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Gunnar Wennerberg Obituary

Gunnar Wennerberg Scientist, inventor, immigrant, brother, father, grandfather. Died peacefully on July 1, 2008. He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Elsie. He leaves behind 2 sisters, 5 children and 6 grandchildren. Born June 3, 1918 in Stockholm, Sweden, Gunnar emigrated to the US in 1946. Beginning his career with Bill Lear of Lear, Inc. He later worked for Lockheed, and spent 25 years at Measurex Corporation. Over the span of his career, beginning at age 25 he received more than 20 patents. After retirement, he enjoyed many hikes in the local mountains. A memorial reception will be held at his daughter's home on July 12th from 1pm to 4pm. Interested persons may contact her at 408-209-4430 for details.

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Published by San Jose Mercury News on Jul. 4, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Gunnar Wennerberg

20 Entries

John Howarth

August 2, 2008

I was sorry to hear of Gunnar's passing. Although I lost touch with him since he and I left Measurex I always looked on him as a friend and mentor. He was always had a way of putting things in perspective. I remember one time when everything was absolutely chaotic; he told me a story of his time at Lear. He said when there was a problem Lear himself would have people rushing in all directions doing different things, just like a dish washer, water flies in all directions but the result is clean dishes! I remembered that lesson and used it!

Gunnar was a very fine scientist, his work was pivotal to Measurex' s success. I had many occasions to be grateful to him. Often when I was in the field trying unsuccessfully to make something work, the customer would tell me not to worry; he was happy with the system because of Gunnar's work.

I always admired his calm competence; he must have been a wonderful father. I was privileged to work alongside him for about 20 years, I could be difficult but Gunnar and I never had a disagreement.

I met Elsie on the odd occasion and appreciated her sense of humor. You were fortunate with your parents.

martha

July 18, 2008

The Sarkissians met when Gunnar was a dashing young engineer fresh from Sweden (51-52?) He was enthusiastic about the opportunities in America and the friendliness of USA citizens and his neighbors on Chautauqua Blvd., Pacific Palisades, California. He gave glug parties at Christmas mixing various liquors and spices in a bowl, mixing them with a sword (a carving knife substituted) and setting it afrie. Neighbors packed into the patio to share the brew jostling each other and enjoying Gunnar and Elsie's hospitality.
When the family expanded to include 5 children, Gunnar devised a scheme to give each child his total attention by taking him'/her to whatever he/she desired on Saturdays. Think of devoting your "free time" to concentrated child-awaremness.
What a Dad!! He was up for whatever entertainment could be managed, so on many occasions we took our combined families, 8 kids in all, to fancy restaurants and ignored the waiters' lifted eyebrows!! The kids did pretty well. The Wennerbergs and Sarkissians made a great team and thos days of sharing our families willl always lsive in my heart

John Dahlquist

July 13, 2008

Tribute to Gunnar Wennerberg

I met Gunnar in August of 1975, and he was at least partially
responsible for Measurex hiring me. Gunnar at that time was one of
three group leaders in the Sensor Development Department, and was one
of the two leaders that interviewed me. (The third leader, John
Howarth was away at the time.) Gunnar and I got along fine, and very
shortly Measurex offered me a position and I was assigned to work in
Gunnar's Caliper Group. My first assignment, as a raw rookie, was to
develop a means of measuring rapidly changing contours of rubber
extrusions. Gunnar was totally supportive of my work, but yet did not
interfere or push his own ideas onto me. My project was never made
into a product, primarily because the customers like Firestone could
not justify the cost of a Measurex system for this process. Gunnar
had another physicist, Peter Typpo, in his group, and the two of them
proceeded to invent what Gunnar referred to as the M-Caliper, used for
measuring plastic extrusions up to an inch or so thick. Within a year
I was re-assigned to work on Infrared Moisture Sensors in John
Howarth's group.

