Herbert Philipsborn Obituary

Dr. Phillipsborn made house calls to our home in Northbrook in the early 50's when I was a young child. I think of how unique that was as nothing like that no longer exists. I'm thankful for that experience.

Dr. Philipsborn delivered me into this world in 1962 at Highland Park Hospital.
He was my Doctor until I was in my mid teens.
When I was about 8 or 9, my family was splitting up and I began to act out and cause trouble.
My Mother took me to Dr. Philipsborn, not to be examined or for medical treatment, but to talk to an adult who didn't take sides with my family.
He spoke with me very frankly and honestly....telling me things might get a little worse before getting better, but better things would eventually happen.
He also made a few house calls.

Herb helped us all--me, my husband Ray, and daughters Meredith, Julia and Meg--through various stormy and/or celebratory moments. I remember him fondly. Ann Mack

Herb helped Ray and me be better parents to Meg, Julia, and Meredith. I remember him fondly.

Herb helped me through a sticky patch, not so much as a doctor but as a friend.

Dr.Phillipsborn happened to attend my birth at Provident hospital in Chicago, I don't know what those circumstances were, but both he and my mother told me this. At about 17 mos, old, my parents moved to Glencoe, Ill. Where he became my pediatrician. At 18 mos old, I started having breathing troubles, and my mother called him. The next thing I knew, (yes, I actually remember) Dr Phillipsborn was at our house, grabbed me out of my high chair, and yelled at my mom to follow him, because the ambulance would take too long. He threw me in his car, took me to Evanston hospital, and put me in an oxygen tent. Apparently, I died momentarily and had my first near death experience, watching then revive me. Ibthank him for my life.

Dr. Philipsborn was my doctor ever since I can remember. He was an incredibly kind man. I remember him as a father figure after my own father was killed in a car crash when I was 9 years old (1960). He was my pediatrician even after I graduated from college in 1972. I remember thinking I was way to old to still be seeing a pediatrician but I didn't want to break my bond with him.
During the summer between my first and second years of medical school I was lucky enough to get an externship at Dr Philipsborn's clinic at Evanston Hospital. He was a great teacher as well.
His influence contributed to my becoming a physician.

Dr. Philipsborn was my Dr. from the time I was about 4 years old (1954) until I graduated from college (1971). He seemed incredibly tall to me - I remember my mother telling me he had a custom built exam table due to his height. When I was very small, he made house calls to our house on Happ Rd. in unincorporated Northbrook. (Later he moved down the street from my parents and lived on Happ Rd. for several years). When I was 7, I caught spinal meningitis. This was during the time of the Asiatic Flu epidemic (Fall, 1957). Dr. P did a house call, realized I did not have the flu, and literally wrapped me in a pink blanket and took me to Evanston Hospital, where he did a spinal tap. My brother & I were always told how privileged we were to have such a brilliant and highy skilled person as our Dr.

Butch, Dan, Andrew and Clancy,

Herb was a wonderful doctor and friend. What a great life he had, and a long one too. He went out peacefully, and we can be grateful for that. He and my dad were friends, and I think introduced Dad to my mom.

In peace,
Cousin Mary

Herb and I were among the first group trained as Due Process Hearing Officers for the Illinois State Board of Education, Dept. of Special Education. He was a good man!

Dr. Philipsborn hands delivered me into this world. I have always remembered his gentle demeanor and of course the train set in the patient waiting area in his office.
God bless you.

Love,
Charles R. Walgreen

I am Dr. John Wilhelm, the current executive director of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago that counted Dr. Philipsborn among our honorary board members. Dr. Philipsborn was notable in remaining vitally interested in our work. I enjoyed many conversations that provided me historical perspective but also helpful opinions about our current activities.

Several of Dr. Philipsborn's family would honor him with donations to Infant Welfare on his birthday. This was just one indication that he welcomed opportunities to improve the health of children. He will be missed.

John Wilhelm, M.D.

Herb was an excellent pediatrician and a good, caring friend. We will miss him and remember him fondly and gratefully.