Paul Urnes Obituary

SorryI didn't know Paul-Saw an article in the Chicago Tribune today--'CHICAGO FLASH" MATERNITY AND POVERTY--I was born in a back alley cottage in ROSELAND (Chicago's far southside) on June 13 1934-Birth attended by M.P. Urnes-1336 Newberry Chicago-Probably a relative of Paul's-Maybe a dad-Being somewhat nosey I looked up the name and found this obit!

What a fantastic uncle and friend, we will love and miss you.

I have no idea who will read what I am writing now. I just found out today, 2/27/13, that "Dr. Urnes" died months ago. He was a gem. I am a physician who was his patient, since the early 1980's until his retirement. I cried, while writing a note when he retired. He was elegant, wise, compassionate, attentive. His holiday card, with a photo on a camel, naming himself "the fourth wise man" is in my kitchen. I remember him commenting on the sunrise, as he walked to the hospital following the birth of my 28 year old daughter. She was born on Halloween and, prior to delivering with forceps, my one-month-early, in some fetal distress (pre-eclampsic, cord multiple times around neck) child, he offered Halloween cookies, baked by the staff, to her father. I remember his ushering my mother in, as he left the room. He was out-of-town when my son was born but left me well taken care of, at my request, with Dr. Roach. I remember his humor, his delicacy. I told him once, surely all his patients were his fans, to which he said, "Not all". Hard to believe. I feel priviledged to have been his patient and could have used him, in fact, today, not that I did not feel well taken care of by Dr. Patricia Gale, who inherited me. He took care of me through times of elation and grief, always present. I can only wish that some of my patients regard me similarly.

Hello. I was a resident physician at Northwestern until 1993. I was so sad to learn of Dr. Urnes' death. He was an inspiration to me. Whenever anything was going wrong, I would ask myself: "How would Dr. Urnes handle this situation?" I have never seen a physician that was more loved than Dr. Urnes. I consider myself lucky that I was trained by him. I am not only a better physician because of Dr. Urnes but a better person. I wish I was able to tell him this while he was alive but I hope his family gets to read this and know what a special person he was to so many people. There are many doctors out there that I know respected and loved Dr. Urnes and are better doctors because of him.

Thank you Dr. Urnes. There is a special place in heaven for you.

Paul was a gifted physician, gentle man, and beloved human being. Thank you for two beautiful, healthy sons. Your words have remained with me throughout my life. Patricia Russ

Paul Urnes MD was first a distinguished teacher, and then a firm friend for 40 years. He will be fondly remembered.

a wonderful friend and classmate. we got well acquainted when his dad delivered my first 2 sons when we were in our junior and senior years. kept up with annual Christmas cards/letters and enjoyed our visits on returns to Northwestern. we shared a mutual interest in the professional careers of each other. he was our class representative and always heavily involved in reunion events. i regret being late but had major cardiac surgery shortly after learning of his death. very sad to lose still another valued friend.Paul was just simply "first class".

Dr. Urnes' Michigan Avenue office had a waiting room that seemed more like a parlor and a decorated ceiling in the examination room -- a perfect reflection of his warmth and special care for patients! He presided over a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery for both my children even though I was considered an "elderly" mother back in the 1970's,

Paul and his parents were our next door neighbors in Long Beach IN while I was growing up in the 60s and 70s. Paul remained our enduring family friend long after and all of us had moved away. I'm fortunate that I had the chance to visit with him at his home in Long Beach in July of 2010. He always made us laugh, and he was extraordinarily thoughtful and generous to my whole family.

Paul was a good Godfather. A kind person. Thank you, Paul.

Paul's hands delivered life, his life sustained the lives of all he knew and many he did not.

He was a gentle, model inspiration to us all.

Paul was my med school classmate (NUMS, 1959), fraternity brother(Phi Rho Sigma) and a great friend. As a matter of fact, I believe everyone in our class considered him a great friend. For those of us who live long distances from Chicago he has been our one constant link with the med school for more than 50 years.
I often think of his urbane wit, and I can still picture him playing the piano and singing the Tom Lehrer song book, which he knew by heart from cover to cover.
There was always something new to discover about Paul. If memory serves me correctly: he roomed in prep school with the Aga Khan; he chummed with the sons of Adlai Stevenson and once spent the holidays at the Illinois Governor's mansion; he was a walk-on extra in the Hitchcock movie "North by Northwest;" and he often "carried a spear" at the Chicago Opera House.
What a pleasure it was to have known this wonderful guy.

Paul was a kind, honest and humble man. As a niece I am fortunate to have known him for fifty years. I was thirteen when his brother, Jon, became my step-father. Even after the marriage ended and Jon died, Paul remained our uncle…something he did not have to do. It is difficult to explain how much his example of patience, kindness and faith have influenced my life. He was always there for me and my children with supportive words and a humorous observation or story. He regularly told me how he believed in me. He gave of himself and his talents in his practice and in his volunteer activities. In recent years our contact was primarily by telephone. We would catch up on what everyone was doing and then solve the world's problems with laughter. He ended with these visits with, “It was so good of you to call.” My response was “I love you.” I miss him.

