Rienow, Robert E. 1872-1946

RIENOW, HOLSINGER, EVANS, BEAN, MORSE

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 6/23/2017 at 18:18:00

Funeral services for Dean Robert E. Rienow, 73, former University of Iowa dean of men and one time superintendent of Elkader schools, were held Friday afternoon, Jan. 18, at the McGovern funeral home in Iowa City. Father Stanley Fullwood of the Muscatine Episcopal church officiated. Burial was in Oakland cemetery in Iowa City.

Dean Rienow died at Mercy hosptial in Iowa City early Tuesday morning, Jan. 15. Although ill for several months he had been hospitalized only since Sunday.

Robert E. Rienow was born at Marquette, Sept. 4, 1872, a son of Henry Rienow and Catherine Holsinger Rienow. He was graduated from the Prairie du Chien, Wis., high school.

Affiliated with Beta Theta Pi fraternity, he received a B.A. degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1894. He then served as a teacher and superintendent of schools at Fox Lake, Wis., until 1899 following which he was an instructor of English and public speaking at the White Water Normal school until 1903.

For eight years, from 1904 until 1912 he was superintendent of the Elkader schools. Under his training Elkader produced many state championships in oratory and debate. A system of self government was also established in the school.

For several months during 1913 he served as superintendent of schools at Independence where he was appointed assistant dean of men at the University of Iowa and in 1916 was appointed dean of men. While at the University he was associated with the student health department, the employment department and housing service.

Through Dean Rienow's efforts the administration of student finance aid was organized and expanded. From the 1914 amount of a few hundred dollars, the student loan fund increased to its present rate of $75,000 a year. Also during his administration, Kellogg house, the first cooperative dormatory at the university was established and the Quadrangle, one of the first men's dormitories in the middle west was built.

Dean Rienow liked personal "father and son" talks with "his boys." He believed that one could understand a student when the "cards were on the table."

When he retired at the age of 70, in September, 1942, Dean Rienow commented, "After these 29 years, I have just as much faith in young people as the day I started my work here."

Following his retirement he held the position of senior counselor office of student affairs.

He was honored at a testimonial dinner at Iowa Union on Dec. 3, 1940 commemorating his 29 years of service. At the same time, a portrait of Dean Rienow, painted by Francis McCroy of the art department, was presented to the University. In the background of the portrait is the Quadrangle court, one of the two dormitories Dean Rienow saw erected on the campus during his 29 years of service.

He was a member of the Episcopal church and the Masonic lodge.

Since his retirement, Dean Rienow lived with his sister, Mrs. Mabel Evans, and a niece Ruth Evans, at 1033 Woodlawn Ave., in Iowa City.

Surviving in addition to his sister and niece are an adopted son, Harry William Rienow, of New York City, who flew to Iowa City to be at his father's funeral, a brother, George, of Rapid City, S.D., a sister Mrs. C.W. Bean of Kansas City, Mo., and three nephews, C.W. and Miles Bean, both of Kansas City, and Dr. Robert L. Morse, Elkader.

~Clayton County Register, Thursday afternoon, January 24, 1946