Craig Thomas Reisser, Ph.D.

Craig Thomas Reisser, Ph.D.

Feb 7, 1947 – Apr 17, 2017

Craig T. Reisser, 70, of Omaha Nebraska passed away without warning in the early afternoon of April 17, 2017 at his home.  Craig is survived by his wife, Christine; son, Kelvin; granddaughter, Lucy; father, W. R. Reisser; brother, Kurt Reisser (Susan); nephews, Colin and Wesley Reisser; four Reisser cousins and nine Poole cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Kathryn (Poole) Reisser.

Craig Thomas Reisser was born on February 7, 1947 in Omaha Nebraska. He attended elementary school in Grand Island Nebraska, as well as Omaha.  He graduated from Central High School in 1965 and from Omaha University (now UNO), Class of 1969, with a bachelor’s degree in History and Geography. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a Voice Intercept Specialist stationed in San Vito Dei Normanni Italy. He was trained for the position at Syracuse University’s Eastern European Language Program.

Following completion of his military service, he enrolled in University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he earned an M.A. and Ph.D in Geography. He then embarked on several temporary college teaching positions which included teaching Geography at University of Nebraska Omaha, Ohio State University, Clarion University of Pennsylvania and University of New Orleans. He worked as an Academic Translator and Editor for English language publications in conjunction with the Austrian Academy of Science in Vienna Austria, and worked with academic authors in the translation of text book manuscripts. He became fluent in German, Italian, and Russian languages. Craig eventually moved back to Omaha where he provided semi-monthly translations of news articles from German into English for Satellite Communications for Learning (SCOLA). His hobbies included traveling to Europe, keeping up on foreign languages, the BMW Car Club of America, where he was an active member of the Great Plains chapter for over 40 years.  He also enjoyed skiing and bicycling with his family.

During his semi-retirement years, he performed various part-time jobs such as security guard, waiter at a German Restaurant and shuttle bus driving for a university where he once taught.  He was a loyal Husker Fan to the end, and will be sorely missed by family, friends and fellow church members.

The family will receive friends Sunday, April 23rd from 2pm to 4pm at the Bel Air Chapel, 12100 W. Center Rd.  SERVICES Monday, April 24th at 11am at Church of the Resurrection, 3004 Belvedere Blvd.  Interment, Omaha National Cemetery.

 

 

9 Comments

  • Keith Swisher Posted April 20, 2017 6:24 pm

    I had the pleasure of knowing Craig in high school, college and working with him. He died way too soon. In my opinion he still had a lot to contribute. My deepest condolences.

  • Clay Woodka Posted April 20, 2017 8:09 pm

    We will miss you at the car events

  • Karen (Solomonson) Nunns Posted April 22, 2017 2:23 pm

    I was sadden to learn of the passing of my CHS classmate. My sincere sympathy to Craig’ s family and friends….may all your treasured memories of him bring comfort in the difficult days ahead.

  • Julie Eastlack Hopson Posted April 22, 2017 5:33 pm

    Craig’s mother, Kathy, was my mother’s best friend, matron of honor at her wedding, and my godmother. As a result, and because I was born the same year, I always thought of Craig as my godbrother. He was brilliant, focused, tons of fun to talk to, and could always be counted on to do the right thing. I extend my sincere condolences to his father, Christine, Kurt, and family.

  • Marion Tangemann Posted April 23, 2017 3:47 am

    Lieber Craig, es war ein Geschenk, dich kennenlernen zu dürfen. Du stimmst mir bestimmt zu, dass es in dieser verrückten Welt verrückt ist, über die sozialen Medien Freundschaften zu schließen. Ich denke, wir wurden Freunde und zeigten, wie einfach es sein kann, Entfernungen zu überbrücken. Mir fehlt unser Gedankenaustausch – du fehlst mir. Wir werden uns treffen und dann kannst du mich eventuell vom BMW überzeugen. See you!

  • Karen Windland Anderson Posted April 23, 2017 2:14 pm

    I met Craig through a mutual friend in high school. When I transferred from North to Central HS, Craig took it on to befriend and look after me. He even conspired with me to get his good friend Duke Memmott to ask me to the senior prom. We doubled and Craig drove us in his beloved, family Edsel. Years later I saw online that he was looking for that car. I wonder if he and Duke remained buds and if he ever found that Edsel.
    I always knew Craig was smart, but now I see I had no idea how smart and capable he actually was. Blessings to him – and to his family.

  • Nancy Dopke Posted April 24, 2017 7:55 am

    He will be dearly missed !!!

  • Jeff Gomon Posted April 24, 2017 8:36 am

    I’ve known you thru the BMW Club for over 20 years. You always full of knowledge and enthusiastic off all things related to BMW and all things German. I will miss your quirky personality and the translated articles you would send via email.
    I know all the people at the upcoming Eureka Springs 2002 fest in Arkansas will miss you this coming weekend. You may be gone, but you will not be forgotten.

  • Hank Shrier Posted April 26, 2017 12:31 am

    Craig is gone much too early. A gentle soul and a kind heart. Condolences to Bob, Kurt, Susie, Wesley, Colin and Lilly.

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