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Kathryne Joan Risberg MAT ’64

Kathryne Joan Risberg MAT ’64, October 9, 2013, in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Joan was an undergraduate at the University of Oregon, leaving to marry E. Vernon Risberg and to raise a family, which included a son and two daughters. She resumed her studies at Portland State University, completing a BA in 1963, and then enrolled in the master’s program at Reed in English and social studies. Joan taught both subjects for 25 years at Madison and Cleveland high schools in Portland. “My experiences at Reed greatly broadened my outlook on life,” she wrote in 1994. “I hope that I have been able to pass this open attitude on to students I have had—even to others in my life.” She remembered particularly class with Kenneth Hanson [English 1954–86], who “made poetry sing,” and a favorite instructor was Richard Jones [history 1941–86]—“I still feel lucky to have known him and to have taken a class from him.” Joan and Vern traveled throughout the world, and enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Rockaway Beach on the Oregon coast. They were married for 54 years. Survivors include her children, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two sisters.

Appeared in Reed magazine: March 2014