Robert J. Proebsting

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Robert J. Proebsting

Pioneering MOS circuit designer Robert J. Proebsting died June 4, 2007, in Modesto, California, at the age of 69.Originally from Chicago, Robert was an honors graduate of Knox College and earned a doctorate in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1967. In 1969, Robert co-founded Mostek, where he was chief DRAM designer. Robert revolutionized circuit design with nearly 200 patents that included Programmable Logic Arrays, use of depletion-mode MOSFETs, column/row multiplexed addressing, fast page-mode, and post-charge logic. Robert was a champion swimmer in college, and he set several master's World Records in his late fifties. Robert was an enthusiastic, gentle teacher and mentor who found joy in passing his knowledge to others. He also enjoyed applying his practical knowledge and creativity to helping others solve everyday problems and fix everyday things. Robert is survived by his wife, Arlene Proebsting of Sonora; children, Todd Proebsting of Redmond, WA, and Lynn Stuart of Gainesville, FL; stepchildren, Paul Kimball of San Jose, and Jonathan Kimball of Bethesda, MD; brother, David Proebsting of Waupaca, WI; and eight grandchildren: Grace and Margaret Proebsting, Ellen and Nick Stuart, Milo and Frieda Kimball, and Maya and Olin Kimball. Memorial Services for Robert Proebsting will be held Saturday, June 16th, 2:00PM - 4:00PM at the First Unitarian Church of San Jose, 160 N 3rd St, San Jose. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert's memory can be sent to: The Parkinson's Institute, 1170 Morse Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94089.