Rodney C. Roemer 1927-2008

Triton educator lauded in book
By Joan Giangrasse Kates | Special to the Tribune
November 6, 2008
When the founding president of Triton College in River Grove wrote and published a book a few years ago titled "What Makes a Teacher Great?"—which was about a group of elite professors at the school—Rodney C. Roemer was at the top of the list.

"What made him a master teacher were the relationships he forged in the classroom, many of which didn't terminate at the end of the semester," said Herbert Zeitlin, president of Triton College from 1964 to 1977. "His students stayed in touch with him for years later because of the impact he had on them."

A professor in the department of health at Triton for 38 years, Mr. Roemer was the founder of the X-ray, nuclear medicine and MRI technology programs at the college.

"He developed curriculums that to this day form the framework for some of the most sought-after programs Triton has to offer," Zeitlin said.



Mr. Roemer, 81, of Naperville, died Saturday, Nov. 1, at his home after a yearlong battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Born and raised in Rochester, N.Y., Mr. Roemer enlisted in the Army Air Corps at 17. After World War II, he served as part of the occupation forces in Japan, where he trained as an X-ray technician.

Following his military discharge, Mr. Roemer attended Valparaiso University in Indiana on the GI Bill and received a bachelor's degree in 1954. Two years later, he married his wife of 52 years, Kay, with whom he had five children.

In the early 1960s, Mr. Roemer was a health inspector with the State of Illinois. In 1966, he joined the faculty at Triton as a full-time professor.

A portion of a quote from one of Mr. Roemer's former students and included in Zeitlin's book reads, "He not only taught us the significance of the world of physics, but also various lessons pertaining to life in and of itself."

Mr. Roemer retired from his teaching position at Triton in 2004, relatives said.

"He was passionate about teaching," said his son Jim. "He was one of those rare birds who loved his job so much he would have done it for free."

In his retirement, Mr. Roemer traveled around the country giving talks about the convergence of holistic and Western medicine philosophies and the effect of medical technology on patients.

"He took a dry, techy subject matter and tried to explain to his audiences the importance of treating a patient's mind as well as his body," his son said.

Other survivors include three sons, Michael, Gregory and David; a daughter, Kristen; a sister, Barbara Whaley; and three grandchildren.

Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Thursday in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 36 N. Ellsworth St., Naperville.

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