Dr. David J. Rislove

Nov. 16, 1940 — Nov. 3, 2005

GOODVIEW, Minn. — Dr. David J. Rislove, 64, of Goodview died peacefully, surrounded by his wife and daughters Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005, at Methodist Hospital, Rochester, Minn. Dave was born in Rushford, Minn., on Nov. 16, 1940, to Elmer and Beatrice (Otis) Rislove. He married Susan M. Schacht on June 15, 1963, in Rochester.

He was educated in Rushford Public Schools, where he also was an outstanding athlete, earning varsity letters in football, baseball, basketball and track. He continued his education, earning a B.A. in chemistry from Winona State; he attended Iowa State for one year and went on to earn his Ph.D. from North Dakota State University.

Dave taught organic chemistry for 311/2 years at Winona State University. During that time, he served 23 consecutive years as the WSU faculty athletic representative, 18 years as executive secretary and six years as president of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Board of Control. He was the founder and first faculty adviser to the American Chemical Society Affiliated Chemistry Club for 15 years, supervising more than 100 undergraduate research projects. He is a U.S. Patent holder and wrote more than 40 scientific publications. He did consulting and testing for several Winona-area businesses.

Dave was a history buff, some called him a walking encyclopedia. He enjoyed nature, canoeing, hunting and golfing, and was a dedicated supporter of WSU athletic events. He was inquisitive and a scientist to the very end. His sense of humor was woven in all he did, but was most evident while entertaining his grandchildren with stories, songs and games.

His service to WSU and the Winona community stretch far and wide. His talents, spirit of volunteering and general likeable way was seen by those who knew and worked with him. Dave was a pre-pharmacy adviser for 27 years; served on numerous committees at WSU, including the A2C2, Library, Athletic, Honorary Degree and Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. He was a member, past president and current board member of the Warrior Club.

Dave’s athletic abilities earned him four letters in football at WSU and All Conference honors in 1960 and 1961. He was co-captain of the football team in 1961. Dave also earned two varsity letters in track and field. In 2000, he was inducted into the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Hall of Fame, and in 2002 he was inducted into the WSU Hall of Fame.

Dave was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Winona, where he served several terms on its Vestry and was a dependable member in the church choir. He was a member of the Elks Lodge No. 327, Winona; the American Chemical Society; and the Winona Area Barbershoppers since 1968, singing baritone in numerous quartets. He has held every office except treasurer along with regional and district offices in the SPEBSQSA. Dave was most recently a member of the Sound Tradition Quartet.

He is survived by his mother, Beatrice Rislove of Rushford, Minn.; his wife of 42 years, Susan of Goodview; daughters, Kaye Kragenbring of Hastings, Minn., and Lori (Lew) Fellows of Albia, Iowa; grandchildren, Crystal, Carmen and Shanna Fellows, Lindie, Brady and Treya Kragenbring; a great- granddaughter, Sydney Fellows; and a brother, Philip (Becky) Rislove, Topeka, Kan.

His father, Elmer Rislove preceded him in death.

A memorial service celebrating David’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Winona, with the Rev. Lawrence Green officiating. Inurnment will follow in the St. Paul’s’ Memory Garden. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, 2005, at Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home, Winona.

Memorial gifts may be directed to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winona, the Winona State University Foundation or the donor’s choice.

Services entrusted to Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Winona. Words of sympathy and remembrance may be left at http://www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com/.

Last Modified: Monday, March 10, 2008 11:29 by Brooke Sherer