Arnoldus Johannes Ultee

Dr. A John Ultee

Arnoldus Johannes Ultee, 87, of Gwynne Avenue, Waynesboro, died in his sleep at 1:15 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at the Shenandoah Nursing Home in Fishersville.

He was born November 2, 1921, in Djember, Java, in the former Dutch East Indies of Dutch parents, the late Dr. A. J. Ultee and Daisy F. C. M. Corporaal of the Netherlands. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dr. Judith Ultee/Valcke of Alumunecar, Spain, on February 12, 2007. While in Camden, South Carolina, he was preceded in death by his second wife, Virginia Kennedy Ultee on December 14, 1978.

In 1979, DuPont transferred him back to Benger Lab in Waynesboro. In 1982, he met and married Mary Deffenbaugh Ultee who survives him.

After 11 years at Utrecht University, Ultee earned cum laude degrees with a doctoral in chemistry and master degrees in plant physiology and math. He worked for three years in wool chemistry and then, in 1954, emigrated to the United States to work for the DuPont Company at Benger Lab in Waynesboro. He ended his career there as a research associate in 1990 after nearly 37 years. While at DuPont, he was involved in the early development of "Lycra"as well as working on other fibers there and in Camden, SC. He was the author of some 20 publications and had his name on six United States patents.

After retiring, he became active in growing.currants and gooseberries with his stepson John Trainum. He also started a seven-year study of Farsi as a senior scholar at the University of Virgina in order to read the medieval literature of Persia.

He belonged to many Societies in relation to philatelic study groups, as well as mycological interests, being an avid mushroom collector. He co-authored with Dr. Albert Casceiro, a topical catalog of mushroom stamps in the late 1990's.

He is survived by five children and six grandchildren, Dr. Maarten Ultee and his son, Nick, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Dr. Michiel Ultee and his wife, Dr. Pat Dedert, and two sons, Jeffrey and Tim of Hillsborough, New Jersey; Dr. R. Frank Ultee and his wife, Bea, and daughter, Elizabeth, of Plattsburgh, New York; Drs. Hans Coops of Utrecht, Netherlands, and Irene Ultee and her husband, Dr. Mark McClenahan, and sons, Alex and Jonathan of Fredericksburg.

Also surviving are five stepchildren, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Anthes of Boulder, Colorado; Mr. and Mrs.Gary Anthes of Arlington; Mr. John Trainum and Mr. and Mrs. Clay Trainum of Waynesboro; and Mr and Mrs. David Pepin of Fairfax.

There will be a private burial at Riverview Cemetery and a memorial service at a later date to be announced.

McDow Funeral Home is handling the burial.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Music Program, First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 877, Waynesboro, VA 22980, or Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Highway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

Family and friends may sign the guest register at mcdowfuneralhomeinc.com.


This obituary was originally published in the News Virginian.