Obituary of Dietrich Schaupp

Dr. Dietrich Ludwig Schaupp, 75, of Morgantown passed away Thursday, May 26, 2016, in Morgantown from complications of a heart attack suffered on May 24th. He was born in Fulda, Germany on March 25, 1941, the son of the late Ludwig Christian and Lina Schaupp. In 1948, he and his brother immigrated with their father to Pittsburgh, PA. A graduate of Bethel High School in l961, Dietrich graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1966. He obtained an MBA from West Virginia University and a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Kentucky. After 40 years of service as the Professor of Management in the Department of Management and Labor Relations at WVU, he retired in January 2012 to pursue his avocation in construction as well as a partner with his daughter, Adelheid, doing what he thoroughly enjoyed – bringing new life to old houses. He often said he was her best employee. Together with the family they established a successful rental company. Dieter had a strong sense of values for work and for making a difference in the world around him. He maintained a strong interest in world governments and economic affairs and encouraged others to share that interest. His greatest desire was to make others aware of injustice to the less fortunate in the world. When asked if he was a Christian, his response was, “I can only strive to be.” Dieter placed a high value on family and friends, values he shared with his students when he reminded them that life is bigger than a career. He loved teaching and missed it every day of his retirement. His friends can tell you he always had a good lecture to offer. He will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity and selflessness and having a completely positive attitude. He saw something good in everyone he met and never knew a stranger. He enjoyed visiting family and friends in Germany, and was pleased that Gretchen had chosen to live in his homeland. He met his wife, Barbara, when she became his graduate student. Being proud of his logical mind, he likened falling in love to complete insanity. He also liked to point out, with a wink, that Barbara got an “A” in his class. Dietrich is survived by his wife of 39 years, Dr. Barbara Parsons Schaupp, children; Dr. Gretchen Schaupp (Christian Leichert) and Adelheid Schaupp; grandchildren, Konrad and Milan Medan; He is also survived by his twin brother, Dr. Frederick “Fritz” Schaupp and family. In accordance with his wishes Hastings Funeral Home will provide cremation services. Family and friends will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, Morgantown on Tuesday, May 31 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the Memorial service at 6:00 p.m. with The Rev. Gerald R. Kliner, Jr. officiating. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.