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Edward Spitznagel Obituary
Spitznagel, Dr. Edward Lawrence
September 4, 1940 - March 20, 2025
Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Thursday March 20, 2025. Dr. Edward Lawrence Spitznagel, Jr., passed away peacefully at home in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 83.
Born on September 4, 1941, to the late Edward L. Spitznagel and Mildred Spitznagel (nee Zins) in Cincinnati, Ohio. Ed is survived by his best friend and devoted wife of 53 years, Alice Spitznagel (nee McCaffrey), and their children: Bridget Spitznagel; Edward W. Spitznagel (Susan McBride); Michael Spitznagel (Michelle); Sally Spitznagel (Kristoffer Tjensvoll); and Casey Arnold (Matthew). He was dearest "Papa" to grandchildren Sean, Lizzie, Ryan, Emily, Thomas, Julia, Samuel, Madeleine, and Dylan. He is also survived by his brother Carl R. Spitznagel (Bonnie), who shares his passion for mathematics as a fellow professor in the field.
Ed demonstrated an early aptitude for mathematics that would shape his lifelong career. He attended Xavier High School before earning his Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude in mathematics from Xavier University. He went on to obtain both his Master's and Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Chicago, setting the foundation for a distinguished academic career.
For five decades, Dr. Spitznagel served as a Professor of Mathematics at Washington University in St. Louis, where he also held a joint appointment in the Division of Biostatistics at the Washington University School of Medicine. His work spanned multiple disciplines, leading to collaborations with researchers across various fields and resulting in the publication of over 300 papers. Known for his engaging lectures that connected mathematical theory to real-world applications, he was a beloved educator who earned numerous teaching accolades, including the prestigious Haimo Award from the Mathematical Association of America. Ed will continue to teach, as he chose to donate his body to St. Louis University School of Medicine.
Beyond academia, Ed possessed an insatiable curiosity about the world around him. A true Renaissance man, he read voraciously on a wide range of topics and found joy in hands-on pursuits such as woodworking and gardening. He cultivated a vegetable garden in the family yard and built furniture for their home. His love for nature extended beyond his backyard-he was drawn to the vast landscapes of the western United States, where he travelled frequently to camp and climb mountains.
Ed's family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care and support provided by caregivers from Assistance Home Care, especially Sherry, and BJC Hospice.
A Memorial Mass will be held on April 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Catholic Student Center at Washington University (6352 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, MO 63105). Please note that parking at the CSC is limited; additional parking is available on campus in Visitor or Yellow Zones.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Catholic Student Center at Washington University. https://www.washucsc.org/ways-to-give
Lupton-Millard Chapel
7233 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO. 63130
314-721-1870
September 4, 1940 - March 20, 2025
Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Thursday March 20, 2025. Dr. Edward Lawrence Spitznagel, Jr., passed away peacefully at home in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 83.
Born on September 4, 1941, to the late Edward L. Spitznagel and Mildred Spitznagel (nee Zins) in Cincinnati, Ohio. Ed is survived by his best friend and devoted wife of 53 years, Alice Spitznagel (nee McCaffrey), and their children: Bridget Spitznagel; Edward W. Spitznagel (Susan McBride); Michael Spitznagel (Michelle); Sally Spitznagel (Kristoffer Tjensvoll); and Casey Arnold (Matthew). He was dearest "Papa" to grandchildren Sean, Lizzie, Ryan, Emily, Thomas, Julia, Samuel, Madeleine, and Dylan. He is also survived by his brother Carl R. Spitznagel (Bonnie), who shares his passion for mathematics as a fellow professor in the field.
Ed demonstrated an early aptitude for mathematics that would shape his lifelong career. He attended Xavier High School before earning his Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude in mathematics from Xavier University. He went on to obtain both his Master's and Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Chicago, setting the foundation for a distinguished academic career.
For five decades, Dr. Spitznagel served as a Professor of Mathematics at Washington University in St. Louis, where he also held a joint appointment in the Division of Biostatistics at the Washington University School of Medicine. His work spanned multiple disciplines, leading to collaborations with researchers across various fields and resulting in the publication of over 300 papers. Known for his engaging lectures that connected mathematical theory to real-world applications, he was a beloved educator who earned numerous teaching accolades, including the prestigious Haimo Award from the Mathematical Association of America. Ed will continue to teach, as he chose to donate his body to St. Louis University School of Medicine.
Beyond academia, Ed possessed an insatiable curiosity about the world around him. A true Renaissance man, he read voraciously on a wide range of topics and found joy in hands-on pursuits such as woodworking and gardening. He cultivated a vegetable garden in the family yard and built furniture for their home. His love for nature extended beyond his backyard-he was drawn to the vast landscapes of the western United States, where he travelled frequently to camp and climb mountains.
Ed's family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care and support provided by caregivers from Assistance Home Care, especially Sherry, and BJC Hospice.
A Memorial Mass will be held on April 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Catholic Student Center at Washington University (6352 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, MO 63105). Please note that parking at the CSC is limited; additional parking is available on campus in Visitor or Yellow Zones.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Catholic Student Center at Washington University. https://www.washucsc.org/ways-to-give
Lupton-Millard Chapel
7233 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO. 63130
314-721-1870
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Mar. 30, 2025.
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