Dr. Leonard Paul Christian Mogelvang

Dr. Leonard Paul Christian Mogelvang, affectionately known as “Doc,” passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family in Naples, Florida. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Doc’s life was a testament to his faith, his service to others, and his unwavering commitment to healing.

Born in Mayfield, Kentucky, Doc’s journey of service began with his education at the University of Florida, where he earned his medical degree in 1966. During his time at UF, he was a dedicated member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity for eight years, forming lifelong friendships and embracing the fraternity’s values of leadership and service. He then answered the call to serve his country as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy Medical Corps from 1967 to 1969. Following active duty, he continued his service in the Naval Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1975.

After his military service, Doc pursued advanced medical training and became a board-certified physician specializing in general surgery and plastic surgery, receiving his license in 1967. Doc completed his residency training, in 1973, after serving at Harvard Surgical Service, Boston City Hospital. In 1975, Doc was the first medical professional in Naples to establish a plastic surgery practice. As owner and operator, he completed construction in 1983 on Naples Plastic Surgery center, a fully operational, stand-alone ambulatory surgery facility, and maintained his practice until he retired in 2006.

During his career, Doc became the area’s expert in hand reconstruction. He dedicated countless hours to the NCH emergency room, working to restore not only the hands but also the patients’ livelihoods. For years after Doc retired, many of those patients continued to praise Doc’s skill as a surgeon and his compassionate bedside manner. When the name Mogelvang was mentioned in the community, former patients eagerly shared stories of Doc’s unwavering commitment and expertise.

His passion for medicine extended beyond the operating room as Doc published articles, lectured on surgical advancements, and mentored the next generation of physicians all over the world. As a doctor in Florida, he became the area’s leading expert on snake venom and oversaw usage of anti-venom vaccines to help patients recover from deadly snake bites.

More than a man wearing a white coat and wielding a stethoscope, Doc was a man of deep faith. A devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church for over 50 years, he led his family in a life rooted in Christian values. Doc’s faith was not just personal but generational, as he proudly witnessed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren baptized as Lutherans.

Doc was also a man of adventure and a passionate steward of nature. An avid hunter and fisherman, he taught his children to appreciate and respect the outdoors, spending time together in the Florida Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico. From lobstering in the Florida Keys to scuba diving the Gulf ’s waters, Doc embraced the outdoors with a sense of wonder and adventure. He was a proud member of Ducks Unlimited and the Pink Jeep Hunt Club and always sought to preserve the lands and waters for hunting and fishing. Music was another of his great loves—whether singing, playing the guitar, or whistling along to Johnny Cash. He was even known to write poetry.

Above all, Doc’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Sandra Joy “Sandy” Mogelvang; daughter Kimberly Gonder (Scot); son Christian Mogelvang (Kami Jo); daughter Melanie Hovland (Patrick Ruff); son Erik Mogelvang (Cindy); 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Anne Juergensen (Walter).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Elaine Gatlin Mogelvang, of Higdon, Arkansas, and Paul Hans Mogelvang, of Holbeck, Denmark.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church, 860 Banyan Blvd., Naples. If you knew Doc and were touched by his life, please join the family for his service.

Doc’s life was one of faith, healing, and adventure—his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.