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Horst Kessemeier Obituary

Horst Kessemeier

June 3, 1931- July 3, 2019

Chapel Hill

Horst Kessemeier, 88, died on July 3 at his home in Chapel Hill with his children, Susanne and Matthias, by his side.

He is also succeeded by his grandchildren, Soren and Lillian, and preceded in death by his wife, Lydia.

Born in Hamburg, Germany, Horst left in 1957 to pursue a Ph.D. in Physics at Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Subsequently, he moved with his family to Chapel Hill where he was a professor at U.N.C. He played crucial roles in two revolutionary developments of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the technique that is the basis of MRI medical imaging. He maintained his interest in and curiosity about NMR up to the end of his life, perusing his detailed notes while clenching an old pipe between his teeth. He loved nature, tai chi, and spending time with friends in the community always willing to lend a sympathetic ear.

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

Published by Herald Sun on Jul. 30, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Horst Kessemeier

4 Entries

Rose Syroid

June 18, 2021

I am so sorry to hear about Dr.Kessemeier's passing. I received such a great gift from the family- a model of the house I bought from him. Thank you so much! This property gives me great joy constantly and they were so creative in its design.

April 9, 2020

I have recently learned of Dr. Kessemeier.
And I recall the kindness he showed to this under-prepared student in 1967. I would meet with him in his office, and he would ...well, I do not rightly remember, what he said, but
BUT! I do have very fond memories of the care and concern he showed his student in
Physics 101...even people like me!

Annette M. Randall, Ph.D.
Class of '67, University of North Carolina
April 9, 2020

Cliff Chafin

September 1, 2019

He was one of the really wonderful faulty at UNC in physics. I kept running into him every so many years and he seemed to never change. His joy, energy and positivity were always the same. I had wondered why I hadn't seem him lately.

George and Dee Gamble

July 31, 2019

A year ago we met with our friend Horst Kessemeier in Chapel Hill. We moved away to Santa Fe some 14 years ago and communicated with him over the years infrequently by mail and phone. He was in very good spirits last year, having had the good news that his illness was in remission and life was good. He was a bright and positive part of our Chapel Hill memory, chopped his own wood, repaired his rock walls, rode his bike or walked to his office, enjoyed his afternoon coffee with friends, and always supported progressive ideas. We will miss him.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

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