In memoriam
Posted: March 11, 2016
John P. Aaronson, DO, ’49, North Bend, Ore., died June 28, 2014, at age 92. Dr. Aaronson was born Nov. 6, 1921, in San Francisco, Calif. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942, during World War II.
He was also attached to the United States Marine Corps as a pharmacist mate first class, and was honorably discharged in 1947. He studied at U.C. Berkley, Gonzaga University, the Medical College of Virginia, and KCOM, earning his doctorate in 1949. He received his certificate of anesthesiology in 1953. He practiced medicine for 62 years in Canyonville, Los Angeles, Medford, Central Point, and Eagle Point. His other activities included the Boy Scouts, Lions Club, and Rotary. He was president of the Oregon Osteopathic Association from 1977-78 and received a Life Membership Award in 1989 from the American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists. He also received the Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Founders’ Award for Excellence in Osteopathic Medicine in 2004.
Aside from medicine, Dr. Aaronson’s true passion was music. He played trumpet in numerous bands including Henry Busse’s Band, the Bob Utterback Combo, the Steve Sacco Dance Orchestra, the Dick Johnson Band, and his own 16-piece dance band. He was often compared to the talents of Harry James. He also loved golfing and fishing.
Dr. Aaronson is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol; brother, Dr. L. Clarke Aaronson; son, John Jr. (Becky); son, Robert (Rene); son, Jerold (Marlene); daughter, Michelle Westrum; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Philip V. Aaronson, DO, ’06; mother, Zola N. Redden; sister and actress, Shirley Deane; and son, James Merritt Aaronson.
Betty J. Alexander, DO, ’81, Bridgewater, Mass., died March 21, 2011. She graduated from Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in 1969 and earned her DO degree in 1981 from KCOM. As an exceptional student she was awarded an undergraduate fellowship in the Department of Osteopathic Health Theory and Methods. Dr. Alexander was board certified with a special proficiency in osteopathic manipulative medicine. She served on the faculty of the Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation since 1986 and was an active founding member in the New England-based A. Still Sutherland Study Group. Dr. Alexander had a private practice specializing in osteopathic manual medicine in Bridgewater from 1983 to 2007 and other offices in Cranston, R.I.; Arlington, Mass., and Danvers, Mass. She had a profound love of nature and especially of birds, a delightful sense of humor, and a gentle way of connecting with people on a deep level as well as being extraordinarily gifted as an osteopathic physician. She was deeply loved by her family, colleagues, friends, and patients and will be greatly missed.
Dr. Alexander is survived by her daughter, Ula Gadea; mother, Ruth Alexander; brother, Glen Alexander; sisters, Susan Alexander and Gail Alexander; brother-in-law, Michael P. Lowden; and nephew, Michael W. Lowden.
David G. Alexander, DO, ’84, Montgomery, Ala., died Nov. 16, 2014, at age 58. Dr. Alexander was born July 19, 1956, in Lander, Wyo., to Caryl Stanley and Bonnie Hallar Alexander. He grew up in Casper, Wyo., and was a resident of Wyoming until 1974 when he graduated from Natrona County High School. He attended Northeast Missouri State University (NMSU) in Kirksville, Mo., and married his wife, Kim, in 1977. After graduating from NMSU (now Truman State University), he was accepted to KCOM in 1980 and graduated as an osteopathic physician in 1984. He completed his internship in Warren, Ohio.
Upon completion of his internship, Dr. Alexander was activated by the U.S. Army as a physician stationed at the nerve gas depot in Richmond, Ky., where he served as a commissioned officer. He then completed a residency in Chicago, Ill., in emergency medicine. Dr. Alexander worked as an emergency physician for his entire career in Corbin, Ky., and Montgomery, Ala.
Dr. Alexander enjoyed fishing, hunting, skiing, reading, travel, music, cooking, and playing with his grandsons. He was a dedicated husband and father as well as a devout Christian. He attended First Baptist Church while in Richmond, Ky., and Vaughn Forest Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala. He was a mentor and surrogate father to many.
Dr. Alexander was preceded in death by his father, Caryl; his sister, Cheryl; maternal grandparents; and paternal grandparents. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kimberly Pomeroy Alexander; four children, Stephanie Hamm, Shannon Alexander, David Alexander, Daniel Alexander; two grandsons, Jagger and Jentry Hamm; his mother, Bonnie Alexander DuMont; his brother, Michael Alexander; and one niece and three nephews.
Ernest H. Anderson, DO, ’51, Nevada, Mo., died June 28, 2015, at age 90. Dr. Anderson was born May 8, 1925, in Dexter, Ohio, to Clarence Leroy and Desta (Halliday) Anderson. He was united in marriage to Patricia D. Gaines on Dec. 31, 1973, in Unionville, Mo., and she survives of the home.
Dr. Anderson was raised in Ohio and graduated from the Rutland, Ohio, high school. Following high school he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After his service years, Dr. Anderson returned to Ohio and attended Ohio University in Athens, graduating with a degree in medicine. He then continued his education and received his degree from KCOM. He began his medical career practicing in the St. Louis area for a time before coming to Nevada in 1976 where he continued to practice at Nevada State Hospital until his retirement in 2007.
Dr. Anderson was a member of the First Christian Church in Nevada where he served as an elder. He enjoyed reading, especially the Bible, and was also involved with the jail ministry in Nevada. He was a member and past master of the Osage Masonic Lodge #2003.
In addition to his wife, Patricia, survivors include three children, Kathy Gebric and her husband, Steve, James Anderson, and Sherrie Brown and her husband, Tim; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three sisters, Lucille Weisenborn, Gladys Fisher, and Grace Furbee; two brothers-in-law, Jerry Gaines and Richard Gaines and his wife, Flo; and several nieces and nephews.
Natalie M. Beissel, OMS IV, Lakeville, Minn., died July 30, 2015, at age 32. She is preceded in death by grandparents, Frank Jr. and Sophie Beissel and Charles and Lucile Peterson. She is survived by her parents, Roger and Lonna Beissel; brother, Nick (Shelly); nephews, Brady and Max; godparents, Barb and Andy Andreas; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.
Richards D. Benshoff, DO, ’68, Overland Park, Kan., died Jan. 2, 2015, at age 75. He was born in Ashland, Ohio, to Dean and Gertrude Benshoff and is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Betsy), five children, and eight grandchildren. He attended Denison University and Ohio State and received his medical degree from KCOM in Kirksville, Mo.
Deborah Berko, AuD, ’06, Millburn, N.J., died Aug. 9, 2011, at age 54. Dr. Berko was an audiologist at Associates in Otolaryngology in West Orange, a life member of Hadassah, and a member of Congregation B’nai Israel.
She is survived by her husband, Todd; daughter, Alexis; mother, Joyce Roberto; and two sisters, Grace Reed and Karen Cowley.
Mary R. Bovier, DO, ’87, Masury, Ohio, died Aug. 12, 2015, at age 63.
Robert A. Bowling, DO, ’65, Beaumont, Texas, died June 28, 2015, at age 85. He was born on March 23, 1930, to Robert Frazier Bowling and Pearl Allison Bowling. Dr. Bowling served four years in the Air Force and attended University of Missouri, Kansas State, and Lamar University, prior to graduating from KCOM in 1965. He served an internship in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He then joined his father-in-law, Dr. Archie Garrison, in family practice in Port Arthur, serving the community for
40 years. He was highly respected and loved by his patients. He semi-retired to work in Premcor’s Occupational Health Clinic, where he was the plant physician until retirement.
Dr. Bowling was a member of First Christian Church, Port Arthur, and loved his church and church family. He loved outdoors and took pride in his property in Fannett. He could often be found on his lawnmower or tractor. He was also an avid sports fan, always keeping up-to-date on the latest sports events. The greatest joy and love of his life was his family, rarely missing a dance recital, ball game, school event, or birthday party. He always told everyone how proud he was of their accomplishments.
Dr. Bowling is survived by Patricia Garrison Bowling and their four children and their spouses: Deborah Verret and her husband, Steve; Robert Bowling and his wife, Lisa; Richard Bowling and his wife, Mary Beth; and Rebecca Healey and her husband, Sean. Dr. Bowling’s greatest blessings and his biggest fans were his 11 grandchildren: Kyle Verret (Eleanor), Allison Verret Wright (Landon), Brooke Bowling Hall (Joe), Kaitlyn Verret Goss (Justin), Blaire Bowling Hickman (Chris), Bailey Bowling, Reagan Healey, Garrison Bowling, Ryan Healey, Robert Greg Bowling, and Grant Healey. His precious nine great-grandchildren brought sunshine into his later years: Jaxson Wright, Luke Hall, Joseph Verret, Jacob Goss, Emma Hall, Mackenzie Wright, Alice Verret, Preston Hickman, and expecting Blake Goss.
Joseph M. Brock Sr., AuD, ’07, Bedford, Texas, died June 29, 2010, at age 61. Dr. Brock was born Dec. 6, 1948, in Pittsburg, Kan., to Kenneth and Kathleen Brock. He was the second of seven children. He married Diana in Lubbock on July 12, 1969. They had four children. He attended Texas Tech University and graduated in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in audiology and in 1973 with a master’s degree in audiology. Joe completed his doctor of audiology degree from ASHS in 2007. He served in the U.S. Army for 20 years during the Vietnam era, earning numerous medals and commendations.
He was a resident of Lawton, Okla., for 11 years and was the proprietor of Audiology & Hearing Services of Lawton. He resided in Abilene for 16 years working as an audiologist and recently relocated to Bedford. Dr. Brock was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Community. He enjoyed coaching for his children’s sports teams, yardwork, classic cars, poker nights, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Dr. Brock was preceded in death by one brother, Kenneth Albert Brock. He will be remembered by his loving wife and their children, Michael, Rosemarie, David, Angela, Marine Corps Capt. Steven Pacheco, Emily, and Alex Castillo. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Madeleine and Olivia Brock, Autumn and Miles Brock, and Luke, Brock, and Jude Pacheco; his parents, Ken and Kathleen Brock; siblings, Katherine Boeckman, Karen Renneker, Vicky Sargent, Kenneth Robert Brock, and Jeff Brock; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and friends.
Per Y. Brolinson, DO, ’53, Blacksburg, Va., died May 7, 2015. He emigrated from Sweden with his father, Bengt Gustav, and mother, Ebba Louisa, in the early 1930s to New York City. He attended college at Upsala College in East Orange, N.J., where he majored in chemistry and was on the swim team. He subsequently matriculated for two years at the University of Pennsylvania Dental School before deciding dentistry was not for him. He worked briefly as a brewing chemist in Philadelphia and later in St. Louis before attending medical school at KCOM. He completed his internship at Normandy Hospital in St. Louis and then began a more than 50-year career as a rural family physician, first in Higbee and later Louisiana, Mo. He delivered hundreds of babies and touched the lives of thousands of patients. He was dearly loved and will be missed by all.
Dr. Brolinson was preceded in death by his oldest son, Richard Kania (Ellie), and is survived by his children, Per Gunnar Brolinson, DO, ’83 (Lesia), Karl Erik Brolinson, and Elizabeth Nixon (Peter), and grandchildren, Marja Brolinson, Becka Brolinson, Dawn Georgopolus, and Michelle Sapoznikov.
Gerald “Jerry” Brown, DO, ’67, Portland, Mich., died Nov. 27, 2014, at age 80. He was born on July 18, 1934, in Trenton, N.J., to Robert and Hannah (Crowley) Brown. Dr. Brown was a member of St. Patrick Church and Fr. Godez Assembly of the Knights of Columbus, served in the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel, and later served in the Army Reserve. He graduated from KCOM in Kirksville, Mo., and Lafyatte College in Easton, Penn.
Dr. Brown practiced family medicine in Portland, Mich., for 45 years, served as a team physician for Portland High School, and served as an MSU clinical physician for many medical students. He loved his family, the Portland community, and his dog, Casey, and enjoyed traveling the world.
Preceding him in death were his parents; in-laws, Herman and Earlene Wright; and brother, Robert Brown. Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Mardelee “Tink” Brown; daughters, Lindy Brown, Colleen Landino, DO, ’96, and Seanneen Brown; sons, Darrell Brown, Dr. Craig (Terry) Brown, and Kevin (Becke) Brown; 11 grandchildren and two step grandchildren; brother-in-law, Dr. Merle L. (Marie) Wright; and several nieces and nephews.
Willard L. Brown, DO, ’64, Henderson, N.Y., died Oct. 18, 2015, at age 82. He was born July 9, 1933, in Turtle Creek, Pa., a son to Charles N. and Marian Morgen Brown. He served in the Army Medical Corp during the Korean War from 1953-56. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he graduated from Eastern Michigan College, later receiving his medical degree KCOM. Dr. Brown was an orthopedic surgeon, practicing in Tucson, Ariz., New Port Richey, Fla., and the Veterans Hospital in Syracuse, retiring from there in 2010.
He married Elfriede Labuda June 10, 1989, in Tampa, Fla. The couple moved to Henderson in October 1993. He is survived by his wife, Elfriede; two sons, James and David (Zoi) and daughter, Anna; two daughters, Martha Shelton and Laura Bacho; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild; two brothers, Robert (Carol) and Charles; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Harold David Brown, and a sister, Sarah Morley.
Lance J. Capener, DO, ’00, Pleasant View, Utah, died June 1, 2015, at age 46. Dr. Capener was born Sept. 16, 1968 in Ogden, Utah, to Robert Capener and Pauline Davis Capener. As the fifth of seven children, he was active in track and soccer and graduated from Ogden High School. He served a mission in East Germany for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and remained active in his religion throughout life.
Dr. Capener married Kathryn Stockdale on June 18, 1994, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. He was a devoted and loving husband and was willing to do anything if it would make Kathryn happy. Throughout their marriage, they lived in Ogden, Utah; Kirksville, Mo.; Clarkston, Mich.; Cheyenne, Wyo.; and Hereford, Texas, before settling in Pleasant View, Utah.
Dr. Capener graduated from Weber State College and then pursued his medical degree from the KCOM.
He and Kathryn have three beautiful children. He was a great father, attending every event for his children possible, always with his camera in hand, and learning everything he could about his children’s interests. He was a patient and kind teacher to his children.
As a local family physician, Dr. Capener was known by his patients as a thorough and compassionate doctor. He would do whatever it took to ensure his patients received the care they needed. He loved sports and stayed active. He competed in several triathlons and marathons and just ran the Ogden Marathon for his fifth time.
Dr. Capener is survived by his wife, Kathryn Capener, and son, Jacob Capener. He is also survived by his parents, Robert and Pauline Capener; three brothers, Mark (Sally) Capener, Mik
e (Leslie) Capener, and Scott Capener; and two sisters, Robin Reynolds, and Suzanne Capener. He was preceded in death by one sister, Sharrie Capener. He was joined in death by two daughters, Kelsey and Kilee Capener.
Joseph F. Carbone, DO, ’58, Beeville, Texas, died Feb. 17, 2013, at age 90. A World War II Flying Tiger departed on his last mission, destination his eternal home. Dr. Carbone was born Feb. 6, 1923, in Lawrence, Mass., to the late Francesco and Lucia LaPira Carbone. Dr. Carbone was licensed to practice medicine in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Missouri, Hawaii, and Texas. He was a graduate of University of Miami and KCOM. He also was an accomplished musician.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Madlyn Carbone; special nieces, Vera Carbone Wittig, Dr. Paula Carbone, Lucia Carbone, and other nephews and nieces; and longtime friend and sister-in-law, Pauline Carbone.
Robin Carter, DO, ’95, Egg Harbor Township, N.J., died Dec. 3, 2014. Dr. Carter was born on Feb. 19, 1953, at Bethesda Naval Hospital. She grew up in Woburn, Mass., just outside of Boston and became a lifelong Redsox fan. Her nurturing nature was evidenced by her early work as a hospital candy striper before obtaining an RN degree. Determined to advance her medical knowledge and capabilities, she went on to earn a DO degree in 1995 at KCOM in Kirksville, Mo.
Dr. Carter was an integral part of the Somers Manor OB/GYN practice in Somers Point and worked in obstetrics at Shore Medical Center and both divisions of AtlantiCare Medical Center. A devout Christian, she applied her skills with an unyielding compassion that absolutely modeled the Gospel message. Affecting the lives of her patients in such memorable ways, Dr. Carter’s legacy resides in the scores of babies she helped safely deliver to eternally grateful families. Mothers and fathers interacting with Dr. Carter knew that her devotion to patients equaled love of profession. Until the moment severe osteoarthritis brought on an early retirement, she was truly the world’s “best baby catcher.”
