About Words With My Father by Lowell Klessig and Lukas Klessig
THE DRAMATIC STORY OF A PIONEERING MAN, HIS MERCURIAL MIND AND A SOCIETY IN LIMBO.
Lowell Klessig’s posthumously-released story, infused with reflections by his son Lukas, provides an intimate window into one man’s life in flux with bipolar disorder. As the author narrates a postwar upbringing and describes the manic-depressive travails of developing his identity, he offers us a view into the turmoil of the times – and of his mind.
Through mania- and danger-filled months fighting for Civil Rights, protesting the Vietnam War and furthering the Conservation Movement, we see the purpose that sustained him. Through darkened panes, we witness the isolation and malaise of depressive winters that nearly took his life. This masterful chronicle allows us to peer into a restless and kinetic existence in one moment and a chasm of fatigue and hopelessness on the next page.
It’s an account that will provide you new perspective. It’s a bipolar journey that you won’t ever forget.
Buy the book, and follow the author on social media:
Learn more about the writer. Visit the Author’s Website.
Like the Authors Facebook Fan Page.
Author Bio:
LOWELL KLESSIG
*Medley Park Press and Lukas Klessig manage this page on Lowell's behalf and using some of his self-descriptors.
Lowell Klessig led a life of action, ambition and accomplishment. He directly participated in the Civil Rights and Peace Movements. In addition, he became a celebrated conservation leader and environmental advocate in Wisconsin, the nation and around the world.
Lowell won the Wisconsin Idea Award and UW-Extension’s Teacher of the Year Award, among many other recognitions. His research and work served as the basis for several conservation laws. All along the way, he wrote, published and taught the ideas and lessons garnered from a multitude of experiences.
Lowell passed away in 2014 after a year-long battle with CJD – a rare neurodegenerative disease. This book is his first written chronicle of the anxiety, mania and depression that shaped his shortened life.
Some other selected highlights:
AWARDS:
US Department of Agriculture Career Service Award
Wisconsin Governor's Distinguished Service Commendation
Wisconsin Lakes Lifetime Achievement Award
Community Development Association Distinguished Service Award
Wisconsin Lake Districts Distinguished Service Award
Soil and Water Conservation Society Achievement Award
State Visionary Leadership Award
University of Wisconsin Meritorious Service Award
LEGACY:
Multiple Signature Pens from four Governors for key role in Wisconsin legislation.
50+ academic book chapters, journal articles and magazine features published.
Two prior books: 1. One Family's Forest & 2. The Elf Odyssey: National Security Versus Environmental Protection.
CAREER:
27 years as a professor of natural resources management and rural sociology for the University of Wisconsin system.
Extension educator/liaison for additional areas including acid rain, renewable energy, economic development and sustainable agriculture.
ACTIVE LEADER OF VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS:
Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program
Wisconsin Woodland Leaders Institute
Wisconsin Family Forests
Wisconsin Master Woodland Steward Program
Scenic Wisconsin
Science and Religion Task Force
Town of New Hope Planning Committee
Portage County Board of Adjustment
Sigurd Olson Institute
North American Lake Management Society
Wisconsin Lake Leaders Institute
Wisconsin Lakes Convention
Wisconsin Lakes Partnership
DEGREES:
B.S. in Biochemistry (UW-Madison)
M.A.T. in Molecular Biology (Vanderbilt)
M.S. in Sociology (UW-Madison)
Ph.D. in Environmental Management (UW-Madison)
ROLES FOR PURPOSE
Caretaker of 296 acres of Wisconsin land across four properties.
Unrelenting essayist and writer, sometimes poet. Hopefully with some favorable results.
Father of 2 boys, imperfect but caring husband, animal lover and respecter.
Explorer of 56+ countries and 6 continents, but who's counting?
Conservation pioneer and community-minded citizen who sought to live so that his epitaph would, one day, accurately read "He taught us to think."
LUKAS KLESSIG
Lukas Klessig lives at the family ranch in Wisconsin, managing the care of forests, fields, gardens and buildings. He also looks after his Mom, monitors the family’s investments and, occasionally, tries to be creative.
Lukas is a proponent of mental health advocacy, animal welfare, outdoor living and physical activity. He spends winters in southern Florida. His beloved cat Shaddy often loiters nearby, supervising his activities.
This is his first book.
Lukas studied history, Spanish and international relations at UW-Madison and FIU. He became an Eagle Scout at 16 and transferred those skills to jobs keeping violent kids safe, handing out menus in business parks, arranging luxury travel and consulting on client marketing for global brands.
Most of his best sentences emerged on many mile walks on quiet roads and trails. His routine includes too much ice cream, bug spray and bushwhacking and too many economics podcasts, worn-out shoes and anti-balding efforts. Lukas counts Australia, Hawaii, the Caribbean and southern Spain as favorite destinations – you get the idea.
He would really like you to read his book and thanks you in advance for any feedback and reviews.