Randall Gloege
December 06, 1934 - February 19, 2013
Obituary
Randall Gloege, 78, a retired professor from Montana State University-Billings, died of an apparent heart attack on Feb. 19, 2013. He was born in Helena, Mont., on Dec. 6, 1934, to Bernice and George Herman Gloege. His early life was spent in Miles City and Billings. He was a graduate of University of Washington with an MA in creative writing and later, a PhD in English from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He taught English at MSUB for 26 years, retiring in 2006. He continued teaching one course a year in philosophy, for the joy of it. Survivors include a wife, Mary Elizabeth; a grandson, Pace; a great-grandson, Keenan; brothers, Marvin and Wayne; and a sister, Donna. He recently wrote this poem, “Last Dance.” “It would be nice if, by that high lake, I could have pretended the world forever held stars, raspberries, rosehips, snowberries and you, my love, wholly stunning, spontaneous, delicate, part of once upon a time and place. But the fruits of low-lying shrubs survive only briefly in shallow, gravelly soil along evergreen trails or wet stream banks, which, with a slight mountain-shake, can change irreversibly. And, in the sharp cold air of blue-black night, the very stars flash and fail, spin at light speed away and away, so far and so fast even distance loses meaning. We continue here together, you, grown into a wrinkly lady, and I a curmudgeon, both shuffling our slow dance, clinging to time and space, reeling toward the great nothing.” Service: Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Dahl Funeral Chapel.
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Memories
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Bernie Quetchenbach and Cara Chamberlain
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According to his students, Randall was an inspiring teacher. He was also a skilled and thoughtful writer, a good friend,a principled devotee of the Montana wilderness, and one of the most honest people we've known.
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Karen Snell
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Mary Beth and Family, Know that I am remembering you and honoring the memory of Dr. Gloege (Randall. He had a huge presence at Eastern Montana College, now MSU Billings and has touched countless students and staff in a variety of ways. With thoughts and of peace and courage.
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Susan Zimmerman
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Dear Mary Beth, I was very sorry to read about the passing of your husband. I hope you have a nucleus of people around you to give you the kind of loving care you gave Dad and me during the passing of our wife and mother, Helen Shirley, twenty years ago. We still both remember your many kindnesses and wish you the same in your time of grief. Sincerely, Ralph Shirley and Susan Zimmerman
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Sunny Real Bird
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Sorry about the loss, he was a great teacher and inspired so many students. He was very friendly and had so much patience with so many of students. After getting a Masters degree in Secondary Education, I look back and he's one of the main teachers to inspire me as the teacher I am. He was a great man and he made an impact on so many of us.
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Amber Sparks
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I enjoyed Dr. Gloege's class immensely. He also recommended me to be on the staff for The Rook, and I felt like I disappointed him when I had to drop off due to other commitments. He was such an inspiration and I had such admiration for him that I really hated to let him down. He will be remembered with warmth.
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Adriane Nielsen
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Your teachings where immense and great, your ethics strong and deep. Your laughter and smile brought spirit and soul. But you will never be forgotten for you have taught us all something that will never go away- stand up for what you believe. Thank you Professor Gloege.