Frederick A. Puhn

Fred Puhn of National City passed away at the age of 82 May 13, 2022, at Paradise Valley Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Margaret Puhn, children Steven and Jeanette, and sister Terry Clark.
Fred graduated from Grossmont High School at 16 and received his bachelor's degree in engineering from SDSU in 1961, where he later continued his education receiving a masters.
Fred's very successful career spanned across many technologies, including automotive, aerospace, fusion, and electromagnetics, to name a few. His lifelong passion for automobiles earned him the respect of automotive enthusiasts worldwide, commissioning him the writing two books on the subject. In 1961 while working at Gyrotor Inc., Fred convinced management to build the Santee Sports cars that were inspired by a body shape he carved out of wood. He later opened his own business where he made cutting-edge racing wheels out of aluminum and Quasar race cars that dominated the racing circuit in its time. Fred took part in Neil Armstrong's historic moonwalk in 1969 by being a part of the design team that developed the lunar landing gear. His 40-year career at General Atomics yielded groundbreaking designs and technologies. His success in developing the DIIID fusion reactor in the 70s would have him invited to speak in our nation's capital and all over the world as an expert on fusion power.
Married to his wife, Margaret in 1966, they shared a passion for antiques and Victorian houses. They purchased their Victorian home in 1977, where they made a life for themselves, collecting antiques and becoming active members of the National City Historical Society.
Fred always believed that anything worth doing is worth doing well, and he lived life very well. He will be sorely missed by family and friends.