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David Lederer Obituary
September 3, 1939 - March 5, 2016
Chapel Hill
David B. Lederer, 76, died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 5. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy Murphy Lederer, his son Jonathan Lederer and his wife Marsha, his daughter Katherine Aukamp and her husband Stan, daughter Deborah Cox and husband Bing and six grandchildren, Sarah, David, Hannah, Jillian, Ally and Emily. He was generous with his love for the entire family and treasured each and every one.
David was a born and bred Nebraskan and remained a Husker to the end. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1964 with a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering. He moved to Rochester, NY in 1964 where he worked at Eastman Kodak until 1969 when he became a founding member of Detection Systems, Inc. DSI was purchased by BOSCH in 2001. David retired in 2002 and moved to Chapel Hill.
David was committed to many areas of interest such as education, and the arts, and would focus time, energy, and resources in support. He was an avid traveler and was frequently planning the next journey.
He was a private pilot, sailing enthusiast, woodworker and reader, reader, reader. David lived a full and fulfilled life and will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held for David at 1:00 on Saturday, March 19, at the Community Church of Chapel Hill-UU, at 106 Purefoy Road. The service will be followed by an appetizer reception.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to North Carolina Arts Council (ncarts.org), or Doctors Without Borders (doctorswithoutborders.org/donate)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Lederer
Ernie & Bonnie Beechey
March 23, 2016
I was deeply saddened to hear of Dave's passing. He was the pillar to my business career as well as my life experiences. He was the calm that tamed the maniac in me. I never known anyone who met him and couldn't like or love him. His personality and kindness was as large as his frame.
We have lost a great person on this earth. However his remembrances, will always bring a smile.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with you Nancy and your family.
March 17, 2016
To Nancy and and her family. I send my deepest sympathy. Carol Criss
Karen Moellering
March 15, 2016
David Lederer was an engineer, leader, mentor and friend to many. My work on behalf of the University of Nebraska Foundation allowed me the wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with Nancy and David. I learned very quickly of their passion for education and helping people advance in life. David became a member of the Engineering Advisory Board, and his influence was of great benefit to the people and programs of the college. He created connections with other institutions, industries, and companies that helped move projects forward for the advancement of his alma mater.
David was always willing to say yes, and provided help wherever it was needed. He participated in numerous e-week activities, working with students to review their entries, and provided sage advice on what they might consider next. He was a valued member of our advisory board, and coordinated one of our student learning trips to North Carolina, which allowed our students to become acquainted with the Research Triangle. He designed a trip for the President of the University of Nebraska and other individuals when the College of Engineering was contemplating the benefits of creating an Innovation Center at the University of Nebraska. He was always thoughtful, kind, and willing to take on leadership roles that helped to advance our programs and research in the college.
I will always remember David for his kind and gentle manner and the many lives he touched in such a meaningful way.
March 15, 2016
David was one of the best men I have ever known. He will be missed. Doug and Linda Howard. Fairport
Dave O'Keefe
March 14, 2016
Nancy and family
As you probably know I worked with David for almost 30 years. It was a great privilege and honor to have known such a dedicated kind man. He made such an impression that there is seldom a day that I don't think of some advice he gave, but more often the laughs we had or the problems we solved. My sincere condolences for your loss.
Jeff Zvolanek
March 14, 2016
A distinguished role model. Quiet thinker but when he spoke everyone listened. It was a pleasure serving on the UNL Engineering Advisory Board with such a passionate considerate individual. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends.
March 14, 2016
I worked with David at DSI and he was so kind and always smiling. I can remember him saying "It is a simple thing. Like two lines on a paper". He will be missed by many.
March 14, 2016
Nancy, John and Deb
What a difficult time for all of you. I am so sorry to hear of David's death. He was a lovely man. I still tell the tale of meeting the two of you in the middle of nowhere in Turkey. How come things like that happen to Harley people so often.
My thoughts are with you and your families.
Much love,
Eleanor McLear
Kurt Laurer
March 14, 2016
Role model...Mr. Lederer will be deeply missed. Our condolences to the Lederer family. - Laurer family
Elizabeth, Denmark
March 13, 2016
Dear David
I feel so priviledged to have gotten to know you! Thank you for opening your home, arms and mind to me!!!
I have always been extremely impressed by you and your personality and have often thought that you and Nancy were the perfect parents! I find it very funny to read some of these letters, and see that other people have had the same thoughts!!
