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KARL "CHIP" CASE

1946 - 2016

BORN

1946

DIED

2016

About

Wellesley College

KARL CASE Obituary

CASE, Karl "Chip" Karl ("Chip") Case, beloved father and husband, teacher, and well-known economist, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday after a long illness. Chip was Professor Emeritus at Wellesley College, where he was a revered teacher, devoted Wellesley sports fan, and community fixture for 34 years. He was also a founding partner of the Case Shiller Index of home prices, and was well-known both regionally and nationally for his pioneering research on the housing market. A passionate teacher, Chip mentored hundreds of Wellesley students, helping several dozen women go on to receive PhDs in Economics, a record of which he was extremely proud. His role as teacher reached well beyond the classroom: with his wife Susan he hosted countless students and former students over his years at Wellesley, creating a large and much-loved extended family who supported him in his final illness. A connoisseur of wine, baseball, and country music, Chip had an irreverent and contagious sense of humor, which remained in tact until the end. He is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Kristen, two grandchildren, and the dozens who were part of the chosen family he created. A memorial service will be held at Wellesley College in the fall.

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Published by Boston Globe from Jul. 16 to Jul. 17, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for KARL CASE

35 Entries

James Souby

July 27, 2025

Karl was a great influence and contributor to our efforts to get states to deal with complex economic issues. I retired about the same time he passed so I had no idea. My shock and sorrow that he is no longer with us.

Dr Joseph Cater III Ph.D. MBA

July 10, 2019

A man whose light continues to shine from his knowledge.

Joseph Cater

August 17, 2016

Professor Case had a profound impact in formulating the thoughts in my academic work and in my career in mortgage finance. Joseph Cater

Walter Morgan

August 2, 2016

I had the distinct pleasure of managing the Case-Shiller business for over 10 years, during which time I had numerous occasions to meet with and talk with Karl. The original core staff remains with the business and indeed have fashioned careers out of Karl's work. I recall several dinners, between East and West coasts, where I enjoyed first-hand his wide-ranging interests and sense of humor. It became a personal as well as a business relationship.

The pioneering efforts of his research in real estate, in collaboration with others, lives on in many ways, not least of which is the Case-Shiller Index. Excerpts of major metro indexes are published by Standard & Poor's on the last Tuesday of every month, and distributed widely among business and news channels.

Karl was always there for me when I needed advice or help. I will miss him.

Peter Larkowich

July 29, 2016

I recently saw Chip's obituary and was deeply sadended. I was a golfing partner at Nehoiden, a fellow Vietnam vet and a golfer with equal talent. His self effacing humor and wonderful outlook on life made him a pleasure to talk with. While I have moved from Wellesley, I think frequently of Chip and the fun times we shared. Hit 'em straight partner. Peter

Howard Katz

July 27, 2016

My condolences to the family.
He was my professor at Harvard Law, and made economics and the law both understandable and entertaining.
Years later, when I was working for Cleveland City Council, I called him out of the blue to ask a policy question related to a proposed ordinance. He was generous with his time over the phone with me, happy to be of help to someone who had only taken one class with him.
Good teacher, good person. He will be missed.

Leslie Singletary Hemeon

July 23, 2016

Condolences to Chip's family. I was honored to know him professionally and lucky enough to call him a friend. His wonderful sense of humor brightened my day on so many occasions. And, his lack of pretension was unique and so admirable.
Leslie Singletary Hemeon

Pamm McNeil

July 19, 2016

Susie, Kristen and family,
My heart is heavy so I will seek comfort in my many memories . . . his heart was pure gold, his love of economics was infectious, and we shared our love of Wellesley College and the desire to offer that opportunity to so many girls with potential. He was my friend who also happened to have been my professor. Peace and love to you.

July 19, 2016

Susan, I send my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Barbara Okun, Dedham MA

jean maeda

July 18, 2016

His brother,George Calnan called today to express his loss. He has always been proud of his brother and family.
I have heard about Chip for over 45 years during our teaching years together,their father who also flew in the dirigibles during WWII

Gary and Laurel Cornia

July 18, 2016

Chip had all the important human qualities. A leader without being pushy, a first rate mind that was able to teach economics to those of us without first rate minds, fun without be a joker. He made important contributions to his discipline in terms of research and in terms of the lives he influenced. Few individuals of his stature were so willing to befriend everyone regardless of their position in life. It was obvious that he loved his wife and his daughter and he had understandable pride in their individual accomplishments. Simply put he was a model for all of us.

July 18, 2016

I had just one opportunity to meet Chip. It was on the golf course. He made wonderful second chance rules, made all feel welcome and it was a pleasure to be in his presence . I do hope he finds his many lost 7 irons!

Mark Grubbs

Marti Timmons

July 18, 2016

Chip was a high school classmate with my husband and me. We enjoyed each other at reunions. I would see him when he visited his father at First Community Village, where my late mother was a resident. We had some great conversations and I enjoyed visiting his dad when Chip was not around as well.
I was privileged to book Susan and him on a country music cruise, which they greatly enjoyed.

He was multi dimensional and at the top of his field, but he never lost the human touch and warm sense of humor that made him such a favorite.

A light has gone out. Blessings to his family and many friends and students.

Marti Garvin Timmons and Ned Timmons
UA 64

Greg and Lee Ingram

July 18, 2016

We will miss a great friend, colleague, economist,and raconteur. We all learned a lot from Chip, who was a constant source of good advice, sage comment, witty observation, and constructive criticism. He has been a friend since he was in graduate school. We will all miss him greatly.

