Dr. Ralph Waldo Emerson Wise

Dr. Ralph Waldo Emerson Wise, a Springfield physician for over forty years died on Sunday, June 22 as a result of brain hemorrhage. He was 90 years old. Ralph Wise was born in Dallas Center, Iowa in 1913. He grew up farming with his father and his brothers and graduated from Dallas Center High School in 1931. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA in 1935. He graduated from the University of Iowa Medical School in 1939. Dr. Wise completed a medical internship at the University of Wisconsin in 1940. His medical residency training at the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic was interrupted by Service in the United States Army Air Corps. In 1942, Dr. Wise graduated from the Air Corps School of Aviation Medicine. During WWII, he served in the 8th Air Force, 379th Bomb Group stationed at Kimbolten, England. He was the group flight surgeon. During his service Dr. Wise pioneered methods to prevent aircrews in B-17 Flying Fortresses from developing frostbite during high altitude bombing missions. He was decorated with the Air Medal and the Bronze Star for meritorious service as a flight surgeon in a heavy bombardment group. In 1945, French President General Charles DeGaulle, awarded Dr. Wise the Croix de Guerre (War Cross) for meritorious achievement while participating in sustained combat operations that resulted in the liberation of France. Dr. Wise achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After service in WII, Dr. Wise returned to the Mayo Clinic to finish a medical residency program in dermatology. He moved to Springfield and began his medical practice in dermatology in 1947. Dr. Wise was the President of the medical staff at St. John’s Hospital in 1967-1968. He was instrumental in establishing the Southern Illinois School of Medicine in Springfield. Dr. Wise served as a clinical assistant professor at the medical school. He was a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Dermatologists and the Sangamon County Medical Society. Dr. Wise retired from his medical practice in 1988. In 1989, the medical staff at St. John’s Hospital made him an honorary lifetime staff member. In 1957 he married Dorothy Sholtis. Dr. Wise is survived by Dorothy his wife of 47 years, and seven children, Mike (wife, Shirley) of Washington, MI, Perry (wife, Diane) of Nemah, WA, Peter (wife, Sheryl) of Springfield, Lisa Rivers (husband, Alan) of Des Moines, IA, Philip of Seattle, WA, James of Springfield, Mara Chenik (husband, Nandi) of Beverly Hills, CA; five grandchildren, three step grandchildren; two great grandchildren. Dr. Wise was an avid gardener, wood-worker and carpenter. He was a loyal Iowa Hawkeye fan. He became a member of Little Flower Parish in 1993. Manifestly, he was a husband, father and grandfather without peer. Friends may call at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home from 4-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2003 with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2003 at Church of the Little Flower with Father Chuck Edwards, celebrant. Burial will follow in Rochester Cemetery where the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Hospital, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62702 or Little Flower School, 900 Adlai Stevenson Dr., Springfield, IL 62703. The family of Dr. Ralph Wise is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.