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Joseph Paul Mutschlecner
July 6th, 1930 - March 16th, 2024
July 6th, 1930 - March 16th, 2024
Joseph Paul Mutschlecner passed peacefully at his home under the care of Hospice with family by his side in Los Alamos, Saturday, March 16th. He is survived by his wife Alice, and his children David, Timothy (Sarah), and Celia, (Mark), as well as grandchildren: Audrey, (Zachary), Megan, (Parker), Elliott, Mathew, (Caitlin), Anna, (Andrew), Kevin, (Sonny), Robyne, (Chris), and nine great-grandchildren.
Paul was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the son of Henry and Aurelia Mutschlecner, and had one sibling, Audrey. His father, who worked at General Electric, inspired his passion for astronomy by building a substantial telescope by hand, even grinding the lenses himself.
During his education at Indiana University, he was recruited and joined the Marine Corps Reserves. It was during his studies at I.U. that he met his life mate, Alice, who was a freshman music major studying violin, marrying in 1955. After receiving his doctorate at the University of Michigan and working at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Paul accepted a faculty position in the Astronomy Department at Indiana University, where he would teach for fourteen years.
Paul returned to research in 1981, moving back to Los Alamos to work for the LANL in a wide variety of areas including atmospheric studies and applications of infrasound science. He was active in the community as a member of the United Church of Los Alamos, and as a board member of the Arts Center and the Los Alamos Public Library.
Paul was a devoted ‘patriarch’, loving his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren dearly, and passing on his love of science, the outdoors, literature, and a great sense of humor. His interests included painting, musicals, art appreciation, genealogy, and travel.
A memorial service for Paul will take place Friday, June 28 at 11 am at Los Alamos United Church.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Home Instead, Hospice of Los Alamos, and doctors Linnebur and Mesibov. The family thanks the community for all your love prayers and support during this time. Memorial donations may be given to the International Rescue Committee, or the UN Refugee Center.
Please leave messages of condolence, stories, or photos of Paul here for his family to treasure.
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Tributes
Pete Sheehey and Naishing Key
Paul was a long-time active member of the Los Alamos Committee on Arms Control and International Security, which effectively advised our Senators on verifiable nuclear arms control treaties. We valued his clear and balanced thinking when discussing international or local issues. It has been a privilege to have the friendship of Paul and Alice and their talented poet son, David.
Malcolm B. Niedner
I attended Indiana University as an Astronomy graduate student in the early-mid 1970s, and Prof. Mutschlecner was on my doctoral committee. I remember him as a warm, soft-spoken man whom one could not help but admire. I benefited from his intelligence, wisdom, and kindness, and for those things I am truly grateful. I learned of Paul's death by searching on his name following a return--just last week--to the IU campus and my beloved Astronomy Department. As I walked the halls in Swain Hall West for the first time in nearly 50 years, I was showered with many memories, including those of Paul Mutschlecner. It was a moving experience that I am still feeling here in Maryland, my home. I send condolences to the Mutschlecner family for the loss of a wonderful man.
Nancy Bonnema
J Paul and Alice have been a special part of our family as long as I can remember. Memories now make me smile, even laugh. I think I laugh the most when remembering of a letter he wrote to Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburg, the patron of the National Association of Boys Clubs in England. J Paul and RR Brownlee were going to the defense of the Hornchurch Drum and Trumpet Corps who were members of the Boys Clubs. J Paul ended his letter "Yours, but for 1776"! J Paul and RR Brownlee were members of the Kirkwood Society at IU in 1952. Addie Leah Brownlee did the sewing of the Kirkwood Society Flag for which J Paul's mother supplied the fringe. The flag was taken to varied and remote places all over the world by members of the Kirkwood Society. J Paul enjoyed life and shared his joy with those around him.
Helen Stanbro
I never knew him, but knowing his son David, I am sure he must have been a very fine father to have raised such a fine son. David always spoke of him with deep love and respect. May he be at peace after a life well-lived.
Elizabeth Johnson
Though the Mutschlecner family lived near me when I was a child, I really got to know Paul and Alice when I returned to Los Alamos in 2006. I found Paul to be a kind and thoughtful man, giving of himself to his family, his church and his friends. He is missed by so many of us.
Our Lives Were Blessed Knowing Him. Jeanne, Nancy, Wayne,wenda And Chip Send Out Love
Paul was a wonderful man and close friend
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