Richard Schwoebel

RICHARD LYNN SCHWOEBEL, PhD.Passed away on Wednesday, August 22, 2012, with his family at his side. A longtime resident of Albuquerque, Richard was deeply involved in the community. Born December 26, 1931 in New Rockford, ND, his education was completed at Hamline University, B.A., and Cornell University, Ph.D in physics. While he was a director at Sandia National Laboratories, he wrote the book Explosion Aboard the Iowa, which relates the true story of Sandia's independent investigation of the 1989 explosion that killed 47 crew members of the USS Iowa. His musical career included performances as a soloist with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, St. Timothy Lutheran Church, St. Paul Lutheran Church, the Camerata Quartet, Opera SW/Albuquerque Opera Theater, and in numerous oratorios and cantatas. Many performances were with his wife, Jennie, a lyric soprano. He served as President of St. Paul Lutheran Church Council and was president of the University of New Mexico Friends of Music. Awards included: Outstanding Alumni Award, Hamline University, St. Paul, MN and the Spirit of St. Paul Lutheran Church Award. Luther House, UNM Lutheran Campus Ministry, was served by Dr. Schwoebel as a board member for several years. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Albuquerque Balloon Museum as well as the Museum Foundation Board. Dr. Schwoebel was technical director of the Double Eagle II, the first transatlantic balloon flight in 1978, as part of the team for the flight with Maxie Anderson, Ben Abruzzo, and Larry Newman. Other interests included flying; he kept a commercial pilot's license for several years. Dr. Schwoebel was preceded in death by his first wife, Lois, and his brother, Lyle. He is survived by his wife, Jennie Proctor Schwoebel; son, Paul Schwoebel and wife, Kelly of Albuquerque; son, Eric Schwoebel and wife, Heather of Boston; sister, Rosemary Worlien and her husband, John of St. Petersburg, FL; stepson, John Klingler and his wife, Marion of Raleigh, NC; stepson, Thomas Klingler of Wilmington, NC. Grandchildren include Ellery and Claire Schwoebel of Boston and step-grandchildren Mitchell Klingler and David Klingler of Raleigh, NC, Zachary and Meghan Klingler of Ashland, KY. Services will be held Saturday, August 25, 2012, 11:00 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1100 Indian School Rd. NE, Albuquerque, with Pastor Harold Nilsson officiating. Memorial gifts may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church Music Program, PO Box 25001, Albuquerque, NM 87125.