I only had one class from Jerry, but it was a favorite.  His daughter Anne Marie was his right hand.  We had maps that were wonderful.  Good memories!  I was looking forward to taking any class he taught, but it was not to be.  Anne Marie, keep up your great attitude and spirit!  Rita

Winter Break 1973 I think.  Dr. Croft taught Geography of Tulsa.  The class was a hoot.  Some of us stayed in an old residential hotel that is now a park in downtown Tulsa.  We toured many Tulsa Landmarks and ate at various  ethnic restaurants.  For our final report we had to pick a square mile of Tulsa and tell what made up that mile.  The class was wonderful and so was Dr. Croft.  RIP.

I'm so very sorry for your loss, Laurie.  I know from my own spouse's passing a year-and-a-half ago, how hard this is.  Please know you can call on me for any help you might need.  Be kind to yourself.  Know that if you  become forgetful and/or extra tired, this is a part of the impact of grief.  To make it through this, try to have pictures around of your best times so you can focus on that.  Helping others also helps, oddly enough.  My heart hurts for you in this difficult time.

My sincere sympathy to Dr. Laurie Croft and family for your loss. 

Christmas overlooking the Pacific — with Laurie Croft

We were so sad to learn of  Jerry's passing.  He was a kind soul who cared deeply about his family as well as the world.  He was unequivocally supportive and proud of his loving wife, Dr. Laurie Croft, and was truly amazed at the impact that his  beautiful daughters and adorable grandchildren have had — and will continue to have — on the world!  He is missed.

Our deepest sympathy to his entire family.

With respect and love,

Susan and Jose Assouline

Professor Croft was…is…will always be my favorite prof. Of all the degrees I’ve collected, I never met a Prof. who made education as accessible and as collaborative, as Prof. Croft.

In my experience, until Prof. Croft, educators were always somehow meant to be above thier students… something to fear, actually. How did Prof. Croft change it all for me?

One day, Prof. Croft discovered that I lived in the same neighborhood as him. He casually told me after class: I’ll see you next week. Here is my phone number if you can pick me up at my house then afterwards I’ll take you to the best Mexican Restaurant, around. If we’re lucky maybe my wife will join us!

I was flabbergasted. What? Did I do something wrong? Am I failing his class? Nope. He just wanted to get to know me.

At dinner, he asked me about myself. I started off with my major, etc…. and the usual stuff you might say to impress your Professor. Nope! He wanted to know about me, about where my family was from (India), and a million other things that made me think about what I had going for me rather than all the ways I thought I was going to fail.

After, dinner, and a quick tutorial from me on how to use his phone—haha , he got up and said, “Great! Why don’t you teach the class about India, next week. We’ll consider it your final exam.” My jaw hit the floor.

Prof. Croft thought I could teach a class? How could he think I was smart enough to teach a college class? Wait until he figures out how much I have screwed up school. He’ll never want to speak to me, again.

He called me a couple of days later and simply said: How about you pick me up every week for class and we can chat. So, I did and we did…every week. Eventually, Mrs. Croft, joined us. I learned about the brilliance of his kids…the kindness and charm of his amazing wife… and Prof. Croft’s enchanting joy, in all circumstances.

Our car-rides to class were my absolute favorite time of my entire academic career. I went on to teach several classes with him. I took every single class he taught, even if I didn’t need it to graduate.

He gifted me an atlas the first time I was invited to his home. I went on to travel most of the world and eventually landed in law school.

Not one moment of my life would have gone the way it has but for the day Prof. Croft asked to “hang out” with me after class. My best friends in the world would not be from Ireland (where I go on a regular basis), my god-daughters wouldn’t reside in London, I would never have backpacked Canyon Lands, camped in Ioa National Park(etc…), I would not have the relationship with my family, in India, and most shockingly, I would never in a million years have gone to law school.

Prof. Croft taught me that “smart” looks like a lot of different things. He taught me that the world is available to anyone who wants to visit. He taught me I was a citizen of the world and had a responsibility I should take very seriously. He taught me no matter how sick you get you don’t have to give up on your dreams (I was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, while in law school.) He taught me that Professors aren’t rooting for you to fail and are approachable accessible people. He taught me that exploring your backyard is just as valuable as exploring the most exotic places. He taught me that Tiffin, in fact, has the best Mexican restaurant, around 😉. He showed me what a kind and loving family looks like…. He taught me just as much about the world as he did myself…and himself … He taught me how to learn.

