Laurel Grotzinger

Dr. Laurel Ann Grotzinger, Professor Emeritus of University Libraries at Western Michigan University, 82, of Kalamazoo, died on Friday, December 15th, 2017. She was born on April 15th, 1935 to Edward Ferdinand and Marian Gertrude (Greeley) Grotzinger in Truman, Minnesota. She attended Winnebago High school; and graduated cum laude with an A.B. in English and minors in French and History from Carleton College, Northfield, MN. She received her Library of Science M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. In 1964 she gained employment at Western Michigan University as an Assistant Professor and two years later became the Assistant Director of the WMU School of Library Science. In 1979 she became the Dean of the Graduate College, the first woman in WMU history to be appointed to a dean position, which she held for 13 years. Over the years she was also the Chief Research Officer, Dean of the School of Library and Information Science, administrative head of the graduate science education unit and the Center for the Study of Ethics in Society. In 1993 she came to the University Libraries as a Professor. She retired in 2015 after working at Western for 51 years. Professor Grotzinger held a distinguished scholarly record as well as memberships in Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Delta Kappa Gamma, plus official listings in half a dozen professional biographical directories. She received the distinguished Alumna Award from the University of Illinois Graduate School of Library Science based on her many presentations at professional conferences and publications. She wrote dozens of articles and reviews including book chapters, reference book sections, a major pioneering monograph, library history, and women in her discipline. Laurel had many facets. She was an avid reader and enjoyed music. She was a collector, a gardener, an animal lover, a writer, and a researcher. She was generous to many causes and loyal to her close friends and family. She never forgot to send a birthday card; and she was first-rate at playing cards, especially Hearts and Bridge. In her youth she had an elaborate, large scale train layout that filled the basement. Laurel Ann was both relatable and sophisticated; filled with a curiosity and a passion for life. She was intelligent, witty, and honest. She lived life to the fullest on her terms; and she encouraged others to do the same. As she once wrote to a student in a graduation card, "The world is yours". Survivors include her sister-in-law: Marian Grotzinger, Fairmont, MN; her nephews: Newton Grotzinger, Hampton, IA; and Mark Grotzinger, Fairmont, MN. Her first cousins: Gerald Bosshart, Leslie, MI; Phil Moye, Inver Grove Heights, MN; and Beverly Moye, Cokato, MN. Many great nephews and nieces; her close friends: Monica Evans, Kalamazoo, MI; and Marty Deming Maytnier, Kalamazoo, MI. Her second cousin: David Greeley, Kalamazoo, MI; an honorary nephew: Jeff Bosshart, Rochester, MN; and honorary nieces: Allison Bosshart-Langschwager, Holt, MI and Linda Hamre, Cold Spring, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents: Edward and Marian Grotzinger; her niece: Sandra Ann Grotzinger; her brother: Edward Newton Grotzinger; and her cousin: John Newton Bosshart. Arrangements entrusted to the Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church St., Leslie, MI 49251. (517) 878-6600.