Walter Baisier MD

Dr. Walter Baisier, 77, of Anthem, AZ, formerly of Springfield, died on Friday, July 15, 2011 in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Baisier was born in Meerbeke, Belgium on June 28, 1934, the son of Maurice and Jeanne Baisierthe oldest of four children. He grew up during and after World War II in Meerbeke, graduating from high school at Saint Katherine's College in Geraardsbergen, Belgium. Dr. Baisier received his undergraduate and medical degrees at the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. On June 2, 1962 he married Maria Seuntjens. Later that summer, they sailed to the United States, where Walter continued his medical training as an orthopedic surgeon. Walter and Maria lived in New Haven, Connecticut and Boston, Massachusetts while Walter completed his medical training. In 1965, Walter and Maria moved to Springfield, where Walter had accepted a position at the Springfield Clinic. On the way to Springfield, the young couple welcomed their son Paul into the world. Sixteen months later, in October of 1966, Maria and Walter became proud parents again with the birth of their daughter Wendy. Dr. Baisier practiced in the orthopedic department at the Springfield Clinic with many fine colleagues from 1965 until his retirement in 1995. During his 30 years of practice, he helped thousands of people with their orthopedic problems. In May 1970, Dr. Baisier became the first doctor in Springfield to perform a total hip replacement, and completed his one hundredth hip replacement on September 27, 1972. Over the years, Dr. Baisier performed thousands of hip and knee replacements, helping his patients regain the ability to walk without pain. Dr. Baisier was also one of the early advocates and users of arthroscopy, and worked extensively in spinal surgery throughout his career. In addition to his work with patients, Dr. Baisier was very involved in the management of the Clinic, helping it to grow into the Springfield Clinic that it is today. After his retirement, Dr. Baisier and his wife became active in the Academy of Lifelong Learning, planning trips around the State of Illinois. Dr. Baisier also supported Maria in her involvement in the Prairie State Orchid Society. Maria passed away in June of 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. Walter is survived by his son, Paul (wife, Suzanne) Baisier of Atlanta, GA; his daughter, Wendy (husband, Jeff) Patterson of Anthem, AZ; and six grandchildren (Holly and Spencer Offenberger and Caroline, Daniel, Mark and Paul (Jr.) Baisier). Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:30-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 22, 2011 at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Dr., Springfield with Rev. Msgr. John Ossola, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of the Valley Fund DevelopmentSherman House, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656.