L. Joseph Lins

MADISON- Dr. L. Joseph Lins, age 94, Professor Emeritus, School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison, died on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI. He was born on October 11, 1918, at Spring Green, Wisconsin, the son of the late Leo J. and Eva (Schwartz) Lins. He married the former Loretta M. Witzko at St. Barnabas Parish, Mazomanie, Wisconsin, on June 13, 1942. Dr. Lins received his Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the Platteville State Teachers College in 1939. He received his Master of Philosophy degree in School Administration in 1944 and his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Teacher Education and Statistics in 1946 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "Joe" held a variety of positions at the University of Wisconsin including: Assistant to the Dean, School of Education; Associate Director, Testing and Evaluation Services; Project Administrator, UW-Sears Roebuck Foundation Individually Guided Education Teacher Education Project; Associate Faculty, R&D Center for Cognitive Learning; Coordinator of Institutional Studies; Acting Registrar and Director of Admissions; Director of Student Personnel Statistics and Studies; and Directo...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

f Statistics and Machine Records. He left a legacy in education that included his pioneer work in Institutional Studies (a field in which he was recognized nationally as a "father" of the discipline and as an author of what was the widely considered for many decades to be the "bible" of Institutional Research); helping to integrate the state's universities and colleges into one University of Wisconsin system; establishing reciprocity between Wisconsin and its neighboring states to enable students to be schooled in out-of-state programs not offered in their state, at in-state tuition rates; and educating future educators on the benefits of instructing students on an individually guided basis. His family considers one of his greatest legacies to be his continual demonstration of how to transcend obstacles to live a full, rewarding, and successful life. One of his favorite sayings was, "The impossible just takes longer." Born with a brachial plexus injury to his left arm, he showed how to persevere and achieve great things in life such that no disability was apparent. His deep devotion to his faith was evident in the way he used that faith to endure hardships such as the loss of loved ones, loss of eyesight, and loss of mobility and strength. Never complaining, he took each challenge in stride and embraced the richness of life no matter the circumstance. He maintained his incredible intellect, wisdom, sense of humor, and humble nature to the last days of his life. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to his six surviving children: Dr. Robert J. (Meredith) Lins, James W. (Sue) Lins, Marcia A. (Ronald) West, Mary J. (Dr. Donald) Wackwitz, Kathryn M. (James) Kline, and Dr. Steven J. (Debra) Lins; his 14 grandchildren: Matthew (Eden) Lins, Ryan Lins, Brett and Jennifer Phillips, Kimberly (Andrew) Andrich, Dr. Brian (Katie), Jeffrey (Katie), and Daniel (Melissa) Wackwitz; and Kevin, Kelly, Marc, Colleen, Cassandra, and Mitchell Lins; and his five great-grandchildren: Blaise and Isaac Andrich; Addy and Joshua Wackwitz; and Lennen Lins. He is also survived by three sisters: Marie T. (Walter) Hunt, Dorothy E. (Sylvester) Breunig, and Elna K. (William) Johanning. He was preceded in death by his parents, his devoted wife and loving companion Loretta on November 17, 1993; two sisters: Sr. Mary P. Lins and Marcella M. (Edgar) Breunig, and four brothers: Clarence S., Sylvester J., George T., and Cletus L. Lins. He especially enjoyed reading, woodworking, and travel, having visited all 50 states of these United States, many European Countries, and did extensive travel in the Holy Land of Israel. He received a citation from Pope John Paul II for his contributions to Catholic education. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 4, 2013, at St. Ann's Catholic Church with Msgr. Gerard Healy officiating. Friends may call at the Cress Funeral Home, 206 W. Prospect Street, Stoughton, on Sunday, February 3rd, 2013, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. where a rosary (Memorial) service will be held at 4:00 p.m. and on Monday, February 4, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Internment will be in the Resurrection Mausoleum, Madison. Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities, EWTN Television Network or to St. Vincent de Paul. Strength, Strength, where have you gone? Oh Joe! I have given you the strength of two men In your one good arm. Now that strength has been tempered into courage To get you through these past few years. Vision, Vision, where have you gone? Joe, you have always had great vision And have been a visionary in your time. Now that vision has been transformed into great wisdom That you have imparted to those around you. Honey, Honey, where have you gone? Joe, I have always been here Waiting for you. Ready to embrace you For all eternity. Cress Funeral Service 206 W. Prospect Street Stoughton, WI 53589 (608) 873-9244