Peter Alan Fedders

Peter Alan Fedders obituary, La Jolla, CA

Peter Alan Fedders

Peter Fedders Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 26, 2024.
Peter Alan Fedders, well-loved husband, father, neighbor, and volunteer, passed away peacefully in La Jolla, California on February 22, 2024, at the age of 85. He was born on February 8, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to the late Melvin and Elsie Fedders and spent his childhood enjoying the outdoors in Minneapolis and "up north".

Peter was an Eagle Scout who graduated as valedictorian of the Edina High School class of 1957. He earned his bachelor's degree at Yale University and completed his Ph.D. at Harvard University in 1965. After meeting and marrying his wife Cynthia, they moved from Boston to New Jersey, where he held a post-doctoral appointment at Princeton University. He later joined the physics faculty at Washington University in St. Louis, where he dedicated 35 years of his career.

Peter was a pivotal figure in the field of condensed matter physics during the great blossoming of physics research following the launch of Sputnik in 1957. Renowned for his brilliant mind and superb technical skills, he made significant contributions to the theory of nuclear magnetic resonance, publishing over 200 scientific papers, including works of fundamental theory. He was esteemed by his students and colleagues for his exceptional teaching abilities, collaborative nature, and unique personality.

Beyond his professional achievements, Peter was a man of diverse interests. He had a passion for making models of World War I aircraft and researching the Air War of World War I, which led to several published papers. Together with his wife Cindy, he traveled extensively, exploring Europe to pursue research on WWI aircraft and visiting other countries of historic interest. He also possessed a deep and broad interest in history and science and would debate these topics with anyone and everyone.

Upon retiring from academic life, Peter and Cindy embarked on a new adventure in San Diego. He dedicated ten years as a docent at the San Diego Air and Space Museum and another ten at the Natural History Museum, spending much of his time at his beloved Balboa Park. Aside from intellectual pursuits, he found joy in docent gatherings, visits from family, and daily walks in his La Jolla neighborhood, greeting neighbors and their dogs, especially Remi, Boo, Hank and Georgia O'Keefe. The dogs in his daughter's household could always be sure of tableside handouts when Peter was visiting Wisconsin.

Peter is survived by his wife Cynthia; children William (Esperanca Camara) and Megan (Jeff Mackay); grandchildren Miles Fedders, Zeke Mackay, Linda Mackay, and Daniel Mackay (Hillary); and great-grandson Ezra Mackay. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Patricia Anderson.

In lieu of flowers or suggested tributes, the family requests that donations be made to the San Diego Natural History Museum.

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

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February 27, 2025

Daniel Rosenblum posted to the memorial.

March 9, 2024

Pat Gibbons posted to the memorial.

March 5, 2024

Gwen Rosenberg posted to the memorial.

Daniel Rosenblum

February 27, 2025

Just learned of Peter´s passing while walking in the park and noticing a man with his distinctive gait. We were close friends in the 70´s when I was on the faculty at WU School of Medicine. We treasure his memory, his excitement, our early glimpse of NMR which was renamed MRI when it became a medical technology. Loved playing bridge. Peter knew everyone´s cards by the third trick; and reading plays together. And Cindy saying shhhh(she was a librarian).

Dan and Flo Rosenblum
Kensington,MD

Pat Gibbons

March 9, 2024

Pete hired me as an assistant professor of physics at Washington University

Gwen Rosenberg

March 5, 2024

Peter had the gift of gab - he could make a brief encounter while strolling through the community with Cindy something memorable. Knowing I´m in biotech, he might comment on a recent scientific breakthrough, or just as easily talk about my dogs´ health and attire. I always said goodbye to Peter and Cindy with a smile. I hope his family smiles at the remembrances of the many ways Peter touched others.
Gwen Rosenberg

Jim Kear

March 5, 2024

Peter was a wonderful neighbor, and he took a sincere interest in the betterment of the community. He was passionate and logical and always offered a measure of reason which was deeply respected and appreciated by many. It was a sincere honor to know Peter. The world benefited from his knowledge and wisdom. God bless you Pete, as you blessed us! Jim Kear

Lisa Schenck

March 3, 2024

Tim and I enjoyed talking with Peter on our walks with Bentley who was excited to show Peter and Cyndi all his latest tricks. We also learned something new and interesting each time we stopped to chat. He will be missed!

