OBITUARY

Richard Elliott Yitchak Alper, Ph.D., MD, A.O.A.

December 12, 1933 – August 4, 2011

Alper, Dr. Richard Elliott Yitchak, Ph.D. MD, A.O.A. August 4, 2011- Dr. "Dick" has "gone off duty." Dick's beloved wife Gretchen, son James Pontius, daughter Jessica (Corey) Hoffmann, sister Peggy Goldstein, niece Missy Goldstein, nephew Randy Goldstein, mother-in-law, Marion Ferguson; brother & sister-in-law Fred & Kristy Sauby and their families, dear friends Robert & Marilyn Nienkerk, Arlys Danielson, Melanie Mathews, Carole Dahmen, Joan Jensen, and dog Tony, share various memories of his easy-going temperament and his enthusiastic appreciation for humanity. Family who preceded him into eternity: mother Nina Alper, father Dr. Irwin Alper and stepmother Evelyn Alper. Born December 12, 1933 in New York, NY, Dr. Alper graduated as Valedictorian at the Forman School in Litchfield, CT. He earned a B.S. in Zoology at the University of Maine, ME, a M.S. in Microbiology at Syracuse University, NY with a post Doctoral Fellowship at the National Institute of Health. After graduation, he devoted his time at the Argonne National Labs with Research in Electron Microscopy. He also taught Microbiology at the Medical School University of Geneva, Switzerland. Dr. Alper spoke technical French. After Switzerland, Dr. Alper explored an internal medicine scholarship and clinical study at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, with Alpha Omega Alpha recognition from the National Honor Medical Society. Dr. Alper worked as a Pediatrician at Minneapolis Children's in its early years, working in the NICU and ER, and later at the Teen Medical Clinic, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Golden Valley Health Center, Fairview Deaconess, Fairview Riverside Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital and the Hearing Impaired Program of St. Mary's Hospital. He later worked as a staff physician at the Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center, retiring in 1998. Following his first retirement, he worked for the next twelve years as Medical Director of Anoka County Corrections, Anoka, MN. Dick retired on December 31, 2010 when he was 77 years old. Dick encouraged people in his care. With an affirming silence he welcomed stories of fortune and folly. With his humble eyes and curious humor, he gathered pertinent information. On occasion, he shared his thoughts. When he spoke, he found optimistic words that maximized options. Dick accepted each person's description and gently urged peaceful actions for improvement. Dick enjoyed family gatherings and holiday parties. To plan family celebrations, he visited the grocery store (multiple trips) to ensure that his table guests would have enough to eat. Dick favored crossword puzzles, crime mystery novels, feeding the birds, and swimming at the lake. Dick also preferred day-to-day events, such as sitting on the porch, reading the paper and A.M. radio news reports. Memorial Mass 12 Noon Wednesday, August 10, 2011, Church of St. Stephen, 525 Jackson Street, Anoka, MN with visitation one hour prior to Mass. Arrangements entrusted to Gearhart Funeral Home, Anoka Chapel (763) 421-4347.

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Services

  • Visitation Wednesday, August 10, 2011
  • Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, August 10, 2011
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REMEMBERING

Richard Elliott Yitchak Alper, Ph.D., MD, A.O.A.

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RECEIVE UPDATES
Jim Walrath, President

August 13, 2011

Dr. Alper, you will be missed by your friends in the Mercedes-Benz Club of America - Twin Cities Section. Thank you for all your comradeship.
Our sympathies to your family.
Representing your club,

Dave Muhovich

August 12, 2011

Blessings Gretchen. I'm hoping you take the time to both grieve for your loss and rejoice in Dick's life & love. Dave - Bethel University Nursing

Kathy Timo

August 10, 2011

Dear Gretchen and family, we are so sad to hear of Dick's passing. We will miss seeing him ride by with Tony in his lap and always smiling. May God comfort you during this difficult time. The Timo Family

Beth Anderson

August 9, 2011

Grecthen, James,and Jessica so sorry to hear of your loss of Dr. Alper,He was such a caring and nice man. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Beth Anderson

Patricia Hanson

August 9, 2011

I am sorry to hear of Dr Alpers passing. God is with him and watching over his family. I enjoyed working with him. Gods Peace to you

Kelly Schmidtbauer

August 9, 2011

Dear Gretchen & Family~
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult yet peaceful time as Dr.Alper is no longer suffering. He will be missed but always remembered for being a very caring kind soul. I was fortunate to have known and worked with him @ AMRTC. May God bring you comfort & peace. Keep in touch.
Love, Kelly

David Ruud

August 9, 2011

I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Alpers passing. My sympathies to Grethen, James, Jessica and all his family. I always had the utmost respect for Dr. Alper . He was always so kind and affable to all those he worked with and of course those he treated. It was easy to see he was genuine and incapable of putting on airs. I'll always remember him as the kindhearted doctor with the big smile wearing the suspenders! Rest in peace Doctor Alper...you've earned it! Great job!

tracy coffland

August 9, 2011

May God bless you and your family during this time and always.

Dianne and Doug Herman

August 9, 2011

Dear Gretchen and family,

We are so sorry for your loss. May your memories be a source of comfort to you all.

Dianne and Doug Herman

August 8, 2011

Dear Gretchen, I am sorry to hear of Dick's death. I always enjoyed Dick, his humor, his wisdom, his presence. My heart felt condolences to you and your family.
Duane Nelson

IN THE CARE OF

Gearhart Anoka Funeral Home
Anoka, MN
763-421-4347