Dr. Harry T. Azeris

Harry T. Azeris, M.D., 83, of Springfield, died at 3:35 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at Memorial Medical Center. Harry was born on September 27, 1922 in Latvia, the son of Julijs and Hermine Saknitis Azeris. He married Lucy Berzins. Dr. Azeris grew up on a farm in rural Latvia and attended school in the capital Riga. During WWII with the occupation of Latvia by the Russians he left for Germany. He completed medical school in Tubingen, Germany. After the war, he with his wife and two children in pursuit of the American dream, came to America and began work as an intern and resident physician in New York and then Minneapolis. He joined the US Navy in 1954 and completed a tour of duty in the Pacific aboard the carrier USS Bennington. He completed his 6 years active service at the Great Lakes Training Center. In 1960, Dr. Azeris came to Springfield and began his private practice as a surgeon with the Physician’s Group Clinic. In addition, from 1960 until August of 1982, every Monday evening he continued to serve his country as a physician at the Naval Reserve in Springfield, IL. He retired as a Commander, US Navy. As a physician in Springfield, Dr. Azeris maintained admitting and surgical privileges at St. John’s Hospital, Memorial Medical Center, and Doctor’s Hospital. He also served for many years as the President of the Physician’s Group Service Corporation and was active in the Sangamon County Medical Association. In his additional capacity as a clinical professor at the SIU School of Medicine since 1972, he taught and mentored numerous residents and medical students. He continued his active surgical practice until approximately 1995 and thereafter continued an outpatient practice until retirement in 2000. Dr. Azeris embodied the highest principles of the medical profession. He was compassionate, caring and considerate to not only his patients, but to colleagues and hospital staff. His wit and charm endeared him to all that knew and worked with him. After retirement, he continued to enjoy the respect and friendship of all those whom he had treated and those with whom he had worked. Dr. Azeris was a kind and gentle man with a sunny and genial disposition. He and his wife of more than 60 years, Lucy, enjoyed a very social and outgoing life and regularly hosted parties and events at their lake home. In addition, he and his wife were avid bowlers and participated in two leagues for 20 years. Because of their love of dancing they participated and were instrumental in forming the dance group of Springfield called the Nighthawks. Later in life, Dr. Azeris picked up the game of golf and applied his cheerful optimism to an often difficult and frustrating game. He became active in a senior league and played often with friends and family at Bergen Park. They also held their Latvian heritage dear and their home was often host to the Latvian celebration which centered around the summer solstice called “John’s Day”. The event included Latvian cooking, singing and observation of other ethnic practices. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. He was a member of the American Medical Association, Illinois State Medical Society, Sangamon County Medical Society, Springfield Medical Club and the Association of Military Surgeons. He also held memberships with the Sangamo Club, WMCA, Reserve Officers Association (ROS) and Nighthawks Dance Club. He also was a former member of Island Bay Yacht Club. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Ilga Melkerte and Aija Azeris and one brother: Uldis Azeris. He is survived by his wife, Lucy Azeris of Springfield, two daughters: Monika (husband, Robert) Klasing of Glen Ellyn, Agnes (husband, J.B.) Wood of Springfield; one son: Ivar (wife, Donna) Azeris of Wheaton; six grandchildren: Mara Little, Lara Klasing, Adam and Ehren Azeris and Chelsea and Lacey Wood; one brother: Juris (wife, Lija) Azeris of Latvia and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 29, 2006 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Cremation will be accorded by the Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Memorial Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at Camp Butler National Cemetery, with Rev. Thomas Christell officiating. Memorial Contributions may be made to: Grace Lutheran Church, 714 E. Capitol Ave., Springfield, IL 62701. The family of Harry T. Azeris, M.D. is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home.