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Rudolf Jander Obituary

Rudolf Jander passed away on September 22, 2022, while enjoying a Galapagos Islands nature documentary, thereby revisiting some of his most memorable travels. A native of Heidelberg, Germany, Rudolf received his PhD from the University of Munich in 1957. He spent most of his professional life in Lawrence, where he served as a Professor of Entomology at the University of Kansas for 47 years. He enjoyed a lifelong passion for ants and their unique behaviors, which he studied not only locally in Kansas, but also in Germany, Malaysia, Australia, and numerous other countries. His favorite hobby was gardening, with a focus on promoting insect diversity. Over a period of several decades, he established a pollinator-friendly paradise in his Lawrence back yard.

Rudolf is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ursula Jander (Ithaca, NY), his daughter Birgit Hindman (Redmond, WA), his sons Georg Jander (Ithaca, NY) and Albrecht Jander (Corvallis, OR), eight grandchildren (Andreas, Martin, Jakob, Filip, Markus, Katrina, Lukas, and Arin), and his sisters Hildburg Grau (Wiesbaden, Germany) and Sigrid Carsten (Ladenburg, Germany). He is predeceased by his brother Gernot Jander and his sister Irmtraut Lautenschlaeger.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Sep. 28, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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Jim cane

April 15, 2024

Rudolf Jander was a treasured mentor for me at the University of Kansas. He epitomized clear, organized thinking in both his writing and speaking. He could be direct with his criticisms, but I understood his goal to improve my own academic capabilities. He and Ursula invited several of us to join in the lighting of the candles of their Christmas tree, a memorable event I've not experienced before or since. Rudolf was an inveterate bicycle commuter (a habit that I've gained as well), but I have not turned to his winter footwear of wool socks and sandals. A wonderful man!

Larry Kipp

September 30, 2022

Dr. Jander was the most thoughtful, yet critical, thinker I ever had the honor to meet. He was my advisor while I earned my PhD at KU and the discussions we had were fantastic. His Professor was Karl von Frisch, so his bona fides are impeccible. His wife, Ursula, was his equal in every way. They were both loving, guiding, parents.

Carole Tomlinson

September 29, 2022

I remember Professor Jander fondly. He was kind and helpful and unforgettable as a teacher.

Nancy Cohen Oderkirk

September 29, 2022

I feel a great emptiness at the loss of Dr. Jander. (He would have said: "You can call me Rudolf now!") He was more than a doctoral committee member, but also quite inspirational in other ways. He was never afraid to challenge his students and colleagues to think more deeply. His love for life on so many levels shaped the lives of many others. Rest in peace, friend.

Helen Alexander

September 29, 2022

I am sorry to hear the news. Rudolph was always so interested in all aspects of biology and was eager to work with undergraduate students. He will be missed. Best wishes to Ursula and the whole family.
Sincerely, Helen Alexander

Elizabeth Smith

September 29, 2022

I am so saddened to hear this news. Herr Dr Jander was one of the most influential professors I´ve ever had the privilege of knowing, and his lessons and methods are with me to this day. He was a brilliant and kind man. My sincere condolences to Frau Dr Jander, my old school friend Albrecht, and the rest of the family. Rest In Peace.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Peter Knutson

Planted Trees

Maria Orive

September 28, 2022

I was so privileged to be one of Rudolf's colleagues - his broad curiosity across biological science, and his great kindness to me as a new researcher stand out in my memory.

My sincere condolences to Ursula and the rest of his family.

Dave Alexander

September 28, 2022

Dear Ursula and family,
I am sorry and saddened to learn of Rudolf's passing. I always felt Rudolf to be perhaps the deepest, clearest thinker in biology at KU. Yet he was also kind, considerate, and friendly, and a wonderful colleague. I have great memories of discussing the evolution of insect flight with him. You have my sincere condolences.

Martha Rose

September 28, 2022

I am sad to learn of your husband´s death, Ursula. Tennis friends in Lawrence are Barbara and me now. I remember you as I drive past your home which is nestled among much foliage. Do I remember correctly that RUdolf knew a lot about bees though the obituary mentions ants. I send sympathy to you and your children.

Lilian Six

September 28, 2022

Dear Ursula, I was sad to read in the LJW that Rudolf had died. I send you my condolences. Lilian Six

Kent Fisher

September 28, 2022

I am so sorry for your loss, Georg. Thinking of you and your family.

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