Gunnar and I maintained our friendship over the years, and Gunnar was
always available to discuss and solve various problems. Gunnar's
contributions to Sensors continued throughout his career at Measurex.
One of his last significant contributions is the invention that was
displayed at the lower left of the panel of patent awards. Measurex
had had problems over the years when the Scanners changed temperature
and therefore the sensitivity of the Beta Sensor changed with
temperature. Gunnar proposed that we adapt a version of the M-Caliper
to measure the distance between the two halves of the scanners. With
Gunnar's advice and help, I designed a version of M-Caliper that could
be retrofitted into existing equipment and installed the first
prototype at a paper mill in Tasmania, Australia. This invention,
called the Z-Sensor, has been a mainstay of Measurex systems ever since.

Most of us, as physicists, believed that the initial rapid growth of
Measurex was due primarily to the excellence of the sensors used to
measure paper properties, The two outstanding sensors were the
Infrared Moisture Sensor, primarily developed by John Howarth, and the
Caliper Sensor, invented by Gunnar. As far as I know, both sensors
are still used in Honeywell/Measurex systems in close to their
original designs, over thirty years later.

Harald Westendorf

July 10, 2008

I will always remember how much Gunnar cared for my mother Gerda. What an amazing relationship-go figure!

Steve Quigley

July 9, 2008

Gunnar, my father-in-law, was very much the engineer. And yet, he doted on his family and his grandkids and was a devoted family man. He will be missed by all of his engineering friends and by all of his family and extended family. It is truly heart-warming to read about all those he touched. I'm so glad to have known him for so long.

A few memories - First, I enjoyed long conversations with him about technical things, which he loved. His intelligence as well as his enthusiasm for learning and his sense of humor were always evident. I can see these traits continuing in his children and grandchildren.

I also remember his laughter and delight in his kids and grandkids. He was so pleased when they came to visit him for holidays. We used to go to Camp Cambell and San Jose Family Camp with Gunnar and Elsie, and he loved hiking with his grandkids.I'm glad both of my children got to see their "Morfar" often as they grew up, so they could experience a loving grandfather. They also developed a loved of the outdoors.

For these reasons and many more, I know that Gunnar will live on through those of us who knew him.

Geri Brown

July 9, 2008

The first time I met Gunnar was back in the 70’s when his dear daughter Monica and I were fast becoming life-long friends. Gunner showed me this tubular contraption he invented which circulated air from the ground up to the ceiling. Or, was it the other way around? It had some little light that propelled a heat-driven fan. I was in awe. Over the years I have know this incredible man, he has never ceased to awe me…..with his inventions, crazy stories and his lust for life. His legacy will continue on in my life through his memories and the spirit he instilled in my precious friend, his loving daughter Monica.

Gunnar, have a safe journey. Thank you for your gifts.

Monica Johnston

July 9, 2008

I am amazed and touched by everyone's warm thoughts and memories. Thank you. Dad truly touched us in so many ways. I will always remember as a small child riding on Dad's shoulders above my older sibs and getting the best view of all. Dad never stopped expressing his love and appreciation for family and friends and taught me early on the love for nature and exploration. Mom and Dad never missed a graduation, school function or event and were ALWAYS there supporting me. I am so lucky to have such fond memories to carry me through the days of my life. I miss and love you, Dad. Thank you for being you, loving me and supporting me as I fumble through life's journey. It is a honor to be your daughter...Monica

Kathy Khokhar

July 9, 2008

Gunnar,
Sharp as a tack!
Inquisitive at every turn!
Loving and welcoming always!
Energetic & life filled!
Sparkling blue eyes & a brilliant smile!
Big hugs and heartfelt connection!
A brilliant & beautiful man with passion as well as gentleness!
Thankyou Gunnar for your sharing who you are and for bringing a really cool family into the world with Elsie! I wish I'd met her too. Peace!!

Lewis Ames

July 8, 2008

I will always remember the spectacle of Gunnar's flaming Glögg, and how it managed to command the attention of a room full of sugar-crazed kids at Christmas (not an easy task).

