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Richard Arenstorf Obituary

Dr. Richard F. Arenstorf

Nashville, TN

Prof. of Mathematics Emeritus of Vanderbilt University, died on September 18, 2014 of heart failure.

He was born on November 7, 1929 in Hamburg, Germany and after earning a Master and Dr. rer. nat. Degrees in Physics & Math, he emigrated with his wife to the U.S.A. in 1957.

He was awarded the "NASA Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement" in 1966 for his contributions to the Space Navigation and the Apollo Lunar Landing Program. He joined Vanderbilt University after the first manned lunar landing in 1969.

Having lost their oldest son, Gerhard (17) in 1974, his family lost their youngest son, Norbert in 1996 at age 34 in a long and agonizing battle with lymphoma, causing Prof. Arenstorf to retire from teaching and to stay at home with his wife.

He is buried at Calvary Cemetery next to his Life-Partner of 60 years, his wife, Renate M. Arenstrorf (June 17, 1930 - June 7, 2013). Her obituary is on the internet and shall serve as the story of his life, which was forever bonded by hers by Love, Loyalty and Trust.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Tennessean on Sep. 28, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Arenstorf

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Susanne Arenstorff

September 24, 2023

Wow ... 9 Jahre schon und Dein Bruder (mein Vater) schon 24 Jahre - unvergessen !

David Burton

February 2, 2015

Many stories about you live on in the memories of your students and of your students' students. I am certain that most of the students I have taught know well who Richard Arenstorf is! Rest in Peace, Dr. Arenstorf.

Susanne Arenstorff

January 23, 2015

Lieber Richard, ich hoffe, Du triffst Hartwig wieder - ich habe heute gehört, dass er auch im November verstarb. Jetzt hast Du alle Deine Lieben wieder zusammen. Alles Liebe Susanne

Lia Kelingos

January 14, 2015

God Bless.

Dr.Wolfgang Harms

October 28, 2014

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jim Bryan

October 15, 2014

Peace be with you

Robin Marek

October 15, 2014

Dr. Arenstorf's membership in the American Mathematical Society spanned 57 years, and he supported AMS programs for young mathematicians through his charitable giving. We express our condolences for the loss of this accomplished mathematician.

September 29, 2014

My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)

Roy Givens

September 29, 2014

I am saddened by the loss of a great and kind teacher. An example of hard work and intellectual honesty for all of his students. A great man and an inspiration to many. Go in peace and with God.

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Funeral services provided by:

Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home - Nashville

201 25th Ave North, Nashville, TN 37203

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