Dr. Robert S. Ristow

Dr. Robert S. Ristow, 61, of Midland, passed away on March 2, 2012. He was born on September 17, 1950 to Irvin E. Ristow and Margaret O. Ristow in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He spent his 40 year career in education; from 1972 up until his passing. Previously, Dr. Ristow held the position as Special Education Professor at Huron College and State of South Dakota. He also held the title of Dean at the College of Education and Health Science at St. Ambrose University. Later, Dr. Ristow became Dean at the School of Education at The University of Texas at The Permian Basin. He has had 32 publications in Education as an author and co-author. In 1980, Dr. Robert S. Ristow was named Educator of the Year at South Dakota State University. He was also a 2 time award winner of Who’s Who In Education for the years of 1989 and 1990. He was a member of the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education from 1999 until his passing. Dr. Ristow was also a member of the Iowa Association of College Teacher Education from 1998 to 2006. He was also on the Council for Exceptional Children from 1974 to 2002 where he held the title of Governor from 1996 to 1999 and was also a 3 time President.

Dr. Robert S. Ristow was also very involved with multiple organizations; State of Iowa (10 committees), State of South Dakota (6), A.H.E.A.D. National Committees (2), Community Based Committee (7).

He helped numerous other committees generate over 8 million dollars in grants to help further education.

Dr. Robert S. Ristow is preceded in death by his father, Irvin E. Ristow of Watertown, SD.

Left to cherish and honor his memory is his loving wife, Gwen L. Ristow of Midland, TX; his two sons, Jesse S. Ristow and Kimberly Hunziker of Austin, TX and Joshua R. Ristow and Taren Coupland of Peoria, IL; his mother, Margaret O. Ristow of Watertown, SD; and his sister, Mary Ristow of Santa Fe, NM. He is also survived by his extended family: Mary, Rick, and Eric McClung of Canton, SD; Laurie Holien of Thousand Oaks, CA; Verlyn Holien of Columbia Heights, MN; and Joe, Theresa, and Nathan Holien of Blaine, MN.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, March 8, 2012 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm at Ellis Funeral Home (801 Andrews Highway, Midland, TX 79701). A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Friday, March 9, 2012 at Midland Lutheran Church.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at a later date in Davenport, Iowa. The date and time is still to be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home of Midland. Condolences may be made at: www.ellisfunerals.com.

Memorial donations may be made to: The Mary Kay Foundation, P.O. Box 799044, Dallas, Texas 75379-9044; The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center/Research Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 72210-4486; Hand-in-Hand, 3860 Middle Road, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722; Dr. Mike Orfitelli Memorial Scholarship, Advancement Office/St. Ambrose University, 518 Locust St., Davenport, Iowa 52803.