Professor Weihua Guan touched countless lives as a scholar, mentor, colleague, and friend. After earning his PhD in Biostatistics from the University of Michigan, Weihua became a respected professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, specializing in statistical genetics. His dedication to research, teaching, and collaboration left a lasting mark on the field and inspired generations of students and colleagues. Beyond his professional achievements, Weihua was known for his warmth, humility, and kindness—a devoted husband to Yu Zhang and a loving father to their daughter and son.
On July 12, 2026, Weihua passed away peacefully after a courageous six-year battle with cancer, surrounded by his beloved family in San Antonio, TX. His wife, Yu Zhang, their daughter (about to begin her senior year at Harvard University), and their son (entering 10th grade) now face the heartbreak of losing a husband and father. Because Weihua was the family's primary source of income and health insurance coverage, Yu and the children are also facing significant financial uncertainty during this already devastating period. As they navigate this difficult time, the community Weihua built through his scholarship, mentorship, and friendship has come together to support his family. Funds raised will go directly to Yu Zhang and their children, helping with living expenses, health insurance and medical-related expenses, the children's educational needs, legal and estate transition costs and memorial and travel costs.
If you knew Weihua as a classmate, colleague, collaborator, student, mentor, or friend, please consider contributing and sharing this fundraiser. Your support will honor Weihua's remarkable legacy and help his family as they move forward. Thank you for joining us in celebrating his life and offering comfort to those he loved most.

