Norman Kurt Risjord

To Norman's Family, When I saw Norman's obituary I felt compelled to write. I entered UW-Madison as a freshman in the fall of 1981. Prof. Risjord was my professor for History 101, American History up to the Civil War. Until that time, I had never enjoyed any history class and never appreciated history itself. Prof. Risjord was captivating and energetic. He made history interesting and personal. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and enrolled the next semester in his History 102 class. Prof. Risjord changed my entire attitude about history and I have always remembered him as one of my favorite instructors. My condolences to you all. Steve Wildeck Vice Chancellor, UW Colleges & UW Extension

We were sorry to hear of Norman's death. We were fortunate to meet Norm and Connie when they lived at Genoa Point in Middleton. After reading the obituary we were impressed with the very wonderful, productive and scholarly life he has lived. Madeline was so happy she had the opportunity to take one of his classes at PLATO. It was one of the most interesting history classes she had ever taken. We extend our deepest sympathy to Connie and the family and hope they take comfort in knowing that Norm touched so many lives and his life lives on in the books he has written. Ray and Madeline Laufenberg

I had the privilege of having Professor Risjord for History 101 and 102 as a Freshman at the University in 1969-1970. I was so happy as a retiree to attend his A Leisurely Walk through American History PLATO classes at Oakwood some 40+ years later. The breadth and depth of his knowledge was amazing and he was able to bring history alive and make it fun, too. My deepest sympathies to the family. Dianne Reynolds

He and mr Mead left an inpact on many boys through boyscouts. He was a second father leading the guys through great trips through mountains at the cabin and stories of the dog Bucky. A well missed figure. His history books I have enjoyed reading are Wisconsin and Jefferson's america. Hugs Peace and many great memoirs. Maija Liisa Kangas Surrarrer (Eric, Paul, Garth and Karls sister daughter of Gary and Marjorie Kangas,

My son was a member of Norm's scout troop and as such he experienced an appendix attack while the troop was some 17 miles from the nearest healthcare in Northern Wisconsin. Son David Pedro spent the night under Norm's fatherly care at the local care center thanks to the ambulance's knowledge of the camp site. I also asked to borrow some of the tapes of Norm's history lectures to share with a Middleton High School History teacher who was dealing with a serious health problem. What a generous, kind and valued neighbor he was during those Madison years.