Kurt Nathan

Kurt Nathan

AGE: 96 • Somerset

Kurt Nathan, 96, of the Somerset section of Franklin Township, died Friday, October 7th at his residence. Born in Essen, Germany, Mr. Nathan came to the United States in 1937 on Thanksgiving Day settling in Binghamton, NY. He has resided in Somerset, NJ since 1951.

Mr. Nathan was a graduate of the Westerbeck Training Farm in Westphalia, Germany and the National Farm School in Doylestown, PA. He graduated as the Valedictorian in 1941 and received a one year post graduate scholarship in Horticulture. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in 1946 and 1948 respectively from Cornell University graduating with top honors and receiving a scholarship as well as being inducted into the Universities Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He graduated in 1955 from Rutgers University with a BSAE degree. Kurt was licensed as a Professional Engineer and Land surveyor in 1960.

From 1941-43, he was a Field Instructor at the National Farm School; a Teaching Assistant for Cornell University from 1946-48 in agricultural engineering and modern languages; Assistant Professor of Agricultural Engineering at the National Farm College from 1948-1951; Research Associate in Agricultural Engineering at Rutgers University from 1951-1955; 1955-1960 as Assistant Professor of Agricultural Engineering, Rutgers University; Associate Professor of Agricultural Engineering at Rutgers University 1960-1974; Professor of Agricultural Engineering at Rutgers University 1974 to 1982; Professor Emeritus standing bestowed on him by the University upon his retirement in 1982.

Professor Nathan has served as President of Conservation Engineering in Pennsylvania since retiring from teaching. He was recognized as an authority on Irrigation, drainage and all aspects of soil and water conservation, receiving the prestigious Professional Engineers Recognition award in 1979. He co-wrote a five edition textbook on conservation and was a member and former V.P. and President of the Raritan Valley Society of Professional Engineers. He was a member of the Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple, New Brunswick serving on the Temple's Bd. of Education; American Society of Agricultural Engineers, former member and past Vice President and President of the Franklin Township Board of Education; Chairman of Cub Scout Pack 56 and member of the Boy Scouts Executive Committee. He was elected in 1990 to Sigma Xi Honor Society and became a Hadassah Associate in 1973. Professor Nathan was listed in the American Men of Science; Leaders in American Science, and served as an ASAE Representative on Engineering Manpoer Commission of the National Engineer's Joint Council.

Son of the late Ludwig and Emmy (Meyer) Nathan, he was also predeceased by his son, Bernard in 1994, his brother, Benno Nathan and his sister, Irma Beckman. Surviving are his beloved wife, Barbara (Wilson) Nathan and cousins Yolan and Orna Nathan.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 13th at 10am in the Beth Israel Cemetery, Woodbridge, NJ. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bernard David Nathan Scholarship Fund, c/o Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple, 222 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. Arrangements are by the Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel, 239 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick.