Robert D. YoderPhoto by Jim Bishop
Robert D. Yoder, 76, professor emeritus of biology at Eastern Mennonite University, died Aug. 27, 2005 at his home. He had been ill for the past year.
Yoder taught human biology, microbiology and immunology courses at EMU from 1963 to 1995 and was advisor to EMU’s medical technology students. He started long tenure as a lab assistant to Dr. Daniel B. Suter in 1962. In retirement, he did volunteer work as a laboratory technician in the Suter Science Center until his health declined.
A 1957 EMU graduate, Yoder went on to earn a master’s degree from James Madison University.
During a 1977 sabbatical, Yoder completed the medical technology program at Rockingham Memorial Hospital and went on to work in the laboratory there part time during the week and full time during summers doing blood chemistry analysis until his retirement. He also volunteered many hours at the Harrisonburg Free Clinic.
Yoder was known by many for the poems and tributes he wrote for and about his family, co-workers and friends. He was an avid angler, birdwatcher and environmentalist. He was licensed to do water analysis and was a former president of the Massanutten chapter of Trout Unlimited, a national organization concerned with the preservation of cold freshwater habitats and fisheries.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lois Peachey Yoder, four children, a brother and five grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Aug. 30 at Park View Mennonite Church where he was a member.