Donald Wright THORUP, M.D. (1902-1963) Alternate

WRIGHT, THORUP, HANSON, BEAVER

Posted By: Eileen Reed
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:45

November 10, 1902 --- April 25, 1963

A man who brought thousands of twin city babies into the world died unexpectedly at his home last night.

Dr. Donald W. Thorup, 60, prominent obstetrician and gynecologist died in his home, 1160 Miami rd., Indian Hills, at 11:15 p.m.

Long recognized as an outstanding physician, Dr. Thorup was a leader in the field of medicine and an authority of obstetrics and gynecology.

Thousands of area residents drew their first breath in his hands during the many years he delivered babies at Mercy and Memorial hospitals.

Dr. Thorup was born Nov. 10, 1902, in Eagle Grove, Iowa. He was graduated from the University of Chicago Medical School In 1929 and came to Benton Harbor in 1934 following his postgraduate training. At the time of his death, he was chief of obstetrics at Mercy hospital. He had held the office of chief of staff of Mercy hospital and the chief of obstetrics of both Mercy and Memorial hospital.

Dr. Thorup was a member of Lake Shore lodge No. 298 F.& A.M., the Twin City Rotary club, the St. Joseph River Yacht club, Berrien Hills Country club and the First Congregational church. He was also a past president of the Berrien county Medical society, and from 1942 to 1959 served as a delegate from Berrien county to the Michigan State Medical society. For a number of years, he served on the Michigan State Health committee.

Dr. Thorup was recently presented a certificate of commendation for his nine years of past service on the board of directors of the Michigan Medical Services, Inc. (Blue Shield). He was a member of the American Medical society and a fellow In the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Survivors include his widow, Jane; two sons, Donald W., Jr. of Baltimore, Md. and David M. Thorup of Accra, Ghana, West Africa, and two grandchildren, Joy and Donald III.

The body Is at the Florin funeral home where funeral arrangements were Incomplete this forenoon.

The Herald-Press
Saint Joseph, Michigan
Friday, April 26, 1963
Page 1, Column 1
__________

Former Resident Dies In Benton Harbor, Mich.

Eagle Grove relatives were notified Friday of the sudden death of Dr. Donald Thorup, 60, of Benton Harbor, Mich. Dr. Thorup died at his home following a heart attack. Funeral services were held in Benton Harbor and his cousin Geo. Wright attended. Dr. Thorup was born in Eagle Grove Nov. 10, 1902 and was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Carl Thorup. He was graduated from Eagle Grove high school. He had been in Benton Harbor since 1934 and was considered a leader in the field of medicine and an authority on obstetrics and gynecology. He is survived by his widow, Jane and two sons by a previous marriage, Donald W. Jr. of Baltimore, Md. and David of Accra, Gahana, West Africa, and two grandchildren. He visited here in April of 1952 with his cousins George Wright, Miss Frances Wright, his aunt, Mrs. May Hanson and cousins Walter and Bessie Hanson.

Thursday, May 2, 1963
Eagle Grove Eagle – Eagle Grove, Iowa
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Extracted from Death Certificate:
Donald Wright Thorup
Birth Date: 10 November 1902
Birth Place: Eagle Grove, Wright, Iowa
Death Date: 25 April 1963
Death Place: Rural St. Joseph Twp., Berrien County, Michigan
Burial Date: 29 April 1963
Burial Place: Benton Harbor, Mich.
Cemetery Name: Crystal Springs
Death Age: 60
Occupation: Physician
Race: White
Marital Status: