Richard "Dick" Dienstbier, a professor emeritus in psychology, died Feb. 23.
Dienstbier was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and moved to Buffalo, New York, at the age of 10. He will be remembered as a loving father and husband, and dear friend to many.
Dienstbier married Karen Gregory, of Providence, Rode Island, in 1961. They moved to Izmir, Turkey for 17 months while he finished out his time in the Army and where their first son was born. Upon returning to Rhode Island, he found work in different businesses while he pursued his college education at the University of Rhode Island. He earned his Bachelor of Science and a master’s degree in psychology.
In 1969, Dienstbier, his wife and his two sons moved to Lincoln, where he became an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Within a few years he became chair of the Department of Psychology, but preferred teaching, found research exciting and returned to the classroom. His teaching, researching and writing career spanned more than 35 years.
Dienstbier retired in 2005, but not from academics and publishing. He chaired the Nebraska Symposium on Motivation for many years. He authored several books, most recently "Building Resistance to Stress and Aging: The Toughness Model," and "Food for Thought: Nutrition and the Aging Brain."
He had many interests and loves. Cats moved in when the family came to Lincoln and have been a fixture in Dienstbier and Gregory’s lives ever since. Camping when the boys were younger and backpacking with Gregory in the Rocky Mountains were summer adventures. World travel, African safaris and documenting their journeys with his camera were all passions. The two took full advantage of Lied performances and Lincoln Symphony Orchestra.
During his years at Nebraska, Dienstbier also used his time to become a long-distance runner, running in many marathons including twice in the New York City marathon. He enjoyed testing his body in triathlon competitions.
He is survived by his wife, sons Dana (Christy) and Scott (Heather); granddaughters Lexi and Katrina; and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. April 11 the Unitarian Church of Lincoln, 6300 A St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Olli (Osher Lifelong Learning), Planned Parenthood or Doctors without Borders.
Online condolences may be left online.
