Richard H. Zeitlin Guest Book
Richard H. Zeitlin, Ph.D.
1945-2008
On December 3, 2008, Wisconsin Veterans Museum Director Richard H. Zeitlin, Ph.D. passed away. A published author, a respected historian, and an accomplished scholar, Rich led the Museum and Foundation for nearly three decades, overseeing the move of the facility from the State Capitol to 30 West Mifflin, and increasing the status of the Museum from a once quaint room of military relics to an internationally-known and revered military history institution. Rich took special enjoyment in hosting his friends and colleagues during the museum’s Distinguished Lecture Series, and was always impressed at the intelligence, interest, and caliber of our museum audience. While he is no longer with us, Rich’s legacy remains – in our exhibits, in our educational programs, and in our future – his vision for a grand showcase to honor the service and sacrifice of Wisconsin’s citizen-soldiers.
This memorial blog is a place to share stories about Rich, both personal and professional. Rich had a great number of people that cared for him – his family, close friends, co-workers, and fellow scholars – and the outpouring of support and emotion since his passing has been so great, it is only fitting that those stories reach a wider audience. So, please share your favorite story with us or just a few thoughts about Rich.
We offer his family and friends our sincerest condolences during this sad time. A special fund has been established by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation to honor the legacy and career of Dr. Zeitlin. Donations can be sent to:
Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation
Attn: Richard Zeitlin Memorial Fund
PO Box 2657
Madison, WI 53701-2657
Posted February 27th, 2009 at 8:15 am |
The recent news about the Brewers Artic Tailgate event brought to mind an outing by some of the Department of Veterans Affairs staff, including Rich and George Christenson from the Museum, to a Spring Brewers game. The plan was to take an afternoon of vacation and go as a group to a game against St Louis. The event was planned and we all waited in great anticipation of an afternoon of fellowship and great fun. Of course when the day came it was more like February cold, cloudy and threat of rain, who cares the stadium has a roof. Well our plan called for an elaborate tailgate before the game. We all arrived and got set up in the freezing wind; we were in luck no rain, we cooked our hamburgers, made from beef not ostrich so we did not get a visit from Wendell the Miller High Life man. The food went fast, not because it was some secrete family creation but because you simply wanted to get it down before it froze. Through it all Rich was as jovial as could be. I have a picture of him with a big smile no doubt wondering who the genius who had set this up was. Well after enduring the tailgate it was decided that before we had too much fun we may want to go stand in line and wait to get inside. Finally we got inside and all was well we enjoyed the game and a safe return. The event was a great success due in part to Rich and his most pleasant personality. I will miss him.
Posted March 13th, 2009 at 5:31 pm |
This would is a better place because Rich passed this way.
He is already missed.
Posted March 21st, 2009 at 8:18 am |
Richard left us a wonderful legacy. Some men just come and go swimming here in the big pond makig not even a spash. Other’s, such as our friend Richard, not only make a splash they create waves that will go on and on. Thanks good friend. We look forward to visiting your museum of “local” history in the place you are now in when we get there.
Posted March 21st, 2009 at 12:14 pm |
I only knew Richard for a very short time. I met him at the gym I go to in downtown Madison and we were both in Spin class, trying to keep our bicycling legs in shape for the next biking season. It was late fall of 2007 and after conversing with Richard about what I was going through in my life he invited me to meet up with some of the friends he met with often on Friday evenings after work at the downtown Great Dane. I remember that evening well and the great cordial welcome he and the others made. I had no idea at the time what an accomplished man I had met - he was so convivial, approachable, welcoming, no matter what life journey was being traveled. I wish I would have met him a year earlier an would have had a chance to get some bike rides in with him. But I am honored to have known him for a short while and gotten to know just a little bit of the warm man he was. His full-of-life presence is missed by many. But we can be thankful for the many lives he touched and influenced in a positive way while he was among us ! Thanks again, Richard.
Posted April 9th, 2009 at 3:31 pm |
I had the pleasure to work with Richard when he arranged at Monona Terrace a civil war round table in 1998. Then I worked closely with Richard again when he brought the annual convention of the Society for Military History to Madison in 2002. He was polished and yet approachable, detail-oriented and yet could see the big picture. He was articulate and direct, and so communicating with him was easy and enjoyable. He went the extra mile for Madison. Thanks, Richard.