Palomar Engineers President John E. “Jack” Althouse, K6NY, of San Diego, California, died September 15 after suffering a massive stroke. He was 90. With his death, his alter ego “Kurt N. Sterba,” who penned the “Aerials” columns from 1999 until 2012 and authored books on antennas for WorldRadio, also passes into Amateur Radio history.

Palomar Engineers, the Escondido company he operated, may become a thing of the past as well. A message on the company’s website says Palomar Engineers is “temporarily closed” and “not taking orders at this time.” A regular QST advertiser, Palomar marketed balun kits, RFI kits, toroids and ferrite cores and beads. It once offered antennas and other accessories.

Althouse graduated from the University of Nebraska with a BS in electrical engineering. He held a MSEE degree from the University of Iowa. Last summer Althouse announced that he had disposed of most of his product line, since he would be “semi-retired” and entering an independent living facility. He remained active on the air until earlier this year.

Althouse’s family has not yet decided the future of Palomar Engineers but directed questions to an e-mail address. The family said outstanding orders either would be canceled and any funds refunded or fulfilled if the item could be located.