G. Theodore Schaum ’57

Ted Schaum was killed Feb. 5, 2007, in a car accident near Detroit Lakes, Minn. He was driving at night when a tractor-trailer did a U-turn in front of him, blocking the road and killing him in the resulting crash.

Ted was born and raised in Germany. In 1955 he transferred to Princeton and majored in literature. He joined Prospect Club and was a member of the hockey, volleyball, bowling, and pool teams. After graduating he taught at Choate for two years and subsequently obtained a Ph.D. in German and German literature at Indiana University.

In 1969 he transferred to Minnesota State University at Moorhead until his retirement in 1994. His great interest was people and his community, and he organized debates and seminars on a wide range of issues. His work in the community was widely recognized and caused his memorial service to be moved to a larger church.

He loved classical music, his grandchildren, fishing, skiing, and painting. He was active in Kiwanis International, Toastmasters International, and birding clubs.

The class sends its sympathy to his sons, Michael and David, his daughter, Erika; six grandchildren; his special friend, Kristi Johnson; and former spouse, Marge.