Frank E. Gerth III

FRANK E. GERTH III, 60, of Austin, Texas passed away Tuesday, May 23. He is survived by his mother, Hazel Gerth Harris;, brother, Richard and his wife Cinde; and niece Robyn Schapiro. Frank was born on October 8, 1945 in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Rice University in 1967 with a degree in Mathematics. He completed advanced studies at Princeton University, and received his Doctorate of Philosophy in Mathematics in 1972. Before entering Princeton, Frank worked during 1967-69 for TRW on the U.S. Apollo space program. He helped create the computer programs that guided the Apollo 11 moon lander to the surface of the Moon in July 1969. Frank spent over 30 years teaching math and doing research at The University of Texas in Austin, and always maintained his enthusiasm for helping students learn. His area of specialization was algebraic number theory. He was named Associate Professor in 1980 and Professor in 1987. He was recipient of numerous teaching excellence awards, and published over 70 research articles. Throughout his teaching career, Frank was dedicated to supporting excellence in mathematics education, and recognition of those who excelled. He has endowed mathematics fellowships for undergraduates, graduate students and faculty at Rice University, Princeton University, and The University of Texas. Frank was a kind, sincere and gentle person, and will be missed by all who knew him. If desired, donations may be made to the Frank E. Gerth III Fellowship for Mathematics, University of Texas, Austin. Arrangements by Wilke-Clay-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S. Congress, Austin, TX 512/442-1446. You may view memorials at www.wcfish.com.