John Dennis

Vitek

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. John “Jack” D. Vitek, who died on October 27, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born August 16, 1942 in St. Paul, Minnesota, Jack grew up in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He developed a love of learning early and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Mathematics and Geography from Wisconsin State University-Stevens Point, where he developed a passion for physical geography that would shape his life’s work. He later earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Iowa.

Jack devoted his life to teaching and to the science of geomorphology, the study of the processes that shape the landscapes of Earth. Over a distinguished 43 year career, he inspired generations of students through teaching, research, and service. He was happiest when helping others succeed, and he often said “I want to look out for those people who don’t have a champion.” That belief guided his work, whether in the classroom, in the field, or as an administrator. He carried that belief into his years of service as a university administrator at Oklahoma State University and Texas A & M University. In accepting a career achievement award from his peers in 2007, he told the audience, “Remember it’s not about you on the journey, but about those you serve, be they students, colleagues, or friends.”

Professor Vitek’s contributions to geomorphology earned widespread recognition. He helped establish and promote the international journal Geomorphology (and serviced as the co-editor of that journal for the first four years), chaired the Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium Steering Committee for 20 years, was named a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Yet he was proudest of the people he mentored, and his commitment to students continued to the end. In 2026, he established the Dr. John D. Vitek Periglacial and Alpine Geomorphology Award through the Geological Society of America Foundation to support future graduate students pursuing research in the field he loved.

An explorer and adventurer at heart, Jack’s research and personal travels (often joined by Peggy) took him to all seven continents. He loved the Sangre Cristo Mountains of Colorado, fishing, golf, photography, collecting rocks and vintage books, and bringing home keepsakes from the places he visited around the world. He watched all sports, but he was a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan.

Above all, Jack was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He cheered on his sons, Mark and Alan, at what seemed like every game, no matter where in Oklahoma it was played. Afterward, he would drive the boys home, often with a stop for ice cream or another treat that Peggy might not have approved of. When he wasn’t coaching baseball and basketball teams, Jack kept detailed statistics of their games that he would share with coaches and players alike, without commentary or judgment. Even though Jack might not have been able to keep up with his boys on a basketball court as they became teenagers, neither son can remember ever beating him in a driveway free-throw contest.

Jack taught his sons through his example: be humble, work hard, treat people well, and strive to reach your potential. He was always there to help with homework, especially math, and he supported their interests even when they were not his own – an Iowa Hawkeye supporting the dreams of two Michigan Wolverine

fans. He shared his love of the outdoors through his fieldwork in Colorado, and his love of silly comedies like Airplane!, The Naked Gun, and Fletch, laughing endlessly alongside them.

Jack’s legacy lives on in the countless people he encouraged, mentored, and inspired. He will be remembered for his hearty laugh, his kindness, humility, thoughtfulness, generosity and his ability to solve unique problems in service to others.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Peggy; his sons, Mark (Andrea) and Alan (Kara); his grandchildren, Nathan, Adam, Kelsey, and Tyler; his brother, Mike (Susan) Vitek; his sister, Mary Zahn; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many friends, colleagues, and former students whose lives were enriched by knowing him. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and “Mickey” Vitek; father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Elizabeth Kriegl; and one niece, Helene Andrews-Polymenis.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial gifts to the Dr. John D. Vitek Periglacial and Alpine Geomorphology Award, Geological Society of America Foundation, P. O. Box 9140, Boulder, CO. 80301