David C. Deisenroth

David Charles Deisenroth, 36, of Silver Spring, Maryland – and originally from AuTrain Township, Michigan – died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026.

News of his untimely passing brought profound sadness to his family, friends and colleagues. They knew him as a generous and altruistic soul, a fun-loving nerd, daredevil trick rider and renowned engineer, set on an astronomical trajectory for the greater good.

David was born on May 4, 1990, at Marquette General Hospital in Marquette, Michigan to John and Julianna Deisenroth. He was the youngest of the couple’s five children.

His name means “beloved.” He was named David before he was born and he was always beloved by his parents. He grew up in the Sixteenmile Lake area of Alger County.

David’s dad said that in many ways, David was a visionary.

“It showed in more than his unique approach to engineering. His creative artwork was a testament to his imagination. That imagination was evident from an early age as he went well beyond what most creative toys were designed for. He could easily have been a LEGO engineer. Dave showed engineering interest when he had us order certain LEGO toys so he would have enough motors, gears, air pumps, et cetera to make a Godzilla that breathed and moved.”

David’s mother said her son tried a wide variety of organized sports in high school, but eventually landed on weightlifting and bicycling, which kept him strong and healthy.

David graduated from Munising High School in 2008.

He received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University in 2013, and a master’s degree from Michigan Tech the following year.

His sisters recalled his love of motor sports.

“He was a quieter one in a family full of loud guffawers,” Jessica said. “He was always trying incredible stunts like walking up on side rails or doing a wheely on his mountain bike up a steep hill at Michigan Tech or flips into a pool.”

Liana said, “David was an adrenaline junky and loved to drive fast. He was known for his love of snowmobiles, dirt bikes and fast cars. When traveling in Europe, he would often rent a fast car and take it on the German Autobahn to see how fast it could go.”

David and Liana shared a special bond beyond kinship, staying close, especially over the past several years.

“He really lived. He did the things he loved,” Liana said. “In his far too short years, he packed in a lot.”

His dad said, “He was uncommonly concerned about elderly people in our neighborhood. He would do some of their chores like snow removal and bringing in firewood. I truly admired that in him.”

David worked as a graduate research assistant at the University of Maryland from 2014-2018.

He completed his PhD in mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland in 2018. His doctoral research focused on high-speed imaging and thermography of experimental two-phase flows for high heat flux electronics cooling.

He then became a National Research Council postdoctoral research associate in the Physical Measurement Laboratory at the National Institute for Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

From 2020 until his death, David worked as a mechanical engineer in the Engineering Laboratory at the Institute, where he was remembered by colleagues as friendly, approachable and smart.

Founded in 1901, the Institute is one of the nation's oldest physical science laboratories.

Its mission is to “promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.”

The director of the engineering laboratory said Dave was truly exceptional.

“He was extraordinarily talented and accomplished, and in the short time he'd been at NIST, he had already made a meaningful impact through his work and on the people around him,” the director said.

“He was the principal developer of the innovative NIST Fundamentals of Laser-Matter Interaction Testbed and was making major inroads into the fundamentals of laser-matter interaction physics that have enabled, and will continue to enable, improvements in laser-based additive manufacturing machine performance.

He was gaining momentum in achieving status as a highly respected, world-class researcher and international expert in this field. We will remember not only his remarkable abilities and contributions, but also the person he was and the impression he left on those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. He will be missed tremendously.”

One colleague said, “It turned out that we shared a love for cheesy comedy and heavy metal.” Another said, “He seemed to be such a fun-loving guy. I am thankful to have met Dave, even if it was for a short time. I hope you all understand how generous he was.”

David was also remembered as good-natured behind his “bright eyes and easygoing smile.” He loved his dog, Uno.

Another colleague said “Dave profoundly shaped my scientific journey, gave me hope when I doubted it, stayed impartial and positive and worked hard. He was damn smart too.”

One friend who lived nearby said, “Among other things, we commiserated about the challenges of condominium living and talked about home repairs and improvements.”

Another stated, “We are all better off for having known Dave.”

David’s uncle, Pepin Carolan – a retired scientist who worked at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Chicago – said, “During an extremely challenging time to work for the federal government, David worked tirelessly for the American people to advance science for the benefit of future industries, also fostering international collaborations to bring the world closer together in a turbulent era.”

In his final days, David was still playing with LEGO toys at his Maryland home.

Survivors include David’s parents, sisters Liana (John) Pepin of Ishpeming Township and Jessica (Chris) Goeth of Clarkston, brothers Ben Deisenroth and Daniel (Jaci) Deisenroth, both of AuTrain Township, nephews Hunter Deisenroth of Kalamazoo and Liam Goeth of Clarkston, nieces Hayden Graves of Big Rapids, Halle Graves of Allendale, Isabella Deisenroth of Alba and Sara, Anna and Leia Goeth of Clarkston and many uncles, aunts and cousins.

A celebration of David’s life will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 4 at the Munising Moose Lodge, located at 124 W. Superior Street in Munising.