Marquette University mourns the loss of Dr. Raymond Fournelle, professor emeritus of mechanical engineering in the Opus College of Engineering, who died on Sunday, July 19 at the age of 84. Dr. Fournelle, an avid cyclist, was riding his bike and was involved in a traffic accident in downtown Milwaukee.
Fournelle carried the Marquette mission for more than five decades, ever-present on campus as a teacher, researcher and generous colleague. As he transitioned to his emeritus status, he continued to teach undergraduate and graduate students, imparting decades of expertise to the next generation of engineers. As a research leader, he frequently mentored faculty and students on how to approach laboratory experiments and new solutions in their work.
Fournelle’s research and teaching focused on materials science, materials selection, failure analysis and mechanical behavior of materials. A licensed Professional Engineer in Wisconsin, he held over 80 publications and was a Life Member and Fellow of ASM International and a Senior Member of TMS, leading professional societies for materials engineering and science. Fournelle was a Fullbright Senior Research Fellow twice and earned a prestigious Max Planck Research Award.
Fournelle received his B.S, M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the Missouri School of Mines, now the Missouri University of Science and Technology. Prior to Marquette, Fournelle worked at Shell Oil Co. and served his country in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. At Marquette, he served as interim chair of the mechanical engineering department and as associate chair and director of undergraduate studies for the department.
“Our Marquette community has lost a titan of an educator, researcher and colleague in Dr. Fournelle,” says Dr. Kristina Ropella, Opus Dean of Marquette’s Opus College of Engineering. “Everyone knew Dr. Fournelle, for his deep expertise, his teaching legacy that impacted so many, and above all else, his humble generosity and friendship. He shared his wisdom with countless engineers around the world, shaping our understanding of the field and profession for years to come.”
A true servant leader and humble member of the Marquette community, much of Fournelle’s impact and legacy lives on in how the College of Engineering educates students. Fournelle was a quiet philanthropist to Marquette, supporting countless students with scholarship funds to enable their education and future careers.
Please remember Dr. Fournelle and pray for his family and friends. The university will share further details about remembrance services if they are made available.
