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. [Read more…]