The Daily Times (Davenport)/Professor Shimek, Botany Authority, Dies in Iowa City
Connected With University Department For 46 Years
IOWA CITY, Ia., Jan. 3.—(Associated Press)—Prof. Bohumil Shimek, 75, nationally known botanist, died at his home here shortly after 1 a. m. today. His death was attributed to heart complications and influenza.
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| Professor Shimek |
Professor Shimek, who had been connected with the University of Iowa for 46 years, had become widely known for his work in taxidermic botany.
Shimek was born in Shueyville, near Iowa City, June 25, 1861.
Survivors include his widow; five children, four daughters, Ella Shimek of Iowa City, Mrs P. J. Hanzlik, San Mateo, Calif., Mrs M. O. Hanzlik of Cedar Rapids, and Mrs George Krepelka, and one son, Frank J. Shimek of Kinston, N. Y., and five grandchildren.
Plant Expert
Considered generally as America’s foremost plant ecologist Bohumil Shimek as almost equally at home in the field of zoology, geology and and engineering, His method of focussing the data of more than one science won for him, perhaps, special distinction in plant geography and in the geological interpretation of the conspicuous loess formations of Iowa.
Professor Shimek was the highest authority in America on problems of prairies and similar treeless areas. His theory as to the cause of this condition has now been generally accepted throughout the world. In his college days Professor Shimek studied engineering and after receiving a degree in this course helped organize the first engineering society in Iowa in 1883. He drew up the constitution for the organization and served as its first secretary.
Canada, United States, Mexico and Central America were laboratories for Professor Shimek in the floral research field. “His collection of plants and fossils will probably never be duplicated,” according to Prof. R. B. Wiley, head of the bontany department at the University of Iowa.
Fossil Collection
Mr Shimek’s Collection of fossils from the yellow clay deposits of the central Mississippi river basin is the largest in the country. The fact that wind more often than any other natural factor is responsible for these deposit is one of Mr Shimek’s contributions to scientific research.