Daun Kendig never worked directly with THE NEW PLACE but her influence on it was incalculable. She was a magnetic Performance Studies professor who became a cherished friend. Her sway continues today in how I approach a script or a performance. I only with I could still ask for her opinion.
-- RJ

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Daun Kendig died at home Wednesday, April 3rd. She is survived by her five-year-old daughter, Bessana Olivia Kendig, and their beloved dog, Rory; her parents, Russ and Gladys Kendig of Canton, Ohio; sisters and their spouses: Diane Kendig and Paul Beauvais of Lynn, MA and Beth and Jim McBride of Denver, CO; her brother and family: Rusty and Cheryl Kendig and daughters (Daun's nieces) Lauren and Claire, of Canton, Ohio; and many other loving and caring friends nationwide. Daun was born in Canton, Ohio and graduated from Perry High School in 1970. She obtained a B.S. from Ohio University, Athens in 1974 and an MA (1976) and PhD (1987) from the University of Illinois. She came to St. Cloud in 1982 as a member of the Department of Communications Studies at St. Cloud State University, where she directed PLAyers, a student performance group. She was a member of the National Communication Association (Performance Studies Division), a supporter of the Humane Society, a member of First United Methodist Church in St. Cloud, and a sponsor in the Godchild Project between St. Paul and Guatemala. Her publications included writing on the work of Eudora Welty and on student performance as a means of service.

The open house and celebration of life which Daun requested will take place at the home at a later date. Meanwhile, a memorial gathering will be held at First United Methodist Church on Fifth Avenue this Saturday, 6 April 2002 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to First United Methodist Church in St. Cloud or the National Marrow Donor Program (www.marrow.org). Donations to a scholarship fund for her daughter's education can be sent to Bessana Kendig (Benefit), US Bank, 1015 St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN 56301.

The family sends special thanks to the members of First United Methodist Church in St. Cloud, St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Canton, Ohio, the Department of Communications Studies at SCSU, parents and staff at Children's Day Montessori, Dr. Nicholas Reuter and staff, the nurses and staff of Fifth Floor South at St. Cloud Hospital, Dr. Linda Burns and staff of the Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic and Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, and Daun's neighbors. While we would have asked for a different journey, we could not have asked for better fellow travelers.