Our colleague, mentor and friend, John Knodel, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024.

John conducted research in social demography in developing countries and European historical demography. He pursued his doctorate in demography and sociology at Princeton, specializing in the demographic history of Germany, and his expertise in this field made him a leading authority on the demographic history of the nation.

In 1965, John joined the University of Michigan Department of Sociology and the Population Studies Center, where he made significant academic contributions. His research extended beyond Germany, delving into the demographic transitions in developing nations. John’s collaborative efforts resulted in a book, five monographs, and over 50 papers on demographic trends in the region.

Apart from his contributions at Michigan, John held a faculty appointment at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, exemplifying his commitment to international collaboration and education. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of training and publishing with students from both the University of Michigan and Chulalongkorn.

John is survived by his wife, Chanpen Sawgtienchi. A merit-making ceremony for his life was held at Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan Temple in Bangkok, Thailand on January 17. Our thoughts are with John’s family as we remember his outstanding academic achievements, commitment to research, and the positive impact he had on our community. You can read more about John’s life and work here.