Wolthuis, Enno (1911-2005) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Enno Wolthuis was born on February 10, 1911 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Wolthuis attended Calvin College as an undergraduate, graduating in 1932. He went on to earn his master's degree from the University of Michigan in 1933 and his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in 1937. Wolthuis began his career as a chemist in the chemical dye industry and then as a consultant for industrial firms.

In 1948 Wolthuis was invited to join the Calvin College faculty as professor of chemistry. He accepted the position, and by 1968 he was appointed head of the chemistry department. With the except of working an academic year in Germany on a National Science Foundation award, Wolthuis remained at Calvin College until his retirement in 1977. During his tenure at Calvin he served on many college committees. He wrote a great number of articles for scholarly journals and magazines. He even found time to publish a book entitled, "Science, God, and You" (1963). During his retirement, Wolthuis still continued to teach on a part-time basis as well as do some consulting work in the industry. He was even able to have an office space in Calvin's science building, allowing him to continue his research.

Wolthuis was a member of the Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church where he served as an elder and taught Sunday school. Wolthuis married Jessie Zylstra in 1935. Together they had five children. After 49 years of marriage, Jessie passed away. On February 7, 2005 Wolthuis passed away at the age of 93 in Grand Rapids. He was survived by his wife, Lucile, and his children.