T0: University Faculty and Staff FROM: Francis E. Smith, Acting Dean, College of Humanities and Fine Arts DATE: January 8, 1974 Mr. Richard Rackstraw, Assistant Professor of English, died Tuesday, January 8, 1974, at his home, 2109 Walnut Street, Cedar Falls. Mr. Rackstraw was born in Bay City, Michigan, on March 24, 1936. He received his B. A. degree in 1958 from Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan, and his M. A. degree in 1962 from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. From 1961 to 1965 he was Instructor in English at the University of Northern Illinois. Mr. Rackstraw came to the University of Northern Iowa in September, 1966, as an Instructor in English and was promoted to Assistant Professor in 1969. He taught courses in literature and composition but specialized in the teaching of creative writing. For several years he was faculty advisor to the staff of the student literary magazine, Seven. He has served as poetry editor of the North American Review and as visiting poet for the Iowa Arts Council. His poems have been published in the North American Review and other periodicals. Richard Rackstraw's teaching was his greatest professional interest. He saw his students as individuals. He took their problems seriously and gave his time and energy to them generously. He tried to bring into their lives and into their art useful combinations of freedom and form. Many young writers owe him debts which they will gladly acknowledge. Mr. Rackstraw is survived by his wife Lora Lee; five children, Leslie, Rob, Kevin, Geofrey, and Deirdre; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Rackstraw, Jr.; and his brother, James Rackstraw. Funeral services, conducted by the Rev. Harold S. Strickland, will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Melrose Drive and Seerley Boulevard, Cedar Falls. There will be a Requiem Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. and a Memorial Service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 10. A memorial fund in the name of Richard Rackstraw is being established to help with the education of the children. Those wishing to contribute should send their gifts, clearly marked for this purpose, to Mrs. Carol Anderson, Department of English Language and Literature, UNI, Cedar Falls, Iowa. The flag will be flown at half mast during the time of the service and the Campanile bells will be played in memory of Mr. Rackstraw.
