Raymond C Mellinger MD

East Lansing, Michigan

Formerly of Grosse Pointe Park, MI

Dr. Raymond C. Mellinger died Monday, March 4, in East Lansing. He was 88. Dr. Mellinger’s life was an enlightened American journey that started in rural Ohio and progressed to see him serve his country, reach the height of his profession, travel the world, and help raise a thriving family, with his beloved wife, Joan (Button), at his side from almost the very beginning. After graduating from high school in the Youngstown, Ohio, area, he attended undergraduate and medical school at The Ohio State University, receiving a master’s in pathology and doctorate in medicine with distinction in 1948. Dr. Mellinger began a residency at Henry Ford Hospital in July of that year, but then left to serve as regimental surgeon for the U.S. Army’s 35th Infantry in occupied Japan. After his overseas commitment, Dr. Mellinger, Joan and their first child, Christine, returned to Detroit (eventually settling in Grosse Pointe Park) and to Ford Hospital. He was appointed associate physician in the Division of Endocrinology by its chief, Dr. Richmond W. Smith, in 1953. When Dr. Smith became the hospital’s chief of medicine in 1966, Dr. Mellinger was named head of endocrinology, a post he held until his partial retirement in 1989. His distinguished career at Ford Hospital was marked by the treatment of countless patients, his administrative duties as chief of division, and leadership of the Endocrine Research Laboratory. He was also a leading scholar in his field, having authored or coauthored more than 85 medical publications. Dr. Mellinger had far-ranging clinical interests, but he was best known for his treatment and research of Cushing’s syndrome; he collected more than 150 cases of the disease that illustrated its complex nature. His involvement in medical scholarship extended to his post as editor of the Henry Ford Hospital Medical Journal from 1982 to 1992 and his involvement with the hospital’s Endocrine Fellowship Program, which attracted numerous young physicians from around the world. But Dr. Mellinger’s life was not confined to the hospital. A talented pianist who served as accompanist to various church choirs, he harbored a lifelong love of classical music, which he nourished by attending Detroit Symphony Orchestra concerts and, as a young man, seeing the Russian composer and pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff perform. A book, most often a biography or historical work, was always at his side, and he was quick to engage in deep, illuminating conversations about his latest intellectual discovery. Dr. Mellinger had an interest in carpentry, and spent many weekend hours building furniture in his basement workshop. He and Joan took a keen interest in the natural world; they lovingly maintained their gardens and took delight in identifying the many birds that visited their yard. The Mellingers were globe-trotters, making many trips to Europe and Asia — when they weren’t visiting their family from coast to coast. Dr. Mellinger reserved his deepest love and devotion for his family, which grew to six children and 13 grandchildren. He led quietly but surely by his sterling example, a revered patriarch who during family dinners in later years sat not at the head of the table but at one side, across from his wife and surrounded by his children. Dr. Mellinger is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Phoebe and June; and his beloved wife of more than 63 years, Joan. He is survived by his children, Christine (Tom Greenwood of Seattle, WA), Craig (Barbara Dinneen of Wichita, KS), Jennifer (Gordon Hay of Falls Church, VA), Gretchen (Joseph Kirby of Lansing), Sarah Slattery of Grand Rapids, and Joel (Mary Mellinger of Sonoma, CA); his grandchildren and step-grandchildren; and his great-granddaughter.

No services will be held at this time. Those desiring may make memorial contributions in Dr. Mellinger’s memory to the National Ataxia Foundation, 2600 Fernbrook Ln, Ste 119, Minneapolis, MN 55447-4752. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing, Michigan. On line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com