Obituary for Prof. Dietmar Ehrhardt, Ph.D. (Eng.)
It is with great sadness and deep sorrow that we bid farewell to our esteemed former colleague, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dietmar Ehrhardt.
With his passing, the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the School of Science and Technology loses a dedicated scientist, an outstanding university professor, and a cherished colleague. Since his appointment to the University of Siegen in the fall of 1988, he shaped the field of electrical engineering in teaching and research for decades. In doing so, he was a university teacher in the truest sense of the word—and the emphasis is deliberately placed on “teacher.” For him, educating and mentoring young people was not merely a professional duty, but a calling and a matter close to his heart. With great dedication, he imparted knowledge, sparked a deep interest in technical concepts, and guided generations of students on their academic and professional paths. Prof. Erhardt was also a highly regarded author of textbooks on integrated analog circuit technology.
We particularly admired his personal career path. Starting with practical training at SIEMENS and subsequent work as an engineer at ITT INTERMETALL, his path led him into academia and ultimately to a professorship. In this way, he embodied in a special way the connection between industrial practice and academic research. His own biography was an expression of what he always exemplified to his students: that curiosity, commitment, and lifelong learning can open new paths and build bridges between different worlds.
This combination of practical relevance and scientific depth also characterized his work. Prof. Ehrhardt knew how to link theoretical foundations with their technical applications. His courses were characterized by scientific precision and, at the same time, by the conviction that technical knowledge has its greatest impact when its practical relevance becomes apparent. Many students fondly remember a teacher who made complex topics understandable while always establishing a connection to engineering practice.
Prof. Ehrhardt was also highly valued as a colleague. His advice was well-founded, his judgments balanced, and his collaboration characterized by collegiality and mutual respect. He encouraged young researchers, supported new ideas, and, with his level-headed manner, contributed significantly to a trusting and constructive atmosphere in the department.
This makes it all the more saddening that the time following his retirement was not granted to him in the way we would have wished. Just as a new chapter of his life was about to begin, he was struck by a serious illness. Many of us had hoped that, after years of dedicated work, he would be able to enjoy the fruits of his labor for a long time to come, pursue his interests, and spend time with his family. We deeply regret that he was only able to do so to a limited extent.
With the passing of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dietmar Ehrhardt, we lose not only a distinguished university professor, but above all a valued colleague and a person whose humanity, modesty, and integrity will remain in our memories.
Our sympathies go out to his family, his friends, and all those who were close to him.
We will honor Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dietmar Ehrhardt with a respectful and grateful remembrance.
University of Siegen, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, June 2026
