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Charles Aprahamian Obituary

Aprahamian, Charles, M.D. "Doc" Died peacefully on his own terms with dignity and grace on June 25, 2010, at the age of 75. Beloved husband of Pat (nee Gezella) for more than 55 years. Survived by his children George (Karen), Leonard (Nancy), Steve (Debby), Charles P. "Chuck" (Jonna Clark), Gregory (Tammy), and Michael (Michelle). Grandfather of Charles J. (Melissa), Kate, Matthew, Justin, Carly, Charles P. II, Mitch, Kevin, Brittany, Nick, Marcus, Ryan, Tyler, Megan, and Madison. Great-grandfather of Carter and Audrey. Preceded in death by his loving brother Esdapan "Steve"; and survived by sister-in-law Janice, and his cherished nieces and nephews. Proudly served his country in the Navy from 1952-54. Graduated from Marquette University (1958), Marquette University Medical School (1962) and interned at St. Luke's Hospital. Surgical resident at the Veterans Administration Hospital and Milwaukee County General before joining the Krohn Clinic in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Troubled by the untimely death of his friend and neighbor, he pioneered Emergency Medical Services Training (EMS) in Wisconsin, a cause he championed his entire life. Returned to Milwaukee in 1976 and joined the faculty at the Medical College of Wisconsin, on which he served for more than 30 years. The medical students awarded him the Golden Cane award for excellence in teaching on several occasions, and the graduating residents awarded him the Professor of the Year award 11 times, and the award was named in his honor in 2002. He was chief of trauma and emergency surgery for 13 years. His efforts to improve trauma care led to the state's first Level 1 Trauma Center at what is now Froedtert Hospital. A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Past President of the American Trauma Society, he helped define the standards of trauma care and education still followed today. Thanks to all of the doctors and nurses who assisted in treating his medical problems. A very special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff in the ICU for their loving care and support for him and his family. In lieu of flowers and in order to honor and continue his life's work, memorials appreciated for the Milton & Lidy Lunda/Charles Aprahamian Professorship in Trauma at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW Lunda Aprahamian Professorship). A celebration of Doc's life will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 6, 2010. Visitation from 2PM until the Memorial Service at 5:30PM. Reception to follow.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Jun. 29 to Jul. 4, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Aprahamian

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Dr. Aprahamian was a wonderful man. He was a friend of my parents; Mary and Gerry Brozynski. He had a passion for medicine. When I would see him make rounds in the hospital with the med students, they surrounded him and hung onto every word he spoke. He had such confidence and took pride in what he did. His accomplishments were many. When I saw him a couple of years ago at my parents 50th wedding anniversary, he told me he was still working.....that did not surprise me one bit as I responded back by saying; "a man that is so gifted such as yourself.....could work forever". I hope that you find peace, knowing how truely loved he was. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, Jill Allen

Jill Allen

July 18, 2010

He was a wonderful role model to a young doctor 30 years ago. He represented not only clinical excellence but character and dignity. He was one of my best memories of Med School/Residency. Thank you, Dr Aprahamian.
Daniel Judge, MD '76

Daniel Judge

July 14, 2010

I just learned of this today and I am so, so sorry for your loss and the
great big hole this will leave in all of your lives...
With deepest sympathy and love...
Sunny Mendeloff

July 9, 2010

Dear Aprahamian family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss.
Tom has many fond memories growing up
with Dr. Aprahamian. We hope to see Mike
and Michele when we visit in August.
Love and Prayers,
Therese and Tom Patek

July 8, 2010

Dear Aunt Pat and Family,
Our hearts are with you and all of the family, I know he is with my Papa, Medzmama and Medzhayrig. :)
We Love You and God Bless You and all the family.
Love Julie, Barry, Tionna and Steffen Aprahamian (Hall)

Julie Aprahamian

July 6, 2010

He was such a wonderful asset to the community of Black River Falls. We are grateful for his skill, compassion and the lives he touched.

