R. Woude

R. Dick Vander Woude was born on June 17, 1939 in Northwest Iowa to Rich and Madge (Kreykes) Vander Woude. He died on March 14, 2014 due to complications from an accidental fall.

He grew up in Okoboji, Iowa. He loved Lake Okoboji where he raced sailboats and was a tour boat captain. In 1961 he married Sondra Holt. He began his professional career as an Iowa middle school history teacher before starting his union work. He spent thirty-seven years with the National Education Association family, retiring in 2006 as the Director of Public Relations for the Wisconsin Education Association Council.

Dick served NEA members in many roles. He began as an organizer for the Nevada State Education Association, then worked for the NEA as the Midwest Government Relations Consultant. He returned to Nevada in 1982 as the state's union Executive Director. In 1988, he moved with his family to Washington DC where he developed the NEA's State Public Affairs Program. He was assigned as NEA's liaison to the 1982 Clinton Presidential Campaign.

In 1995, Dick came back to the Midwest when he was hired to manage the WEAC Public Relations Department and its media affairs. In that capacity he created and managed the highly acclaimed "Great Schools Campaign." (Every Kid Deserves a Great School)

After retirement, Dick continued his work in media. He was elected as a founding member of the board of directors of WisconsinEye. He has been a consultant with WisPolitics.com; the Wisconsin State Historical Society, and contributed content to "FightingBob.com."

Dick believed in lifelong learning. He was active in PLATO, taking numerous classes in both Philosophy (Spinoza was his favorite), and in writing. (He just completed his memoir, "Tacking into the Wind"). Dick was passionate about the Badgers and served on the Board of Directors of the UW Badger Basketball Boosters. He loved reading, golfing, and conversations over coffee with his many friends.

Surviving and remembering his love are his wife, Cynthia; his children, Eric of Los Angeles, CA., Alec, of Santa Cruz, CA., and Clare (Dan Schiedermayer, fianc�) of Middleton, WI. His sister, Mary of Okoboji, IA.; and his stepchildren, Ky Gustafson (Susan), of Forreston, Il., Marcia Fuller, of Elgin, Il., Karl Gustafson (Alison) of Lexington, Ky. He's also survived by 7 grandchildren, Ky, (Noelle) Laura, and Kayleigh Gustafson, Hannah and Josh Fuller and Grace and Harry Gustafson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his second wife, Pam Ryan of Madison, Wi.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 17, 2014 at Luther Memorial Church, 1021 University Avenue, Madison at 2:00 p.m. with visitation from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Neuro ICU staff at UW Hospital for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to:
Friends of Creative Writing - UW Madison c/o Ron Kuka
University of Wisconsin - Dept. of English
800 N. Park St., Madison Wi. 53708

Southern Poverty Law Center
400 Washington Avenue
Montgomery, Al 36104
Http:/ www.splcenter.org/