Ted L. Willrich (1986)

CLARK, PIATT, WILLRICH

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 11/8/2023 at 18:04:32

The Dallas County News
Adel, Iowa
October 9, 1986
Page 3, Column 3 & 4

Corvallis, Ore.—A memorial service for Dr. Ted L. Willrich, 63, of Corvallis, Ore. and formerly of Dexter was held Oct. 1, 1986 at Grace Lutheran Church at Corvallis. Dr. Willrich, an agricultural engineer and extension specialist at Iowa State University from 1951-1971 and at Oregon State University from 1971 until his retirement in 1979, died Sept. 27 at a Corvallis hospital.

The son of Charles and Clara Willrich, he was born in Earlham on May 30, 1924. He graduated from Dexter High School as valedictorian in 1942. In 1949, he received a bachelor of science degree in agricultural engineering from ISU, after also having served in the U.S. Army in Europe as a member of the 42nd Infantry (Rainbow) Division. He received his master’s degree form Oklahoma State University in 1952 and his doctorate from Iowa State University in 1961.

Dr. Willrich had been widely recognized for excellence in research and extension activities. He was awarded the USDA Superior Service Award in 1967, and several blue ribbons from the American Society of Agricultural Engineers for extension publications. He edited three major books and authored numerous publications reporting the results of his research and transforming the research into practical on-farm applications.

Survivors include his wife, LIda C. Willrich of Corvallis; two daughters, Kathleen J. Clark of Austin, Texas and Rebecca L. Willrich of Corvallis; and a sister, Phyllis Piatt of Phoenix, Ariz.