John Robert Tester, 89, St. Anthony Park, died Nov. 16, 2019. He was a pioneering ecologist at the University of Minnesota whose research took him around the world. He wrote a groundbreaking book on the state’s ecology, “Minnesota’s Natural Heritage.” It will be re-released next year on its 25th anniversary.
Tester helped found the U’s Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, where he taught for decades. He was one of the first to raise alarm about global warming.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce, sons Hans and Peter, daughter-in-law Maya and two granddaughters. A celebration of John’s life was held Jan. 11 at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. Donations can be made to the University of Minnesota’s John Tester Itasca Research Fund. https://makingagift.umn.edu/give/fund.html?id=23277.
