He graduated from Central High School in 1951 and received a B.A from Morningside College in 1954. He went on to earn his Master's Degree and complete numerous additional graduate hours through the University of Minnesota, University of South Dakota, University of Iowa, and Iowa State University.

He created and instructed a memoir writing class for the Sun City Grand Lifelong Learning Academy, through Arizona State University and was later appointed to the Board of Directors of the Arizona State University Lifelong Learning Academy. 

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara; his son and daughter-in-law; his daughter; and a grandson.