In Memory of Gerry Neudeck

The world lost a fine man this week.

Dr. Gerold Neudeck, PhD, was an incredible engineering mind, who held patents in semiconductors and was a beloved teacher. He's one of the people who made the Internet possible.

But when you met him, you met the man from Beach, North Dakota, who loved to fish and bake sourdough bread. He never talked about his professional accomplishments, although he would speak proudly of his students.

To me, he was a friend, and like family. When I was a girl, there was a triumvirate, of sorts, of families, including mine, that formed an extended family. I was the token daughter -- among the collective eight children, I was the only girl.

When I was in junior high school, I would babysit, at my mother's behest, his and his wife's two sons. They were 3 and 5 when I started. I was under strict instructions not to accept payment at first, although as time went on my mother gave in and let them pay me. I never accepted much, however; I was doing a favor for friends, and I rarely did more than turn out the bedroom light and read or watch television.

As was common in that era (am I really old enough to refer to my childhood as an era?), Gerry would pick me up and drive me home. I came to appreciate that time with him -- whether or not we talked. He was a great listener, and an astute questioner. I spent most of my time talking (which I still do), but when he spoke, it was always worth listening to.

Even when I was 12, he listened respectfully, speaking to me as if we were equals. It helped me define my sense of self, and my self respect. He never stopped being the kid from Beach, North Dakota, with a love for the land.

So, here's to Gerry Neudeck. A man who loved his wife, loved his sons, loved Purdue, and loved life. He made the world a better place.