Tsung-Kuang Lin
December 21, 2013
Professor Tsung-Kuang “T.K.” Lin gently passed away on December 21, 2013, surrounded by his family. Born on January 14, 1940, in Tainan, Taiwan, T.K. was the youngest of ten children.
At a young age, T.K. showed more promise athletically than academically. He was best known in Taiwan as an elite baseball pitcher, but he represented his province and island in soccer, track and field, and basketball as well. Despite spending most of his time on the field, he matured enough academically to matriculate to Tunghai University.
He earned an international scholarship to Pomona College before he entered his law and Ph.D. program at Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy on Tufts University campus in Boston. He studied both economics and international relations with an emphasis on Asian studies. Just prior to their move to the east coast, he and Suzu married in Berkley California in 1964.
After finishing his degrees at Fletcher, he was offered a position at Drake University in Des Moines in 1970, where he stayed for 36 years before retiring. He maintained an emeritus position there but he spent most of his time pursuing his favorite past times of travel, classical music, photography, tennis, chasing grandchildren, spending time with his friends, carrying on the works of his father, and treasuring his moments with his wife of 50 years.
His family was well known in Taiwan and internationally for their work on Taiwan’s independence movement. Leading the charge was his father Bo-Seng Lin who, as an academic and political leader against the KMT government, was assassinated when T.K. was only 7 years of age. T.K. was also the former president of NATPA (North American Taiwanese Professors Association). He will be remembered as a strong leader in the organization and a passionate advocate of the Taiwanese democratic movement since the 1970s. As a scholar, he gave speeches and wrote articles to promote Taiwanese cause- the right to determine our future. His conviction never wavered in his entire life.
Upon being diagnosed with cancer, T.K. elevated his level of travel around the world having hit every continent, around 20 countries, sans Antarctica. His greatest and perhaps proudest trip came in 2012, when all three sons, seven grandchildren and two daughter-in-laws joined him and Suzu for a ten day, family-only bus tour around Taiwan. The family was treated to his introspective and historical discourses of the island.
T.K. is survived by his wife, Suzu of Clive; 3 children, Hoyt of Chaska, MN., Ian of Des Moines (Danielle), Jim of Poulsbo, WA (Sarah); and 7 grandchildren, Aaron, Austin, Zach, Emma, Kanoa, Grant, and Evan. He is also survived by sister, Yung-Mei.
His life and teachings will continue to be treasured and remembered.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm, Sunday, December 29, 2013, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, with a visitation/reception to follow at the funeral home.
Condolences may be made to HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Tinna Hung
02/27/2024
I realize this is over 10 years late, but in case anyone gets notified, I wanted to share my respect and appreciation for Professor Lin. I had him as a professor of East Asian history at Drake sometime between 1991 and 1995, and he influenced me to pursue East Asian studies. I went on to get an MA in East Asian Studies at Harvard and studied for a semester in Taiwan. My father is also Taiwanese, but he didn't instill in me the same interest for my family's history that Dr. Lin died. I randomly decided to look him up today, and was so sad to see that he passed away in 2013. My very belated condolences.
Ellen Landers
12/30/2013
Suzu, Boys and their families,
I was sad to hear of the passing of T.K. (that was all I knew him by) I worked with Suzu many years ago at FHLB and got to know him thru her stories of their families they would visit in Taiwan. I also heard a mother speak with pride about her boys and the various activities they were in. May you find comfort in knowing that T.K. held strong to his beliefs and cared deeply.
Cynthia Dabrieo
12/30/2013
Good memories of knowing your family.
Wonderful tributes in the funeral service. He probably looked down with approval and pride in all of you.
Blessings to you all.
C. Dabrieo
Judi-Teng Chen
12/29/2013
Tsung-Kuang and I have been close friends for over 50 years and I consider him my best friend. Rooming together with him in college for two years helped me to be a better person just by watching how he treated people and how he lived his life. I will forever remember him as a dependable, trustable, and trusting friend.
Charles Lauritsen
12/29/2013
I was fortunate to have been a student in Professor Lin's East Asian History class at Drake in 1971. I went on to a 39 year career teaching United States History, and what I learned from Professor Lin made its way into every class I taught and is a living part of his legacy. He taught me the meaning of having standards and holding to them. ( this was sometimes excruciating for me as a student) His passion for both Taiwan and his adopted country, the United States is an example of patriotism and loyalty we can all learn from. His passing is a loss to us all. I will never forget him.
Chi-Ming and Lih-Wen Lin
12/29/2013
We would like to send our deepest condolences to Professor Lin's family. For nearly 30 years of friendship with, and admiration of professor T.K. Lin who we will never lose.
For always he will be remembered and treasured in our memory, even though he is gone to be with the Lord, he can never be more than a thought apart, for as long as there is a memory, he lives on in our hearts.
Daria Huang
12/28/2013
TK was a dear friend. We will miss him. We will remember his charm, his generosity, and his grace. Suzu, Hoyt, Ian, and James, we are deeply sorry for your loss.May God's love be with you.
Sharon and Dennis Goldford
12/28/2013
T.K. was one of the most gentle and charming people we have known. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Randy and Donna Jones
12/27/2013
Dear Lin Family,
Years ago Randy coached Little League. The pitcher, "Jimmy. " was on the team. We won every game! Mrs. Lin, you and your husband had us over for dinner. Great memories. Praying for and sending our sympathy to all of you. God's peace to you.
Randy and Donna Jones
Chiu-Ling Lin
12/27/2013
I am saddened by the news of TK's passing. My fond memories of my Drake days and every single member of the family. May you be comforted by God's love and His strength on the days ahead.
Arden & Barb Kain
12/26/2013
So sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
LaDonna Russell
12/26/2013
Sending the deepest condolences to Dr. Lin's family. I remember fondly his East Asian History classes at Drake. His stories remained with me and his teaching style influenced my own. Those of us fortunate enough to be in his classes during the time he was "infanticipating" the births of his twin grandchildren were blessed to see his deep love of family. I can imagine that his children and grandchildren grew up enjoying his stories.
Hamlin Family
12/26/2013
We have very fond memories of TK during our Little League baseball days. You are all in our prayers.
Janet Naset-Payne
12/26/2013
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Tsung-Kuang Lin. The staff (family) of Orthopaedic Outpatient Surgery Center.
Les Watts
12/26/2013
I knew TK thru tennis at Aspen. He was always the gentleman,a friend, a very good tennis player and we will miss him very much. My best wishes to his Family.