Joseph L. Dorner died December 19, 2014, a distinguished and beloved professor of Veterinary Pathology. Joe was born March 2, 1936 in Dover, Delaware to Joseph and Margaret (Maga) Dorner. He grew up on Long Island and Queens, New York. He served in the United States Army in Germany as a Medical Specialist. Joe received his BS degree in 1962 from the University of Illinois, his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1964, his MS in 1965, and his PhD in 1968, all from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, where he spent his entire professional career. In addition to his teaching duties, his career included directing the clinical pathology department. He also served as Associate Dean for Student and Faculty Affairs.

One of Joe's proudest academic achievements was the 1992 campus-wide award for excellence in graduate and professional teaching, based on consistent high performance and innovation in the classroom, supervision and impact on students. Joe's impact was also felt in the community as a Little League and Babe Ruth coach, starter at swim meets, announcer at the Urbana High School football games and score keeper at the basketball games. He was never far from the action when it came to his boys.

Joe's wife of 35 years Marianne (Nachum) died in 1993. He retired from the university the next year and gave a lot of his time to golf. Joe and Marianne had 2 sons, Joe, who lives in Florida with his wife Brittney; and Kurt. Joe's grandchildren are Zach, Casey and Aly, who reside in Champaign with their parents, Kurt and Julie. Joe and Mary Ellen (Ferverda) were married in 1999 and have resided in Urbana since then. Joe is also survived by his sisters Helen Dorner and Elsie Aviscious. His brother Paul predeceased him . A celebration of life will be scheduled for a date to be determined in February.