Wyss Family

July 5, 2010

Dear Pat,
We are very saddened to hear about Chuck's passing.
We had a great time whenever we were with him.
It was wonderful to share with both of you familiarities of our ethnic backgrounds.
He was very witty and soft hearted.
He will be truly missed.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Love, Bernice and Stan

Bernice Pawelek

July 5, 2010

July 5,
Doc took a bunch of young medics in the 70's from all over "Chicago-land" and turned us into the medical professionals we are today. Doc "took time" to really teach us. I only had the chance to be in his classes less than 1/2 dozen times. Each time impressed on me "why we are doing this". I took many of his comments with me thru my journey over the past 34 years. To Doc's family, thanks for sharing him with us. To his close friends, I wish I knew him like you did, but we are fortunate for our time with him

Craig Jacobus

July 5, 2010

I knew Dr. Aprahamian only by knowing his son, George and hearing stories about his career and family. From all that, I know that Wisconsin has lost a fine man. My sincere sympathy to his family.

Frederick Fritts

July 5, 2010

I only had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Aprahamian in the last month or so when he was in the ICU but I greatly enjoyed our late night chats when I was helping to take care of him. I have no doubt his legacy will live on through others for a very, very long time.

anon.

July 3, 2010

Dear Pat and family--we are keeping you all in our thoughts--may the many happy memories sustain you all through this sad time --with love from Paul and Alisoun.

Paul &Alisoun Bienhoff

July 3, 2010

I want to say he was an incrediable man always so nice... Mrs, Aprahamian I have always respected you and your husband you are such amazing people. Orlin... Grandson for Joe and Angie Fugarino

Orlin Root

July 3, 2010

Pat, I shall always remember you and Chuck dropping into the Clock and urging me to sing with Claude Dorsey as though I were part of the scheduled entertainment. We had such fun pretending. Remember the good times. they will sustain you. Love, Sandy (Phoebe) Hangleitner

July 2, 2010

such a gifted teacher and surgeon. we promise to keep telling his stories, quoting his famous sayings ("think evil"), and keeping his legacy alive through the hands of all he has trained....

mcw students and residents

July 2, 2010

Pat, I am so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family.

Dawn Hodge

July 2, 2010

Deepest sympathy for Dr. Aprahamian's wife and family. He was deeply respected and appreciated for his life work and accomplishments. (Froedtert admirer) Sheri Krueger Dix

Sheri Krueger Dix

July 1, 2010

Mrs. Aprahamian & family,
I send my deepest condolences and I will keep you and all of your family in my prayers.I had the honor of scrubbing &/or assisting Dr. Aprahamian in the operating room at Wood Veterans Hospital in the mid 60's. In my more than 30 years in the OR, he ranks as one of the top three surgeons I have worked with (the number 1 Resident). I am proud to have known him.
My husband passed away in May of 2008, I can understand your sense of loss. I will share something a friend sent to me - maybe it will give you some help also. May the warmth of tender memories & the love of those around you bring comfort and peace.

Paula Gottardi

July 1, 2010

To the Aprahamian Family
May the light that shone yesterday, continue to shine in your hearts today. Sorry for your loss.

Co-worker of Leonards

June 30, 2010

Pat and family

I am sorry to hear about Charlie's death. He was a wonderful teacher who had a tremendous impact on the careers of a multitude of surgery residents. On a personal note, Charlie helped guide me to a career interest in trauma care, one of his life's passions.
He will be missed by many, most of all by you, his family. His shoes won't be filled. Let humanity hope that others will rise to take up stewardship of the causes that were so dear to him.
May God bless you in this time of need.

Mark Malangoni

June 30, 2010

We send Dr. Aprahamian's family our deepest condolences. He was a tremendous surgeon, doctor, friend and mentor to everyone at MCW. He will be missed.

Joe Hart & Mona Li

June 30, 2010

Dear Mrs. Aprahamian and family:
Words can't express how sorry I was to hear that "Ape", one of my favorite attendings, passed away. I send my prayers for you at this difficult time. He was, quite simply, irreplaceable. I am the surgeon I am today because of Ape, and I am proud to count myself among the many who loved him and respected him.

