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Jill Barnum, 59, of Minneapolis and formerly of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2006, after long suffering with melanoma.
She was born in Key West, FL, and spent her childhood in the Philippines. She later attended school in Fergus Falls where she was an accomplished musician and theater performer. Jill graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1966 and this past summer attended her high school 40th reunion.
She attended college and received her doctorate in 1978. For 28 years she taught at the University of Minnesota where she was Horace T.-Moise Distinguished Professor of Teaching. She received the 2006 College of Continued Education Distinguished Teaching Award. Among her numerous scholarly works are three books on Herman Melville and the literature of the sea. She also served as the Executive Secretary of the Melville Society. An active member of the Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Jill enjoyed playing the flute and traveling, including teaching special sessions in Ireland and Vietnam.
She is survived by dear sons, Benjamin and Nicholas Gidmark; their father, John Gidmark; beloved brother, James Bamum of Cincinnati, and aunt and uncle, Russell and Vivian Shol. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and June Barnum