Barbie and Frank Kemerer

March 2, 2024

We met Peter and Cindy through the Book Group formed by Marilyn and Charlie the first time we gathered as a group. Our connections to the Fedders included ties to Minnesota, college professorships, Washington University (where our older daughter graduated), love of travel and, of course, love of reading. Over the years we enjoyed casual lunches and dinner with them. Our many discussions always encouraged us to dig deeper on whatever the topic was. We value our friendship. Frank and I send our heart-felt condolences to Cindy and the family. In love and friendship, Barbie and Frank.

Judy Bee

March 1, 2024

Sam and I met up with Peter and Cyndi on many early mornings, walking. Often Peter and Cyndi were in their swim clothes, regardless of the temperature. Minnesota grows them impervious! We enjoyed our brief discussions of matters political; local, and national. Peter often had solutions to the issues of the day. Our hearts go out to Cyndi and their family.
Rest in Peace, Peter
Judy Bee, Jeff Denning, and Sam our dog.

Beth & Norman Saks

February 29, 2024

Lovely memories of walking in our community meeting Peter and Cyndi along the way. We will miss Peter. Warmest regards,
Beth and Norman Saks.

Marilyn Dashe

February 29, 2024

We moved to San Diego from Minneapolis in 2003, and the first people we met here (through a mutual friend in St. Louis) were Peter and Cindy Fedders. They had been in San Diego a few months, and we were so happy to find some Midwestern friends. Also, our son went to Washington University in St. Louis, and he knew Peter from the physics faculty there.

We founded and took part in a couples Book Club in San Diego, and it thrived for 10 years. Peter read all of the books and was famous for coming with a very definite opinion of the books before we discussed them. I specifically remember preparing to review a book about a Cuban family coming to the U.S. and Peter opened the meeting by saying this family was atypical and we shouldn't take the book very seriously. And that was that!

We all loved Peter's opinions and respected his knowledgeable about everything, especially WWI. We will greatly miss Peter -- his friendship, his humor, and his loyalty. We send our condolences to Cindy and the whole famly.

Marilyn and Charlie Dashe

Barry Rockwell

February 29, 2024

My dog Hank and I have for years enjoyed our frequent encounters with Peter and Cyndi and our interesting conversations. Peter was always interested in my hobby of woodturning and I was in awe of his expertise of building model airplanes. I, Hank, and a good many others, will miss having Peter around. My sincere condolences to his lovely wife, Cyndi, and to Megan, Jeff, Will, and the rest of his family. Rest in peace Peter.

Jeff Mackay

February 27, 2024

Peter certainly loved debating: anything from ancient military strategy to science, technology, politics, business, climate change, and even the benefits of Cool Whip over whipped cream. Anything that could be debated. After first meeting him more than 25 years ago, I joked that spending a weekend with Peter was akin to taking a two-day oral exam.

Peter was once an unwitting victim to a social experiment. I listened to him debating topics with a neighbor of ours, and I repeatedly and intentionally steered the conversation by slightly changing the subject, over and over again. Each time, the debate would begin again in earnest-on an entirely different topic. It took almost 20 minutes for the two of them to realize they were being had. Of course, he took it all in stride.

My last debate with him-which occurred just a few weeks ago while visiting this Christmas-revolved around the role of labor unions and how they have shaped the political scenery in the US for the last century. He actually made valid and persuasive arguments even while battling disease.

I´m so sorry to see him go. Despite his quirks, he was a wonderful father-in-law, he raised wonderful children, and he loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. We will all miss him terribly.

Single Memorial Tree

Kyle

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Sign Peter Fedders's Guest Book

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February 27, 2025

Daniel Rosenblum posted to the memorial.

March 9, 2024

Pat Gibbons posted to the memorial.

March 5, 2024

Gwen Rosenberg posted to the memorial.