Dr. Robert "Bob" Cassens

1937 - 2024

Dr. Robert (Bob) Cassens
Born: June 10, 1937 in Morrison, IL
Died: December 26, 2024 in Chicago, IL
Dr. Robert (Bob) Cassens, a distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on December 26, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Dessa Trautwein Cassens in 2013. Robert is survived by two children, Martha Elise Cassens of Chicago, Illinois, Martin Edward Cassens (Kristen Luoma Cassens) and one granddaughter Madelyn Grace Cassens of Girdwood, Alaska, and one brother Daniel Cassens (Victoria Cassens) of West Lafayette, Indiana.
Born on June 10, 1937, in Morrison, Illinois, Robert's formative years were spent on the family livestock and grain farm, where he developed a profound appreciation for agriculture and animal science. His parents, Ludwig "Mike" and Ethel Cassens, nurtured his innate curiosity and work ethic, encouraging him to pursue higher education and scientific exploration. Robert attended Dixon High School where he excelled in 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) and participated in church baseball. During high school he met his wife, Dessa. He valued a sense of family throughout his life, often welcoming friends, and students into his home.
Robert's academic journey began at the University of Illinois, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. He then pursued advanced studies at the University of Wisconsin, obtaining both his M.S. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Muscle Biology.
Dr. Cassens had a distinguished career spanning four decades as a Professor in the Department of Meat and Animal Science at the University of Wisconsin. He served as Department Chair from 1980 to 1985 and continued his contributions to the field as Professor Emeritus after retirement. His scholarly influence extended through additional appointments at renowned institutions, including the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA; the CSIRO Division of Food Preservation in North Ryde, Australia; the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center; and the University of Connecticut. His work at these institutions further cemented his reputation as a world-renowned expert in muscle biology and meat science.
Robert published over 320 peer-reviewed scientific articles, edited three books, and authored two books. He supervised 25 Ph.D. candidates and 35 post doctorate fellows representing 17 countries. Dr. Cassens established a groundbreaking international research program to advance meat quality food safety, PSE, muscle biochemistry, Vitamin E and extensive work on nitrite cured meat which resulted in industry improvement and Impacted USDA regulatory decisions. His extraordinary contributions to the fields of muscle biology and meat science have left an enduring legacy in the academic and scientific communities worldwide.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Cassens actively participated and held offices in numerous professional societies including the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS), the American Meat Science Association (AMSA), the International Congress of Meat Science and Technology (ICOMST), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and the American Meat Institute (AMI). He was inducted into the Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame and honored as a Fellow by several prestigious organizations, including IFT, ASAS, and AAAS.
Dr. Cassens received numerous prestigious awards including the IFT Award for Research, Babcock-Hart Award, and the Nicholas Appert Award; the ASAS Award for Muscle Research; the AMSA Award for Meats Research, Signal Service Award, Meat Processing Award, R.C. Pollock Award, International Award, and the AMI Industry Achievement Award. The "Robert G. Cassens Meat Science Award" (AMSA Mentor Recognition Award) was established in 2014 and honored Dr. Cassens' notoriety as an international researcher and scholar who mentored generations of meat scientists in muscle biology and meat science research and education for the benefit of academia and industry.
These accolades recognized his exceptional contributions to science, education, and the meat industry. Those who worked with Robert Cassens considered it a special privilege. Bob Cassens went from a farm kid from Illinois to become an internationally recognized meat scientist.
Robert enjoyed attending church, gardening, antiquing, dancing, fishing, and hunting. He was an active member of GYRO, the Pelican Isle Yacht Club, and Pewter Collectors Club of America and Europe. Robert especially loved spending time with Dessa and their family. They delighted in traveling the world, visiting friends, researching genealogy records of family, farms, homes, and churches. After years of research, Robert authored books on his family history, My Ostfriesian Ancestors in Whiteside County, Illinois, and Dessa's family history, Elbridge Gerry Brewster And Edee Butterfield Keyes Brewster Letters: The Joys and Trials of a Pioneering Family from Maine to Illinois, 1820 to 1906, and subsequently.
Funeral services will be held on January 6th, 2024, at 11:00 AM, with visitation starting prior to the service at Sugar Grove Church in Dixon, Il, with Pastor Anthony Windau officiating. Burial will follow in Palmyra Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army or Alzheimer's Association.