Donald L. Strandburg

Donald Lawrence Strandburg, low-temperature physicist and former chair of the physics department at San José State University, passed away on 13 July 2022 at the age of 92 following a heart attack.

Born in Sioux City, Iowa, to a working-class family, Donald graduated summa cum laude from Morningside College. After postponing his graduate studies for a stint in the Army at Fort Detrick, Maryland, he completed his PhD in physics at Iowa State University. During his tour of duty, Donald married Patricia (née Pentony), a fellow summa cum laude Morningside graduate, in Sioux City on 20 June 1954. After teaching for a few years at Santa Clara University, Donald joined San José State’s faculty in 1964, eventually serving as department chair for many years until he retired in 1994. Though retired for nearly 30 years at the time of his death, Donald never lost his passion for physics, reading avidly and engaging in many discussions about it with his physicist-turned-law professor daughter, Kathy Strandburg, and her partner, Argonne physicist Wai-Kwong Kwok (and anyone else who would listen).

Donald was known among family and friends for his quiet and easygoing manner, his dry wit and terrible puns, his ability to relate to people of all backgrounds, his belief that a physicist can do anything, and his continuing eagerness to learn and to try new things.

Above all else, Donald was a devoted husband and family man. He will be sorely missed by Patricia, his wife of 68 years, their three children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, his sister, and many other family members with whom he maintained close relationships.

Donations in Donald’s memory may be sent to
American Association of Physics Teachers Donations, Memorial Fund ,
1 Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740-3845.