A lifelong country music fan, she traveled often with her loving spouse Frank Tamru “Rue” to Nashville to be entertained by live performances of the songs she so cherished. A gourmet cook with her own backyard spice garden, her savory desserts were treasured by all invited into her home. She also belonged to a local book club, Women of Wit and Wisdom, relishing the fun, camaraderie, and intellectual stimulation of each monthly gathering.
A strong social advocate, Dr. Carter supported charities including the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Disabled American Veterans. Her selfless commitment to others extends beyond her earthly existence through the Gift of Life Donor program. The many needy recipients of her organs and tissue serve as a fitting testimony to a life of giving, grace, and generosity.
Dr. Carter is survived by her devoted husband, Rue; three children from a previous marriage, Steven, Lisa, and Michael Witzke; and his son, Jordan.
Thomas A. Castoldi, DO, ’68, San Marcos, Texas, died Oct. 1, 2015, at age 73. He was born May 1, 1942, in Mineola, N.Y., to Ruth (Klyberg) and Colombo Castoldi, who preceded him in death. In 1968, he graduated with a DO degree from KCOM. While in medical school he fell in love with and married his wife, Kathy. Following internship, the couple moved to Alice, Texas, where Dr. Castoldi joined a busy family practice. While in Alice, their daughters, Amy and Paula, were born. In 1974, the family moved to San Marcos, Texas, where their son, Anthony, was born. Dr. Castoldi started a new family practice.
Dr. Castoldi had many loves in his life. He dearly loved and was very proud of his three children, and he cherished his seven grandchildren. A great day to him was when he could watch his grandchildren swim or attend one of their sports games.
He also loved the practice of medicine. He was proud to be an osteopathic physician and took the creed to “treat the whole patient” to heart and truly cared about his patients. When asked when he planned to retire, he would answer, “When I wake up and am not excited about going to the office.”
Dr. Castoldi loved breeding, raising, and racing thoroughbred horses. He would happily “talk horses” to anyone who was interested or not. He also loved playing the piano, watching sports, and rooting for the San Antonio Spurs, the Texas Rangers, and the Dallas Cowboys.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathy; children, Amy Covill and her husband, Paul, Paula Bilica, DO, ’04, and husband, Brian, and Anthony Castoldi and wife, Becca; seven grandchildren, Shaylee and Landon Covill, Triston and Farrah Bilica, and Mischa, Hazel, and Cannon Castoldi; and two brothers, Raymond Castoldi and Carl Castoldi.
John Chesnick, DO, ’57, Corpus Christi, Texas, died Nov. 3, 2013. Dr. Chesnick was a general surgical program director for Riverside Osteopathic Hospital in Trenton, Mich.
A large man with enormous hands, Dr. Chesnick was the son of John Sr. and Helen Chesnick. His father was a Yugoslavian immigrant and his mother of Yugoslavian descent. During Dr. Chesnick’s early childhood, his family lived in New York and West Virginia before moving to the Detroit, Mich., area. There, the family built a home in Inkster, Mich., where he helped his father and brother pour the cement to create a basement and wine cellar underneath the house. The family enjoyed life in Inkster, and their home boasted various fruit trees, a large vegetable garden, and a smoke house. Dr. Chesnick attended grade school and Fordson High School with his siblings in Inkster. As children, he and his brother Frank raised rabbits, feeding them clover from the nearby fields and selling the pelts for money.
Dr. Chesnick served in the U.S. Navy and afterward received his doctorate of osteopathic medicine from KCOM in Missouri. Dr. Chesnick married his wife, Patricia, and they had two children, John Jr. and Kimberly. The family moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, in the 1970s where Dr. Chesnick continued to practice medicine through his later years. For a brief period after their children had finished school, Dr. Chesnick and Pat moved to the Tuczon, Ariz., area but eventually returned to Texas where they remained until their death.
Dr. Chesnick had a love of good food, especially Slovenian dishes and sausages, and he and his wife, Pat, enjoyed their senior years with dog Tippi. Dr. Chesnick was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; daughter, Kim Chesnick (an oncology nurse); parents, John Sr. (a coal miner and Henry Ford factory worker) and Helen Chesnick; sister, Helen Chesnick Saam (a Henry Ford secretary);, and brother, Frank Chesnick (a retired Air Force veteran). He is survived by his son, John Jr., and sister, Josaphine Almas.
Dominic J. Colao, DO, ’78, Springboro, Ohio, died Sept. 1, 2014. Dr. Colao was born July 9, 1950, in Erie, Pa., to Joseph N. and Angeline (Scuttella) Colao. Dr. Colao was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Pittsburgh and a doctoral degree at KCOM. He received his post-graduate training in internal medicine at the Normandy Osteopathic Hospitals in St. Louis, Mo., and furthered his training with a fellowship at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pa., where he received his board certification in the subspecialty of nephrology.
Dr. Colao won grant support for medical research in nephrology and was a contributing author of several publications in The American Journal of Medicine, among others. He taught medicine at both The Oklahoma College and KCOM, but spent most of his career in private practice where he worked diligently to make a positive difference in the lives of others. In 2004, he was awarded fellowship in the American College of Osteopathic Internists.
A loyal and loving husband, father
, and friend, Dr. Colao had a quick wit, a ready smile, and a true zest for life. He was a talented artist and enjoyed music, cycling, and travel, and he was an avid hunter and skier. He lived his faith and considered family his most valuable earthly asset. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Jennifer; son, Michael; mother, Angeline and husband Charles Iannello; brother, Joseph (Laurie); nieces, Brooke and Paige Colao; father-in-law, Dr. Theodore Russell; extended family, aunts, many cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph N. Colao, and mother-in-law, Shirley (Kelly) Russell.
Robert N. Collop, DO, ’49, Dallas, Texas, died March 4, 2015, at age 91. Dr. Collop was born Sept. 18, 1923, in Kirksville, Mo., to Ermine Ophelia Novinger and Floyd Lee Collop, who, along with his sister, Betty C. Williamson, preceded him in death. He graduated from KCOM and practiced in the same city block for 53 years. Beloved by all, he was a gifted man of many talents. A true humanitarian, he supported many causes. He spent many years volunteering at the Stewpot ministry for the homeless.
He is survived by Betty N. Collop, his wife of 69 years, and sons, John R. Collop, DO, ’77, and wife, Kathy; Mark A. Collop and wife, Martha; Steven P. Collop and wife, Debbie; David L. Collop; and Douglas J. Collop. He is also survived by grandsons, Jeff, Mark Jr., Brett, Brandon, Sam, and Jack; granddaughters, Lael, April, Claire, Emily, Sarah, and Anne; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
James P. Conde, DO, ’76, Belpre, Ohio, died April 29, 2015, at age 64. Dr. Conde was born Aug. 15, 1950. He was a compassionate and skilled physician for 37 years. He had a thriving family practice in Middleport, Ohio, for more than 20 years. He previously held office as Meigs County coroner. He was well loved by his patients and the Meigs County community. Dr. Conde later transitioned into the field of emergency medicine, working at Marietta Memorial and Holzer Hospital. He was a dedicated trainer of medical students and residents. More recently, he provided medical services in Haiti following a massive earthquake. Dr. Conde and his wife, Beverly, began a prayer-based healing ministry at their church, The Celebration Center, in Belpre, Ohio. This ministry remains active today.
Dr. Conde is survived by his wife of 16 years, Beverly; his mother, Juanita; his siblings, Cindy, Kathy, Brian, and Bruce; his children, Ryan, Autumn, and Kimberly, and step-children, Renee, Jason, and Kim; and six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his father, James E. Conde.
Charles E. “Chuck” Cottrell, Glendale, Ariz., died July 2, 2015, at age 72. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Ione Kalish-Cottrell; sons, Steven Cottrell (Holly) and Matthew Cottrell; daughter, Elliston Whitley; sister, Susan Beilman (Hank); grandchildren, Griffin Cottrell and Briceson Cottrell; niece, Laura Riechers (Jim); and nephews, Jeff Beilman (Krista), Nolan Koos, and Nathan Koos. Chuck is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Dorothy Cottrell, and grandson, Kindahl Cottrell.
Chuck was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Feb. 17, 1943. He received a BS in business administration and political science from University of Pittsburgh. His continuing education included the Wharton School of Business and the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration. Chuck was a long-time member of the dental community and a pioneer in the infection control industry. He moved to Denver, Colo., in 1974 and worked in the dental industry before founding Cottrell Ltd. in 1979. Chuck held positions as chair of the American Dental Trade Association (ADTA), founding chair of the ADTA Foundation, executive director of ATSU, founder and founding chair Office Safety and Asepsis Procedures Research Foundation, board member of the Dental Manufacturers Association, founding chair of the American Dental Assistants Association, trustee adviser for Oral Health America, board member for National Foundation for Dentistry for Handicapped, board member for Kids in Need of Dentistry, and board member and officer for Camp-Get-A-Well-A. In addition to his dental industry accomplishments he was the recipient of Small Business Administration Small Business Person Award for Colorado. Chuck retired in 1997 at age 54 to Scottsdale, Ariz.
Early retirement did not sit well with him, and he decided to transition his career yet again as an entrepreneur to work in the natural products industry, beginning with Mountain Green LLC. After selling Mountain Green in 2005, Chuck started a food brokerage, CMG Natural Brokers.
As a young man, Chuck grew up in the grocery business. His first job was at Thorofare Markets in Pittsburgh where he worked as a stock boy. He always felt a personal connection to the food industry and would often say, “the grocery business is in my DNA.” He considered many of his business associates to be family.
Chuck remained active in the Scottsdale community supporting various children’s charities and SUSD and PVUSD school districts with not only donations but also his valuable time. He was an annual platinum level sponsor for the Autism Speaks foundation in addition to the ATSU Children’s Dental Clinic and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Chuck had a deep passion for motor racing and participated as a driver as well as an official including duties as chair of the Board for the Sports Car Club of America Enterprises. He remained a lifelong fan of all forms of motor racing and helped forward the careers of several successful professional American drivers.
Cecil P. Deckard, DO, ’67, Richmond, Ind., died Feb. 22, 2014, at age 80. Dr. Deckard was born in Elwood, Ind., on Jan. 4, 1934, to John O. and Ruth Mae (Vest) Deckard. Dr. Deckard graduated from Elwood High School and Ball State University at Muncie, Ind. He met his wife to be, Betty Ellen Peters, MA, while at Ball State, and upon graduation with a BS degree in biology and chemistry, he entered medical school at KCOM in Missouri. He was selected as the senior class president. He completed his medical internship in Michigan prior to returning to Indiana to open his medical practice.
Dr. Deckard’s military service included being a combat infantryman and paratrooper with 11th Airborne (Angels from above). He then shipped along with the entire division to Germany where they became occupation troops until the U.S. government decided they would be “guests” of the German government. While there, Dr. Deckard visited Hitler’s Eagles nest, Dachau (a German concentration camp), and many other areas of interest. He was also trained in mountain climbing in southern Bavaria. He was honorably discharged and returned home to finish his college training. Dr. Deckard continued his military service following medical school. He became the commander of the 113th Medical Battalion of the 38th Infantry Division. He rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and 38th Infantry Division surgeon.
Dr. Deckard was persuaded to open his medical practice in Lynn, Ind., by his wife, Betty, Jim Barnett (president of Peoples Bank), and Dr. Leo Jordan. The bank, Lynn Lions club, and citizens of Lynn would guarantee the loan made to Dr. Deckard to build the Lynn Medical Clinic in 1968. He maintained his practice there until 1984 when he retired. He was a member of the Randolph County Hospital staff, Randolph County medical society, Randolph County Diabetes association, and president of the Randolph County Health Department.
Dr. Deckard and his wife traveled extensively covering all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Panama Canal, and various Caribbean islands. Their most enjoyable trip was a 15-day tour of Europe.
They cruised down Mosel, Rhine, and Nectar Rivers visited the countries of Belgium, Germany, France, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Dr. Deckard enjoyed golf and flying his own airplane. His great
est love was his family and the practice of medicine.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty E. (Peters); daughters, Deborah Deckard-Mapes and Angela Bentz (Eric); son, Curtis Paul (Stephanie); grandchildren, Tyler and Taylor Mapes, Samantha, Wyatt, Kaitlin, and Emily Bentz, and Elizabeth and T.C. Deckard; great-grandson, Aiden Eric Bentz; one brother, David O. Deckard; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, John L. and Brady E. Deckard.
Zoila A. Denno, DO, ’63, Goodyear, Ariz., died Jan. 2, 2015.
Kevin T. Dietl, DO, ’15, St. Louis, Mo., died April 23, 2015, at age 26. He was born June 20, 1988, and is the beloved and cherished son of John and Michele Dietl; dearest brother of Diana C. Dietl; dear nephew of Richard (Clarita) Cohen, Robert (Cathy) Dietl, Joyce (Wayne) Hunter, and Laurence (Becky) Cohen; dear cousin of Dan, Susie, Debbie, Whitney, Emily, Greg, and Valerie; and dear friend to so many. He was a fourth-year medical student at KCOM. He loved learning and helping others, boating, traveling, warm weather, fine dining, and most of all, his family.
William R. Duteil, DO, ’67, Beeville, Texas, died April 14, 2011, at age 74. He was born Nov. 18, 1936, in Portsmouth, Ohio. He was a son of the late Herbert and Anna Belle Jones Duteil. He was a member of the American and Ohio Osteopathic Association and the Dayton District Academy of Osteopathics, was certified for family practice by the American Family Practice, and was a member of Beaver Valley Masonic Lodge #275, the Scottish Rite Greater Valley of Dayton, and Antioch Shriners Temple. He is survived by two sons, Daniel A. Duteil and wife, Theresa, and Michael W. Duteil and wife, Michele; two daughters, DeAnn K. Duteil and Nicole S. Duteil; two brothers, Harold Duteil and E. Gene Duteil; two grandchildren, Joshua and Jacob Duteil; and three step-grandchildren, Ashley, Bethany, and Kurtis Geske.
Jerry L. Dutton, DO, ’68, Tucson, Ariz., died Aug. 1, 2014. Born Oct. 14, 1944, in Bethel, Mo., Dr. Dutton spent the majority of his 42-year career in Flint, Mich., before retiring to Cape Coral, Fla., and then to Tucson, Ariz.
Dr. Dutton graduated from KCOM in Kirksville, Mo. He served two years as a captain in U.S. Army during the Vietnam War before settling his family in Michigan. Adventurous and creative, he enjoyed travelling, gourmet cooking, collecting art, and exploring different cultures. Hobbies like scuba, snow skiing, sailing, and hiking took him to remote places throughout the world.
Dr. Dutton was preceded in death by his parents, Howard U. Dutton, DO, ’38, and Lucille L. Dutton, and son, Michael. He is survived by his wife, Janet Mach Dutton; brother, Richard Dutton; six children, Gretchen Pai, Todd Dutton, Robin Vandenbos, Scott Barnes, Kristin Barnes, and Gregory Barnes; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Richard D. Eiceman, DO, ’65, Myerstown, Pa., died Dec. 24, 2014, at age 75. He was the husband of Janet S. (Briedwell) Eiceman, who died April25, 2012. They met in 1961 in Kirksville, Mo., while he was attending medical school. They were married on Dec. 14, 1963, and shared 48 years of marriage.
Born in Lebanon, Pa., he was the son of the late George H. and Nora E. (Capp) Eiceman. Richard was a 1957 graduate of Lebanon High School. He graduated from Lebanon Valley College in 1961 where he earned his BS in biology and chemistry. He then went on to graduate from KCOM in 1965. He completed his internship at Harrisburg Osteopathic Hospital in 1966.
In 1966, Dr. Eiceman opened his own family practice in Myerstown where he treated patients until his retirement in 1997. Going to the office everyday was what he loved. His patients always came first; he enjoyed every minute of practicing. His passions outside of his commitment to the medical field included playing poker, golfing, and going to casinos. He was a very talented drummer, playing in numerous bands throughout his life, most recently in the Lebanon Community Concert Band. He was a member of National Association of Rudimental Drummers. In earlier years he enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Surviving is a daughter, Achsah Y. Eiceman, and four granddaughters, Skyler Elizabeth Eiceman, Raina Tate Morris-Eiceman, Rowan Lily Morris-Eiceman, and Taryn Gillian Morris-Eiceman. Other survivors include brother, Thomas I. Eiceman; sister, Jane A. (Eiceman) Labriola; sister, Nancy L. Eiceman; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, George H. Eiceman.
Thomas P. Elliott, DO, ’51, Seminole, Fla., died Aug. 24, 2011, at age 90. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jean, and their three children. He had resided and practiced in Florida since 1978, having relocated from South Bend, Ind.
Frederick A. Emling, DO, ’57, Vassar, Mich., died Aug. 31, 2014, at age 85. He was born on April 10, 1929, in Detroit, to the late Eli and Maida (Kittendorf) Emling. On Dec. 5, 1964, he married Frances Mossner, and after almost 50 years together, she survives him.
Dr. Emling graduated from Denby High School in 1947 and went on to Michigan Normal College (Eastern Michigan University) to study pre-med. He graduated in 1957 from KCOM and then interned at Saginaw Osteopathic Hospital. He began his private family practice in Vassar with Dr. Allan Shelp in 1959. Dr. Emling would go onto serve the Vassar community until leaving the practice in 1984 to work for the State of Michigan at the Caro Regional Center. After a career spanning almost 40 years, he retired in 1996.
His medical affiliations include the American College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan Association of Osteopathic Medicine, and Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Practice. He was a member of St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he served as an elder and usher. He was one of the founding members and past president of the Vassar Golf and Country Club and belonged to the Vassar Fishing Club for many years. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed skiing. Dr. Emling loved God, his family, his practice, and his friends.
Surviving are his loving family: wife, Frances; daughter, Laura (Todd) White; son, Paul (Jill) Emling; grandchildren, Mason White and Hagan Emling; sister, Madelyn (Joe) Beel; sisters and brothers-in-law, Roy (Barbara) Mossner, Glenn (Marlene) Mossner, Alice (David) Wigley, Marian Mossner, and Dorothy Mossner; and many nieces and nephews. Dr. Empling was preceded in death by his brothers, Woodrow, Durell, and Gerald Emling; an infant sister, Margarite; and his sisters and brothers-in-law, Ruben and Carl Mossner and Evelyn, Bert, and Mary Emling.
Robert L. Evans, DO, ’68, Micco, Fla., died Sept. 23, 2015, at age 74. He was born April 10, 1941, and lived in the Lorain/Amherst, Ohio, area most of his life. He was a 1959 graduate of Lorain High School, studied pre-med and graduated with a bachelor of science at Heidelberg College in 1963 and went on to graduate from KCOM in 1968. He then immediately entered into and established the practice of Wagner, Evans, and Rittenour Inc. During that time he served on staff of both Lorain Community Hospital and Amherst Hospital where it is said he delivered more than 1,000 babies. Dr. Evans provided healthcare to anyone who needed it regardless of ability to pay. He was one of the last physicians in Lorain County to make house calls and at least on one occasion delivered a baby at home.
Dr. Evans was a kind, loving, caring physician and father, a self-proclaimed food critic, Consumer Reports enthusiast, dog and cat lover, and proud “Papa.” He was also an avid fan of NASCAR and drag racing. Dr. Evans and racing partners Richard Mack and Bill Bauer owned and participated in drag racing in and out of Lorain County for many years.
Survivors include daughters, Rebecca Evans, Jennifer (Justin) Laycock, and Brandy (Scott) Sylkatis; grandson, Alexander Sylkatis; and
sister, Jan Feighner of Flint, Mich. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Doran Farnum, DO, ’36, San Juan Capistrano, Calif., died April 30, 2015, at age 102. He practiced medicine in Sheboygan, Wis., before semi-retiring to California in 1975. He retired fully in 2013 at age 101. He always said that as long as he could help people he would continue working. The only thing he loved more was his family.
Dr. Farnum is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Gretchen H. Farnum and his son, Doran Farnum II. He is survived by his daughter, Gretchen L. Farnum; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Mary J. Foley, DO, ’88, Naples, Fla., died Jan. 11, 2015.
Michael J. Fugle, DO, ’65, Auburn Hills, Mich., died Sept. 5, 2015, at age 81. He was the loving husband of the late Betty; dear father of Michael Fugle, Lori Fugle, the late Lisa Kartiganer, Gregory and Jeffrey Roettger; grandfather of Angella, Stephanie, Hayley, Jessica, and Justin; great grandfather of Hannah, Ian, Carter, Emersyn, and Odin; and brother of Kathryn Elliott, the late Rita Fell, and the late Margarite Rice. He will be greatly missed by his loving niece, Melissa Payne, and Kimberly Coburn, who worked for him for more than 30 years. Dr. Fugle was in a renowned orthopedic practice for more than 45 years. He was the director of the resident program at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac.
Jack V. Gilmore, DO, ’52, Venice, Fla., died Jan. 29, 2015, at age 91. He was the loving father of Tom Gilmore (Rena), Kim Gilmore, Warren Kenney (Elaine), and Allen Kenney (Cathy) and proud grandfather of Jena, Kayla, Malik, Ryan, Daniel, and Samantha. Dr. Gilmore was a retired anesthesiologist. He was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Robert B. Gold, DO, ’62, Orange, Calif., died July 18, 2014.
Robert J. Graham, DO, ’68, Reed City, Mich., died Sept. 10, 2015, at age 74. Dr. Graham was born Nov. 15, 1940, in Highland Park. He was a 1958 graduate of River Rouge High School, a 1963 graduate of Hillsdale College, and a 1968 graduate of KCOM. He served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.
Dr. Graham began his 46-year career in medicine in Trenton, Mich., where he worked at Riverside Osteopathic Hospital with his father Victor L. Graham, DO, ’33, and his brother William M. Graham, DO, ’61. He practiced medicine across the state of Michigan but spent the majority of his career in Sault Ste. Marie. He served as a physician for the Chippewa County Jail, MDOC in Kinross, LSSU Lakers, Soo Indians, Soo Eagles hockey teams, and countless boxing matches. He was a teacher, counselor, advocate, and learned friend for thousands of patients. He never met a stranger and will always be remembered for his humor, in and out of the treatment room. He loved his family dearly and passed on the tradition of service to the community to his five children. Dr. Graham loved the outdoors, fishing, and hunting. He spent many birthdays hunting deer in Bay Mills with his best friends Ralph and Shirley Wilcox.
Dr. Graham is survived by his mother, Kathryn Graham; brother, William “Bill” (Mary Lynn) Graham; children, Will Graham, Rebecca (Wayne) Rogers, Robert (Julia) Graham, Ian Graham (Andrea Covert), and Callie (Jeff) Hodges; 15 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
William B. Gray, DO, ’61, Cowen, W.Va., died April 18, 2015, at age 79. He was born in Richwood on Dec. 16, 1935, and was the first son of Walter and Vell Bennett Gray.
As a teenager, Dr. Gray was inspired to pursue an education in osteopathic medicine by his uncle, John N. Kurish, DO. After graduation from Cowen High School in 1954, he went to West Virginia University for pre-med and was accepted to KCOM in 1957.
Dr. Gray marks the end of the era of house calls, as he served the Cowen area as a physician in private practice from 1962-98, when he retired. He also acted as Webster County health officer from 1971-98 and served on the Webster County Board of Education. He was a member of Trinity UMC and UM Men; Camden-on-Gauley Masonic Lodge No. 107, where he served as the worshipful master from 1985-86; and Camden-on-Gauley Chapter No. 161 Order of the Eastern Star, where he served as worthy patron from 2000-01, and he was a 50-plus year member of the Cowen Lions Club and the West Virginia Society of Osteopathic Medicine, where he was recognized as the Practitioner of the Year in 1995. He also supported the building of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg.
Dr. Gray is survived by his wife of 59 years, Charlene Smith Gray; brother, Max and Greta Gray; son, Edward and Dana Gray; daughters, Janet and Mike Mathes, and Barbara and Mike Ritchie; grandchildren, Jacqui and Ty Boyce, Amanda and Gareth Markwardt, Laura and Dana Snyder, Matthew and Lorena Ritchie, Chad Mathes, Ryan and Jamie Mathes, Daryl Lynne and John Cruse, and Alex Gray; 10 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and devoted caretaker, Annette Clevinger.
Vergil “Jim” Guillory, DO, MPH, Edwardsville, Kan., died Feb. 14, 2016, at age 64.
Deborah Guthermann, AuD, ’02, Newton, Mass., died March 4, 2014. For 37 years, Dr. Guthermann was the beloved wife of Howard E. Guthermann. She was the loving and caring mother of Rachel and Joshua, adored grandmother of Brynn and Aaron, cherished daughter of the late Herbert and Cyrille (Yavarkovsky) Mass, and dear sister of the late Nathaniel Mass.
Dr. Guthermann was a graduate of NYU’s class of 1974 and holder of an MA and a doctorate in audiology. She was co-owner of the West Newton Hearing Center on Washington St. for 28 years. She was a passionate contributor to the local Jewish community, often volunteering her time serving as a lay services leader and vice president at Temple Emanuel.
Donald V. Hampton II, DO, ’54, Madison, Ohio, died Aug. 13, 2015, at age 87. He was born March 28, 1928, in Euclid, Ohio, to Donald V. and Helen (Cottrell) Hampton. Dr. Hampton completed his undergraduate studies at Miami University of Ohio and completed his doctoral studies at KCOM. Donald married the late Carolyn Walden on Aug. 16, 1952 in Kirksville, Missouri.
Dr. Hampton spent 17 years in Madison, Ohio, where he was a general practitioner from 1960 until he joined Doctor’s Hospital in Erie, Pa., in 1977. Prior to joining Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), he was on staff at the former Brentwood Hospital in Warrensville Heights, Ohio. Dr. Hampton was a clinical professor emeritus at LECOM where he taught and was instrumental in developing the curriculum for the Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment Program. He also assisted with the opening of the LECOM branches in Bradenton, Fla., and LECOM at Seton Hill. He was an examiner with the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners. Throughout all his endeavors, he enjoyed music and being a member of the Madison Jazz Project, which he was active with until his passing.
Dr. Hampton is survived by his children, Aleta Welch, Marla Hynd, Kevin (Maureen) Hampton, and Tara McCrone; sister, Bronwyn; brothers, Wade (Judith) Hampton, William (Terry) Hampton, and Robert (Suzanne) Hampton; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and soon to arrive great-great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; his parents, both of whom were also osteopathic physicians; and son-in-law, Terry McCrone.
Joseph A. Hill, DO, ’86, St. Peters, Mo., died April 27, 2015, at age 59. He was the beloved and cherished husband of Melinda Bosley-Hill; loving father of Maegan (John) Vestal and Nicholas and Peter Hill; proud grandfather of Mackenzie, Jackson, and Arlo; and dear son of Lydia Plum.
Dr. Hill was an ob/gyn for 25 years and practiced at Barnes-St. Peters where he cared for thousands of pa
tients who loved his kind, gentle manner and wonderful disposition. He was a good friend and colleague and a genuinely nice person.
Wilbur T. Hill, DO, ’51, Liberty, Mo., died March 7, 2015, at age 91. He was born Aug. 2, 1923, in Colorado Springs, Colo., and was the eldest of seven children of Walter and Ellen (Skinner) Hill. He was raised in Stella, Mo., then Butler, Mo., and moved to Liberty in 1952. Dr. Hill was united in marriage to Mary Sibyl Green on Dec. 31, 1942. Following 60 years of marriage, she preceded him in death in 2003.
Dr. Hill served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He practiced osteopathic family medicine in Liberty, Mo., from 1952-2002. He was a fellow, as well as a distinguished fellow, of the American College of Family Practice and was active in the osteopathic profession at local, state, and national levels. Dr. Hill helped found Liberty Hospital and was active in his community through numerous civic organizations, primarily Lions Club.
He was an active member of Second Baptist Church for more than 60 years, serving in various Sunday school roles, choir, and deacon ministry. He was active extensively in the Boy Scouts of America at the local, district, council, and regional levels and was presiding chieftain of The Tribe of Mic-O- Say at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in 1972. Dr. Hill also served as a former ATSU Board of Trustee member.
Along with his parents and wife, Dr. Hill was preceded in death by siblings and spouses, Hubert and Frances Hill, Kenneth and Betty Hill, Gordon Muchmore, John Hill, and Chester and Laura Hill. Survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Pam Hill, and Roger E. Hill, DO, ’79, and Lynn Hill; seven grandchildren; a great grandson; sister, Wilburta Muchmore; brother and sister-in-law, Ervin and Wilma Hill; Barbara Hill, widow of John Hill; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Matthew A. Houghton Jr., DO, ’69, Glen Arbor, Mich., died Aug. 31, 2014, at age 72. Dr. Houghton was born on May 17, 1942, at Jennings Hospital in Detroit to the late Matthew A. Houghton Sr., DO, ’36, and Jane Elizabeth Hunter Houghton.
A Rotary kid and musician, he graduated from Grosse Pointe High School in 1960. He played French horn in the band, guitar in his performing group, and sang soprano solo in the Christ Church Grosse Pointe Boys Choir. He completed his bachelor’s degree in classical music at Olivet College, where he was president of the Kappa fraternity. He earned his medical degree from KCOM in Kirksville, Mo., graduating in 1969.
Throughout Dr. Houghton’s childhood, the Houghton family spent summers at Peppler’s Birchwood on Big Glen Lake. During those summers, he lived on the docks of Glen Craft Marina and was mentored by Phil Krull. In October 1970, his love of the Leelanau Peninsula cinched his decision to accept a position as the director of medical education and full-time emergency room physician at the Traverse City Osteopathic Hospital. He established the Empire Clinic with the Detwiler Drugstore in Empire, Mich., on June 12, 1971, and married the former Barbara Ann Beckett of Traverse City the following Oct. 1, 1971. Dr. Houghton, his wife, and German shepherds soon landed at Hocton Meade, their beloved Miller Hill home. Deane Milks, RN, and assistant Madeline Wendels teamed with Dr. Houghton for the first 10 years. He celebrated the 40th anniversary of his country family/sports medicine/emergency practice in 2011.
Dr. Houghton did not limit his physician’s duties to his private medical practice. He led the county emergency training drills, bringing realism to disaster exercises that could become life savers. He dragged himself out of bed in the middle of many nights to perform his duties as the Leelanau County (41 years), Benzie County (12 years), and Grand Traverse County (14 years) chief medical examiner.
He was a fixture on basketball court (20 years) and football field sidelines (43 years). After Title IX was enacted, he was the proud team physician of the 1978 Lady Lakers who won the Girls State Basketball Championship. The Michigan Legislature paid tribute to Dr. Houghton in 1979 for initiating the “Glen Lake Plan,” which assigned specific responsibilities to each member of a coaching staff in the event of injury to an athlete. The plan was published to national acclaim in the American School Board Journal and has been adopted by high schools throughout the nation.
A gifted teacher like his father, Dr. Houghton promoted lifelong staff development, senior citizen health education, and medical/safety learning opportunities for high school students. He developed water rescue training for the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department and advanced life support training for the Leelanau County EMT-S. As an associate clinical professor of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Wayne State University College of Medicine, hundreds of medical interns and residents rotated through Dr. Houghton’s Empire and Glen Arbor Medical Arts offices.
Dr. Houghton gave away his time and loved every minute of it. He offered his expertise and leadership skills as the medical director of the Michigan Special Olympics (1986-2008), medical director of the North American Vasalopett and U.S. Ski Association (1980-2001), and director of the Northwest Michigan Sports Medicine Clinic (1978-2013) where he provided ongoing technical assistance to 10 northern Michigan high schools. He was a frequently called upon consultant to organizations as varied as the National Transportation Safety Board, Union Internationale Motonautique, Central Military Command of the United Arab Emirates, USAF Capsule Recovery Team (Cape Canaveral, Florida), Navy Seals, and Federation of Italian Motorboating.
At age 4, Dr. Houghton’s mother took him to the boat racing “pits” of the Unlimited Hydroplanes docked at the Roostertail of Belle Isle for the Gold Cup Race. He fell in love. He taught himself every aspect of power boat racing and the dynamic variables of craft design, racer skills, speed, weather, pit crew preparedness, and more. It is not surprising the Mark Lavin Memorial Offshore Medical and Safety Foundation Inc. asked Dr. Houghton to be the foundation director. During the past 26 years, the foundation has provided training on medical safety protocols to members of offshore racing communities in 26 countries. Untold numbers of injuries and deaths have been avoided as a result of the foundation’s work.
Dr. Houghton is survived by his wife, Barbara; sister, Nancy Jane Elizabeth Hunter Houghton, DO, (Cindy); father-in-law, James J. Beckett; godmother and aunt, Estelle Johnson; sister-in-law, Carolyn M. Beckett (Peter Coppelman); sister-in-law, Janice Beckett Duddles (Steven); brother-in-law, James Robert Beckett (Nora); nephew, Alexander Beckett Coppelman (Brandi Dickey); niece, Elizabeth Beckett Coppelman, DVM; niece, Stacy McElwaney (David); great nephew, Adam Ralph Houghton McElwaney; niece, Jennifer Craanen; goddaughter, Halley Buchan Brandsen (Nate); godson, Anthon Bozzi; and goddaughter, Stella Warnes. He is also survived by his beloved office team, Marion Harriger and Vicki Finstad, who have been by his side for 35 years, Cindy Geiser, CNP, and Jamie Warnes, RN. Additionally, Dr. Houghton is survived by the five remaining members of the Angel Team for the Mark Lavin Medical Safety Foundation: David Grattopp, firefighter paramedic; Steven Dillon, paramedic; Gary L. McGhee, firefighter paramedic; Edward Haughn, DO; and Craig Dunham, paramedic. Dr. Houghton is preceded in death by his mother, father, and mother-in-law, Dorothy Alice Beckett.
