Tracy F. '(Spud)' Tyler, Jr.

• 

Tyler, Tracy F. , Jr. "Spud" age 92, of Minneapolis, on Feb. 14, at The Waters on 50th Memory Care. Spud was a man of many interests, a lifelong learner and omnivore man of letters; a prodigious reader, philosopher, chronicler, and opiner; an avid environmentalist and champion of vibrant democracy; a builder of gizmos, quirky birdhouses, and an impressive northwoods cabin; and a devoted traveler and, latterly, Elderhosteler with his spouse of 57 years, Marilyn Barnett Tyler, who died in 2009. Born in Lincoln, NE, Spud grew up primarily in St. Paul, MN, in University Grove; and in Columbus, OH. He was a graduate of University High School on the University of MN campus, Minneapolis, where he was a standout in basketball; and was a quadruple alum of the U of M (Ph.D. '66 ed psych, M.A. '56 and B.S. '50 education; B.B.A. '49), where he made lifelong friends as a member of Chi Phi Fraternity. As an educator and reading consultant, he developed a system of learning centers, directed elementary special education for the Robbinsdale School District, and wrote and spoke widely about reading instruction. He also taught and advised graduate students at the U of M and U of Wisc. He was founder and president of the MN Academy of Reading; was a board member of the MN Reading Association and International Reading Association; and for many years edited the MN Reading Quarterly. He became a staunch anti-war activist, twice arrested at protests after age 60, even while embracing as an important part of his personal history his 15 years of military service. Enlisting in the US Army at age 18, he served in World War II from Feb. 1943-Oct. 1945 as a radar crewman in the 563rd Signal Air Warning Battalion of the XIX Tactical Air Command 100th Fighter Wing, supporting Patton's 3rd Army. He had vivid memories of slogging across Europe from Normandy/Omaha Beach to Ardennes/Battle of the Bulge, among other searing experiences. His battalion was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation. He served too in the Korean War, posted to Okinawa with the 97th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group (HQ) in 1951-53, between long hitches in the naval and army reserves. "Persist!" was Spud's motto (for years, his encouraging exhortation to teaching staff)--and so he did, even as Alzheimer's advanced, and also cancer. Spud leaves behind daughters Katharine Tyler (Eugenia "Genie" Smith) and Jane Stacy (Tim), and other family and friends. Predeceased by son William Tyler. Blessings to many who have given invaluable support to Spud, Kate, and Genie throughout the last chapters over several years, especially: Eve O. and York Gardens CNAs; VOA Senior Services; Anne Saatela/Becky Clifford Elder Services; Dr. Laura Pattison; Britni, Juliah, and all the shining caregivers at The Waters on 50th; and the angels of Grace Hospice. Private service; interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Good deeds will honor Spud's memory. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on February 19, 2017