Dr. Richard H. Suhs

Dr. Richard H. Suhs, 76, of Springfield, died at 1:45 p.m. on Friday, October 5, 2012 at Memorial Medical Center. Richard was born February 12, 1936 in Harvey, the son of Henry and Ellen Kuhnert Suhs. He married Carol A. Benson on September 10, 1960 in Chicago. Richard was a 1961 graduate of University of Illinois, College of Medicine. During his training, Richard worked as an instructor in medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine from 1965-1970 and at Rush Medical School from 1971-1972. He was a Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in 1973. In 1972 he was an attending physician at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, as well as St. John's Hospital. From 1975-1988 Richard was an attending physician at Humana Hospital and in 1988 he was an attending physician at Doctor's Hospital in Springfield. In the 60's, Richard was an Epidemic Intelligence Officer and a Research Scientist at Chicago Health Research Foundation. In 1971, he was the chief for the Division of Disease Control and State Epidemiologist at Illinois Department of Public Health and then began his private practice of internal medicine at Capitol Health Care. Richard was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, and a Novak Fellow at the Tuberculosis Institute of Chicago and Suburban Cook County. He also proudly served our country in the United States Public Health Service. He loved his family life, and his practice of medicine. Richard was a member of the choir at Christ the King Catholic Church and enjoyed cooking, grilling, traveling, swimming, snorkeling, and spending time with his grand-daughters, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Carl Suhs. He is survived by his wife, Carol Suhs of Springfield; one son, Richard (wife, Margie) Suhs of Daphne, AL; two daughters, Amy (husband, Jeff) Morrison of Melrose, MA, and Linda (husband, William) Cleveland of Zionsville, IN; seven granddaughters; one sister-in-law, Nancy Suhs of Homewood; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 12, 2012 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Memorial Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield, IL with Rev. Joseph G. Ring, celebrant, and Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz concelebrant. Inurnment will follow at Immaculata Columbaria at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Illinois Capital Region, 928 S. Spring St., Springfield, IL 62704 or SIU Foundation, The School of Medicine, 927 N. Rutledge St., P.O. Box 19666, Springfield, IL 62794-9666.