God blessed Dr. Kirsner with many deserved years, and God blessed me and others with Dr. Kirsner. Rest in peace, Doctor. The world dictionary needs to be changed; where the definition for "doctor" appears, all that's needed is the name, Joseph B. Kirsner.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the Kirsner family.  GI Joe saved my mother's life back in 1967 and has touched countless others during his renowned career. His knowledge, dedication and compassion I'm sure, can never be surpassed.  I read his book, "GI Joe" after which I wrote him a letter. He took the time to write me back and I will always treasure his reply. The world has lost a true legend. My deepest sympathies to you and all whose lives he touched.

Having been associated with Dr. Kirsner for the 12 years that I was at Michael Reese Hospital, I feel very privileged and fortunate to have met this truly extraordinary doyen and father of Chicago gastroenterology.

Dr. Kirsner and my father Martin Kirshen were well acquainted having both worked in the same field for many years. I ran into Dr. Kirsner at AGA meetings for years and heard him lecture often, and had consulted his textbook also. My sincere condolences to his family.

Dr. Kirsner's first words when meeting me in January 1974, “Mrs. Drell, I know you are physically very sick.  We will find out what is wrong, and you will get better!” And yes, Dr. Kirsner and his excellent colleagues helped get me better! Whenever I saw Dr. Kirsner, I always felt a god-like presence.  He was the most well respected man and human being I have ever known. Robert, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.  I am grateful for your help in arranging that lengthy phone conversation I had with your Dad several years ago.  Dr. Kirsner was an extraordinary man, and the likes of him shall not pass this way again.  The memory of him will remain with me forever.

I feel honored to have had you as my mentor. I will miss your presence in my life.

The last 2 times I attended one of Dr Joe(as they call him) lecture, when it was time to send questions,he each time answered mine and as he said, kept it for last: Q what is the secret of you longevity- A: do what you want to do,love it and never stop.
Our family was honored to have known you.

The world, medicine, academia, gastroenterology, and his countless colleagues, patients and friends, have lost a Giant in the passing of Dr. Joe.  I was a grateful patient of his as a medical student at the University, became a full-time member of his GI group for over 40 years, and was among the many whose careers he initiated and profoundly enhanced.  My wife, Pat, and I were privileged to appreciate Joe and Minnie as dear friends, and wish to express our sincere condolences to Bob, Elaine and their entire family.
Sumner Kraft

Because this great man was here, I and so many others are here. He was the best most caring doctor and person. Dr. Kirsner will be missed by anyone who was lucky enough to have known him.

Words are inadequate to express our feelings on the passing of the man that saved my life 64 years ago, and remained my friend. I was proud to serve on the GIRF Board when he called 35 years ago, and will treasure my signed copy of his book, GI Joe.
Our family wish his son, grandchildren and great grandchildren peace.
Most Sincerely,
Ralph Kaufmann

Now you can finally take a rest! I was Dr. Kirsner's clinic coordinator in the 70s and felt privileged to work for and him. I learned so much! I kept checking on him through the internet ...he truly has done so much for so many! God speed! Maggie Wellington

Sincere condolences to Bob and family on the passing of a wonderful dad and to countless others on the loss of an inspirational mentor,colleague, friend, dedicated doctor and one of the truly great gastroenterologists of his era who put the specialty on the medical map. They do not make the likes of him any more. He will be remembered by very many and especially by me who spent 3 very happy and instructive years at U Of C before returning to the UK.  Dr Peter Reed

The death of Doctor J.B Kirsner is very moving for me.I came from Paris in 1970 for a fellow ship ,and during 2 years he tought me all I know in Gastrenteroly,and a different way of learning and practicing medicine.He changed my life. And when he sent me his biography in 2009,I was very impressed that he remembered me.

I worked with Dr. Kirsner many years ago. He was a man of conviction who always felt strongly about how his patients were treated and always wanted the best from those with whom he worked. He held a special place in my life and I have many great memories of our working together. Thanks, Dr. Joe.

This man and Dr. Block saved my brother's life back in the eighties.  We will always be grateful.

cousin bob.. i am so sorry to hear about the passing of uncle joe.. he was such a wonderful man, who made our family so incredibly proud, to say he was and is our uncle.. with all my love.. cousin eileen polonsky

Joe was the most knowledgeable and brilliant man we knew. He will be missed sorely by his family, friends, and colleagues. 
We'll miss you very much.

Doctor Joe, you were one of the truly great doctors in history. You not only were a legend in the research and treatment of IBD, but a caring dedicated man who inspired so many others, including me. I dedicate so much of my career to that inspiration. We will miss you dearly. God blessed all of us through you.

Doctor Kirsner, Youe were the best Doctor I ever had. I will miss you so much. I will alwys remeber you.  I love you.

You were the best Doctor I ever had.  I will miss you so much.  I will never forget you.  Much love, Sister Catherine Cox, OP

Bob, so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I learned a lot about the world and GI while working for your father.

OBITUARY

Joseph Kirsner MD

September 21, 1909 – July 7, 2012

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