Archibald I. Leyasmeyer *67

Archibald Leyasmeyer, professor emeritus of English at the University of Minnesota, died Oct. 22, 2016, after struggling with Parkinson’s disease during his final years. He was 80.

Leyasmeyer graduated from Harvard in 1957. In 1964 and 1967, he earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. degree in English from Princeton. He had joined the faculty of the University of Minnesota in 1964 and retired as a Morse-Alumni Distinguished Teacher of English in 2003.

His primary academic interests were in dramatic literature, especially Shakespeare and modern drama. He was also interested in 18th-century British literature. The University of Minnesota and other organizations awarded him major honors for excellence in teaching.

Leyasmeyer was greatly involved with arts and cultural organizations, and held leadership positions with many, including the Guthrie Theater and the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis, Minn. The arts, teaching, and world travel were his passions.

He is survived by his wife, Edith, the dean emerita of the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.