Some teachers are memorable - some are unforgettable. Dr. Urnes walked with the carriage of a Shakespearean actor, spoke with soothing tones of a beloved relative, and had a perpetual smile that instantly put one at ease. He redefined high-class. Coupling the person with his skill and knowledge meant he was one-of-a-kind and he is truly irreplaceable. We were all the better for having been under his influence and will be all the poorer now with his passing.

Paul Urnes was my cousin, and as we were growing up in Minneapolis Paul's father, my Uncle Doc, would always see to it that when Paul had outgrown his toys that they were passed along to our family. This included bikes and an electric train, now over 70 years old. Paul ran the train during a visit several years ago.
Paul was a real joy; we will miss him.

Sincerely,
Jim and Lois Urnes Sr
Bridgeton, Missouri

Paul's father delivered my brother and me in the 1940s and Paul delivered my four children in the late 60s and 70s. Both Dr. Urnes are lovingly part of our family birth stories. When we wanted desperately to try a natural childbirth delivery in 1970, before it was generally accepted, Paul encouraged us to give it a try and defended our choice to a nay-saying head nurse, who insisted that it was against the rules. Then, he was as proud as could be when the natural delivery turned out well, as did the natural births of our next two children.

He was the kindest man, gentle, knowledgeable, and so devoted to his patients. He will be missed, but what a wonderful legacy he leaves.

Paul and I attended NUMS from 1955-59. We were fraternity brothers and past presidents of alpha chapter of Phi Rho Sigma.We have been friends and corresponded since. I was saddened to hear of his passing.He was agood friend,a respected phyician and contributed much to NUMS and Phi Rho. He will be missed. Sanford E Elton,MD

Paul's dad was our dad's brother. In the 1940's he and Aunt Ann gave me, my brother Jim, and my two sisters the American Flyer train after Peter, Jon, and Paul grew up. Our cousins' train was a centerpiece in our home, and we ran that train around and around and backward until it finally dropped.
In the 1990's, we took it out of its separate boxes to run it for our grandchildren, but all we got was black smoke.
Jim's sons, Jim Urnes Jr, and Eric Urnes did not give up on that 75 year old train. They rewired the transformer, a 12 inch cube, and refurbished the cars to the minutest detail, so that again the cars lit up from the inside.
So, when Paul visited Jim's family in 2008, the American Flyer was set up on its oval track, and a gleeful Paul took control of the dial. Paul couldn't believe the fine shape that the train was in, and he commented that it looked better than when he, the youngest, had played with it. Even the bell now worked. Paul operated the train for many rounds, and loved to operate the repaired switch.
He said that running the train with his brothers was one of the best memories of his childhood days.

Paul was a favorite cousin. Always with a bit of sly humor, he told the family stories with joy, of how his father arrived in Chicago to begin medical school, with only a few dollars to his name.
He introduced us to the book, Viking Art, which details the ancient beauty of the Urnes Stave Church, the oldest in Norway, a thousand years old.

A real family man, he cared over many years for first his mother, then his father, and finally, his brother Peter's clutter, who had suddenly died.
My favorite family picture is of Peter, John, and Paul, each with his musical instrument, posing with our grandfather, Rev. John Urnes.
I visited the family at their magnificent home in Michigan City in 1948. Dinner was a lively event, talk of sailing, sailing. All were so happy.
I do have a lifetime of beautiful memories of Paul. I loved him.
-Gene and Gretchen Urnes Beito

It was a privilege having trained as a resident under Dr. Urnes' gentle, caring and clever tutelage. I constantly recall his kind words of encouragement and pearls of clinical wisdom in treating obstetrical patients. He has left an impressive legacy for all of us: his patients, residents and students. Paul will ultimately be remembered for his patience, kindness and empathy and I will dearly miss his wonderful sense of humor.

During my residency at Passavant Hospital I had the good fortune to have Paul as my roommate in the house staff quarters. So began a special friendship lasting a lifetime. His positive outlook, compassion, good humor only begin to desribe this wonderful man.

For us, his death does not mean he is gone. His memories live on.

Fran & Harve Hathaway

Paul and his father (who delivered my sibs and I)were very kind to my mother and sister which was greatly appreciated. His kindness and sympathy continue to inspire care for my patients.

Paul and his father (who delivered my sibs and I)were very kind to my mother and sister which I greatly appreciate. His compassion and care continue to inspire care for my patients.

Paul grew up with my cousins, Tom and Drudy Ringo in Michigan City. We became friends as classmates at Northwestern Univ. Medical School and have remained so ever since. He will be greatly missed.
Mary and Preston Dilts, Jr. (NUMS 59)

The world has gone a little darker for the absence of this wonderful man. He delivered my son in 1969 and saw me through every step of a pregnancy and delivery, always with humor and an incredible gentle and sensitive way about him. My mother was also his patient and an employee of Northwestern. When she was in the hospital fighting her losing battle with ovarian cancer, Paul visited her every day at the end of his very long day. The medical profession and the human family have indeed suffered the loss of an extraordinary man who touched countless lives. I will miss his annual Christmas and "bringing you up to date" cards so very much.

