Herman E. Gollwitzer | Drexel professor, 69

Herman E. Gollwitzer, 69, of Springfield, Delaware County, who taught math to students at Drexel University for 37 years, died Wednesday at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital of complications from myelodysplastic syndrome, a bone marrow disease.

Dr. Gollwitzer earned bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in math from the University of Minnesota. He taught at the University of Tennessee for two years before joining the Drexel faculty. While teaching, he developed educational and scientific software he marketed through his firm, U'Betcha Publications. He retired from Drexel in 2006.

Dr. Gollwitzer grew up in Truman, Minn., where he and his wife, Juleen "Judy" Gollwitzer, met. Shortly after they were introduced, he asked her to elope, she said. Instead, they dated before marrying in 1963.

Dr. Gollwitzer played the banjo in Dixieland bands and was a member of the Tri-State Jazz Society. He enjoyed growing tomatoes, taking winter vacations in Arizona, and traveling.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Megan McGrory; a brother; and four grandchildren.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. tomorrow at Frank C. Videon Funeral Home, 2001 Sproul Rd., Broomall, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday followed by the funeral at St. John's Lutheran Church, 25 E. Scenic Rd., Springfield.