Herbert Paul Schweizer passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026 in Flagstaff, Arizona with his wife Tammy at his side.  He was born on April 4, 1954 in Nenzingen, Germany to Paul and Rosemarie Schweizer.

Herbert received his B.S. in Biology in 1979, his M.S. in Microbiology in 1981 and his PhD in Microbiology in 1983, summa cum laude all from the University of Konstanz in Germany.  After receiving a fellowship Herbert came to the United States in 1984 and decided this was where he wanted to live and pursue his career.  He began with research appointments at Virginia Tech, University of North Dakota, University of Michigan and the University of Calgary.  Herbert fell in love with Colorado when he and his former wife, RoxAnn Karkhoff Schweizer visited Colorado State University where he accepted an associate professor position in their Department of Microbiology then later became a full professor.  During his nineteen years at CSU Herbert served in various leadership positions and was elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology in 2006. Amongst other contributions to science, Herbert's lab was known internationally for the development of genetic tools used to manipulate Gram-negative bacteria.

While growing up in Germany Herbert became an avid climber along with his brothers, and  continued hiking and climbing throughout his life. The eldest of five siblings he maintained close ties to his sister and three brothers through frequent visits to Germany.  He also delighted in seeing his nieces and nephews and their children as things were often lively and full of fun when they were together.

He loved being outside and working in the yard whether he was building moss rock walls and paver patios or just relaxing and enjoying a German beer.  He was also wonderful baker and enjoyed making scones, breads and other German pastries regularly.

Herbert passed away after several years of rapid progression of Parkinsons.  He is predeceased by his mother, Rosemarie, his father Paul and brother Christoph.  He will be remembered by his wife, Tammy Taylor; his sister Claudia Gruber, her husband Eberhard Gruber and their children Matthias, Christine, Andi and Susi; and his brothers Stefan Schweizer and Daniel Schweizer.

A memorial is being planned to honor Herbert's life in early fall with the date to be posted here.

In lieu of flowers, The Herbert P. Schweizer Memorial Student Award has been established in Herbert's memory. If you would like to make a gift, please send your donation (Fund 5920) to the NAU Foundation at PO Box 4094, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011 or use the link to make an online donation in Herbert's memory.

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