Dale Lee Kemmerer

Dale L. Kemmerer, M.D., died on October 16, 2023 at home in Colorado Springs, CO. Dr. Kemmerer was born of German lineage in Allentown, PA. His ancestors were farmers who immigrated to America in the early 18th century. Born on August 11, 1933, the son of Lillian Lucas and Ernest N. Kemmerer, he was reared in an extended family of four living generations. His parents were clerks in a local shoe store for nearly all of their adult working life.

Educated for twelve years in the public schools, he was a student leader active in Boy Scouts, Key Club, and an honor student graduate of Allentown High School in 1951. His religious education was in St. Matthews Lutheran Church where he was the first acolyte when that church was rebuilt in 1947. He earned his Eagle Scout Award in 1951. He won a full scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania by way of the NROTC. He was a member of the Houston Hall Student Board, manager of the soccer team, vice president of ATO, a dorm proctor, a member of Phi Kappa Beta Junior Honor Society and Friars Senior Honor Society. Upon graduation he was commissioned an ensign in the United States Navy serving four years as an engineer in the Atlantic Destroyer Force and later in the Reserve Fleet.

Dr. Kemmerer entered medical school in 1959 and graduated from Hahnemann Medical University in 1963. After one year internship in Bethlehem, PA, he entered private practice in Phoenixville, PA. He was associated throughout his career there with Dr. Macy Solomon and Dr. Vincent Ciacci. Dr. Kemmerer's love of primary medical care was especially acute in obstetrics. He was board certified by the American Board of Family Practice in 1974. A leader in Phoenixville community affairs, he served on the YMCA Board for six years and was President from 1970-71. He also served on the Schulykill School Authority, Ken-Crest Board, and was a volunteer for many years with the Visiting Nurses where he conducted a well-baby clinic on a weekly basis.

Dr. Kemmerer and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Zikmund (Liz), moved to Montana in 1975, where Dr. Kemmerer enjoyed seven years of family practice in the Red Lodge Clinic. He also enjoyed fishing, backpacking, skiing, camping, and cutting wood. Dr. & Mrs. Kemmerer were foster parents for several years.

Dr. Kemmerer was active in civic affairs including Scout Master of Troop 481, an ambulance and rescue squad advisor, and Rotary Club President.

In 1982, Dr. Kemmerer changed his professional direction to emergency medicine and became the director of Emergency Medicine at Lutheran Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center, Grand Island, NE. A leader in emergency medical services, he was a member of numerous state and local boards and councils. Dr. Kemmerer was an advocate for improving rural health emergency care. He was given the 1986 Kimball Award for Emergency Medical Volunteer of the Year. He was chairman of Nebraska Traffic Safety Now and active in seat belt legislation and trauma prevention. He was well known as the "seat belt doctor".

Dr. & Mrs. Kemmerer were active in the Rotary International Student Exchange Program hosting many foreign students. Dr. Kemmerer was the regional Medical Director for Spectrum Emergency Care from 1987 to 1993. In October-1993, Dr. Kemmerer retired from Spectrum Emergency Care. He continued emergency and primary practice at several Colorado hospitals including St. Francis Emergency Department and Evans Army Community Hospital.

He and his wife, Liz, were both active in All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church. Dr. Kemmerer especially cherished his role as Forum leader.

His major loves included hiking, camping, and fishing. He was a national leader in the Sierra Club Outing program. He also enjoyed reading and politics and authored about ten technical papers which appeared in medical journals.

He remained active in several non-profit health agencies including SET of Colorado Springs. He initiated with SET a free clinic for non-insured patients.

Dr. Kemmerer was proceeded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth (Liz) Kemmerer and is survived by his children; Jeffrey Kemmerer, Michele Yevelson, Craig Kemmerer, and foster son Seth Metteer; grandchildren, Ethan Yevelson, Alexander Yevelson, and Lily Kemmerer. Donations may be made to SET Family Medical Clinics and All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, Colorado Springs, CO.

A Celebration of Life will be held at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church on November 20th, 2023 from 11:00am-2:00pm. Recorded music will feature Rhapsody in Blue, Amazing Grace, and My Blue Boat Home. Private entombment will take place at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, Colorado Springs.

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