Carl R. Loper Jr.

MADISON -- Carl R. Loper, Jr., aged 78, passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at Meriter Hospital as a result of Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Carl was born on July 3, 1932 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Carl and Valborg (Sundby) Loper.

Faith and family were very important in Carl's life. He was married to his devoted wife, Jane, for 54 years. Carl valued not only his immediate family, but also his extended family. He greatly enjoyed the annual Loper Christmas gathering and the triennial Sundby family reunion. His love of family led to a passion for his Norwegian ancestry. He was a charter member of Torske Klubben, a member of Ygdrasil Literary Society, and a sustaining fellow of the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum.

Carl obtained BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin. Prior to joining the UW - Madison as a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, he was employed as a Plant Metallurgist at Pelton Steel Castings Co. and as a Research Metallurgist at Allis Chalmers Manufacturing Co. He was also a registered Professional Engineer, lectured and consulted internationally, and served as an Adjunct Professor of Materials at the UW -- Milwaukee. Carl was considered an expert in many areas of metallurgy, particularly ductile iron. He authored well over 500 technical and scientific publications, has several patents, is the co-author of a well known text, and wrote several technical and scientific manuals. He has been internationally recognized for his engineering and scientific contributions, and has received numerous awards and honors. Carl was very involved with the American Foundry Society (AFS) and served as Chairman of the AFS Wisconsin Chapter. He received its highest honor, the Penton Gold Medal, for his contributions to research and education. Carl never lost his love of learning and never stopped working in the profession he loved.

At a critical point in his education, Carl received scholarship funds from the Foundry Educational Foundation which enabled him to complete his studies. During his career he was pleased to give back to the organization, serving as a key professor for the FEF and endowing a scholarship with FEF that is presented annually to a student in metallurgy.

Carl thoroughly enjoyed writing, researching, lecturing, and consulting, and particularly enjoyed mentoring his many students. During his career he served as advisor to a host of graduate students who are now spread all over the world, many of whom consider him a father figure and friend. In May of 2009 his former students and associates organized a symposium in his honor, with the goal of reviewing the development of cast iron and celebrating the deep friendships that were developed between Carl's metallurgy family and the entire Loper family. Carl enjoyed life and people, and never passed up an opportunity for a laugh.

Carl is survived by his wife, Jane; his daughters Cynthia (Jeff) Koch, and Anne Loper; sisters Lois (Art) Lebahn, Sharon (Tom) Radloff, and Gail (Joe) Niesl; brother Roger (Sharon) Loper; sister-in-law Helen Rose; brother-in-law Jim Mellberg; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Dennis.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 16, 2010, at 11 a.m, at MIDVALE COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4329 Tokay Blvd. in Madison with the Rev. Katherine Baardseth officiating. Entombment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 15, 4 to 7 p.m., at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd in Madison, and Thursday, at 10 a.m. until the time of service, at the church.

Memorials in remembrance of Carl may be given to the Foundry Educational Foundation Loper Award, the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, or the Norwegian American Genealogical Center and Naeseth Library.