Edward C. Kirstowsky

Edward C. Kirstowsky, 92, a longtime Oak Ridger, passed away at his home on Memorial Day, May 27.

Born in Detroit, Mich., on Aug. 13, 1920, Edward was the fourth child of Frederick W. and Frieda Ehlow Kirstowsky, German immigrants who settled in the Detroit area. He wed Mary Grace (Marigrace) Weeks from Clarksdale, Miss., on June 28, 1947. They spent 64 happy years together before her death in September 2011. They were both longtime members of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge.

Edward grew up in Saginaw, Mich., graduating from Arthur Hill High School in 1938 with honors. He earned his B.S. degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Michigan. He attained his master’s degree from the Chrysler Institute of Engineering. During the war, he was assigned to the K-25 uranium isotope separation plant in Oak Ridge, from which he retired in 1984 after 39 years of service.

His memberships included the American Society for Metals, American Institute of Metallurgical Engineers, American Welding Society, Charter Member of Oak Ridge Country Club, and before his death, he was the longest living member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1684.

He loved traveling. He and his wife made many sojourns throughout the world together. Competitive sports, reading, and gardening were among his other interests.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Lt. Col. Frederick W. Kirstowsky Jr., and two sisters, Evelyn Kirstowsky Boergert and Helen Kirstowsky Wahl.

He is survived by four nieces, Jo Ellen Boergert Oppenheiser, Judith Ann Boergert Schlitts, Jacqueline Sue Boergert Perreault, and Linda Wahl Hanley, all of Michigan. One nephew, James Edward Boergert, died in 1986.

He also leaves Marigrace’s two nieces, Carolyn Weeks Bradford and Jamye Weeks Katz, and three nephews, Carl R. Weeks Jr., James S. Weeks, and Stephen C. Weeks.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church at 131 W. Gettysburg Road in Oak Ridge. A memorial service, conducted by Rev. Dr. Stephen Damos, will begin at 2 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church or the University of Michigan College of Engineering.

Weatherford Mortuary in Oak Ridge, is handling the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.