Witty,Urbane,Teacher,Doc and friend who would give you the coat off his back for your med school picture. You are greatly missed by myself and Maythia. See you soon.CA Johnson NUMS 1959

So sad, a very dear friend.

He was a wonderful and caring doctor. He delivered my three children. I brag about him often as I work in maternal and child health. Barbara Lesh , Ft. Lauderdale

God bless you! Your delivered my 2 beautiful sons! See you in heaven!

No greater physican,friend and co-worker.Always made you feel you was so important.Will be greatly missed!!!!

Paul was a wonderful person and a loyal friend. He will be greatly missed by all.
Katie Lindsay

Drs. Peter and Paul Urnes were most caring doctors and true gentlemen. Dr. Paul was always gracious and never wanted to give you bad news. God Bless Him.
Arlene Philbin

Just heard about his death from a former co worker. What a wonderful doctor, admired him for the 43 years I have been here as a nurse and student. What a wonderful man, what a loss but a wonderful long life.

I was a patient of Paul's for 20 years and he delivered my daughter. He was a wonderful doctor and will be missed.

I just heard of Dr. Urnes passing. The world has lost a class-A gentleman and most wonderful doctor. I'm fron Long Beach, IN and Paul delivered all three of my children. The nurses at Prentice always said he was one of the only doctors that labor sat his patients. He was the most kind and caring man and a wonderful obstetrician. I miss him already. My condolences to all of his family.

There was great fondness for Paul Urnes and his wit and generosity at St. Andrews by the Lake and a personal fondness for me as he related stories of Bill Roach and Stu Abel.....and all following in the footprints of my beloved grandfather, Arthur H. Curtis.
God Bless,
Linda Gramer Sperling

A dear friend who will be missed.

We send our condolences to all of you.May the God who gives peace be with all of you in the days ahead.

I grew up next door to the summer home in Michigan City where Paul and his parents spent much of their time. He was a patient and gentle man, and my family thought a great deal of Paul and his entire family. He loved practicing and teaching in the field of medicine, and I will always think of him fondly. ruly mis

He enjoyed attending the faculty dinners where the Urnes awards he set up to honor his father were presented. A humble man with a stellar smile. My condolences to his family.

Into paradse may the angels lead you. At your coming may the martyrs receive you, and bring you into the holy city Jerusalem.

Paul you will be missed. Rev. Carol Fleming

My sympathy on the passing of a wonderful family, the Urnes. M.P. practiced as a general physician early on and was my mother's and grandparents' physician. He delivered my 3 brothers and sister and myself at the UCH. As an ob/gyn he delivered my sister's 5 children and our 9 children. Dr Urnes Jr. delivered ouar last 2 and was truly his father's son. our memories of the Urnes is that of compassionate, caring and conscientous care givers who respectied their patients and treated them always with dignity. Our sympathy to the family. Ruth McCanna Caraher and husband Art. children.my husband and

Magnus Urnes delivered me 77 years ago
and brought my mother and me through
a most difficult delivery. I owe my
life to Dr. Paul Urnes' father and
his skill. Sincere condolences to the
family. Helen Baker

Thank you for my precious daughter, Andrea and Thank you for all the lessons in life, our mutual love of stories, The Civil War, Paducah, KY , horse farms and mankind.

Goodbye Dr. Urnes. Thank you for delivering by beautiful, healthy son 24 years ago. Thank you for telling me I looked beautiful even though I had gained 40 lbs. Thank you for reminding me during pregnancy to keep walking and cut back on the sweets. That advice is still good decades later.

Greatest memories from my working at Prentice with Dr.Urnes. He was a very personnal and gentle man, loved by all. Hope his ice cream is waiting for him in the old Passavang Gift Shop!!!!!

The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the Medical Alumni Association have lost a beloved physician, teacher, alumnus, and dear friend. We will miss him greatly.

Paul was a wonderful person, excellent physician, and loyal member of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern. He was always a gentleman, and we especially remember his great sense of humor and warmth. He made a difference in the lives of many people.

Sherman Elias, MD (Past Chair, Dept. Ob/Gyn, Northwestern University)

Paul was a great doctor and a wonderful caring friend. His humor, compassion, and wit was an inspiration to me. He always had time to listen and was always there when I needed him. I will miss him dearly but he will always hold a special place in my heart.

Dr. Urnes was a truly inspirational individual, and I'm honored that I had the opportunity to work with him. You will be missed, Dr. Urnes!

Surely the world never knew such a kind, generous doctor and man w/ a keen and sarcastic wit. He touched so many lives and will be forever missed, but always in our hearts.

What a wonderful, generous, loving human being. A good humored titan of a doctor for the ages. The Passavant ice cream shop must be somewhere in heaven ready to give him the favored booth...