"Dr Dueland interviewed me for possible employment once in 1969 and left an indelible impression on me as a superb and thoughtful considerate veterinarian. I also learned from observing him to an open hip reduction. Rest in Peace Dr Dueland. Frank Kocher DVM "
In loving memory of
Dr. Rudolf "Tass" Dueland, Jr.
February 16, 1933 - September 20, 2018
Dr. Rudolf "Tass" Dueland, Jr.
Professor Emeritus
DVM, MS, DACVS
Dr. Rudolf "Tass" Dueland Jr. passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at age 85. Tass, a proud Norwegian, was born in Staten Island, NY on February 16, 1933 and lived in many places through his life, most recently residing in Black Earth, WI and wintering in Las Cruces, NM. Tass is survived by his loving wife Susan (Hyland), his four children David (Elizabeth), Kristen Hess (Ted), Janine Rockey (Mark) and Karl (Laurie) as well as 17 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Rudolf and Hjordis and his sister Sigrid.
Tass was a veterinarian, receiving his DVM from Cornell University in 1956. He practiced in dairy and small animal practices for three years before starting a small animal practice on Staten Island, New York which he ran for thirteen years until he moved on to academia to pursue his interest in veterinary orthopedic research. He obtained a Masters Degree at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine and the University of Minnesota in 1970.
Dr. Dueland was a Diplomate, regent, and president ('90) of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, was president of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society, as well as a member of Orthopedic Research Society, and other veterinary professional organizations such as AVMA, WVMA, and AAHA. His teaching career started at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, from 1971 to 1972. He was Associate Professor of Surgery at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, from 1972 to 1980. He then joined the University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1980 on the development team of the new school and as Founding Chair and Professor in the Department of Surgical Sciences. He was chairman of the department of Surgical Sciences from 1980 to 1986. He held a joint appointment as professor of Orthopedic Surgery in the Medical School. Collaborating globally in his interest around comparative orthopedics, research was not only done at Cornell and at the University of Wisconsin-Madison but also in the Orthopedic Department, University of Washington, Seattle; the Laboratory for Experimental Surgery, Davos, Switzerland; and the Biomechanics Lab, Mayo Clinic. Tass retired in 1999 as Professor Emeritus, but never stopped contributing to the science of orthopedics, continuing to lecture and write on his research interests.
Through his career he impacted the lives of thousands of animals with his medical and surgical skills, taught hundreds of students, advanced orthopedic research resulting in approximately 70 publications, many with worldwide reach, and he also received a US patent for his work on measuring hip dysplasia in canines. His generosity, caring for others, work ethic and passion for the science of orthopedics were infectious and inspiring.
Tass also had a love for the outdoors ranging from skiing to golf to enjoying his dogs (Buddy and Pepper) and traveling to his beloved Norway. His volunteering extended to Ski Patrol, EMS, and being a guide for blind skiers. He will be sorely missed by those who have known him and interacted with him but especially by his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine (online at supportuw.org/giveto/vetmed or call the UW Foundation (608) 263-4545 for details).
There will be a celebration of his life for his family, friends, and colleagues to be held from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm, Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the Cress Funeral Home, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705. A time for sharing will be held at 3:00 pm. Please share a memory.
Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-8406
Tributes
"Tass was a force. He was relentless and was always looking for a collaborator or volunteer. He connected people and turned ideas into reality. Where would we be without the total hip replacement and the interlocking nail and so many creative ideas he brought to veterinary surgery? Where would I be without Tass making me sit down for lunch and conversation even on impossibly busy days? Mange takk Tass!"
"As a pretty new Veterinary Technician, thrilled to be working at the new UW Veterinary Teaching Hospital, my formative years were truly enhanced by working with Dr. Dueland. He definitely had teaching in his blood and took the time to help everyone learn, from vet students, to interns, to residents, to the technicians in the hospital. I remember one time when he had been away from the clinic on either vacation or at a conference, but returned with a beautiful scarf for each of the Operating Room Technicians. So thoughtful and considerate! He truly was one in a million and heaven has gained a good and kind soul. My deepest sympathies to Sue and his family. Teri (Raffel) Kleist"
"Dr. Tass Dueland indeed had a positive influence on many people. Well do I recall a delightfully cold, moon-lit winter night in Wisconsin when he and Susan introduced me to cross-country skiing followed by good cheer in a warming hut. What a treat that was for a prospective faculty member of the Department of Surgical Sciences that Tass was so instrumental in creating! Tass by his generosity of spirit and professional support taught me what it meant to be a faculty member. I look back fondly on those times, times made all the more enjoyable and positive by Tass Dueland. Truly, his was a life well lived!"
"Robert Halperin, DVM class of '56 Dear Susan and family, I was a classmate of Tass's and remember him well. I am sorry for your loss. We met again after our last reunion in Ithaca. I'm afraid our class is diminishing. I wish you peace. Bob Halperin"
"Thanks Tass for the opportunity you gave me at the University of Wisconsin. It was a great journey. I feel your lose Susan. Peace be with you and much strength "
"I was very sad to hear about Dr. Dueland. There are no words to express my sorrow for your loss. I especially remember Dr. Dueland from my fourth year during one of my surgery rotations. He conducted a long TPO surgery and after few hours he suggested us (the forth-year students) to take a short break and go outside from the surgical theater and have something for lunch and come back. This was such a thoughtful and kind act of him thinking about the other students and me while operating the dog, which I?ll never forget. I?m sure that all of his numerous veterinarian students that he was teaching throughout the years won?t forget him, his surgical and teaching skills and his contribuation to their education. Thinking of you during this time and always."
"The ACVS has lost a good one. May the family heal from their loss during this difficult journey by cherishing the lifetime of memories. "
"As a veterinary student at Wisconsin from 1993-1997 I had the honor of knowing both Tass and Susan. Tass was such an exemplary individual. I was was saddened to hear of his loss but I cannot help but smile when I think of him--a gentleman indeed. Dan Mertens"
"The world has lost a true gentleman.... my heart goes out to Tass' family..."
"I'm so very sorry to hear of his passing. Tass was a very generous mentor to me, and taught me so much. Always the ideal Norwegian gentleman. And when he borrowed my crazy dog Lyssa for a demo, he never told me that she tried to nip him. A kind and professional man. Sending you love, Susan. Jean Bjorenson "
"What a beautiful and fitting obituary for Dr. Dueland. He was a role model for me as a student with his expertise, humility and kindness. My condolences to his family. May you find some comfort in the recognition that his life was truly well lived."