Peter Hasselriis

Peter Hasselriis died Sunday, December 28, 2014, at home.

Born in Forest Hills, New York, February 8, 1937 to Caspar Henrik Wolffsen Hasselriis IV and Doris Dodge, Pete graduated from Valley Stream High School in 1954. He received his BS in Music Education from the State University of New York-Fredonia.

From 1958 to 1962, Pete taught music to elementary students in the North Syracuse Public Schools, while completing course work for his M Ed in English Education, which he received in 1964. He then taught junior high school English until 1966, when he received funding to complete his PhD in Reading Education, from Syracuse University, New York in 1968.

For nearly 30 years, Pete taught Reading in the Content Areas, The Teaching of Reading in Middle and Secondary Schools, and General Semantics at the University of Missouri. He served on the committees of many masters and doctoral students in Reading Education, English Education, and Music Education.

During his career, Pete was active in many professional organizations, including the National Council of Teachers of English, the Missouri Association of Teachers of English, the International Reading Association, Teachers Applying Whole Language, and the Committee for Expansion of Language and Thinking.

Pete thrived by pursing his many interests. He and Marilyn roamed far and wide around the world, most of it on bicycles. He was fascinated by technology, wood-working, photography, language, history, opera, and assiduously completed scorecards at St. Louis Cardinals baseball games. He was a decades-long member of Choral Union, acted and sang in local plays, and enjoyed a daily ritual of crossword puzzles. His family and friends will deeply miss this quiet, gentle man.

Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Marilyn; his brother, Kimber (Maxine); 2 children, Susan Guell (Robert) and Stephen (Sandy); 2 grandchildren, Kathleen Salmeron (Manuel); Matthew Guell (Angel); and one great-granddaughter, Lilly.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, January 17, 2015, at the Unitarian Universalist Church,2615 Shepherd Blvd., Columbia, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Pete’s name may be sent to the Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, MO., 65202 or Habitat for Humanity, 1906 Monroe Street, Columbia, MO., 65201.

Condolences

  1. Dana Humphrey on December 30, 2014 at 11:38 am

    Dear Marilyn,
    I am saddened to hear of Dr. Hasselriis’ passing. I always respected him as a professor and for everything he did for MATE. I so enjoyed time at your home for our MATE meetings. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
    Dana Humphrey



  2. Sherry Arni on December 30, 2014 at 2:50 pm

    Dr. Hasselriis was one of the greatest influences on my teaching career. Both as an undergraduate and graduate student, I relied on his wisdom to guide my professional steps. He was a wonderful, encouraging mentor. My thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.



  3. Michael Hogan on December 30, 2014 at 4:35 pm

    Marilyn, my thoughts are with you and your family at this time. I have always had the greatest respect for Dr. Hasselriis, professionally and personally. His articles helped me in my career, and his work in MATE was invaluable to that organization. May you and your family rejoice in his well-lived life. Michael Hogan



  4. Sharon (Hoge) Helwig on December 30, 2014 at 8:21 pm

    Dear Marilyn,

    Peter opened up a new world to me when I was still teaching in Moberly. I’ve never known someone who was so perceptive, so giving, and so commited to the success of others. What a blessing he has been to so many people. Take care, Sharon



  5. Stuart Palonsky on December 31, 2014 at 8:53 am

    Marilyn,

    On Sunday we lost a very good man and a very good friend. Wishing you peace and comfort during this time of sorrow. With heartfelt sympathy,

    Stu Palonsky



  6. Nancy Browning on December 31, 2014 at 9:47 am

    Dear Marilyn and family,
    I send you healing thoughts. Pete was such a kind person. I will always think of him smiling. I am glad to have known him.
    Sending love and light,
    Nancy



  7. Marilyn & Kirk Kippley on December 31, 2014 at 10:16 am

    We are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. We are very sorry to hear of Pete’s passing.



  8. Linda Aulgur on December 31, 2014 at 9:15 pm

    Marilyn and Family–
    You all are in our hearts and prayers so much. Pete was just an all around great guy and I feel so very fortunate to have had him both as a professor and neighbor. We send our deepest sympathies.
    We will return late on the 18th and see you then. LInda and Bob Aulgur



  9. Chuck and Carol Headley on January 1, 2015 at 11:50 am

    Carol and I send our regards to you Marilyn and your family. We will miss seeing him at the Scandinavian meetings. Our prayers are with you.



  10. Pat Timberlake on January 5, 2015 at 8:29 am

    Marilyn, Steve and Susie, I am so saddened to hear about Peter. We go back so far with good memories. He was a wonderful person and musician and I will also miss him. Marilyn,
    I known how hard it can be to lose A companion of so many years. Please call me so we can do lunch or something. Pat



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