He taught me…

Prof. Croft, I’m so sad you’re gone. I had big dreams of inviting you to my wedding and introducing you to family…but it’s okay Prof… I’ll know you’ll be there, hopefully taking the form of your wonderful family.

When I imagine what our last conversation would have been like…I hear your voice in these words:

When tomorrow starts without me, And I’m not there to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry

The way you did today,

While thinking of the many things,

We didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love, me, As much as I love you,

And each time you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand,

That an angel came and called my name, And took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready,

In heaven far above

And that I’d have to leave behind All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,

A tear fell from my eye

For all my life, I’d always thought, I didn’t want to die.

I had so much to live for,

So much left yet to do,

It seemed almost impossible, That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,

The good ones and the bad,

The thought of all the love we shared, And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday

Just even for a while,

I’d say good-bye and kiss you (all)

And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized

That this could never be,

For emptiness and memories,

Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things I might miss come tomorrow,

I thought of you (all), and when I did

My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven’s gates I felt so much at home

When God looked down and smiled at me, From His great golden throne.

He said, “This is eternity,

And all I’ve promised you. Today your life on earth is past But here it starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,

But today will always last,

And since each day’s the same way, There’s no longing for the past. You have been so faithful,

So trusting and so true.

Though there were times

You did some things

You knew you shouldn’t do.

But you have been forgiven

And now at last you’re free.

So won’t you come and take my hand And share my life with me?”

So when tomorrow starts without me, Don’t think we’re far apart,

For every time you think of me,

I’m right here, in your heart.

Thank you for everything, Professor… come check in on me from time to time.

I’ll see you around. XO -Prity Kumar

Christmas in LA — with Boris Dralyuk

Professor Croft was by far my favorite instructor at the University of Iowa.  The best memories I have of those years are taking his weekend courses on the Amana Society and the Czech immigration to Cedar Rapids.  He gave me the confidence I needed to ultimately complete my undergrad degree.   I remember that he mentioned once that John Denver's "Sunshine on My Shoulders" was one of his favorite songs.  Thank you for the memories Professor Croft!

My thoughts are with Jerry and his family and friends. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Our dad loved Colorado and in late May of 2015, he drove us all there. Anne Marie Croft became a tree hugger on that trip. — with Anne Marie Croft

While the details of our conversations have faded, Jerry’s warmth and intense care are still palpable in my memory, and I can see him clearly standing in the corner of my University-of-Iowa office, where he had once come with no other purpose, I suspect, but to make sure I understood how fantastically talented his daughter was.

Laurie and Jerry showing off a strawberry cheesecake — with Laurie Croft

By the time of my second visit to Iowa with Jenny, I was already part of the family. Jerry made sure I felt that way. He wasn't doing well, and was especially weak one evening. We were chatting in the living when he asked whether I'd like to see some photos. When we entered his room, he took a seat on the bed and pointed to a few framed snapshots on the wall directly opposite. They showed him in his youth -- in high school, on the basketball court. He was the very picture of health, the kind of strapping young guy, all-American, who was sure to appear on a Wheaties box one day. Looking at him poised to shoot a free throw, I had no doubt that he'd been telling me the truth when he said he'd never paid for a slice of pie at the diner in Bluff City -- a fellow like that gets his dessert for free. What he told me as I marveled at the photos wasn't that he missed those days, or those pies, but that the training he'd put himself through to make those shots taught him a lifelong lesson. That lesson was simple: never give up. You get up in the morning whether you want to or not, and you get out there and play. Whatever's troubling you will fall by the wayside. Just don't miss a day. Get out there and play. He said that this early training had helped him face every challenge he encountered later on, and that he wasn't about to give up. He didn't. He lived to see Jenny and me get married, lived to see the birth of our twins, and even taught Charlie how to shoot hoops.

I got to hang out with Jerry and Laurie last fall at the Panera in Iowa City, where Jerry loved to go for coffee. He was excited to hear about the book I was working on.

My dad visited me when I was on a Fulbright to Poland. We had the best time! — with Jerry Croft