Dr. Walter J. Loehr

Dr. Walter Joseph Loehr
Durham
Dr. Walter Joseph Loehr passed away at his home on July 19, 2013. Born in 1937 to German immigrants, Johanna and Anton Loehr, Dr. Loehr was raised in Brooklyn, NY. He was predeceased by his older brother, Robert Loehr in December, 2012.
Dr. Loehr attended parochial grammar and high school, and graduated pre-med with honors in Biology at Manhattan College in New York. He was accepted at Cornell Medical School in New York City in 1959 and graduated in 1963, the same year he married Elizabeth Ann Moran.
Dr. Loehr then completed an extended seven year residency in thoracic, vascular and general surgery at New York Hospital (now New York Presbyterian) in 1969. As chief surgical resident, Dr. Loehr was part of the team to perform the first double lung, open heart transplant at New York Hospital under the direction of Dr. Richard C. Lillehei in 1969.
Dr. Loehr served as a Major in the United States Air Force from 1969-1971 at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma.
In 1971, Dr. Loehr began his surgical practice at Watts Hospital in Durham, joining Dr. James E. Davis on Broad Street. He served as Chief of Surgery at Durham County General Hospital from 1984-1994. As Chief, Dr. Loehr successfully advocated for the official dedication of the James E. Davis Ambulatory Center.
Dr. Loehr was an instructor for the Duke University Medical Center Surgical Residency Program, and an adjunct professor at UNC Memorial Hospital. Dr. Loehr pioneered bariatric surgery in Durham and specialized in wound care.
He later joined Regional Surgical Associates and continued his career at Durham Regional with rotations at Lincoln Hospital as well.
He received numerous professional awards, including Charter Membership with the American Society of General Surgeons and Honorary Lifetime Member of the William Osler Medical History Society of the Bowman Gray School of Medicine. Dr. Loehr attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Durham, Hollow Rock Racquet and Swim Club, Metrosport Athletic Club, the YMCA in Durham, and Buckhorn Pistol Range.
Dr. Loehr was an expert on Civil War Medicine and medical history as well as on ballistics and wounds. He was also honored to share his other passion for Norman Rockwell's art with the community whenever possible. Dr. Loehr retired in 2003 and was able to pursue other interests, including his love of croquet. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was honored as a "Geezer Extraordinaire" for his service to Habitat for Humanity of Durham. He shared through example his love of exercise and sports, for which his children are grateful. Dr. Loehr received numerous awards in tennis, racquetball, squash, and pistol and skeet shooting. Dr. Loehr will be remembered most of all by his children and loving friends for his generous humble spirit, quiet wisdom and focus on life's simple but important gifts.
Dr. Loehr is survived by his four children, Dr. Stephen P. Loehr of Chapel Hill, Michael M. Loehr of Seattle, WA, Kristina L. Morrison, J.D. of Tempe, AZ, and Anita M. Loehr of Tempe, AZ. He was a beloved "Opa" to four grandchildren, Millicent and Carson Loehr of Chapel Hill, and Nicholas and Anthony Morrison of Tempe, AZ; son-in-law, Ted Morrison of Tempe, AZ, and daughters-in-law, Dr. Laura R. Loehr of Chapel Hill, NC and Dorann P. Loehr of Seattle, WA.
A funeral service for Dr. Loehr will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 10:00 AM in the Howerton & Bryan Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Dr. Loehr's name to Habitat for Humanity of Durham, 215 N. Church Street, Durham, NC 27701.
Dr. Loehr is under the care of Howerton & Bryan Funeral Home. Online condolences may be submitted to www.howertonbryan.com, select obituaries.