Walter Jack Stelmach MD

Walter Jack Stelmach, MD, 86, Kansas City, Missouri, died Sunday, July 22, 2012, after a short illness. Born in Kansas City, KS, he spent all of his life in the Kansas City area. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 28, at 2:00 PM, in the sanctuary at Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 West 47th Street. Starting at 1:00 PM, the family will receive visitors in the Narthex of the church. Jack is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia; three children and six grandchildren: son Christopher and children Rachel and Anna; daughter Cheryl Beaver (David) and children Sarah York (Jason), Tyler, Kathryn, and Thomas; son Jeffrey (Dan). He is survived by one great-grandchild, Harper York. He is also survived by his sister, Tania Powell (Richard), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Stella Stelmach (who emigrated from Russia); his brother, Jacob, and four sisters, Mary Goodrick, Nadine Quisenberry, Ann Andrews, and Olga Walker. In his youth, Jack was a serious violinist, and his love of music continued throughout his life. Jack served in the Navy during World War II as a pharmacist’s mate. After the war, he received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas City and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Kansas. Jack will be remembered for his leadership in creating the Baptist Medical Center Family Practice Residency Program (Goppert Family Care). The original purpose of the program continues today, focused on the training of new family physicians. Jack will also be remembered for the kindness and compassion he shared with the many patients he treated in his career that included both private and clinical practices. In addition to being a well-known area physician and education administrator, he was past President of the American Academy of Family Physicians as well as the Academy’s local and Missouri organizations. He also served as President of the AAFP Foundation and the American Board of Family Practice. He was passionate about medical boards and associations. This started with his participation in the Ditchley Park Conference on Development of Health Services and Medical Care (Britain, Canada, US) in 1972. Following that, he served as President of Family Health Foundation of America and Council of Medical Specialty Societies; Chairman of the Graduate Medical Educational National Advisory Committee, Shepherd’s Centers of America; Associate Dean of UMKC-School of Medicine; and was a member of many medical organizations including the Jackson County Medical Society, Southwest Clinical Society and the Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Medical Society. After retirement, he facilitated the American Board of Family Practice Partners in Health Program in cooperation with the Shepherd’s Centers of America and was on the Board of Trustees of the Baptist Trinity Lutheran Legacy Foundation. During his lifetime, he received many honors including the UMKC Alumni Award, John G. Walsh Award, Max Cheplove Award, AAFP Award of Merit, ABFP Award of Merit, Metropolitan Medical Society Merit Award, Shepherd’s Centers of America Samuel Curtis Reaves Award, and Ingram’s Magazine Class of 2005 Heroes in Health Care. He was the author of numerous publications and presentations. He was also a private pilot. His early love of the violin extended throughout his life in his support of UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance and his friendship with its students. Jack was also an Honorary Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and served Camp Bartle in its health lodge. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to W. Jack Stelmach Resident Education Fund, established in his honor at Baptist Medical Center and later incorporated into the Baptist Trinity Lutheran Legacy Foundation, AAFP Family Health Foundation, or Women’s Committee for the Conservatory of Music and Dance at UMKC for Walter J. and Patricia Stelmach Violin Scholarship. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.