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Heinz Wiechen Obituary
Heinz M. Wiechen, 50, died at his South Fairbanks home Nov. 23, 2008.
Heinz was born June 5, 1958 in Bochum, Germany. He earned a degree in physics, along with a doctorate in physics at the University of Bochum, Germany. He worked as a scientist and lecturer at several universities and research institutes in Germany before transferring to Alaska to forward his career as a scientist and educator.
Heinz assumed a dual post as an associate professor of space physics between the Geophysical Institute and the College of Natural Science and Mathematics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in January 2003. He coupled research on magnetospheric physics and plasma physics with teaching and mentorship. Known for his sense of humor and a reputation for donning shorts even in the coldest weather, Heinz was excited about living, teaching and conducting research in the Far North.
Friends and colleagues will remember his work on dusty plasmas. He was one of the few to study this pioneering aspect of space physics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Heinz was passionate about education outreach. He was fondly known as "Dr. Heinz" among students and educators of White Mountain, Golovin and Elim, where he served as a scientist mentor to secondary science and math students.
Heinz enjoyed soccer and swimming in his youth. More recent interests included astronomy and spoiling his recently adopted cats, Raider and Frodo. He was enthusiastic about living in the Fairbanks community and was glad to call Alaska his home.
Heinz is survived by his sister, Susanne Antenbrink of Bochum, Germany.
A celebration of Heinz Wiechen's life will take place Wednesday, Dec. 3, in the Globe Room at the Geophysical Institute, 903 Koyukuk Drive, on the UAF campus. The celebration will begin at 4 p.m. Friends and colleagues are invited to share fond memories of Heinz at the celebration. The event will be recorded and sent to his family in Germany as a memorial of his contributions to science and education in Alaska.
Arrangements were by Chaple of Chimes Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Heinz Wiechen
4 Entries
Andreas Schröer
May 23, 2020
Es ist schon merkwuerdig, wie einem so auf einmal alte Freunde durch den Kopf gehen. Nach fast 12 Jahren, bin ich immer noch geschockt und sehr traurig. Schoen, dass ich diese Seite gefunden habe. Mach's gut Heinz!
Thomas und Heike Neukirch
December 8, 2008
Heinz, wir sind so unsagbar traurig, dass es Dich nicht mehr gibt. Vor gar nicht langer Zeit haben wir noch miteinander telefoniert und gemerkt, dass es Dir nicht gut ging. Du hast so sehr gehofft, uns im naechsten Jahr endlich besuchen kommen zu koennen und wir haben us auf Dich gefreut, nachdem Du es schon so oft hast aufschieben muessen. Und nun hatten wir nicht einmal die Gelegenheit, uns von Dir verabschieden zu koennen. Uns bleibt nur die Erinnerung an einen Menschen, den wir gern gehabt haben. Wir werden Dich nicht vergessen!
Gerhard Kramm
December 4, 2008
Nicht trauern sollen wir, dass wir Heinz verloren haben, sondern dankbar sein, dass wir Heinz gekannt haben.
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