Dr. Leon Louis Ampel

Leon Louis Ampel, MD, 89 died on October 25, four days before his 90th birthday. He is survived by his children Jill (Chris) Nellis, Ross (Janet) Ampel and Jackie (Marc) Lapides, his grandchildren Jake (Nicole) Glaser, Jessica Ampel and Max Lapides and numerous friends. Dr. Ampel was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years Janie I. Ampel (nee Isador).

Dr. Ampel graduated from the University of Missouri where he was Captain of the tennis team and a member of Sigma Alpha Mu “Sammy” fraternity. He went on to earn his medical degree from University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine and completed his residency at Evanston Hospital.

He served as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy from 1963-1968 before his honorable discharge.

He had a long and well-respected career as an Anesthesiologist at Evanston Hospital/Glenbrook Hospital, where he also served as the President of the Professional Staff from 1994-95. He was recognized by Chicago Magazine as one of Chicago’s Top Doctors and recognized by Who’s Who in America for three years. Dr. Ampel was Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and an Assistant Professor Emeritus in Anesthesiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Dr. Ampel, or “Louie” as many of his friends called him, was a fountain of information on many topics and enjoyed sharing his knowledge and views with others. He had a passion for tennis and golf and built an amazing circle of friends from both sports throughout the years. He will also be remembered for his love of opera, his total recall of anything related to classic movies, the Mizzou Tigers, dachshunds, Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables” and cigars.

He was truly a “force” and will be severely missed.

Services and interment are private.

An informal gathering from 1 to 4 pm Friday, October 30 will be held at Northmoor Country Club in Highland Park for those who want to share stories and remember Leon.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Janie Ampel and the ASPCA in memory of Leon Ampel.