Dr. John W. LaBree

LaBree, Dr. John W. Age 92, of Edina, MN, passed away August 1, 2009. Dr. LaBree's career as physician and educator spanned a period of almost 70 years. He graduated from Washburn High School in 1936 and the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1940. After completing an internship at Ancker Hospital (now Regions), he began his residency training in Internal Medicine and Cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1941 he enlisted in the Army Air Force. He served as a Flight Surgeon in England, France, and Germany until 1946. He achieved the rank of Major and received the Bronze Star. Returning to the University of MN to continue his training, he did the first heart catheterization in Minnesota. In 1951 he was one of the 10 original founders of Saint Louis Park Medical Clinic. Their dream grew to become the Park Nicollet System. From 1971 to 1975 he was Director of Medical Education at St. Mary's Hospital (now University Fairview Hospital). In 1975, he became Dean of the relatively new University of Minnesota Medical School in Duluth, until 1980, when he returned to the Mpls campus as Professor of Internal Medicine and Cardiology and Assistant Vice President of Health Sciences. He was responsible for coordinating health sciences outreach programs between the University and physicians around the State. In honor of his many contributions to the State of Minnesota, in 1990 he was given the University of Minnesota Outstanding Achievement Award. Conferred by the Board of Regents, it is the University's highest honor for its graduates and recognizes them for serving their professions, their communities, the nation, and the world. He and Anne traveled to China and Africa with the People to People Citizen Ambassador Programs created by former President Dwight Eisenhower. Citizen Ambassadors interact with other professionals from around the world and engage in cultural activities, seminars, and humanitarian efforts. After retiring, Dr. LaBree joined with Carl Platou, former CEO of Fairview Hospital, and others to create a graduate program in Health Management at the University of St. Thomas specifically designed for physicians. The program was among the pioneers in combining classroom and online education. He is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of 34 years, G. Anne LaBree; his six children, Ann Russell (Stephen) of St. Paul, John Jr. (Ann) of Mpls, Janie LaBree of St. Cloud, Thomas LaBree (Jane Verschoor), Mary LaBree, and Mollie Frymire (Chris) of Mpls; three stepchildren, John MacCarthy (Betsy) of Washington DC, Kathleen MacCarthy deManivel, MD (Carlos), and Shawna MacCarthy Waugh (Steve) of Washington DC; 16 grandchildren; and three great- granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lulu & Herman LaBree; brother, Robert LaBree MD; former wife, Mary Jane Riley LaBree; and his stepdaughter, Karen MacCarthy. Memorial Service 12 Noon Saturday, August 29, with visitation one-half hour prior at Lakewood Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis. Memorials to MN Medical Foundation, the Anorexia Nervosa Clinical Research & Education Fund. Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996