William B. Schwabacher

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Schwabacher, William B. (born Wolfgang) died at home of lymphoma on March 10, 2014, at the age of 88. A retired University of Minnesota professor with appointments in both the General College and Chemistry Department, he devoted his life to sharing his passion for science: He created popular courses such as "Chemistry in Art" and "Nature and its Impact on the Mind," developed innovative science curricula for elementary schools, and built interactive exhibits on light and color for children's museums, including the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Born in Würzburg, Germany, on October 29, 1925, he emigrated to the United States in 1937 with his parents and sister. His experience as a refugee from Nazi Germany led him to work on behalf of Japanese Americans facing internment in California. While attending U.C. Berkeley, he chaired a race relations committee, where he met his wife, Adelaide "Heidi" Hall Schwabacher. They married in 1948 and moved to Minnesota, where he earned a PhD in Physical Chemistry and taught for his entire career. His research interests ranged from nuclear magnetic resonance to the optical properties of teeth. He loved music and played violin in a weekly string quartet until shortly before his death. He is survived by his wife and their six children, Sara, Stephen, Alan, John, Martin, and Paul, their spouses, and ten grandchildren. Open house Wednesday, March 12, 4-7 pm.

Published on March 12, 2014