Ramakrishna Vaitheswaran

RAMAKRISHNA VAITHESWARAN

Cedar Rapids

Ramakrishna Vaitheswaran, born in 1929, passed away on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021.

Vaidi, as he was known, was born in southern India. His hallmark intellectual curiosity began in childhood as he surrounded himself with books and a diverse set of friends who would spend many hours drinking tea and discussing the pressing issues of the time. He graduated from Osmania University in India with a bachelor's and master's degree in economics. His academic and activist streak led him through careers as a journalist, speaker and professor.

Vaidi met his beloved Janaki during college and they were married in 1958. He migrated to the United States with his family in 1967 to teach political science and multicultural affairs. He then worked to achieve a doctorate in economics from Iowa State University.

In 1973, he moved to Cedar Rapids and taught at Coe College in the Department of Business Administration and Economics for 26 years. He became part of a broad and supportive community and volunteered across the decades to promote cross-cultural understanding and tolerance.

Vaidi sustained his intellectual curiosity during retirement, spending each day absorbing newspapers, magazines, fiction and non-fiction from his immense library, and sharing books and stories with his precious grandchildren. He is survived by his two daughters, son-in-law, two grandchildren, one sister, many nieces and nephews, as well as a host of friends, colleagues, and former students who benefited from his wisdom and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa Inc.

Iles Dunn's Chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.