Dale Birkenholz

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 will be remembered for his vast knowledge of natural history, and especially for his eagerness to share and establish a community for bird study and nature enjoyment. Hundreds were mentored by him in his role as Professor of Biological Sciences at Illinois State University and as Charter member of the Cardinal Bird Club, now JWP Audubon Society, where Dale served in every role from President to Field Trip Chair. Dale planted hundreds of trees in central Illinois, and worked in collaboration to develop the Parklands Nature Preserve, Rhymer Nature Preserve, and Hidden Creek Nature Sanctuary. He consulted on landscaping with native vegetation for Lake Bloomington, Lake Evergreen, White Oak Park, Heartland and Eureka College. He completed studies for Goose Lake Prairie, the Midewin, the Nature Preserves Commission and Illinois Natural History Survey. Notable in his accomplishments is the development of the extensive Natural History Collection at Illinois State University, preserving hundreds of specimens. The collection is inclusive of birds and animal skins acquired during Dale’s Fulbright sabbatical of research in Botswana, Africa in 1966-67. 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 & 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.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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