Edward Dvoretzky (1930–2005)

Edward Dvoretzky, 74, of Sugar Land, Texas, and formerly of Iowa City, died on November 23, 2005 after valiantly battling four serious illnesses for eight months.

Edward was born December 29, 1930 in Houston, Texas to Max and Anna Lea Dvoretzky. Blessed equally with brilliant intellect and exceptional mechanical aptitude, he applied himself professionally to academia. He earned his BA with honors in German at Rice University (1953), and his AM (1954) and PhD (1959) at Harvard University. He held academic positions teaching Germanic languages and literature at Harvard (1954-1956), Rice (1956-1967), and The University of Iowa (1967-1992), where he achieved the rank of professor and served as chairman of the Department of German (1969-1979).

He earned many professional honors during his academic career, including membership in Delta Phi Alpha and Phi Beta Kappa. He served as president of the Beta of Texas chapter of Phi Beta Kappa and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Senate. He chaired the German section of the South-Central Modern Language Association and the Midwest Modern Language Association. He was twice named a Fulbright scholar and was appointed to the Fulbright selection committee. He also served as project proposal consultant for the National Endowment for the Humanities. Author of several books and more than 150 publications in academic journals, he was listed in nine prestigious academic directories and was chosen for membership in the exclusive International PEN, a worldwide association of writers.

Among his civic activities, Edward served as president of Congregation Agudas Achim (Iowa City) and was a board member for the Parkinson Foundation of Harris County (Houston). An avid target-shooter who earned many first-place awards, he was an officer of the Cast Bullet Association.

Edward leaves his loving wife of 52 years, Charlotte, and his beloved son, Toban, of Sugar Land. He is also survived by his brother Isaac (Connie), twin brother Louis (Irmgard) and sister Sarah (Al) Marks, brother-in law Joseph Silversteen, sisters-in-law Sophy and Rosemary Silversteen, and many nieces and nephews.

Edward was a humble, modest man who developed immediate rapport with everyone he met. A nobility about him set him apart from others, along with a strength and courage rarely seen in a man. He always put his family first and never let anyone down. He never complained about anything. Even during his final three-month hospitalization, his intellect and sense of humor won the hearts of all who encountered him. Throughout his life, he was dignified, resolute, principled, brave, serene, and compassionate, all without an ounce of pretense, and he enriched the lives of all who knew him.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson Foundation of Harris County, 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 308, Houston, Texas 77036-2025.