Ned P. Masbaum MD

Ned P. Masbaum, a beloved husband, father, friend, and dedicated doctor passed away at the age of 85 on October 10, 2023. He leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and service. Ned was a former Lt. Commander with the US Navy; he served the country he loved wholeheartedly as a Psychiatrist at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, New Hampshire from 1967 to 1969. LCDR Ned P. Masbaum was honorably discharged in November 1969 and received the Naval Defense Service Award. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on October 17, 2023, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Cicero, Indiana. He received full military honors.

Ned was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1938. He was the son of Maurice Anthony and Marjorie Hueber Masbaum. Ned P. Masbaum, MD was a devout Catholic whose faith guided every aspect of his life. He received his first communion at Precious Blood Church in Fort Wayne on May 19th, 1946. Ned attended and graduated from Precious Blood School and Central Catholic High School. It was at Precious Blood Catholic Church as a grade schooler and Central Catholic High School where Ned’s love for his faith and his love for Jesus Christ became the cornerstones for living a life of faith and service to others. Likewise, it was at Precious Blood Catholic School where Ned first became familiar with a version of the Pieta; it inspired him throughout his entire life. Doctor Ned attended Mass faithfully but also volunteered his time to help those in need. His unwavering faith and compassion for others was an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to know him.

Ned P. Masbaum was not only a faithful Catholic, but also a highly respected doctor. He earned his medical degree from Indiana University and went on to serve his community as a dedicated physician for over fifty-six (56) years. Before serving his draft time at a US Naval Submarine base in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Dr. Masbaum completed his residency at Marion County General Hospital. There, one of his most memorable experiences as a doctor was delivering babies. Dr. Ned was still practicing medicine as a Forensic Psychiatrist at the time of his death and a member of the medical staff at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. His compassionate bedside manner and commitment to his patients earned him respect throughout the medical community.

Ned Masbaum married the love of his life, Emcele Torgensen (Deceased) at St. Charles Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana the same weekend he graduated from Medical School. They were married for fifty-one (51) years. Their bond was a shining example of enduring love, partnership, faith, service, and love of Jesus Christ. Their love for Christ and the Catholic Church inspired both to lead a life of service. Ned’s loving support of his dear wife, Emcele lead them to Rome where they met Mother Teresa. That meeting lead to Ned and Emcele establishing under the guidance of Mother Teresa, a local Lay Missionaries of Charity in Carmel. (On behalf of Dr. Masbaum - a special note of thanks to the Missionaries of Charity and the Lay Missionaries of Charity from Our Lady of Mount Carmel for visiting Dr. Ned and praying with him during his hospital stay.)

Ned P. Masbaum was not just a healer and a spouse; he was a dear friend to many. His warm smile, sense of humor, generosity, and listening ear made him a trusted confidant to countless individuals. Doc was a licensed instrument rated pilot; he was a lifelong learner and embraced every opportunity to explore the outdoors and lived life passionately and with purpose. He had a knack for bringing joy, happiness, and comfort to all those lucky enough to have known him. Ned left an indelible mark on this world, the lives he touched and the love he shared. His legacy will live on in our hearts forever. Eternal rest grant unto him, Oh God, and may perpetual light shine upon him. “Fair Winds and Following Seas,” my Dear Friend. I IV III (I love you), DOC!