Dr. Bernard Kronman Forscher

Dr. Bernard "Bernie" Kronman Forscher, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2014, after 86 years of life. He passed in his home in Rochester, in the presence of loved ones and friends.

Bernie was born in New York City in 1927 to Geoffrey and Rose Forscher nee Kronman. Bernie's younger sister, Carol Schiller nee Forscher preceded him in death. While Bernie lived in many places, New York City left an indelible mark on him and filled him with a lifetime supply of chutzpah. Early on, Bernie was self-driven to excel in his education, graduating from the Bronx High School of Science in 1943. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from New York University in 1946 at the age of 19. Bernie was not content to take a break from his education, earning a Ph.D. from Northwestern University in 1952. Bernie would be the first to tell you that Ph.D. stood for "Piled Higher and Deeper." Bernie's career took him down many paths, including hands-on research and teaching. Bernie was perhaps best known for his skillfulness at editing scientific research papers. In a world where authors lived and died on peer-reviewed research, many would seek out Bernie to put the final touches their work. Some notable positions held by Bernie were managing editor of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, and the head of the Section of Publications at The Mayo Clinic.

Bernie was also known for his quick wit and appreciation for humor. He would get unique twinkle in his eye when he was setting up a joke or humorous tale. Bernie's wit was also evident in his writing, as seen in the letter to Science Magazine in 1963 titled "Chaos in the Brickyard."

Bernie's wife, Elizabeth "Libby" preceded him in death in 2005.

Bernie is survived by his children, Susan Buzzell and her husband, Mike, Julie Reed and her husband, Walter, Joseph Forscher, Wendy Forscher and Geoffrey Forscher; and his stepchildren from his marriage to Libby, Lora Lucero nee Lassetter and Basya Woonteiler nee Mary Elizabeth Lassetter and her husband, Reuven; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

A visitation will be held at future date.

Memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association or the Mayo Clinic Hospice program. 

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place N.W., Rochester, MN 55901, 507-289-3600,
ranfranzandvinefh.com.