Martin Minelli

We are deeply saddened to announce that on August 31, 2026 Martin R. Minelli of Grinnell, Iowa peacefully passed away. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

He was loved and survived by many people including his cousins: Wolfgang (Gail) Frey, Christine (Thomas) Ronai (nee Frey), Kathleen Meyer (nee Frey), Gabriele (Juergen) Kiessling (nee Dirr), Alwin (Kathi) Dirr; with their children Lindsey (Josh) Byrd, Kimberly Kammier, Andrew Frey, Pamela (David) Ronai Vocke, Patrick Ronai, Belinda (Mike) Carlsen (nee Meyer), Brittany (Mark) Cavanaugh (nee Meyer), Antonelle (Dimi) Wolf (nee Dirr), Johanna Dirr, Helena Dirr, and Leonhard Dirr; and respective grandchildren Isabella, Jackson, Mckinley, and Emmerson Byrd, Dylan, Tayo and Yanis Ronai Vocke, Mia and Myles Cavanaugh, and Herman Wolf; as well as dear friends Carmen Valentin and Santiago Perez and their children Sergio and Judith.

Martin Minelli was born in Ulm, Germany, and grew up in Ehingen. Martin studied at the University of Konstanz, Germany. He then moved to the USA and performed the experimental work for his doctorate at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. Martin received the doctorate (dr. rer. nat) from the University of Konstanz. He then returned to the USA as a post-doctorial associate at the University of Arizona in Tucson. From 1985-2022 Martin worked full time in the chemistry department at Grinnell College where he conducted research on molybdenum chemistry.. During this time, he spent sabbaticals and research leaves at the University of Chicago, in Germany, in Spain and in Mexico. Martin also taught a short course in Nanjing, China. Martin enjoyed traveling and learning different cultures.

He was truly cherished and will be missed dearly.

Dulce y libre como el colibrí, tu alma nos acompañará por siempre. (Sweat and free like the hummingbird, your soul will be with us forever.)

Die Materie vergeht, doch das Licht bleibt. Ein Leben voller Forschergeist ist nun zurückgekehrt in den grossen Kreislauf der Schöpfung. In dankbarer Erinnerung.  (Matter passes, but the light remains. A life full of research spirit has now returned to the great cycle of creation. In grateful memory.)