He will be deeply missed - especially his sense of humor, his laugh, his encyclopedic mind, and his unconditional love; we will cherish the special time we spent together enjoying his stories, his diverse knowledge of the world, and his ability to lend a helping hand wherever needed, his friendship as a person and as a father, who was always willing to reconcile. We will miss his knowledge of everything in nature, grouse hunting and walking trails in the woods, the explanations and discussions of science that can be applied to everyday things. He was creative and spontaneous, and could always make us laugh.
He is preceded in passing by his father, Adolph Henry Ruschmeyer; mother, Gertrude Minne Ruschmeyer (Sell); sister, Darnelle Elaine Hendrix (Ruschmeyer) and her husband Samuel Hendrix, M.D.; brothers-in-law, David Lee Beck and Roger Earl Peterson; sisters-in-law, Dolores Digerness (Tow) and her husband, Reverend Berdell Digerness; nieces, Mary Kay Peterson, Karen Lee Sorenson (Beck) and her husband, Paul Sorenson.
Orlando's Legacy will Live On through his loving wife of seventy years, Gloria Helen Ruschmeyer (Tow); daughter, Ann Louise Donovan (Ruschmeyer) and her husband, Lawrence "Larry"; son, James Kenneth Ruschmeyer; sisters, Donna Marie Mills (Ruschmeyer) and husband James, and their sons, William John Mills (Linda) and Michael James Mills; sister, Elna Mae "Tynee" Peterson (Ruschmeyer) and daughter, Nancy Ann (Peterson) and husband Steve; sister-in-law, Virginia Rae Carlson (Tow) and husband Ralph, and Virginia's children, David Russell Beck (Valentine), Raymond Carl Beck (Cindy), Barbara Ann Clausen (Beck) and husband David Clausen; nephews, Samuel Hendrix Jr. and John Digerness; nieces, Kathleen Hendrix, Shirley Allen (Hendrix) and husband, Deborah McDermott (Digerness) and husband Joel, Mary Weber (Digerness) and husband Reverend Karl, Sarah Hasse (Digerness) and husband Steve; and countless numbers of extended family members, friends, colleagues and students.
Join us to Celebrate Orlando's Life on Monday, November 8th, 2021, at Sunset Funeral Home, 2250 St Anthony Blvd NE, Minneapolis. Visitation will start at 11:30 am, service at 12:30 and interment to follow at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the University of Minnesota Environmental Health Sciences Fund at the following link: http://makingagift.umn.edu/give/fund.html?id=17076 .
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Ruschmeyer family.
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