Ann O'Connor

June 30, 2010

Dear Pat and family: I was very sad to hear the news and wish you much peace and comfort that the memories of Charlie will undoubtedly bring. It was happy to be able to see him at Stu' event in early June.
Warm regards,
Mike

Mike Demeure

June 30, 2010

To the family,
I was a schoolmate of George and Leonard at Franklin in West Allis. I believe it was at a time when Dr. A was just starting out. I remember the respect the boys had for their Dad. I now work at the Medical College of Wisconsin and have followed Dr. A's career-he was a wonderful man.
My condolences to the family.

Wendy Lawson

June 30, 2010

To the Aprahamian Family:

May you find comfort in this difficult time knowing how many lives Charlie has influenced.

Charlie, at the start of my career nearly 40 years ago, you inspired me, you encouraged me, you taught me the enormous potential of this "new" field called "EMS." You made me laugh, you made me angry, you made me think, and you made me appreciate. We didn't always agree, but I always respected you, and you were always my hero. May your family find satisfaction and comfort in realizing the huge impact your life has had on countless thousands of health care providers, patients, and their families. You were a pioneer. Your dedication and enthusiasm inspired us all. You will be remembered fondly, and you will be missed profoundly.

A Friend

June 30, 2010

Dear Pat and Family,
Our love and prayers for all of you at this difficult time.
We feel honored to have known Chuck. He was one of a kind.
God bless.
Bruce and Pat Bolzenthal

Bruce Bolzenthal

June 29, 2010

I knew Dr. Aprahamian in Black River Falls, and am very saddened by his passing. It is wonderful to see the impact his life has had on so many. May God comfort you.

Pastor Sandra Herrmann

June 29, 2010

Dear Pat & family (again)

Many apologies for my error, but the last time I saw Doc was at the wonderful party you threw for Chuck when he graduated from medical school (at your lovely home). I will never forget the great memories of that day!

Lisa Lee (Karen's Sister)

June 29, 2010

Dear Mrs. Aprahamian and family,
Dr. Aprahamian was an incredibly important influence on my development as a surgeon and person. He taught me the pursuit of excellence, a love of lifelong learning, and that there isn't one "right" way to do things.
He will be greatly missed.

Christina Richards

June 29, 2010

I'm so sorry to hear about Charles passing, he was a great physician. He will be missed dearly. To the Aprahamian family, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Heather Engelke, MA
Medical College of Wisconsin

Heather Engelke

June 29, 2010

Dear Pat & Family

You all will be in my prayers through this difficult time, but I am proud to have known such a wonderful & intelligent man. My condolences to you and best wishes. I remember the last time I saw him (I think Chuck & Melissa's engagement). God bless you all.

Lisa Lee (Karen's Sister)

June 29, 2010

Dear Pat and family

I guess on one level, I knew it was coming, but on another, when hypothetical becomes reality, I , too was not ready for Chuck to leave this world. He influenced me in more ways than you can know, and I hope I achieved the high status of friend to you and him. His legacy will live forever, both in Milwaukee, the US and world wide. Rarely does a day go by that I don't remember some of his wise counsel. He was one of a kind. I will miss him. Love to you from the Krantz family.
Brent

June 29, 2010

He will be truely missed by the general surgery residents and other members of our educational team. Over the years he has offered the residents more than can be put into words. I will remember him always.

Jill Damico-Simonson

June 29, 2010

My deepest condolences to the Aprahamian family at this difficult time. It was a great pleasure working with Dr. Aprahamian for the brief time that I did. He was a very well-respected individual and he will be greatly missed.

Cindy McGann

June 29, 2010

He will be deeply missed. His contributions to the success of ATLS and the improvement in the care of the trauma patient will always be remembered as well as his enjoyment of all that life offerred.

Skip Collicott

June 29, 2010

He'll be deeply missed but very fondly remembered.

June 29, 2010

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