Memorials › Dr Larry Lee Dornhoff

Dr Larry Lee Dornhoff

13 Apr 1942 – 10 Feb 2017

Birth13 Apr 1942
Death10 Feb 2017
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/176297549

Bio

Dr. Larry Dornhoff, 74, of Champaign passed away Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. Dr. Dornhoff was born on April 13, 1942, in Heartwell, Neb., growing up the eldest of three children on the family farm. He met his wife-to-be while pursuing postgraduate work at Yale University, and moved to central Illinois to accept a University of Illinois position following his marriage on June 8, 1968. He is survived by his wife, Meridee Hutt Dornhoff, and their two daughters, Sharon Dornhoff of Allentown, Pa., and Janet Dornhoff of Wheeling. His brother, Gene Dornhoff of White Rock, N.M., and his sister, Carol Dornhoff Simon of Columbia, Mo., also survive. He was predeceased by his parents, Melvin Dornhoff and Wilhemina Peters Dornhoff. >From an early age, Larry was an avid scholar, tutor and classroom speaker, aptitudes which served him well as a university student at University of Nebraska and at the University of Chicago, ultimately earning him a place as an associate professor of mathematics, from which he retired in September 2008. He authored two books and a series of interactive math-teaching programs, which were licensed to NovaNet (now Pearson) and distributed around the world. He taught calculus for many years, devoting ample time to helping students one-on-one as well as to classroom instruction, and mentoring teaching assistants. Dr. Dornhoff was fond of radio programs, sports (baseball especially), folk music and comedy; he seldom missed an episode of "Midnight Special" or "Prairie Home Companion." He bicycled extensively during his student days, and continued biking to and from work for many years. He was fond of dogs and enjoyed pampering his Brittney with walks and treats. He also liked to travel, bringing his family on numerous cross-country vacations - zoos especially, a favorite of his daughters - and escorting his wife on trips to England, Germany and Japan. In 1980, after Christmas, the family planted a 4-foot spruce in their front yard; for decades, Larry diligently decorated it in Christmas lights every holiday season, needing longer and longer extensible poles to do so. A loving father and devoted husband, Dr. Dornhoff spoke by phone weekly with his daughters, and took great pride in their achievements. Even as his own health declined from diabetes and weight issues, he selflessly nursed his wife through a broken leg and subsequent knee replacement. At the time of his passing, Larry was looking forward to celebrating his 75th birthday in the company of his loved ones. Now, it is they who will honor, remember and miss this gentle, intelligent, honest and wonderful man. News-Gazette (Champaign, Illinois)

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