Maurice Dr. Fuerstenau Obituary (1933 - 2012)

Dr. Maurice Fuerstenau passed away on October 7, 2012. He was born on June 6, 1933 in Watertown, South Dakota to Erwin and Hazel (Karterud) Fuerstenau. Maurice grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota and married Joyce Snyder on September 13, 1953. From this union came 4 children; Gregg (Shelley Graves) Fuerstenau Taylorville, IL, Jeff (Therese) Fuerstenau Yuma, AZ, Beth (James) Schuster Philadelphia, PA and Anne (Mark) Maxwell Atlanta, GA. These children and his 13 grandchildren will be the greatest legacy he leaves behind. Dr. Fuerstenau graduated from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering. He earned his Masters and PHD degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and from there began a storied career in higher education. Dr. Fuerstenau was a true giant in the Mineral Processing Industry and the numerous engineers he educated, papers and books he published will influence the mining industry for many generations to come. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1991 and the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2006, both of which recognized the tremendous influence he had in his lifetime of achievements. Dr. Fuerstenau is survived by his wife Joyce of Reno, NV, his brother Dr. Douglas (Peggy) Fuerstenau of Santa Rosa, CA, His sister Jean Hadeen of Laramie, WY, 4 Children, 13 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard Fuerstenau, nephew Scott Raubach and niece Linda Fuerstenau. A celebration of Dr. Fuerstenau's life will be held in Rapid City, South Dakota on October 26, 2012 on the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology campus at 2:00 pm in a facility located next to the school gymnasium. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Maurice Fuerstenau scholarship fund at both the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 St. Joseph St., Rapid City, SD 57701 and the University of Nevada at Reno, 1664 N. Virginia Ave, Reno, NV 89557.