Fredrick M. Staudaher

Feb. 21, 1925-Jan. 14, 2016
Fred Staudaher passed away on Jan. 14 in Bradenton, Florida, at age 90. He was born in Butte, Montana, to Fred and Hazel (Rhodes) Staudaher on Feb. 21, 1925. His family moved to Bozeman 1931 where Fred started school. While in high school Fred was a member of the Rocky Mountain Gas Model Engine Club where he learned about aeronautics. He graduated from Gallatin County High School and joined the Navy as an Aviation Radio Technician. He entered as a 3rd Class Petty Officer based on his high test scores for the radio aptitude exam (Eddy test).

After Fred returned from World War II he enrolled at Montana State College in Engineering Physics. He graduated with honors in 1949 and subsequently served in the Korean Conflict as an electronics maintenance officer, and then as an airborne Combat Information Officer. He flew on a Consolidated PBY Catalina amphibious aircraft during this duty. Upon returning from Korea he joined General Electric to do research on Advanced Early Warning radar. In 1971 he began work with the Navy Research Laboratories in Washington, D.C. and continued radar research until his retirement. Fred received numerous awards for his work including the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award, and the IEEE Pioneer Award for developing a sophisticated Airborne Early Warning radar system.

Fred is survived by his wife of 63 years Marilyn (Semmler), sons Steve (Susan Norlin) and John, daughters Sue (Brian Pettit) and Kathy (Joe Esposito) and seven grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister Marilyn (Roy Pezoldt), and his cousin and friend Nick Shrauger of Bozeman.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Walter, and two sons, Robert and Eric.

Services will be held on Feb. 20 with burial in Arlington Cemetery.