"Dr. George was very interested in family history. The last time that I talked to him in La Farge at one of our family reunions a few years back, he showed lots of interest in my local history projects and bought the books that I had written on the history of La Farge. His research on our family's history is very valuable."
In loving memory of
George Philip Steinmetz Jr.
April 21, 1931 - October 18, 2018
Madison - George Philip Steinmetz, Jr., age 87, died peacefully at The Attic Angel Health Center on Thursday, October 18, 2018 from Parkinson's Disease and Dementia. He was born on April 21, 1931, in Madison, WI, to George P. and Helen (Carlson) Steinmetz, Sr. George graduated from Madison West High School in 1949 and UW- Madison in 1953. While in college, George played football for the Badgers as a left guard and played in Wisconsin's first Rose Bowl in 1953.
George also graduated from Medical School at UW-Madison in 1956, ranking first in his class. While in medical school, he met his future first wife, Joyce Beamish, and married her April 9, 1955. In 1956, the couple moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where George did his medical internship, and then to Washington State in 1957.
After two years in Tacoma, WA (George's Military Service with the Army Medical Corps at Fort. Lewis) and six years in Seattle, WA (George's residency training at King County, VA & University of Washington Hospitals), George, his wife, and two young children (George III and Susan), returned permanently to Madison, WI in 1965. George worked as an Assistant Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery from 1965-1966 and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery from 1966-1989 at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. From 1965 -1989 George performed thousands of open heart and thoracic surgery cases and trained many generations of medical and surgical staff. He was particularly proud of his initiation and development of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit and the Open Heart Surgery Program at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison in 1968 and 1969 respectively.
After George's retirement in 1989, George and Joyce enjoyed a number of trips, many family holidays, movies, listening to jazz, and especially the birth of their grandson, Joseph. George also enjoyed caring for a flower and vegetable garden every year.
In 2000, Joyce passed away and on August 8, 2001 George remarried to Susanne Perina. George and Susie enjoyed going on trips, going out to eat, and visiting with family.
George is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Joyce Beamish Steinmetz,;a sister-in-law, Dorothy Kurtz; and two brothers-in-law, Edward Kurtz and Carl Seifert.
George is survived by his second wife, Susanne (Perina) Steinmetz of Middleton, WI; a son, George (Julia Hell) Steinmetz III of Ann Arbor, Michigan; a daughter, Susan (John) Gubner of Madison; a grandson, Joseph M. Ahrens, Jr. of Madison; a sister, Nancy (James) Ferrill of Middleton, WI; a step-daughter, Anne Perina of Mequon, WI; and a step-son, Robert (Sarah) Perina Jr., of Pennsylvania; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family is grateful for the help of Dr. John Ewalt, Pastor Nick Utphall, Attic Angel Health Center, Agrace Hospice, and Brightstar Care.
Friends are invited to a funeral at Advent Lutheran Church. Visiting begins at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 27 with an 11:00 a.m. service and a luncheon following. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to Agrace Hospice or The American Parkinson Disease Association or the charity of your choice.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434
Tributes
"My grandfather was a wonderful man and a great role model. I remember when he got me interested in Wisconsin history when I was in college. When I was very young, he was always very fun to be with. I miss him so much."
"Dr. Steinmetz was a wonderful man and a great Doctor. I worked with him in 1969 at St, Mary's Hospital with the cardiac patients. Ellen"
"Hello: It''s Jeanne Manley of Lake Mills, a long time friend of George, we were in High School together, and a roommate of Joyce, his first wife. We had years of fun times together both during college and after, including football games. . Also spent many fun hours with George and Suzie, mostly listening to jazz concerts in Madison. To Suzie, George and Sue, my sincere sympathy. I lost Ed nearly 2 years ago, but will always remember your family. My prayers are with you at this difficult time. "
"Such a wonderful man, and what great life full of achievements and prosperity! He was one of the greatest role models in my life, both professionally and personally. I will always cherish the great times we all had during the most formative years of my life! Scott W. Siverhus, MD"
"A wonderful one-of-a-kind man with a keen sense of humor, an always friendly dispostion, a loyal sense of friendship. He leaves an irreplaceable legacy of achievement and to his friends everlasting memories. What a man, rest in peace. Pearl and Helge Christensen"