I am a ‘73 Kennedy grad and just ran across this. Sorry to hear of his passing, he was a fine person and great teacher.
Elwood Downey
August 1, 2023
Kennedy’75 I was just thinking of Mr.Partridge and found he has passed on. I loved his classes and he was an amazing person. The world was better with him in it.
Karen Kriegler
July 15, 2023
1976, he wrote TANSTAFL on the chalkboard.
I went on to get an Econ degree.
There aint no such thing as a free lunch.
Mike Eckhart
June 10, 2023
1976, he wrote TANSTAFL on the chalkboard.
I went on to get an Econ degree.
There aint no such thing as a free lunch.
Mike Eckhart
June 9, 2023
1976, he wrote TANSTAFL on the chalkboard.
I went on to get an Econ degree.
There aint no such thing as a free lunch.
Mike Eckhart
June 9, 2023
I am sorry to hear that Mr. Partridge has passed away. He was the reason I became a teacher. I could tell he truly enjoyed it. I watched the “McLaughlin Group” for many years because of him. When I catch the Bears on TV, I always think of him. He was one of the best.
Eric Riester
December 12, 2021
1988 grad. Mr. Partridge was truly one of a kind. As stated previously...his laugh...his " so on and so forthe...."...his overall gusto for history.....I enjoyed every single one of his classes... Kennedy and the world has lost a gem.
lisa parker
December 9, 2018
I have so many great memories of Mr. Partridge. He was the first teacher who taught me the importance of thinking for myself and to be not just merely a reciter of history but to be an interpreter of history. I scheduled his class purposely to have it the first one in the morning so I could get there early and talk about the events of the day. We had many long conversations about history, government, and life in general. He helped me shape my views about the world and how it works. Mr. Partridge was always recommending books that he thought I might enjoy (he was usually spot on) and encouraged me to never stop learning. When I was going to college I had to get a referral from a past teacher and he was the first one I thought of. When I contacted him to do it he said that he would be happy to do it. He was one of two teachers that I invited to my graduation from Kennedy and it made my day when he showed up and hung out for a while. Some of my other memories were him telling about being best friends with the Police Chief's son and never being late to a football game due to the Police Chief driving them to games in his Police car with the red light on. Or discussing Mayor Paul Eagen from Illinois (who in the world would know THAT!) or Jon Berger and I secretly keeping a collection of his famous quotes ("It was manufactured out of whole cloth" among many others). And who could forget the jumpsuits? He made them stylish. I could go on and on with my memories of Mr. Partridge. I hated the Bears but loved singing the fight song on Fridays because he made it fun. The greatest compliment I ever received in my life was when we were talking about a semi recent court case. He couldn't remember the defendant's name and I did. When I gave him the answer he looked at me and said, "Gael- you're phenomenal!" And I will forever be convinced that Mr.Partridge did in fact know everything. We shall never see the likes of him again the world will be worse for it. Rest in peace, my friend.
Peter Gael
March 21, 2018
Bill, I will miss you as I have missed you since your health problems stole you away from us. I enjoyed my 30 years with you at Kennedy and many years following our retirement. You, Mrs. E and I founded the ROF Thursday get together at Hy Vee that still flourishes. And there was the special group that met occasionally at the Outback. Then came your health issues. I enjoyed several Bear games in the comfy confines of your home. Good times friend . You were a wonderful guy.
:Harvey Hop
March 14, 2018
Sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and hugs.
Cristie Belland
March 12, 2018
Our son, Adam, 1997 KHS alumni, had Mr. Partridge and really "learned so much" from him. Adam ended up going to Princeton & Columbia (grad school) & is living/working in NYC. He is very grateful to Mr. Partridge & other outstanding teachers who prepared him well. Thank you for this gift. RIP.
"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops"
Ida Martin Sorensen
March 12, 2018
1988 Kennedy grad. All the same fun memories as others have posted. Bears fight song, TANSTAAFL, his laugh (often imitated). A great teacher is remembered 30, 40, 50 years later. My best memory is an Economics paper that I turned in and was not particularly proud of. And when he handed me the graded paper back, which wasn’t even an A, he looked me in the eyes and said ‘I don’t know what your future plans hold, but one thing I do know is that you’ll be successful at whatever you do.’ Profound words for an 18 year old kid to hear. Never forgot that.
Jeff McGuire
March 12, 2018
Bill was my closest friend. He nursed me back to health when I had a spinal fusion and at the same time lost my father, my horse and my diamond in my engagement ring! The worse week in my life and bill was there, every day litstening to my sobbing. He helped me with kids, my tension at school, and tension with step family. He was a true angel.
