Calvin mourns Ted Dirkse
Professor emeritus Thedford "Ted" Dirkse passed away this week (on Monday, October 23) at the age of 91.
He was preceded in death by his first wives, L. Frances Miller Dirkse and Ruth Imanse Dirkse, and two sons, Richard Alan and Edward Kent.
He is survived by his wife, Theresa Vroon Dirkse; daughters, Joan and Harry Byker, Carol and Willie Singleton, Ruth and Steven Fitzgerald, and Mary F. Dirkse; step children, Rev. Marchiene and Dr. John Rienstra, Dr. Anton John and Jane Vroon, Judy Vander Zee (deceased) and Doctors Ronald and Gail Vroon; several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Memorial services were held Thursday, October 26 at 7 p.m. at the Chapel with the Rev. Michael Abma officiating.
Professor Dirkse taught chemistry for over 30 years at Calvin College.
He taught analytical and physical chemistry, as well as general and nursing chemistry, at Calvin from 1947 to 1980.
During his time at Calvin he brought the physical and analytical chemistry programs to a level that allowed the department to be certified by the American Chemical Society.
His main research interest was battery chemistry, involving silver-zinc battery systems that were used by NASA on their missions for many years. During Apollo 13, all battery systems went dead except the silver-zinc batteries. Ted was one of many scientists around the world who was contacted to determine the best way to conserve power to bring the astronauts home.
Many also remember Ted's daughter, Carol Dirkse, who worked for many years in the President's office at Calvin.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice or the Thedford P. and Ruth I. Dirkse Scholarship Fund at Calvin College.
