Roger W. Mandigo, 85, emeritus professor of animal science, died Jan. 24 at Eastmont Living in Lincoln.
Mandigo was born in Los Angeles, California, on April 21, 1939 to Donald and Mildred Mondigo. He was raised in Pomona, California, with his sister, Margaret Mandigo.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from California State Polytechnic University in 1961; a Master of Science degree from New Mexico State University in 1963; and a doctorate from Oklahoma State University in 1967.
The University of Nebraska hired Mandigo as a professor of meat science in 1966. He served the university for 45 years, including 32 years as head marshal for commencement exercises.
Mandigo’s teaching responsibilities included leading the meat industry study tour and courses in meat processing, technology and investigations. He was the major professor to 55 Master of Science and 21 doctoral students, and taught meat industry courses at schools and organizations across North America, South America, Europe and Asia.
His research also influenced the meat industry and included hundreds of peer reviewed scientific articles, books, magazines and abstracts. In his 45-year career, Mandigo received more than 170 research grants.
The body of Mandigo’s research led to many breakthroughs which influenced the meat products enjoyed by people worldwide. He received greatest public recognition for developing a process that allows pork and other meats to be formed into different shapes. It led to McDonald’s creating the McRib sandwich (for which Mandigo was often mistakenly given credit) and the development of other shaped meat products.
Mandigo was a dedicated member of the American Meat Science Association, serving as president in 1991-92. He received a variety of honors including the R.C. Pollock Award, the association’s highest award; and being named to the Meat Industry Hall of Fame and Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement.
At home, Mandigo was a dedicated and loving husband and father. He was a long-standing member of the Waverly community and enjoyed cooking the meat for community events and hosting gourmet dinners for close friends and family.
Mandigo is survived by his wife of 54 years, Wanda; sons, Kevin and Brian Mandigo; daughter, Tiffany Medley-Eggert; sister, Margaret Mandigo; and grandchildren, Lunden Mandigo, Layla Mandigo, Greta Mandigo, Adelaide Medley, Brayden Medley, and Courtlynn Medley-Eggert. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation with family greeting friends is 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 28 at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 O St. A celebration of life is 11 a.m. Jan. 29 at First United Methodist Church in Waverly, 14410 Folkstone St.
Memorials can be directed to the Roger Mandigo Meat Science Graduate Student Excellence Fund or Waverly’s First United Methodist Church.
The family obituary and guestbook to leave condolences are available here.
