Birth date: Nov 26, 1944 Death date: Sep 13, 2023
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 Read Obituary
The big picture is Jon molded the journalists who covered Florida and the nation for several generations. The 64-ounce “pitchers” are the fun we had after classes and graduation. He’d chide me for missing another deadline —his passing six months ago. I wish he could have seen the Wolverines’ big win. Thank you, Jon, for launching me and others on a career of passion.
Efficient but never brusque administrator. Helpful, not patronizing.
Surprised me several times with a gentle whoosh as he flew by during his lunch runs.
A memorable man who enhanced the student experience of so many Gators. RIP
"Joe", as I knew him, was a wonderful man and an outstanding faculty member at UF. He was a great supporter of students, and the IFA was successful largely due to his guidance. I couldn't keep up with Joe and his running, and was envious of his energy and activitiy. I was very lucky to call him a friend and colleague. Art Sandeen
Dr. Roosenraad was helpful to a young man unsure of what major to choose and struggling with admissions to Telecommunications program. When others in the department suggested I quit, he encouraged me and I still always remember his kindness to this day, nearly 30 years later. His impact on students was far reaching and I'm sure thousands have stories and will remember him forever. May he rest in peace.
I was fortunate to have taken Ethics in Journalism with Professor Roosenraad in the early '90s. I was a Student Government type and the Alligator editor was in the class too. Dr. Roosenraad was excellent at guiding us in meaningful and respectful conversations and debates about ethical issues in journalism and I learned a lot that still helps me today in my work. I never wound up being a reporter. I'm a local government attorney and my practice area includes government ethics. I am so grateful for the lessons and values I learned from Dr. Roosenraad. My condolences to all who knew and loved him.
Kristin Carter
JM '93
Dr R was an icon in the J school in the late 1990s when I attended UF. As has been stated below he was one of the best listeners you could ever know. Not every academic situation is the same and he didn’t treat them the same. He was an incredibly special man and it doesn’t shock me one bit to see the outpouring of memories here. RIP Dr R.
I am sad to learn of Dr. Jon Roosenraad's passing. He was my faculty advisor in the College of Journalism from 1976 until graduation in 1979. Dr. Roosenraad was a big help to me. His easy-going style made my time in the journalism college, then housed under the west stands of the football stadium, a less stressful affair. Henry Howard, BSJ, Class of 1979.
Dr. Rosenraad leaves a lasting legacy through the students whose lives he touched and careers he helped shape. I admired and respected him, both for his devotion to the UF Journalism School and to the Indpendent Florida Alligator.
Darcy (Landy) Grabenstein
JM '79
I owe my degree and my career to Dr. Roosenraad, who talked me out of quitting school, when I was already working in the field.
I am forever touched by his kindness to me, an older student who questioned why she needed a degree when she was already gainfully employed — and so stressed out.
Thanks to him, I graduated in 1981. And I have never been involuntarily unemployed.
In 1983, I was pleased to find him in my life again, on the Board of Directors at The Independent Florida Alligator, where I’d been employed as the operations manager, and where I stayed for nearly five years.
He was just a lovely man. He will be so sadly missed.
I hope his family is comforted by the testimonies of the monumental differences he made in the lives and careers of so many.
All my love to you, for him.
