Rio T. Preisner, 81, of Indiana Township, a Czech-born writer and university professor who was imprisoned by communists and later praised by his homeland for his literary work, died Thursday.

Dr. Preisner emigrated to the United States in 1969, shortly after the Prague Spring, and became a Penn State University professor. He taught German literature there until he retired in 1992, then moved from State College to Western Pennsylvania, said his daughter, Ruth Marie Quinlan of Indiana Township.

Both here and in his native country, Dr. Preisner penned poetry and prose, including some 20 books, his daughter said.

Dr. Preisner, who received a doctoral degree in German literature and philosophy from Charles University in Prague, Czechoslovakia, was openly critical of the communists and was sent to a labor camp for three years in the early 1950s, Dr. Quinlan said.

He found a far different life in America.

"He really loved this country because he was able to teach and speak freely with his students," Dr. Quinlan said.

Decades later, he received the medal of merit from Czech Republic President Vaclav Havel, she said.

Locally, Dr. Preisner was a member of St. Edward Church, Blawnox.

In addition to his daughter, he is survived by his wife, Olga K. Preisner of Indiana Township; and four grandchildren.

The funeral and interment were yesterday.

First Published: August 7, 2007, 2:15 a.m.