Kathy Boshar

July 18, 2016

I wanted to leave a note to tell the family how wonderful their husband, dad and grandfather was to so many. I worked with the Realtor organization and whenever we called to ask him to speak to impart his fast knowledge - he was there and always did speeches pro bono. He made a huge impact within the Realtor community.I have such fond memories of his whit! God Bless

Kenechukwu Anadu

July 18, 2016

RIP Mr. Case.

Barry Bluestone

July 18, 2016

Chip was the epitome of the beloved friend and professor extraordinaire. A pretty good golfer, too!
We who knew him will miss him dearly.

Phil Kohl

July 18, 2016

Chip was unique in so many ways: playing poker or playing the housing market - he led the way. He'll be sorely missed. I was glad to have known him.

Kathleen Galotti

July 17, 2016

I took Econ with Chip his first semestre at Wellesley. I ended up double-majoring in Econ because of him. What a terrific teacher, and what a great man.

Jon O

July 17, 2016

A Mylestone for Prof Case has been created for those who would like to contribute https://mylestoned.com/karl-chipcase/

A wonderful man, author, and friend.

Lena Buonanno

July 17, 2016

Norma Drew

July 17, 2016

I took Intro to Economics with Chip in 1980 and I can honestly say that class and Chip's charismatic personality changed my life. I was not a great student, but still, Chip encouraged me. He was an amazing teacher, mentor, and friend. Imagine a world with more people like Chip--what a place it would be. I hold his memory dear.

Daria Axelrod Marmer

July 17, 2016

There are few people in my life who changed my trajectory so much. When my guidance counselor at Andover suggested I apply to Wellesley, I laughed. I wasn't going to go to "an all girls school" 3 miles away from home. She suggested I meet one of the professors, Chip Case.

After one meeting with him, I was sold- he made it clear that Wellesley women do amazing things and that I belonged there. Going to Wellesley was one of the best decisions of my life and it wouldn't have happened without him.

I took Chip's intro to microeconomics class and also his real estate class and he became a close mentor of mine as I graduated with an economics degree. When I was married, he came to my wedding.

Chip was an incredible person and he will be missed by so many. May he rest in peace.

Dave Ring

July 17, 2016

Chip was a memorable teacher and a lifelong inspiration to all of his students.

Elena Gascón-Vera

July 17, 2016

Dear Chip,

I am so sorry for your depart, and I imagine how sad your lovely wife, daughter, family and everyone who knew you are crying because they will not have the chance to meet you again and hear your laughter, wit, and good humor.

I remember the times that I met you around campus and how pleasant was always to exchange news, to talk about your travels to Spain, where you had many of your students that admire you so much. In those small encounters, I always felt welcome, acknowledge, and recognized, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

It was a pleasure and an honor to have met you.

Be well,

Elena

Laurie Demit Rusin

July 16, 2016

I attended Wellesley College from 1985-1989. Chip Case was one of the most sought-after professors on campus. He not only shared his brilliant mind with those of us lucky enough to get into his econ classes; he was always talking with students at Schneider, sporting events, office hours. He was relatable and a great storyteller. He won the teaching prize on more than one occasion. I will miss him. He is gone too soon. A special thank you to the Case family for sharing him with us. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ann-Marie Lane Lawlor

July 16, 2016

One of the best, will never forget his passion both in and out of the classroom!
Wellesley College Class of '88

Anna Grassini

July 16, 2016

I remember his visit to Austin to speak to the Wellesley Club. The world has lost a remarkable human being and a scholar who engaged with people in a gracious and generous way.

Craig and Julie Dear

July 16, 2016

One of Wellesley's most memorable professors, Chip welcomed even the families of Wellesley students with as much exuberance as he exhibited in supporting the young women who studied there. He treated them as new-found friends and future colleagues. Chip left a legacy of excellence and nurturing that is rare indeed.His family, friends, colleagues and all who were fortunate enough to meet him were immeasurably blessed.

Samantha Boge

July 16, 2016

What a loss. When I think of Chip Case, I remember a kind, brilliant man who was so generous with his time and interest. As a parent of a Wellesley volleyball player, I experienced his hospitality on more than one occasion. I often wondered how Susie put up with the frequent invitations he issued to me, to other parents, and countless others, to spend the night, to come to dinner, to ride home from volleyball matches, etc. He mentored my daughter, and many others no doubt, as she struggled to adjust to life at Wellesley. He also created a poem for my daughter, which he read at her wedding in2010. We are poorer for his absence.

Cindy

July 16, 2016

The world has lost a great man. Chip was part of some of my fondest Wellesley memories.

Elaine Campbell

July 16, 2016

My daughter Ellen Campbell '2007 and I, Elaine Claar Campbell '1978 both had the joy of learning economics from Chip Case at the beginning and towards the end of his legacy at Wellesley College. It is fair to say we both adored him and appreciated his wonderful, warm personality, quick wit and great sense of humor in addition to his excellent teaching skills. He will be very much missed on an intellectual and personal level.

Geoff Worrell

July 16, 2016

Our family was deeply saddened to learn that the world has truly lost a great person. My daughter went to Wellesley College, and our family had the pleasure of not only seeing him cheering the dedicated students, but also spreading his wit and wisdom with parents, friends, and others. He will be deeply missed.

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