Obituary of Dietlinde von Kuenssberg Jehle Raisig

Dietlinde von Kuenssberg Jehle Raisig, 94, of Ruckersville, Virginia and Williamsville, New York passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2009, in Williamsville, New York. She was born May 3, 1915, in Heidelberg, Germany, the daughter of former Heidelberg University Law Professor, Baron Eberhard von Kuenssberg and Dr. Katharina von Kuenssberg. Dieta is survived by her loving children, Dr. Dietrich Jehle of Williamsville, New York and his wife Theresa; and Eberhard Jehle of Charlottesville, Virginia; and 5 grandchildren: Nina, Chris, Zac, Gabi, and Ali. She completed her undergraduate studies in Innsbruck, Berlin and Heidelberg Universities. Dieta went on to receive her Doctorate in German Literature in 1939 from Heidelberg University. She emigrated from Nazi Germany to England in 1939, and during World War II she completed additional post graduate studies at Oxford University. On arrival to the United States in 1946, she taught Germanic Studies at Brown University, then Indiana University, University of Nebraska and the University of Virginia. Dieta's first husband, Dr. Herbert Jehle who passed away in 1983, was a renowned Physics Professor at Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, The Princeton Institute, University of Nebraska, George Washington University, University of Maryland, University of Amsterdam and the University of Munich. His later interests in Biophysics lead him to work on the DNA decoding project with Linus Pauling at Cal Tech and Marshall Nirenberg at the NIH. Dieta's second husband, Dr. Miles Raisig who passed away in 2009, served as a University Librarian at Yale University and then as Director of Library Services at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. In her youth, Dieta was the City of Heidelberg's Women's Tennis Champion and an avid skier. Her experiences in Nazi Germany made her a strong advocate for the Civil Rights Movement and the Peace Movement long before either cause became popular. She has been a strong supporter of the Arts, leader of the Charlottesville Friends Meeting and Honorary Lifetime Member of the American Association of University Women. On a personal note, Dieta was a kind, fun loving, athletic lady who was playing tennis with her grandchildren at age 87. Her warm smile and engaging eyes will never be forgotten. Contributions in Dieta's memory may be made to the Erie County Medical Center, Lifeline Foundation, Buffalo, NY 14215 and condolences can be sent to Dietrich Jehle, 36 Deer Run Court, Williamsville, New York 14221. A memorial service will be held a later date at the convenience of the family. <h3>Visitation</h3> No prior visitation. <h3>Services</h3> Private funeral services.