Claire M Danskin
March 11, 2018
I’m a 2000 Kennedy grad and Mr. Partridge’s economics class significantly shaped my life. I had not thought much about the field before his class, but ended up getting a degree in economics and it has been my profession ever since. I’m extremely grateful for his enthusiasm and positive spirit many years ago, and wish the best for his friends and family mourning his loss and celebrating his life.
Will
March 10, 2018
I’m a ‘95 Kennedy grad and to this day have fond memories of Mr. Partridge and his classroom. A unique and friendly personality- I recall well his passion for teaching and kind hearted manner. He reinforced my love for learning (as well as the Chicago Bears). A good man who positively influenced his students over a lifetime of teaching.
Tyler Andersen
March 9, 2018
It is hard to say goodbye to a teacher who taught in such a unique, inspired way. I have never forgotten reading U.S. News & World Report, or the books we could read then provide a written report for extra credit. He made Social Studies a lot of fun!
Lynn Donaldson
March 9, 2018
It is hard to say goodbye to a teacher who taught in such a unique, inspired way. I have never forgotten reading U.S. News & World Report, or the books we could read then provide a written report for extra credit. He made Social Studies a lot of fun!
Lynn Donaldson
March 9, 2018
It is hard to say goodbye to a teacher who taught in such a unique, inspired way. I have never forgotten reading U.S. News & World Report, or the books we could read then provide a written report for extra credit. He made Social Studies a lot of fun!
Lynn Donaldson
March 9, 2018
It is hard to say goodbye to a teacher who taught in such a unique, inspired way. I have never forgotten reading U.S. News & World Report, or the books we could read then provide a written report for extra credit. He made Social Studies a lot of fun!
Lynn Donaldson
March 9, 2018
Kennedy class of ‘98. I will always remember my time spent in Mr. Partridge’s history class. From his jokes and contagious laugh, his “so on and so forth,” and of course the Bear’s song.
Beyond the classroom Mr. Partridge always had a “good morning” and “good night” to each of us in the halls of school. Little things, but all things that made a lasting impression on me and so many of his students.
Bear down! Mr. Partridge
Sarah (Biewen) Hancock
March 9, 2018
Thoughts and prayers for all of you during this difficult time.
Pam Scott
March 9, 2018
Mr. Partridge truly touched generations of students in Cedar Rapids - I was also a fortunate student at Kennedy in 1976 - Economics class. He had a great sense of humor - loved teaching & was an inspiration! Although we did not sing the Bears fight song we did have a lot of fun!
TANSTAAFL!!!
Lu Anne Reifschneider
March 9, 2018
Mike and I both had Mr. Partridge at Kennedy HS. When we reminisce about HS days with our kids and other friends it never fails that we mention Mr. Partridge and the Chicago Bears! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He was a wonderful man, loved and respected by many!
Janelle and Mike Hitt
March 9, 2018
Graduated in ‘87, was in Mr Partridge’s class. He was a crazy teacher and a lot of fun, he was always trying to get me to join the debate team:) He had a passion for teaching and was excited to pass on his knowledge! So sorry for your loss, his family of Kennedy Cougars mourn with you!
Tricia Lange Miller
March 9, 2018
Mr. Partridge...he was a great teacher that really cared and made sure that we students understood the materials he was teaching. He had a knack at keeping things interesting and he always found a way to weave in some humor. I can still remember his laugh - all the kids tried to impersonate it (out of respect of course) Bill, you will be missed - God Bless and Rest in Peace.
Kevin Hyberger
March 9, 2018
Mr. Partridge was a teacher of mine when I was in 10th grade. He had a great sense of humor and knack for teaching. He was fun to listen to and was a decent man. R.I.P. Mr. Partridge.....
Stacy Michalec
March 9, 2018
Bill and I taught in Kennedy's social studies department in 1967 when it opened. We organized a Senior Government trip to Washington D.C. with studentd the weekend after Martin Luther King's assassination. It was a memorable moment in our lives. I celebrate his life as he made a difference in the lives of many students.
William C. Jacobson
Fellow Educator
William C Jacobson
March 9, 2018
Sorry to hear of Bill's death! We taught together at Wash when we had 2,400 students! He moved when Kennedy opened! We will miss him! Pinky Primrose
Pinky Primrose
March 9, 2018
My condolences to the family
After knowing Bill for 52 years, being a close friend, teaching buddy, and drinking friend, Bill will be greatly missed. Many of us will miss him on Thursday mornings.
Robert Kidd
Robert Kidd
March 9, 2018
Bill was an enthusiastic and gifted teacher. His lessons and philosophy still resonate with me decades after I left his classroom, which is a testament to both the man and his passion. I feel very fortunate to have known this funny and gentle soul. Rest in peace, my friend.
