Birkenholz, Dr. Dale 1931-2016

BIRKENHOLZ, DYKSTRA, THOMPSON, WALLIS, CURRY, MEYER, IRWIN, EDGE

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 1/3/2016 at 13:52:51

Dr. Dale Birkenholz
Normal, IL

Dale Birkenholz passed away Saturday, December 26, at Taylor House in Des Moines, IA. He was born February 13, 1931, to Gertrude (Dykstra) and Louis Birkenholz in Prairie City, IA. After graduation from Prairie City High, Dale spent two years in the U.S. Army. He received his B.S. in Biology from Iowa State University in 1956; his M.S. in Zoology from Southern Illinois University in 1958; and PhD in Zoology from University of Florida in 1962. Dale was a member of the Illinois State University faculty from 1962-1991, retiring as Professor Emeritus in the Biological Sciences department.

Dale was a noted teacher, naturalist and conservationist. He devoted his time and knowledge with numerous nature organizations and initiatives throughout central Illinois. He also traveled extensively throughout his life, visiting all seven continents.

Dale is survived by his sisters, Marjorie Thompson of Pleasant Hill, IA, and Joyce (Trevor) Wallis of Asheville, NC; nephew, Dennis (Cecille) Thompson of Johnston, IA, niece, Susan (Bob) Curry of Mitchellville, IA; great-nieces, Jennifer (Patrick) Meyer of Bondurant, IA and children, Caleb and Bailey, and Megan (Rob) Irwin of Chicago, IL; great-nephew, Nathan Curry of Mitchellville, IA; and significant other, Rhea Edge of Bloomington, IL.

Dale was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Dick Thompson.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Prairie City in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to Rhymer Nature Preserve or Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/desmoinesregister/obituary.aspx?n=dale-birkenholz&pid=177116599#sthash.OuaTWcY6.dpuf ~ The Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa Sun 3 Jan 2016.