Volume 24 · Number 3 · Spring 2007
In Memoriam
Victor Vernon Rendig died November 8, 2006, at University Retirement Community in Davis. He was 87 years old.
Born July 4, 1919, in Albion, Wisc., he was raised on the family farm. Following high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin, graduated with a B.S. in soils and enlisted in the military. He served in the Navy in World War II as a navigator/bombardier in the 108th Squadron stationed in the Pacific.
He met his future wife, Rosemary, in 1944, and they were married the same year. At the University of Wisconsin, he completed his Ph.D. in soil science in 1949 and began his career as a soil chemist at UC Davis. His association with UC Davis extended more than 57 years, the last 18 as an emeritus professor. His research into the relationships between soils and plant nutrition led to the publication of numerous journal research articles, reports and a graduate-level textbook, co-authored with H.M. Taylor, on principles of soil-plant interrelationships. He was one of the few people to connect soil-plant nutrient relationships to animal health. He served on many departmental and university committees, and was chair of the Department of Soils and Plant Nutrition and chair of the Plant Physiology Group.
He particularly enjoyed teaching and was highly regarded by his students. He enjoyed hosting his graduate students at family dinners in his home.
He was very actively involved in the St. James Catholic Church in Davis, serving as a lector, commentator and usher. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as its Grand Knight for two years. Following his retirement, he was an active volunteer for Loaves and Fishes, a provider of survival services for the homeless.
He found great satisfaction in being a devoted husband and father, and loved to spend time with his grandchildren. He and his wife took great pleasure in the many years of get-togethers with family and friends at their vacation home at Lake Berryessa.
His family said he enjoyed gardening, traveling, barbecuing and preparing Saturday morning pancake breakfasts for his wife, children and grandchildren. He was an avid bridge player and was a member of the department’s bowling team for several years.
He will be remembered as a kind and considerate family man, and as a charitable gentleman who valued integrity and humility.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Gordon, and his sister, Virginia.
His wife, Rosemary, who had been active in the University Farm Circle, died in January. She was 84.
He is survived by his son, Steve, and his wife, Sandy, of Davis; son, Randy and his wife, Karen, of Camino; granddaughters, Elena, of Davis, and Sara, of Dixon; grandsons, Phil, of Davis, and John, of Clovis; as well as nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Yolo Hospice.
Those who wish to sign a guestbook online may do so at www.wiscombefuneral.com.