JF Kennedy High School
Class of 1975
Dave Lear
March 9, 2018
As a colleague at Kennedy High School I enjoyed his humor, his love of teaching, and his gentle perceptive toward everyone. When I left and ended up at Harrison Elementary, a few years later there was Bill, checking in on his grandson, obviously a delight in his life. Sorry I can not remember the grandson's name but I do remember Bill's interest in making sure his grandson "found" books that interested him and that I knew him - he wanted me to know him. And the grandson was a delight - remember one day the grandson's absolute perseveration on finding a book about birdhouses as his grandpa (Bill) was going to help him build a birdhouse that weekend. I hope others have memories that are as fond, and that those memories help forever to keep him in your hearts. Bill RIP.
Sharron McElmeel
March 9, 2018
Bill and The Partridge Family,
You have our deepest sympathy in the loss of William. Keep strong in your time of loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Marc, Nikki, & Hailey Pollock
March 9, 2018
Bill and I taught together for 38 years. I knew him as extremely bright, principled, well read, clever, and funny. It has been an honor to call him friend and colleague.
Rod Kervin
March 9, 2018
I am so very sad to hear of Jerry’s passing. We were best friends from grade school thru high school and kept in touch for years. When I think of him I think of his smile, his terrific sense of humor, his intellect, and his kindness. My grown children know of him when ever I mention Marshalltown as the Jerry,Gary, and Larry group. I tried several times to get him to come to California and stay with my wife and me but it never worked out. As I write these words my eyes are full of tears. I will miss him and will think of him always. My condolences to the family and Maxine and Sally I’d love to hear from you.
Dave Garber
David Garber
March 9, 2018
There are teachers that influence one's life in different ways and I had a few at JFK High School that did and one of them was Mr. Partridge. He is responsible for me becoming a die-hard Chicago Bears fan since 1987. He had everyone write down the words to the Chicago Bears fight song and we would sing it every Friday in the Fall before that weekend's game. I never even paid attention to the Bears let alone football before then and I decided to watch a game to see what all his excitement was about and the game I watched they beat the Minnesota Vikings and I was hooked for life. Condolences to Mr. Partridge's family and GO BEARS!
Doug Wilson
March 9, 2018
Mr Partridge was a great guy. You could tell that teaching was in his blood and that he loved to challenge his students.. Loved that he was still teaching when my sons went to Kennedy and they got to have such a wonderful man to teach them. Bear Down Mr Partridge you will be missed.
Julie Berckes
March 9, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with the Partridge family. As a sophomore, at Washington High School, I was in his class when President Kennedy was assasinated! Seeing his immediate reaction and listening to his emotional response gave me a true look inside him. I’ve always respected him, enjoyed his class, and I knew what kind of a man he was! Loved his sense of humor and enthusiasm for life! RIP, my friend!
Joe McGillicuddy
March 9, 2018
I was fortunate to have Mr. Partridge for World History.
I was even more blessed to visit with him when I student taught at Kennedy. Finally, I was truly lucky to get to teach at Kennedy and observe his wisdom daily. The Bears fight song every week during football season was legendary. Mr.Partridge will be missed.
Joe Benedict
March 9, 2018
I had the honor of having Mr Partridge at Kennedy as a student as well as daily visits with him at the retirement facility he resided in that I worked at. He loved his family very much and was always bragging out his kids and grandkids. He will be deeply missed. BEAR DOWN!
Melody Ross
March 9, 2018
Nothing but fond memories, not to mention the amazing knowledge he passed on to generations of his students. I whole heartedly believe this man embodied everything an educator should be. Chicago Bears, Bare down........
Jon Sparrow
March 9, 2018
Mr. Partridge was one of my favorite teachers at Kennedy. Government and Economics were never more fun than in his class. I still remember all the words to the Bears fight song and enjoyed singing them with gusto despite being a Packer fan. I also remember him introducing us to the BBC show “Yes Prime Minister” which I found hilarious and I think summed up his political beliefs. My condolences to his family. He will be missed by many.
Erik Federer
March 8, 2018
I'm sorry to hear of Mr. Partridge's passing. He was someone that you couldn't help but like and he was one of my favorite teachers from High School. Thoughts and prayers to you.
Mike Zimmerman
March 8, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear this. I will never forget Mr. Partridge's class, singing the Bears fight song. He was a unique guy and a fine teacher. Blessings to your family.
Randy Pospisil
March 8, 2018
Mr. Partridge was a great social studies teacher. He always had a great way of explaining things during his lectures. I really enjoyed my time in his class, especially the football discussions. Though I am no Bears fan I will say this in honor of Mr Partridge: BEAR DOWN!
Lance Wilson
March 8, 2018
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Partridge. I was one of his students at Kennedy High School and remember him as a kind, caring and fun teacher and person. My sincere condolences to your family on your loss of a wonderful man.
Laura (Thompson) Inlow
March 8, 2018