Raymond A. Howard, DO, ’78, Missoula, Mont., died Sept. 13, 2014. Born in Great Falls on July 8, 1950, a love of basketball, size 15 EEE feet, and a sweeping hook shot destined Dr. Howard for a high school and college athletic career. A longtime holder of state scoring records, he would smile and recall that some of those records were set i
n losing state title games. In recounting memorable Grizzly games, he would recall Coach Judd Heathcote’s quips regarding his somewhat less than blazing speed. His love of the game was always tempered by his deep and abiding appreciation of his teammates, friends, and family. These traits and this balance would propel him forward into a life of service to his nation, state, and community.
Upon graduation from the University of Montana in 1972, Dr. Howard married Molly Harrison, and together they would begin an adventure that would last until his passing. Following commissioning as a United States Army officer and graduation from medical school in Kirksville, Mo., he and Molly began a 20-year career of military service spanning three continents, multiple postings, and friends and colleagues spanning the globe. A family practitioner who faced the challenges of emergency care crisis from Fort Lewis, Wash., to Worms, Germany, to Honduras, he perfected the abilities that would continue to serve his community in Missoula upon retirement from the Army as a full colonel, USA Ret. But every consultation, from his career as an Army physician to practice in Missoula, would incorporate the smile and quip that made him beloved by his family, troops, and community.
Dr. Howard’s passing was preceded by his father, Dr. Lester F. Howard, and his mother, Louise Howard. He is succeeded by his wife and lifelong friend and partner, Molly Howard; brother, Les Howard; sisters, Elaine Howard and Gayle (Lance) Fowler; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Constance “Connie” Idtse Jenkins, DO, ’50, Fort Worth, Texas, died Sept. 29, 2011, at age 85. Connie was born Feb. 8, 1926, in Park Rapids, Minn., to Frederick S. and Harriet O. Hanson Idtse. She attended school in Beloit, Wis., and was the valedictorian of her high school class. She attended the University of Wisconsin and went on to attend KCOM, where she was also the valedictorian and one of two women who received an osteopathic medical degree in 1950.
While attending medical school, Connie met another medical student, William R. “Russ” Jenkins, DO, ’51, and she agreed to marry him. After medical school, they practiced medicine together in Franklin and then in Granbury. Connie was a dedicated mother to three children, Susie, William, and Jerri, and a devoted grandmother to her grandchildren, Kendall, Emily, and Will Jenkins. In 1961, Connie and Russ moved to Fort Worth.
Connie was in private practice as a family practitioner in Fort Worth. In the mid-1970s, she was instrumental in founding TCOM and was a faculty member during its formative years. Connie joined TCOM in 1978 as an associate professor and director of TCOM’s Central Family Practice Clinic. She not only served as president of the Texas Society of the American College of General Practitioners in Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, but also was named “General Practitioner of the Year” in 1992. After retirement in 1991, she received the TCOM Founder’s Medal.
She is survived by her son, William Jenkins and his wife, Shauna Campbell Jenkins; daughter, Jerri Jenkins and her husband, Ivan Koves; grandchildren, Kendall, Emily, and Will Jenkins; brother, Fred S. Idtse; sisters, Betty Reynolds, Peggy Garside, Winnie Pleitz, and Eleanor Hawkins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Margaret L. Jarvis, DO, ’47, Decatur, Ill., died Nov. 29, 2014, at age 91. Dr. Jarvis was born Aug. 12, 1923, in Manchester, Iowa, to Drs. H.B. and Ruth (Hazelrigg) Willard. She married Holly F. Jarvis on June 18, 1954, in Wyandotte, Mich. He preceded her in death.
Dr. Jarvis practiced obstetrics in the Detroit, Mich., area. She was a very active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Decatur, Parent Teachers Association, Eastern Star, and Daughters of the American Revolution.
Surviving are her sons, Mark Jarvis and wife, Vicky (Mariner), Charles S. Jarvis and wife, Suzanne (Martin), Willard H. Jarvis and wife, Elaine (Fujii); sister-in-law, Margaret Helen Dennis Willard; grandchildren, Jaclyn L. Shellhammer and husband, Charles, Michael Jarvis, Paul Jarvis and Laura Brackett, Diana Havener and husband, Michael, Nicole Jarvis, Kelly Jarvis; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Grace Shellhammer and Remi and Chase Havener; and nieces and nephews, Laurie Willard, Jane Willard, Ann Willard, Thomas Willard, and Margaret Deanett Dennis Holley. Dr. Jarvis was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Holly; daughter, Deborah Jarvis; brother, Ralph L. Willard, DO, ’49; sister-in-law, Norma Hattel Willard; and daughter-in-law, Suellen Karl-Jarvis.
Miles Jermanovich, DO, ’42, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., died Aug. 23, 2011, at age 99. He was born in Aliquippa, Pa., on April 12, 1912, and was the son of the late Michael and Mary (Yaich) Jermanovich. He was married for 68 years to Beryl (Stickle), who died in 2009. Most of their married life was spent in New Carlisle, Ohio, with their retirement spent in New Castle, Pa., and Florida.
In addition to his parents and wife, Dr. Jermanovich was preceded in death by his sisters, Marie Gabor, Ann Meriage, and Ljuba Torbic, and brothers, Rodney Jermanovich and Michael Mazine. His daughter, Dr. Nancy Jermanovich, also a physician, passed away in 2000.
Dr. Jermanovich grew up in the steel mill town of Midland, Pa., and played football for Lincoln High School from 1926-30. It was his lifelong dream to become a doctor, and so his first task was to work his way through Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa. After traveling the country by rail during the depression, he found his way to the osteopathic medical school in Kirksville, Mo., and again worked his way through completion of his degree. He scored at the top of the group of MDs and DOs when taking his Ohio state boards. When he settled in the small rural town of New Carlisle, Ohio, he would be the doctor that was always on call, 100 percent of the time. He was affiliated with and served as chief of staff at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Although his vocation was that of a small town doctor, his service to that community was seen as much more, and his impact went far beyond delivering 1,500 babies.
Surviving him are his son and daughter-in-law, Miles L. Jermanovich and Dr. Trudy Jermanovich; one sister, Sophia Orlovich; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Walter R. Kellams, DO, ’66, Estero, Fla., died June 16, 2015, at age 87.
Patricia A. Keogh, AuD, ’05, Utah, died Oct. 17, 2007, at age 37. Dr. Keogh was born in Phoenix, Ariz., on Aug. 10, 1970, and moved back to Fresh Meadows, N.Y., as an infant. She was a beautiful girl, blessed with a brilliant mind and was accepted to the Bronx High School of Science and Art and went on to pursue her undergraduate degree at Albany, her graduate degree from Adelphi, and her doctorate in audiology.
Dr. Keogh moved to Utah in the summer of 2007, where she was lovingly cared for by her aunt, Lillian Smith, and cousins Rich Aldrich, Karen Mandahl, and Bill and Karol Aldrich. In addition to her family, she leaves behind a multitude of lifelong friends and colleagues, who loved and respected her and will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eileen and William Keogh.
John W. Klema Jr., DO, ’43, Kansas City, Mo., died July 2, 2015, at age 94. Dr. Klema was born Aug. 25, 1920, to John W. Klema Sr. and Lilly (Mortensen) Klema at their home in Kenosha, Wisc. He grew up in Kenosha, attending Kenosha Senior High School and Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisc. He graduated from KCOM in 1943. He did his internship at the Wichita Southwestern Osteopathic Hospital in Wichita, Kan., in 1944, where he met his wife, Martha Willems, who was a surgical nurse.
He accepted Jesus Christ as his savior in 1945 and lived a life of service to his Lord and to God’s Word. He was an osteopathic physician in Kenosha, Wisc., for 59 years, after which he and Martha retired to Kansas City, Mo. After 61 years of
marriage, Martha preceded him to heaven. He is survived by his three children, Ruth Klema, Dr. John W. Klema III (Bobbie), and Jane Klema, and grandsons, Mark Klema and Michael Klema (Alicia).
Melissa C. Krepps, DO, ’03, Middletown, Md., died Feb. 23, 2015, at age 38. Dr. Krepps was born on May 19, 1976, to Terry and Mary Burns of Chesterfield, Mo. She was preceded in death by her sister Elizabeth Burns.
Dr. Krepps split her time growing up between Sarasota, Fla., and St. Louis, Mo. An avid scholar, she attended the Visitation Academy in St. Louis where she met her best friend Suzanna Kilmer, who she is also preceded by in death. After that, Dr. Krepps took a full scholarship to Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo. Driven to be a physician, she attended KCOM, earning her doctorate in 2003. There she met her first husband, and together they went on to have their daughter, Vivienne Marie Chassels, in 2002, the apple of Dr. Krepps’ eye.
After completing her residency in internal medicine at Des Peres Hospital in St. Louis, she met and married the love of her life, Benjamin L. Krepps, DO, ’04, inheriting a stepson, Prophet F. Krepps. Melissa decided to retire from medicine in 2008 to be a full-time mother and wife. Her immense talent for medicine was completely overshadowed by her passion for being a professional mom to Lazarus Luther Krepps, Kane Christian Krepps, Credence Cross Krepps, and their older sister, Vivi.
Dr. Krepps knew her God and walked with Him throughout every day. In 2008, when Dr. Krepps followed her heart and decided to leave medicine to care for her children full-time, she attacked motherhood with all the fervor she had for medicine. She was so committed to her new job as a wife and mother; she never once had a babysitter but opted to push every day to show her family all the love she possibly could.
Stephen M. Levine, PT, DPT, MSHA, FAPTA, ’04, Plantation, Fla., died March 3, 2015. Dr. Levine was a tireless champion of the profession, a friend, a gentleman, and a passionate leader. He touched so many lives. Through his work he not only contributed to, but also helped to shape the profession of physical therapy. He was considered one of the foremost experts on the Resource Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) for rehabilitation services and its application to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and other third-party payers. He was a frequent adviser to the Medicare program, and he and his business partner, Helene M. Fearon, PT, FAPTA, were leading the profession’s efforts to develop and implement a new payment system for physical therapist services. Dr. Levine was also a faithful advocate, testifying before the Ways and Means Committee, Subcommittee on Health, of the United States Congress on the subject of RBRVS and federal payment policy under the Medicare program.
Dr. Levine was an active and devoted member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for 25 years, serving in a variety of positions. He was a member of the board of directors for 11 years, first as vice speaker, and ultimately as speaker of the House of Delegates, the highest policymaking body of the association. During his tenure on the board, he served in many roles, including a member of the Board of Directors Oversight Committee for the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice and chair of the House of Delegates Governance Review Task Force. He also assisted in developing the first vision statement for the profession, participated in numerous national strategic planning sessions related to practice, education, and payment policy for physical therapist services, and served as chair of APTA’s Alternative Payment Task Force. He was considered by his colleagues to be a leading force in efforts to reduce unwarranted variation in clinical practice and elevate the standards by which physical therapists and physical therapist assistants practice. Recently, Dr. Levine was at APTA headquarters in Alexandria, Va., appearing as a featured speaker at APTA’s annual seminar on payment and coding.
Dr. Levine was executive vice president of compliance and consulting services for OpimisCorp and a founding partner of Fearon and Levine, a national consulting firm focusing on practice management and payment policy in the outpatient rehabilitation setting. Prior to this, he operated a private practice in Maryland for 18 years.
He received his degree in physical therapy from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, master’s degree in health administration (healthcare MBA) from Virginia Commonwealth University, and DPT degree from ATSU. In addition to many other honors and awards, he was a Catherine Worthingham Fellow (2014) and Lucy Blair Service award recipient (2011).
He is survived by his husband, Bruce Anderson, PT, also an APTA member; father, Stanley Levine; his sister, Wendy Levine; and two nephews, Andrew and Ryan Schiff.
Claude H. Lewis, DO, ’61, Ingleside, Texas, died May 25, 2015, at age 82. He was born May 4, 1933, in Stonefort, Ill., to Oliver and Katy Lewis. He earned his BA /MA degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1957 and began medical school the same year. In the summer, during medical school, he taught at Northeast Missouri State University, and it was there he met his future wife Delpha Davenport. He married Del in August 1959. In 1961, Dr. Lewis completed his medical degree and graduated from KCOM.
Dr. Lewis began his career in medicine in Rockport, Texas. Soon after, he moved his practice to Ingleside, Texas, where he was a caring physician to the community for 40 years from 1962 until 2002 when he retired. He practiced his craft old school, made house calls, and delivered multiple generations of babies that would later become his lifelong patients and, in many cases, his friends.
Dr. Lewis was the first chief of staff of Coastal Bend Hospital, Aransas Pass. He previously served several years as chief of staff and administrator of the Aransas Hospital. He was a life member of the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, served two terms in District 8 as president, and served many years on the Ethics Committee and as district delegate. He was also a life member of the American Medical Association, past member of American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, and past member and state delegate for many years to the American Osteopathic Association.
Dr. Lewis was a civic leader in the Ingleside community. He was the city’s health officer for more than 20 years, mayor for two consecutive terms (1996-2000), and served over the years as chair of the Budget Committee, chair of the Water Shortage Committee, and on the Community Advisory Council (DuPont/OxyChem and Reynolds Metals). In 2002, the city of Ingleside honored Dr. Lewis for outstanding service to the community and proclaimed Friday, Aug. 16, 2002, as “Doc” Lewis Day in Ingleside, Texas. He was a past rotarian, was a 32 degree mason, and served on the Chamber of Commerce for many years and two terms as president. In 1991, the Ingleside Chamber of Commerce named him Citizen of the Year.
Dr. Lewis was a founding member of the board of Tri-County EMS in 1978. He served as director for 36 years and a majority of those years as president until December 2013. The Tri-County EMS building was named in his honor in 2014, “C.H. Lewis EMS Building.” Dr. Lewis served on the ValueBank Board of Directors from 1976 to 2014. (First National Bank Ingleside 1976-91; The International Bank from 1991-98). In addition to serving as director, he served in various positions such as secretary, vice chair, and chair of the board for First National Bank Ingleside.
He enjoyed traveling, hunting, time in nature, and spending time with friends and family. He was a wonderful doctor, husband, and father. He will be missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Ray, Charles, Lester, and Harry Lewis; and his sister, Myrtle Walker. He is survived by his wife, Del Lewis; his son, Alan Lewis and his wife
, Deborah Lewis; his grandchild, Madison Lewis; his daughter, Vivian Lewis and her husband, Doug Chapman; brothers, Carol Lewis and Hubert Lewis; and his sisters, Laura Streich and Alice Brown.
Bernard Lipin, AuD, ’07, Branford, Conn., died Nov. 7, 2015, at age 85. Born July 2, 1929, he was a son of the late Charles and Anna Lipin; beloved father of Hilary Dworkin, Steven (Amy) Lipin, Nancy (Michael O’Brien) Lipin, Jennifer Fennell, Abbie Fennell, Lori (Mark) Ruthfield, and Stacy (Robert) Giglietti; and dear brother of Martin Lipin. Dr. Lipin cherished his grandchildren, Emily, Madeleine, Anna, Margot, Samuel, Hannah, Noah, Adam, Joshua, and Zachary.
Born to immigrants who sailed from Hamburg to Ellis Island in the early 1920s, Dr. Lipin grew up in the Morningside Heights section of Harlem, where his parents owned a tuxedo rental shop frequented by Columbia undergrads. A child of the Great Depression and a proud Korean War veteran, who played the trumpet in a marching band stationed at Fort McPherson, Ga., he was a beneficiary of the GI Bill, which helped him graduate from Long Island University with a bachelor’s in speech pathology. He moved from the Bronx in 1963 to make a life for his family as a Beltone hearing aid sales representative in New Haven, Conn., and became a member of the healthcare and small-business community in his adopted home. But he always considered himself a New Yorker, which meant frequent visits and never paying for parking.
