Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
E. Jossem Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for E. Jossem
George St.Pierre
October 3, 2009
Leonard had a steady guiding influence on me through the years at Ohio State.
George St.Pierre-Metallurgical Engineering (Materials Science & Engineering).
John Whitcomb
October 2, 2009
Prof Len Jossem was one-of-a-kind. His work in Physics, especially Physics Education, is known and revered around the world. What may not be so widely known is his gentleness of spirit. He always had a word; a wise word, a loving word, a comforting word for everybody. And Len always, always looked good. A coat and tie greeted all. Students, colleagues, and friends have lost a brilliant and dear man.
Alan Van Heuvelen
September 12, 2009
I came to OSU in January 1993 to help start the OSU Physics Education Research Group. Len's work and leadership in the department helped make that group possible (it did not hurt to have the support of Ken Wilson). It was a very busy time. I knew that Len had a long history of work in various ways nationally supporting excellent physics education and in developing innovative methods to make it better. His small office was next to mine on the fourth floor of Smith Lab. Only one time in ten years did I arrive at work before Len. He was always faster at walking up the stairs than I was--I was not in bad shape but he was fast--he never road the elevator. This truly outstanding person would come to me at times and ask what he could do to help with my work. He saved my life in preparation for two three-day workshops in China--he knew that community well and what to expect, and provided advice that was essential for me. Len was a selfless person whose life impacted so many of us. I don't know if there will be another like him. Thank you Len being such a model of excellence and support.
David Stroud
September 11, 2009
I was one of many physics faculty members hired during Len's time as chairman. Len always made me feel at home here and gave me invaluable advice. He was an exemplary department chairman, and
he remained devoted to our department and to physics for many years after his ``retirement''. He will be greatly missed by all.
How you can show support
Gerald Newsom
September 10, 2009
Soon after I arrived at OSU as a new faculty member back in 1969, I learned about the Chair in the Physics Department, Len Jossem. Over the years, he served and guided his department, his university, and his chosen discipline with intelligence, grace, and integrity, and many a time I benefited from my conversations with him. We have all lost a real treasure.
Richard Zitto
September 8, 2009
I am sadden to hear of Dr Jossem's passing. He was my teacher and a colleague at many of the AAPT meetings and committees. I send my heart felt sympathies to his family and will always celebrate his life. R J Zitto (Youngstown State University)
Mark Higdon
September 7, 2009
The following message was sent to members of the block watch in Len's neighborhood:
Three Streets (and, particularly, Westview Ave.) has lost one of its greatest treasures with the passing of Prof. Leonard Jossem: known to his neighbors as just "Len."
Those interested in his fascinating and accomplished life as a scientist and academic are urged to read his obituary on the Columbus Dispatch website (published in print today). My purpose here is to memorialize him as a neighbor.
In the '90s, Wesley Glen undertook an aggressive program of property acquisitions on Fenway Road and at the top of Westview. Their expansion plans included an employee parking lot in the backyards between Westview and Fenway, with access from Westview. At the time, the "Fenway/Westview Civic Association" served as the neighborhood's organized opposition to those portions of the WG expansion thought to be intrusive upon the neighborhood and damaging to its fundamental character.
To say that Len was our guiding light and elder statesman--while quite true--grossly understates his role and efforts. He spent as much time in the trenches as many others and more than most. As a strategist, he was calmly and quietly brilliant. As an activist, his energy and work were unparalleled. It is thanks to Len--in no small measure--that Wesley Glen management modified its plans, backed away from most of the disputed components, and realized the institution had hit the reasonable limits of its physical presence in this neighborhood.
For those of us who knew and worked with Len, his low-key, dignified personality belied his extensive professional accomplishments. His enormously effective legacy to the neighborhood will last at least as long as our fond memories of him. No doubt, much longer. And for that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude, and kind thoughts and prayers for those most impacted by his death.
Len Jossem. 1919-2009. A great neighbor. Requiescat in pace!
###
Sept. 6, 2009
Paula Engelhardt
September 1, 2009
I am very sorry to hear of the death of Len Jossem. Len was always a central figure at the AAPT meetings. He was very kind and helpful when I was at OSU to give a talk to the OSU PER group. His loss will be deeply felt by the PER community. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Wayne Armbrust
September 1, 2009
To the family of Dr. Jossem,
I am sorry to hear of the death of Dr. Jossem. I first met him as a graduate student in the fall of 1969 when he was chairman of the Physics Dept. I later knew him during two stints that I served as a Lecturer in the Dept. In all respects he treated me with the utmost fairness and honestly. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in E. Jossem's name
Memorial Events
for E. Jossem
Funeral services provided by:
Rutherford-Corbin Funeral Home - Worthington515 High Street, Worthington, OH 43085
People and places connected with E.
Columbus, OH
The Columbus Dispatch
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support E.'s loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor E. Jossem's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
