Jon A. Roosenraad's Obituary
Jon A. Roosenraad, age 78, died on September 13, 2023, in Gainesville from heart failure. He was a professor emeritus of journalism and had taught at the University of Florida since 1968.
The son of Christian and Olive Roosenraad, both educators, Jon was born in Lansing, Michigan, on November 26, 1944. He graduated from J.W. Sexton High School, where his father was the principal and where he was the editor of the school newspaper. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, a master's from Michigan State University and a PhD from Florida State University.
He married Margaret (Peg) Kirker of Lansing in June 1967 and they moved to Gainesville in 1968 where they have lived since.
He worked at the Lansing State Journal before joining the faculty of the College of Journalism and Communications in 1968 at the age of 23. He was the last faculty member hired by Rae Weimer, the first dean of the college. He served as chair of the Department of Journalism from 1978 to 1994 and was assistant dean for student services from 1994 until 2008.
He retired as a fulltime faculty member in 2006 but continued teaching as an adjunct instructor until his death. He taught courses in reporting, editing and journalism ethics. He received a university outstanding teacher award in 1991.
Jon was closely associated with the Independent Florida Alligator at UF, serving on the board of directors of the parent Campus Communications Corp. from 1976 until 1996. He was chair of that board from 1978 until 1996. He rejoined the board in 2012. He is a member of the Alligator Hall of Fame and was honored by the Florida Scholastic Press Association for outstanding service to high school journalism.
Jon was a Gator Booster and attended local games of a wide range of UF teams. He was physically active, having run three marathons and 20 River Runs in Jacksonville, and could be seen walking around Gainesville until his death. He was a huge fan of 1950s rock n roll. He enjoyed extensive European and United States trips, working in the yard, and keeping up with his granddaughters.
He is survived by wife Margaret of 56 years (married 1967), daughter Kim Moffitt (Tye) and daughters Madison and Lauryn, and son Brad (Jamie) and daughter Monica Stein-Roosenraad.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 22, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 P. M., in the Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Downtown, 404 North Main Street, Gainesville.
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