Richard Dale Sjolseth

Richard Dale Sjolseth

Cedar Rapids

Richard Dale Sjolseth, 88, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, at St. Luke’s Hospice, where he received wonderful care. He has been a resident at Cottage Grove Place, independent living, for the past seven years. He was born Oct. 21, 1933, in Hills, Minn., the son of Christopher B. and Lily Mae (Pederson) Sjolseth. He was a beloved son, brother, and uncle.

After graduating high school in Hills, Minn., in 1951, Richard joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Berlin, Germany, during the Reconstruction serving as secretary to his commanding officer.

Richard received his BA Degree from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and the University of Oslo in Norway, and his Master Degree from Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles.

His teaching career started in Minneapolis, Minn., then moving to California in 1966, where he taught high school English, eventually becoming Coordinator of the “Gifted and Talented Program” for the Los Angeles County Unified School Districts. Starting in 1982, he served for 17 years as director of the “U.S. Academic Decathlon Program.”

Richard’s love of education didn’t end there as he went on to be Co-President and Founder of the Institute of Learning, Teaching and the Human Brain, speaking to and consulting with educators from around the world.

In 2016, after living in California for 50 years, Richard moved to Cedar Rapids to be near family.

Richard loved time spent with family and friends, traveling, going to the theater, a good game of bridge, reading, writing, playing the piano and entertaining his nieces and& nephews with thinking word games. He left his family and friends with many wonderful memories.

Surviving are his nieces, Kimberly (Tom) Petersen, Rochelle Sjolseth, Lanette (Larry) Siegel, Pamela (Denny) Jorgensen and Deborah (John) Rigg; nephew, Gregory (Cheryl) Dopson; as well as many great- and great-great-nieces and -nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Christopher and Lily Mae Sjolseth; brother, Milo Sjolseth; sister, Phyllis Dopson; and sister, Carole Lyng.

Cremation rites have been accorded by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Interment will be at a later date at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery in Hills, Minn.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Ed and Joan Hemphill Hospice Unit, UnityPoint-St. Luke’s Hospital, 855 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

Please share your support and memories with Richard’s family on his Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.