Dr. Lipin was a vivacious lover of life, avid chronicler of life’s moments photographically, and a devoted daily reader of The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. He stressed education to all his children and was always about self-betterment. He obtained his master’s degree in audiology from Teacher’s College at Columbia, a school whose shadows he grew up under, and eventually completed his PhD in audiology at the age of 78 from ATSU. He somehow had time to take German along the way, benefiting from growing up hearing and speaking Yiddish at home. His charitable efforts were also about education. He was a nearly 50-year member of Rotary Club and was very proud of the organization’s commitment to providing college scholarships.
Dr. Lipin was a foodie before the word existed, loving his Zabar’s from its origins as a tiny storefront and introducing it to his kids and grandkids, his New Haven pizza, and his visits to Chinatown and zeal for the next hot restaurant. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Joan around the world, whether it was Argentina, Alaska, or a trip down the Danube. He cherished his summer birthdays and wedding anniversaries in Montauk with Joan, his children, grandchildren, and close friends and began to enjoy winters in Boca Raton. He was a dapper man and indeed one of the earliest known shopaholics who had a keen sense of fashion and style. He was always decked out to a T.
Dennis S. Lynch, DO, ’61, Gaylord, Mich., died Oct. 6, 2015, at age 80. Born April 19, 1935, in Detroit, he was the son of Sylvester and Margaret (Jarvis) Lynch. Dr. Lynch was a graduate of the University of Detroit High School. He received a BS degree in chemistry from the University of Detroit and later graduated from KCOM in 1961. In 1965, he completed his residency at Riverside Osteopathic Hospital in Trenton.
After practicing in Detroit for a few years, he practiced in Pontiac where his internal medicine office was located for 40 years, until his retirement in 2005. He devoted his entire life to medicine and his patients were as devoted to him as he was to them. He was a fellow in the American College of Osteopathic Internists and a Lifetime Achievement Award winner in the Michigan Osteopathic Association.
Dr. Lynch and his wife, Pam, moved from Milford to Vanderbilt upon his retirement from practice. He enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Gaylord Country Club and the Otsego Club, a member of St. Andrew Episcopal Church, and an avid Notre Dame fan. He enjoyed following Fighting Irish football.
He is survived by his wife, the Rev. Pamela Lynch, whom he married on Oct. 10, 1987. Also surviving are his children, Christopher Lynch, Kevin (Linda) Lynch, Colleen Lynch, and Brian (Beth Bakotic) Lynch; six grandchildren, Charles, Emma, Brennan, Michael, Anna Lisa, and Ainsley; and his former wife, Mary Alice Lynch. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Dennis F. Lynch; his daughter-in-law, Maria Lynch; and his sisters, Margaret Williamson and Madeline Harrison.
Robert L. MacLeod, DO, ’87, Litchfield Park, Ariz., died Sept. 30, 2014, at age 58. Dr. MacLeod was born March 12, 1956, in Boulder, Colo. He moved to Arizona in 1959. He was employed as a pediatrician. He was president of the Theta Psi fraternity, a member of the Seven Pipers and Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in Tucson and the MacLeod Society, and affiliated with numerous hospitals and medical schools. He is survived by his father, Robert MacLeod; two daughters, Corridh Puleo and Skye Tetors; two sons, Angus MacLeod and Ruairidh MacLeod; one sister, Lorri Ward; three brothers, Daniel T. MacLeod, DO, ’88, Barry MacLeod, and Tim MacLeod; and six grandchildren.
David B. Magill, DO, ’94, Chicago, Ill., died June 13, 2011, at age 49. Dr. Magill was born Dec. 23, 1961, and was the beloved husband of Guofang Zhang; loving father of Adia, Yongyan, and Jacob; devoted son of Julius Magill and Helene Rosenberg; dear brother of Gordon, Jacqueline, Marc, Sara, Joseph, and Catherine; fond uncle; and friend to many.
Ofelia “Faye” Main, MS, PA-C, ’97, Phoenix, Ariz., died Oct. 22, 2014, at age 63. Main was born Nov. 2, 1950, in the Philippines and moved to the United States in 1967. She graduated from Ohio State University and took further education to become an RN and then a certified physician’s assistant.
Main and her husband, John, have been married 42 years and have lived in Arizona since 1978. She was preceded in death by her father and her sister, Marie. She is survived by her mother; her eternal husband, John; her daughter, Anne; her son, Chris; her daughter-in-law, Yoo-Jin; and her three brothers, Bob, Dan, and Lito and their families.
Alfonso A. Mannarelli, DO, ’51, Lee’s Summit, Mo., died Oct. 28, 2014, at age 91. He was born Jan. 6, 1923, to the late Francesco and Pasqua Yacobozzi Mannarelli. Dr. Mannarelli was raised in Erie, attending Strong Vincent High School and Gannon College. After serving in the U.S. Army in WWII from 1943-46, he attended and graduated from Northeast Missouri State University in 1947 and KCOM in 1951. He completed his residency in anesthesia in 1953.
Dr. Mannarelli practiced as chair of the Department of Anesthesia in various hospitals including Farmington, Mo., Grove City, Pa., Kirksville, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo. He also served as a captain in the U.S. Navy Medical Corp from 1975-78 in Millington, Tenn. From 1959-75, he taught in the Anesthesia Residency Program at KCOM. He was a member of numerous medical professional organizations and served in various capacities including board certification and inspector of residency and internship programs and hospital accreditations.
Dr. Mannarelli was married 45 years to Dolores M. Phillips Mannarelli, also of Erie, who preceded him in death on Aug. 5, 1992. Also preceding him in death were his parents and his brother and sister-in law, John and Concetta Mannarelli. He is survived by two daughters, Dianne M. Mannarelli and Pamela Mannarelli Schauer (Andrew); grandsons, Austin Schauer and Ad Schauer; and granddaughter, Anna Marie Schauer. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Louis Phillips, and many nieces and nephews.
Pearle L. Markle Spangler, Waynesboro, Pa., died Aug. 9, 2014, at age 94. Born Oct. 29, 1919, in Waynesboro, she was the daughter of the late Charles A. and Myrtle H. (Hess) McFerren. She was a lifelong resident of the Waynesboro area.
Pearle was a graduate of Waynesboro
High School with the class of 1938. She later attended Hagerstown Junior College. She and her husband, the late Charles C. Markle, DO, ’26, were married March 5, 1971, in Leesburg, Va. Dr. Markle died Sept. 15, 1994. She married the late Joseph E. Spangler June 1, 2002, in Waynesboro. Joseph died Dec. 30, 2008.
In her early life, Pearle was employed by United Telephone Company. She later worked as an assistant secretary to William Strauss at Waynesboro Manufacturing Company, secretary to the vice president of A.J. Crunkleton Electric Company in Greencastle, Pa., and secretary to Chester Adams and Harold Shuck at First National Bank, Waynesboro. Prior to her retirement in 1993, she was secretary to Harry Morningstar Jr. at Furniture Market, Waynesboro.
Pearle was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Waynesboro, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and served as a trustee and on the administrative board. She also sang as a soloist for many churches in the Waynesboro area. She was a member and past president of Joe Stickell American Legion Post #15 Ladies Auxiliary, Business and Professional Women of Waynesboro, Hager Chapter of National Secretary Association, Hagerstown, BPO Elks Lodge #731 Ladies Auxiliary, Toll Gate Chapter International Association of Administrative Professionals, Alpha Iota Business Sorority, and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She also served with the Waynesboro Hospital Auxiliary where she was treasurer for 13 years. Pearle took the Dale Carnegie Course becoming an instructor for 10 classes in Harrisburg, Chambersburg, Hagerstown, and Gettysburg. In addition, she was one of ATSU’s Still Partners, a major donor to the University, and a recipient of a KOAA honorary degree.
Pearle is survived by two nieces and two nephews. In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by five brothers, J. Forrest McFerren, C. Chalmers McFerren, Paul E. McFerren, Mark H. McFerren, and her twin, Earle L. McFerren.
Wesley G. Mathews, DO, ’87, Kirksville, Mo., died Sept. 1, 2014, at age 58. He was born on April 25, 1956, in Cleburne, Texas, to Billy Gene and Darlene Lanelle (Morris) Mathews. Dr. Mathew’s father was a career Navy man. He received his elementary education in Lemoore, Calif. Upon his father’s retirement, he attended Concordia High School in Concordia, Mo., graduating with the class of 1974. After high school, he entered service in the United States Navy, specializing in electronic warfare. Upon completion of his service, he moved to Adair County, Missouri, where he continued his education at Moberly Area Community College and Northeast Missouri State University while working as a paramedic at Adair County and Randolph County Ambulance Districts. In addition, he was also a CMT and paramedic instructor.
On May 19, 1979, Dr. Mathews was united in marriage to Joanna Christine Stewart in Kirksville, Mo., and to this union three children were born. After completion of his studies at Northeast Missouri State University he was accepted into medical school at KCOM and was a graduate with the class of 1987. He was a board-certified emergency room physician and surgeon with a long career in numerous hospitals in Missouri and Florida, while working at Sacred Heart Pensacola, Fla. (a level-one trauma center). He worked back-to-back hurricanes, Ivan and Dennis, during while at Sacred Heart Hospital, which was the only open hospital in the region. In 2005, upon retirement, he returned to Kirksville, Mo.
Dr. Mathews enjoyed playing music and was a very talented lifelong musician. He also enjoyed martial arts, painting, cooking, training dogs, teaching, riding bikes, gardening, reading, collecting coins, scuba diving, and was a lifelong Cardinals baseball fan. He was a very passionate man who loved helping others, an ordained minister with a profound love for God, as well as a phenomenal human being, father, PaPa, Po-Pa, and mentor to many. He will truly be missed by his family and friends.
Dr. Mathews is survived by his mother, Darlene Davis; two sons, Neil Mathews and wife, Melody, and Adrian Mathews and wife, Tracy; daughter, Kalie Mathews; and five grandchildren, Conar Mathews, Harmony and Riley Poole, Kyler Daman, and Cora Mathews. He is also survived by one special friend, Deborah Ruggles Corrin; two uncles; one aunt; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews; and extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Mathews; one sister, Lynda Eagleson; one brother, Roger Mathews; and sister-in-law, Becky Mathews.
Charles J. McClain, EdD, Columbia, Mo., died April 9, 2015, at age 83. Dr. McClain was born Sept. 1, 1931, in Iron County, Mo., to John and Hazel McClain. He married Ann Kettering Covington in 1995. She survives.
A teacher, professor, and university president, Dr. McClain was passionate about education. He exercised his commitment to education in many venues, always focusing on exceptional student learning and growth. He benefited thousands of students from all walks of life and removed obstacles for them. He loved the concept of excellence and making things better. Many called him an icon of education.
Dr. McClain served in public and private schools in rural and urban settings. He founded Jefferson College in 1963 and was president of the college. He then served as president of Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University), from 1970-89, where he conceived and led the transformation of the institution from a teachers college to the state’s premier, highly selective liberal arts and sciences university. In 1989, he was selected commissioner of higher education for the state of Missouri. The U.S. District Court appointed him the desegregation monitor for the Kansas City School District. In 2008, at age 77, he served as interim president of Fairmont State University in West Virginia. Dr. McClain was a wonderful supporter and friend of ATSU. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1995-2000.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Missouri State University in 1954 and his advanced degrees from University of Missouri-Columbia. He received bountiful awards and honors and authored numerous publications about education issues.
Dr. McClain was dedicated to his community. He was a leader in his church and in all of the organizations he served, including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. He was a great friend and mentor to all lucky enough to know him.
Dr. McClain cared greatly for others and coveted time with his family. In addition to Ann, he is survived by his two daughters and their husbands, Anita and Lewis Kinkeade and Melanie and Bruce Brown. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Elizabeth and Paul, and Paul’s wife, Megan. His four grandchildren and two step-grandchildren also survive him: Gregory; Kate and her husband, Chris; Bryan; Christopher; Ashley; and Devin. His three great-grandchildren, Genevieve, Sophia, and Christian were special delights to him.
Gordon A. McClimans, DO, ’59, Davison, Mich., died May 14, 2015, at age 80. He was born Dec. 19, 1934, in Greenville, Pa., to Alvin and Josephine McClimans. After high school and Thiel College in Greenville, he attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College and KCOM. He received his DO degree in 1959. He interned at Flint Osteopathic Hospital before joining his brother in practice in Houston, Texas. Seven years later, Dr. McClimans returned to Michigan for an anesthesiology residency at Flint Osteopathic Hospital, where he remained for 31 years. He served in many medical leadership roles in Texas and Michigan. His medical education and career included numerous professional memberships. The organization American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists (AOCA) became his focus for many years. He attained a fellowship and was a speaker, a committee member, a board member, and AOCA president in 1995. Following the presidency, he received AOCA’s Esterline and the Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. McClimans’ very full life was shared for 60 years with his wife, Dee. They have three children. They enjoyed traveling the world. Dr. McClimans’ favorite was many return trips to Scotland, especially when the experience included his children and grandchildren. His love of classical music led to his support of the Flint Symphony Orchestra. He served on the board of the Flint Institute of Music, receiving their Dallas Dort Award in 1996. After retirement, winters were spent in Arizona, where he was active at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church. He enjoyed many rewarding friendships there. Activities such as golf in Arizona and at Davison County Club in the summer were important. As his health declined, he cherished the many joyful times with his children and grandchildren.
Dr. McClimans is remembered by his wife, Dee; son, Gordon A. McClimans II, DO, ’93, and his wife, Kim, and children, Alec, Sean, and Celine; daughter, Laurie James and her husband, Paul, and children, Taylor, Megan, and Ben Pitcher, and Kyle and Emily McCormick and their children, Jude, Jackson, Liam, and Lincoln; and son, Steve and his wife, Kay, and children, Dominic and Franklin.
James B. Mott, DO, ’56, Naples, Fla., died Sept. 5, 2014, at age 86. He was born on Sept. 12, 1927, in Carter County, Ky., to Ruby and W.J. Mott. After high school, Dr. Mott went in to the Navy (1945-47) and served during WWII in the Aleutian Islands. After his service, he first attended University of Virginia, followed by Marshall University (class of 1952). He received his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree in 1956 from KCOM. After graduation he practiced medicine in the state of Texas (primarily, Lubbock) from 1957-72.
It was in Lubbock that he met the love of his life, Sue Burdine Mott, on Sept. 3, 1962. They were married Jan. 21, 1963. In 1972, the family moved to Naples, Fla., where Dr. Mott opened a medical practice that thrived on Central Avenue until 1994. Those who knew and loved Dr. Mott will remember him for his caring and gracious manner, his insatiable curiosity, his lifelong love of learning, and his passion for his many hobbies, including painting, golfing, wood carving, jewelry making, clock building, and carpentry.
Dr. Mott is survived by his beloved wife, Sue; children, Brenda Kidd-Gaydos (Paul Gaydos), Jeffrey Mott (Becky Mott), and Julynn Mott; grandchildren, Brandy Kidd (Carmen Falbo), Jonas Weathers (Lisa Weathers), Brandon Kidd (Kristina Kidd), and Michael Pooler (Bess Pooler); and great-grandchildren, Isabella, Christian, Kadin, Alexander, Isaac, and Bishop; brother, Charles Mott; and many loving nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother, father, and cherished brother Bill Henry.
Fred L. Nevius, DO, ’62, North Aurora, Ill., died Dec. 19, 2013, at age 78. Dr. Nevius was born Sept. 25, 1935, in Danville, Ky., to Cal and Frederika Nevius. He moved shortly thereafter with his parents to Tucson, Ariz., where he spent his childhood and teenage years. In high school, he loved sports and participated in track and field. He attended Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., and was a hurdler on the track team. He attended medical school at KCOM in Kirksville, Mo., receiving a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree. He was a U.S. naval reservist. He spent most of his adult years living in Missouri.
During his life, Dr. Nevius was a mortuary assistant and anesthesiologist, operated a family practice clinic, and was an emergency room director and physician. He had a passion for medicine and was a brilliant doctor. He dedicated his life to the healing arts, and he helped countless people live better lives through his dedication to medicine. His family is very proud that he helped so many people and that he loved every minute of it. Dr. Nevius enjoyed playing golf and hunting and loved horses. He enjoyed antiques and all things country. He was an avid coin collector and was an incredibly talented and classically trained pianist. He also loved good food. He attended churches in each community where he lived.
Dr. Nevius is survived by children Scott, Patricia, Lanette, Dawn, and Fred Jr., whom he raised with Shirlye Nevius Derks; and children Lynndsey and Libby, whom he raised with Charlotte Nevius. He is also survived by several grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Kwasi A. Olatunji, MHA, ’11, Brooklyn, N.J., died Jan. 6, 2013.
