John E. Stecklein

John Ellsworth Stecklein was a graduate of Downey High School in 1940 where he was known as Ellsworth. He graduated from Whittier College in 1944 and proceeded on to Penn State University to obtain his Masters Degree in Physics. He then taught Physics and Math at Whittier College while continuing his education towards a Doctorate Degree in Math.John joined the faculty of the University of Minnesota in 1952 after receiving his PhD from the University of Wisconsin and retired in 1989. During that time John was listed among the 32 top persons in higher education in the country. His work in higher education was widely acclaimed. He was a pioneer in the field of institutional research and was instrumental in establishing the Association for Institutional Research, which has grown to international recognition. He traveled extensively for the University and Ford Foundation as an advisor for over 11 countries to develop programs of higher education. Since high school he had been an avid tennis player with a wicked curving serve. Until he lost his sight in 1995, one of his greatest joys was playing tennis with the Senior Tennis Players Club in St. Paul, MN. He also loved playing Bridge, Scrabble and Chess and as a young teenager was an expert marbles player. He was a great husband, father, teacher, and man. All will miss his dry friendly humor; especially his puns. John Ellsworth is preceded in death by his son Ken. He is survived by his wife Helen; children; daughter in law Hilary; grandchildren Gordon and Graham; son Mark (Pat) and grandchildren Janelle, Paul and Eric; son Robb (Linda) and grandchildren Jill, Lee and Ross; daughter Beth True (Steve) and grandchildren Andy and Caroline; and brother Jim (Ann), and family of Whittier, California. Services will be held in early January at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

********** Published: January 6, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 38