Theodore Peter Labuza

Vadnais Heights - Dr. Theodore Peter Labuza, 83, passed away in his home in Vadnais Heights, MN surrounded by his family on December 4, 2023. Throughout his career at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Minnesota, Professor Labuza served as an internationally recognized leader in research, teaching, and service for the food and agricultural sector.

He was born on November 10, 1940, in Perth Amboy, NJ to Theodore Labuza and Catherine Stychek. He was the oldest of four children. Ted, as he was known, was deeply involved in the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Perth Amboy, serving as an acolyte and playing the drums for various events. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He loved and played sports and yet was also known as the "Science Whiz" of Perth Amboy High School. In his 1958 high school yearbook, a full-page dedication was given to him with the Mayor of Perth Amboy displaying his induction into the National Honor Society. It was apparent from a young age that he had a strong work ethic receiving a Rotary Scholarship that enabled him to attend MIT. He was initially interested in the emerging field of nuclear science but found part-time work at MIT's food irradiation laboratory, which opened his eyes to the field of food science and technology. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1962 and a doctorate in 1965 from MIT, he accepted a faculty position at the institution, achieving the rank of Associate Professor. In 1971, he joined the University of Minnesota to help build out the Department of Food Science and Nutrition. With over fifty years of contributions, he became one of the university's top scholars and retired as an Emeritus professor in 2021.

In 1985, he married Dr. Mary K. Schmidl. Together they dedicated themselves to raising their three children, their science and engineering careers, and their fifth-generation family ranch located in Live Oak, California. His children were always foremost on his mind. His contributions to the field of science and engineering are immeasurable, helping develop numerous modern food safety and preservation techniques. His publication record includes over 600 articles, eighteen books, 80 book chapters, and eight patents. His work has been used by NASA, DoD, Homeland Security, and FDA.

In 1988, Ted was elected the youngest President of the Institute of Food Technologists. He advised over 200 undergraduates, Masters, PhD, post-doctoral candidates, and visiting professors, many of whom have become top faculty and industry leaders across the globe. As a researcher, teacher, and mentor, Ted's recognitions and awards are unmatched by any other scientist or engineer in his field. Ted was skilled not only in research but also in the communication of science, making regular guest appearances on local, national, and international broadcasts.

Turning down numerous offers to remain in Minnesota, he loved biking, skiing, boating, canoeing, dog sledding, fishing, gardening or simply attending one of the many "Golden Gopher" sporting events in the area. On October 14, 2023, the University of Minnesota held a celebration honoring Professor Labuza. A video recording and materials covering the event can be found on this webpage: https://fscn.cfans.umn.edu/events/labuza-2023

He is survived by his spouse, Dr. Mary Katherine Schmidl Labuza of Vadnais Heights, MN; son, Theodore of Vadnais Heights, MN; son Peter of Los Angeles, CA, daughter Katherine of Boston, MA; grandchild, Jayden; brother, Gregory of Morganville, NJ and his sister, Loretta Keimel of Piscataway, NJ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Catherine, and his sister, Kathleen Haedrich.

A visitation will be held at 2:00pm Sunday, December 10th at Washburn-McReavy Hillside (Virtual Option: https://tinyurl.com/ycxabtns). The Funeral Mass will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (Virtual Option: https://tinyurl.com/4v2b89h8). Interment at Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption Cemetery in the family plot located in Perth Amboy, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial gifts toward the Theodore P. Labuza Food Material Science Fund. To contribute to this fund, you can make a check out to the University of Minnesota Foundation, note Labuza Food Material Science Fund on the memo line, and mail to the University of Minnesota Foundation, P.O. Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486.