Johann ''Hans'' Jacob Sidler Obituary (1924 - 2003)

HANS J. SIDLER Hans J. Sidler peacefully passed away on Saturday, May 3, in Roy UT. He was 79 years old. Born on January 12, 1924 in Cham, Zug, Switzerland, Hans worked on the family farm until almost 20 years old. In May 1944, he began his apprenticeship as a mechanic at the Farner Airplane Factory in Grenchen. After his apprenticeship, Hans took a job working on turbine engines on ocean liners, and immigrated to Canada in 1953. He worked for Ford Motor Company in Canada and was offered a promotion to work in Detroit, Michigan. Hans became a naturalized citizen on June 6, 1961 in New Brunswick New Jersey. Hans married MaryEllen Stevens in Jamesburg, New Jersey on October 19, 1957. They had four children, Richard, Erika, Hans E. and Robert. Hans was the proprietor of Princeton Scientific Instruments for many years, specializing in precision mechanical manufacture. Among his credits are the development of a quick cooling bath for hospital applications, the manufacture of structures for NASA to "hang satellites on stars" and the manufacture of the control panel for the Panama Canal. Hans prided himself on accurate and honest work. His last efforts centered on textile mills from North Carolina to Taiwan. He was often consulted to solve complex maintenance issues on sophisticated mills used to manufacture lycra materials. Hans was well liked by the restaurateurs surrounding his adopted home of Griggstown New Jersey. He would often enter a restaurant for a quick snack and become the most trusted repairperson for their industrial refrigeration equipment. Frequently he would refuse payment in lieu of the occasional dinner. He had a similar arrangement with local farmers and the nearby monastery for repair of their equipment and heating or air conditioning. He was always willing to come when needed, regardless of the hour. Hans was preceded in death by his parents Johann and Marie Sidler-Keller, two sisters Marie Kugler-Sidler and Louise Ulricht-Sidler and two brothers, Joseph and Alfred Sidler. Hans is survived by his children, Richard Sidler of Sao Paulo, Brazil; Erika Anderson of Roy, Utah; Hans Sidler of Hopewell, New Jersey and Robert Sidler of O'Fallon, Missouri, their spouses and seven grandchildren. Also surviving are three sisters and five brothers, Margaret Meier-Sidler of Hartland, Wisconsin; Martha Stutz-Sidler, Pauline Leu-Sidler, Xaver, Walter, Ernst, Alois and Kirby Sidler all of Switzerland. Hans missed his mountains in Switzerland and will be going home to be with his family. A family memorial service will be held on May 25, 2003 in Cham. Hans was a gentle man, a true friend and will be sorely missed. VisitationMyers Mortuary - Roy 5865 South 1900 West Roy, UT 84067 May 8, 2003 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM ServiceMyers Mortuary of Roy 5865 South 1900 West Roy, UT 84067 May 8, 2003 6:00 PM