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David Felbeck Obituary

Felbeck, David K. David Kniseley Felbeck died peacefully on October 4, 2017. He was born on April 2, 1926 in Mount Vernon, New York, the second of five children. His parents, George T. and Helen K. Felbeck, raised their young family in Long Island, New York and Altadena, California. David grew up during the Great Depression but remembered those years as full of love and the pleasures of being a happy young boy. He learned to read at a very early age and this opened up a world of discovery and learning that he cherished his whole life. He attended the Grant School for gifted children in Altadena and through their excellent guidance he began his path of academic achievement. David entered Cornell University as a Rhodes Scholar candidate, earning his BME in Mechanical Engineering (1948). During this time he contributed to the war effort by working as an instrument mechanic, third class at the Oak Ridge, Tennessee K-25 plant, which was a branch of the Manhattan Project. His graduate study was at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning an M.S. (1949), Ph.D. (1951) and Sc.D. (1952). He was a recipient of a Fulbright Lectureship at the Technical University of Delft, and served six years on the staff of the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. He served on the faculty of M.I.T and, subsequently, the University of Michigan, moving to Ann Arbor in 1961 with his wife, Frances Myska (Felbeck) Carrigan and their 3 young children. An expert on the deformation and fracture of metals, he has testified in some 600 product liability lawsuits and is the author of numerous books and papers on the subject of strength and fracture of engineering solids. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 1996. David was a man of passionate and varied interests. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 14; an achievement in which he took great pride. He was an avid conservationist, hunter, angler, boater and backpacker. David was a vocal and determined supporter of Second Amendment rights, being very involved with the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners. He was a member of Rotary International and was devoted to his Friday Culture Club. David had a beautiful singing voice; he was a true bass. He loved and supported music all his life, believing there was no finer music ever written than that of W.A. Mozart. David is survived by his wife of 42 years, Annamaria Inka Felbeck, with whom he enjoyed a close and happy marriage. He is also survived by his 5 children: Susan Felbeck Schreiber (David), Peter G. Felbeck (Maribeth), Jeffrey L. Felbeck (Rachel), Alexander A. Bego (Chawn) and Andre S. Bego (Adrienne), and his 5 grandchildren: Stefan D. Felbeck, Benjamin J. Schreiber, Jeremy S. Felbeck, Silas Bego and Myra M. Felbeck. David Felbeck was a gentleman, a scholar, a wonderful husband and father, and a great friend. His memory will survive in the hearts of the many people whose lives he touched. His funeral is scheduled for Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Published by Ann Arbor News from Oct. 6 to Oct. 8, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Felbeck

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This is John Biel. I am sorry to just learn of your father's passing. I was searching for a way to contact my friend Peter whom I have not seen for many years. I recently moved back to Ann Arbor and would like to reconnect. Peter could you call me at 734-881-5011.
With heartfelt condolences to Felbeck family
John

John Biel

September 30, 2018

Dave was a wonderful friend and colleague, on whom one could always count.
My deepest sympathy to Inka and the family.

George Springer

December 28, 2017

Of all the teachers I have had, David had the most significant influence on the direction that my professional life has taken. He was the model for my academic and consulting career. He excelled at both. Even after I left U of M in 1964, we stayed in contact, both socially and professionally. He is the only teacher I ever had that I never lost contact with. That alone is a testiment to how important he was to me.

William Ovens

October 17, 2017

Dave was a special person and good friend. My deepest sympathies to his family. He will be missed by all who knew him. He left a wonderful mark on the world in so many ways. Dave Cole

October 14, 2017

Inka and Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with you. David was an incredible gentleman who loved his family, his work and knew how to enjoy life. A generous wonderful man. We will miss him dearly. Please remember "Friends are the pillars on your porch. Sometimes they hold you up, sometimes they lean on you, and sometimes it's just enough to know that they are standing by." Much love.
Dan Raglin & Julie Fogarty

Dan Raglin

October 13, 2017

He had a fine mind and a good soul. Grief is the price of love but may his memory always be of comfort to you.

Mike Anthony

October 11, 2017

Inka and family,
I have known David and you for only about two years, but I came to appreciate the closeness between both of you after so many years of marriage. David was a gentle person. I offer my condolences to all in the family.

Joachim Janecke

October 10, 2017

Susan and Family,
So sorry for your loss, my you keep your memories close to your heart.

Cathleen Argyle

October 10, 2017

Offering my condolences to your family for the loss of your loved one. May God of all comfort sustain you at this time.

October 9, 2017

MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17

KELLEY

October 8, 2017

As a bed rock member of the friday " culture club " we miss you dear friend....RIP David... our sympathies to the family ...Bill Bond

william bond

October 7, 2017

He was kind and gentle. It was a privilege to have known him as a member of the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor. Condolences and regards to the family.

Nishta Bhatia

October 7, 2017

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

young

October 6, 2017

Thoughts and prayers extended to the family. A wonderful man who loved his family and all with whom he came into contact will be greatly missed by all. Love from the extended family in Virginia.
Suzanne and Les Blanton

October 6, 2017

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Funeral services provided by:

Muehlig Funeral Chapel

403 South Fourth Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

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