Merrill J. Osborn, DO, ’39, Willshire, Ohio, died March 10, 2015, at age 99. Dr. Osborn was born in Delaware County, Ohio, on Dec. 10, 1915, to the late Ralph H. and Lucy E. (Adams) Osborn. He married Mary E. Cox on March 31, 1939, in Kirksville, Mo., and she preceded him in death Sept. 10, 2009. He married Carolyn (Goodpaster) Heller on April 16, 2011, at Calvary Baptist Church in Berne.
Dr. Osborn served his country in the United States Navy during WWII, serving in the Atlantic Theatre. He attended Praise Point Church in Willshire and was a member of the Willshire Masonic Lodge, the American Legion Post 207 in Willshire, and the Eagles Lodge in Rockford, Ohio. He also served on the Van Wert County Board of Health for more than 55 years. He volunteered at the CHP Adult Day Service in Van Wert for 10 years.
He enjoyed flying his private airplane. In 1952 he converted his barn haymow into a full-sized basketball court for many generations of children to play basketball. In 1954, he started the Farm Baseball League in Willshire, where he was very successful for many years.
Dr. Osborn was a graduate of Brown High School. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University and received his medical degree from KCOM. He and his wife, Mary, moved to Willshire in September 1939. He set up his medical practice Sept. 10, 1939, in Willshire, where he practiced until his retirement in 1997. He served the community and surrounding areas for 58 years as an osteopathic physician and surgeon. He was on staff at the Van Wert County Hospital until 1997 and after retirement was considered an honorary staff member.
Among survivors are his wife, Carolyn Osborn; two daughters, M. Deanne (John) Taylor and Deborah O. (Dan) Schmidt; two sons, M. Dean (Joann) Osborn and Daryl E. (Candace) Osborn, DVM; stepdaughter, Jennifer Shinn; stepson, Christopher Shinn; 13 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Preceding Dr. Merrill in death were a son, R.C. Duane Osborn; granddaughter, Amy Osborn; stepdaughter, Melinda Shinn; and two sisters, his twin, Martha Swartz and older sister, Ruth Toluba.
Robert H. Pearson, DO, ’57, Woodcliff Lake, N.J., died Dec. 14, 2014, at age 84. Dr. Pearson was a physician for 49 years, but he always said that it was never work for him. Beloved by his patients, he did more than treat; he comforted. He was the kind of old-fashioned doctor who made house calls. He took an active interest in his patients’ lives, which included helping their family members, providing counseling, helping people find jobs, getting them to stop smoking via hypnosis (one of his favorite avocations), and anything else that might contribute to their overall well-being.
A pioneer in osteopathic medicine, Dr. Pearson maintained that the body’s musculoskeletal system is integral to understanding causes of illness. His practice focused on treatment of the body as a whole, combining medication with osteopathic manipulative therapies and modalities. His expertise saved countless people from needless back surgeries and/or lifetimes of medication. But mostly, he was beloved because he cared. Regardless of insurance or being able to pay, he would see patients anyway. If they were sick after hours, he would drive to their home.
Dr. Pearson graduated from Upsala College in 1953 and from KCOM in 1957. He had a private practice in Emerson from 1963 until his retirement, starting out as a young doctor with a home office before moving to the building on Kinderkamack Road, where even Richard Nixon sought him out! He taug
ht for 10 years at the University of Medicine and Dentistry, School of Osteopathic Medicine, and held adjunct professorships at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and KCOM. He mentored dozens upon dozens of medical students, not just by being simply the best teacher around, but also by imparting to them his great love of the profession and compassion for his patients. He served six terms as president of the Bergen County Osteopathic Medical Society and was honored as Physician of the Year by the New Jersey Society of Osteopathic Medicine.
While he wrote frequently for medical journals, Dr. Pearson’s interests were broad. He tirelessly penned letters to the editor, and one of which he was most proud was his warning about the swine flu vaccine, rightly understanding that the vaccine was dangerous and that the hype over it was misplaced. His predictions proved to be correct. He also predicted early on how the advent of managed care would foster the demise of quality medical care. And, always, he railed in letters against social injustice.
Retirement in 2006 did not diminish his confidence and perseverance. He updated, polished, and published his novel, “House Calls.” He produced a musical based on poems and songs he had written over the years called, “Doc’s Changing Scenes,” which was performed by a talented cast in several local venues, much to the delight of both the audience and the playwright. More than anything, Dr. Pearson loved to laugh, loved to entertain, and loved having an audience. His bad jokes are the stuff of family legend, with one exception! His two obsessions were the New York Giants and the stock market. For 59 years, Dr. Pearson was the loving husband of Eleanor, with whom he sang many a duet, even if only one of them could carry a tune (hint: It wasn’t him). Dr. Pearson is also survived by his loving children, Jeffrey K. Pearson, DO, ’83 (Laurie), Lori (Daniel), and Wendy and eight wonderful grandchildren, whom he adored.
Robert L. Perraud, DO, ’54, Gainesville, Fla., died Oct. 15, 2014. Dr. Perraud was born in Teaneck, N.J., on Feb. 18, 1928. He attended local schools and, after graduating from high school, enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a corpsman for two years. After discharge he attended Kent State College in Ohio. Upon graduation he went to KCOM and received his medical degree. He and his wife, Beverly, moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., where he joined his brother, George, in a medical practice.
Later, Dr. Perraud and other physicians built a 200-bed osteopathic hospital in Plantation to serve the local community. He served as medical director for many years and established an intern training program and a podiatry residency. He was employed by Nova Southeastern University in Davie as a professor and manager of an outpatient clinic and the rural health division.
In 1990, Dr. Perraud married Ruth Weis. In 2004, he retired from Nova and moved to Oak Hammock at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He leaves his wife, Ruth, five children, three stepchildren, and 20 grandchildren.
Dinah L. Pesnell, DPT, ’03, Sierra Vista, Ariz., died Aug. 9, 2012.
Ron Poteet, La Plata, Mo., died Aug. 11, 2015, at age 78. Born May 6, 1937, near Macon, Mo., he was the son of Jesse T. and Joanna N. (Miles) Poteet. On Jan. 1, 1958, in La Plata he was united in marriage to Wyananda “Jean” Graham who survives. Also surviving is one brother, Paul Poteet and wife, Sharon, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Herschel, Tom, and Maurice Poteet. He was a 1956 graduate of Macon High School and was employed for many years at ATSU. He was a volunteer EMT for the Macon County Ambulance District and the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department. He also served on the board of directors of the La Plata Community Fire District and the Missouri State Fire Fighter’s Association.
Anthony Raffa Jr., DO, ’36, Tampa, Fla., died Sept. 30, 2014, at age 103. Dr. Raffa is survived by his loving wife, Winnifred; four sons, Frederick (Jeanie), Richard, George (Rene), and Anthony (Scott); daughter, Janet (Gary); stepson, Greg (Lisa); stepdaughter, Sharon; grandchildren, Julie (Tom), Matthew (Robyn), Jackie (Warren), Brittany, Kristie (Steve), Kimberly (Jeremy), and Richard; step-grandchildren, Chad (Elissa), Casey, and Beth (Keith); beloved great-grandchildren, Alex, Sophia, Connor, Jake, Owen, Cimon, Cora, Landon, Sarah, and Kimber; loving sisters-in-law, Susan, Bella, and Bernadine; and faithful friends, Charlie Rozell, Vera Curtis, and C.J. and Pat Keel.
Dr. Raffa was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Italian immigrants. At an early age he aspired to become an osteopathic physician and graduated from KCOM in Kirksville, Mo., where he also became a member of the Acacia club and held its highest office. He returned to Liberty, N.Y., and married his first love, Julia Vera Segar, a kind nurse from a nearby village. Dr. Raffa and Vera set up house above his office and shared a special love. Following the birth of their second son, Vera died unexpectedly. Five years later, Dr. Raffa married Helen Scobell, a home economics extension agent. They moved to Tampa with their two sons and infant daughter, where they were blessed with two more healthy sons.
Dr. Raffa enjoyed a thriving medical practice, as well as a home filled with art, music, laughter, and love. He was active in the Masonic Lodge and became a noble in the Mystic Order of the Shrine. When he was 82, he lost his second love Helen to cancer. At 85, he found love again and married Winnifred Wiley. Dr. Raffa and Winn shared a once-in-a-lifetime love and devotion to one another; never apart and always holding hands, they were an inspiration to everyone who met them. Dr. Raffa was a treasure to all who knew him, and he embraced life with a wonderful optimism. He was a role model for all of us: fun, humble, tolerant, loving, gentle, and kind.
Morris Reisbick, DMD, MS, Gilbert, Ariz., died Oct. 15, 2015, at age 81. Dr. Reisbick was a former director of integrated health sciences for ASDOH, an inaugural professor, and lifelong advocate of dental education.
Dr. Reisbick received his DMD from the University of Oregon Dental School. He completed his residency training in prosthodontics at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). He started his academic career at UCLA. His love for dental education led him to the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, University of Southern California School of Dentistry, and The Ohio State University, College of Dentistry. In addition, he was on the editorial board for the American Association for Dental Research from 1973-83.
Dr. Reisbick joined ASDOH in January 2005. He was instrumental in bringing a new and innovative curriculum model to ASDOH. He published more than 50 papers in peer-reviewed journals, contributed to seven books, and published more than 40 abstracts. He received several grants in his lifetime of education as well. His expertise and reputation in dental research and education allowed him to be a mentor to many faculty, staff, and students during his more than 10 years of serving the School.
Dr. Reisbick was a member of the American Dental Association, American Dental Education Association, and Omicron Kappa Upsilon and life member of Delta Sigma Delta.
J. Jerry Rodos, DO, ’59, Willowbrook, Ill., died Jan. 21, 2016. Dr. Rodos served his patients, students, profession, and community with unparalleled dedication during his nearly 60 years of practicing medicine. His career included experiences in clinical medicine, behavioral medicine, and medical education, as well as leadership positions in state and national osteopathic associations and federal health policy organizations. He would have been proud of the fact that he both lived long enough to hear of t
he birth of his first grandchild and that he was able to continue to see patients until a few days before his death. A graduate of KCOM, Dr. Rodos achieved board certification in family medicine, psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and correctional healthcare. He operated Transitions Counseling and Consultation in Matteson, Ill., and cared for patients in several correctional facilities.
A visionary in many respects, Dr. Rodos was a recognized leader in medical education as well as healthcare policy development. He was one of the original founders of the University of New England’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM), in Biddeford, Maine, and served as the college’s most recent White Coat Ceremony speaker. He served as dean of UNE COM and what is now the Midwestern University-Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, Ill. He also served as interim executive director and associate executive director of the American Osteopathic Association and associate editor of the American Journal of Clinical Medicine.
A health policy advocate long before healthcare policy made national headlines, Dr. Rodos’ efforts to increase access to care in underserved communities resulted in the reauthorization of the National Health Service Corps, originally established in 1972. At age 82, he still saw patients at his Matteson office, provided psychiatric care for two prisons, mentored students, lectured monthly to psychology students, and worked with a program preparing physicians for advocacy in public health policy.
In 2003, Dr. Rodos was recognized with the Pioneer of Osteopathic Medicine medal. The UNE COM Alumni Association also recognized Dr. Rodos’ contributions by awarding him Honorary Alumni status at the Founder’s Reception in October 2015.
A dedicated dog lover and breeder, Dr. Rodos continued to steward dog shows after retiring as a judge. Countless friends and colleagues relied on his expertise when looking for just the right dog to bring home (he remained biased toward Saint Bernards). He is surely enjoying spending time with all his favorite pups that preceded him in death. His interests were too many to list; he always treasured the company of family and friends, particularly when accompanied by a glass of red wine or single malt scotch. To that end, he was a founding member of the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society of America.
Dr. Rodos is survived by his wife of 33 years, Joyce (nee Pennington); his children, Adam (Christine) and Nicole; and his granddaughter, Camille.
Philip A. Ross, DO, ’98, Tucson, Ariz., died April 9, 2015, at age 49. Dr. Ross was born Jan. 22, 1966, to Sydney P. Ross, DO, ’59, and Jennie Sue (Allen) Ross. He graduated from Goodrich, Mich., High School in 1984 and Michigan State University in 1989. After working in Detroit he moved to Kirksville, Mo., where he graduated from KCOM in 1998.
Dr. Ross was a skilled computer technician. He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed playing up until a year ago when he became too ill. Arizona, with its 300 days of sunshine, was perfect for him and he always said the hotter the better! He especially loved the hot Arizona summers and hiking the deserts.
He loved flying radio controlled planes and helicopters and was enthusiastically working with his new quadcopter that would be used to video properties for the real estate company that he and his fiancé owned in Tucson, Ariz. Since the company covers all of southern Arizona, every day was an adventure in the Wild West for Dr. Ross, and he couldn’t wait to work in a new and unvisited location. The couple would travel 1,200 miles in some weeks doing real estate as a team.
Along with his parents, he is survived by sons, Maxwell Philip and Dane Robert; sister, Whitney Ross Mauer and fiancé, Paula Sindelar; and his soon to be in-laws, Agnes and Richard Swisher.
Russell B. Sadler, DO, ’55, Costa Mesa, Calif., died Oct. 4, 2014.
Ronna W. Sandler, AuD, ’05, Potomac, Md., died March 11, 2013. Dr. Sandler was the beloved wife of Perry Sandler; devoted mother of Scott (Kristy), David (Stacey), and the late Rebecca Sandler; cherished daughter of Bassio and the late Sol Wilons; dear sister of Michael and Elliott (Rochelle) Wilons; and loving grandmother of Drew, Katelyn, Aliya, and Rylee Sandler.
Robert J. Sawicki, DO, ’76, Warren, N.J., died May 9, 2015, at age 64. Born in Elizabeth, N.J., Dr. Sawicki was raised in Roselle before moving to Warren 25 years ago. He had a family practice in Linden from 1977 until 2011.
Dr. Sawicki received a BS in biology at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, N.J. He attended medical school at KCOM, graduating in 1976. He was past president of the medical staff at Union Hospital, past staff member of Rahway Hospital, past president of the New Jersey Association of Osteopathic Physicians, former fire department physician in Linden, and past physician for the Linden School System.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Eva (Glowa) Sawicki; three loving children, Todd, Evan, and Alona Sawicki; two dear brothers, John M. Sawicki, DO, ’81, and Roger Sawicki; and dear sister, Diane Saums.
Frederick W. Schekorra, DO, ’60, Laurie, Mo., died Jan. 17, 2015, at age 83. Dr. Schekorra was born Feb. 19, 1931, in Kansas City, Mo., to the late Frederick William and Ida Schekorra.
Dr. Schekorra was a U. S. Navy veteran, having served in the Korean conflict. He graduated from KCOM and practiced in Tuscumbia and Jefferson City for more than 30 years. Following his retirement, he enjoyed playing golf and boating, but his true passion and love was medicine and caring for his patients.
Dr. Schekorra is survived by his sons, John Schekorra and Frederick M. Schekorra, DO, ’84, and wife, Barb; his daughter-in-law, Claudette Schekorra; eight grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; his companion, Pat Moore; and many other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Schekorra; his son, James Schekorra; and his sister, Eva Schekorra.
Donald A. Scheurer, DO, ’56, Port Saint Lucie, Fla., died Oct. 17, 2014, at age 83. Dr. Scheurer is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; five sons, David, Steve, Scott, Joe, and Rob; 16 grandchildren; sister, Joan; brothers-in-law, Milton J. “Mickey” Mintz, DO, ’54, Jim, and Paul; sister-in-law, Patti; and numerous nieces and nephews including Bruce L. Mintz, DO, ’81. He was preceded in death by his brother, Eddie.
Dr. Scheurer graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in New York and Upsala College in New Jersey followed by KCOM in 1956. He served as an intern at Flint Osteopathic Hospital in Michigan before settling in South Florida. He was a partner in the Pompano Beach Hospital where he delivered more than 2,500 babies and did surgery and everything else that was possible in the medical field. He later took up anesthesia. He left Florida on hiatus from private practice to become casino doctor in Atlantic City, N.J. It was there where he met his soulmate Nancy before ultimately returning with her to Florida. There he resumed private practice, working at Martin Memorial Hospital and serving as medical director at the Martin County Jail. During his extensive tenure as a physician and humanitarian, he served his community by founding an alcohol rehabilitation clinic and opening a clinic for migrant workers in Pompano Beach, volunteering at Café Joshua in West Palm Beach, and working at the Hands Clinic in Ft. Pierce. His deep sense of concern for those in need took him and Nancy to Haiti where they worked among the most impoverished people in our hemisphere. At the time of his death he was the medical director of House Calls Express in Stewart, Fla.
