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Frederick Gehring Obituary
Passed away in Ann Arbor, Michigan on May 29, 2012. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years Lois, his sons Kalle and Peter, and his sister Barbara Gehring, and preceded in death by his brother John. An internationally renowned mathematician and the T. H. Hildebrandt Distinguished Professor at the University of Michigan, he joined the faculty in 1955 and served three terms as Chair of the Department of Mathematics. He was elected to the US National Academy of Sciences in 1989 and received many honors including the UM Henry Russel Lectureship, a Guggenheim fellowship, the American Mathematical Society Steele Prize, and Commander of the White Rose of Finland. Fred was an avid lover of good wine and single malt whisky. He also loved classical music, foreign languages and camping. A memorial service is planned for late in the summer. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Alzheimer's Disease Research.
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Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Gehring
May 4, 2013
Dr. Gehring was a firm but gentle instructor in calculus at the Univ. of Michigan in the fifties. I benefitted greatly from his teaching, especially since I was off to Munich, Germany the following year (1956), and the lessons that learned were essential in tackling math, auf Deutsch, in my junior year abroad. I had occasion to have abrief e-mail exchange with him in the late '90's, in which I congratulated him on an award he just received, and he congratulated me on choosing a career in teaching!
Kurt Keydel, PhD
Richard Rosen
February 18, 2013
remember Professor Gehring very fondly for I took his Calculus class in 1970. I remember using a book by Lipman Bers too. I realized over thirty years later how important his analysis of Calculus theory was, so I went back to this book and my notes and revisited the course at a more relaxed period in my life. Being a first year undergraduate in 1970, well, in truth, I was memorizing more out of stress, than trying to visually understand what indeed Professor Gehring had emphasized concerning limits and continuity. I, in a silly fashion, was memorizing formulas, more or less. So I realized his math wisdom much later. Will never forget him, and seeing him modestly riding his bicycle often around campus. I only wish I could tell him personally that his lectural insights were not in vain regarding my path in life. [email protected]
Barry Garelick
January 3, 2013
I was fortunate to have taken a class from him as an undergraduate at U of M. His enthusiasm for the subject and his respect for his students has always stayed with me. He was an inspiration to many. I'm sorry for your loss.
June 8, 2012
Chers Kalle et Peter, on pense bien à vous. Sendy, Benoit, Léon et Antoinette.
How you can show support
June 3, 2012
I remember Prof. Gehring from my days as a secretary in the Math Department - back in the 70s!He was a wonderful man...I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.
Mary (Eusani) Hendricks
Don Blevins
June 2, 2012
Thinking of Lois, Kalle and Peter. Memories of 40 years ago are still fresh to me.
Anonomys
June 1, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
yahya almalki
May 30, 2012
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
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