Baenziger, Norman Charles

Norman Charles Baenziger, 88, of North Liberty, formerly of Iowa City, died Dec. 1, 2010, in Danville, Ind. His body was donated to the University of Iowa College of Medicine.

Survivors include his children, Mardith Baenziger of Ames, Walter Baenziger of Beckett, Mass., John Baenziger of Danville, Ind., and Gregory Baenziger of Polk City; a sister, Lorla Nothdurft of Overland Park, Kan.; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild, with two on the way.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jane (Lumberg) Baenziger.

Norman was born in New Ulm, Minn., to his minister father and schoolteacher mother, Charles Paul Baenziger and Marie Malinda (Hildenstein) Baenziger. He attended high school in Wells, Minn., and graduated from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn., at the top of his class. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry at Iowa State University during World War II and was involved with the Manhattan Project there. Norman was a professor of chemistry at the University of Iowa for 42 years, retiring in 1992. He was an active researcher in the field of crystallography and emphasized teaching during his time at the University of Iowa. His former freshman chemistry students likely number in the thousands.

Norman was active in retirement working on various home remodeling and family history projects. He was blessed by many gracious friends and fine bridge and golf partners in his life. His friends and family will miss his intellect, his work ethic and his sense of humor.

Memorials may be made to Visiting Nurse Association/Hospice Service of Johnson County, Iowa or Betty Baenziger Memorial Scholarship Fund at Iowa State University.