1922
2016
1617 Market St.
Wilmington, North Carolina
EMILE EUGENE WERK, JR., MD Emile Eugene Werk, Jr., MD, an endocrinologist and Professor of Medicine who devoted his career to clinical research, patient care, and the training and education of new physicians, died during the evening of July 17, 2016 at his home in Wilmington, North Carolina. He was 93. Dr. Werk, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, possessed an extensive medical background marked by numerous highly distinguished staff positions. After completing a research fellowship in metabolism under the renowned Dr. Frank Engle at Duke University Hospital in 1954, he joined the Veterans Administration Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio as Chief of Metabolism Section. Nine years later, he was named Associate Chief of Staff for Research at the hospital. From 1964 to 1965, he served as Director of Medical Education at Cincinnati's Christ Hospital and Research Associate at Christ Hospital Institute of Medical Research. Later in 1965, Dr. Werk was appointed Director of the Endocrinology Laboratory at Cincinnati General Hospital. In 1972, he left Cincinnati for Wilmington, North Carolina, recruited by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Department of Medicine to serve as Chief of University of North Carolina Medical Service at New Hanover Memorial Hospital (now New Hanover Regional Medical Center), and to establish a medical resident training program through the state's newly formed Area Health Education Center (AHEC) program. Through Dr. Werk's supervision and direction, hundreds of physicians received their graduate medical training through the Wilmington-based AHEC program. Dr. Werk led the AHEC program until 1986. He continued to work part time at New Hanover Memorial Hospital until retiring in 1994. Dr. Werk received his undergraduate degree from Williams College in Massachusetts in 1944. He received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1946. From 1946 to 1947, he served a rotating internship at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. He completed his medical residency at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital and at Cincinnati General Hospital. Beginning in 1948, he served two years as Captain in the United States Army Medical Corps, through which he was stationed at Camp Pickett in Virginia and Bremerhaven, Germany. Throughout his medical career, Dr. Werk authored or co-authored more than 60 articles in medical journals; wrote, co-wrote and/or presented more than 40 medical papers; and delivered hundreds of teaching lectures. Dr. Werk was an avid sports fisherman, sailor, and musician. While living in Cincinnati, he sailed Snipes, annually taking part in regattas on freshwater lakes in Ohio and Michigan. Upon his move to North Carolina, he transitioned to sports fishing—cruising the coastal waters off of Wrightsville Beach in search of King Mackerel. He spent decades playing the banjo, and often visited Wilmington-area retirement homes with fellow musicians to entertain residents. Many of the Werk family's favorite memories were spent with Dr. Werk on vacation at Walloon Lake in upper Michigan, sailing in the Bahamas, and on other trips to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. He was born August 8, 1922, the son of Emile E. and Viola Werk, into a very prominent Cincinnati family, known for its entrepreneurial spirit and civic involvement. His great, grandfather, Michael Werk, immigrated to Cincinnati from Alsace, France in the early 1800s. In 1834, Michael established M. Werk & Co., the oldest soap and candle business in Cincinnati. Rival Procter & Gamble was established a few years later, in 1837. Later, the company was named the Werk Tag Soap Company and was operated by Dr. Werk's father. Dr. Werk's only sibling, Sara Werk Headley, died in 2006. Dr. Werk is survived by Dorothy Rodgers Werk of Wilmington, NC, his loving wife of 64 years; sons David Michael Werk (wife, Cheyenne, and grandchildren, Jean-Michel and Stephan), Stephen Rodgers Werk (wife, Lynn, and grandchildren, Emily and Caroline), and Thomas Alan Werk (wife, Paula, and grandchildren, Allison and Collins); daughter, Susan Marie Werk (grandchild, Lauren, and husband, Patrick Culton; and grandchild, Jenna); and two great-grandchildren (Mariella and Emilia). The Werk family expresses its deepest thanks and appreciation to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, and for the love and devoted care provided by Dr. Werk's caregivers over the past many months: Ginger Desfonds, Ramona H. Jones, Debra McKoy, Jennifer Lowery, and Josie Walton. A special thanks of appreciation to Dr. James McCabe, Dr. Werk's primary care physician and friend for 22 years. Gifts in Dr. Werk's memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Lower Cape Fear Hospice or a charity of one's choice. A Memorial Service will be held 2pm Saturday, July 23, 2016 at St. James Episcopal Church. A reception will follow at the church. Burial will take place at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati. Condolences to the family www.andrewsmortuary.com Andrews Market Street Chapel
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5 Entries
To Dottie and family,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. I can tell that he touched the lives of many as he was so accomplished and dedicated. Blessings to each of you, Patricia Roseman
Patricia Roseman
August 18, 2016
Condolences to the Werk family during this time of loss. Steve Werk was a friend of mine in a writing class at UNC-Chapel Hill in the late '70s. Sending thoughts to him and his family.
Tim Bass
July 25, 2016
Dear Werk family-
I was so saddened to see Dr. Werk's obituary. It was a lovely tribute to him. It is obvious that he will be missed by so many of the lives he touched and taught. I have nothing but fond memories of you all and I know if my parents were still with us, they would be so saddened as well. I do believe it was Dr. Werk who taught me how to water ski on Walloon Lake! What wonderful times I had with you all those many summers while growing up!
Please know that I am thinking of each one of you and extend my deepest sympathies to you all.
With love,
Judi Mueller Armstrong
Judi Armstrong
July 22, 2016
Dear Mrs. Werk, my dear friend Susan, and the entire Werk family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dr. Werk was such an amazing man who made a difference to so many people with his unselfish work. I was blessed to know him for many years through my friendship with Susan.
Sending you all much love,
Becca and Rik Beitel
Becca Beitel
July 19, 2016
Saddened by the passing of my mentor and a Wilmington medical community icon. He is the one person who is responsible for my life as it is now and it has been a good one. Forever grateful to him. It was an honor to be included in his 60th Anniversary Celebration. Condolences to the entire family, especially to my old friend and neighbor, Susan and her family. Heavy hearted.
Michael Varney
July 19, 2016
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