Obituary of Kenneth Charles Risdon

Kenneth (Ken) Charles Risdon, age 77, died under hospice care on July 1, 2024, at Marywood Assisted Living of the Benedictine Senior Living Community. Ken was born on September 27, 1946, in Vermilion, Ohio to Clyde and Elsie (Trinter) Risdon. He grew up on a dairy farm in northern Ohio along with his two brothers Robert (Bob) and Bruce. After he graduated in 1965 from Vermilion High School, Ken went on to earn both a BA and an MA in English from Ohio State University, and a Doctor of Arts in English from Idaho State University (Pocatello, ID).

In 1975, Ken joined the English department at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) as an Associate Prof. where he taught hundreds of sections of freshman writing and many sections of technical writing for engineers and scientists. Other courses taught included document design and graphics, electronic publishing, business writing, and a graduate seminar: Teaching College Writing. He also served as director of the Composition Department from 1978 to 1985.

In collaboration with other faculty Ken created a freshman writing course that was successful for many years. In the early 1980s, Ken, along with a group of other faculty, created the first computer lab at UMD. At the time, it was the only university in the country to require that all freshmen use computers in their freshman writing class. Ken along with Prof. William Gibson wrote and revised more than 10 editions of College Writing: Assignments and Exercises. With contributions from several other faculty members, Ken wrote Computing for College Writing and revised it over 20 years to include current theory in teaching writing and computer technology.

Ken retired from UMD in 2019. During his 44-year tenure, he participated and chaired nearly all of the major committees, including acting as chair of the Educational Policy Committee.

Looking back over his life, Ken was proud that at age 17 he attended the August 28, 1963, March on Washington, where he heard Dr. Martin Luther King deliver his “I Have a Dream” speech.

Ken loved big dogs, reading, gardening and grilling. He was the ultimate host for Friday the 13th gatherings and summer evenings on his deck at his home where he mixed up and served a mighty good gin martini. Ken was a kind man and a true humanitarian at heart. He opened his door to many who needed a place to stay and would do anything for anybody, but he was particularly committed to his students.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Diana (Schneiderman) Risdon. Survivors include two brothers Robert (Bob) Risdon, Vermilion, OH, and Bruce Risdon, Fort Meyers, FL, nephews, Jeffrey and Ryan Risdon and niece Laura Gilles, plus seven great nieces and nephews.

A “Gathering of Friends” is planned for October 10, 2024, at the Kitchi Gammi Club, 4-6 p.m. to share stories and memories of Ken.

Memorials may be directed to the Kenneth and Diana Risdon Technology and Student Support Fund #6673. Mail to University of Minnesota, P.O Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN, 55486 please note in memory of Ken Risdon or you may contribute online at: z.umn.edu/RisdonMemorial