The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Department of Chemistry lost a valued faculty member on Saturday when 65-year-old professor John Stezowski was found dead in his car near 14th and Vine streets.
Reports indicate Stezowski died from natural causes.
Stezowski came to the university as a chemistry professor in 1991.
Before that, he was professor at the University of Stuttgart in Germany and Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.
He received his degree in chemistry from what is now known as Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and his doctorate in chemistry from Michigan State University.
Colleagues said Stezowski was a man of many talents who is already missed by students and faculty.
Jim Takacs, the chairman of the chemistry department, said he will miss Stezowski's infectious smile.
"He kind of turned beet red when he smiled," he said. "I think we'll miss that the most."
Van Nguyen-Mai, a chemistry graduate student, said she was comfortable working with Stezowski, who was her adviser and mentor, from the moment they first met.
She said he made people feel comfortable and had a good sense of humor.
"He gives you enough room to explore your own ideas but makes sure he is close enough to give you ideas and advice if he thought you were going the wrong way," she said.
George Sturgeon, an emeritus chemistry professor and a longtime friend of Stezowski, said the late professor enjoyed European food and cooking - Stezowski was especially fond of the low-calorie apple pie he made often.
Sturgeon said Stezowski encouraged people to go on social outings and participate in group events.
"He was sort of an initiator of a lot of things," he said.
Stezowski's relatives were unavailable for comment Monday.
But Nguyen-Mai said Stezowski was a devoted professor who was available to help even late at night or on weekends.
"That's what I'll miss the most," she said. "I won't be able to talk to him and ask for his advice."
jamieklein@dailynebraskan.com
