Charles R Mischke

Birth date: Mar 2, 1927 Death date: Sep 10, 2016

Dr. Charles Russell Mischke, aged 89, passed away quietly on September 10, 2016 at the Bickford of Ames assisted living facility in Ames, Iowa. Charles was born in New York City on March 2, 1927 to Reinhardt Charles Mischke and De Read Obituary

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Harry Shainian

63w ago

I was one of Professor Mischke's students in his Fundamentals of Engineering course in the Mechanical Engineering Dept. at Iowa State University. Professor Mischke could be funny and serious at the same time. He was always highly respected by the Mechanical Engineering Dept. at Iowa State and he did a lot for the University and for the State of Iowa. He was the toughest professor I had at Iowa State. He made me a better and more disciplined student. Most of all, he made me think before I started to solve a problem.

Craig Shankwitz

478w ago

Sorry to hear that Professor Mischke has passed. I just found out because i ordered a copy of one of his books for my daughter. (I am keeping mine forever.) I hope that I can impress upon her the importance of this book.

I had him for only one class (mechanisms, ME 310), and was never so happy to receive a C- in a class before. He was tough, but VERY knowledgeable.

He was a terrific author, and his book " Mathematical Model Building: An Introduction to Engineering by Charles R. Mischke" is a genuinely brilliant introduction to engineering. He was teaching us optimization, but at the time, I was too stupid to know it.

The day before our final exam, Prof. Mischke said that the test was at noon. He asked the class, "is noon AM or PM?" The class stayed silent, until Prof. Mischke said, "Neither. It's M. Meridian" A classmate behind me whispered, "then, what's midnight?" I thought it was a good question, so I raised my hand, and asked, "What's midnight?"

He thought for a minute, and then shook his head, and shrugged his shoulders. I think that might have been the only time he didn't have an answer. I am sure that if he didn't know, he was going to find out.

The engineering world lost a legend. Condolences to the family.

Rod Olson

513w ago

Thanks Chuck, the extra time and care you spent showing me the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad one fall day fifteen years ago will never be forgotten. Since then it has been a pleasure and privilege to have worked with you in the diesel and the electric department. Your vast knowledge of many subjects was remarkable. You can never be replaced on car 50 but will always be remembered.

Tom Mischke

514w ago

Dad, I'll emulate the virtues you taught. I'll approach each problem, weighing the values you instilled. I'll apply myself 110%, as you encouraged. And, I'll always fondly remember our unique and special times together (just us). Your loving son...

Jonathan Smith

515w ago

It was a privilege to have known Chuck for thirty years, since the days when he used to bring his interurban models for display at the Ames Railfans' meetings. I will always remember his comment on a long container train working through Ames: "That's the new Panama Canal!" It summed up all his experience as a naval officer, a railroader, and a distinguished engineer who inspired generations of students.

Bill Dolezal

515w ago

I had the honor to work with Chuck as a fellow volunteer on the B&SVRR. Working Saturdays was always a joy to see him as the motorman in the Charles City Western Car 50. As many have said, he was truly a wealth of knowledge and a wonderful ambassador for the railroad. He also served as a great mentor for me when I training to become a conductor. Chuck was truly one of the joys in working on the RR in Boone. He will be missed as he brought a lot of joy to many on those Saturdays riding the rails in Car 50 but his spirit will live on in those many lives he touched.

John Klocker

515w ago

Chuck was a wealth of knowledge about all things mechanical and especially railroads. He was a good friend who will surely be missed.

Rebecca, Jeffery Hergert

515w ago

We didn't know Chuck too well.
But he was definitely active at the b&svrr.
He will be missed.

Berne Ketchum

515w ago

I wish I had gotten to know Chuck better, but the fact that he didn't know me well didn't keep him from generously offering his time, expertise and good advice on my model railroad projects. We will miss him.

Capt D.G. Maccrea, Usn (Ret) On Behalf Of Tom's C

515w ago

The Iowa State NROTC Class of '77 join in extending our heartfelt sympathies to the Mischke family during this time of sorrow. We remember fondly the comments and perspectives Dr. Mischke shared with us as we prepared for our service as Navy and Marine Corps officers.We wish him continued fair winds and following seas.

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