Dear Oat Worker Colleagues,

With sorrow we report the passing of Deon Stuthman, chair of the International Oat Conference and past chair of the American Oat Workers Conference. Deon was an enthusiastic, dedicated oat breeder and geneticist and strong promoter of oat research and advocate of support for it. His multiple contributions to the IOC and AOWC including organizing and hosting the 2008 IOC in Minnesota are fondly remembered and highly appreciated as well as are all his efforts in breeding new oat varieties, discovering genetic principles, training a large number of new plant breeders, and multiple advisory trips to Mexico and South America over the years. We will sorely miss our colleague, friend, and oat champion. ~ Howard W. Rines

Deon D. Stuthman
1940-2010

DEON D STUTHMAN'S OBITUARY. Age 70, of Roseville, MN. Deon died suddenly June 18, 2010, after a short, intense struggle with lung cancer. Born on a small farm in Stanton County, NE, to Albert and Elna Stuthman on May 7, 1940, Deon was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, scientist, philosopher, teacher, friend and mentor to many. He will be sorely missed by his wife of 48 years, Judy; daughters Debbie (Steven) Plager and Julie (Tim) Anderson; grandchildren Michael, Nicholas, Maren and Carina and many extended family members, long-time friends and professional colleagues. Condolences may be sent to: Judy Stuthman and Family, 1885 Fernwood Ave, Roseville, MN 55113.

As a scientist, Deon received his B.S. from the U of Nebraska-Lincoln; and his M.S. and Ph.D. from Purdue before being recruited to the U of M. He spent 42+ years as an oat breeder and professor in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics. Deon advised more than 50 graduate students, was a fellow in the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and the American Association for Advancement of Science and had more than 100 professional publications to his credit.

As a philosopher, he cultivated relationships, laid deep roots in the community and was passionate about his many and varied interests. For 43+ years, he was a member of Grace University Lutheran Church and cheered on Golden Gopher athletes. He helped create the Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation for Peace & Justice and is a former president of the Minnesota-Uruguay Partners of America.

Deon's wish that his body be donated to the U of M's Anatomy Bequest Program was honored. A memorial service will be Saturday, June 26, 10 a.m. at Grace University Lutheran Church. Grace (324 Harvard St. SE) is at the corner of Harvard and Delaware Streets, in the midst of the U of M Minneapolis campus. A luncheon will follow. Memorials preferred to Grace Univ. Lutheran, CaringBridge, donor's choice, or to a University of Minnesota Agronomy Department Scholarship Fund being established in honor of Deon. Fund contributions may be mailed to:

Jeanne Davy
Agronomy & Plant Genetics Department
University of Minnesota
411 Borlaug Hall
1991 Upper Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108-6026
Checks payable to: University of Minnesota
Memo line: Deon Stuthman Scholarship Fund