Qualley, Orlando W. -- 1897 - 1988

QUALLEY, WOLLAN, OLSON

Posted By: Connie Ellis (email)
Date: 1/12/2011 at 22:26:09

SOURCE: Waukon, Iowa WAUKON REPUBLICAN-STANDARD, December 13, 1988
Contributor: Connie Ellis (Not related)

An era at Luther college, Decorah, Iowa, that began in 1912 ended Thursday, December 8, 1988 when Orland "Pip" Qualley, professor emeritus of classics died in Decorah, Iowa at the age of 91. He was lovingly referred to as "Mr.Luther".

Pip was Luther's first vice president (1936-63) and first dean (1946-63). Mr. Qualley began his association with Luther in 1912 when he enrolled in the Luther College Preparatory Department, the equivalent of high school at the time. After attending Luther from 1912-18 and graduating with the A.B. degree, Orlando joined the Luther faculty, teaching classical languages and literature at Luther for 52 years.

"Dr.Qualley's career at Luther College covered over half of its 128 year history. He was more than a participant. He was a shaper of it character. His death represents the end of an era that stretches back to our earliest roots", said luther President H. George Anderson.

Orlando Qualley was born March 9, 1897 on a farm near Ridgeway, Iowa *The obituary does not give the names of his parents.* In 1912 he graduated from the Ridgeway two year high school. He married Clara Wollan of Glenwood, Minnesota in 1925. Mrs. Qualley died in 1981.

Dr. Qualley earned his master's and doctorate degrees at the University of Michigan where he was elected to memberships in Phi Beta Kappa.

Luther alumni and colleagues of Qualley referred to him as "Mr. Luther College" because of his multi-faceted involvement with the school. In addition to being a professor and Luther's first vice-president and dean, Qualley was at various times throughout his career Luther's registrar, director of summer sessions and a football and basketball coach. He was a forward on the undefeated 1916-17 Luther basketball team that played without a coach.

An Orlando W. Qualley Professorship of Classics endowment was established this fall at Luther in his honor.

A memorial service was held on December 12 at First Lutheran Church in Decorah, Iowa. *The obituary does not state where the burial took place.*

Dr. Qualley is survived by his daughter, Eileen Olson of St. Paul, Minnesota, 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.