Waldrop Family Genealogy & History

Howard Waldrop (1946–2024) was a renowned American science fiction author celebrated for his unique style, incorporating elements like alternative history and American pop culture. Known for his short fiction, Waldrop achieved significant acclaim, including a Nebula Award for "The Ugly Chickens" and the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2021. His works, often out-of-print but available online, include notable titles like "Night of the Cooters" and collaborations with esteemed authors such as George R. R. Martin. Waldrop was a key figure at conventions like ArmadilloCon and the World Fantasy Convention, highlighting his influence in the science fiction community.

Rosmarie Waldrop, born Rosmarie Sebald on August 24, 1935, in Kitzingen am Main, Germany, is a renowned American poet, novelist, translator, and essayist. A co-editor and publisher of Burning Deck Press, Waldrop has significantly impacted the innovative poetry scene in the United States, notably through her association with the Language poets. Her work includes over three dozen published books, with notable achievements such as the 2008 PEN Award for Poetry in Translation and the 2021 America Award in Literature. Her translations of avant-garde French poets have broadened her influence in the literary world, earning her recognition from the French government as a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres.

Rosmarie Waldrop's family roots trace back to Germany, where her father, Joseph Sebald, worked as a physical education teacher in Kitzingen. Her early life in Germany included a brief stint in a traveling theatre during World War II and a musical education, which laid the groundwork for her future literary and translation pursuits.

Keith Waldrop was a renowned American poet, translator, publisher, and academic, celebrated for his influential contributions to literature. He was honored with the National Book Award for Poetry in 2009 for his work "Transcendental Studies: A Trilogy." Waldrop, alongside his wife Rosmarie, co-founded Burning Deck Press, a pivotal platform for experimental poetry and prose. His academic career spanned over four decades at Brown University, where he made significant impacts in the English and Literary Arts departments. Waldrop's achievements include being named Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government, affirming his international literary influence.

Born in Emporia, Kansas, Keith Waldrop was the son of Arthur Waldrop, a railroad worker, and Opal Mohler, a piano teacher. This family background in a small Kansas town provided a unique cultural foundation for his future pursuits in poetry and literature.

Rob Waldrop is a former American football player known for his impressive career as a defensive tackle in both the NFL and CFL. Born on December 1, 1971, in Atlanta, Georgia, Waldrop made his mark playing college football for the Arizona Wildcats, earning consensus All-American honors in 1992 and 1993. His professional career included playing for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL and the Memphis Mad Dogs and Toronto Argonauts in the CFL. Notably, he was a key player for the Argonauts' back-to-back Grey Cup championship teams in 1996 and 1997, earning CFL All-Star recognition both years. Waldrop's achievements have earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame.