Henry G. Blosser

Henry was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia, the son of Emanuel Blosser, an inventor and pioneer in the poultry business. Henry’s mother, Leona Blosser was a math teacher. Henry was educated at the University of Virginia, receiving his B.A. 1951, M.S. 1952 and PhD. 1954. After working as a nuclear physicist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory he joined the faculty of Michigan State University in 1958. He served as founding Director and Co-Director of the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory until 1989 and was honored as a University Distinguished Professor in 1990.

Henry is survived by his loving wife, Lois Lynch; sister, Julia Nell Grandle; children, Margo Blosser, Gabe Blosser (wife Laurie), Emanuel Blosser (wife Diane Robitelle), William Loew-Blosser (wife Leslie); children’s mother, Priscilla Blosser-Rainey; wife’s children, Janet Gill, Shirley Lynch, Jim Lynch (wife Lisa); sister’s children, Christopher Grandle (wife Becky), Arthur Grandle (wife Susan), Robert Grandle (wife Lynn); and 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Henry was an avid backpacker and cultivator of heirloom tomatoes that came from his grandfather and continue to be cultivated by his children today.

A Memorial Service will be held April 19, 2013, 3:00 pm at the Michigan State University Alumni Memorial Chapel followed by a reception at the Breslin Center, 534 Birch Rd., East Lansing, at 4:30 pm. An interment of ashes will take place in Harrisonburg, Virginia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made inHenry’s name to Michigan State University Foundation, Henry Blosser Memorial Chair, 300 Spartan Way, East Lansing, MI 48824-9911 or The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, PO Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25424-0807 or a charity of your choice.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. On-line condolences may be left at www.greastlansing.com.