William E. Mishler

Mishler William E. Mishler, Jr., PhD, 62, prize-winning translator, noted author, Fulbright scholar, and retired professor from the Department of German, Scandinavian, and Dutch at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis died Monday following a brief illness at his new home in Amherst, Mass. He was a noted scholar of major publications of Ibsen Studies, Comparative Drama, and Anthropoetics. Bill was a scholar's scholar and promoted his love of reading to all. ``Whatchya reading kid?'' was a favorite remark to family members, friends, and students. He read constantly. He had a special smile for all. He was gentle. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, graduated from St. Ignatius High School and Holy Cross College of Worcester, Mass. He received his doctorate in Scandinavian Studies from the University of Minnesota where he was a professor until his retirement in 2001. His father William E. Mishler, M.D., chief surgeon Erie-Lackawana Railroad, mother, Arva Cowgill Mishler, and sister, Barbara Mishler Drain died several years ago. He is survived by his wife, Marie Hubonette Mishler of Amherst, Mass.; daughters, Kristin Mishler, Lara Mishler; stepdaughter, Lisa Anderson (Peter); son, Jesse Mishler (Priscilla) and two treasured granddaughters, Olivia and Audrey. He was the beloved brother of Ann Hutzel (Donald) Tiffin, Ohio, Joan Reifman (Dr. Seymour) Sagamore Hills, Ohio, and Martha Reiss (Thomas) Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Uncle Bill's good humor and quick wit were treasured by his nieces who survive him: Priscilla Reiss, Alice Kompar (Michael), Margaret Griffin, Sarah Ryan, Emily Bruce (Duncan), Kathleen Drain and his nephews Nathaniel Reiss (Sharon), Donald Hutzel, Jr., William Hutzel, PhD (Colette), David Hutzel, M.D. (Carol), Peter Hutzel James T. Griffin, III (Dana), Patrick Drain and James Drain. He touched the lives of thousands worldwide - family, friends, students and associates - and he will be immortalized through his writings. A memorial Mass of Christian burial will be held at the Gesu Church 2470 Miramar Blvd, University Heights, Ohio at 1:00pm on Saturday, December 14th in the Marian Chapel. Family will receive friends immediately following the Mass in the Church reception hall and in the evening at Old Acres Farm, Sagamore Hills Ohio. In late January a memorial service will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to the Cradle Society 2049 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60201 (847) 475-5800 for children and the joys of reading a good book.

Published on December 13, 2002