Richard Sjolseth
October 21, 1933 ~ September 20, 2022
Richard Dale Sjolseth 88, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at St. Luke's Hospice where he received wonderful care. He has been a resident at Cottage Grove Place, independent living, for the past seven years. He was born October 21, 1933, in Hills, Minnesota, the son of Christopher B. and Lily Mae (Pederson) Sjolseth. He was a beloved son, brother, and uncle.After graduating high school in Hills, Minnesota, in 1951, Richard joined the US Army and was stationed in Berlin, Germany, during the Reconstruction serving as secretary to his commanding officer.Richard received his BA Degree from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and the University of Oslo in Norway, and his Master Degree from Mount St. Mary's University in Los Angeles.His teaching career started in Minneapolis, Minnesota, then moving to California in 1966, where he taught high school English eventually becoming Coordinator of the 'Gifted and Talented Program' for the Los Angeles County Unified School Districts. Starting in 1982, he served for 17 years as director of the 'US Academic Decathlon Program'.Richard's love of education didn't end there as he went on to be Co-President and Founder of the Institute of Learning, Teaching and the Human Brain speaking to and consulting with educators from around the world.In 2016, after living in California for 50 years, Richard moved to Cedar Rapids to be near family.Richard loved time spent with family and friends, traveling, going to the theater, a good game of bridge, reading, writing, playing the piano and entertaining his nieces & nephews with thinking word games. He left his family and friends with many wonderful memories.Surviving are his nieces, Kimberly (Tom) Petersen, Rochelle Sjolseth, Lanette (Larry) Siegel, Pamela (Denny) Jorgensen, and Deborah (John) Rigg; nephew, Gregory (Cheryl) Dopson; as well as many great and great great nieces and nephews.Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Christopher and Lily Mae Sjolseth; brother, Milo Sjolseth; sister, Phyllis Dopson; and sister, Carole Lyng.Cremation rites have been accorded by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Interment will be at a later date at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery in Hills, Minnesota.Memorial contributions can be made to the Ed and Joan Hemphill Hospice Unit, St Lukes UnityPoint Hospital, 855 A Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402.Please share your support and memories with Richard's family on his Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
Kim your uncle was so wonderful to visit with. He was worldly, unassuming., and entertaining. Thanks for sharing him with us on some special occasions. Peace be with you the Kranigs
Thank you Mindy & Brian for your kind words, he will be missed by many ❤️
Kim. Thanks for taking good care of our beloved uncle Dick. He will be missed. He had a good life and just so thankful that he will not have to suffer any longer. You and Tom did a lot for Dick these last few years and it is really appreciated. Greg.
Uncle Dick!Uncle Dick! Uncle Dick!!!! We cousins would cry when we’d see him . And he was always there to support us. He was a GEM to the Sjolseth family. He had a great searching mind, wore his heart on his sleeve and was full of beans. Wear your “ party clothes “ Uncle Dick. Grandma and Grandpa, Dad, Carole, and Phyllis are all waiting to see you. I love you Uncle Dick. Sharyn. P. S. Try to stay on the Norwegian side. ( Kim so glad you were with Dick and helping him. Thankyou.
What a gracious, warm, intelligent teacher! We former Westchester High School students were so fortunate to have been taught by Mr. Sjolseth. He inspired this English major to work in several California school districts.
How wonderful to count him as a family member. I will remember him always.
Jennifer Johnson Bladine
Richard was my neighbor in Signal Hill, California for many years. We became good friends. He would host the most fabulous get togethers. He was a wonderful Educator with his friend Diane. I always enjoyed hearing him prepare for his lectures. So many Educators enjoyed and benefited from his teachings. I will treasure our memories of going to the movies the theatre and spending time together. Rest in Peace, Dear Richard.