Jasper R. Daube ’57

Jasper was one of several science giants in the Class of 1957. Jasper’s specialty was the study, practice, and teaching of electro-diagnostic medicine, which involves recording bodily electrical activity to treat brain, muscular and other deficiencies. Jasper spent his entire career at the Mayo Clinic, where he created a now-renowned neurology department.

Jasper was born in Germany, the son of a Minnesota baker who, Jasper once said, expected him to become a truck driver. At Princeton he ran the dashes in varsity track. His senior-year roommates were Don Creighton, Jack Goodman, Dick McCready, and Murray Peyton.

Jasper’s principal passion was passing on to other physician researchers his vision for his specialty. “His impact on others was formidable,” a colleague said at his funeral. “Grandpa taught me a love for thinking,” a grandson added. His minister called him strong-willed and compassionate.

At Mayo, Jasper was revered. He was asked to accept 43 visiting professorships, many abroad, and did. Another colleague said that whenever Jasper spoke, a large room had to be found. “Everyone wanted to hear him.”

Jasper retired nine years ago due, ironically, to oncoming Alzheimer’s. He died April 18, 2020, at the Mayo Hospital of an infection. His widow, Cynthia, said she expected him to live another decade. Jasper is survived by Cynthia, whom he married in 1960; two children; and six grandchildren.