Harry Oberhelman Jr., professor emeritus of surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, died peacefully at his home on February 10, 2016. He was 92.
For more than 50 years, Oberhelman, known to many as Dr. O, was untiringly committed to his Stanford patients. He trained more than 160 general surgery residents during his career. Oberhelman retired from active surgical practice at 2001 but continued to consult and teach until 2006, when he joined Stanford Health Care's International Medical Services, as its medical director. He developed many friendships during his travels to the far east as the medical director.
Dr. Oberhelman was born in Chicago, Illinois, the eldest son of a surgeon. He attended Yale and completed joint bachelor's and medical degrees in 1946 at the University of Chicago. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty. Oberhelman served with the United States Air Force Medical Corps before returning to the University of Chicago to complete his surgical training. In 1960, he moved his family to Stanford to join the faculty of the Medical School.
Oberhelman was an avid fan of Stanford football, tended cymbidium orchids and enjoyed relaxing at the family cabin in Wisconsin.
In addition to his wife Betty, Dr. Oberhelman is survived by his brother John; Sister Barbara Uecker; sons Harry of San Jose, James and Robert of Stanford; daughter Nancy of Colfax; nine grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. March 16 at Memorial Church on the Stanford campus. Please plan extra time as parking is limited and some distance from the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Stanford University Development Services, In memory of Dr. Harry Oberhelman Jr., PO. Box 20466, Stanford, CA 94309-0466.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 9 to Mar. 13, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry Oberhelman

3 Entries

March 16, 2016

Our deepest sympathy to Dr. O's family. Dr O felt a part of our family. Having him to take care of our daughter was like having an angel on earth. Thank you always and forever Dr. O for your kindness and compassion.
Roger, Teresa and Kristy Poindexter

Naida Harris

March 15, 2016

I had the good fortune to work with Dr O as a nurse for many years. He was so good to everyone I admired him as a gifted surgeon and
a wonderful human being. Such a loss. Condolences to his family

Jeffrey Benson

March 13, 2016

Condolences to Dr. O family. He was a remarkable man and gifted surgeon. Dr O administered and supervised many surgeries on my brother Hank.

And Hank always said "lf Dr O is there all will be fine"

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Harry Oberhelman's name

Memorial Events
for Harry Oberhelman

Mar

16

Memorial service

4:00 p.m.

Memorial Church on the Stanford campus

CA

How to support Harry's loved ones

Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.