Dr. Bernard Clemence Gerstein was born on October 18, 1932, and left us on July 5, 2022, to join his wife Mary Clarice (Coffey) Gerstein and oldest sons Greg and Mark who preceded him in death. He is survived by sons William Gerstein (Rhoda), Garth Gerstein (Angela), and daughter Beth Timm (Greg ); grandsons Neil Gerstein (mother Barbara Anderson Gerstein) and Alex Timm (Nicole); and granddaughters Aliza Gerstein, Sedona Timm, Kylie Pina (Miguel), Alivia Boot (Justin)and Natalie Gerstein (mother Michelle Emmons Hill).
Dr. Bernie Gerstein received his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at Iowa State University, in 1960. He was an emeritus professor in Chemistry and an Associate at Ames Lab. Bernie was an expert in low-temperature physics and nuclear magnetic resonance of solids (NMR). His interests were in the effectiveness of teaching, education in general, sailing, swimming, jogging, playing music, and spending time with his family and friends.
Our Dad taught us that what matters in life is not what you’ve learned but what you’ve taught. He taught many students chemistry at Iowa State. He must have done it well because he was named “Teacher of the Year” by his students. He taught us and many others to sail, to play guitar, to fly fish, to love the joy of reading a good book, how to make the best pizza, the value of family and friends, and to stay connected to those we love and hold dear.
He taught us what matters is integrity, compassion, courage, and sacrifice that empowers or encourages others to emulate you by example. Dad served in the Chemical Corps branch of the U. S. Army. While stationed in Alabama, he marched in the now-famous Selma March. He was passionate about politics and committed time to supporting causes he believed in and values he held dear. His example has shaped his children as adults.
He taught us what matters is not how many people you know but how many will feel your lasting loss when you are gone. Our family is very touched by the notes and remembrances that people have been sharing who knew Dad. Dad was a force in our lives and it leaves a big hole in our hearts not to have his physical presence with us. We will especially miss the Bernie ‘Bear Hugs’ (for those of you that have had one, you know what we mean), his jokes, and his infectious smile. We will miss his response when you asked “How are you doing?” and his reply “Better now that you’re here” (and he meant it!).
He taught us what matters is not your memories but the memories you created for those who loved you when you are gone. Thank you Dad for sharing your passions and leaving us with beautiful memories of times together; fly fishing in the Grizzlies, climbing in Medicine Bow, living in Paris, making pizza and music, reading to us the Hobbit series, C.S. Lewis: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, and many others, nightly family dinners around the table, sailing in the Sarasota Bay and out in California, and around the country, and for taking us along for the ride on your life’s adventures. What wonderful adventures they were!
We invite you to share in the Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames located at 1015 Hyland Ave, Ames, Iowa, 50014. The Celebration will be from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. followed by a private burial.
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