Walter Wedin (1925-2017)

WEDIN, HANE

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 5/6/2017 at 10:00:04

Obituary from StarTribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Walter Wedin aged 91, passed away on April 11, 2017, at his home in Golden Valley, MN (Minneapolis). Born in Frederic, Wisconsin, on November 28, 1925, he led a life devoted to family, teaching, science, and community. His compassion, wisdom, and humor will be greatly missed by his family, former students, and colleagues.

Growing up as the fifth child of eight siblings, to parents Reuben and Ruth Hane Wedin, he attended a one-room country school. Following high school, he served in the U.S. Army from 1945-1946, and was stationed with the occupation forces in Germany.

After his military service, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he majored in Agronomy and received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. During those years, he was a member, resident, and advisor for Delta Theta Sigma (DTS), a professional agricultural fraternity. He served on the UW Horticulture faculty from 1953 to 1957 and with the USDA's Agricultural Research Service in St. Paul, Minnesota, from 1957 to 1961.

From 1961 to 1991, he was on the Agronomy faculty at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, where he also served as the first director of the World Food Institute from 1973 to 1977. After retiring as Full Professor in 1991, he moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he served as Adjunct Professor of Agronomy and Plant Genetics at the U of M, and as an agricultural consultant for Land O'Lakes Inc.

During his academic career, he served as faculty advisor for more than 40 graduate students, many of whom have had distinguished careers, both in the United States and internationally. His students remember him fondly. His research, teaching, extension, and international technical assistance involved pasture and forage management in support of ruminant animal production. He traveled widely, participating in conferences and consulting in Latin America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. Walt authored and co-authored over 150 publications, recently editing the book "Grassland: Quietness and Strength for a New American Agriculture," and authoring his memoir, "A Foraging Journey: It Only Takes a Seed." His many awards included Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy and Distinguished Iowa Scientist (Iowa Academy of Science).

Wherever he lived, he was active in community organizations such as his church, PTA, youth sports organizations, and other civic groups. He enjoyed singing and was a member of the American Swedish Institute's Male Chorus for over 15 years.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; two sons, Randy (Jeanette) and David (Nancy); one sister, Carolyn (Tony); seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial service will be Tuesday, April 18, at 11 AM, with visitation one hour prior at the church--Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis (5025 Knox Ave S).

Memorials may be made to the American Swedish Institute.