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Arnold Lew Widen M.D.

1929 - 2022

Arnold Lew Widen M.D. obituary, 1929-2022, Chicago, IL

BORN

1929

DIED

2022

FUNERAL HOME

Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home

111 Skokie Blvd

Wilmette, Illinois

Arnold Widen Obituary

Widen, M.D., Arnold Lew

Arnold Lew Widen, age 92, passed from this world on Monday, April 25, 2022 in Evanston, Illinois. He was born on December 10, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois to his parents Herman and Mildred Widen.

Arnie believed in the dignity of all people and dedicated his career to the delivery of quality healthcare as a basic human right.

He graduated from Northwestern University and Feinberg School of Medicine, where he also served on the faculty. He was a physician in the US Army and then joined the staff of Evanston Hospital. He established a thriving private practice before founding NorthCare, the first federally-qualified prepaid comprehensive HMO in Illinois. He was Chief Medical Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, then served under Attorney General Lisa Madigan as Medical Director. He also brought his passion to the creation of Community Health, where he supervised medical residents from Northwestern University and served as President of the Board for two terms. He touched countless lives through volunteering his time to Community Health and was instrumental to its development into the largest free clinic in the US.

Among his many honors and awards, he was most proud of being made a Master of the American College of Physicians, and for receiving the Asclepius Award from the Anti-Defamation League and the Russe Award for Exemplary Compassion in Health Care. He led the Medical Directors Group of the Group Health Association of America and was the Executive Director of the Institute of Medicine of Chicago.

Arnie was a member of the founding Board of Directors of Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago. Among the organizations he loyally supported are Physicians for a National Health Program, Sierra Club, WFMT, Door County Land Trust, and Midsummer's Music in Door County, Wisconsin.

Arnie is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Judith, former wife Helen, daughters Claire (Dan and Lisa) and Jeanne (Rodolfo), sons Mark and Brent (Sabine), stepsons Chris (Jodi) and Gavin (Stella), and proudly, fifteen grandchildren: Tanya, Carolyn, Jack, Samuel, Shalev, Asher, Remez, Sofia, Isabel, Sebastian, Katarina, Hunter, Jordan, Alex, and Mariel. He also welcomed the birth of two great grandchildren, Amelia and Zoe, in June, 2021.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 2 at Rosehill Cemetery 5800 N Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60660, followed by a reception at the home of Jeanne Widen at 810 Colfax Street, Evanston. A memorial service will be held later in the summer. For funeral information, please call 847-256-5700.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. 28, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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Claire Widen

May 30, 2024

It has now been over two years since our beloved father passed away. He was a magnificent physician and an optimistic lover of humanity who always believed the best was yet to come. He was a generous and loving father who inspired us, protected us, and loved us unconditionally. We think about him every day! Love you always.

Maryjane Williams APRN

November 7, 2023

I just saw this. I worked for Dr Widen @ NorthCare medical. He was a visionary who did great things for Chicago area healthcare. Thanks Dr. Widen.

Jami and Joe Hanreddy

April 22, 2023

Oh my! Already a year. Hard to imagine he will not be walking in the door at UUFDC and greeting me with such warmth and true concern and friendship. Thank you....his wonderful family...for sharing him with us.

Evan Brandstadter

April 21, 2023

CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S BEEN A YEAR SINCE DR.WIDEN LEFT US.
HE KNEW MY MOM WHEN THEY WORKED AT COUUNTY.
AND HE SAVED MY LIFE WHEN i WAS A TEENAGER.
HE WAS,AND IS THE EPTIOME OF A MENSCH

Jim Webster MD

April 20, 2023

A wonderful colleague. I remember all our good, meaningful times together. A great doctor and a terrific human being. I still think about and miss his presence and leadership. Jim Webster MD

Dr. Jim Webster

June 2, 2022

Judy, So sorry I just found out via C.H. He was the epitome of a mensch! Knowing him was a great privilege. Working with him a joy! My thoughts go out to you and family. I will call. Jim Webster

Chuck Lederman

May 31, 2022

I only learned just now of Arnie's passing.....He was such an important part of my family's life..my father's physician for 40+ years, part of the gaggle of dear friends my parents share so much of life with, someone referred to when we faced an important problem...such a presence....he really looked and listened....while he also had much to say....such an inspiration with the creation of Community Health when so few wanted to consider the most vulnerable of us....on and on......We will miss you dearly and we are so glad to have had the chance to be in relation to you.......Sending much love to all family members......

John Wilson Jr.

May 7, 2022

A great loss to humanity. He will be dearly missed.

Jim Black

May 6, 2022

The time I spent talking with Arnie shaped me in profound ways. Arnie was a remarkable person

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Grace, Jim, Nicole and Melina

Sent Flowers

Karen Nichols, DO

May 1, 2022

It was my pleasure to work with Dr. Arnie in several organizations and boards. He was a superb highly principled physician who warmly served with humor and always with integrity. Such a loss. May he Rest In Peace.

Jorge Girotti

April 30, 2022

I am so sorry to hear of Arnie's passing. In my years as a fellow of the Institute of Medicine of Chicago, Arnie was an amazing influence in my professional life. His wisdom, intelligence and passion for social justice have stayed with me since I first met him.

Evan Brandstadter

April 29, 2022

Dr Widen diagnosed me with hepatitis in in 1961 when I was 15. His compassionate care saved my life.
I will never forget him.
His medical brilliance was exceeded only by his empathy.

Judy Haasis

April 29, 2022

Arnie had that unique ability to make everyone he met (and there were thousands!) feel special...feel valued. HIs extraordinary accomplishments were only outshined by his compassion, kindness and humility. Thank you, Arnie for leaving the world a better place and me a better person for having known and loved you.

Valery Gallagher

April 28, 2022

Valery Gallagher

April 28, 2022

Valery Gallagher

April 28, 2022

Thinking of Dr Widen and the wonderful life he lived. He made a positive impact on everyone he encountered. I'm blessed to have enjoyed many years of friendship and his unwavering support of healthcare for all :). Dr Widen you will live on through all the wonders you left to this world. Sending memories of comfort to Judith and Dr Widen's extended family and friends at this time.

Laura Michalski

April 27, 2022

I am so sorry to hear about Arnie's passing. He was a dear friend, someone that was always willing to help. I can honestly say, he was one of a kind. He will be deeply missed.

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Memorial Events
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May

2

Graveside service

1:00 p.m.

Rosehill Cemetery

5800 N Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home

111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette, IL 60091

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