Dr. Scheurer adored his family and loved life itself, living it to the fullest and taking time to smell the flowers. He was an active
athlete, author and poet, and artist and never stopped expressing his interest in boating, painting, computers, horses, and sports. He became a pilot in his 20s and even learned aerobatics. He and Nancy travelled extensively and had recently returned from The Romantic Danube River Cruise. He particularly enjoyed spending time with family and friends and always had a smile and joke at the ready. He remained active cooking delicious gourmet dinners at home, and he was quite proud of having bowled a 299 on his Wii just days before his death.
Salvatore R. Sellaro, DO, ’55, Erie, Pa., died June 20, 2014, at age 87. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Aug. 18, 1926, he was a son of the late Anthony Joseph and Madeline (Brandi) Sellaro. Dr. Sellaro was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served during WWII. He was a physician and, in addition to owning his own private practice, was one of the founders and the chief of anesthesiology at Doctor’s Osteopathic Hospital (later Metro Health). Later in his medical career, he completed an additional residency in occupational medicine.
Dr. Sellaro’s interests included operating his own vineyard, growing both commercial juice grapes and vinifera. He had a lifelong love of opera and all visual and performing arts. He also enjoyed fishing.
In addition to his parents, Dr. Sellaro was preceded in death by a son, Mark David Sellaro, and five siblings, Ralph and John Sellaro, Marie Praias, Rita Brentlinger, and Robert Sellaro, who died in infancy. He is survived by his companion of many years, Maureen Myers; a daughter, Dawn Sellaro Ackermon; two grandchildren, Brennan Hensal Sellaro Ackermon and Carly Ann Sellaro; two sisters, Catherine Buchwald (Frederick) and Agnes Jenner (Charles); and the mother of his children, C. Louise Sellaro. Many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews also survive.
Wade M. Shipman, DO, ’81, Rogersville, Mo., died July 3, 2015, at age 60. He was born on May 16, 1955, the firstborn son of Miriam and Don Shipman, in Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Shipman attended Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He then graduated from Northeast Missouri State University and KCOM. He served in the U.S. Army for 10 years where he attained the rank of major. His duty stations included Hawaii; Yuma, Ariz.; San Antonio, Texas; and Leavenworth, Kan. His anesthesia training was at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, from 1984-87. In 1989, Dr. Shipman joined Mercy Hospital as a staff anesthesiologist, eventually becoming the medical director of the Seminole Surgery Center and the Montclair Surgery Center. He was a member of the American Society of Anesthesiology and the Missouri Society of Anesthesiology.
Dr. Shipman married his beloved wife Shanne Laman Shipman, and together they moved to Springfield, Mo., in 1987. Their daughter, Cara Renae, was born in 1991. Dr. Shipman was a devoted family man whose love for Shanne and Cara was unyielding. He was a hands-on dad from the day Cara was born, and he adored her beyond measure. His other passions included his extended family, his friends, his colleagues, his patients, his church, and the outdoors. He always said he felt blessed to have his job, and he was named a 417 Magazine “Top Doctor” for many years. He was a member of Highland Springs Country Club and an avid cyclist, hunter, and fisherman. He especially loved bird hunting with his cherished German Shorthair Pointers, Bella and Suzy. He recently purchased a farm in Kansas and was discovering a newfound enthusiasm for farming. He was a member of King’s Way United Methodist Church, and in the last 10 years, had experienced a period of amazing spiritual growth. He was continually grateful to God for the many blessings in his life.
Dr. Shipman was preceded in death by his father, Don H. Shipman; first wife of six years, Sharon Shipman; in-laws, Brenda and Jerry Laman; and sister-in-law, Hope Laman. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Shanne; daughter, Cara; mother, Miriam Shipman; siblings, Leslee Grabe and Todd Shipman; brother-in-law, Brad Bernstein; sister-in-law, Gaye Laman; nephew, Dustin Grabe; nieces, Megan Wright (Andy) and Savannah Conley (Patrick); and great-nieces and nephews, Jonah Grabe, Harper Wright, Wyatt Wright, and Georgi Conley.
Royce E. Skaggs, DO, ’59, York, Pa., died March 15, 2015, at age 80. He was the husband of the late Mary Jane (McMillian) Skaggs. Born in Eakly, Okla., on Nov. 4, 1935, he was the son of the late Floyd and Fairy (Thompson) Skaggs.
Dr. Skaggs was a pathologist at Memorial Hospital for 19 years. He served in the Army National Guard and graduated from KCOM. He was a member of the Jaycees and the Lions Club in the 1960s and 1970s and was also a member of the Kirksville Alumni Association, plus many more.
He is survived by a daughter, Suzan Adair-Rosas; a son, David Skaggs; a daughter, Peggy Lynn Towson; a daughter, Cindi Lou Cowan; a brother, Ron Skaggs; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Irving Snow, DO, ’65, Ferndale, Mich., died Wednesday, October 3, 2012, at age 83. Born in New Haven, Mich., on Aug. 27, 1929, Dr. Snow was the son of the late Harry and Jennie (Davis) Snow. He was the beloved father of Dexter and Jeffrey and dear brother of Henry (Sandra) Snow, Bernice Eisenberg, Eileen Levine, the late Rose Rosen, Pauline Mendoza, Gertrude Kogan, and Dr. Bernard Snow.
Marcia Southwell Dean, AuD, ’03, Princeton, Mass., died July 18, 2015, at age 64. Born in Middletown, N.Y., on Sept. 9, 1950, Dr. Southwell Dean was the second of four children and the only daughter of the late Richard Bull and Ann Herbert Southwell. While she was still quite young, her family moved to East Lyme, Conn. She met her future spouse at the tender age of 15 during their mutual time at New London High School.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from Boston University, her master’s degree from University of Connecticut, and her doctorate in audiology from ASHS. In 1983, she founded Audiology Associates of Worcester Inc. She held an MA audiology license as well as National Certification by the American Speech and Hearing Association. She was a board certified fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and served on multiple professional boards. Her many degrees and certifications are evidence of the pride she took in her practice and the work she so enjoyed up until her retirement in July 2014. Her influence in the audiology community in Massachusetts was deep and wide.
Dr. Southwell Dean was also a passionate reader, wine collector, cribbage player, shopper, and world traveler. If she could rope family and friends into joining her in these pursuits, all the better. She appreciated family connections and learning about her family’s lineage through stories and ancestry. She was a ninth generation Bull, which her family likes to joke accounted for some of her determination and perseverance. She held her loved ones close and would make any sacrifice for her children and grandchildren. They, in turn, relished her attention and continue to relish her memory.
She will be sorely missed by her husband of 42 years, Bruce R. Dean; son, Zachary Dean and his wife, Erika Dean; daughter, Alexandra Hinrichs and her husband, Brian; four grandsons, Brock, Everett, Nathaniel, and Samuel; three brothers, Richard (Rick), John (Hodge), and William (Woody) Southwell; their spouses, Beth, Marcy, and Kathy and their children, Julianne Southwell, Marissa Southwell, Ashley Douglas, Erin Harvey, and Christopher Southwell; and a tightly knit circle of friends in Princeton, her home of nearly 40 years.
Col. Paul E. Sterner, DO, ’67, San Diego, Calif., died July 26, 2014, at age 85. Born in Hazelton, Pa., Dr. Sterner graduated from Temple University in 1951 with a degree in pharmacy. He earned his DO degree from KCOM in 1967. He interned at the former Lansing General Hospital in Lansing, Mich., and then served a general practice there until 1976, when he joined the U
.S. Air Force.
Dr. Sterner trained as a flight surgeon, attained the rank of colonel, and retired in 1989. Following his military service he was an acute care physician in Port Charlotte, Fla.; Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii; and Captain Cook, Hawaii.
Dr. Sterner is survived by his wife, Eleanor; two daughters, Christine and JoAnn; three grandsons, David, Bob, and Jeffrey Burke; granddaughter-in-law, Jan; great-grandson, Dominic Farjardo Burke; and boon companion and constant shadow, Sir Charles (Charlie).
Jere G. Sutton, DO, ’59, Pueblo, Colo., died Sept. 24, 2015, at age 82. Dr. Sutton is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Margaret Sutton; daughter, Sue (Larry) Sparks; sons, Mark (Emily) Sutton and Darrel Sutton; grandchildren, Cody, Elizabeth, Kaitlyn, Kathryn, and Alyssa; great-granddaughter, Grace; and brother, Joe (Tracey) Sutton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vern Cal Sutton and Sarah Pauline Voorhees Sutton, and sister, Beverly Jo Sutton.
Dr. Sutton was born Oct. 9, 1932, in Fairview, Okla. His practice was with Premier Back Rehabilitation Center of Pueblo for many years. He was past president and current member of American Medical Association of Physician Specialists. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men, American Medical Society, American Osteopathic Association, Rotary, Kiwanis, and numerous other organizations. Dr. Sutton enjoyed his family and friends. Additionally, his activities centered around his faith and community. Expressions of these include serving as a physician, an officer in the U.S. Air Force, and a certified lay minister at his church.
Larry G. Taylor, DO, ’63, Camdenton, Mo., died April 27, 2015, at age 77. Dr. Taylor was born Dec. 22, 1937, to J. B. and Mary (Donovan) Taylor, in Brookfield, Mo. On June 29, 1957, he married Ramah Ratliff, who preceded him in death on March 18, 1993. On April 2, 1994, he married Gloria J. Washam.
Dr. Taylor was a 1955 graduate of Brookfield High School. He was a graduate of Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville and received his degree in osteopathic medicine from KCOM on June 22, 1963. He served his internship at South Bend Osteopathic Hospital in South Bend, Ind., returned to Brookfield, and joined the medical practice with Dr. W. B. Simpson. He was a physician who was proud to be an osteopath and even prouder to be a “country doc.” He was a former member of the Brookfield Masonic Lodge and a member of the Moila Shrine Temple in St. Joseph.
Survivors include his wife, Gloria; two daughters, Sherri McGregor and husband, Roger, and Melanie Stonecipher and husband, Mark; four grandchildren, Brendan and Lairyn McGregor and Alyssa and Zach Stonecipher; and cousins, Virgil Meinholdt and wife, Judy, and Joan Zibell. His parents preceded him in death.
Curtis H. Thomas Jr., DO, ’67, Lochgelly, W.Va., died May 28, 2015, at age 76. Dr. Thomas, “Buddy,” as he was known to his family and close friends, was born on Aug. 14, 1938, in Sophia, W.Va., to the late Curtis Hampton Thomas Sr. and Virginia Burleson Thomas.
Dr. Thomas was a proud graduate of Sophia High School. He attended Mercersburg Academy, a private college preparatory school in Mercersburg, Pa. He graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He attended graduate school at West Virginia University and graduated from KCOM in 1967. Following an internship at Green Cross General Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Dr. Thomas joined Fayette Clinic in Lochgelly, W.Va., where he practiced family medicine with Dr. Donald C. Newell Sr. Later they were joined in the practice by his close friend Dr. Donald C. “Doc” Newell, whom he considered a brother.
From an early age, Dr. Thomas knew he wanted to be a “country doctor” and wanted a big house with columns and horses. He completely fulfilled that dream. He practiced compassionate and personal medicine and was known to make house calls. Upon his retirement from Fayette Clinic in 2003, his need to remain active led him to join New River Family Health Center part time, where he was still practicing at the time of his death. In addition, he was medical director for numerous local skilled nursing facilities.
Throughout the years, Dr. Thomas served in many positions. He was president of the staff at Plateau Area Medical Center and was named Pioneer in Osteopathic Medicine in West Virginia as well as 2002 Practitioner of the Year. He was Collins High School Football Team physician; member of the Oak Hill High School Hall of Fame; past president of the West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association and a member of the American Osteopathic Association. He was an active supporter of West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine as well as a preceptor of medical students. He loved his hometown of Sophia. He remained active in Sophia area civic affairs including the Boy Scouts and was instrumental in the preservation and relocation of the historic Boy Scout cabin. Dr. Thomas was a proud member of the Oak Hill Baptist Church.
Dr. Thomas is survived by his devoted and loving wife of nearly 52 years, Rosalie Bailey Thomas; stepmother, Ruth Ella Thomas; son, Curtis Hampton Thomas III and his wife, Amy; daughter, Virginia Thomas Workman and husband, Robert; grandchildren, Curtis Hampton Thomas IV, Sophie Emerson Thomas, Colten, and Jager Workman; sisters, Jane Thomas Marks and Sarah Thomas Prochaska; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be sorely missed by his family, his patients, his friends, and his most beloved horses and other pets.
John S. Thompson, DO, ’45, Attica, Mich., died July 2, 2015, at age 93. He was born to Seth and Annie Thompson of Whitemore and Prescott, Mich., on June 7, 1922. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; two sisters; his beloved wife, Doris Almeling Thompson in 1991; two sons, Charles in 1956 and James in 1957; and son-in-law, Jon Schoenoff in 2010. Two children survive, Susan (Monte) Reichenberg and Barbara Schoenoff with her two sons, William and Maxwell.
Dr. Thompson attended Central Michigan University for his undergraduate studies then received his medical degree during WWII from KCOM in 1945. He graduated first in his class at medical school overcoming scarlet fever and the bite of a rabid dog in the process. After he graduated in 1945, he interned in Detroit then moved to Lapeer before marrying Doris on Aug. 25, 1946.
Dr. Thompson, in concert with others, was the one of the founders of Lapeer County General Hospital as the first of its kind of hospital in Michigan where DOs and MDs practiced together. Dr. Thompson was chief of staff for 31 years, bringing innovative medical practices and procedures to the Lapeer area, particularly electrocardiography, nuclear medicine, and endoscopy. He completed postgraduate studies under our nation’s leading doctors and foremost hospitals thus becoming the best he could be.
Dr. Thompson and Doris enjoyed traveling the United States and the world including Europe, Thailand, India, Israel, Canada, Mexico, and Africa, frequently traveling with a group named the Nomads. He also traveled the United States and parts of Canada on his BMW motorcycle with his buddy, Elmer Knapp. They were noted for spontaneously driving to Sarnia, Canada, for a bowl of soup on Saturdays.
Dr. Thompson bought what the family lovingly refers to as, “The Farm,” in 1957, which became the family’s summer residence and then his primary residence after Doris died. He rode horses throughout the country, participating in the Michigan Trailriders and Hikers Trail across Michigan including pioneering the first trail completely across Michigan between Thompson, Mich., and E. Tawas, Mich. He along with family and friends trail rode that area for close to 40 years.
He retired from his medical practice in 1996-97 after practicing 50 years. He was a highly respected member of the community, serving for decades on the Lapeer
Area Sheriff’s Posse, The Lapeer County School Board, the Lapeer County Bank, and Trust Board of Directors. He was a mason and a rotarian receiving the honorary Paul Harris Award. He and Doris had many close friends. A special word of thanks goes out to longtime care giver Louann Dawson.
Lizette M. Uhl, AuD, ’04, Knoxville, Iowa, died Dec. 25, 2012, at age 55. Dr. Uhl was born Aug. 22, 1957, in Verona, N.J., to Charlie and Madline (Deitl) Schmidt. She was raised in New Jersey and following high school, she attended Montclair State University, obtaining her BA. She then attained her master’s degree from George Washington University and her doctoral degree in audiology from the University of Phoenix.
Dr. Uhl took a job in Cherokee, Iowa, where she met her future husband, James Uhl. She and James were married on July 10, 1982, in Oldwick, N.J. To this union two children were born, Jessica and Charlie. The couple lived in New Jersey for a few years, before moving to Knoxville. Dr. Uhl has worked for the Area Educational Association since 1990. She loved her job because it allowed her to be with and help children. Her greatest joys in life were her family and her pets.
Dr. Uhl was preceded in death by her father. Those left to honor her memory include her husband, James; children, Jessica and Charlie; mother, Madline Schmidt; brother, Mark Schmidt ; and many other family members and friends.
Hans F. Waecker, DO, ’62, Georgetown, Maine, died Dec. 10, 2014. Dr. Waecker was born in Leipzig, Germany, on Jan. 1, 1921. As a young teen, he developed a lifelong love of jazz and learned to play drums. He was one of the original “swing kids” immortalized in the 1993 film. He attended the Leipzig Academy of Fine and Applied Arts as well as the University of Leipzig to study fine arts and then medicine. This was interrupted by time in a concentration camp and one year being drafted into the Luftwaffe (German Air Force). He was stationed in Holland, France, and North Africa. During the war in 1943, he was captured by the British and brought to a prisoner-of-war camp in Fort Robinson, Neb. In each locale he would organize a band and play his beloved Jazz. Once while in a Paris café he was invited to play with Django Reinhard, an event he was proud of the rest of his life.
