Elmer Bjerregaard

Professor Elmer Bjerregaard, 81, was born February 4th, 1933 and died on October 5, 2014. He paid his way through college by working at a steel mill. He graduated from Kent State University in 1957, and obtained a graduate degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in Architecture and City Planning in 1959 and subsequently became a Registered Architect.

That same year, he was hired as an instructor at Kent State's Architecture Program. He figured he'd try it out for one year, two years, tops. He would rise through the ranks, ultimately achieving the rank of full professor, many years before he retired in 2004. He holds the record for the longest-serving faculty member of Kent State with 44 years of service. He pushed his students hard, and never settled for second best. The students appreciated Professor Bjerregaard's "tough, but fair" approach, and his former students hold him in high regard. He was quite proud that in his 44 years of service, only phoned in sick four times, usually for family funerals.

He also took pride in the work he did in the private sector, working for various architectural firms in addition to his teaching. He believed that his exposure to the private practice kept him current, and better able to teach that which was relevant in a constantly changing profession.

In 1962 he married Margaret (Born) and they had two children. As a father, he pushed education to his kids. Not going to college was not an option, and his kids never felt any desire to rebel against his desire for their higher education.

He's always been there for his family, and set a gold standard as far as work ethics go for his children. He frequently joked that, "If a guy makes a point of telling you that he's honest, grab your wallet and run." He was not into wearing religion on his sleeve. He was into something much easier said than done, living the good life. He was always the perfect gentleman and people from all walks of life were drawn to his quiet, intelligent and thoughtful manner of dealing with people and problems.

He was an avid reader, and enjoyed restoring items such as cameras, watches, and fountain pens. Even before the proliferation of the internet, he had a knack for tracking down parts from all over the world. He was a bit of a "homebody," but thoroughly enjoyed a tour his wife "encouraged" him to take him to his native Denmark. His kids joined, and all had the opportunity to get in touch with long-lost relatives. He also enjoyed another family vacation to London, Paris and Rome. Even in foreign countries, people were drawn to him.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, and his granddaughter, Emily, lit up his life. He loved her deeply, and enjoyed spending time with her.

Elmer is survived his wife of 52 years, Margaret (Born), his daughter Beth and her daughter, Emily, of Charlotte, N. C., son David, of Windsor, Canada, and his girlfriend, Lisa Kakish.

You will never know how many people you impacted in positive ways. The students who didn't think they could make it, you believed in them in a no-nonsense way that made it easier for them to believe in themselves. To your family, your children, you were a pillar of strength who led by example. You gave 110% in this world, and we look forward to seeing you again.

Calling hours will be held 9:30 until 10:30 Wednesday, October 8th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 342 S. Chillicothe Road, Aurora, OH 44202, followed by funeral services at 10:30 AM. Burial will be held at Aurora Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 205 Regency Executive Park Dr., Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28217.