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Peter G. Renstrom

Sept. 6, 2006

Dr. Peter G. Renstrom, professor of political science at Western Michigan University, died Sept. 4 in Kalamazoo. He was 63.

Renstrom, who joined the faculty in 1969, was an expert on constitutional law and U.S. elections. He taught courses in the American judicial process, criminal justice, civil liberties and civil rights, and he was honored by the College of Arts and Sciences in 2002 for his role in preparing students in his department's public law concentration for professional roles in government and the law. He also had coached WMU's successful mock trial team since 2000.

Renstrom was the author or co-author of 10 books on constitutional law, including was the co-author of the 1993 edition of "The Constitutional Law Deskbook," which he wrote with retired WMU professor Ralph C. Chandler and retired federal judge Richard A. Enslen.

He was active on campus in the Faculty Senate and the WMU chapter of the American Association of University Professors. In the community, he had a long history as a campaign consultant for local races and served on a number of boards, including the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners and Board of Public Works.

Renstrom earned a bachelor's degree from Macalester College in 1965, and his master's and doctoral degrees from Michigan State University in 1968 and 1972, respectively.

A memorial service will be held in Kanley Chapel beginning at noon Saturday, Oct. 28. A reception at the Oaklands follows the service.

A memorial fund has been established in Renstrom's name, and contributions may be sent to the Peter G. Renstrom Memorial Fund, WMU Foundation, Kalamazoo MI 49008-5403.

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

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