He returned to Stuttgart after the war and worked for the American Counsel of States as head translator where he met and later married his first wife, Lore. He also worked with a famous German puppeteer, Fritz Bross. He immigrated to Portland, Maine, in 1949. When he emigrated from Germany to the United States, he brought with him a set of Bross hand puppets. In the early ’50s, Dr. Waecker and his “Swabian Puppets,” toured the South and the New England states, doing puppet shows for the School Assembly Service. The puppetry tours helped him finance the completion of his medical education, interrupted by WWII.
Dr. Waecker graduated from KCOM in 1962 and returned to Portland. He interned at Brighton Medical Center and then began his career in osteopathic family medicine. He loved caring for his patients and was one of those docs who still made house calls. He married his second wife, Arline, in 1966 after the untimely death of Lore. He kept musically active as drummer in a variety of bands and combos. He loved boats and sailing, spending free time on the waters of Casco Bay and his cottage on Cliff Island.
In 1975, Dr. Waecker closed his medical practice and moved to Chicago to take a position as a professor, teaching at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He retired in 1982 and returned to Maine permanently to live in his summer home on Cliff Island. There he continued with his lifelong hobbies of language, music, art, puppets, and boats. He created a new set of puppets, some of which were later on display in 2002 at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland and in 2007 in Independence, Mo.
In 2000, he made his final move to Georgetown with wife Martha. He gave two speeches at Georgetown Historical Society. He welcomed a group of Georgetown musicians to his home to learn, share, and love music. The group played at Celebration of the Arts and at the Georgetown Community Center. He also sat in with local groups in the area. He last played with the Sally Davis Trio in Portland in late 2009.
Dr. Waecker was predeceased by sons Nikolas and Martin. He is survived by his wife, Martha Feehan; former wife, Arline Waecker; son, Thomas Waecker and wife, Ann; daughter, Eva Jacobs and husband, Richard; and daughter, Stephanie Collins and husband, Jeffrey. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Joshua Douglas, Michael Waecker, and Lily and Adam Collins.
Dwight A. Wagenknecht, DO, ’86, Nevada, Mo., died May 25, 2015, at age 58. Dr. Wagenknecht was born April 8, 1957, in Sedalia, Mo., to Carol Leroy and Elizabeth Mae (Renno) Wagenknecht. He was united in marriage to Sherry L. Burris on Aug. 11, 1984, in Kirksville, Mo., and she survives of the home.
Dr. Wagenknecht grew up in Cole Camp, Mo., and attended school there, graduating from Cole Camp High School. He had dreams of becoming a doctor, and following high school he attended Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., and then continued his education at KCOM. He practiced in El Dorado Springs, Mo., and Nevada for the past 10 years as a general surgeon.
In addition to his wife Sherry, survivors include his children, Venessa Heilman and her husband, Bob Murry, Ryan Heilman and his wife, Kelley, Serena Wagenknecht, Craig Wagenknecht, and Erica Wagenknecht; grandchildren, Alexander, Isiah, and Abbigail; one sister, Terri Brines and her husband Robert; two brothers, Kevin Wagenknecht and his wife, Robin, and Michael Wagenknecht and his wife Melanie; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Dr. Wagenknecht was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a quiet, thoughtful man – passionate about the outdoors and fly fishing. His great sense of humor and his laugh will be greatly missed.
Georgia A. Walter, DOEd (Hon.), Kirksville, Mo., died Aug. 8, 2015, at age 91. She was born May 30, 1924, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Dr. Maxwell D. and Tina M. Warner. On Aug. 7, 1943, she married her dancing partner for life, Francis M. “Bucky” Walter. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister, Phyllis. Surviving are a daughter, Cynthia Willcox and husband, Stephen; son, Gregory Walter and wife, Leisa; six grandchildren, Laura Landis Jacobs and husband, Ty; Sarah Perdue; Julia Willcox; Amy Walter Garr and husband, Mark; Mark Willcox and wife, Krystal; and Lydia Walter Flennory and husband, John; nine great-grandchildren, Kaitlea, Ian, and Caleb Garr; Cynthia, Joseph, and Nicholas Willcox; Abigail and Luke Jacobs; and Kayden Flennory.
Early in life Georgia moved several times and entertained her family with childhood stories of living in Michigan, Florida, California, and Oregon. In 1938 she moved to Kirksville when her father became a member of the faculty at Kirksville College of Osteopathy and Surgery, now ATSU. She graduated from Kirksville High School in 1942 and attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (now Truman State University), receiving her BSE in vocational home economics. She was a member of Delta Sigma Epsilon Sorority (now Delta Zeta), Pan Hellenic Council, the Ellen H. Richards Home Economics Club, and the Women’s Athletic Association. During World War II, she and Bucky worked at the Ordnance Plant in Des Moines, Iowa, until he entered the service.
Georgia was a member and Sunday school teacher at the First Presbyterian Church. She authored the book, “The History of the First Presbyterian Church of Kirksville, Missouri” for the centennial year in 2006. She was a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader, taking her daughter’s troop through high school. She served as Becky Thatcher Girl Scout Council leader trainer and camp director at Pioneer Ridge with tents and all meals cooked over campfires, also d
irecting Camp Derricott at Cuivre River State Park. Past president of Delta Zeta Alumna, the National Council honored her with the Delta Zeta Golden Rose Award. She belonged to Third Contemporary Club, KCOM Faculty Wives, Saddle Club, A Z Club, and the Ann Haynes Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Georgia served as a substitute teacher in the Kirksville Public Schools for many years. In 1969 she received accreditation in Library Science and became director of the A.T. Still Memorial Library at KCOM. Georgia belonged to the Missouri Library Association and the Medical Library Association. She helped found and served as president of the Osteopathic Section of the MLA, receiving the Murray Gottlieb Prize in 1969 for the best paper submitted on the history of medicine, “Osteopathic Medicine: Past and Present.” Georgia was a well-known speaker and author on the history of osteopathy. She enjoyed research and writing, publishing the books, Women and the Osteopathic Profession, The First DO: Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, The A.T. Still Memorial Library, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, and The First School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Georgia, a consultant to osteopathic college libraries, was a member of the College Accreditation Committee for the American Osteopathic Association, the Missouri Library Planning Committee, and the Northeast Missouri Library Development Committee. She was appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Committee for the establishment of the Missouri White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services and was a delegate.
Upon retirement in 1986, she was awarded the honorary doctorate of osteopathic education degree. Honors include the Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association Living Tribute Award, Missouri State DAR Women in History Award, Missouri Humanities Council Governor’s Book Award, KCOM Distinguished Service award, and in 2006, she was named an American Osteopathic Association Great Pioneer of Osteopathic Medicine.
Georgia relished times with Bucky traveling, spending winters in Florida, and being with their many lifelong friends. She cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have joyful memories of Grandma’s puzzles, Parcheesi, and performances at the family Christmas program. Her happy smile and loving care will be greatly missed.
Richard D. Walters, DO, ’60, Hebron, Ohio, died Oct. 13, 2015, at age 85. He is preceded in death by his wife, Rosalie (Byrd); daughter and son-in-law, Bethany and Tommy Hudgens; parents, Russell and Lois Walters; beloved aunt, Margaret (Bickie) Walters; and other aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He leaves behind his former wife and mother of his children, Elaine (Dr. Williard) Mitchell; son, Jeffrey (Connie Rohrer) Walters; daughter, Jill Walters Cooper; step-daughters, Lisa Noble and Lori (Zach) Hatcher; grandchildren, Travis (Sara) and Tyler Hudgens, Chloe and Letty Cooper, Rachel and Caitlyn Walters, and Madison Hatcher; great-granddaughter, Devyn Michelle Hudgens; and numerous colleagues, patients, family, and treasured friends, too many to mention.
Dr. Walters was born Jan. 16, 1930, in Newark, Ohio, the only child of Russell and Lois Walters. He loved Buckeye Lake, where he lived for most of his life. He graduated from Hebron High School in 1948 and Denison University in 1952 where he was a varsity athlete and member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Dr. Walters then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in the medical corps for more than seven years. In 1960, he graduated from KCOM, and shortly thereafter, began his family practice in Hebron, which was his passion for more than 40 years, caring for his patients and their families. He was on staff at Licking Memorial Hospital and Doctor’s Hospitals in Columbus, a member of numerous professional and civic organizations including American Legion Hebron Post, Order of the Moose, AMVETS, Shriners, and Hebron Masonic Lodge #116, along with Hebron Lions Club. He was the Lakewood High School team physician for more than 25 years, a member of the Harbor Hills Country Club for more than 40 years, and a lifelong member of Hebron New Life United Methodist Church.
Lance E. Wessling, DO, ’73, Clinton, Ill., died May 23, 2014, at age 66. Dr. Wessling was born July 30, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the second son of Morris and Corrine Schemerhorn-Wessling. He has three brothers, Rex Wessling, Brice Wessling (deceased), and Kriss Wessling, and one sister, Helen Kelton.
Dr. Wessling graduated from Shelbina High School in 1965. He then attended college in Kirksville, where he got a bachelor of science and then went on to KCOM. Upon graduation, he got his license and practiced for 20 years. In those 20 years, Dr. Wessling delivered more than 800 babies, which he said was the highlight of his career. He then went back to school and got a degree in dermatology. He practiced dermatology for 16 years before retiring due to cancer. He also served in the U.S. Air Force, where he was ranked as a captain.
Dr. Wessling met his wife Roxanne (Rox) in the summer of 2011, and they were married in a private ceremony on March 29, 2012. They resided in Clinton, Ill., with one daughter. He leaves behind four daughters, Chrissy Roberts, Angie Shelangaski, Maria Sinclair, and Christina Sinclair; two sons, Charles Wessling and A.J. Wessling; nine grandchildren, Mitchell, Hali, Gaige, Jacqulyn, Kealy, Kylee, Liam, Isla, and Isabella; and finally his beloved dog Geeves. Dr. Wessling was preceded in death by his father, Morris Wessling, and brother, Bryce Wessling.
Holmes O. Wilbur, DO, ’45, Grand Haven, Mich., died Dec. 20, 2013.
Eugene W. Williams II, DO, ’69, McDonald, Tenn., died April 5, 2015, at age 78. Dr. Williams was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and received his bachelor’s degree from Carson Newman College. He later graduated from KCOM. He lived and practiced medicine for many years in Fort Myers, Fla. He was a member of Greenwood Baptist Church and was always willing to help someone in need.
Survivors include his three daughters, Beth Hewitt, Kathy Moore, and Rebecca Smith; eight grandchildren; two sisters, Sarah Brown and Ann Davis; brother, Tom Williams; special friend, Jean Luton; and several nieces and nephews.
Henry J. Wisdom, DO, ’76, Kirksville, Mo., died Oct. 20, 2014, at age 68. Dr. Wisdom was born Sept. 24, 1946, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, to Henry Ellis and Delsie Wisdom. Dr. Wisdom attended public school in Jamaica, graduating from high school in 1962. After graduation from high school, he was a professional pianist in Montego Bay, where he continued his music profession until 1968 when he moved to New York City.
He attended college in New York City and Portland, Maine, where he obtained his premedical school education. In 1972, he enrolled at KCOM, where he graduated with doctor of osteopathic medicine degree in 1976. Dr. Wisdom thereafter did a one-year general internship followed by a three-year psychiatric residency at Kirksville Osteopathic Medical Center. He completed his psychiatric residency in 1980. From 1980-82, Dr. Wisdom served as assistant professor of psychiatry at KCOM. He obtained his board certification with the American Academy of Neurology and Psychiatry in 1986.
Dr. Wisdom served in the United States Army Reserves from 1983-94 in the medical corps. In the final three years of his service, he was the commander of the 901st Medical Detachment stationed in Kirksville. He received his honorable discharge from the Army Reserves in 1994. Dr. Wisdom had practiced medicine in Kirksville since 1980, either through his private practice or providing services through one of several clinics throughout northeast Missouri.
Dr. Wisdom, a lover of classical and jazz music, purchased the historic Selby house in 1984 and changed the home into a coffee house known as All That Jazz, featuring recorded and live classical, calypso, reggae, and jazz music. He also owned and operated Arnie’s Place, a piano bar.
Throughout his life, he continued with his love and talent of music and to play the piano until the time of his illness. He enjoyed his friends in Kirksville, playing the piano, and being a part of the Kirksville community.
Donald E. Woods, DO, ’62, Pasco, Wash., died Nov. 5, 2014. Dr. Woods was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1937 to Rachel Hodges and John Milton Woods. He had two older brothers, Ronald and John. He grew up on a farm in Indianola, Iowa, graduating from high school there in 1955.
Both parents and both brothers were physicians, so following the family tradition, Dr. Woods studied pre-medicine at Iowa State University, followed by medical school at KCOM. His constant companion in these endeavors was his high school sweetheart, Gail Morgan. They married in 1957, and during his internship in Grand Junction, Colo., they had a son, David. The family moved to Grandview, Wash., to set up a private practice, and they added a daughter, Margaret.
Apart from treating his patients, Dr. Woods’ great talent was in the cockpit of an airplane. Combining his talents for medicine and aviation, he made numerous medical missions to Mexico and Central America. As his faith in God grew to become his abiding passion, he became involved in Christian mission work in a variety of places in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Whether baling hay and going on long-haul truck journeys or learning Hebrew and climbing mountains, he was always curious and interested in helping others.
In 2004, Dr. Woods began helping promote the building of eastern Washington’s medical school, the Pacific Northwest University of Osteopathic Medicine in Yakima. When the university opened in 2008, he was able to fulfill his lifelong passion for teaching. Working as a faculty member was a capstone achievement of his life, and in 2012, his students honored him with a “Person I Most Wish to Emulate” award. He loved his students very much and was honored to pass on his knowledge of osteopathic manipulation to them.
Dr. Woods is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Gail; his son, David; his daughter, Margaret, and her husband, Richard Cummins; and grandchildren, Eleanor and Isaac.
Joseph H. Wyatt, DO, ’43, Suttons Bay, Mich., died Jan. 22, 2015, at age 94. Dr. Wyatt was born on Feb. 20, 1920, in Flora, Ill. to Herbert and Stella (Peak) Wyatt. On June 24, 1950, in Detroit, he married Maxine Armstrong, who survives.
While it may seem that Dr. Wyatt’s birth date – 2-20-20 – predestined him to become the respected ophthalmologist he became, he was originally much more interested in athletics and music. A high school sports star, Dr. Wyatt completed two years of premedical training at Illinois Wesleyan before attending KCOM in Missouri, hoping to become a team trainer. Dr. Wyatt chose instead to focus on eye, ear, nose, and throat training beginning in 1946 at the former Los Angeles County Hospital. He returned to Detroit in 1948 and practiced ear, nose, and throat for a decade before specializing in only eyes.
Ophthalmology became the dearly loved work of his life. Founder of the Detroit Osteopathic Ophthalmology Consortium, Dr. Wyatt has been described as a visionary pioneer of osteopathic ophthalmology. In 1961, he began the first ophthalmology-only residency in the osteopathic profession centered in Highland Park, Mich., at the Detroit Osteopathic Hospital. In the early 1960s, Dr. Wyatt and his wife, Maxine, spent two and a half months traveling to 19 countries around the world, where Dr. Wyatt met and taught ophthalmologists. Dr. Wyatt and a friend, A. B. Rizzutti, MD, exhibited their skills in corneal transplant, often in tents set up in rural fields in India and Pakistan, using donor corneas obtained within each country as well as dehydrated corneas.
Dr. Wyatt was honored with the Special Board of Governors Award by the AOCOO in 1990 and the Distinguished Service Award in 1975 as well as many other accolades in his professional career. Upon retirement, he divided his time between Singer Island, Fla., and Suttons Bay, Mich., and found joy in many things such as a lifelong commitment to fitness, singing in both church choirs and barbershop groups, volunteering as a nature park tour guide, gardening, and being a wonderful and loving grandfather.
He was a member of Wyatt’s Walkers, a group of retired men who walked daily in and around Suttons Bay, as well as a member of several coffee clubs, including the “research” group in Suttons Bay. In later years, he enjoyed going on Wednesdays to listen to music at Dick’s Pour House in Lake Leelanau. He loved to laugh. He loved his work. He loved his family and was a loyal friend. Dr. Wyatt’s life was, indeed, a life well lived.
In addition to his loving wife of 64 years, Joseph is survived by his children, Pam (David) Bradshaw, Wendy Wyatt, Stephen Wyatt, and Deb (Neal) Fellows and five grandchildren, Charlie Wyatt, Ben Fellows, Peter Fellows, Austin Fellows, and Olivia Fellows. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Harriet Sailor and Mary Gross.
Robert A. Zimmerman, DO, ’54, Wilton, Conn., died March 27, 2014.