Adjunct professor of English John Couture died unexpectedly last weekend according to a statement written by Jenn Fishman, director of first-year English at Marquette.

The statement was sent to students of Couture’s via email Oct. 11.

“I’m writing to you in my role as Director of First-Year English to share difficult news,” the statement read. “Your instructor, John Couture, passed away over the weekend. His death, which was unexpected, is a tremendous loss to all of us.”

Couture taught English part-time during his three years at Marquette. He taught primarily in the first-year English program, and was part of a curriculum work group created to improve Marquette’s English 1001 curriculum.

University spokesman Chris Jenkins said Couture was a dedicated faculty member during his time at Marquette.

“Marquette University mourns the passing of Dr. John Couture, adjunct professor of English, on Oct. 8, 2017. Dr. Couture devotedly taught ‘Catholic Literature and Composition,’ and had been at Marquette for several years.”

Angela Sorby, English department chair, remarked that Couture was a devout Catholic and Bob Dylan fan who loved to teach.

We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Dr. John Couture,” Sorby said. “He taught with joy and dedication to his students at Marquette.”

“He was a valued colleague; he was a talented writer in his own right; and he was a good friend to many of us,” Fishman said.

Visitation is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 16 at St. Peter and Paul Church, 2490 N. Cramer St.