Dr Robert O. Belsheim

Dr. Robert O. Belsheim passed away on November 23, 2010.

He was born in Winnebago County, Iowa, August 26, 1924. After graduation from Iowa State University in 1944 with a degree in mechanical engineering, he was selected for research work at the Naval Research Lab. He enlisted in the Navy with a special rank that allowed him to continue this work during the last year of the war. He spent the years immediately after the war at Purdue University, earning his Ph.D. in 1954. Until 1977, Bob continued his work at the NRL, consulting after 1970. He was the author of many academic papers and the recipient of many honors, centering on his research on mechanical stress, especially in submarines and with application to NASA projects.

He never tired of the charms of Washington, D.C. or those of the mid-Atlantic region, and was an inveterate explorer of them. In retirement he added to these steady habits of local and national driving trips with tours of the Baltic, China and Canada. He spent time with family and friends, and golfed hopefully.

He took good care of his long time friend in her decline, and is remembered by her family with gratitude and love.

He enjoyed good health all his life and was self-reliant until his last months. Bob will be missed by his family and long time friends in the Washington, D.C. area, and in Iowa.

In accordance with his wishes, Bob will be interred next to his parents and paternal grandparents at Winnebago Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, Iowa, near the family farm.