John Earl Drumheller, a retired MSU physics professor and loving husband and father, died peacefully at his Bridger Canyon home Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 in the presence of his wife and three children.

John Earl (Jack) Drumheller Jr., was born Dec. 19, 1931 in Walla Walla, Wash., the son of Geraldine Lola (Gollehon) Drumheller and John Earl Drumheller.

Jack grew up in Spokane, Wash., and attended Washington State University, where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree with Honors in physics in 1953. He served in the Air Force at Lowry AFB from 1954 to 1956, where he was a special weapons officer. He resigned his commission and was honorably discharged in 1962 with the rank of First Lieutenant.

Jack married Patricia Louise (Patty) Weiss in 1956 in Colorado, where Jack continued his studies. Jack earned his Masters of Science in 1958 and Ph.D. in physics in 1962 from University of Colorado in Boulder. Jack and Patty moved their young family to Zurich, Switzerland, for two years where Jack was a post-doctoral research associate at the University of Zurich.

In 1964, Jack took a position as a physics professor at Montana State University in Bozeman. He was a professor and researcher, specializing in solid state experimental physics, and won many teaching and research awards during his tenure at MSU. He served as Dean of the College of Letters and Sciences from 1991 to 1995 and as Interim Provost 1995-1996. He retired in 1998 with the rank of Professor Emeritus of Physics.

Jack served on the volunteer ski patrol at Bridger Bowl and enjoyed tennis, basketball, and golf. He piloted single and twin-engine airplanes, as well as sport gliders, and enjoyed sailing over the Bridger Mountains.

In 2008, Jack lost Patty to cancer after 52 years of marriage. A year later, Jack reconnected with a WSU college sweetheart, Valerie Violet (Leber) Keyes. Jack and Valerie were married in 2010, and spent just two short years together before Jack lost his battle with cancer. Jack will be remembered by his friends and family as a generous and loving soul who shared his great intellect and good humor with everyone.

Jack is survived by his wife, Valerie; sister, Joan Dillon of Thayne, Wyo., three children, Susan Drumheller of Sandpoint, Idaho, Kristen Drumheller of Bozeman, and John Drumheller of Erie, Colo.; sons-in-law, Mike Murray and Bill Dockins; daughter-in-law, Linda Drumheller; grandchildren, Megan Murray, Erin Dockins and J.D. Drumheller; step sons and daughters-in-law, Nathan and Rae Keyes of Seattle, Wash., Forrest and Jennifer Keyes of Duvall, Wash., Ken and Kathy Keyes of Baku, Azerbaijan; and their children, Daniel, Zachary and Hannah Keyes of Seattle and Maxim and Marat Keyes of Baku; niece, Gail Godenzi, her husband, Lance Godenzi, and their children Loni and Claire of Kailua, Hawaii; and cousin, Ann Rasmussen of Salem, Ore.

In remembrance of Jack Drumheller, a memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Oct. 27 at Dokken-Nelson Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Willson Ave. with a reception immediately following at the family home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jack's memory to the Physics Department Scholarship Fund, EPS Building, MSU, Bozeman, MT 59717.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service, www.dokkennelson.com.

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

Published by Daily Breeze from Oct. 10 to Oct. 24, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for John Drumheller

9 Entries

Kym Garrity

October 12, 2019

I can't believe it's been seven years, I think of Jack often. Every time I drive up Bridger canyon, I look over at the house where he lived, where I was blessed to visit him every other week. I'll see you on the other side Jack.

Roy Rubins

October 16, 2012

My contact with Jack over the last few years has been through irregular phone calls, but his passing signifies the end of an era for me. Our relationship goes back to 1963, when we were introduced by future Nobel Prize winner, Alex Müller, at the outdoor swimming pool in Geneva, Switzerland. By 1964, Jack and I had collaborated on the first of more than thirty physics publications that we co-authored. Though we met at physics meetings, it was not until the eighties and nineties that I became a regular summer visitor to Bozeman. In addition to working in Jack's lab, we played tennis, hiked, talked, explored its beauty spots and restaurants, and received the warm hospitality of Jack and Pattie. My wife and I were the appreciative recipients of Jack's openness, kindness, hospitality, humor, and intelligence, making the time spent around Bozeman a magical period in our lives.

Tim Shaw

October 14, 2012

I am sorry for your loss.

Alison Schwarzkopf

October 14, 2012

Jack was a class act. I used to play tennis with him when we lived in Bozeman. I know he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tammy Santos

October 12, 2012

Susan,

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Ken Ballinger

October 11, 2012

Dear Kristen and family,
We were sorry to read of your loss of your father. We extend our sympathy to you.
Sincerely,
Ken and Sharee Ballinger

Wyn Jennings

October 11, 2012

Jack was a hero in my book. Our interactions as faculty members at MSU were special as he always had great insight. We played a lot of tennis and traveled often in graduate student recruiting trips. He once quipped that my life was in danger as we were traversing a ski slope that had the potential to avalunche us. He clarified his comment by adding that I was between him and safety. His quick wit was marvelous.

Kymberly Garrity

October 10, 2012

When I met Jack, I was immediately drawn to him, intrigued by his stories, and his humor kept me laughing. I enjoyed every single second that I spent with him during the past 3 years cleaning his home and cooking him healthy meals. I will miss him dearly.

Cathie Schoer

October 10, 2012

I worked with Dr. Drumheller in the mid-70's at the MSU Physics Dept. I remember his quick wit and his love for his family. My sympathies and prayers are with you.

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