Gerd Wendler

1939 - 2021

Gerd Wendler passed away in his home on Oct. 13, 2021, at the age of 82. He was born in Hamburg, Germany, on June 16, 1939, to Friedrich and Hildegard Wendler. He was raised along with his older sister, Dorte and younger brother, Wulf, by his mother after his father was killed in the war. He studied in Innsbruck, Austria, and earned his Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences in 1964 at the young age of 25.
Looking for adventure, Gerd accepted an 10-month position at the Geophysical Institute in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1966. He considered moving back to Europe at the end of the job but was offered a permanent position as an assistant professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He later became a full tenured professor of atmospheric sciences. During his 50 years with the university, Gerd published over 200 academic papers. These publications included research on the McCall Glacier, exploring the desertification of the Sahara Desert and studying katabatic winds in Antarctica, just to name a few.
In 1969, he married Jacqueline Mosny from France and they had two children, Karina and Friedrich (Fred). Sadly, Jacky passed away in 1981. In 1984 he married Ruth Massingberd-Mundy from England and they had two sons, Kyle and Enzo.
Gerd was an adventurous soul and very much enjoyed traveling and being outdoors. He loved canoeing Alaska rivers, hunting in the Alaska Range, and spending time at the cabin he built in Manley Hot Springs. He often traveled to Europe to visit family and friends. One of his biggest trips was to drive from Fairbanks to the southern tip of South America with Ruth in a camper van - it took four months! They later became snowbirds and spent most of the winter in Manzanillo, Mexico.
Gerd will always be remembered for his hearty laugh and mischievous sense of humor. He was incredibly bright and thoroughly enjoyed winding up his loved ones and friends. He was a very social character that enjoyed entertaining with dinner parties and regaling people with stories. He made many good friends over the years and was extremely proud of his family. He was unique in so many ways and will truly be missed.
Gerd is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughter, Karina (Ben, Kier and Teko); son, Fred (Lisa, Henri, Jacqui and Madeline); son, Kyle (Sarah and Wolfgang); son, Enzo (Megan and Avani); sister, Dorte; brother, Wulf (Inger, Johanna and Sofia); family in Germany, France and England and many friends around the world.
Gerd was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Jacky.
We would like to thank Dr. Andrew Cox and his team at the Fairbanks Cancer Treatment Center as well as the Hospice team for all their amazing kindness and care. At this time the family does not plan to have a funeral service, but if anyone would like to share any stories or send a message to the family, please send an email to wendler2021@gmail.com.