Albert Carl Iwen, 81, of Merrill, died Thursday, December 29, 2011.
He was born on April 9, 1930 in Merrill to the late Albert F. and Milda (Beyer) Iwen.
After his graduation from Merrill Senior High School, Albert attended various colleges and universities and did graduate work in physical chemistry at the University of Illinois in Carbondale, Illinois. He worked as a chemical engineer at the University of Chicago and for Boeing Aircraft Company and held other jobs as a chemist and chemical engineer. He also developed his own chemical engineering company, ACI Enterprises, where most recently he worked as a consultant. Albert authored numerous publications relating to the space program, was a subcontractor for NASA on the Apollo Space Program and worked on the scaling of the space shuttle. He served in the Korean Conflict as a member of the Air Force and achieved the rank of Airman First Class. He trained in special weapons fusing systems.
Albert was a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Committee to Restore the Constitution and the Aircraft Owner and Pilots Association. He enjoyed rockets, astronomy and traveling. Albert once set a national record drag racing a 1964 Dodge 413 and received a trophy.
Albert is survived by his children, Kimberly (Nathaniel) Arneson of West Fargo, North Dakota, Janelle, Albert and Carl, all of Merrill; his sister, Betty (Jack) Oldenburg of Woodruff; his brother, Howard (Harriet) Iwen of Wausau; sister-in-law, Anne Iwen of Florida and Massachusetts; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Milton Iwen.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Merrill, Wisconsin. The Pastor Rev. David Szeto will officiate. Visitation will be Monday, January 2, 2012 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the Waid Funeral Home Chapel and on Tuesday, January 3 from 10:00 until time of services at the church. Burial will be at Merrill Memorial Park in Merrill with graveside military rites performed by VFW Post 1638. The Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. On-line condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.