Wolfgang M.H. Sachtler (92), Professor Emeritus at Northwestern University, passed away on January 8, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was born November 8, 1924. After a long career in catalysis research at Shell, Amsterdam, and as a professor at the University of Leiden, Wolfgang joined the faculty of Northwestern University, Evanston, as the Director of the Center for Catalysis and Surface Science in 1983. He is survived by his wife, Anne-Lore Sachtler; their son and daughter-in-law, Adriaan and Patricia Sachtler; daughter and son-in-law, Heike and Niek Zaman; daughter and son-in-law, Yvonne and Craig Alton; grandchildren, Karl Putz, Matthew and Michelle Sachtler, Patrique and Paul Josse Zaman; and greatgrandchildren, Murphy and Meadow Putz. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 25 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation to follow until 5:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd. at Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL 60077. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to your favorite charity. Info: 847 675-1990 or www.donnellanfuneral.com.

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Published by PL-North from Jan. 14 to Jan. 19, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Wolfgang Sachtler

12 Entries

Evangeline

August 3, 2023

I´m sorry I only found out about Professor Sachtler´s death so late, but I wanted to share a much-treasured story about him when he was at Northwestern. I was friendly with our Polish janitor and worked in a lab upstairs from Wolfgang. He was always friendly and curious about people and students. He asked the best questions in seminars. What I will always treasure though is this, he knew the janitor made very little money and would often rescue things thrown out and fix them. He would offer those of us who worked late or were friendly with him the things he had rescued and fixed. I most remember that he fixed a paper shredder- I´m not sure how and another time he fixed a surge protector/power extension cord by changing out the fuse. He did this with a lot of things that otherwise might end up in the landfill- old toasters, lamps, coffeemakers, whatever he could fix he would fix. I think Wolfgang even asked the janitor if he could fix some things. Wolfgang appreciated the janitor fixing things and once after accepting some fixed items from the janitor, Wolfgang left a $20 under his wastebasket for the janitor. The janitor put the $20 on Wolfgang´s desk and cleaned the trash as usual. Wolfgang then left the $20 under the trashbag inside of the trashcan. The janitor when he emptied the trash, found it and put it on Wolfgang´s desk again. Wolfgang stayed late one day to chat with the janitor and mentioned to him that the $20 was for him, the janitor. The janitor said he didn´t want to take what wasn´t his. Wolfgang pulled the $20 out and said that the $20 was for him, because of all the extra effort he put in and that Dr Sachtler was sure he wasn´t getting paid for that and that he appreciated all of the fixed items in his office. The janitor was so touched he teared up and thanked Wolfgang. Then later that evening when he came upstairs to my office to clean he told me about it and said, that man downstairs from you is special. I agreed. I don´t know how else they interacted, but I have always remembered this story and how it reflects Wolfgang Sachtler´s kindness, attention to nuance and detail, as well as his great intellect. I hope he´s at peace and that your family has many good memories of him. I am sorry I didn´t get to overlap and interact with him more.

Steve Augustine

February 26, 2017

Dear Anne-Lore,

I want to thank you for all the times you and Wolfgang showed us warmth and hospitality. Yours is a home where all feel welcome. I thank you for sharing that with us - and all Wolfgang's students over the years.

I was a directionless student when I met Wolfgang, and he made chemistry come alive. I remember his mental pictures of catalyst surfaces and thought of them more as living, breathing analogies rather than stiff and structured models. He was both demanding and kind as a teacher; showing great wisdom on when to push, when to wait, and when to advise. I can truly say that learning under his mentorship has changed my life beyond measure. I know I can speak for so many when I say that Wolfgang Sachtler impacted my life in a myriad of different ways making me a better chemist, student, and person. We will all miss him greatly.

Prof. Sachtler amidst two other Ph.D. graduates, Pleun van der Plank (to his right on the picture) and Rob Bouwman (to his left).

T.G.J. van Oirschot

February 22, 2017

February 22, 2017

R.I.P. Prof. Dr. Wolfgang M.H. Sachtler, and my condolences to his family.
He was my inspiring teacher and guide during my Ph.D. work at the State University of Leiden, The Netherlands.
Picture was taken during the reception after obtaining the Ph.D. on February 25, 1970.
Theo G. J. van Oirschot, Best, The Netherlands

Ingo Jiang

February 12, 2017

Dear Prof. Sachtler,

I am here to thank you for your guidance not only for my Ph.D. studies, but also a lot of valuable life's experiences.....

Wish you have a wonderful journey to your next destination.

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Ingo Jiang

February 12, 2017

To Mrs. Sachtler and Family of Prof. Sachtler:

I think Professor Sachtler has had a wonderful life, and a perfect life. I do believe you all are so proud of him.....

I was his Ph.D. student at Northwestern from 1983-1988. It's lucky for me to have his guidance since then, actually affect me for my whole life.
His total view about the "knowledge" inspired me a lot.His viewpoints like "family are always in mind " are very like our Chinese traditional culture. I respect him from my bottom heart.

I was lucky to talk to him on November 8, 2016.
That's the last conversation with him. I still remember his warm, happy voices.

Wish him go to Heaven, traveling to next wonderful place with a happy journey.........

Cal Claus

February 2, 2017

Condolences to Anne-Lore and family on the passing of Wolfgang. I'm sure the closeness of your children and their families will provide solace in your moments of feeling alone. You'll also find comfort in your neighbors at the Presbyterian Home and in your friends at St. Paul's. Your former neighbor at 2141 Ridge, Cal Claus.

R.M. de Jonge

Reinoud de Jonge

January 30, 2017

Reinoud de Jonge

January 30, 2017

To the family of Professor Dr Wolfgang Sachtler. - Please accept my condolences. I was post-candidate student chemistry of the Department of Heterogenous Catalysis of the National University of Leiden in the Netherlands, from 1970 to '72. I remember him as a charming and very friendly man who had an enormous knowledge about his topic. However, he also had many interests, a broad view and he was very courages. His death will be a great loss for his family, friends, and acqaintances. - - - Reinoud de Jonge, Epse, the Netherlands

R.M. de Jonge

Reinoud de Jonge

January 30, 2017

Gerri Pipersburgh

January 17, 2017

To the family of Professor Sachtler: My deepest condolences to each of you in your loss. My encounters with Professor Sachtler was always pleasant.
Gerri Pipersburgh
Northwestern-Chemistry

Lowanda

January 16, 2017

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. But know the God of all comfort will help you endure this sad time.

Lynn

January 14, 2017

My condolences to the family and friends. Draw close to the God of all comfort during this difficult time.

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