Wendt, David J. Wendt, David J., age 53, of Framingham, MA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 22, 2024, after his battle with cancer. David graduated from Edina High School in 1988. He graduated from St. Olaf College in 1992 with a degree in Math and Chemistry, and then obtained a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering in 2001 at Iowa State University. While in graduate school, he met his future wife, Maria, and after finishing their graduate studies, they embarked on a grand adventure in Europe, living in Switzerland for the next 18 years. David joined the Tissue Engineering Lab at the Dept of Biomedicine of the University Hospital of Basel in 2001. He pioneered innovative tools for 3D cell and tissue culture. His groundbreaking work secured highly competitive Swiss National Science Foundation grants among others. His advanced bioreactor system led to the founding of a start-up, Cellec Biotek AG. David mentored countless students, sharing his knowledge while helping to develop autonomy and critical thinking. David was energized by his passion for history, quality, and beauty in life be they nature, art, music, architecture, antiques, good food, but most of all great wine. Nothing made him happier than making friends with vintners in Burgundy, the Rhône, and Piemonte; sharing great wine with friends and family; and sharing his wine knowledge with his nephew and nieces. David is survived by his wife of 23 years, Maria Victoria (Bascunana) Wendt; mother Marlene (Johnson) Wendt of Edina, MN; brother Allan (Jessie) Wendt of South Orange, NJ; sister Jennifer (Jim) Rogers of Eden Prairie, MN; nieces Carly, Sophie, and Lucy Rogers, Isabelle and Eloise Wendt; nephew Jake Rogers; and best friend Tim Rajtora (Jonathan Bates) of Minneapolis, MN. He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred Wendt. A private family service was held for David in Massachusetts. He will be laid to rest among the vineyards in Alsace, France. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the David Wendt Memorial Fund (everloved.com/life-of/david-wendt/donate/), which will benefit underprivileged students at the Philippine Science High School where Maria went to school.

Published on May 5, 2024