Herman O. Ankenbruck

Herman O. Ankenbruck passed peacefully at his home in Moneta, Virginia on February 12th, 2013.

He is survived by two brothers, Martin and John; children Ellen, Ruth, Matt, Meg, and Kate; grandchildren Christopher, Donovan, Sheila, Christine, Brynn, Coletyn and Corinne. He was preceded by a brother, two sisters, a daughter and step-son. Herman was blessed to be married to three amazing wives in his life, Joellen McDonald, Ellen Philip and Barbara Rudd, whom he survived. His twilight years were given greater joy by the love of Rudd family of Roanoke.

Herman was born on December 1st, 1921 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He gained degrees in Aeronautical and Nuclear Engineering at Indiana University, Tri-State College, and Southern Methodist University. His passion for pushing the boundaries of science is marked most notably by his contributions to the Douglas Skyrocket project, Skylab and the Apollo space missions. The historical Douglas D-558-2 was the first plane to break Mach 2 and is forever immortalized in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

Herman Oscar Ankenbruck; scientist, avid sailor, hunter, fisherman, marine enthusiast, patriarch and loving father…

You will be greatly missed!

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Road in Moneta by Father Salvador Añonuevo, 2 PM, Saturday, February 16, 2013, followed by interment in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake, P. O. Box 55, Moneta VA 24121.

Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, (540) 586-3443.