Background
Zelst, Theodore William Van was born on May 11, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Son of Theodore Walter and Wilhelmina (Oomens) Van Zelst.
civil engineer engineering company executive
Zelst, Theodore William Van was born on May 11, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Son of Theodore Walter and Wilhelmina (Oomens) Van Zelst.
Bachelor of Science, University of California, Berkeley, 1944; Bachelor of Science in Naval Science, Northwestern University, 1944; Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Northwestern University, 1945; Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Northwestern University, 1948.
President,, Soil Testing Services, Inc., Chicago, 1948-1952;
president, Soiltest, Inc., Chicago, 1948-1978;
Chairman of the Board, Soiltest, Inc., 1978-1980;
secretary, director, Exploration Data Cons., Inc., 1980-1982;
executive vice president, Cenco Inc., Chicago, 1962-1977;
vice chairman, Cenco Inc., 1975-1977;
also director, Cenco Inc., 1962-1977. Board directors Minann, Inc., Testing Science, Inc., Lunarè Ltd., Research Park, Inc., Northwestern University, 1992-1995, Chairman, Board Of Directors Envirotech Superior vena cava syndrome, Inc.1983-1985. Secretary, board directors Van Zelst, Inc.
Wadsworth, Illinois, since 1983. President, board directors Geneva-Pacific Corporation, 1969-1983, Geneva Resources, Inc., 1983-1991.
Treasurer International Road Federation, 1961-1964, secretary, 1964-1979, director, 1973-1988, vice chairman, 1980-1987. President International Road Education Foundation, 1978-1980, 87-88,honorary life board directors, since 1988. Board directors Chicago Academy Sciences, 1983-1986, vice president, 1985-1986, honorary director, since 1986.
Board directors President's Association, Chicago, 1985-1986. Member of advisory board Mitchell Indian Museum, Kendall College, 1977-1994. Lieutenant (junior grade) United States Naval Reserve, 1942-1945.
Member American Society of Civil Engineers (Chicago Civil Engineer of Year, 1988), National Society Professional Engineers, Western Society Engineers, Evanston Chamber of Commerce (vice president 1969-1973), Ovid Esbach Society (president 1968-1980), Northwestern University Alumni Association, Tau Beta Pi, Sigma Xi.
Married Louann Hurter, December 29, 1951. Children: Anne, Jean, David.