Gerda Westendorf

July 8, 2008

Reading all the wonderful and sincere thoughts connected to Gunnar, made my heart cry. The many great years we spent together travelling, hiking and visiting, will always be deeply in my mind. I can still hear him talking to me about the many iinterests we shared, and the thoughts will remain forever.
Gerda

Gary Westendorf

July 7, 2008

I met Gunnar through my mother, Gerda, who had become a close friend of Gunnar after his wife Elsie died. I do not think Gunnar would ever take credit for introducing me to his daughter Monica, but I do. Gunnar is a great father-in-law and wonderful father to the 5 children he and Elsie brought into this world. I take pride in having given him the love and respect that he himself displayed to everyone he knew. He will be in my heart forever. I will remember him each and every day as I wake up next to Monica and look out at the apartment where he spend the latter days of his life.

God Bless,

Mary Andrews

July 7, 2008

Dear Gunnar,

I know it was time... still, I shall miss you.

What a long life! What a fine life! I'm glad you reaped such blessings. May the loss we feel be tempered by admiration for a life so very well lived.

Farewell, dear friend -- and, as the Buddhists say, follow the clear light. Take your seat in the pure, vast, blissful realms of the bodhisattvas.

Love to you always and heartfelt gratitude for your kindness,
Mary

Elizabeth Wennerberg

July 7, 2008

Dear Farfar,

I still remember clearly the days when you picked me up from Hamen. Back then I was fascinated by how you talked aloud to yourself. Dad once told me that he found out his Christmas presents by listening to you go on. I laughed a while at that.
I still remember your house with those stickers on the sliding glass doors to keep kids like me from running into them. I pretended those sticker-animals were alive, with their own personalities and conversations.
I still remember the macaroni and cheese you'd make me after a long day of swimming at your complex. It'd always soothe my tummy when I swallowed too much gross pool water.
I still remember your laugh. It was rich and happy. The kind you love to hear from your grandpa.
I still remember your face, and the way you said my name.
And I know I'll remember all of this for a long, long time.

Everyone insists you've been gone for a while, but the truth is, you're still very here and always will be. I hope others read this and can remember, too.

I love you.

Neal Quigley

July 6, 2008

I will always remember my "morfar" as every bit the Swedish engineer. A consummate naturalist as well as a scientist, he taught me about many things, from bugs, to birds, to circuit boards. He will be missed.

Sten-Eric Forzelius

July 6, 2008

Timrå, Sweden June 5th

Dear Gunnar
You were not only married to our cousin Elsie and beloved father of five wonderful children – you were also a very good friend and a skilled and competent representative of your company. The company I represented become through your inventions one of the biggest customer to Measurex.

We will always remember you
Sten-Eric with wife Marianne and families.

gigi khokhar

July 5, 2008

Gunnar was a wonderful, decent and loving man and I am glad to have known him. We both enjoyed the peace of hiking at Elkhorn Slough together with Gerda, my mom.

Joanne Granado

July 5, 2008

I always enjoyed seeing Gunnar when he lived in the cottage. He always made me feel like he'd known me my entire life. I'll miss his "ya, ya" when we'd chat.

Bob Sismilich

July 5, 2008

Ingrid, I was very sorry to hear that your Dad passed away. I'll always be glad that I got the chance to have an extended conversation with him at Monica's house when we visited you for Thanksgiving a few years ago. It was clear after spending only a few moments with him that he was a real engineer! I enjoyed the fascinating stories he told about his work with Bill Lear, and his insights into what engineering was like in the years that predated my own career. Certainly I can see a lot of his qualities in his grandson, and our son-in-law, Neal.

I'm sure it's sad for you, even though he had a good, long life and was failing in recent years. You were so lucky to have had him in your life well into your adult years, and to have had your children know him well also.

We will remember him & your family in our prayers.