I am so happy that I had the chance to have al those wonderful often political conversations with you, and even though I am sure that I've sometimes must have been a pain in the ... since I think I might have come off "very smart and with all the right answers" you never ever made me feel small! You always treated me with great respect and like an equal, but often made me ponder!!! I think that might be one of the finest qualities in a man, that now - later I clearly see that you outsmarted me by a million - but you never needed to embarres me!!!!
I often have thought that if I really really needed an answer to a question I should call you and Nancy. When I did, you always gave wonderful advice!!! Now I am a little mad at myself since I didn't call that often lately, for that I am sorry!!! Life here in Denmark took a tumble. But I want you to know that I have been to grateful for having you as my friend. And I am extremely sad to hear that you've passed away - much to soon!!!
I am sending you and Nancy all my love - and I must say - one of the things that we often had many discussions about was "what happens when you die?" Now you can tell me - hopefully we will meet one day again, I would be honered and look forward to that very much!!!
Big hugs and kisses Elizabeth
Jay DeKing
March 13, 2016
I worked at DSI for 15 years and knew Dave. His smile will be missed.
March 12, 2016
DAVID AND NANCY VISITED OUR FARM A FEW YRS AGO.. GAVE US THE MANTEL CLOCK OF GRANDPARENTS. WHEN DALE PASSED AWAY, I GAVE IT TO HIS BROTHER TO KEEP IN THE FAMILY.WILL REMEMBER ALWAYS. JAN L.
Lamson Family
March 12, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Bob & Joell Brightfelt
March 11, 2016
David was the PERFECT ROLE MODEL for humanity! He was my friend and I will really miss him...
During E-Week at the University of Nebraska, students would flock around David as he showed great personal interest in their research projects and frequently provided direction, knowledge, resources and support. David played a similar role with University of Nebraska Professors as they struggled to bring important new technology into a commercial state.
As a long-term member of the College of Engineering Dean's External Advisory Board, David played the role of Charlie Munger in Warren Buffet's annual shareholder's meetings: David was generally very quite during our meetings, but everyone listened intently when he spoke.
In addition, David was one of a few early visionaries who dreamed of creating a "Research Triangle" type capability in the State of Nebraska, where University, Government & Industry leaders would combine forces to build a strong "Technology Based" State economy.
Nancy, You were the perfect partner for David... I can only image what a wonderful family environment you & David created for each other, your children and your grandchildren over many years... Our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time.
Tom Mechler
March 11, 2016
Nancy and family,
I am so sad to hear of Dave's passing. He was a great man and will truly be missed. I had the pleasure of working with Dave at DS and Bosch from 1988 until his retirement. He was one of the most genuine people I will ever know.
I was quite young when I started at DS and learned a lot from Dave. His logical, no-nonsense approach to challenges was a great example for me and his example has benefitted me greatly. I often recall several times where we laughed and a few times where that towering voice of his made his position very clear.
You should be aware and proud of the legacy he has left on those who were fortunate enough to work with him and for him. There are hundreds of people, me being just one, who owe a very nice career to Dave. Many of my best friends, and their friends, know each other because we met at the company that he created. So beyond a working relationship, he benefitted our lives in many other ways.
One memento I will always cherish: As a Technical Writer in the 90's, I sometimes had to look up a formula for a drawing for one of our motion detectors. This was before the internet so I couldn't google it. Dave had a text book in his office, Handbook of Chemistry and Physics which had the formula and a host of other scientific theories, laws and formulas. We'd pull out the book and laugh at some of the most bizarre ones. I told Dave long before he retired that I would like that book when he left. Sure enough, it was laying on my desk the morning after he retired. Now it's on my bookshelf and I think of Dave every time I see it. I will treasure it even more now.
I wish you and your family comfort and strength through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Tom Mechler
George and Carol George
March 11, 2016
What a wonderful man! We will miss his fine mind and gentle humor...will miss him, period. It is a loss to everybody. Our condolences to the entire family.
Amanda McCall
March 11, 2016
Prayers, thoughts, and love for your family. He was an amazing man. I am blessed to have met him.
Michael Riva
March 11, 2016
Thinking of you and wishing you all moments of peace and comfort.
Deidre Mapstone
March 11, 2016
May peace, love, strength and memories surround your family now. Sending you all much love and prayers. ❤
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