MIDDLETON - Jack Myron McLeod, age 93, of Middleton, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on Aug. 30, 1930, in Chicago, Ill., the son of William and Ellen (Hansen) McLeod.

Jack served in the U.S. Army. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison and went on to earn a master’s degree in journalism from UW-Madison in 1953. After earning his Ph.D. in social psychology at the University of Michigan, Jack joined the UW faculty in 1962. He served as a Journalism and Mass Communication professor for UW-Madison for 38 years, where he taught graduate students from all over the world. He was a Fellow of the International Communication Association and received the Director’s Award from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.

Jack cherished his children and grandsons. He enjoyed building furniture, doll houses and bookshelves. He loved traveling to national parks and around the world. He was able to explore all but three European countries and climbed Mount Hood. He especially enjoyed his time in Scottland and learned to make Scottish Shortbread that he shared with his students. Jack loved walking the Pheasant Branch Conservancy, enjoyed watching the birds and observing architecture, especially the art deco aesthetic. He was an avid Badgers fan and season ticket holder for nearly 60 years. He was a voracious reader, was politically active-providing contributions and activism for organizations that were important to him.

Jack is survived by his son, Douglas (Kathryn) McLeod; daughter, Katy McLeod; and four grandchildren, Ethan McLeod, Dylan McLeod, Aidan McLeod, and Jon "JJ" McLeod. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ellen; brother, Donald McLeod; and former wife, Donna Buse McLeod.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made in Jack's memory to support graduate students: The Jack M. McLeod Graduate Support Fund (http://tinyurl.com/muhmub2u).

Jack was an incredible mentor, teacher and friend and will be dearly missed.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Jack Myron McLeod

August 30, 1930 - January 28, 2024

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